The City of Corpus Christi regulates grease traps and interceptors at food service establishments through its Fats, Oils and Grease (FOG) program. This guide explains the key requirements in plain language, what grease trap service typically costs, and how to stay ready for inspections.
Corpus Christi rules at a glance
- How often: every 90 days, or at 25% of depth, whichever comes first
- Who can pump: only a city-permitted liquid waste hauler
- Records: manifests kept on site; the city manual says 5 years
Free grease trap service quotes in Corpus Christi
- 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 Corpus Christi?
- At least every 90 days, or sooner if conditions require.
- The 25% rule: pump out completely once grease and solids reach 25% of the device’s depth, or at 90 days, whichever comes first.
- Complete pump-outs: pumped waste can’t be returned to the trap or the sewer.
Who can pump your trap?
Only a liquid waste hauler permitted by the City of Corpus Christi, who must take the waste to an approved disposal facility. Before hiring anyone, ask to confirm they hold a current city permit.
Records and inspections
- Keep disposal records and hauler manifests on site. The city’s FOG manual calls for keeping them for five years, so holding on to every manifest is the safe choice.
- Restaurants are inspected, with the inspection schedule based on compliance history: less often when compliant, more often after a problem.
Grease traps vs. grease interceptors
A grease trap is a smaller unit, usually indoors under or near a sink, and fills quickly. A grease interceptor is a much larger tank, usually buried outside, holding hundreds or thousands of gallons, and is emptied by a vacuum truck. Both slow wastewater down so grease floats to the top and food solids sink, keeping both out of the sewer. Read more: grease trap vs. grease interceptor. In Corpus Christi, the 90-day and 25% rules apply to both.
How much does grease trap service cost in Corpus Christi?
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 Corpus Christi 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.
Want to see how Corpus Christi’s rules compare with other cities? Read our guide: How often should a grease trap be cleaned?
Texas also has state rules on who may pump your trap and what to do with the trip ticket. See our guide to Texas grease trap rules.
Signs your grease trap needs service sooner
- Sinks or floor drains are draining slowly.
- You notice grease or sewer odors near drains or the trap lid.
- Water or grease is backing up into sinks or onto the floor.
- Grease and solids are approaching a quarter of the trap’s depth.
- You’re heading into a busy period, such as summer tourist season, holidays, or events.
Tips to stay compliant
- Book recurring service every 60 to 90 days so you never miss the deadline.
- Only hire city-permitted haulers, and keep every manifest they give you.
- 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.
- Some programs restrict enzymes or other additives, so check with the City of Corpus Christi before using them.
Frequently asked questions
Can any company pump my grease trap?
No. In Corpus Christi, only a liquid waste hauler permitted by the city may remove the contents, and they must take the waste to an approved disposal facility.
How long should I keep manifests?
The city’s FOG manual says five years. Keeping every manifest on site for at least that long is the safe choice.
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 Corpus Christi
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.
Source: City of Corpus Christi FOG manual (Rev. 10, April 2019). Cost ranges are general industry estimates, not Corpus Christi quotes. This summary isn’t legal advice; confirm current requirements with the City of Corpus Christi. Last reviewed October 2026.
