San Diego Grease Trap Compliance Checklist for Restaurants

San Diego Local Grease Trap Requirements

The San Diego County Department of Environmental Health (SCCDEHS) requires all food service facilities to install and maintain grease traps or interceptors sized according to the California Plumbing Code and local municipal ordinances. Facilities must have a licensed plumber or certified grease trap service company handle installations and certify proper sizing based on fixture units and peak flow rates. The San Diego Municipal Code specifies that grease interceptors must be located between the kitchen and the public sewer system, with regular inspections documented by the property owner or manager. Non-compliance can result in fines up to $1,000 per day and mandatory closure orders.

Inspection Checklist Items

During health inspections, San Diego inspectors verify that your grease trap is properly sized, installed, and maintained according to records. Confirm documentation of regular pumping and cleaning—typically required every 30 days or when contents reach 25% of tank capacity, whichever comes first. Inspectors check for proper labeling, accessible clean-out access, visible grease buildup around drain lines, and proof of service by a certified grease trap contractor with a San Diego county license. Missing or falsified maintenance records are common violations that result in critical points.

Common Violations and Prevention

San Diego inspectors frequently cite facilities for missing or incomplete grease trap pumping logs, undersized interceptors that overflow into the sewer system, and failure to maintain trap access ports. Pouring hot grease directly down drains, disposing of fryer oil improperly, and ignoring visible grease accumulation are preventable violations that can trigger enforcement action. The most serious violation—a blocked or overflowing grease trap causing sanitary sewer overflows—may result in immediate closure and environmental fines from the Regional Water Quality Control Board. Keep a binder with dated service receipts, photographs of the trap, and pumping schedules readily available for inspectors.

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