Prepared by GreaseTrapLocator · Fact review: August 16, 2026
Keep Dallas's local trigger separate from other cities
Dallas Code section 19-126.2 says a grease trap or interceptor at a food-service establishment must be 100% pumped out at the earlier of every 90 days or when 25% or more of wetted height contains floating materials, sediment, oils, or grease. Wetted height is measured from the bottom of the device to the invert of the outlet pipe. The amount removed must equal the device's nominal volume capacity.
This is an earlier-of rule, not a general 30-to-90-day suggestion. Do not substitute Austin's 50% threshold or another locality's schedule.
Separate city and state transport duties
Dallas Water material describes a City-permitted transporter and manifests. TCEQ separately says only registered transporters may legally pump and transport grease-trap waste and that the generator remains responsible for proper disposal.
Keep completed service documents and check the transporter, date, amount, and receiving facility. An older Dallas brochure says to retain manifests for three years, but GTL has not confirmed that statement as the current requirement. Ask Dallas Water for the current retention direction.
Prepare early for a food-service project
Dallas Planning & Development's March 2025 Grease Interceptor Submittal Guidelines require a grease-interceptor submittal for listed food-service locations where a health permit is required. The construction-document package includes sizing calculations under the stated Dallas Plumbing Code and a manufacturer cut sheet.
The City's plumbing checklist also calls for interceptor locations and manufacturer sizing criteria, cut sheets, and specifications where applicable. These are project-review materials, not permission to select a device from a generic online chart.
A practical facility checklist
- Track the earlier of 90 days or the 25%-of-wetted-height condition.
- Use transporters with the City and TCEQ credentials applicable to the job.
- Review the completed service record and receiving-facility details.
- Confirm the current record-retention direction with Dallas Water.
- Prepare the required interceptor submittal, calculations, and manufacturer information before project review.
Frequently asked questions
What is Dallas's service rule?
A covered food-service device must be 100% pumped out at least every 90 days, or sooner when 25% or more of wetted height contains the listed material.
Can another city's threshold be used?
No. Use Dallas's own 90-day-or-25% rule.
How long must Dallas manifests be kept?
An older City brochure says three years, but GTL has not confirmed that as the current requirement. Keep the records and ask Dallas Water for current direction.
What does a Dallas food-service project submit?
For the scope stated in the current guideline, submit the interceptor materials with construction documents, sizing calculations, and the selected manufacturer's cut sheet.
Official sources
- Dallas Code Library — section 19-126.2
- Dallas — Grease Interceptor Submittal Guidelines
- Dallas — Plumbing Permit Application Checklist
- TCEQ — Information for Generators of Municipal Liquid Waste
Fact-checked August 16, 2026. Local rules and official guidance can change; confirm the current direction for the service address. General information only, not legal, plumbing, engineering, environmental, health, or safety advice.
Author: Grease Trap Locator Editorial Team
The Grease Trap Locator editorial team covers FOG compliance, grease trap maintenance, and commercial kitchen regulations across the US and Canada. Our guides are written for restaurant owners, facility managers, and food service operators who need practical, accurate information without the fluff.
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