San Antonio, TX grease trap & interceptor requirements
Program run by San Antonio Water System (SAWS) FOG Abatement Program. Hand-checked against source Last checked 2026-10-17. Report an error / rule changed
Quick answer
- How often to pump: Before grease + solids reach 25% of depth/capacity
- Interceptor minimum / sizing: not stated in the sources we checked
- Permit / fees: not stated in the sources we checked
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.
| Required trap / interceptor type | Source says: “FSEs and FPEs shall cause the wastes in an interceptor to be completely evacuated at the time of each interceptor evacuation that is required by this division.” |
|---|---|
| Sizing rule | Not stated in the sources we checked |
| Pumping / cleaning frequency | An FSE whose interceptor contents reach 25% or more of the wetted height during a SAWS inspection is considered in violation. âś“ checked against source |
| Permit required? | Not stated in the sources we checked |
| Permit & program fees | Not stated in the sources we checked |
| Inspections | Grease traps/interceptors are subject to inspection. Source says“Not less frequently than once per calendar year, each FSE and FPE shall cause a licensed plumber or other qualified professional approved by SA WS to inspect each interceptor.” |
| Record keeping | Keep pumping and maintenance records (manifests/logs) available for inspection. Source says“Keep a maintenance log on grease interceptor/trap maintenance SAWS Grease Reduction Program Overview Page 17 Ordinance Focus Areas” |
| Pumper / hauler approval | Use an approved / licensed grease hauler. Source says“34-516, City Code of Ordinances, if a liquid waste hauler that is permitted by SAWS to collect, transport and dispose of liquid waste is used to evacuate an interceptor.” |
| Reporting portal | Not stated in the sources we checked |
| Fines & penalties | Not stated in the sources we checked |
| Program contact | Not stated in the sources we checked |
Sources
- https://www.saws.org/wp-content/uploads/2019/03/FOGOrdinance6-11Final.pdf · checked 2026-10-17
- https://www.saws.org/wp-content/uploads/2019/03/FOG-Program-Power-Point-for-Web-alg-v-6-01122016.pdf · checked 2026-10-17
Find a grease trap pumper in San Antonio
Compare pumpers that service San Antonio and check they meet the city's hauler rules above. Directory coming soon.
Get notifiedPump grease traps in San Antonio?
Put your company in front of restaurants checking these rules. Featured listing (paid) – coming soon.
List your companySize your interceptor
Use the grease interceptor sizing calculator (UPC, IPC and PDI methods), then confirm San Antonio's own minimums above. Not sure how often to pump? Read how often to pump a grease trap.
Other Texas programs
Grease rule changes, once a week
A short email when a city changes its FOG ordinance, pumping schedule, permit fees or reporting portal. Free.