What is the '25% rule' for grease traps in North Texas?

The 25% rule requires cleaning when the combined depth of FOG (floating grease) and settled solids reaches 25% of the trap's liquid depth. Most active kitchens reach this threshold every 30–60 days.

What documentation do North Texas health inspectors require for grease traps?

A service manifest or receipt from a licensed grease trap service provider, showing the service date, volume removed, and disposal location. Most cities want records going back 12–24 months.

Can my restaurant be fined for a grease trap violation without an overflow occurring?

Yes. Simply failing to maintain documentation or having a trap that exceeds the 25% threshold is a violation — even if the trap hasn't overflowed yet.

How do I know what the requirements are for my specific North Texas city?

Requirements vary by municipality. Heartland can advise based on your city. Key cities we serve include Plano, Frisco, McKinney, Allen, Richardson, and Dallas.

Does Heartland handle disposal of grease waste properly?

Yes. All grease waste is transported to licensed disposal facilities. We provide the chain-of-custody documentation required by municipal regulators.

grease trap

Why Regular Grease Trap Cleaning Is Essential for North Texas Businesses

By Kyle·January 9, 2026·2 min read

Most North Texas municipalities require grease traps to be cleaned every 30–90 days under the '25% rule' — cleaning required when FOG and solids reach 25% of the trap's liquid capacity. Violations result in fines, forced cleaning at the operator's expense, and potential closure. Scheduled maintenance with documented service records is the most cost-effective way to stay compliant.

Running a restaurant in North Texas means operating under municipal grease trap regulations whether you're aware of them or not. The rules are specific, the enforcement is real, and the costs of non-compliance outpace the cost of regular maintenance by a significant margin. Here's what you need to know.

What North Texas Municipalities Actually Require

Most DFW cities — Plano, Frisco, McKinney, Allen, Dallas, and others — enforce grease trap maintenance under FOG (Fats, Oils, and Grease) ordinances that require:

Regular cleaning — most commonly every 30–90 days, or whenever the trap reaches 25% capacity
Licensed disposal — waste must go to an approved disposal facility with documentation
Service records on file — inspectors typically ask for 12–24 months of service documentation
Proper trap sizing — undersized traps that overflow regardless of cleaning frequency may trigger a required upgrade

The 25% rule is the baseline: when combined FOG and settled solids reach 25% of the trap's liquid volume, it's time to clean. For a high-volume kitchen, this can happen in 30 days or less.

The Real Financial Risk of Skipping Service

Operators sometimes delay service to save money. The numbers rarely work in their favor:

| Scenario | Estimated Cost | |---|---| | Scheduled grease trap cleaning | $150–$400 per visit | | Emergency cleanout during backup | $500–$1,500 | | Health code violation fine | $500–$2,000+ | | Forced closure + remediation | $5,000–$20,000+ |

Routine service is the cheapest option by a significant margin — and the only one that keeps you fully operational.

What a Proper Service Includes

Heartland Grease & Septic's commercial grease trap service covers:

Full pump-out — removing all FOG, solids, and wastewater from the interceptor
Trap interior cleaning — removing accumulated buildup from baffles and walls
Component inspection — checking baffle condition and lid integrity
Waste manifest — the documentation your inspector will ask for

We schedule early morning visits to avoid disrupting kitchen operations.

Serving North Texas Restaurants and Commercial Kitchens

Heartland Grease & Septic is a woman-owned, locally operated company based in Plano, TX. We service commercial grease interceptors throughout Collin, Denton, Dallas, and surrounding North Texas counties.

Call (469) 795-1213 to schedule cleaning or set up a recurring service contract.

Why Regular Grease Trap Cleaning Is Essential for North Texas Businesses — Common Questions

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Why Routine Grease Trap Cleaning Is Essential for Your Business

Routine grease trap cleaning prevents foul odors, drain backups, health code violations, and municipal fines. DFW restaurants are typically required to clean grease traps every 30–90 days. Skipping service lets FOG (fats, oils, and grease) solidify and overflow into the public sewer — resulting in penalties that far exceed the cost of regular maintenance.

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Written by

Kyle

Co-founder, Heartland Grease & Septic

Kyle co-founded Heartland Grease & Septic and leads field operations across the DFW area. Hazmat licensed and experienced with commercial and residential wastewater systems, Kyle brings hands-on expertise to every service call.

Meet the team →