Bylaw changes designed to stop grease from getting into the sewer system will be discussed next week at Regina City Hall. (CBC)

The City of Regina is taking steps to stop the scourge of sewer grease.

New rules are being prepared that will require restaurants to install grease traps and maintain them.

There will also be penalties for those who violate the rules, including the possibility of having their pipes disconnected from the city sewer system.

A report containing the proposed bylaw changes is on the agenda of the city's public works committee on Tuesday.

The city says when fats, oils and grease are poured down the drain, they cool, solidify and accumulate, causing sewer backups and other damage.

Other pitfalls include odours and bacteria.

Currently, the majority of restaurants in the city have grease traps, but dozens of them don't have them or haven't installed or maintained them properly.

Over the last several years, city workers have spent between 300 and 500 person-hours a year clearing out grease blockages from the sewer system.

A typical cost for an installed "grease interceptor" is between $1,000 and $5,000, the city says.

Other western Canadian cities, including Saskatoon, Red Deer and Calgary, have already modified their sewer bylaws to deal with the grease issue, city administrators say in a report.

Any changes will need final approval of city council.