Clearing a Clogged Laundry Sink and Installing Septic Risers: A Knoxville Success Story

Plumbing
Knoxville
Plumbing in Knoxville

Every homeowner dreads finding water pooling in a laundry room. That’s exactly what happened to a family in Knoxville when their upstairs washing machine began to back up into the mop sink below. HEP technicians were called in to diagnose the issue and restore smooth drain flow—only to discover the problem wasn’t just a simple clog but an overfull septic tank pushing wastewater back into the house.

Here’s how the team tackled it, step by step, and some tips you can use if ever you face a similar problem.

1. Pinpointing Underground Lines

Before digging anywhere, our HEP technician uses a state-of-the-art locator to map out hidden pipes. This prevents accidental damage to other utilities and pinpoints exactly where the septic line runs.

2. Inspecting the Drain Internally

With the initial clog cleared, the next step was to confirm no deeper blockages existed between the house and the tank. A small waterproof camera was inserted into the laundry sink’s drain. This live video feed showed the line was clear—until the tank itself began to spill back.

3. Excavation and Riser Installation

Realizing the septic tank needed better access for routine pumping, our crew carefully dug down to it—about four feet below grade. After locating the lid, they:

• Removed the old cover
• Added three sturdy risers so future service calls won’t require deep digging
• Secured each riser with concrete for stability
• Backfilled the trench and graded the soil

4. Restoring Your Yard

Once plumbing work is complete, protecting the landscape is a priority. Technicians:

• Spread grass seed over disturbed areas
• Applied straw or mulch to encourage germination
• Made sure water runoff flows away from the house

A well-restored yard means no one can tell a trench was ever there—until you need septic service again.

Why Septic Risers Matter

Easy Maintenance: Risers bring your tank’s access port within arm’s reach, cutting down labor time and cost.
Prevent Overflows: Regular pumping of a properly accessed tank avoids backups into your home.
Protect Your Property: Minimal digging keeps lawns, driveways, and landscaping intact.

Homeowner Tips

• Schedule septic inspections every 2–3 years.
• Always hire technicians who locate underground lines first.
• Document new installations—take photos of lids, labels or risers for future reference.

If you live in Knoxville and need reliable Plumbing in Knoxville or help with septic access, our HEP technicians are ready to keep your home flowing smoothly.