Austin Commercial Sewer Mandates for 2026 Considered by Local Plumbers

September 11, 2025 at 18:51 PM EDT

In 2026, Austin plumbing follows the 2021 UPC code with local changes. Plumbers must be licensed by the Texas Board, and companies like Mr. Rooter Plumbing of Austin help customers stay updated.

Austin, United States, September 11, 2025 -- In 2026, commercial sewer mandates in Austin, Texas will continue to be governed by the City of Austin’s ordinances, which cover pretreatment of waste water, notably for food establishments, with local plumbing services companies like Mr. Rooter Plumbing of Austin stressing the prevention of harmful substance discharge including fats, oils and grease into the city’s sanitary sewer system.

“Key commercial sewer mandates for 2026 include grease interceptors, industrial and commercial waste water, obtaining permits and information and studying key resources,” explains Mr. Rooter’s Brett Bidwell. “The rules, as put forth by the City of Austin and its ordinances, are designed to prevent the discharge of harmful substances, from grease to oils and fats, and it’s something we can get behind as defenders of the city’s sanitary sewer network.”

For more information visit https://www.mrrooter.com/austin/

According to the city's mandates, any commercial or institutional food preparation business is required to have a grease interceptor (GI) that has been approved by Austin Water’s Industrial Waste/Pretreatment Program, while new businesses and expansions must obtain an Industrial Waste (IW) Approval Letter during the plan review process before purchasing or installing a GI. Further, GIs must be completely emptied and cleaned by a licensed waste hauler at least once every three months, or more frequently if the accumulation of grease and solids reaches 50-percent of the wetted height of the final compartment.

The use of enzymes, bacteria or other agents to pass the contents of the GI into the sewer is strictly prohibited, according to city officials, and businesses must maintain records of waste hauling manifests for three years while making them available for inspection.

Meanwhile, the Surcharge Program is geared towards businesses that discharge waste water exceeding residential standards for solids and organic matter; these businesses are subject to waste water subcharges under the program guidelines. Inadequate control of FOG and solids can lead to higher utility bills, according to Bidwell and other local plumber contractors. Commercial businesses are also prohibited from discharging waste water that is “excessively hot,” with the Austin Plumbing Code, based on the Uniform Plumbing Code (UPC), referencing a maximum temperature of 140-degrees for waste water discharged into a building’s drainage system.

“The city periodically samples commercial waste water to ensure compliance with discharge limits,” adds Bidwell.

Businesses planning new construction or major modifications must engage with Austin Water during the plan review stage to determine the size and design of the required grease interceptor. For commercial properties in Travis County that require a septic system - referred to as an On-Site Sewage Facility or OSSF - a permit must be obtained from the county, with this application process involving submission of information on the property, development type and an OSSF checklist.

For specific questions regarding commercial waste water and grease trap requirements, interested parties are encouraged to contact Austin Water, with more information available on AustinTexas.gov.

Mr. Rooter Plumbing of Austin is a name local home and business owners know and trust, combining a locally-owned business and the backing of a national brand. The company offers a range of comprehensive plumbing services to residents of West Lake Hills, Pflugerville and Round Rock in the areas of drain cleaning, water heater services, rooter work, sewer system backups, emergency plumber situations, sewer camera inspections, residential and commercial plumbing repairs, hydrojetting and more. Mr. Rooter in Austin is located at 12201 Roxie Drive, with additional information available at www.MrRooter.com/Austin.

Contact Info:
Name: Brett Bidwell
Email: Send Email
Organization: Mr. Rooter Plumbing of Austin
Address: 12201 Roxie Dr, Austin, TX 78729, United States
Phone: +1-512-298-4916
Website: https://www.mrrooter.com/austin

Source: PressCable

Release ID: 89169579

If you encounter any issues, discrepancies, or concerns regarding the content provided in this press release, or if there is a need for a press release takedown, we urge you to notify us without delay at error@releasecontact.com (it is important to note that this email is the authorized channel for such matters, sending multiple emails to multiple addresses does not necessarily help expedite your request). Our expert team will be available to promptly respond within 8 hours – ensuring swift resolution of identified issues or offering guidance on removal procedures. Delivering accurate and reliable information is fundamental to our mission.

About Us

About Cabling Installation & Maintenance

Contact Cabling Installation & Maintenance

Editorial

Advertising and Sponsorship Sales

Subscriptions and Memberships

Feedback/Problems

Austin Commercial Sewer Mandates for 2026 Considered by Local Plumbers

More News