- HEP Plumbing
- Professional Augers

Professional Augers
Professional Augers | Drain Opening | Plumbing | Townsend
When a stubborn clog brings your Townsend home to a standstill, HEP’s seasoned plumbers arrive with industrial-grade augers, video inspection gear, and the know-how to clear the line without guesswork. Our specialists pinpoint the blockage, break through roots, grease, and mineral buildup, and restore full flow—often in a single visit—so you can get back to mountain-town living minus the mess. From kitchen sinks that won’t empty to main sewer backups threatening your yard, we deliver fast, tidy, code-compliant drain opening service you can trust.
Customers across Blount County rave about the courteous techs who lay protective drop cloths, explain every step, and offer upfront pricing before any work begins. Whether you’re dealing with an emergency flood at midnight or just want preventative maintenance before hosting weekend guests, schedule your drain opening with HEP today and experience why we’re Townsend’s first call for clear pipes and peace of mind.
FAQs
What are the common signs that I need professional drain opening services in Townsend?
Slow-draining sinks or tubs, recurring clogs, gurgling sounds in pipes, foul odors coming from drains, and water backing up in fixtures are all warnings that a blockage is forming deeper in the line. If plunging or household cleaners don’t restore normal flow within a short time, it’s best to call our Townsend team so the obstruction doesn’t grow and cause a complete shutdown or water damage.
What is an auger (drain snake) and how does it clear my clogged drain?
A plumbing auger—often called a drain snake—is a flexible steel cable with a corkscrew or cutting head. We feed the cable into the clogged pipe and rotate it with a motor or hand crank. The head drills through grease, hair, soap scum, tree roots, or mineral buildup, either breaking the clog apart or pulling it back out. Unlike chemical drain cleaners, an auger removes the blockage mechanically and is safe for most pipe materials used in Townsend homes.
Will using an auger damage my pipes?
No—when operated by a trained technician, augering is one of the safest mechanical methods of drain cleaning. We select the correct cable diameter and cutting tip for your pipe size and material (PVC, copper, cast iron, etc.) and control the torque to avoid scraping or puncturing. Our plumbers also run a post-cleaning camera inspection when needed to verify the line’s integrity. Any pre-existing pipe weakness will be reported so you can plan repairs.
How long does a typical drain opening appointment take?
Most single-fixture clogs (kitchen sink, shower, or toilet) are cleared within 30–60 minutes once we’re on site. More complex issues—such as a main sewer line blockage or multiple affected fixtures—can run 1–2 hours because we may need to set up larger equipment or perform video inspections. We provide a time estimate after our initial assessment and keep you informed throughout the process.
Do you offer emergency drain opening in Townsend and surrounding areas?
Yes. Our technicians are on call 24 / 7 for urgent clogs that threaten to overflow or halt critical operations. We can usually arrive anywhere in Townsend within 60 minutes, and we also cover nearby communities such as Port Townsend, Chimacum, and Cape George. There is no extra mileage fee for customers inside our regular service zone; after-hours rates are quoted upfront so there are no surprises.
What steps can I take to prevent future drain clogs after you’ve cleared my line?
• Keep food scraps, coffee grounds, and grease out of kitchen drains—use strainers and wipe pans with paper towels before washing. • In bathrooms, install hair catchers in shower/tub drains and regularly remove trapped hair. • Never flush wipes (even “flushable” ones), feminine hygiene products, or excessive toilet paper. • Run hot water for 30 seconds after each use of the disposal to push debris through. • Schedule annual preventative maintenance with our team—light augering or hydro-jetting keeps your main line clear and lets us spot small issues before they become emergencies.