- HEP Plumbing
- Industry-grade Augers

Industry-grade Augers
Industry-grade Augers | Drain Opening | Plumbing | Madisonville
When a sudden clog stops life in its tracks, Madisonville homeowners turn to HEP and our industry-grade augers for swift, no-nonsense drain opening that won’t damage your pipes. Our seasoned technicians arrive equipped with powerful, precision-engineered tools that chew through roots, grease, and years of buildup, restoring full flow before you know it. From kitchen sinks to main sewer lines, we treat every job like an emergency—because to you, it is.
Choosing HEP means transparent pricing, courteous professionals, and a satisfaction guarantee backed by decades of local plumbing experience. We work cleanly, explain every step, and leave your space spotless, so the only reminder of our visit is water moving freely again. When you need reliable, same-day service that keeps your home or business humming, trust the Madisonville team that makes drain opening quick, safe, and stress-free.
FAQs
What is an industry-grade plumbing auger and how does it clear a clogged drain?
An auger—sometimes called a drain snake—is a long, flexible steel cable with a corkscrew or cutting head on the end. Our industry-grade models are motor-driven, allowing the head to spin rapidly while we feed the cable deep into the pipe. The rotating tip bores through grease, soap build-up, hair, tree roots, or other obstructions, either breaking them apart or pulling them back for removal. Because the cable can extend 50–100 feet, we can reach main sewer lines beneath your Madisonville home or business without digging. The result is a thoroughly open drain with minimal mess, no harsh chemicals, and a lower risk of pipe damage compared with DIY methods.
When should I call a professional auger service instead of using a store-bought snake?
Small hand snakes work for very light clogs close to a fixture, but you should book our professional augering service if: • Water backs up in multiple fixtures (a sign of a deeper blockage). • You hear gurgling or smell sewage near drains. • DIY attempts only provide temporary relief. • Your pipes are older cast iron or clay—pushing too hard with a consumer snake can crack them. • You suspect tree-root intrusion in your yard line. Our licensed plumbers use camera inspection to locate the obstruction, select the right cable thickness, and set torque limits so pipes stay intact. We’re available 24/7 across Madisonville, so you won’t be stuck with a worsening clog.
Will an auger damage my pipes or sewer line?
Not when it’s in professional hands. We match the cable diameter and cutting head to your pipe size—usually 1⁄4" for small traps, 3⁄8" for branch lines, and 5⁄8" or 3⁄4" for main lines. Our equipment has adjustable speed and torque controls that prevent the cable from whipping or binding. Before we start, we often run a video camera to check pipe material and weak spots. For fragile clay, Orangeburg, or corroded cast-iron mains common in older Madisonville neighborhoods, we use softer-tip blades or switch to hydro-jetting if safer. After clearing the blockage, we perform a final camera pass to make sure the line is intact and flowing freely.
How much does professional drain augering cost in Madisonville?
Pricing depends on the line length, severity of the clog, and whether we need additional camera work, but typical ranges are: • Fixture or branch line (up to 25 ft): $125–$185 • Main sewer line (50–100 ft): $225–$325 • Add-on video inspection: $75–$125 (often waived during promos) We provide up-front, flat-rate quotes once we evaluate the blockage, so there are no surprises. Emergency or after-hours calls carry a modest surcharge, but service plans and repeat-customer discounts can offset that. All work includes a 30-day clog-free guarantee; if the same line backs up during that window, we’ll re-snake it at no extra cost.
What kinds of drains can your augers handle?
Our fleet of augers and cutting heads can open virtually any residential or commercial line, including: • Kitchen sinks and garbage disposers (1½–2" pipes) • Bathroom lavatories, tubs, and shower drains (1¼–2") • Floor drains in basements or commercial kitchens (2–3") • Toilet closets and closet bends (3–4") • Washing-machine standpipes (2") • Main sewer laterals from 4–6" all the way to the city tap Our plumbers carry multiple cable diameters, grease-cutter blades, serrated root saws, and retrieval heads for items like towels or toys. If an obstruction is beyond augering—heavy scale, collapsed pipe—we can transition to hydro-jetting or trenchless repair without scheduling a second visit.
What should I expect during a service call?
1. Arrival & assessment: A licensed plumber arrives in a fully stocked truck, reviews the symptoms, and protects the work area with drop cloths. 2. Camera inspection (when needed): We feed a small camera to locate the clog and gauge pipe condition. 3. Augering: The correct machine and head are chosen. We run the cable until resistance disappears and the pipe drains freely. 4. Flush & verify: Fixtures are flushed with hot water; in main lines we run the camera again to confirm a clean bore. 5. Clean-up: We wipe down work areas, disinfect if sewage was present, and haul away debris. 6. Report & guarantee: You receive a digital video or photos, maintenance tips, and a written 30-day warranty. Typical jobs take 45–90 minutes, so you’ll be back to normal the same day.