
Drain Cleaning
Slow, gurgling or backed-up drains in kitchens, bathrooms and basements.
Nearly half the homes around Ravenswood were built before 1940, and many still drain through their original clay sewer line. We camera the line, show you exactly what's wrong and price the repair before we start. Our office is on Ravenswood Avenue.

These go beyond a simple clog:
On dry days, the problem is likely your line, not the city sewer.
They're entering through an open joint.
The lowest unit shows a main line problem first.
Soil slipping into a broken pipe.
In the Lincoln Square community area, which covers the west side of Ravenswood, the median home was built in 1944, and nearly half were built before 1940.
Clay pipe with a joint every few feet, many now more than 85 years old.
It rusts from the inside and splits along the bottom.
Old parkway trees have had a century to find the sewer.
In the Lincoln Square community area, about 1 in 3 homes is in a building with two to four units, and every unit drains into one lateral.
Footage first, then the right fix.
Every crack and root mat located and measured.
Spot repair, lining or replacement.
Before any digging or lining.

Once we know what's wrong, there's usually more than one way to fix it. Which method makes sense depends on the pipe's condition, location, and how it failed.
| Method | What It Involves | Typical Disruption |
|---|---|---|
| Trenchless Pipe Lining | A resin-coated liner is pulled through the existing pipe and cured in place, creating a new pipe inside the old one. | Minimal digging, usually just small access points |
| Trenchless Pipe Bursting | A new pipe is pulled through the old one while a bursting head fractures the old pipe outward to make room. | Minimal digging, works even when the old pipe is badly damaged |
| Traditional Excavation (Spot Repair) | The damaged section is dug up and replaced directly. | More digging, but sometimes the only option depending on damage location and access |
Ravenswood sewer lines often run under a front stoop, a garden and the sidewalk. The footage tells us which method avoids digging them up.
4.6 stars from 3,559 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."
"Christian , was assigned to my home, came out and answered all my questions, and was very informative on the work that needed to get done. Sewer technician Alberto Garcia came over and rectified all my sewer issues big thumbs up to Alberto and the team at J Blanton, Will continue to call them for all my plumbing needs."
Only if the camera says so.
Not automatically. Many old lines need one section fixed, not the whole run. A camera inspection shows which you have.
Often, with lining.
Often. Trenchless lining rebuilds the pipe from the inside through small openings.
Usually the building owner.
The owner is responsible for the building's sewer line and for keeping it clear. In a condo building, it's usually an association expense.
Not by itself.
A repair fixes your line. Chicago's combined sewers can still back up in a big storm, which a backflow valve or overhead sewer prevents.
Only if the break is near the main.
Only if the damage is at or near the city main. Most repairs are on the private part of the line.
It depends on the damage and method. You'll approve a flat price first.
It depends on what the camera shows, the depth, the method and what's above the line. You'll approve a flat-rate price before any work.
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.


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.