Grease Interceptor Sizing Calculations

Sizing should always be left to a trained professional. This section is intended as a guide to
familiarize the reader with some basic sizing rules. Requirements are determined by the volume
of waste water that the interceptor can handle compared to demand. Unit selection depends on
the type desired and its capacity rating in gpm. The Plumbing and Drainage Institute (PDI)
defines standard sizes that are roughly equivalent to gpm of flow.
The National Plumbing Code lists drainage fixture-unit values of various plumbing fixtures based
on drain outlet or trap size. These values are converted to gpm discharge rates assuming 7.5
gpm discharge to represent one fixture-unit. This information is illustrated below.
The discharge rate will help to determine the model needed.
Sizing Chart

Trap / Outlet Size

Fixture-Unit Value

1 "
1 "
2"
2 "
3"
5"

1
2
3
4
5
6

GPM Equivalent
7.5
15.0
22.5
30.0
37.5
45.0

In the above illustration, the sink contains two 2" drains. The sizing chart indicates that each of
these drains will produce 22.5 gpm discharge, making the total requirement 45 gpm.
Alternate Method

1.
2.
3.
4.

Calculate volume fixture in cubic inches

Convert this volume to gallons
Multiply by .75
Calculate flow rate and drainage period (1 or 2 minutes)

The flow rate determines the interceptor model required.

Selection Tables: Fixture Size
Sinks:
Sink Size
Interior Measurements

12" x 18" x 6"

14" x 16" x 8"
18" x 20" x 8"
16" x 18" x 8"
18" x 20" x 8"
20" x 30" x 8"
20" x 24" x 12"
20" x 22" x 8"
20" x 22" x 12"
24" x 24" x 12"

# Bowls

Capacity
in Gallons

PDI SIZE
(1 min.)

PDI SIZE
(2 min.)

1
1
1
2
2
1
1
2
2
2

4.2
5.8
9.4
15.0
18.7
15.5
18.7
23.0
34.0
44.9

7
7
10
15
20
20
20
25
35
50

4
4
7
10
10
10
10
15
20
25

* PDI = Plumbing and Drainage Institute standard size equivalent to gpm of flow

Dishwashers

A separate grease interceptor is recommended for each dishwasher.

The size is determined by the dishwasher's capacity.