Determine when an automatic grease removal device (AGRD/GRD) can substitute for a traditional grease interceptor under model plumbing codes

Steps

1. Confirm the locally adopted plumbing code edition's definition of 'grease interceptor,' since current model code language (e.g., recent IPC editions) uses that term broadly to cover gravity interceptors, hydromechanical interceptors, grease removal devices, and automatic grease removal devices
2. Verify that the specific AGRD/GRD product is tested and listed to the standard the adopted code requires for that device category (commonly ASME A112.14.4 or CSA B481, as distinct from ASME A112.14.3 which covers hydromechanical interceptors)
3. Confirm the device operates on a time- or event-controlled automatic basis to remove free-floating FOG to an external collection container without requiring manual skimming, per the code's definition
4. Check whether the local health department or industrial-waste program separately approves AGRD/GRD use in place of a gravity interceptor, since plumbing-code eligibility and local pretreatment-program approval are distinct approval layers
5. Confirm ongoing servicing requirements (collection container pump-out/disposal frequency) with the local FOG program, since AGRDs still generate FOG waste requiring proper disposal, just via a different collection mechanism