
Sewer Repair
Cracked clay and cast iron sewer lines, roots and repeat backups under century-old homes.
When the basement floor drain fills or every drain in the building slows down together, the main line is blocked. We rod it clear, show you what caused it and price it before we start. Our office is on Ravenswood Avenue.


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.
Look for:
The lowest opening fills first.
In a two-flat or three-flat, the shared line is the culprit.
Air pushed back through the lowest fixtures.
Roots in old clay come back on schedule.
Century-old pipe and shared buildings make clogs common.
The most common cause under older homes.
In multi-unit buildings, it all ends up in one line.
Rough pipe catches paper.
Hydro jetting or a repair lasts longer.
Clear it, then show you.
Basement, yard or under the stoop.
Cleared to the city main and recorded.
Plus options if there's damage.

4.6 stars from 3,563 Google reviews for our Ravenswood office.
"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."
"Had a camera inspection of a clogged sewer drain by George. He was very helpful, polite, professional and informative. We ended up moving forward with a sewer trenchless liner service and look forward to a good experience for the main service."
"Scott from J Blanton Plumbing was great! He fixed out toilet clog and explained things really well. Also, our dog loved him!"
Yearly if roots are a problem.
If roots have blocked it before, once a year is common, ideally in late winter.
Usually, or we can add one.
Usually through a toilet or vent. Adding a cleanout makes future service much easier.
Yes, with the right cutter.
Yes, with a cutter sized for the pipe. The camera afterward shows its condition.
The owner, or whoever manages the building.
The building owner. We'll clear the shared line and show everyone what caused it.
Usually not.
Usually not. We work from the basement or an outside cleanout.
It depends on access and the clog. You'll approve a flat price first.
It depends on the cleanout location, the length of the line and the blockage. 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.