Sewer Line
Sewer Line | Main Line Issues | Plumbing | Greenback
When raw sewage backs up in the basement or every drain burps and gurgles at once, you’re probably facing main line issues—and that’s when Greenback homeowners call HEP. Our licensed plumbers use state-of-the-art camera inspections to pinpoint breaks, roots, or sludge lurking deep in your sewer line. We arrive fast, explain the problem in plain English, and offer transparent pricing before we cut, jet, or replace a single pipe.
From proactive hydro-jetting to trenchless repairs that spare your lawn, HEP tailors solutions to your budget and schedule while protecting your property and the environment. Day or night, one call brings the same neighborly service we’ve delivered across East Tennessee for decades—because in Greenback, no one should have to live with a backed-up sink or rotten-egg smell a moment longer than necessary. Reach out now and let HEP keep your home flowing free.
FAQs
What are the most common warning signs that my Greenback home’s main sewer line has a problem?
Typical red flags include multiple fixtures draining slowly at the same time, water backing up into tubs or floor drains when you flush a toilet, gurgling noises inside pipes, unexplained wet spots or foul odors in the yard, and sudden patches of exceptionally green grass over the buried line. Because the main line is the single exit path for all wastewater, any blockage or break will usually affect more than one fixture at once.
What usually causes main sewer line clogs or damage in the Greenback area?
The leading culprits we see are tree-root intrusion (oaks, maples, and other East Tennessee species seek out the moisture inside pipes), age-related deterioration of old clay or cast-iron piping, grease and wipes flushed down drains, settling soil that creates pipe bellies, and corrosion or collapse of 1970s-era Orangeburg fiber pipe. Seasonal storms can also force groundwater and debris into cracked joints.
How do plumbers diagnose the exact location and nature of a main line issue?
We begin with a sewer camera inspection: a high-resolution waterproof camera is fed through a clean-out so we can visually confirm breaks, roots, or blockages and mark their depth with a sonde transmitter. If needed, we follow up with a hydrostatic pressure test or smoke test to check for hidden leaks. This non-destructive approach lets us recommend the most cost-effective fix and provide video evidence for insurance claims.
Will my sewer line need to be completely replaced, or can it be repaired?
That depends on the pipe material, extent of damage, and how many trouble spots are present. Small root intrusions or single offsets can often be cleared with hydro-jetting and sealed with an epoxy liner (cured-in-place pipe). If the pipe is heavily collapsed, severely corroded, or has multiple bellies, replacement is usually the better long-term solution. We offer both traditional trench replacement and trenchless pipe-bursting, which requires only two small access pits and preserves landscaping.
How much does main sewer line repair or replacement cost in Greenback, and is it covered by homeowners insurance?
Minor cleaning or spot repair may run $350–$800. Trenchless lining for a typical 50-ft residential line averages $2,500–$4,500, while full replacement can range from $60 to $150 per linear foot depending on depth, soil conditions, and surface restoration. Standard homeowners policies generally exclude wear-and-tear pipe failure but may cover sudden breaks caused by a covered peril (like a fallen tree). We provide itemized quotes and documentation to help you file any eligible claim, and financing options are available.
How fast can you respond if my sewer backs up, and what should I do until help arrives?
Our Greenback emergency crew is on call 24/7 and can usually be at your door within 60–90 minutes. Until we arrive, stop running water, don’t flush toilets, and shut off your home’s main water supply if sewage is actively flowing. Keep children and pets away from contaminated areas and avoid using chemical drain cleaners, which can worsen pipe damage and create a hazardous environment for technicians.