- HEP Plumbing
- Motorized Augers

Motorized Augers
Motorized Augers | Drain Opening | Plumbing | Jellico
When the sink backs up or the shower refuses to empty, Jellico homeowners know they can rely on HEP’s seasoned pros and their powerful motorized augers for rapid, mess-free drain opening. Our technicians arrive with state-of-the-art equipment that cuts through hair, grease, and stubborn roots without risking damage to your pipes, restoring full flow in a matter of minutes. From the first friendly call to the final spotless cleanup, we make plumbing problems feel like a short intermission rather than a full-blown crisis.
Locally owned and fiercely customer-focused, HEP backs every service with transparent pricing and a 100% satisfaction guarantee. Whether it’s a midnight emergency or preventive maintenance, our team is on call to keep Jellico’s water moving the right way—out of sight and out of mind. Say goodbye to clogs and hello to peace of mind; with HEP, the solution to your next drain opening is just one quick visit away.
FAQs
What is a motorized auger and how does it clear drains?
A motorized auger—sometimes called a power snake—is an electric machine that spins a flexible steel cable fitted with a cutting head. As the cable is fed into a clogged drain, the rotating head drills through grease, hair, roots, mineral buildup, or other obstructions and then pulls or flushes the debris out. Because the torque comes from a motor rather than manual cranking, it can reach farther down the line (up to 100 ft or more) and cut through tougher blockages than a handheld snake or plunger can.
When should I choose a motorized auger over a plunger or chemical drain cleaner?
Use a motorized auger when you have a recurring, deep, or complete blockage that plunging and chemical cleaners can’t fix. Plungers work best on soft, shallow clogs near the fixture, while chemicals can damage pipes and are ineffective against solid debris or tree roots. A motorized auger is ideal for kitchen and bathroom drains, main sewer laterals, or any line where water backs up repeatedly or won’t drain at all.
Is a motorized auger safe for the types of plumbing commonly found in Jellico homes?
Yes. Most Jellico homes have PVC, copper, cast-iron, or older galvanized lines—all of which can be serviced safely with a properly sized motorized auger. Our technicians select the correct cable diameter and cutting head to avoid scraping or cracking pipe walls. We also run a video inspection afterward, if requested, to verify that the pipe interior remains intact.
How long does a typical motorized auger service take?
For a single fixture such as a kitchen sink or tub, expect 30–45 minutes on site. If the clog is in the main sewer line, the job can take 60–90 minutes, including setup, augering, and cleanup. Extremely stubborn obstructions (e.g., heavy root intrusion) might add extra time for multiple passes or follow-up camera inspection. We always give an on-site time estimate before starting.
Will a motorized auger damage my plumbing or fixtures?
When operated by trained professionals, a motorized auger is one of the safest mechanical cleaning methods available. We protect fixtures with rubber gaskets, keep the cable centered in the pipe, and control speed to prevent whipping. Damage typically occurs only when untrained users force the cable or choose an oversized cutter. Hiring a licensed Jellico plumber virtually eliminates these risks.
Do you provide emergency motorized auger services in Jellico, and what areas do you cover?
Yes. We offer 24/7 emergency drain opening throughout Jellico and neighboring communities such as Pruden, White Oak, and Elk Valley. Our trucks carry multiple auger sizes so we can address kitchen, bathroom, and main sewer clogs on the first visit—even after hours or on weekends and holidays.