Short answer: the City of Tampa puts the average installed cost of a small grease trap (up to 100 gallons) at $250 to $1,500, and a new 750 to 1,500 gallon grease trap at $4,000 to $8,500. Bigger projects can cost far more: Austin says its grease trap program offers most participants potential savings of $30,000 or more. Several cities offer grants or rebates that cover part or all of the cost.
Below are published figures from city governments, what pushes the price up, the approvals you need before work starts, and the grant programs we found.
How much does it cost to install a grease trap?
Many cost pages online don’t say where their numbers come from. The figures below come from city governments.
| Type of job | Published figure | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Small grease trap, 0 to 100 gallons | $250 to $1,500 average install | City of Tampa, FL |
| New grease trap, 750 to 1,500 gallons | $4,000 to $8,500 average install | City of Tampa, FL |
| Equipment plus installation or replacement under Austin’s relief program | “Potential savings of $30,000 or more” for most participants | City of Austin, TX |
The gap between Tampa’s averages and Austin’s estimate is large. Neither source explains it, so treat Tampa’s numbers as a typical range and Austin’s as a sign that some projects cost much more.
What drives the price?
Roto-Rooter’s installation guide says it can’t give an estimate without details, and names the factors that set the price:
- Size and type: a small trap under a sink versus a large interceptor buried outside. Your city or utility may set the size; Bloomington, Indiana, for example, requires units “of the type and capacity approved by the city.”
- Material of the trap or tank.
- Local labor rates.
- Permit fees.
- How complex the installation is.
What approvals do you need before installing?
Many cities require approval before a grease trap goes in. Two examples:
- Austin, TX: you need an Industrial Waste Approval Letter before installing, modifying or removing a grease interceptor. The city’s Industrial Waste Plan Review office handles this.
- Bloomington, IN: all new and remodeling food service establishments must install a grease interceptor, and the project is approved once you receive the utility’s “Acceptance and Approval of Plans” letter. New garbage disposals can’t be installed in food service establishments there.
Fees for plan review and permits vary by city and often aren’t posted online, so ask your utility before you budget. Our city pages name the office that enforces the rules in each city we cover.
Are there grants for grease trap installation?
Yes, in some cities. These are the programs we found, with what each one says it offers:
| City | What it offers | Who it’s for |
|---|---|---|
| Austin, TX | No-cost grease trap equipment and installation or replacement | Qualifying small businesses and charitable feeding organizations; approval not guaranteed |
| Castle Rock, CO | Grant of up to $15,000 or 50% of the cost, whichever is smaller, plus a loan of up to $20,000 | Existing small-business Castle Rock Water customers; four grants a year |
| Columbia, SC | Rebate of up to $10,000 (approved October 2022) | Restaurant owners installing a grease trap |
| Bangor, ME | Up to 50% of purchase and installation or $5,000, whichever is lower, scaled by sales | Establishments with 100 seats or fewer |
| Fredericksburg, VA | 50% of the cost, up to $750 | Existing food service establishments without a grease trap |
| Mansfield, TX | A grant that “can cover a portion or the entire cost”; amount not stated | Contact the city’s economic development office |
If your city isn’t listed, ask your water utility or economic development office whether it has a grease trap or FOG (fats, oils and grease) grant.
What does a grease trap cost after it’s installed?
Installation is a one-time cost; cleaning is ongoing. Even under Austin’s no-cost program, future maintenance and repairs are the business or property owner’s responsibility. See what grease trap cleaning costs and how often it must be cleaned.
How to get an accurate installation quote
- Get the required size and type from your utility first, so every installer quotes the same unit.
- Ask for an itemized quote: equipment, installation, permits and inspection listed separately.
- Ask who gets the approvals and whether their fees are included.
- Check for a grant before you sign, since some programs must approve the work before it starts.
- Compare at least two quotes.
Not sure whether you have a trap or an interceptor? See grease trap vs. grease interceptor.
Need a grease trap service quote?
Tell us your city and whether you need cleaning, replacement or a new installation. We pass your request to a local provider who offers that service, where we have one. It’s free, with no obligation to hire.
Sources
- City of Tampa, Grease Ordinance FAQ (updated October 5, 2026)
- City of Austin, Grease Trap Relief Program
- City of Austin, Industrial Waste (Pretreatment) Plan Review
- City of Bloomington Utilities, Grease Interceptor Information
- Roto-Rooter, Guide to Grease Trap Installation and Costs
- Castle Rock Water, Grease Interceptor Grant
- Post and Courier, Columbia approves grease trap rebate (October 19, 2022)
- City of Bangor, FOG Grant Program
- City of Fredericksburg, grant program for restaurants
- Mansfield Economic Development, Grease Trap Grant
By the Grease Trap Guide team. How we make our guides. Figures are published estimates, not quotes; your local price may differ. Last reviewed November 2026.
