
Sewer Repair
Cracked clay and cast iron sewer lines, roots and repeat backups under century-old homes.
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 Ravenswood Avenue.

Until we arrive:
In a two-flat, let the other unit know.
Sewage carries bacteria.
Outlets and appliances near water.
Tell us where it's coming up.
Usually one of these:
Combined sewers push water back.
Clay lets them in.
Shared lines clog faster.
Flow stops.
In July 2011, record rainfall flooded basements across Ravenswood.
The lowest living space floods first.
If it only happens in heavy rain, the city sewer is full. On dry days, your line is blocked.
A backflow valve or an overhead sewer system keeps sewer water out.
Clear, explain, prevent.
Drains working again.
On camera.
Flat rate.

If someone lives in the garden unit, a backup is more than a wet basement. Get the residents out of the affected rooms, ask the upstairs units to stop using water and call us. Once we clear the line, a restoration company should clean and dry the space before anyone moves back in. Then talk to us about protection. For a below-grade apartment, an overhead sewer or backflow valve is often worth it after one bad backup.
4.6 stars from 3,576 Google reviews for our Ravenswood office.
"Scott B came out to do a full sewer scope and review options as we have a very old home with clay pipes. He was knowledge, professional, and extremely kind. He worked with us on pricing - very trustworthy and transparent! We've never had a bad experience with anyone from J. Blanton. Absolutely recommend!"
"I had a camera inspection as well as a Hydrojet cleaning, rod, and flush of my 70' main 6" sewer line... The camera inspection was done by George and Raul. They were prompt, professional, and detailed with the description of the process... we were able to see together where the problems were in the main and at what specific distances. I was given several options for resolution on the spot with price quotes up front."
"Danny, Jerry, Eladio, and Pedro were an amazing team! They were very organized and tidy while digging up our yard to line our sewer. I would highly recommend!"
The combined sewer fills up.
Chicago's sewers carry rain and wastewater together. In a heavy storm, they fill and push back into the lowest drains.
An overhead sewer for repeat backups.
For repeat backups, an overhead sewer. For lighter risk, a backflow valve or standpipe.
Often only with a rider.
Many policies need a sewer backup rider. Check with your agent.
We fix the plumbing. A restoration company cleans up.
We clear the line and repair the cause. A restoration company handles cleanup and drying.
No, not until the line is clear.
No. Their water drains through the same line and ends up downstairs.
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.


Cracked clay and cast iron sewer lines, roots and repeat backups under century-old homes.

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

Repair for frozen or burst pipes, from basement water lines to back porch spigots.

Water testing and filtration systems, from under-sink filters to whole-house units.

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

Repair and replacement for garbage disposals that jam, leak or just hum.

Burst pipes, sewer backups and no hot water, any time of day or night.
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.