Grease Trap Service in Houston, TX: Local Requirements

Prepared by GreaseTrapLocator · Fact review: August 16, 2026

Start with Houston's 90-day requirement

Houston's published guidance says an interceptor within the incorporated City limits must be fully evacuated every 90 days unless a Notice of Waiver has been submitted and approved. The code requires more frequent evacuation when 25% or more of wetted height contains floating material, sediment, oils, or grease. Wetted height runs from the bottom of the device to the invert of the outlet pipe.

Even with an approved waiver, the device must be fully evacuated, cleaned, inspected and, if needed, repaired or maintained at least every 180 days. That is an outer limit inside the waiver framework, not a routine alternative to the 90-day rule.

Use the waiver process only with City approval

A provider recommendation or one low measurement does not create a longer cycle. Houston's waiver form asks about overflows, warnings, code consistency, discharge limits, and whether the device will remain below the 25% condition at the requested frequency. Obtain approval before relying on an exception.

For an address outside Houston's incorporated limits or served by another sewer authority, confirm which local program applies.

Keep the manifest and inspection trail

Houston tells generators to verify that the device is clean and completely empty before signing the manifest and to confirm the recorded capacity. The transporter returns the completed generator copy within 15 days. Keep both generator and returned-generator copies on site for five years, together with the current permit, any approved waiver, and inspection records.

Houston says inspections may occur routinely or after a complaint without advance notice. Its published special-waste-generator permits are valid for one year and renewed annually.

Separate hauling from biological treatment

Texas requires transported grease-trap waste to be moved by a registered sludge transporter; that state rule does not replace Houston's local program. Confirm the Houston authorization applicable to the work.

Houston requires a current permit for biological pretreatment service and prohibits introducing surfactants, solvents, or emulsifiers into an interceptor or similar device. A product does not replace complete evacuation or an approved waiver.

A practical facility checklist

• Use 90 days as the default full-evacuation interval inside incorporated Houston.
• Arrange earlier service when the 25% condition or other City trigger applies.
• Do not use a longer cycle without an approved Notice of Waiver.
• Keep generator and returned-generator manifests on site for five years.
• Verify Texas transporter registration and the Houston authorization applicable to the job.

Frequently asked questions

How often must a Houston interceptor be cleaned?

Every 90 days by default inside the incorporated City limits, sooner when the 25% condition applies, unless the City approves a waiver. An approved waiver still has a 180-day outer limit.

What does the 25% condition measure?

Wetted height from the bottom of the device to the invert of the outlet pipe.

How long are Houston manifests kept?

Keep both generator and returned-generator copies on site for five years.

Can biological treatment replace pumping?

No. It does not replace complete evacuation or a waiver, and Houston requires a current permit for biological pretreatment service.

Official sources

• Houston Health — Special Waste Generators
• Houston Health — Notice of Waiver Application
• City of Houston Code — Chapter 47
• City of Houston Code — Biological Pretreatment
• 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.