Why grease matters beyond the trap
In Austin, a kitchen’s grease trap is there to catch fats, oils, grease and food solids before the water moves on to the sewer. Austin Water says this helps prevent sanitary sewer overflows.
Austin’s code also caps fat, oil and grease in wastewater at an instantaneous maximum of 200 milligrams per liter (§ 15-10-23), and it has banned garbage disposals and grinders from commercial kitchens.
Jetting, a pump-out or a repair?
| The job | What it’s for | Who does it |
|---|---|---|
| A pump-out | Emptying the trap on Austin’s schedule | Your liquid waste hauler, permitted by the City of Austin |
| Sewer line jetting | The sewer line | Us |
| A trap repair | Holes, cracks, corrosion and broken baffle walls in the trap | Us |
Jetting doesn’t replace a pump-out. Austin’s code still requires the trap to be completely emptied at least every three months, or sooner once grease and solids reach 50% of the wetted height.
Questions about sewer line jetting
Do you also pump out grease traps?
No. In Austin, only a liquid waste hauler permitted by the City of Austin may take grease trap waste away.
Can I call at night?
Yes. The phone is answered 24/7, and a person books a visit.
Could the trap itself be the problem?
It can be. A trap with a broken baffle wall lets grease ride through toward the sewer. If your hauler sees cracks or a broken wall while the trap is open, ask about a repair.
Open 24/7
Cracked, leaking or just failed? Ask about repair before you replace.
Call (512) 801-4131 at any hour, and a person will answer. Or send a message with what you’ve found.