A restaurant grease trap needs a service schedule matched to its use, capacity and local wastewater requirements. A calendar copied from another restaurant is not enough.
How to approach the decision
Start with the authority responsible for your sewer connection. Ask which servicing interval, measurement thresholds and disposal records apply to your premises. Then give the service company the trap capacity, location, opening hours and recent cleaning history.
Keep a service file containing dates, contractor details, observations and disposal documentation. Review the schedule when production increases or problems appear before the next visit. A bakery and a high-volume frying operation may place different demands on similar equipment.
For example, Austin publishes a 90-day maximum interval, with earlier pumping under specified conditions. That is a local requirement, not a national default. If your current schedule conflicts with an official notice, resolve the difference with the authority rather than relying on previous practice.
Frequently asked questions
How often should our restaurant have its grease trap serviced?
Use the local requirement and an assessment of actual loading; ask the contractor to document why the proposed interval fits your trap.
Why is the city requiring quarterly pumping when we previously cleaned it every six months?
Ask the authority whether the notice reflects an existing rule, a new requirement or a site-specific issue. Keep its written response.
What paperwork must the hauler and disposal facility provide?
Request the locally required service and disposal records. Confirm who submits them and who retains copies before booking.
Can a low-volume restaurant request a different cleaning schedule?
Ask the authority whether an approved adjustment is available. Do not reduce mandatory servicing without confirmation.
Sources and context
Community discussions informed the questions addressed here; they are not technical or legal authority. The guidance above is general decision support, not a site-specific diagnosis or legal opinion.