- HEP Plumbing
- Emergency Backup

Emergency Backup
Emergency Backup | Drain Opening | Plumbing | Crab Orchard
When your sinks, tubs, or floor drains suddenly refuse to cooperate, HEP’s emergency backup plumbing team in Crab Orchard answers the call—day or night, weekend or holiday. Our licensed technicians arrive fast, armed with high-pressure jetting, video inspection, and years of hometown know-how to pinpoint the problem and get water flowing freely again. From stubborn kitchen grease to invasive tree roots, we’ve seen it all and solved it all, rescuing local homes and businesses from costly water damage.
Count on us for rapid, no-nonsense drain opening that’s backed by transparent pricing and the HEP Happiness Guarantee. We respect your space, explain every step, and leave the work area cleaner than we found it—so the only thing you’ll notice is a smooth, steady swirl down the drain. When trouble strikes beneath your feet, trust the Crab Orchard pros who keep calm under pressure and put your plumbing back on track.
FAQs
What qualifies as an “emergency” backup or clog that warrants calling your Crab Orchard drain-opening team?
Any situation in which wastewater is backing up into sinks, tubs, floor drains, toilets, or basement fixtures is considered an emergency. Sewage or gray water can contain harmful pathogens and quickly cause property damage. If plunging or using a household drain opener does not restore flow within a few minutes, you should call our 24/7 emergency line so we can dispatch a licensed plumbing technician immediately.
How fast can your plumbers arrive at a Crab Orchard address, and are there extra fees for late-night or holiday service?
Because we keep an on-call crew in Crab Orchard, our average arrival time is 60 minutes or less anywhere in town or the surrounding rural routes. We never close; technicians are available nights, weekends, and holidays. While there is a modest emergency dispatch fee after normal business hours, we waive it if we perform a full drain-opening or repair during the same visit, so you pay only for the work completed.
What methods do you use to open a clogged or backed-up drain during an emergency visit?
Our plumbers carry several tools on every truck: (1) hand and power augers for standard stoppages, (2) sectional and continuous cable machines for longer or tougher lines, (3) high-pressure hydro-jetters for grease, scale, or sludge buildup, and (4) mini camera inspection equipment to verify that the blockage is fully cleared and to check for pipe damage. We choose the least invasive method that will restore flow quickly while protecting your pipe system.
Will emergency drain opening damage my pipes or fixtures?
No. All equipment is used in accordance with current plumbing codes and manufacturer guidelines. We adjust cable size, jetting pressure, and cutting heads to match the pipe material (PVC, cast iron, copper, etc.) and diameter. Video inspection confirms that the line is intact before we leave. If we discover cracked, collapsed, or badly corroded piping, we will explain repair options rather than forcing the issue and risking further damage.
What can I do before the plumber arrives to minimize water damage and health risks?
1) Stop using all fixtures that drain into the affected line. 2) Shut off the main water supply if sewage is already overflowing. 3) Keep children and pets away from contaminated areas. 4) If safe, place towels or a wet/dry vacuum around floor drains to contain spread. 5) Do NOT pour chemical drain cleaners; they rarely work on severe backups and can create hazardous fumes for our technicians.
How can I prevent future drain backups in my Crab Orchard home or business?
• Schedule preventive drain cleaning every 12–24 months, especially for older cast-iron or grease-laden lines. • Install inexpensive mesh strainers in sinks and tubs to trap hair, food, and debris. • Never pour fats, oils, or coffee grounds down the drain; collect them in a sealable container for disposal. • Use enzyme-based drain maintainers monthly (they are safe for septic systems). • If you have mature trees near sewer lines, consider an annual camera inspection or root-cutting service to stop root intrusion before it blocks the pipe. • Ask us about backwater valves and sump pumps, which prevent municipal sewer surges from entering your property during heavy rains.