Knoxville Plumbing Repairs & Services

• Pipe materials: Older homes in Knoxville may have been built with galvanized steel or cast-iron pipes that are more prone to corrosion and rust, which can result in leaks, low water pressure, pipe failure, and other issues.
• Water quality: Knoxville and East Tennessee have hard water, meaning the water supply has higher levels of mineral concentration, including calcium and magnesium. Minerals in hard water can form limescale buildup and deposits in your plumbing system, including pipes, water heaters, and fixtures such as faucets and toilets. These deposits can result in clogged pipes, low water pressure, and damage to water heater components. To help reduce the effects of hard water, you may want to invest in a water softener for your home.
• Old plumbing fixtures: Outdated fixtures and valves in older East Tennessee homes may be worn out, leading to leaks, inadequate water pressure, and less efficiency.
• Sewer and water lines: Older homes often have sewer lines made out of clay or cast-iron pipes that can crack and erode over time. Older sewer lines can also be damaged by tree root intrusion or a sinking section of pipes known as pipe bellies, resulting in leaks and backups. Older homes also tend to have shifting foundations that can cause cracks in drain lines, water lines, and sewer pipes.

No matter what plumbing or sewer problems you may encounter, you can rely on our plumbing experts to help with quality repairs, maintenance, and replacements.

Most standard tank style water heaters last between eight and 12 years, while tankless systems can last up to 15 to 20 years. The lifespan of water heaters depends on several factors, including the type of water heater, the fuel source, the local water quality, and how often it’s serviced with routine professional maintenance.

Repairing a water heater can usually be a good solution for minor problems and newer systems. However, if your water heater is nearing the end of its lifespan, is leaking, or if your water bills have skyrocketed, it may be time for replacement. We also recommend water heater replacement if yours is inefficient, needs frequent repairs, or if the cost of the repair is over half the cost to replace it.

Low water pressure can cause major frustrations during daily tasks such as cleaning and bathing, while also making your plumbing fixtures almost unusable. Unfortunately, many things can cause these issues.

The most common causes include debris buildup, pipe corrosion, leaks, improperly sized pipes, partially closed valves, a faulty pressure regulator, a malfunctioning water heater, or even problems with your local water supply.

To get to the root of your water pressure issue, trust our team of certified plumbing experts to provide a full assessment of your plumbing system.

Water pressure for a residential home should typically be between 40 and 80 PSI (pounds per square inch) with 60 PSI being the ideal water pressure for most homes.

It’s important to note that these pressure ranges may vary depending on factors such as the local water supply, the size of the home, and the type of plumbing system. If you have concerns about your water pressure, it’s best to consult with a certified plumbing professional for advice. 

Cold and freezing weather can wreak havoc on your plumbing.

• To prevent serious issues like frozen, leaking, or burst pipes, we recommend insulating exposed pipes and sealing gaps and cracks in your home that let cold air in.
• You can also open cabinet doors under your kitchen and bathroom sinks to let warm air heat your pipes.
• On particularly cold nights, let your faucets slowly drip to prevent freezing and make sure you know where your shutoff valve is, in case a pipe bursts.
• The number one reason for frozen pipe damage is leaving a hose connected to your outside water spigot, so remove hoses in colder weather and attach an insulated cover.

The three main types of plumbing systems are potable water systems, sanitary drainage systems, and stormwater drainage systems. 

Potable water system (water supply system):

• It provides clean, drinkable water to fixtures and appliances like faucets, showers, washing machines, and dishwashers for drinking, cooking, and cleaning.
• This system typically includes waterlines, pipes, valves, water heaters, and pressure regulators.

Sanitary drainage system (wastewater or sewer system):

• Removes used wastewater and sewage from fixtures such as sinks, toilets, showers, and other plumbing appliances.
• This system includes drains and sewer lines and is connected to either a municipal sewer line or a septic tank.

Stormwater drainage system:

• Handles and collects rainwater runoff or snow melt by directing water away from buildings or roads to prevent flooding and water damage.
• This system includes gutters, downspouts, storm drains, and more.