Grease Traps Texas

What is a Grease Trap / Interceptor?

A grease trap or grease interceptor is essentially a specialized containment system—think of it as a grease separator in a box—designed to capture fats, oils, grease, and food solids from kitchen wastewater before they can enter the sewer system. As water flows from kitchen sinks or dishwashers, it enters the trap where the lighter grease and oil float to the top and heavier solids settle to the bottom. The cleaner, grease-free water then exits through a baffle system and continues into the municipal sewer line.

The primary purpose of a grease trap is to prevent costly clogs, pipe blockages, and sewer backups, which commonly occur when grease solidifies in the lines. This is especially important downstream, where municipal wastewater treatment plants are not equipped to process large volumes of grease. Because of this, grease traps are never connected to bathroom or general sanitary drains—only to kitchen-related plumbing fixtures such as sinks, dishwashers, or floor drains in food prep areas.

Grease traps or interceptors are required in most commercial facilities that handle food, including restaurants, cafeterias, school kitchens, hospitals, and institutional kitchens. Health and plumbing codes mandate that these systems be pumped and cleaned out regularly by a licensed sanitation or grease trap service provider. Failure to maintain a grease trap properly can result in health violations, business disruptions, or even significant fines.