Main-line Backups
Main-line Backups | Drain Opening | Plumbing | Collegedale
When wastewater backs up into your shower, laundry room, or yard, every minute feels like an hour. HEP’s licensed plumbers arrive fast, armed with cutting-edge cameras and hydro-jetting gear to locate the clog, clear it, and restore full flow—without guesswork or mess. From stubborn roots to years of grease, we’ve seen it all in Collegedale’s main lines, and we back our craftsmanship with transparent pricing and a satisfaction guarantee.
Day or night, one call to HEP turns panic into relief. Our friendly team explains what went wrong, what it will cost, and how to prevent the next blockage, so you can get back to life instead of worrying about the next rainstorm. For trusted, hometown expertise in main-line backups and drain opening, Collegedale homeowners count on HEP to keep water moving the right way—out of sight and out of mind.
FAQs
What are the most common reasons for main sewer line backups in Collegedale?
In Collegedale we frequently see four main culprits: (1) tree-root intrusion from the area’s mature hardwoods searching for water in the clay soil, (2) grease, wipes, and other non-flushables that congeal and narrow the pipe, (3) pipe bellies or breaks caused by soil movement along our sloped terrain, and (4) sudden surges of stormwater that enter older, partially combined sewer systems during heavy rain. Any one of these issues can slow or stop the flow of wastewater and send it back up through floor drains and lower-level fixtures.
How can I tell if the main line is blocked rather than just a single household drain?
A main-line backup shows up in more than one fixture at the same time. Typical signs include gurgling toilets when you run a sink, water backing up around the basement or garage floor drain, or simultaneous slow drains in showers and tubs on different floors. If you notice wastewater appearing at the lowest plumbing fixture whenever other fixtures are used, the problem is almost certainly in the main sewer line.
What drain-opening techniques do you use and are they safe for my pipes?
For most blockages we begin with a high-powered cable (roto-rooter) machine that mechanically removes roots, sludge, and small obstructions. If the clog is severe or there is heavy grease buildup, we switch to hydro-jetting, which uses high-pressure water (up to 4,000 psi) to scour the entire inside diameter of the sewer line. Both methods are safe for PVC, cast-iron, and clay pipes when performed by trained technicians, and we always inspect the line first to verify structural integrity before jetting.
Do you provide camera inspections, and how does that help me?
Yes. After we restore flow we run a waterproof sewer camera down the line to verify that the pipe is completely open and to document any structural issues such as cracks, offsets, or root intrusions. You receive a video link and written report, which is valuable for insurance claims, resale disclosures, or planning a long-term repair like pipe lining or replacement. Catching defects early often saves Collegedale homeowners thousands of dollars in emergency excavation later.
What should I do while waiting for your technician if a backup is actively occurring?
Immediately stop using all water in the house—no toilets, showers, dishwashers, or washing machines. If wastewater is overflowing, turn off power to any affected basement outlets for safety and mop up standing water to prevent slip hazards. If you know where the clean-out is, remove the cap slightly to relieve pressure; this can allow sewage to exit outside instead of inside. Finally, keep children and pets away from contaminated areas until we arrive and sanitize the space.
How can I prevent future main-line backups after your service is completed?
1) Schedule a preventive hydro-jetting or root maintenance every 12–24 months. 2) Avoid flushing wipes, paper towels, feminine products, or grease. 3) Install a backwater valve to stop city main surges from entering your home—particularly useful in older Collegedale neighborhoods. 4) Replace sections of failing clay or cast-iron pipe with seamless PVC or consider trenchless pipe lining. 5) Add drain grates over basement floor drains if you do laundry downstairs. Consistent maintenance and mindful flushing habits are the best long-term defenses.