- HEP Plumbing
- Main-line Blockages

Main-line Blockages
Main-line Blockages | Drain Opening | Plumbing | Greeneville
When a stubborn clog shuts down your whole house, Greeneville homeowners call HEP. Our licensed plumbers deploy cutting-edge cameras and high-pressure jetting to tackle main-line blockages fast, protecting your pipes and preventing messy backups before they can damage floors, walls, or foundations.
From emergency drain opening in the middle of the night to scheduled maintenance that keeps everything flowing, we back every visit with upfront pricing and a satisfaction guarantee. One call, and the HEP team rolls out—ready to clear the line, clean up the area, and leave you with plumbing that performs like new.
FAQs
What are the most common causes of main-line blockages in Greeneville?
In Greeneville, older clay or cast-iron sewer pipes are still common, and they’re highly susceptible to tree-root intrusion from maple, poplar, and sycamore trees that thrive in our area. Other frequent causes include grease buildup from kitchen drains, wipes or hygiene products that don’t break down, scale deposits caused by the town’s moderately hard water, and, after heavy rain, soil or gravel washing into damaged pipe joints.
How can I tell if I have a main sewer-line clog versus a simple fixture blockage?
With a main-line clog, you’ll notice symptoms in multiple fixtures at once—gurgling toilets, water backing up into tubs or floor drains, slow drains on every level of the house, and foul sewer odors outside or in the basement. A single slow sink or shower usually points to a localized clog, but if the lowest drain in the house backs up when you run water upstairs, that’s a strong sign the main line is obstructed.
What methods do your plumbers use to open a blocked sewer main?
We start with a video camera inspection to pinpoint the clog’s location and determine its cause. For soft obstructions such as grease or sludge, we use professional-grade hydro-jetting that scours the pipe with high-pressure water. If roots or solid objects are present, we run a heavy-duty sectional drain machine with a root-cutting head. After clearing the line, we camera-inspect again to confirm full flow and assess whether any pipe repair is needed.
Will my yard need to be excavated to fix the problem?
Most main-line blockages can be cleared without digging. Hydro-jetting or mechanical rodding is done through an existing cleanout or pulled toilet. Excavation is only required if the camera reveals a collapsed or bellied section of pipe that cannot be restored hydraulically. In many of those cases we can offer trenchless pipe lining or pipe-bursting, which rehabilitate or replace the line with minimal surface disruption.
How much does main-line drain opening cost in Greeneville?
Prices vary with the clog’s severity, the pipe’s condition, and accessibility. A straightforward machine auger job typically ranges from $175–$275. Hydro-jetting with camera inspection generally falls between $350–$600. If pipe repair, lining, or replacement is needed, costs can range from $1,500 for a short sectional liner to $6,000+ for a full replacement. We provide upfront, written estimates before any work begins and offer 24/7 emergency service with transparent after-hours pricing.
What can I do to prevent future sewer main blockages?
• Keep wipes, paper towels, feminine products, and grease out of drains. • Schedule a preventive hydro-jetting and camera inspection every 2–3 years, especially if you have mature trees near the line. • Install a backwater valve to stop floodwater or municipal backups from entering your home. • Consider root-control treatments if tree intrusion has been a problem. • Replace deteriorating clay or cast-iron sections with modern PVC or HDPE before they fail. Preventive maintenance is far less expensive than emergency excavation.