# Grease Trap vs Grease Interceptor: Which Do You Have? > Grease trap vs grease interceptor: size, location, flow rating, cleaning frequency and who may clean each one under Tampa Bay rules, side by side. URL: https://greasetrapcleaningtampa.com/guide/grease-trap-vs-grease-interceptor/ Learn # Grease Trap vs Grease Interceptor: What's the Difference? How to tell which one your kitchen has, and why it changes the cleaning schedule, who can do the work and what it costs. Updated November 14, 2026 [Grease Trap Cleaning Tampa](https://greasetrapcleaningtampa.com/) uses the City of Tampa's definitions. A grease trap is a small unit inside the building, rated at 50 gallons per minute or less, cleaned at least weekly. A grease interceptor is an outdoor, in-ground tank rated above 50 gpm or holding 750 gallons or more, pumped by a registered hauler on a longer schedule. ## Side by side Grease trap Grease interceptor **Where** Inside: under a sink or in the floor Outside: in-ground, under manhole covers **Size (Tampa definition)** Rated at 50 gpm or less Rated above 50 gpm or 750+ gallons **Typical capacity** Up to about 100 gallons 750–2,500+ gallons **Cleaning frequency** At least weekly in most programs 30 days to condition-based, by jurisdiction **Who may clean it** Staff (within limits) or a hauler Registered hauler only **Typical cost per service** $150–$350 (low confidence) $300–$1,200 by size (medium) **Installed cost (City of Tampa)** $250–$1,500 for 0–100 gal $4,000–$8,500 for 750–1,500 gal ## How they work Both do the same job. They slow wastewater down so grease floats and solids sink, and the clearer water in between leaves through the outlet. Hillsborough County describes traps as generally ranging from 5 to 50 gallons per minute, and interceptors as concrete tanks, accessible through two manhole covers, that catch grease before it reaches the sewer main. ## Why the difference matters - **Schedule.** Indoor traps fill in days and are cleaned weekly in the City of Tampa, Temple Terrace, Pinellas County and St. Petersburg. Interceptors run on 30-day, 90-day or condition-based rules. - **Who does the work.** In Tampa, staff may clean a trap under a written protocol. Interceptors must be pumped by a City-registered hauler. Hillsborough County allows self-cleaning only for traps under 50 pounds of grease capacity. - **Cost.** A trap is cheap per visit but frequent. An interceptor costs more per visit but is pumped less often. ## Which one does the code require? Sizing and type are set by the Florida Building Code – Plumbing, based on your fixtures and flow. The City of Tampa publishes a sizing calculator, and Hillsborough County directs owners to a licensed commercial plumber. See [grease trap installation](https://greasetrapcleaningtampa.com/grease-trap-installation/). For service, see [indoor grease trap cleaning](https://greasetrapcleaningtampa.com/indoor-grease-trap-cleaning/) or [grease interceptor pumping](https://greasetrapcleaningtampa.com/grease-interceptor-pumping/). Bottom line Inside under a sink or in the floor: a trap, cleaned weekly. Outside under manhole covers: an interceptor, pumped by a registered hauler. Each has its own rules and costs. Not sure which you have? Call [(727) 476-9241](tel:+17274769241). [Related service Grease Interceptor Pumping Outdoor interceptors pumped to empty, scraped and documented on the schedule your city or county enforces. See the service](https://greasetrapcleaningtampa.com/grease-interceptor-pumping/)[Also related Indoor Grease Trap Cleaning Under-sink and in-floor traps cleaned, logged and hauled away, including automatic grease removal devices. See the service](https://greasetrapcleaningtampa.com/indoor-grease-trap-cleaning/) Want a quote? [(727) 476-9241](tel:+17274769241) ## Questions about this ### How do I know if I have a grease trap or an interceptor? Look for where it is. A trap sits inside, under a sink or set in the kitchen floor, with a removable lid. An interceptor is outside, usually in-ground under one or two manhole covers in a parking area or behind the building. ### Which is better, a grease trap or an interceptor? Neither. The plumbing code decides which you need based on your fixtures and flow. A trap is cheaper to install but needs weekly cleaning. An interceptor costs more up front and is pumped less often. ### Can a kitchen have both? Yes. Some kitchens have indoor traps at certain fixtures and an outdoor interceptor taking the combined flow. Each unit follows its own cleaning rule. ## More guides - [How Much Does Grease Interceptor Pumping Cost? (Tampa Bay, 2026)Per-visit ranges by tank size, the per-gallon public-contract benchmark, and what your city or county's pumping rule does to the annual bill.](https://greasetrapcleaningtampa.com/guide/grease-interceptor-pumping-cost/) - [What Are Pinellas County's Grease Interceptor Requirements?Pinellas County Utilities' Article VI rules: who they cover, the 30-day minimum, layer limits, how variances work, and what to keep on file.](https://greasetrapcleaningtampa.com/guide/pinellas-county-grease-interceptor-rules/) - [How Do You Check a Grease Hauler Is Registered in Tampa?City registration, county permits and the state license are three different things. Here's how to check each one.](https://greasetrapcleaningtampa.com/guide/registered-grease-hauler-tampa/) - [What Is a St. Petersburg Grease Discharge Permit?What St. Petersburg's Grease Management Program asks of every food service facility, from the permit to the quarterly report.](https://greasetrapcleaningtampa.com/guide/st-petersburg-grease-discharge-permit/) - [Buying a Restaurant? Grease Trap Requirements to CheckWhy a change of ownership matters to the grease program, and the checks to make before you sign.](https://greasetrapcleaningtampa.com/guide/buying-a-restaurant-grease-trap/) Get an exact price for your kitchen Two quick steps. We call back to confirm. Faster by phone: [(727) 476-9241](tel:+17274769241) Rather talk it through? Call now. Call any time. If we can't pick up, leave a message and you'll get a call back. [(727) 476-9241](tel:+17274769241) [Request a quote](https://greasetrapcleaningtampa.com/contact/)