AFS Foundation Repair & Waterproofing Specialists (AFS), A Groundworks Company, specializes in helping homeowners with their foundation repair, waterproofing, and concrete needs. Our top priority is providing high-quality home repair solutions and personalized service across Alabama, Georgia, Kentucky, Florida, and Tennessee. With fully trained technicians, industry-leading products, and nationally backed warranties, AFS is here to restore your basement, foundation, or crawl space.
"Our project started in March. It was not finished. We had to keep calling for someone to finish. A diagram was made of what would be done and how much it was going to cost. Shims were supposed to be put in. We showed it to one of the many different people from AFS. One guy, Todd, I believe his name is, told us for 6,000.00 we could get shims in. The guys shot holes through our skirting around the house. The first patch job was a dark grey. These aren't the only places they shot through. Now its cracking also. How is this possibly great work for almost 10,000.00!? The last guy to come out hasn't been back since Oct. Knoxville AFS is terrible! The last guy was here in Oct and not only are they not answering calls, they don't call us back."
Monty and cindy M on December 2024
AFS Foundation Repair & Waterproofing Specialists (AFS), A Groundworks Company, specializes in helping homeowners with their foundation repair, waterproofing, and concrete needs. Our top priority is providing high-quality home repair solutions and personalized service across Alabama, Georgia, Kentucky, Florida, and Tennessee. With fully trained technicians, industry-leading products, and nationally backed warranties, AFS is here to restore your basement, foundation, or crawl space.
"Our project started in March. It was not finished. We had to keep calling for someone to finish. A diagram was made of what would be done and how much it was going to cost. Shims were supposed to be put in. We showed it to one of the many different people from AFS. One guy, Todd, I believe his name is, told us for 6,000.00 we could get shims in. The guys shot holes through our skirting around the house. The first patch job was a dark grey. These aren't the only places they shot through. Now its cracking also. How is this possibly great work for almost 10,000.00!? The last guy to come out hasn't been back since Oct. Knoxville AFS is terrible! The last guy was here in Oct and not only are they not answering calls, they don't call us back."
Monty and cindy M on December 2024
Best Plumber is a full service plumbing company located in Knox county. We offer a wide variety of plumbing services. All of our lead technicians are state licensed plumbers with the experience to handle all of your plumbing issues.
"very professional."
Richard S on January 2025
Best Plumber is a full service plumbing company located in Knox county. We offer a wide variety of plumbing services. All of our lead technicians are state licensed plumbers with the experience to handle all of your plumbing issues.
"very professional."
Richard S on January 2025
At The Plumbing Authority, we know that you want to be able to relax and not deal with plumbing problems. Undependable plumbing causes you stress and frustration. You deserve to enjoy your home without worrying about your plumbing. This is why we send licensed plumbers out to your home, so that you can relax knowing your problem is in good hands. We do not just care about plumbing. We care about you and your home. We have helped thousands of homeowners solve their plumbing problems for over 29 years. Do not let unexpected plumbing issues ruin your day. Instead, find relief when you call us or schedule online.
"They came and fixed my original problem and found another problem. They were good on fixing all the problems I had"
David O on March 2025
At The Plumbing Authority, we know that you want to be able to relax and not deal with plumbing problems. Undependable plumbing causes you stress and frustration. You deserve to enjoy your home without worrying about your plumbing. This is why we send licensed plumbers out to your home, so that you can relax knowing your problem is in good hands. We do not just care about plumbing. We care about you and your home. We have helped thousands of homeowners solve their plumbing problems for over 29 years. Do not let unexpected plumbing issues ruin your day. Instead, find relief when you call us or schedule online.
"They came and fixed my original problem and found another problem. They were good on fixing all the problems I had"
David O on March 2025
With over 5 years of experience, I take pride in my quality craftsmanship. We are owner operated, and believe in building long-term relationships with our clients by delivering honesty along with exceptional work. We pride our company on reliability, great communication, integrity, and customer service. We are experts in our trade and will do our best to keep you as educated as we can on your particular project. Give us a call today! We look forward to working with you!
"I was very impressed with how quickly they responded to my initial request. They kept me updated on my appt time. The technician that came out was very knowledgeable and friendly. Definitely recommend them!!"
Rachael S on April 2025
With over 5 years of experience, I take pride in my quality craftsmanship. We are owner operated, and believe in building long-term relationships with our clients by delivering honesty along with exceptional work. We pride our company on reliability, great communication, integrity, and customer service. We are experts in our trade and will do our best to keep you as educated as we can on your particular project. Give us a call today! We look forward to working with you!
"I was very impressed with how quickly they responded to my initial request. They kept me updated on my appt time. The technician that came out was very knowledgeable and friendly. Definitely recommend them!!"
Rachael S on April 2025
American Foundation & Waterproofing proudly serves East Tennessee, North Georgia, and West North Carolina. We are local family owned and operated and have provided expert service in structural foundation repair, basement waterproofing, floor system repair, bowing wall repair, crawl space encapsulation, and concrete leveling for more than 15 years.We are licensed and insured, and are rated A+ by the Better Business Bureau. We are members in good standing with the National Association of Home Builders, and are recognized as an Elite Contractor by Home Advisor. We do things the right way. The American way.
"They were prompt, worked hard, and explained everything. They have truly delivered us peace of mind. We never have had to worry about the state of our basement since we called them."
Ken S on April 2025
American Foundation & Waterproofing proudly serves East Tennessee, North Georgia, and West North Carolina. We are local family owned and operated and have provided expert service in structural foundation repair, basement waterproofing, floor system repair, bowing wall repair, crawl space encapsulation, and concrete leveling for more than 15 years.We are licensed and insured, and are rated A+ by the Better Business Bureau. We are members in good standing with the National Association of Home Builders, and are recognized as an Elite Contractor by Home Advisor. We do things the right way. The American way.
"They were prompt, worked hard, and explained everything. They have truly delivered us peace of mind. We never have had to worry about the state of our basement since we called them."
Ken S on April 2025
WE DO NOT BUILD OR QUOTE ADDITIONS. We do Kitchens, baths, decks, docks and more. When craftsmanship matters, call us. License and insurance covers work over water and up to $1,000,000. If you can imagine it we will build or transform it.
"John was very responsive and quick to act on an attic ladder repair I needed. He was eager to help me complete the project and did what he said he would. I will definitely be hiring John again in the future"
Sierra V on April 2024
WE DO NOT BUILD OR QUOTE ADDITIONS. We do Kitchens, baths, decks, docks and more. When craftsmanship matters, call us. License and insurance covers work over water and up to $1,000,000. If you can imagine it we will build or transform it.
"John was very responsive and quick to act on an attic ladder repair I needed. He was eager to help me complete the project and did what he said he would. I will definitely be hiring John again in the future"
Sierra V on April 2024
Lawson excavating we off septic tanks, dirt work, driveway install, waterlines, electric lines, pond building and lot clearing Free estimates
"Excellent job"
Susie S on June 2023
Lawson excavating we off septic tanks, dirt work, driveway install, waterlines, electric lines, pond building and lot clearing Free estimates
"Excellent job"
Susie S on June 2023
At Elliott's Custom Builder, LLC we can help you with just about any project from a large custom home to a kitchen/bath remodel to an addition or garage. We build it all. We are a small family-owned and operated business with over 40 years experience in residential home building. We call our selves "builders" because we have the hands on knowledge to build your project from start to finish. Our subcontractors and employees are confident in our experience and know they are expected to perform to high standards. Our attention to detail is what makes us standout from the competition and because we limit the number of projects we work on to no more than two at a time so we can do just that.
"Tom and his crew remodeled our bathroom, added a sunroom, built a garage for our tractor and finished on open garage into a closed garage. Each day they cleaned the worksite before they left. They did an excellent job with each of these projects and we would not hesitate to use them again."
Len & Wanda T on November 2024
At Elliott's Custom Builder, LLC we can help you with just about any project from a large custom home to a kitchen/bath remodel to an addition or garage. We build it all. We are a small family-owned and operated business with over 40 years experience in residential home building. We call our selves "builders" because we have the hands on knowledge to build your project from start to finish. Our subcontractors and employees are confident in our experience and know they are expected to perform to high standards. Our attention to detail is what makes us standout from the competition and because we limit the number of projects we work on to no more than two at a time so we can do just that.
"Tom and his crew remodeled our bathroom, added a sunroom, built a garage for our tractor and finished on open garage into a closed garage. Each day they cleaned the worksite before they left. They did an excellent job with each of these projects and we would not hesitate to use them again."
Len & Wanda T on November 2024
PLEASE NOTE: We are unable to take repair work orders at this time. Local Family owned and operated roofing and remodeling company serving Knoxville and ALL surrounding counties. With over 20+ years in the construction business, we are here to address all your home remodeling needs you may have. We pride ourselves in making your dreams reality.
"Very much enjoyed working with these gentlemen. very helpful with making decisions. Did not hesitate to come back to fix minor issues. I believe they went above and beyond the norm. Would highly recommend them."
Claudia V on December 2022
PLEASE NOTE: We are unable to take repair work orders at this time. Local Family owned and operated roofing and remodeling company serving Knoxville and ALL surrounding counties. With over 20+ years in the construction business, we are here to address all your home remodeling needs you may have. We pride ourselves in making your dreams reality.
"Very much enjoyed working with these gentlemen. very helpful with making decisions. Did not hesitate to come back to fix minor issues. I believe they went above and beyond the norm. Would highly recommend them."
Claudia V on December 2022
Winkles Plumbing provides a variety of professional plumbing services. Winkles Plumbing is an active service provider and offers dynamic skilled workers. They were able to develop their skills through years of experience in field work. At Winkles Plumbing, we are convinced that the job done will surpass your expectations. We tender the best plumbing services and plumbing help at your convenience. We offer prompt and reliable service to sump pumps, water heaters, faucets, sinks, water lines, sewers, garbage disposals, toilets, and more at reasonable rates. Our team is dedicated to providing the best possible solutions for all your plumbing problems. We take pride in providing efficient plumbing services that match your needs and your budget. 18 years experience.
"It was a wonderful job and they did a fabulous work."
colleen s on March 2023
Winkles Plumbing provides a variety of professional plumbing services. Winkles Plumbing is an active service provider and offers dynamic skilled workers. They were able to develop their skills through years of experience in field work. At Winkles Plumbing, we are convinced that the job done will surpass your expectations. We tender the best plumbing services and plumbing help at your convenience. We offer prompt and reliable service to sump pumps, water heaters, faucets, sinks, water lines, sewers, garbage disposals, toilets, and more at reasonable rates. Our team is dedicated to providing the best possible solutions for all your plumbing problems. We take pride in providing efficient plumbing services that match your needs and your budget. 18 years experience.
"It was a wonderful job and they did a fabulous work."
colleen s on March 2023
Most residential pumps draw approximately 1,300 to 2,900 watts when they first start, then settle at roughly 800 to 1,050 watts during normal operation. The exact number depends on the motor’s horsepower and how often the float switch tells the pump to run. Even at the high end, the electricity cost is minor compared with the expense of cleaning up a flooded basement.
Grab a ruler and an empty 18‑inch‑wide pit. During a steady rain, time how much the water rises in one minute. Multiply that depth (in inches) by 60 to calculate gallons per hour, then add 50% for safety. If the result tops 2,100 gallons per hour—about 35 gallons a minute—you’ll need a 3/4‑horsepower unit. Anything lower, and a 1/3- or 1/2-horsepower pump should do the trick.
Loud rattling, constant cycling, or shuddering vibrations are the pump’s way of telling you it’s on its last legs. Musty smells, higher electric bills, and visible rust are other red flags. If the unit is 10 years old or older and exhibits any of these symptoms, replace it before the next heavy rain turns your basement into a wading pool.
You don’t have to hire a licensed plumber, but you should still bring in someone who installs sump pumps for a living—whether that’s a plumber, basement‑waterproofing specialist, or experienced handyman. They know the local codes, can wire the pump safely, and will test the system before they leave. Skipping professional help might void the warranty and could leave you with a pump that fails when you need it most.
Not every basement needs a pump, but if your home sits in a floodplain, has a high water table, or has ever taken on water during a storm, a sump pump is inexpensive insurance. For basements that only struggle with condensation or the occasional damp spot, sealing cracks and improving drainage may be all that is needed.