Diagnostic Tools
Diagnostic Tools | Pipe Upgrades | Plumbing | Sharps Chapel
Tucked between rolling hills and Norris Lake, many Sharps Chapel homes still rely on aging galvanized or polybutylene lines that hide leaks behind walls and under slabs. HEP’s licensed plumbers arrive with high-definition drain cameras, electronic leak detectors, and ultrasonic flow meters that let you see real-time video of your pipes and hear the faint hiss of escaping water before it becomes a costly surprise. By diagnosing the exact location and cause of corrosion, mineral buildup, or pressure loss, we eliminate guesswork and save you from unnecessary drywall demolition.
Armed with this data, our team designs targeted pipe upgrades that swap out trouble spots for durable PEX or copper while preserving as much of your existing plumbing as possible. You’ll enjoy stronger water pressure, cleaner tasting water, and peace of mind backed by HEP’s workmanship warranty—all wrapped up in a service visit that’s as friendly as a neighbor’s wave at the Sharps Chapel marina. Call today and watch the difference our diagnostic tools make.
FAQs
What diagnostic tools do you use to assess my plumbing system before recommending a pipe upgrade?
We rely on a suite of modern plumbing diagnostic tools to get a complete picture of your existing pipe network. These include high-resolution sewer/video cameras that travel through the pipe, electronic leak-detection equipment that pinpoints hidden leaks or slab breaches, pressure tests to measure flow restrictions, and infrared thermal imaging to detect temperature anomalies that signal corrosion or water loss. The data from these tools lets us determine pipe condition, layout, and any code violations so we can recommend the most cost-effective upgrade plan for your Sharps Chapel home or business.
How does a video camera inspection actually work and what issues can it uncover?
A flexible fiber-optic camera is inserted into a clean-out or other access point, then pushed or steered through the pipe. The live video feed shows the interior walls in real time, allowing our technician to spot cracks, root intrusions, scale buildup, offsets, or collapsed sections. We can also mark the exact depth and horizontal location from above ground. This non-invasive method eliminates unnecessary digging, speeds up troubleshooting, and ensures that any pipe upgrade focuses only on sections that truly need replacement, saving you money and yard disruption.
Why should I consider a full or partial pipe upgrade in Sharps Chapel instead of repeated spot repairs?
Older galvanized steel, polybutylene, or even early generation PVC pipes found in some Sharps Chapel properties are prone to corrosion, leaks, and flow restrictions. If diagnostics show multiple weak points, a comprehensive upgrade prevents recurring repair costs, water damage, higher utility bills, and potential health risks from lead or bacterial growth. Upgrading also raises property value, improves water pressure, and ensures compliance with current Tennessee plumbing codes.
What pipe materials do you recommend for our region’s water quality and temperature swings?
For potable water lines we generally recommend PEX-a or type L copper. PEX-a is flexible, resists freeze cracking, and requires fewer fittings—ideal for Sharps Chapel’s occasional cold snaps. Type L copper is durable, bacteriostatic, and has a 50+ year life expectancy. For drain and sewer lines, schedule 40 PVC or SDR-35 are standard, while trenchless cured-in-place pipe (CIPP) liners are an excellent option if excavation must be minimized. The final choice depends on water chemistry, budget, and access constraints, which we discuss after diagnostics.
How long will a typical pipe upgrade take, and will my water be shut off the whole time?
Most single-family pipe replacement projects in Sharps Chapel are completed in 1–3 days. We stage work so your water is off only during critical tie-in periods—usually a few hours. If we’re repiping an entire home, we can set up temporary water bypass lines to keep essential fixtures running. For commercial buildings, we often schedule night or weekend work to minimize business disruption.
Are pipe upgrades covered by homeowners insurance, and do you offer financing?
Standard homeowners policies usually cover sudden water damage from a burst pipe but not the cost of replacing old or corroded plumbing. However, some insurers offer optional service line endorsements that may help. We provide detailed inspection reports you can submit to your carrier. For out-of-pocket costs, we partner with third-party lenders to offer low-interest financing and flexible payment plans, making it easier to spread the investment in your new plumbing system over time.