Stubborn Kitchen Grease
Stubborn Kitchen Grease | Drain Opening | Plumbing | Johnson City
Grease belongs in the pan—not cemented to the inside of your pipes. When your Johnson City kitchen sink starts to gurgle, smell, or refuse to drain, HEP’s licensed plumbers swoop in with industrial-grade equipment and decades of know-how. Our precision drain opening methods blast away layers of stubborn fat, soap scum, and food debris without harming your plumbing, restoring a free-flowing sink in a single visit.
From the first friendly phone call to the final sparkle of a spotless workspace, you’ll feel the HEP difference. We’re local, available 24/7, and back every service with a satisfaction guarantee—because you shouldn’t have to wrestle with clogs a second longer than necessary. Reach out today and let Johnson City’s trusted pros clear the way for stress-free cooking, cleaning, and living.
FAQs
What causes stubborn kitchen drain clogs from grease?
Cooking oils, meat fats, dairy products, and even salad dressings cool and solidify as they travel down your drain. Over time they stick to pipe walls, trap food particles, and create a thick, waxy blockage. In Johnson City’s cooler months the problem worsens because grease solidifies faster in the underground portion of your plumbing.
How do you remove grease buildup from my kitchen drain?
We start with a video inspection to locate and measure the extent of the blockage. For light-to-moderate buildup we use a high-speed, food-grade cable auger to scrape grease off the pipe walls. For heavy or long-term clogs we follow up with hydro-jetting—high-pressure water (3,000–4,000 psi) that scours a full 360° inside the line without chemicals. Finally we run a second camera pass to verify that the pipe is completely clean.
Can grease clogs damage my plumbing if left untreated?
Yes. Grease accumulations restrict flow, causing water and food scraps to back up into the sink and dishwasher. The trapped organic matter breeds bacteria that produce corrosive acids, which can pit cast-iron or galvanized steel pipes. In extreme cases pressure build-up can loosen joints or crack older PVC. Prompt professional clearing protects both your plumbing and your indoor air quality.
How soon can you respond to a clogged kitchen drain in Johnson City?
We offer same-day service across the Tri-Cities, including Johnson City, Elizabethton, and Jonesborough. Calls received before 2 p.m. are usually cleared the same afternoon; after-hours or weekend emergencies are covered by our 24/7 on-call crew for a small dispatch fee.
Are your drain-opening methods safe for septic systems and older pipes?
Absolutely. We avoid caustic chemicals that can upset septic tank bacteria or soften vintage PVC. Our mechanical augers are fitted with non-marring blades, and our hydro-jetting pressure settings are calibrated to the age and material of your line. We also offer enzyme-based maintenance treatments that keep grease in suspension without harming septic biology.
What can I do to prevent grease clogs in the future?
• Wipe pots and pans with a paper towel before rinsing. • Collect cooled cooking oil in a sealable container and dispose of it in household trash or a local recycling drop-off. • Run hot water and a squirt of dish soap for 20–30 seconds after washing greasy dishes. • Once a month, flush the drain with a kettle of boiling water followed by a cup of baking soda and vinegar. • Consider installing a mesh sink strainer and scheduling our annual camera inspection to catch buildup early.