Prepared by GreaseTrapLocator · Fact review: August 17, 2026
Who the City requirements cover
The City of Phoenix says food-service establishments that prepare food on site need a grease interceptor. These requirements apply to City sewer users, not every restaurant in the wider Phoenix metro area.
The City accepts hydromechanical and gravity interceptors under different conditions. Confirm the City's review requirements before installing or replacing a device; sizing and approval are based on the actual fixtures and project.
Use the 25% trigger and the correct minimum schedule
Fully clean the interceptor when combined FOG and solids exceed 25% of capacity. Hydromechanical interceptors must be fully pumped and cleaned every 30 days unless the Director grants a variance, and may never go longer than 90 days. Gravity interceptors at food-service establishments must be fully pumped and cleaned at least every three months unless the Director grants a variance.
Service more frequently when actual accumulation requires it.
Full cleaning, disposal, and records
A licensed pumper must leave the interceptor completely empty. FOG, liquid, sludge, and wall scrapings must be removed to a licensed waste-disposal facility and must not be returned to the interceptor or sewer. The City prohibits chemicals, enzymes, proteins, bacteria, solvents, or emulsifiers used to temporarily dissolve FOG.
Keep maintenance records, including contractor invoices, available on site for three years.
Compare Phoenix service quotes
The City does not publish contractor market rates. Compare written quotes for the device type, capacity, access, full cleaning, licensed-pumper status, waste destination, records, variance status, exclusions, scheduling, and total price.
A practical facility checklist
- Confirm the address is served by the City of Phoenix sewer system.
- Identify whether the device is hydromechanical or gravity.
- Clean at the 25% trigger and no less often than the applicable City minimum.
- Use a licensed pumper for a complete clean-out and lawful disposal.
- Keep maintenance records and invoices on site for three years.
Frequently asked questions
When must a Phoenix grease interceptor be cleaned?
Fully clean it when combined FOG and solids exceed 25% of capacity. The City also sets device-specific minimum schedules, subject to a variance.
What are Phoenix's minimum pump-out schedules?
Hydromechanical interceptors require service every 30 days unless a variance applies and may never go beyond 90 days. Gravity interceptors at food-service establishments require service at least every three months unless a variance applies.
Who can clean a Phoenix interceptor and what must be removed?
A licensed pumper must completely empty and clean it. FOG, liquid, sludge, and wall scrapings go to a licensed waste-disposal facility and are not returned to the interceptor or sewer.
How long must Phoenix service records be kept?
Maintenance records, including contractor invoices, must be available on site for three years and provided to the City on request.
Official sources
- City of Phoenix — FOG Best Management Practices Manual
- City of Phoenix — Commercial inspection and FOG
Fact-checked August 17, 2026. Local rules, permits, and official guidance can change; confirm current requirements 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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