States / South Carolina / Columbia

Columbia, SC grease trap requirements

Program run by City of Columbia Water, Commercial FOG Management Program (Sewer Use Ordinance Sec. 23-117). Hand-checked against source Last verified 2026-10-18 by Stew Israil, GreaseTrapRules. Report an error / rule changed

Quick answer

How often to pump: Grease interceptors at least every 6 months
Interceptor minimum / sizing: No minimum size stated in the sources we checked. Your local program or plumbing code sets it; estimate with the sizing calculator.
Permit / fees: Not stated in the sources we checked. Ask City of Columbia Water, Commercial FOG Management Program (Sewer Use Ordinance Sec. 23-117) at (803) 545-3400 whether a FOG or wastewater permit applies.

From the official source(s) below, last checked 2026-10-18. Rules change; verify with your city.

Rules change; verify with your city. Summaries are plain-English restatements of the official source linked below; “Source says” shows the exact wording. Blank rows mean the sources we checked did not state that rule, not that there is no rule.

Columbia grease trap rules at a glance

Grease trap and FOG (fats, oils and grease) rules for restaurants in Columbia are set by City of Columbia Water, Commercial FOG Management Program (Sewer Use Ordinance Sec. 23-117). Pumping: grease interceptors at least every 6 months. Keep pumping records or manifests on site for inspectors.

Of the 2 South Carolina programs we track, 2 state a pumping schedule and 1 requires a permit. We have not verified a pumping company for Columbia yet; see South Carolina pumping companies. Compare all South Carolina cities.

Columbia grease trap & interceptor rules, line by line

Required trap / interceptor type	Not stated in the sources we checked
Sizing rule	The minimum grease interceptor size is 1,000 gallons; structures must be sized so wastewater entering the sewer has no more than 100 mg/L of FOG. ✓ checked against source
Pumping / cleaning frequency	Grease interceptors require cleaning at least every six months by a licensed grease hauler or recycler; depending on the establishment the schedule can range from weekly to every six months. For small grease traps, Columbia Water suggests weekly cleaning as a rule of thumb. ✓ checked against source
Permit required?	Not stated in the sources we checked
Permit & program fees	Not stated in the sources we checked
Inspections	Columbia Water FOG inspectors look inside the trap or interceptor, check the grease level and the outlet tee, and review maintenance logs. ✓ checked against source
Record keeping	Record the volume of FOG removed and the date on the Maintenance Log for Cleaning and keep this log on site for 2 years. ✓ checked against source
Pumper / hauler approval	Not stated in the sources we checked
Reporting portal	Not stated in the sources we checked
Fines & penalties	Not stated in the sources we checked
Program contact	(803) 545-3400 ✓ checked against source

Sources

https://columbiascwater.net/commercialfog/ · checked 2026-10-18

Grease trap cleaning & pumping companies in Columbia, SC

No verified pumping company for Columbia yet. Free listings are sorted A–Z. A listing is not an endorsement.

Before you book: ask for a full pump-out (not a skim) and a signed manifest for every service, and keep it on site for inspectors.

Featured spot open. Be the first pumper restaurants see in Columbia. 3 of 3 spots left
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Try the South Carolina pumper list for companies serving nearby cities.

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Size your interceptor

Use the grease interceptor sizing calculator (UPC, IPC and PDI methods), then confirm Columbia's own minimums above. Not sure how often to pump? Read how often to pump a grease trap.

Columbia grease trap FAQ

How often do grease traps have to be pumped in Columbia, SC?

Pump grease interceptors at least every 6 months. Source: City of Columbia Water, Commercial FOG Management Program (Sewer Use Ordinance Sec. 23-117), checked 2026-10-18. Rules change; confirm with the local sewer authority.

Who enforces grease trap rules in Columbia, SC?

City of Columbia Water, Commercial FOG Management Program (Sewer Use Ordinance Sec. 23-117) (program contact: (803) 545-3400). Contact them for permits, inspections and approved haulers.

Nearby South Carolina cities

Charleston

Grease trap guides

How often to pumpThe 25% rule and city schedules FOG inspection checklistWhat inspectors check Printable maintenance logPlus record-keeping rules All guidesSizing, trap vs interceptor, cost factors