Sewer Repair
Cracked clay and cast iron sewer lines, roots and repeat backups under century-old homes.
Serving Chicagoland Since 1993
Overhead Sewer Systems in Ravenswood, Chicago
If the garden unit or basement floods every time a big storm hits, an overhead sewer keeps sewer water out for good. We install them in Ravenswood homes and two-flats. Our office is on Ravenswood Avenue.
Does Your Ravenswood Home Need an Overhead Sewer?
Consider one when:
Backups Come With Storms
Not on dry days.
The Line Is Clear on Camera
And it still happens.
Someone Lives Below Grade
A garden unit or finished basement.
You Flooded in 2011
And don't want a repeat.
How an Overhead Sewer System Works
Every drain below the street sewer's flow line, like your floor drain, a basement bathroom, or a laundry line, normally relies on gravity to reach the sewer. An overhead sewer system reroutes those drains into a sump pit instead. An ejector pump lifts that wastewater up to a line above flood level, where a check valve keeps it from flowing back down. From there, gravity carries it the rest of the way to the street sewer, the same as every drain upstairs.
Overhead Sewers in Ravenswood
In July 2011, record rainfall flooded basements across Ravenswood. According to MWRD, two-thirds of an inch of rain in an hour can overwhelm Chicago's sewers.
Garden Units in Two-Flats
Below-grade apartments are the most exposed space in the building.
Old Foundations
We plan the pit and pipe path carefully in century-old basements.
Camera First
A blocked lateral can cause backups too. A sewer repair may be enough.
Overhead Sewer vs. Backflow Valve vs. Standpipe
Common Chicago options:
| Standpipe | Backflow Valve | Overhead Sewer System | |
|---|---|---|---|
| What it does | Raises the floor drain opening | Closes on reverse flow | Lifts all basement wastewater above flood level |
| Best for | Occasional light backups | Moderate risk | Repeat backups and garden units |
| Basement fixtures | Not protected | Partly protected | Fully protected |
We'll tell you which ones your basement needs.
The J. Blanton Difference773-724-9272
What Happens When You Call J. Blanton
Start with the line.
1. Camera First
Rule out a simpler fix.
2. Plan the Layout
Pit, pump and piping.
3. Flat Price, Water-Tested
Before we leave.
Overhead Sewers for Garden Apartments
Turning a basement into a garden apartment, or protecting one that already exists, often means an overhead sewer. Every fixture in the unit drains to a sealed pit, and the pump lifts the waste above flood level. In older Chicago buildings, we plan the route around low ceilings, old foundation walls and existing ductwork. We also size the pump for the unit's fixtures, so a full bathroom, kitchen and laundry all drain without strain.
Customer Stories
Overhead Sewer System Reviews
4.6 stars from 3,546 Google reviews for our Ravenswood office.
★★★★★
"Fantastic service! J. Blanton Plumbing provided same day service when our bathroom was flooding due to a faulty pipe. Anthony went above and beyond, and did not leave our home until the issue was resolved. He was professional, pleasant and communicative throughout the process and provided the best experience we have had in a long time. It's safe to say that we will continue to use the services of J. [...]"
★★★★★
"John was very professional and knowledgeable, he quickly helped us drain our flooded basement and left us feeling confident in the work he had done. Confidence is priceless when it comes to plumbing."
★★★★★
"Mike P was super helpful and great at explaining the options we have for our sewer line."
Got Questions?
Overhead Sewer Questions From Ravenswood Homeowners
Yes.
Yes. All basement fixtures drain to the new pit, and the pump lifts the wastewater out.
The pump needs backup power.
The pump needs power, so a battery backup or generator is worth considering.
No.
No. That's groundwater, a separate problem.
Usually a few days.
Usually a few days, depending on the layout and fixtures.
It protects the basement level.
It protects the basement level, where backups happen. Upper units drain as they always have.
It depends on your basement. You'll approve a flat price first.
It depends on sewer depth, layout, fixtures and access. You'll approve a flat-rate price 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)
What We Fix
Plumbing Services in Ravenswood
Learn More
Drain Cleaning
Slow, gurgling or backed-up drains in kitchens, bathrooms and basements.
Burst & Frozen Pipes
Repair for frozen or burst pipes, from basement water lines to back porch spigots.
Water Testing & Filtration
Water testing and filtration systems, from under-sink filters to whole-house units.
Water Heaters
Repair and replacement for tank and tankless water heaters that leak, make noise or run out of hot water too fast.
Garbage Disposals
Repair and replacement for garbage disposals that jam, leak or just hum.
Emergency Plumbing
Burst pipes, sewer backups and no hot water, any time of day or night.
Local Office, 24/7 Phone
Ready to Protect Your Basement?
Our Ravenswood office is at 5126 N Ravenswood Ave, and our phone line is open 24/7.
We also serve Lincoln Square, Andersonville, Edgewater, North Center, Uptown, Albany Park, West Ridge and more.
Need a Plumber?Call our Chicago Ravenswood Office
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