Don’t Get Fined: The Critical Need for Grease Trap Cleaning in Dallas

Written by: Jamie Reeder, MBA (President)

Running a food service business in Dallas isn’t just about great food, service, and ambiance — it also means staying compliant, maintaining sanitary systems, and avoiding plumbing disasters. Guardian Services can help. One often overlooked but crucial maintenance task is grease trap cleaning. Failing to stay on top of it can lead to costly repairs, health violations, and even business closures.

In this post, I’ll walk you through:

• What grease traps / interceptors do
• Dallas’s legal requirements
• Risks of neglect
• Benefits of regular cleaning
• Tips & best practices
• How to find a reliable provider in Dallas

What is a Grease Trap (or Interceptor) & Why Do You Need It?

• Grease traps or interceptors are plumbing devices installed in food service establishments (under sinks, before sewer lines, or as external interceptors) to capture fats, oils, grease (FOG), and solid food particles before wastewater enters the municipal sewer system.
• The way they work: as wastewater flows in, it slows down, allowing grease (less dense than water) to float to the top, solids to settle, and relatively clean water to exit.
• Without grease traps, FOGs go straight into sewer lines, where they accumulate, clog pipes, and cause backups, overflows, and environmental harm.
• In many municipalities, they’re a required component of commercial kitchen plumbing.

Dallas Rules & Regulations: What the Law Requires

To stay on the right side of the law in Dallas, foodservice establishments need to know:

• Under Dallas City Code, Chapter 19, Sec. 19-126.2(c), grease traps/interceptors must be cleaned by a licensed hauler at least every 90 days, or whenever 25% or more of the wetted height is occupied by floating materials (grease, oils, sediments).
• Additionally, Dallas requires that 100% of the trap contents be removed during that cleaning event — partial cleaning alone don’t suffice.
• Establishments must maintain manifests/trip tickets (records) of cleanings for at least three years, documenting who cleaned it, how much was removed, when, and where disposal occurred.
• The trap/interceptor must be accessible for inspection, cleaning, and monitoring; installation inside the establishment is allowed only if it has a liquid-tight lid flush with the floor and approved by the director.
• Dallas’s health, environmental, and water pretreatment divisions expect strict compliance. Failure to meet requirements can lead to fines, forced shutdowns, or remediation orders.

Because of these rules, grease trap cleaning in Dallas isn’t optional — it’s mandatory.

Risks & Consequences of Neglecting Grease Trap Cleaning

When grease traps aren’t cleaned regularly, the problems compound:

1. Clogs, sewer backups, and plumbing failure

As grease and solids build up, they constrict water flow, eventually causing drains to slow or back up. In severe cases, pipes can be blocked entirely. Repairs or replacing sewer mains or interior plumbing can cost thousands.

2. Fines, health violations, and forced closures

Because Dallas enforces the cleaning interval (every 90 days or 25% capacity), failure to comply can put you in violation of city codes, health department rules, or pretreatment requirements. That can lead to monetary fines or even orders to shut down operations until compliance is achieved.

3. Environmental damage & liability

If grease overflows into the municipal sewer or local waterways, it contributes to sanitary sewer overflows (SSOs) or pollution. The business can be held liable for environmental harm or remediation costs.

4. Foul odors, pests, and unsanitary conditions

Accumulated grease and decomposing organic matter produce stench, attract pests (flies, rodents), and degrade kitchen hygiene. This can drive away customers or prompt health inspections.

5. Fire hazard & safety risks

Grease is highly flammable. If trapped grease is exposed to heat or flames, it increases fire risk in the kitchen vicinity.

6. Shortened equipment lifespan, inefficiencies & hidden costs

Grease-related backups can stress pumps, drains, garbage disposals, and plumbing joints. Also, downtime for cleaning or repairs interrupts operations and revenue. The longer you delay, the more expensive the fix.

Benefits & ROI of Regular Grease Trap Maintenance

While maintenance does carry a cost, its benefits and return on investment are compelling:

• Avoid major repairs & plumbing emergencies — smaller, scheduled cleanings prevent sudden catastrophic failures.
• Stay code-compliant and avoid fines — regular servicing keeps your operation legal and reduces risk of citations.
• Better kitchen environment — fewer odors, fewer pests, healthier workspace.
• Protect brand & customer confidence — a foul odor or sewage backup is a PR nightmare.
• Longer system & equipment life — plumbing, pumps, and fixtures last longer with less strain.
• Predictable costs — budgeting for routine service is far better than emergency repair.
• Environmental stewardship — you prevent grease from entering waterways or damaging city sewer infrastructure.

Best Practices & Tips for Grease Trap Maintenance

• Schedule proactive cleanings – Don’t wait for problems. Adhere to the 90-day/25% rule or more frequent if high grease load.
• Use a qualified, licensed grease hauler – We know local rules, use proper disposal methods, and provide required documentation.
• Inspect between cleanings – Monitor grease levels, check for leaks, inspect seals, and ensure trap integrity.
• Train kitchen staff – Teach your kitchen team to scrape plates, limit grease down the drain, and use strainers.
• Keep cleaning records and manifests – Dallas requires retaining them for 3 years; they protect you during inspections.
• Flush and rinse – After cleaning, rinse traps with hot water (not boiling) to help remove residual grease.
• Avoid chemical “quick fixes” – Enzyme or bacterial additives sometimes get marketed as substitutes, but they should be complementary, not replacements.
• Design for access – Ensure the trap is easily accessible for servicing – access lids, correct locations, and safe approach paths.
• Tailor frequency to usage – High grease kitchens (fried foods, heavy use) may need monthly or more frequent cleanings. Dallas county requires quarterly grease trap cleaning services.

In a city as fast-growing and food-driven as Dallas, proper grease trap maintenance isn’t just about staying compliant—it’s about protecting your business, your staff, and your reputation. Routine cleaning keeps your operations running smoothly, prevents costly shutdowns, and ensures you’re doing your part to keep our city’s water system clean and functional.

If it’s been more than 90 days since your last grease trap cleaning—or you’re unsure when it was last serviced—now is the time to schedule a professional inspection. Call Guardian Services for dependable, licensed grease trap cleaning across North Texas. We also offer kitchen cleaning, equipment cleaning, exhaust cleaning, repair & maintenance, and WoolGuard hood filters to keep your entire kitchen clean. Our team keeps you compliant and confident on every job. Contact us today at (214) 637-1520 to request a quote.