Emergency Overflow
Emergency Overflow | Drain Opening | Plumbing | Thorn Hill
When a surprise storm surge or a late-night washer cycle pushes your pipes past their limit, Thorn Hill homeowners turn to HEP’s emergency overflow team for fast relief. Armed with high-pressure jetters, video inspection gear, and decades of local know-how, our technicians rush in, locate the blockage, and perform precise drain opening to restore free-flowing pipes before water damage spreads. We’re on call 24/7, so whether it’s a basement floor drain or a kitchen sink that’s backing up, help is always minutes away.
Every visit includes a full system check, clear up-front pricing, and the kind of courteous service that’s made HEP a household name across East Tennessee. From preventive tips that keep roots and grease at bay to workmanship warranties that protect your budget, we don’t just clear the clog—we make sure your plumbing stays clear. Call, text, or book online now and feel the difference a professional drain opening can make for your Thorn Hill home.
FAQs
What qualifies as an emergency overflow and when should I call for help?
An emergency overflow occurs when a drain, toilet, or sewer line backs up to the point that water or waste is spilling onto floors, landscaping, or other areas where it can cause damage or create a health hazard. You should call immediately if water is rising despite your efforts to stop it, multiple fixtures back up at once, you smell sewage, or you suspect a main line blockage. Acting fast reduces structural damage, mold growth, and repair costs.
How quickly can your Thorn Hill plumbers arrive after I place an emergency call?
We have a dedicated on-call team in Thorn Hill 24/7/365. In most cases a licensed technician is dispatched within 15 minutes of your call and can be on-site in 60 minutes or less. Real-time GPS tracking allows our office to update you with exact arrival times, so you’re never left wondering when help will get there.
What techniques do you use to open clogged drains safely?
After a visual inspection and, if needed, a video camera inspection, we choose the least invasive but most effective method. Common options include motorized drain augers (snakes) for localized clogs, high-pressure hydro-jetting for grease, scale, or tree-root intrusions, and enzymatic or eco-friendly solvents for organic blockages. All equipment is commercial-grade and designed to protect your piping while restoring full flow.
Will you need to dig up my yard or tear out walls to fix the overflow?
Not in most cases. Our camera inspection pinpoints the exact clog location, allowing targeted access through existing clean-outs or fixture openings. If the problem is in a buried main, trenchless pipe-lining or spot repair techniques often let us fix it through small entry points. Full excavation or wall removal is a last resort and only recommended when a pipe is collapsed or severely corroded.
How much does emergency drain opening cost and do you provide upfront pricing?
Pricing depends on the clog’s location, severity, and the technique required, but we provide a firm, written estimate before work begins. Diagnostic fee starts at $89 and is waived with repair approval. Typical same-day residential emergency openings in Thorn Hill range from $250–$550; hydro-jetting or trenchless repairs can be higher. We accept all major credit cards, offer financing for larger jobs, and our work is backed by a 90-day clear-drain guarantee.
What can I do before the technician arrives to minimize damage?
1) Shut off the water supply feeding the affected fixture or the main shut-off if multiple drains are backing up. 2) Avoid using sinks, toilets, or appliances that discharge into the clogged line. 3) Move valuables and electronics away from the overflow area. 4) Place towels or a wet-vac to contain water, but do not use chemical drain cleaners—they can make the clog worse and create a safety hazard for our crew. 5) Ventilate the area if sewage odors are present. Following these steps helps keep your home safe until we get there.