San Antonio Grease Trap Violations: Inspection Standards & Penalties

What San Antonio Inspectors Check for Grease Traps

San Antonio health inspectors evaluate grease traps against City Code Chapter 25-8-551 and Texas Health and Safety Code §431.189 standards. Inspectors assess whether traps are properly sized for the establishment's flow capacity, regularly pumped (typically every 30-90 days depending on usage), and maintained with accurate service records. They check for visible grease buildup on walls, verifying that grease levels don't exceed 25% of trap depth, and confirm that traps have functioning baffles and air gaps. Documentation of pumping dates, waste disposal records, and maintenance logs must be readily available during inspections.

Common Violation Categories & Penalty Structure

San Antonio classifies grease trap violations across critical, major, and minor categories. Critical violations—such as absence of a grease trap where required or complete failure of baffle systems—can result in immediate closure orders and fines up to $2,000 per violation. Major violations include inadequate pumping schedules, missing or illegible service records, and grease accumulation exceeding regulatory limits; these typically carry $500–$1,500 fines and mandatory correction orders. Minor violations cover documentation issues or small maintenance lapses, usually resulting in $100–$300 fines with 7-10 day correction timeframes. Repeat violations within 12 months trigger escalated penalties and increased inspection frequency.

Best Practices to Prevent Violations

Establish a written grease management plan that documents trap capacity, pumping frequency, and responsible staff. Schedule professional pumping on a fixed calendar—most San Antonio establishments require service every 30-60 days, though high-volume kitchens may need more frequent service. Maintain a detailed logbook with dates, service provider name, and amounts removed, keeping records for at least three years. Train kitchen staff on proper disposal practices: never pour grease directly into drains, use drain screens, and pre-rinse cookware. Conduct monthly visual inspections of trap condition and grease levels, and report any backups or odors to your service provider immediately.

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