Start with safety
Paramount grew out of two dairy towns, Hynes and Clearwater, and today it's a mix of single-family neighborhoods, apartments and a lot of industry along the rail lines and the LA River. Homes are mostly modest and mid-century, and the grills in them are well used: gas carts, griddles, smokers and plenty of charcoal.
Because so many grills here run constantly for family cookouts, we see a lot of grease. Grease is the number one cause of grill fires, and it builds in places owners don't look: under the burners, in the bottom of the cookbox, and in a drip tray that hasn't been emptied since last summer. The second thing we see is worn gas parts, especially old hoses and regulators on propane grills that get moved around the yard.
Warning signs and what they usually mean
| What you notice | Likely cause | What to do |
|---|---|---|
| Gas smell near the tank or knobs | Loose fitting, cracked hose, worn valve | Shut off the gas and don't light it. Soap test, then call us. |
| Big flames shooting up through the grates | Grease built up under the burners | Turn it off, close the lid, and book a deep clean. |
| Yellow, floppy flame | Blocked burner tube or bad air mix | Stop using it until the burner is cleared. |
| Burner lights with a loud pop | Delayed ignition from a weak igniter or blocked port | Don't keep trying. Get the ignition checked. |
| Flame only on one side | Clogged burner or failing valve | Safe to use with care, but needs repair. |
How we help
Grease fire prevention
A deep clean removes the buildup that feeds flare-ups. We also check the grease tray and drip path.
Learn moreGas smell diagnosis
We find the leak, replace the bad part, and leak test every connection before we leave.
Learn moreFull grill inspection
A once-over of burners, valves, hoses and ignition, with a written list of what needs work.
Learn moreRegular cleaning
A full teardown and degrease, done on your patio.
Learn moreA little upkeep goes a long way
Between visits, empty the grease tray every few cooks, brush the grates while they're hot, and look over the hose each spring. Our grill safety checklist is a one-page version of what we look at. The guide on doing a soap test takes five minutes and is worth learning.
As for cleanup, we use biodegradable degreasers, work on drop cloths and carry away the dirty rinse water. Paramount drains to the LA River, and from there it's a short trip to Long Beach's beaches.
Paramount questions
How do I know if my hose needs replacing?
Bend it gently. If it's stiff, cracked or the outer layer is flaking, replace it. Same goes if it's been chewed by rodents.
Is it safe to put out a grease fire with water?
No. Turn off the gas, close the lid and let it starve of air. Keep a fire extinguisher rated for grease fires nearby.
Do you work on charcoal grills and smokers?
Yes. We clean out ash and grease, and repair dampers, doors and gaskets.
How much does a safety inspection cost?
It depends on the grill and what we find. Call or text, or send photos, and we'll quote it.
Make sure your grill is safe
Call or text us, or send a couple of photos for a quote.