Emergency Response
Emergency Response | Drain Opening | Plumbing | Knoxville
When water backs up in the middle of the night or a stubborn clog threatens to flood your kitchen, HEP’s emergency response team is ready to roll—24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Our Knoxville-based plumbers arrive fast, armed with high-pressure jetting tools, video inspection cameras, and decades of know-how to clear the blockage, protect your pipes, and restore full flow before serious damage can set in. We treat your home like our own, laying down protective mats and cleaning up every speck of debris so the only sign we were there is a smoothly running drain.
Whether it’s a tree-root invasion, accumulations of grease, or that mysterious toy flushed by a curious toddler, we tackle every drain opening with precision and care. One call to HEP connects you to courteous professionals who explain the problem in plain language, quote an honest price up front, and back their work with a satisfaction guarantee. Don’t let a clogged line disrupt your day—reach out now and let Knoxville’s most trusted team get things moving again.
FAQs
What steps should I take if my drain becomes completely clogged after normal business hours?
First, turn off any running water to prevent overflow. Avoid using chemical drain cleaners—they can damage pipes and worsen the blockage. Call our 24/7 emergency line right away. While you wait for the technician to arrive, place towels or a bucket under the affected fixture to catch any backups and keep the area clear of children or pets.
How fast can your emergency plumbers reach my home or business in Knoxville?
Our dispatch center operates around the clock, and we have technicians strategically stationed throughout Knoxville. In most parts of the city we can be on site within 60–90 minutes. For locations farther from the downtown core—Farragut, Hardin Valley, or East Knoxville—arrival typically ranges from 90 minutes to two hours, depending on traffic and weather. We’ll provide an accurate ETA when you call.
Are your drain-opening methods safe for older or fragile plumbing systems?
Yes. Before any work begins, our technician inspects the affected line using a video camera or manual assessment, verifying pipe material and condition. We tailor the clearing method to your system—often starting with low-pressure water jetting or a small-diameter cable to minimize stress on cast iron or galvanized lines. If we find severe corrosion, we may recommend spot repairs instead of aggressive cleaning to prevent pipe collapse.
What equipment and techniques do you use to clear tough blockages?
We carry a full arsenal of professional tools on every emergency truck: motorized drain snakes (½- to ¾-inch cables), hydro-jetting units up to 4,000 PSI for grease and sludge, enzyme-based cleaners for organic buildup, and sectional root-cutting blades for tree-root intrusions. After clearing the line, we run a sewer camera to confirm the blockage is gone and check for cracks or bellies that could cause future problems.
How much does emergency drain opening cost, and is there an after-hours surcharge?
Pricing depends on the drain size, obstruction severity, and required equipment. Standard residential emergency visits start at $145, which includes the first hour of labor and basic snaking. Hydro-jetting or root removal typically ranges from $250 to $450. A flat $75 after-hours fee applies to calls between 6 p.m. and 7 a.m. We provide a written estimate before work starts, and we honor it—no hidden add-ons.
Can you help me prevent future drain clogs, and what maintenance do you recommend?
Absolutely. After the emergency is resolved, we offer a complimentary follow-up inspection checklist: 1) schedule annual hydro-jetting for main sewer lines; 2) install mesh strainers in sinks and tubs; 3) avoid pouring grease, coffee grounds, or fibrous foods down kitchen drains; 4) run hot water and dish soap through the disposal weekly; 5) consider a biological drain additive monthly to maintain healthy pipe flora. We can also set you up with our Preventive Maintenance Plan, which includes discounted annual cleanings and priority scheduling.