Drain Lines
Drain Lines | Pipe Upgrades | Plumbing | Farragut
When your Farragut home starts sending you warning signs—slow drains, gurgling toilets, mystery puddles—it’s time to look deeper than a quick plunger fix. HEP’s licensed plumbers specialize in diagnosing the hidden cracks, root intrusions, and corrosion that undermine older drain lines, then replacing the failing sections with modern materials engineered to last. Our team arrives with state-of-the-art inspection cameras, trench-saving equipment, and the local know-how that comes from decades of serving Knox County neighborhoods.
From precision fittings that prevent future leaks to seamless transitions between new and existing piping, our pipe upgrades give you quieter flow, better water pressure, and peace of mind backed by industry-leading warranties. We handle the permits, clean up the worksite, and leave you with nothing but smooth-running drains—and a single trusted number to call if you ever need help again. Don’t wait for the next backup to flood your day; contact HEP today and experience a smarter kind of plumbing service built around you.
FAQs
When should I consider upgrading my drain lines in Farragut?
You should think about a drain-line upgrade if you experience recurring clogs, slow drains in multiple fixtures, sewage odors, gurgling sounds, or water backing up into tubs or floor drains. Homes in Farragut that were built before the mid-1980s may still have cast-iron or clay piping that is now at or beyond its 40- to 50-year life span. Tree-root intrusion, shifting red clay soils, and the region’s freeze–thaw cycles can also crack or collapse older pipes. A camera inspection by a licensed plumber can confirm the condition and help you decide whether repair or full replacement is the smarter long-term solution.
What pipe materials do you recommend for a modern drain-line upgrade?
For residential main and branch drains we typically recommend Schedule 40 PVC or high-density polyethylene (HDPE) because both materials are corrosion-proof, lightweight, and rated for decades of service. Inside the home, PVC is the most common choice because it meets the International Residential Code (IRC) and local Knox County Plumbing Code, handles hot water up to 140 °F, and is easy to service in the future. For exterior sewer laterals, SDR-35 PVC or HDPE with fused joints provides additional flexibility to withstand soil movement and root pressure. If fire-rating is required (for example, in multifamily buildings), we may specify cast-iron or ABS in certain locations, but most single-family upgrades in Farragut use PVC.
How long does a typical drain-line replacement project take?
For an average single-family home in Farragut, an interior drain-line repipe (from fixtures to the foundation wall) usually takes 1–3 days, depending on access and how many fixtures are involved. Replacing the exterior sewer lateral from the house to the city tap or septic tank can add 1–2 more days. Trenchless pipe-bursting or pipe-lining methods, when feasible, can often be completed in a single day with minimal excavation. We provide a detailed schedule after the initial camera inspection and locate services so you know exactly what to expect.
Will upgrading my drain lines damage my landscaping or interior finishes?
We use minimally invasive techniques whenever possible. Inside, we locate pipes through low-dust drywall cuts or ceiling access panels and replace only the sections necessary, then patch to a paint-ready finish. Outside, we offer trenchless options—pipe bursting, slip-lining, or cured-in-place pipe (CIPP)—which limit excavation to two small entry and exit pits. If traditional trenching is required, we dig narrow, precise trenches, stockpile topsoil separately, and re-sod or reseed the area once work is complete. We protect driveways, patios, and shrubbery with plywood sheeting and safety fencing throughout the project.
Do I need a permit for drain-line upgrades in Farragut, and who handles inspections?
Yes. Knox County requires a plumbing permit for any drain-line replacement beyond minor spot repairs. After we submit the permit application, the county plumbing inspector must review rough-in work before we close walls or backfill trenches. A final inspection is performed once the new system is under pressure test and connected to the municipal sewer or septic system. Our team handles all permits, fees, and scheduling with the county so you don’t have to worry about paperwork or compliance issues.
How much does a drain-line upgrade cost, and are financing options available?
Costs vary with pipe length, depth, and the replacement method. As a general range, interior repiping in Farragut homes starts around $3,000 for a small one-bathroom layout and can exceed $8,000 for larger, multi-bath residences. Exterior sewer lateral replacement averages $2,500–$6,500 for open-cut and $4,000–$9,000 for trenchless solutions, depending on depth and obstacles. We provide a fixed, written quote after a camera inspection and line-locate. To make the project affordable, we offer 0% interest financing for 6–12 months on approved credit, as well as extended low-interest plans up to 60 months.