Sewer Lines
Sewer Lines | Main Line Issues | Plumbing | Knoxville
When foul odors seep up through your drains or you notice slow, simultaneous clogs throughout the house, it’s usually a sign of main line issues lurking beneath your lawn. HEP’s Knoxville-based team pinpoints the problem fast with video camera inspections, then clears roots, grease, and debris using high-pressure hydro-jetting or trenchless repair methods that save your landscaping. We’re local, licensed, and ready 24/7, so you’re never left wading through a messy backup.
From Fountain City to Fort Sanders, homeowners trust HEP for transparent pricing, friendly technicians, and repairs that last. Take the stress out of sewer line surprises—call or book online today and let us keep everything flowing the way it should.
FAQs
What warning signs indicate a problem with my sewer main?
Slow drainage in multiple fixtures, gurgling toilets, foul odors near drains or your yard, water backing up when you run the washing machine, and soggy patches or sinkholes in the lawn can all point to a blockage or break in the main sewer line. Because all household drains eventually tie into the main, widespread symptoms rather than a single-fixture issue are the biggest red flag. If you notice any of these signs, schedule a camera inspection before the problem turns into a sewage backup.
How is a sewer line clog different from a typical drain clog?
A standard drain clog—such as hair in a shower trap—affects only one fixture. A sewer main clog obstructs the entire pipe that carries wastewater from your home to the city main, so you’ll see slow or backed-up drains throughout the house at once. These clogs are usually deeper in the system, require specialized equipment like a hydro-jet or auger, and must often be verified with a video camera to pinpoint their location and cause.
What are the most common causes of sewer line damage in Knoxville?
Knoxville’s mature hardwood trees send out strong root systems that infiltrate older clay or cast-iron pipes. Our region’s expansive clay soil also shifts during heavy rains and freeze-thaw cycles, potentially cracking brittle pipes. Other common culprits include flushing non-degradable wipes, grease buildup, corrosion of metal piping, and ground settling around new construction that stresses the line.
Do you offer trenchless sewer line repair, and how does it work?
Yes. After inspecting the pipe with a video camera, we determine whether pipe bursting or cured-in-place pipe (CIPP) lining is viable. These techniques require only one or two small access pits, then either pull a new HDPE line through the old one or install an epoxy-soaked liner that hardens in place. Trenchless options minimize yard excavation, reduce labor costs, and can usually be completed in a single day, making them ideal for landscaped or paved areas.
Will my homeowner’s insurance pay for a failed sewer line?
Standard policies generally cover sudden, accidental damage inside the structure but not wear, corrosion, or tree-root intrusion in the underground lateral. However, many Knoxville insurers offer a sewer and drain endorsement or a separate service line rider that can offset repair costs. Check your policy and speak with your agent before problems arise so you understand coverage limits, deductibles, and any exclusions for older piping material.
What does sewer line replacement cost in the Knoxville area?
Pricing depends on pipe length and depth, soil conditions, access, and whether you choose open-cut or trenchless methods. On average, homeowners spend $3,000–$6,000 for a short spot repair, while a full replacement from house to street can range from $6,500 to $15,000 or more. Obtaining a camera inspection and written estimate helps you compare options, and many plumbers (including us) offer financing plans to spread out the investment.