- HEP Plumbing
- Drain Cleaning

Drain Cleaning
Drain Cleaning | Plumbing | La Follette
From a slow kitchen sink to a stubborn main-line backup, La Follette homeowners trust HEP for fast, mess-free relief. Our certified plumbing technicians arrive with high-definition drain cameras and powerful hydro-jetting equipment that blasts away grease, roots, and mineral buildup without harsh chemicals or guesswork. We protect your floors, quote upfront, and leave every workspace cleaner than we found it—because your peace of mind matters as much as your pipes.
Backed by decades of local experience, we know Tennessee’s water tables and soil conditions like the back of our wrench. Whether you’re scheduling preventive maintenance or calling at midnight for an emergency, HEP is ready 24/7 with guaranteed workmanship and friendly service that treats you like a neighbor. It’s drain cleaning done right, and it’s everything great plumbing should be.
FAQs
What are common signs my drains need professional cleaning?
Look for slow-draining sinks or tubs, gurgling sounds after you run water, sewage odors coming from a drain, water backing up into other fixtures (such as the tub when the washer drains), or recurring clogs that only clear temporarily with a plunger. Any of these symptoms indicate a buildup inside the line that a professional cleaning can remove before it turns into a complete blockage or pipe damage.
How often should I schedule preventative drain cleaning in La Follette?
For most homes, an annual cleaning keeps kitchen, bathroom, and laundry drains running smoothly. Houses with older cast-iron or galvanized pipes, large families, restaurants, or properties shaded by mature trees may need service every 6–9 months. Preventative maintenance is far less expensive than emergency repairs and helps extend the life of your plumbing system.
Are over-the-counter chemical drain cleaners safe for my pipes?
Most liquid and crystal drain cleaners use strong caustic agents that generate heat as they dissolve organic matter. Repeated use can warp PVC, corrode metal pipes, and damage rubber gaskets. They also produce fumes that can irritate eyes and lungs and are harmful to septic systems and the environment. Mechanical or hydro-jet cleaning performed by a licensed plumber is safer, more thorough, and won’t void pipe warranties.
What methods do your plumbers use to clean residential drains?
Our La Follette team first performs a video camera inspection to pinpoint the clog. For routine hair or soap buildup we use professional drain snakes (augers). Grease, scale, and tree roots are best removed with high-pressure hydro-jetting that scours the pipe walls 360°. After cleaning, we run the camera again to confirm full clearance and can apply an eco-friendly enzyme treatment that keeps residue from re-forming.
Do you offer emergency drain unclogging services in La Follette and nearby areas?
Yes. We provide 24/7 emergency response throughout Campbell County, including Jacksboro, Caryville, and Norris Lake communities. Calls received after hours are dispatched immediately, and most customers see a licensed technician at their door within 60–90 minutes. Our vans are stocked with snakes, jetters, and replacement parts so we can resolve the problem in a single visit whenever possible.
How can I keep my drains flowing freely between professional visits?
Use sink strainers to catch food scraps and hair, and empty them into the trash—not the disposal. Never pour grease, oils, or coffee grounds down the drain; collect them in a sealed container for disposal. Once a month flush kitchen and bathroom drains with a kettle of hot (not boiling) water followed by a mixture of ½ cup baking soda and 1 cup white vinegar; let it foam for 10 minutes, then rinse with hot water again. If you have a garbage disposal, grind ice cubes and a cut lemon occasionally to clean the blades and reduce odors.