When Water Bills Spike: A Knoxville Homeowner’s Story

Plumbing | Knoxville | Plumbing in Knoxville

The Unexpected Spike in Water Usage

One sunny afternoon in Knoxville, a homeowner received an alert from their local water authority about unusually high consumption. Worried by rising bills and suspecting a hidden leak, they also mentioned a sluggish garbage disposal that often hummed but never quite ground waste properly.

Diagnosis and Recommendation

A friendly HEP technician arrived the next day to inspect the property. They began by checking the water meter and tracing the line from the street to the house. It quickly became clear that the aging metal main line buried underground had developed hairline cracks, causing water to seep into the yard without visible puddles. Meanwhile, the garbage disposal simply needed a quick clean-out and adjustment to its grinding mechanism.

Replacing Old Lines with Durable Solutions

After discussing options, the homeowner opted for a straightforward upgrade: installing modern, flexible PEX tubing. This material resists corrosion and bends easily around obstacles in the yard.

Once the new section of supply line was in place, every connection was tightened and pressure-tested to ensure a leak-free system.

Before restoring the yard, the HEP technician inspected the alignment and support of the new piping within the trench to confirm everything was perfectly positioned.

Protecting Your Yard

Work of this nature always involves some digging. In this case, the soil was neatly backfilled and fresh grass seed was laid down. A light layer of straw was added to prevent erosion and nurture new growth.

Smart Tips for Homeowners

• Keep an eye on your water meter. A steady movement when all fixtures are off often signals a hidden leak.
• Ask your [Plumbing in Knoxville] pros to test your pressure control valve. Proper pressure keeps pipes and appliances safe.
• Schedule annual inspections with a qualified HEP technician. Routine checks can spot small issues before they become big headaches.
• Maintain your garbage disposal by running cold water during use and avoiding fibrous foods or grease.

By taking these proactive steps, you can avoid surprises on your monthly statement and ensure your home in [Knoxville] stays leak-free. For everyday maintenance or more complex projects, reach out to your local experts for reliable [Plumbing] advice.

Published on October 20, 2025