Restaurants and food service businesses in Austin follow the grease trap rules in Austin City Code Chapter 15-10, enforced by Austin Water. This guide explains them in plain language, what grease trap service typically costs, and how to stay compliant.
Austin rules at a glance
- How often: pumped out completely at least once every 90 days
- 50% rule: sooner if grease and solids reach half the trap’s wetted height
- Who can pump: only a hauler with a valid City of Austin permit
- Records: keep every manifest on site (see below for how long)
Free grease trap service quotes in Austin
- Tell us about your trap or interceptor in about 2 minutes.
- A local service provider contacts you within 1 business day.
- Free, with no obligation to hire.
How often must grease traps be pumped in Austin?
- At least once every 90 days, completely emptied and cleaned (City Code § 15-10-197).
- Sooner under the 50% rule: when fats and solids fill half or more of the trap’s wetted height, measured from the bottom to the outlet pipe. Austin Water notes that many traps need cleaning more often than every three months because of this rule.
- No additives that push grease through: the code prohibits enzymes, bacteria or other agents that would make trap contents pass into the sewer.
Who can pump your trap?
Only a liquid waste hauler with a valid City of Austin permit, and the waste must be documented on the City’s manifest form. Austin Water publishes a list of permitted haulers. Haulers must also be registered with the state; see our guide to Texas grease trap rules.
What records do you need to keep?
Keep the manifest (trip ticket) from every pump-out on site. Austin Water’s grease trap page says three years (§ 15-10-165), while the City’s manifest form instructions say five years, so keeping five years covers both. You sign the manifest at pickup and should receive a final copy from the hauler no later than 15 days after the waste is disposed of.
What happens if you don’t comply?
Austin Water warns that violators could face penalties of up to $2,000 per violation per day, and each missed requirement counts as a separate violation. Poor maintenance can also raise your utility surcharge fees. If you need a new or replacement grease trap, ask about Austin Water’s Grease Trap Relief Program.
How much does grease trap service cost in Austin?
Price depends on the size of your trap, how often it’s serviced, how easy it is to reach, and travel distance. As a general guide, published industry price guides list roughly $130 to $200 per cleaning for small indoor traps under a service agreement ($200 to $250 for a one-off visit), and roughly $240 to $330 per pumping for a 1,000 to 1,500 gallon outdoor interceptor on contract. Local Austin prices may differ, so request a quote for an exact figure. See our grease trap cleaning cost guide for typical prices, extra fees and yearly costs.
Not sure what kind of unit you have? Read grease trap vs. grease interceptor.
Tips to stay compliant
- Book recurring service at least every 90 days, and sooner if your provider measures close to 50%.
- Ask your provider to record the grease and solids levels on every manifest.
- Keep the lid clear and be present for pump-outs when you can.
- Scrape plates into the trash and use sink strainers to keep food out of drains.
- Never pour fryer oil or grease down a drain. Collect it for recycling instead.
Frequently asked questions
Can I go longer than 90 days between pump-outs in Austin?
No. Austin requires a complete pump-out at least once every 90 days, and sooner if grease and solids reach 50% of the trap’s wetted height.
Can I use enzymes or bacteria to treat my grease trap?
Not to push grease through. Austin’s code prohibits enzymes, bacteria or other agents that would cause trap contents to pass into the sewer.
How do I get a quote?
Fill in our quote request form with your location, trap type, and last service date. We pass your request to a local service provider, who contacts you directly. Using this site is free.
Get grease trap service in Austin
Tell us about your kitchen and a local grease trap service provider will contact you within 1 business day. It’s free, and you’re under no obligation to hire anyone.
Sources: Austin Water, Grease Trap Maintenance; Austin Water, Caring for Your Grease Trap (June 2022); City of Austin manifest usage instructions (rev. July 2020). Cost ranges are general industry estimates, not Austin quotes. This summary isn’t legal advice; confirm current requirements with Austin Water. Last reviewed October 2026.
