Serving Chicagoland Since 1993

Overhead Sewer Systems in Algonquin, IL

If your basement drain backs up in wet weather, an overhead sewer system lifts basement wastewater above the level where backups happen. We install them in Algonquin homes from our office on Esplanade Drive.

J. Blanton Plumbing technician installing an overhead sewer pipe along a basement ceiling
Know the Signs

Should Your Algonquin Basement Have an Overhead Sewer?

It's worth considering if:

Water Rises at the Floor Drain in Storms

Then drains away once the rain stops.

Your Line Is Clear

No roots or sag, and it still happens.

You've Finished the Basement

Or plan to.

You're Close to the River

High water puts more load on the sewer.

The Basics

How an Overhead Sewer System Works

An overhead system takes the basement off gravity drainage. The floor drain and basement fixtures drain into a sealed pit. An ejector pump lifts the water to a pipe near the ceiling, a check valve keeps it from falling back and it leaves the house above the level the sewer can reach. When the sewer surcharges, there's no low opening for water to come through.

Local Knowledge

Do Algonquin Homes Need Overhead Sewers?

Many Algonquin homes are newer, but a newer house can still have gravity basement drains.

Check What You Have

Some homes from the 1990s and 2000s already have an ejector pit for a basement bathroom but still drain the floor drain by gravity. That floor drain is where storm water can come up.

High Water Raises the Risk

When the Fox River is high, as in April 2013 and July 2017, more water gets into sewer systems.

Finished Basements Worth Protecting

More than half of Algonquin homes went up between 1990 and 2009, many with finished lower levels.

Rule Out the Line First

We camera your line before recommending a conversion. A sewer repair may be all you need.

Know Your Options

Which Protection Does Your Basement Need?

Sump pumps, backflow valves and overhead sewers each stop a different kind of water:

Sump PumpBackflow ValveOverhead Sewer System
Water it stopsGroundwater rising under and around the basementSewer water flowing backward into the drainSewer water rising through any basement drain in a storm
What's installedA pit, a pump and a discharge lineA valve with a flap on the main lineA sealed pit, an ejector pump and new overhead piping
Good fit forHomes near the river with high groundwaterHomes with a simple layout and occasional backupsFinished basements with repeat backups

We'll tell you which ones your basement needs.

The J. Blanton Difference

What Happens When You Call J. Blanton

Every system starts with your line.

1. Camera First

So you don't buy a system you don't need.

2. Planned Around Your Basement

Pit, pump and piping placed carefully in finished space.

3. Flat Price, Water-Tested

One price, tested before we leave.

773-724-9272
J. Blanton plumber in shoe covers on a home's front steps with a sewer camera
Customer Stories

Overhead Sewer System Reviews

4.7 stars from 5,669+ Google reviews across all J. Blanton locations.

"Thank you to Scott and Payton for coming by and helping us out. They identified a sewer pipe problem that was worse than what we were expecting, they provided a solution to the problem that will help in the long run and we have confidence that the solution will solve the problem and that we will not have to worry about it in the future"

Jack Stone
Verified Customer

"Scott was so helpful and easy to work with! He was so patient and thorough in explaining our options! And Walter loved him!"

Markie Waymire
Verified Customer

"Mike P was super helpful and great at explaining the options we have for our sewer line."

Brian T
Verified Customer
Got Questions?

Overhead Sewer Questions From Algonquin Homeowners

Some do. Look for a sealed pit with a pump and a pipe going up.

Some do. If your basement has a sealed pit with a pump and a pipe running up toward the ceiling, you may already have one. We can confirm in one visit.

No. That's a sump pump's job.

No. It stops sewer backups. Groundwater needs a sump pump.

Yes.

Yes. It drains to the new pit along with the rest of the basement.

Usually a few days.

Usually a few days, depending on the layout and how finished the basement is.

It depends on your basement. The price comes first.

It depends on sewer depth, layout, fixtures and access. We quote a flat rate before we start.

Annual Protection Plan

Join the No Drip Club for Year-Round Sewer Protection

Prevent catastrophes before they disrupt your life. The No Drip Club ensures your waste and sewer lines are monitored and serviced regularly by J. Blanton’s absolute best.

  • Two Free Professional Maintenance Visits per Year
  • 10% Discount on All General Plumbing & Sewer Services
  • 5-Year Parts and Labor Warranty on Approved Projects
  • VIP Priority Scheduling Status (Skip the Queue)
Learn More About the No Drip Club
No Drip Club mascot: an illustrated J. Blanton plumber holding a red pipe wrench
What We Fix

Plumbing Services in Algonquin

J. Blanton plumbers working a sewer lining machine connected to the cleanout at a residential sewer repair

Sewer Repair

Tree roots, cracked pipe and repeat backups in the line from your house to the street.

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J. Blanton plumber checking the controls at the base of a basement water heater

Water Heaters

Repair and replacement for tank and tankless water heaters that leak, make noise or run out of hot water too fast.

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Plumber feeding a drain cleaning cable into an outdoor drain pit to clear a clogged line

Drain Cleaning

Slow, gurgling or backed-up drains in kitchens, bathrooms and basements.

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J. Blanton plumber working on the wiring of a basement sump pump pit

Sump Pumps

Sump pump repair, replacement and battery backups to keep your basement dry when the Fox River runs high.

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J. Blanton plumber replacing the filter cartridges on an under-sink reverse osmosis water filtration system

Water Testing & Filtration

Water testing and filtration systems for homes on Algonquin's village well water.

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J. Blanton plumber leaning over an open toilet tank to check the fill valve during a toilet repair

Toilets & Showers

Running toilets, leaky shower valves and new fixture installs.

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Local Office, 24/7 Phone

Ready to Protect Your Basement?

Our Algonquin office is at 2390 Esplanade Dr, Suite 200F, and our phone line is open 24/7.

We also serve Lake in the Hills, Crystal Lake, Cary, Huntley, Barrington Hills, Prairie Grove and more.

Call Now: 773-724-9272
Need a Plumber?Call our Algonquin Office
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