
Sewer Repair
Cracked clay and cast iron sewer lines, roots and repeat backups under century-old homes.
A leaking tank, a heater past 12 years or one that can't keep up after a renovation. We size and install the replacement, check the venting and carry the old one out. Our office is on Ravenswood Avenue.

Usually when:
It can't be repaired.
Check the label.
Corrosion inside.
Time for a new one.
Start to finish:
Old basements need planning.
Connections, relief valve and venting.
Draft and leaks checked.
Older buildings add a few steps.
We can replace one or both and keep the venting safe.
A new heater may need a liner or different venting.
Drain pans protect the unit below.
One flat price.
Size, fuel and venting.
Parts, labor, haul-away.
For most swaps.

Old Chicago basements weren't built with today's appliances in mind. Stairs can be steep and narrow, with a turn at the bottom. Doorways can be low. Before we quote, we measure the path from the street to the heater's spot. If a standard tank won't fit, we'll suggest a shorter or narrower model, or a tankless unit that carries in easily. You won't find out on install day that it doesn't fit.
Size, fuel and venting come first. Shared chimneys may need a liner. Narrow stairs and low ceilings add labor. We check everything and quote one flat price.
4.6 stars from 3,546 Google reviews for our Ravenswood office.
"Anthony was our technician to take out our old water heater and install a new one as well as install new inside parts to two of our toilets. He was very professional, courteous, respectful of our home, and very pleasant with whom to deal. We were very happy to have had Anthony as our plumber."
"Couldn’t recommend J. Blanton enough. Thomas came to replace a tankless heater and was so knowledgeable and friendly. We will be using them for all plumbing services moving forward!"
"Christian and Saul were great - super friendly and efficient with fixing our water heater! Even recommended preventative work which would save us money in the future."
We measure first.
We measure before quoting and recommend a model that fits.
Sometimes.
Sometimes, if the heater is the only appliance left on the chimney or the flue is oversized. We test it.
Yes.
Yes, usually in the same visit.
Yes.
Yes, including carrying it up the stairs.
Often, with the right model and venting.
Often, if there's proper venting, combustion air and a drain pan.
Ask us about your space.
They need space and airflow. Ask us whether your basement is a good fit.
It depends on size, type and venting. You'll approve a flat price first.
It depends on the size, fuel type, venting and access. You'll approve a flat-rate price before we start.
Annual Protection Plan
Most plumbing problems start small. The No Drip Club brings a J. Blanton plumber to your home for regular maintenance, so small issues get caught before they turn into big repairs.


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.