Novi Drain Cleaning: Grease Buildup

Grease buildup in drains is one of the most common — and stubborn — plumbing issues for both homes and businesses in Novi, Michigan. It starts innocently enough: rinsing off a pan, washing dishes, or running the dishwasher. Over time, that leftover used cooking oil, butter, meat fat, and food residue solidifies inside your pipes.

Eventually, water flow slows to a trickle, foul odors emerge, and in the worst cases, you end up with a total blockage.

In this guide, we’ll explain how grease buildup forms, why it’s especially problematic in Novi, how to prevent it and what to do when your drains are already clogged.

Why Grease is Such a Problem for Drains

Grease is deceptive — it goes down the drain as a warm liquid, but as soon as it cools, it solidifies and sticks to the inside of your pipes. This sticky coating catches other debris: food scraps, coffee grounds, soap scum, even hair.

Over time, that coating thickens and narrows the diameter of your drainpipes, much like cholesterol clogging arteries.

The result:

• Slower drainage
• Recurring clogs
• Unpleasant odors
• Sewage backups (in severe cases)

Novi-Specific Factors That Worsen Grease Buildup

While grease clogs are a nationwide issue, Novi homeowners face a few local factors that can make the problem worse:

1. Older Plumbing in Some Neighborhoods
   Some parts of Novi still have original cast iron or galvanized steel pipes, which have rougher interiors. This texture gives grease more surface area to stick to.
2. Michigan Winters
   In cold months, grease solidifies faster inside pipes, meaning it doesn’t travel far before sticking.
3. Busy Kitchens
   Novi’s strong restaurant scene means commercial kitchens often deal with accelerated grease accumulation — especially without proper grease trap maintenance.

Signs You Have Grease Buildup in Your Drains

Not all clogs are caused by grease, but there are telltale signs that point to it as the culprit:

• Slow draining sinks (especially the kitchen sink)
• Gurgling noises when water drains
• Persistent foul odors even after cleaning
• Multiple small clogs over time instead of one big blockage
• Backups in lower-level drains when running water upstairs

How to Prevent Grease Buildup in Novi Homes

The best way to deal with grease buildup is to stop it before it starts.

1. Never Pour Grease down the Drain

Let grease cool in a container (like an empty can or jar), then dispose of it in the trash.

2. Scrape Plates before Washing

Remove as much food residue as possible before rinsing dishes.

3. Use Hot Water + Dish Soap Periodically

Running hot water with good grease-cutting dish soap can help dissolve light grease film before it hardens.

4. Install a Sink Strainer

Catch food particles before they get into the drain.

5. Schedule Preventative Drain Cleaning

An annual or semi-annual professional cleaning can remove small grease layers before they cause clogs.

DIY Methods to Address Minor Grease Clogs

If you suspect light grease buildup, there are a few things you can try before calling in a pro:

• Boiling Water Flush: Pour a kettle of boiling water down the drain to melt and loosen grease.
• Baking Soda + Vinegar: Add ½ cup of baking soda followed by ½ cup vinegar, let sit for 10 minutes, then flush with hot water.
• Enzyme Cleaners: These break down organic matter like grease without damaging pipes.

Caution: Avoid chemical drain cleaners for grease clogs. They often don’t dissolve grease fully and can damage pipes over time.

When DIY Isn’t Enough — Call a Novi Drain Cleaning Pro

For moderate to severe grease buildup, professional tools are the only way to fully clear your pipes:

1. Hydro Jetting

High-pressure water blasts away grease, sludge, and buildup from the entire interior of the pipe, leaving it almost like new.

2. Drain Snaking / Augering

A rotating cable can break up heavy grease blockages so water can pass through again.

3. Video Camera Inspection

This lets plumbers see exactly where the grease is and how severe it is, so the right cleaning method is used.

Commercial Grease Buildup in Novi

Restaurants, cafes, and other food service businesses in Novi face stricter requirements for grease control due to health codes. Without routine grease trap cleaning, commercial drains can clog quickly, leading to costly downtime.

Regular professional drain cleaning — combined with monthly grease trap service — keeps lines flowing and avoids surprise inspections or violations.

Why You Should Act Fast on Grease Clogs

Grease buildup won’t fix itself. The longer you wait:

• The clog grows thicker and harder to remove
• You risk total blockages that cause backups
• Sewer lines can be affected, leading to thousands in repairs
• Odors can become permanent if they seep into porous surfaces

Choosing the Right Novi Drain Cleaning Service

Look for a local plumber who:

• Offers emergency service for severe clogs
• Has experience with both residential and commercial drain cleaning
• Uses professional-grade hydro jetting equipment
• Can provide camera inspections to confirm the problem is solved
• Offers maintenance plans to prevent repeat issues

Final Thoughts

Grease buildup is one of the most common and preventable causes of drain blockages in Novi. With a few changes in kitchen habits and regular maintenance, you can avoid slow drains, foul odors, and costly plumbing emergencies.

But if you’re already dealing with slow or blocked drains, don’t wait for the problem to get worse. Professional drain cleaning — especially hydro jetting — can restore your pipes to near-original condition and keep them flowing for years to come.