Plumbing | Dandridge | Plumbing in Dandridge

How HEP Technicians Restored a Clogged Sewer Line Near a Tree in Dandridge

Case Overview
A homeowner in Dandridge began noticing that every sink and shower drained unusually slowly—and the toilet barely flushed. Just days after a routine pipe snaking, the line backed up completely, causing wastewater to return through the shower, sink, and toilet. With a septic system in place and a large tree in the backyard, root intrusion was quickly suspected.

Digging In: Locating the Hidden Clog

Our HEP technician first removed the toilet to examine the drain directly. Using a professional locator device, he traced the sewer line and discovered the clog beneath the tree’s root zone. Accurate locating tools are crucial; they prevent unnecessary digging and pinpoint the exact trouble spot.

Excavation and Replacement

Once the blockage was located, a mini excavator carefully uncovered the old piping. Over 30 feet of aged schedule-20 PVC, completely overtaken by roots, were removed. The team then:

• Cleared all root debris from the trench
• Replaced the old line with durable schedule-40 PVC
• Added a two-way cleanout for convenient future access

Protecting Against Future Root Intrusion

To help deter new root growth, our HEP technician sprinkled rock salt around the newly laid pipe before backfilling. This simple measure can keep aggressive roots from re-entering the line.

Homeowner Tip: Ask your plumber about root-inhibiting backfill options when working near mature trees.

Final Cleanup and Restoration

With the new line flowing freely in both directions, the trench was backfilled, seeded, and stabilized with straw. The freshly installed cleanout cap now provides easy access for any future maintenance.

Key Takeaways for Homeowners

• Thorough diagnosis matters. Proper locating tools save time and yard disturbance.
• Invest in quality materials. Schedule-40 PVC offers extra strength in root-rich soil.
• Preventive features. A strategically placed cleanout and root deterrents help avoid repeat clogs.
• Trust the experts. For underground or hard-to-reach plumbing, an experienced HEP technician ensures safe, code-compliant work.

This Plumbing project in Dandridge highlights how careful planning, the right equipment, and expert installation come together for reliable Plumbing in Dandridge. If you face slow drains or backing-up fixtures—especially near trees—professional solutions can restore your system and keep it flowing smoothly.