
Drain Cleaning
Clogged kitchen sinks, slow bathroom drains and backed-up basement floor drains.
Sewage at the basement floor drain or coming up in a garden unit needs fast help, and our line is open 24/7. We clear the line, show you the cause and help keep it from happening again. Our office is on Diversey Parkway.

Until we arrive:
In a multi-unit building, tell the neighbors upstairs too.
Sewage carries bacteria.
Stay out of water near outlets and appliances.
Tell us where it's coming up.
Most backups come from:
Chicago's combined sewers push water back toward basements.
Old clay lets them in.
Shared lines clog faster.
Flow stops and debris piles up.
Most of Chicago's sewers were built before 1930, and they carry rainwater and sewage in the same pipes.
The lowest living space in the building is the most exposed.
If it only happens in heavy rain, the city sewer is likely full. If it happens on dry days, your line is blocked.
A backflow valve or an overhead sewer system keeps sewer water out.
Clear it, explain it, prevent it.
Drains working again.
On camera.
Flat rate.

Chicago's combined sewers carry rain and wastewater together. In July 2023, the McCook Reservoir, one of the biggest pieces of the region's flood storage, filled to capacity. When that happens, water has nowhere to go but back up, and the lowest drains in the city feel it first. That's why a garden unit can flood even when every pipe in the building is clean. Protection devices are what make the difference.
4.7 stars from 425 Google reviews for our Lincoln Park office.
"Jake Betke, his crew and his supervising manager Kyle Dooley did an exceptional job on our bundled plumbing projects this week. They worked really hard to get everything done on time and to do the difficult work well. I've had Jake help us in the past and this job was typical - expertly done plumbing and sewer work at a fair price."
"Prompt response to a water issue. Very professional and considerate. Would recommend!"
"Mike McSweeney was informative and very helpful. Good representation for J. Blanton"
The city's combined sewer fills up.
Chicago's sewers carry rain and wastewater together. In a heavy storm, they fill and push water back into the lowest drains. A backflow valve or overhead sewer stops it.
It depends on your declaration and the cause.
It depends on the condo declaration and where the problem was. We document the cause on video so the association and owners can sort it out.
Often only with a rider.
Many policies need a sewer backup rider. Check with your agent.
Keep the line clear and add protection.
Regular sewer maintenance, plus a backflow valve or overhead sewer if storms are the trigger.
Usually not.
Usually not. The city system is full. Protection on your side is what helps.
It depends on the cause. You'll approve a flat price first.
It depends on what caused it and how we reach the line. You'll approve a flat-rate price before we start.
Annual Protection Plan
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.


Clogged kitchen sinks, slow bathroom drains and backed-up basement floor drains.

Repair and replacement for the sump and ejector pumps that keep garden units and finished basements dry.

Cracked clay and cast iron sewer lines, roots and repeat backups under older buildings.

Repair for pipes that froze or burst in exterior walls, crawl spaces and unheated rooms.

Gas fireplace repair, gas line work and leak checks.

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

Burst pipes, sewer backups and no hot water, any time of day or night.
Our Lincoln Park office is at 800 W Diversey Pkwy, and our phone line is open 24/7.
We also serve Old Town, Gold Coast, Lake View, Lake View East, Wrigleyville, Bucktown, North Halsted and more.