Commercial Plumbing

HEP PlumbingCommercial Plumbing

Commercial Plumbing | Plumbing | Sewanee

From historic college halls on University Avenue to buzzing cafés along the Mountain Goat Trail, Sewanee’s businesses rely on water that flows when it should—and stops when it must. HEP’s commercial plumbing team keeps that promise alive, deploying licensed technicians who know the quirks of local infrastructure and the urgency of keeping your doors open. Whether you need a grease-trap overhaul before the lunch rush, a backflow certification to stay code-compliant, or a full repipe during a semester break, we arrive in fully stocked trucks, ready to solve the problem the first time.

Behind every service call is the support of a 24/7 dispatch center, transparent “no-surprises” pricing, and workmanship backed by industry-leading warranties. From hotels perched on the Plateau to medical offices near Highway 41A, HEP delivers scalable solutions that fit your budget and your timelines—so you can focus on guests, patrons, and patients instead of pipes. One call, one partner, countless worries gone.

What our customers say

Chase Rost did a fantastic job with our plumbing inspection! While there was nothing to be fixed in our home, he provided me with knowledgeable information that we will use to further have easy and great plumbing inspections in the future. Would definitely recommend Chase to anyone needing plumbing help.
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Devin F.
Dalton and Deante were beyond awesome. They quickly assessed the most efficient process to replace our clogged drain pipe. We are an apartment complex and they understood the sense of urgency in order to keep our residence inconvenience to a minimum. When HEP is on the way you will be in great hands with D &D.
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CDL
Tim White is the best for plumbing inspection. Curious, caring, thorough and on time. Great experience! Would highly recommend.
Kathryn C. profile photo
Kathryn C.
Corbin and Joseph were the best plumbers we have used and I highly recommend this company and them!
Barbara G. profile photo
Barbara G.
Brad is the best plumber; made suggestions to landlord and honestly cares about your issues
Covington H. profile photo
Covington H.
Brad showed up on time and was very professional and courteous. He was a key factor in hiring this company to replace sewer pipe in my commercial building. Thanks!!!
Robert T. profile photo
Robert T.
Been a pleasure working with Commercial Crew Leader, Steven Kelley, on a large sewer replacement job for our residential community! One job down and more to come! Thanks for all your HEP!!
Jennifer M. profile photo
Jennifer M.
David, Chandler, Brad, and Jonathan done a great job plumbing our 1992 double wide. So, thankful for HEP and these young men.
Sherry E. profile photo
Sherry E.
EJ was fantastic was really pleased with the work . Would recommend EJ and the hep team for all your plumbing needs.
Charlie S. profile photo
Charlie S.
Corbin was a fantastic Plumber and would highly recommend!
Elenore F. profile photo
Elenore F.

Comprehensive Commercial Plumbing in Sewanee by HEP Company

Sewanee’s vibrant mix of higher-education facilities, hospitality venues, healthcare buildings, and retail spaces depends on a robust plumbing infrastructure to keep daily operations running smoothly. When a single commercial complex can house classrooms, cafeterias, laboratories, and residential units under one roof, every plumbing component must perform flawlessly and conform to demanding regulatory standards. HEP Company’s commercial plumbing division focuses exclusively on this multifaceted environment, delivering durable solutions that stand up to high-traffic usage, variable seasonal climates, and the area’s unique topography. From large-scale system installations in newly constructed student housing to intricate retrofits in century-old academic halls, HEP’s licensed professionals design, install, repair, and maintain plumbing systems engineered for maximum efficiency and minimal disruption.

Why Commercial Plumbing in Sewanee Demands Specialized Expertise

Sewanee combines picturesque mountain scenery with a bustling university atmosphere, creating plumbing challenges rarely encountered in a traditional urban grid. Elevation shifts, fluctuating water pressure zones, and an ever-growing population of students, faculty, tourists, and local residents intensify the strain on pipes, pumps, and fixtures. HEP recognizes that:

  • Campus buildings can exceed typical tenancy cycles, with 24/7 occupancy during academic sessions
  • Restaurant kitchens often operate extended hours, demanding continuous hot-water supply and grease management
  • Medical facilities require strict compliance with health codes and contamination prevention
  • Local weather patterns introduce freeze risks and rapid temperature changes that test pipe integrity

Commercial plumbing in Sewanee therefore calls for proactive design, strategic material selection, and rigorous preventive maintenance—all core strengths of HEP Company.

Core Commercial Plumbing Services Offered by HEP

HEP Company delivers a full spectrum of commercial plumbing work in Sewanee, designed to meet both immediate project requirements and long-term lifecycle expectations.

System Design & Installation

New construction or property expansions benefit from HEP’s in-house design team, which collaborates with architects, mechanical engineers, and general contractors to create plumbing schematics that optimize water delivery, waste removal, and energy efficiency. Key deliverables include:

  • Pipe sizing and routing based on flow calculations
  • Fixture and equipment selection matched to usage levels
  • Backflow prevention device placement
  • Code-compliant grease interceptors for food-service operations
  • High-efficiency water heaters and recirculation systems to reduce energy waste

By integrating Building Information Modeling (BIM) and clash detection software, HEP minimizes installation conflicts, accelerates construction timelines, and safeguards project budgets.

Renovations & Retrofits

Many Sewanee commercial properties occupy historic or legacy structures where outdated piping materials and non-compliant layouts create hidden liabilities. HEP’s retrofit teams specialize in:

  • Replacing galvanized or cast-iron supply lines with corrosion-resistant copper or PEX
  • Installing low-flow fixtures without compromising user experience
  • Upgrading venting to eliminate negative pressure issues
  • Aligning drain slopes for optimal waste removal
  • Adding isolation valves to compartmentalize future repairs

Throughout renovation phases, HEP technicians coordinate with building managers to stage work during low-traffic periods, ensuring minimal interruption to staff, students, or customers.

Preventive Maintenance Programs

Planned maintenance can prevent sudden shutdowns, reduce water waste, and extend equipment life. HEP tailors maintenance schedules based on facility type, occupancy patterns, and compliance requirements. Typical program elements include:

  • Quarterly valve inspections and lubrication
  • Annual water heater flushing, anode rod replacement, and temperature recalibration
  • Drain line scoping with high-resolution cameras
  • Hydro-jetting to clear grease, debris, and scale buildup
  • Pressure testing and leak detection using acoustic sensors

These recurring tasks deliver measurable savings on emergency repairs while supporting sustainability goals.

Emergency Repair Services

A failed sewer line in a residence hall or a burst pipe beneath a dining facility can create health risks and substantial property damage. HEP’s rapid-response teams arrive equipped with:

  • Pipe freezing kits for instant isolation
  • Submersible pumps to remove standing water
  • Trenchless repair technology for underground leaks
  • Temporary bypass piping to keep essential services operational

Their streamlined logistics ensure critical operations—such as meal preparation, patient care, or lecture schedules—continue without major interruption.

Backflow Testing & Certification

Backflow prevention is essential to protect Sewanee’s potable water supply from contamination. HEP’s cross-connection control specialists:

  • Conduct annual tests mandated by municipal authorities
  • Repair or replace faulty assemblies
  • File certification paperwork on behalf of the property owner
  • Provide digital records for compliance audits

Sector-Specific Solutions

Educational Facilities

Sewanee’s campus buildings must accommodate lecture halls, science labs, dormitories, cafeterias, and athletic complexes. HEP provides:

  • Lab-grade piping and acid-resistant drainage systems
  • Hands-free faucets and bottle-filling stations to promote hygiene
  • Centralized hot-water plants with recirculation loops to meet peak load demands
  • Emergency fixture installations, including eyewash stations and safety showers

Hospitality & Food Service

Hotels, inns, cafés, and restaurants serve visitors year-round. HEP’s hospitality services focus on:

  • Commercial kitchen hood drains and grease trap maintenance
  • Booster pumps for consistent water pressure on multi-story properties
  • High-capacity dishwashing station plumbing configured for rapid turnover
  • Scald protection devices in guest bathrooms

Healthcare & Laboratory Settings

Clinics and research labs require uncompromising sanitary standards. HEP ensures:

  • Medical-grade cross-connection control
  • Redundant water heating systems to preserve sterile conditions
  • Vacuum drainage for specialized equipment
  • Code-compliant waste disposal, including amalgam separators where necessary

Retail & Office Complexes

From boutiques on University Avenue to multi-tenant office buildings, retail properties benefit from:

  • Tenant-fit-out plumbing that integrates seamlessly with base building infrastructure
  • Sensor-activated fixtures to curb water usage
  • Zoned isolation valves to allow individual suite service without affecting neighbors
  • Tailored drainage designs for coffee shops, salons, and fitness centers within shared spaces

Sustainable Practices and Green Plumbing

HEP Company integrates environmentally responsible measures into every commercial project, recognizing that sustainability can reduce operating costs and strengthen Sewanee’s ecological stewardship.

High-Efficiency Fixtures and Appliances

By installing EPA WaterSense-labeled faucets, flushometers, and showerheads, HEP can lower water usage by up to 30% without compromising performance. High-efficiency commercial water heaters provide rapid recovery rates while cutting energy bills.

Rainwater Harvesting and Reuse

For properties with suitable roof area and storage capacity, HEP designs rainwater harvesting systems that supply irrigation, cooling towers, or toilet flushing. These systems include:

  • Filtration and first-flush diversion devices
  • Ultraviolet disinfection when potable quality is required
  • Automated level controls and makeup water integration

Greywater Systems

Laundry facilities and dormitories generate substantial greywater. HEP engineers greywater reuse installations that:

  • Collect effluent from showers and washing machines
  • Treat water via membrane filtration or bio-filtration modules
  • Redirect treated greywater to landscape irrigation or flushing fixtures

Leak Detection Technology

Smart sensors positioned at high-risk points—mechanical rooms, riser shafts, and restrooms—provide immediate alerts via building automation systems. Early detection preserves water resources and prevents costly structural damage.

Plumbing Code Compliance and Safety Protocols

Commercial plumbing in Sewanee must align with International Plumbing Code (IPC) standards, Tennessee state amendments, and local ordinances. HEP’s code specialists monitor legislative updates and ensure every project satisfies:

  • Pipe material and sizing regulations
  • Adequate venting to prevent sewer gas infiltration
  • Proper separation between potable water and contaminants
  • Accessibility requirements under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA)

HEP maintains up-to-date safety certifications, including OSHA compliance, confined space entry permits, and heat-illness prevention training. Work sites incorporate:

  • Clearly marked exclusion zones
  • Ladder and scaffold inspections
  • Lockout/tagout procedures for energized equipment
  • Personal protective equipment enforcement

Advanced Diagnostic Tools

Modern commercial plumbing relies on technology to expedite troubleshooting and minimize disruptions.

Video Pipe Inspection

High-resolution cameras mounted on flexible cables navigate drain and sewer lines, capturing real-time footage that identifies:

  • Root infiltration
  • Pipe deformation or collapse
  • Corrosion and scale accumulation
  • Illicit connections causing cross-contamination

HEP technicians interpret footage to recommend targeted repairs, avoiding unnecessary excavation.

Hydrostatic Pressure Testing

Pressurizing new or repaired pipelines at specified thresholds verifies system integrity before walls are closed or backfilling occurs. Sensors record test data to generate digital reports for project owners and inspectors.

Thermal Imaging

Infrared cameras detect temperature variations behind walls and under slabs, pinpointing hidden leaks without destructive demolition. Thermal scans also reveal insulation gaps that contribute to heat loss in recirculating hot-water systems.

Acoustic Leak Detection

Sensitive microphones identify the unique frequency signatures of escaping water. This technology allows HEP to isolate leaks in large-diameter pipes beneath concrete floors, asphalt parking lots, or landscaped areas.

Trenchless Repair and Replacement Techniques

Sewanee’s tree-lined walkways, historical landscaping, and limited access routes necessitate minimally invasive plumbing repairs. HEP deploys trenchless options such as:

  • Cured-in-place pipe (CIPP) lining to rehabilitate existing conduits with epoxy resin
  • Pipe bursting to replace compromised lines while simultaneously upsizing diameter
  • Directional boring for new service lines that bypass surface obstacles

These methods reduce downtime, preserve landscaping, and minimize restoration expenses.

Water Quality Management

Cross-Connection Control

HEP’s certified backflow technicians evaluate potable water systems for potential contamination risks posed by:

  • Fire suppression systems
  • Irrigation zones using fertilizers
  • Chemical dispensers in janitorial closets

Properly installed and maintained backflow preventers isolate hazards and keep drinking water safe.

Legionella Mitigation

Warm water recirculation loops in commercial facilities can harbor Legionella bacteria. HEP mitigates risks by:

  • Maintaining storage temperatures above ASHRAE recommendations
  • Conducting routine sampling and lab analysis
  • Installing secondary disinfection systems such as copper-silver ionization

Filtration and Softening

Sewanee’s water supply can exhibit varying mineral content and sediment load. Commercial water filtration protects equipment and improves user experience through:

  • Carbon filters for taste and odor reduction
  • Reverse osmosis systems for laboratories and coffee kiosks
  • Water softeners to prevent scale buildup in boilers and heat exchangers

Plumbing Infrastructure for Growth and Resilience

Sewanee’s expansion requires infrastructure flexible enough to accommodate future technology, population fluctuations, and environmental considerations. HEP positions properties for success through:

  • Scalable mechanical rooms with capacity for additional water heaters or pumps
  • Modular piping arrangements enabling quick tie-ins for building additions
  • IoT-enabled monitoring for predictive maintenance
  • Seismic supports and flexible connectors to withstand ground movement

Stormwater Management Solutions

Commercial sites must handle intense rainfall events without flooding interiors or overwhelming municipal systems. HEP designs stormwater strategies that integrate:

  • Roof drains sized for local rainfall intensity curves
  • Underground detention tanks with controlled discharge rates
  • Permeable pavers and bio-retention cells to promote groundwater recharge
  • Oil-water separators in parking areas to protect downstream waterways

Fire Suppression and Standpipe Integration

Fire safety plumbing intersects with potable systems, requiring coordinated design. HEP installs:

  • Wet and dry standpipe systems
  • Combined sprinkler/domestic water services with backflow prevention
  • Fire pump assemblies including jockey pumps and controllers
  • Test headers and inspector’s test connections

Proper integration ensures sufficient pressure during emergencies while preventing cross-contamination during normal operation.

Waste and Vent Stacks in Multi-Story Buildings

High-rise dormitories and mixed-use buildings present challenges in venting and drainage. HEP overcomes these issues with:

  • Sovent single-stack systems reducing pipe runs and wall penetrations
  • Air admittance valves where conventional vent routing is impractical
  • Pressure balancing fittings to prevent trap siphonage
  • Vertical expansion joints accommodating pipe movement caused by thermal changes

Specialty Gas and Laboratory Plumbing

Research environments demand precise gas delivery alongside standard water lines. HEP’s credentialed technicians install:

  • Medical and specialty gas piping in adherence to NFPA 99 standards
  • Vacuum lines and compressed air systems with color-coded identification
  • Purified water loops for autoclaves and glassware washers
  • Point-of-use regulators ensuring stable pressure for sensitive equipment

Integration with Building Automation Systems

Commercial plumbing can contribute valuable data to centralized building management platforms. HEP configures sensors and controllers that provide real-time insights into:

  • Water consumption trends by zone or tenant
  • Temperature readings for recirculating loops
  • Pump performance and energy usage
  • Leak alarms with automatic shutoff capability

Actionable data enables facilities teams to fine-tune operations, conserve resources, and extend asset life.

Training and Continuing Education

HEP fosters a culture of continuous improvement by enrolling its commercial plumbers in:

  • Manufacturer certification programs for emerging fixture and equipment technologies
  • Code update seminars hosted by trade associations
  • Safety workshops focusing on confined space, trenching, and rigging best practices
  • Leadership courses that enhance project management and client communication

This commitment translates into higher workmanship standards and innovative problem-solving on Sewanee job sites.

Local Partnerships and Community Engagement

HEP collaborates with Sewanee’s property managers, campus planners, and municipal inspectors to align plumbing strategies with broader community objectives. By participating in regional water conservation initiatives and sustainability forums, the company integrates local priorities into each project’s scope, ensuring plumbing investments support Sewanee’s long-term environmental health and economic vitality.

The HEP Advantage for Commercial Properties in Sewanee

Property owners and facility managers require a plumbing partner that provides reliability, technical expertise, and adaptability. HEP Company delivers these essential qualities through:

  • End-to-end project execution, from design through completion
  • Specialized knowledge of Sewanee’s topographical and regulatory context
  • Advanced technology deployment for diagnostics and monitoring
  • Eco-conscious practices that align with modern sustainability goals
  • Responsive emergency services that safeguard occupants and preserve assets

With decades of field experience and a dedicated commercial division, HEP elevates Sewanee’s plumbing infrastructure, enabling businesses, institutions, and organizations to thrive in a region where operational integrity and environmental stewardship go hand in hand.

Areas We Serve

AlcoaAllardtAltamontAndersonvilleApisonAthensBean StationBeersheba SpringsBelvidereBentonBirchwoodBlaineBlountvilleBluff CityBricevilleBristolCalhounCaryvilleCharlestonChattanoogaChurch HillClairfieldClevelandClintonCoalmontCollegedaleCookevilleCopperhillCorrytonCosbyCowanCrab OrchardCrossvilleCumberland GapDandridgeDaytonDecaturDecherdDeer LodgeDelanoDucktownDuffDunlapElizabethtonEloraEnglewoodErwinEstill SpringsEtowahEvensvilleFarragutFayettevilleFlintvilleFountain CityFriendsvilleGatlinburgGeorgetownGrandviewGraysvilleGreenbackGreenevilleGruetli-LaagerGuildHallsHarrimanHarrisonHarrogateHeiskellHelenwoodHillsboroHixsonHuntlandHuntsvilleJacksboroJamestownJasperJefferson CityJellicoJohnson CityJonesboroughKarnsKelsoKingsportKingstonKnoxvilleKodakLa FolletteLake CityLancingLenoir CityLookout MountainLoudonLouisvilleLuttrellLynchburgMadisonvilleManchesterMaryvilleMascotMaynardvilleMcDonaldMcMinnvilleMonteagleMontereyMorristownMountain CityMulberryNew MarketNew TazewellNewcombNewportNiotaNorrisOak RidgeOakdaleOcoeeOld FortOliver SpringsOneidaOoltewahPalmerPelhamPetrosPhiladelphiaPigeon ForgePikevillePioneerPowellRelianceRicevilleRobbinsRockfordRockwoodRogersvilleRutledgeSale CreekSequatchieSeviervilleSewaneeSeymourSharps ChapelShelbyvilleSignal MountainSoddy-DaisySouth PittsburgSpartaSpeedwellSpring CityStrawberry PlainsSunbrightSweetwaterTalbottTazewellTellico PlainsTen MileThorn HillTownsendTracy CityTullahomaTurtletownVonoreWallandWartburgWashburnWhite PineWhitwellWinchesterWinfield
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