- HEP Plumbing
- Kitchen Grease Buildups

Kitchen Grease Buildups
Kitchen Grease Buildups | Drain Opening | Plumbing | Kelso
When stubborn grease takes your kitchen sink hostage, Kelso homeowners and restaurateurs alike turn to HEP for fast, no-mess solutions. Our licensed plumbers arrive with hydro-jetters, enzyme treatments, and years of know-how to melt away fat, oil, and food debris—restoring full flow with precision drain opening that protects your pipes and the environment.
From the first friendly call to the final sparkle of a freshly cleaned workspace, we treat your kitchen like our own. Transparent pricing, 24/7 emergency response, and a satisfaction guarantee mean you can get back to sizzling, sautéing, and serving without worry. Trust HEP for grease-buildup relief and discover why Kelso’s smartest cooks put “peace of mind” on the menu right after professional drain opening.
FAQs
What causes grease buildup in kitchen drains, and why is it a problem?
Grease buildup happens when fats, oils, and grease (often called FOG) from cooking are rinsed down the sink. As the warm liquids travel through cooler sections of the pipe, they solidify and adhere to pipe walls. Layer after layer narrows the pipe diameter until water flow slows or stops completely. Besides inconvenient clogs, grease deposits can attract food particles and bacteria, create foul odors, and put stress on the entire plumbing system. In severe cases, the blockage can cause wastewater to back up into sinks or dishwashers, leading to costly damage and potential health hazards.
How do I know if my Kelso home’s kitchen drain is clogged with grease?
Typical warning signs include slow-draining water, a gurgling sound as the sink empties, recurring clogs even after using a plunger, and unpleasant sour or rancid odors coming from the drain. You may also notice water backing up when you run the dishwasher or when multiple fixtures are used at once. Because Kelso’s older homes often have legacy cast-iron or galvanized piping, these symptoms can appear sooner than in newer PVC lines. If more than one symptom is present, grease buildup is a strong possibility and professional assessment is recommended.
Can I remove a grease clog myself, or should I call a professional plumber?
Minor, early-stage buildup can sometimes be alleviated with a mixture of very hot water and biodegradable dish soap, followed by a baking-soda-and-vinegar flush. However, chemical drain cleaners marketed for DIY use can generate excessive heat, warp PVC, corrode metal pipes, and rarely address the entire clog. If the drain remains slow after basic methods, it’s time to call a professional. Licensed Kelso plumbers have specialized tools—such as motorized drain augers and hydro-jetters—that clear the full length of the pipe without damaging it, restoring proper flow and preventing repeated blockages.
What methods do your Kelso plumbers use to safely clear grease blockages?
We start with a video camera inspection to pinpoint the location and thickness of the grease layer. For light to moderate buildup, we commonly use a professional-grade auger (drain snake) fitted with a cutting head to break up the deposit. For heavier accumulations, hydro-jetting is the gold standard: a high-pressure water stream (1,500–4,000 psi) scours the interior of the pipe, removing grease, food residue, and minor mineral scale without harsh chemicals. Afterward, we run a second camera check to verify that the pipe walls are completely clean. We finish with an environmentally safe enzyme treatment that helps keep FOG from re-adhering.
How much does professional kitchen drain opening for grease buildup typically cost in Kelso?
Pricing depends on the severity and accessibility of the clog, as well as the method required. For a straightforward snake and flush, Kelso homeowners generally spend between $125 and $200. Hydro-jetting with video inspection ranges from $275 to $450. If multiple fixtures are affected or if the clog is located in the main line, costs can be higher. We offer free on-site estimates, transparent flat-rate pricing, and a 30-day warranty on workmanship so there are no surprises.
How can I prevent future grease clogs in my kitchen plumbing?
• Avoid pouring cooking oil, bacon grease, gravy, or dairy down the sink. Let it cool, collect it in a sealed container, and dispose of it in the trash or a local FOG recycling station. • Wipe greasy pots and pans with a paper towel before rinsing. • Run hot water and a small amount of dish soap for 15–20 seconds after washing particularly oily items. • Install a sink-mounted grease trap or strainer to catch solids. • Once a month, flush the drain with a kettle of boiling water followed by ½ cup of baking soda and 1 cup of white vinegar. • Schedule an annual maintenance inspection—especially important for households that cook frequently or for rental properties in Kelso’s older neighborhoods. Preventive measures cost far less than emergency drain repairs.