Mount Washington is one of the steepest neighborhoods in Los Angeles. Its streets wind up from Marmion Way and Figueroa in tight curves, often with room for one car at a time, and many houses sit on stilts or step down the hillside in levels. The grill here is usually on a deck or a small terrace, sometimes two flights down from the front door, with a view toward downtown or the San Gabriels.
That setup is great for dinner and a little tricky for service. It also brings a few specific problems that we see again and again.
What hilltop grills run into
Wind and debris
Exposed decks catch wind from every direction. Leaves, dust and seed pods end up under the grates and inside the burners.
Learn moreCritters from the brush
Lots back up to undeveloped hillside. Mice, rats and the occasional larger visitor nest in grill cabinets and chew wires.
Learn moreSpiders in burner tubes
Quiet, rarely used grills are prime real estate. Webs block gas flow and cause yellow flames or flashback.
Learn morePropane tanks on tight decks
Most deck grills run on propane. Hoses and regulators get kinked or sun-damaged in cramped spaces.
Learn moreHow we handle access
We plan Mount Washington visits a little differently. Before the appointment we'll ask where to park, whether there's a gate or stairway, and roughly how far the grill is from the street. Our techs bring a carry-in kit rather than a cart full of equipment, so a long staircase isn't a problem. If parking on your street is especially tight, a neighbor's driveway or a nearby wider spot usually works. On cleaning day we lay drop cloths on the deck, because grease on old redwood boards is hard to get out.
If you're not going to be home, that's fine too. Leave access instructions and we'll send photos when the job's done.
Quick seasonal checks you can do yourself
- Lift the grates and brush out leaves and debris
- Look in the cabinet for droppings or nesting material
- Check the propane hose for cracks or kinks
- Light each burner and watch for a blue flame
- Empty the grease tray before it overflows onto the deck
- Wipe the hood and side shelves after dusty or windy days
Clean up, top to bottom
Water poured off a hillside deck ends up on whatever's below: a neighbor's yard, a slope that's already prone to erosion, or the street. We use biodegradable degreasers, collect rinse water and haul it away. More detail on our eco-friendly cleaning page.
Mount Washington questions
My grill is three flights down from the street. Is that a problem?
No. Just let us know when you book so we can plan the time. We carry everything in.
I found a nest in my grill cabinet. Is it safe to light?
Not until it's cleaned out and the wiring and gas hose are checked. Nesting material is flammable and rodents chew hoses.
How much does service cost?
It depends on the grill's size, brand, condition and any parts needed. Call or text, or send photos, for a quote.
Nearby neighborhoods
Book a hilltop visit
Call or text, or send a couple of photos and directions to the grill.