Grease Buildup
Grease Buildup | Drain Opening | Plumbing | Englewood
Stubborn grease buildup can turn even a short stack of dishes into a plumbing nightmare, backing up sinks and leaving an uninviting odor hanging in the kitchen. When that slow trickle suddenly stops altogether, Englewood homeowners call HEP because they know our licensed technicians arrive fast, armed with hydro-jetting power and eco-friendly degreasers that restore full flow without harming your pipes. From restaurant kitchens fighting daily grease traps to family homes surprised by a holiday-morning clog, we’ve seen—and cleared—it all with precision and courtesy.
Whether you need emergency drain opening at midnight or a preventative maintenance plan that keeps business booming, HEP delivers transparent pricing, respectful service, and a workmanship guarantee you can count on. One quick call and the mess disappears, letting you get back to sizzling, sautéing, and living your life—grease free.
FAQs
What causes grease buildup in residential and commercial drains?
Grease buildup happens when fats, oils, and grease (FOG) from cooking are rinsed down the sink. As the hot liquid cools in the line, it solidifies and sticks to pipe walls. Over time layers of grease trap food scraps, coffee grounds, and soap scum, gradually narrowing the pipe until flow is severely restricted or completely blocked.
What warning signs indicate my Englewood kitchen drain is blocked by grease?
Common indicators include slow-draining water, gurgling sounds after the sink empties, unpleasant or rancid odors coming from the drain, recurring backups despite plunging, and water bubbling up in adjacent fixtures (like the dishwasher or laundry standpipe). If you notice two or more of these symptoms, grease buildup is the most likely culprit.
Can’t I just pour a chemical drain cleaner down the sink to solve the problem?
Store-bought chemicals may burn a small hole through the blockage, but they rarely remove the thick greasy coating on pipe walls. The clog tends to re-form quickly, and caustic products can damage older metal or PVC piping, garbage-disposal seals, and even your skin and eyes. Professional hydro-jetting or mechanical augering fully scours the pipe interior without the safety risks.
What methods do your Englewood plumbers use to clear grease safely?
Our technicians first run a video inspection to verify the clog location and composition. For light to moderate buildup we use a motorized cable auger with a grease-cutter blade. For heavier accumulation we deploy high-pressure hydro-jetting (3,000–4,000 psi) that emulsifies and flushes away all FOG residues. If the line is severely compromised, we can apply enzyme-based treatments or schedule trenchless pipe replacement.
How fast can you arrive for a grease-related drain emergency in Englewood?
We maintain fully stocked service vans across Arapahoe County and offer true 24/7 emergency response. In most Englewood neighborhoods we can be on-site within 60–90 minutes of your call, day or night. Weekend and holiday service times are typically similar because we staff rotating on-call crews.
What preventative steps keep grease from clogging my drains again?
• Collect cooking grease in a heat-resistant container and throw it in the trash once it solidifies. • Wipe oily pans with a paper towel before washing. • Install a mesh sink strainer to catch food particles. • Run hot water and dish soap for 30 seconds after rinsing minor oil residue. • Schedule an annual hydro-jetting service if you operate a restaurant or cook frequently at home. Following these habits dramatically reduces FOG entry and extends the life of your plumbing system.