
Sewer Repair
Cracked clay and cast iron sewer lines, roots and repeat backups under century-old homes.
Before you buy a two-flat, renovate a basement or pay for a repair, find out what's really in the sewer line. We record it, mark each problem and walk you through it. Our office is on Ravenswood Avenue.

Usually:
The lateral may be original.
Check the line and under-slab drains first.
See whether a repair would end it.
Your line or the city's?
Typical findings:
The most common.
Where the line leaves the building.
Repairs from decades past.
Low spots where the pipe settled.
You watch it with us.
No digging.
Every problem marked.
And the video is yours.

A two-flat's sewer line carries waste from two households, sometimes three, and on an older building it may be original clay. That makes it one of the biggest unknowns in the purchase. A camera inspection during your contract period shows whether the line is clean, needs regular rodding or needs a repair. You'll get the footage to share with your agent and attorney, which can make a real difference in negotiations.
Access matters most. A basement cleanout is simplest. A blocked line needs clearing first. Going through a toilet or vent takes more time. We quote a flat price before we start.
4.7 stars from 5,669+ Google reviews across all J. Blanton locations.
"Andrew provided excellent service and thorough explanation during semi-annual inspection today. Thank you!"
"We had a very slow draining issue that would make our whole system gurgle when water drained from the washing machine. We called J. Blanton Plumbing and they were able to schedule us for the next day (as I had requested). Initially, Andreas Pastos came out and sent a camera down to evaluate the situation. [...]"
"Look what Christian at J Blanton Plumbing was able to clear from our drain!! What a whopper 🐟😲Thank you for a great service visit and inspection!! 🙏👏 let the water flow!!!"
Yes.
Yes. A standard inspection doesn't cover it, and a repair under an old building can be significant.
Yes.
Yes, from the cleanout all the way to the city sewer.
Yes.
Yes. We follow the line to the main and show you where the problem is.
Yes.
Yes, to share with a seller, an agent or other owners.
If we can reach them.
If we can reach them from a floor drain or cleanout, yes.
Usually, through a toilet or vent.
Usually. We can go through a toilet flange or roof vent if needed.
It depends on access and length. You'll approve a flat price first.
It depends on access and the length of 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.