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Serving Chicagoland Since 1993
Sewer Rodding in Arlington Heights, IL
When the basement floor drain fills up or every drain in the house slows down at once, the main line is blocked. We rod it clear, show you what caused it on camera and give you one flat price before we start. Our office on East Central Road answers 24/7.
The Basics
What Is Sewer Rodding?
Sewer rodding clears a blocked main line with a long, flexible steel cable fed through a cleanout access point. A cutting head on the end breaks through roots, grease, and debris and pushes the blockage toward the street connection, restoring flow through the pipe. It's the standard first fix for a clogged or backed-up sewer line. For most homes, it's the only fix needed.
When Your Arlington Heights Home Needs Sewer Rodding
These point to a blocked main line, not a single fixture:
Water Around the Floor Drain
The floor drain is the lowest opening in most Arlington Heights basements, so a main line clog shows up there first.
The Washer Drains Into the Floor
If water comes up through the floor drain when the washing machine empties, the line can't carry the volume.
Several Fixtures Slow Down Together
One slow sink is a local clog. A slow tub, toilet and sink at the same time point to the main.
You Had It Rodded Last Spring
Roots grow back. If you're on a once-a-year cycle, it's time again.
What Clogs Main Lines in Arlington Heights
With about 3 in 4 homes built between 1940 and 1989, most of the main lines we rod here are decades old.
Roots at Clay Joints
In postwar neighborhoods, roots from mature parkway and backyard trees find the joints in clay laterals and form a mat. Rodding cuts them back so water flows again.
Scale in Old Cast Iron
Cast iron drains inside the house build up rust scale over the years. The pipe gets narrower, and paper and grease catch on the rough walls.
Spring Root Growth
Roots grow fastest in spring and early summer, which is also when heavy storms test the line. A line that's half blocked by roots is the first to back up.
When Rodding Isn't Enough
If roots come back in a few months, hydro jetting clears more of the pipe wall. If the camera shows a crack or a sag, that's a sewer repair.
The J. Blanton Difference773-724-9272
How We Handle Sewer Rodding
A clogged main line shouldn't come with a surprise bill.
1. Find the Cleanout
Many older homes have a cleanout inside the basement. We find it, protect the floor and set up there.
2. Clear It and Show You
We rod the line to the city main, then run a camera so you see what caused the clog and how much is left.
3. Flat Price Before We Start
If the camera shows damage, you get options and a price for each. You decide what happens next.
Customer Stories
Sewer Rodding Reviews
4.8 stars from 709 Google reviews for our Arlington Heights office.
★★★★★
"On 11/25/2025 technician Mr. Edgar Herrera did amazing job fixing problem what we have. He spent long hours making sure that everything worked. He was very professional and also understanding our needs. Thank you so much Mr. Herrera."
★★★★★
"Jovany was super helpful and got the job done, explaining everything to me in detail, dealt nicely with the fact that we had to reschedule the service due to weather issues. Great service."
★★★★★
"I had another company come out first to fix my sewer line that got blocked in this cold weather, but the issue was not fully resolved. [...] They all were professional, knowledgeable, offered solutions, and answered all my questions. They all went above and beyond to make sure my issue is fixed efficiently and as soon as possible."
Got Questions?
Sewer Rodding Questions From Arlington Heights Homeowners
Once a year for most homes with root problems. Less often for clean lines.
If roots have clogged your line before, once a year is a good rule, ideally in early spring. If the camera shows a clean line with no roots, you may not need regular rodding at all.
Same idea, bigger machine. Rodding clears the main sewer line.
Same idea, different scale. A small snake clears a sink or tub drain. Sewer rodding uses a heavy cable machine with cutting heads to clear the main line from the house to the street.
Done right, no. If the pipe is already broken, the camera will show it.
Done properly, no. We size the cutting head to the pipe. If the line is already cracked or collapsed, the camera will show it, and we'll tell you before going further.
A partly blocked line or an overloaded sewer. The camera shows which.
Either your line is partly blocked and can't keep up when the sewer is full, or the public sewer itself is overloaded and pushing water back. Clearing and inspecting the line tells us which. For repeat storm backups, see overhead sewer systems.
It depends on access and how blocked the line is. You get a flat price first.
It depends on access to the cleanout, the length of the line and what's blocking it. We give you a flat-rate price before any work begins.
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)
What We Fix
Plumbing Services in Arlington Heights
Learn More
Sewer Repair
Tree roots, cracked clay pipe and repeat backups in the line from your house to the street.
Water Heaters
Repair and replacement for tank and tankless water heaters that leak, make noise or run out of hot water too fast.
Drain Cleaning
Slow, gurgling or backed-up drains in kitchens, bathrooms and basements.
Burst & Frozen Pipes
Repair for pipes that froze or burst, from basement water lines to outdoor spigots.
Catch Basins
Cleaning and repair for yard and driveway catch basins that back up and flood when it rains.
Emergency Plumbing
Burst pipes, sewer backups and no hot water, any time of day or night.
Local Office, 24/7 Phone
Ready to Get Your Main Line Flowing?
Our Arlington Heights office is at 1204 E. Central Road, Suite 3, and our phone line is open 24/7.
We also serve Mount Prospect, Rolling Meadows, Palatine, Buffalo Grove, Des Plaines, Schaumburg and more.
Need a Plumber?Call our Arlington Heights Office
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