FAQs About Plumbing in Knoxville


The two main causes of high water bills are toilets that continuously run and underground water leaks. You can perform a simple test to narrow down the source of the leak. Turn off your home’s main shut-off valve and then check your water meter. If the meter is still spinning, the leak is likely located before the shut-off valve, most commonly underground. If the meter stops, the leak is somewhere within your home’s plumbing system after the shut-off valve.

No. Chemical drain cleaners are corrosive enough to rust metal pipes, soften PVC joints, and damage rubber gaskets in traps and garbage disposals. They also rarely remove the true cause of a clog, such as hair, grease, wipes, or tree root intrusion further down the line. Instead, consider using a bacteria-based drain maintenance product to help prevent clogs caused by normal buildup.

Soft food scraps, citrus peels, cereal, and small amounts of cooked vegetables are generally safe for your garbage disposal when cold water is running before, during, and for at least 15 seconds after use. Avoid putting grease, oil, coffee grounds, eggshells, pasta, rice, celery, corn husks, bones, fruit pits, or other fibrous materials down the disposal, as they can cause clogs, sludge buildup, or damage to the unit.

If only one fixture has low water pressure, start by checking the aerator. Unscrew it from the faucet and rinse away any mineral buildup. If low pressure affects the entire home, possible causes include a partially closed main shut-off valve, a failing pressure-reducing valve (PRV), mineral buildup inside older galvanized pipes, or a hidden water leak. In some situations, a booster pump may be required to improve pressure.

Three common signs indicate it may be time to repipe your home:
1. Repeated leaks in the same supply lines, especially in older galvanized steel pipes.
2. Discolored water, such as rust-orange or yellow water, or a noticeable metallic taste.
3. Water pressure that drops significantly when multiple fixtures are used at the same time due to mineral scale reducing the inside diameter of the pipes.
Although a whole-home repipe may sound disruptive, most repiping projects using PEX or copper piping can be completed within two to five days.

Popping or rumbling noises are usually caused by sediment buildup at the bottom of the water heater tank. This buildup forces the unit to work harder, increasing energy costs and causing additional wear on the tank and heating elements. An annual water heater flush can help prevent sediment accumulation. If your water heater is more than 10 years old and making unusual noises, it may be time to have it professionally inspected.

Yes. ProFlow Plumbing & Drain strives to provide same-day plumbing service whenever possible. Our experienced plumbers work quickly to diagnose issues and restore your plumbing system with minimal disruption.

Yes. ProFlow Plumbing & Drain offers emergency plumbing services for urgent situations such as burst pipes, major leaks, sewer backups, overflowing toilets, and water heater failures. Contact us immediately if you need fast plumbing assistance.

If you’re experiencing slow drains, recurring clogs, foul odors, gurgling sounds, or water backups, it’s time to call ProFlow Plumbing & Drain. Our professional drain cleaning services remove stubborn blockages and help prevent future plumbing problems.

Common warning signs include frequent drain backups, sewage odors, multiple clogged fixtures, and wet spots in your yard. ProFlow Plumbing & Drain can perform a sewer inspection to identify the issue and recommend the best solution.

Most homeowners benefit from professional drain cleaning every one to two years. ProFlow Plumbing & Drain can recommend a maintenance schedule based on your home’s plumbing system and usage patterns.

Yes. ProFlow Plumbing & Drain installs, repairs, and services tankless water heaters. These systems provide hot water on demand, improve energy efficiency, and can help lower utility costs over time.

A water filtration system can improve the taste, smell, and quality of your water while reducing contaminants. ProFlow Plumbing & Drain offers water filtration solutions designed to provide cleaner, healthier water throughout your home.

Traditional tank water heaters usually last between 8 and 12 years, while tankless water heaters can last 15 to 20 years or more with proper maintenance. ProFlow Plumbing & Drain can inspect your unit and help determine when replacement is needed.

A sewer camera inspection uses advanced video technology to inspect the inside of your pipes and sewer lines. ProFlow Plumbing & Drain uses camera inspections to accurately locate blockages, leaks, root intrusion, and pipe damage without unnecessary digging.

Yes. Tree roots can enter small cracks in sewer pipes and grow over time, causing blockages and pipe damage. ProFlow Plumbing & Drain can identify root intrusion and recommend effective repair solutions.

Repiping can improve water pressure, reduce recurring leaks, eliminate corrosion-related issues, and increase the reliability of your plumbing system. ProFlow Plumbing & Drain provides professional repiping services for older homes throughout the Knoxville area.

Signs of a hidden leak include unusually high water bills, damp spots, mold growth, musty odors, or hearing running water when no fixtures are being used. ProFlow Plumbing & Drain specializes in leak detection and repair services.

Yes. ProFlow Plumbing & Drain works with homeowners and contractors to install plumbing systems, fixtures, sinks, faucets, toilets, showers, and water lines for kitchen and bathroom remodeling projects.

Recurring clogs often indicate a deeper issue such as pipe damage, grease buildup, root intrusion, or a blockage further down the line. ProFlow Plumbing & Drain can diagnose the cause and provide a long-term solution.

Scheduling service with ProFlow Plumbing & Drain is simple. Call our team or submit a request through our website, and we’ll arrange a convenient appointment for your plumbing needs.

ProFlow Plumbing & Drain is committed to delivering reliable workmanship, honest recommendations, and exceptional customer service. Our experienced team provides quality plumbing solutions tailored to the needs of Knoxville homeowners and businesses.