Drain Cleaning
Slow, gurgling or backed-up drains in kitchens, bathrooms and basements.
Serving Chicagoland Since 1993
Overhead Sewer Systems in Elgin, IL
If your floor drain fills every time a big storm moves through, an overhead sewer system lifts basement wastewater above the point where backups happen. We install them in Elgin homes from our office on North McLean Boulevard.
Does Your Elgin Home Need an Overhead Sewer?
Consider it when:
Backups Follow Storms
Water rises at the floor drain during heavy rain and drains away after.
Your Line Checks Out Clean
The camera shows no roots or breaks, and backups still happen.
You've Been Through It Twice
Once might be bad luck. Twice is a pattern.
You're Finishing the Basement
Protect it before the new floors go down.
How an Overhead Sewer System Works
In an overhead system, nothing in the basement drains directly into the sewer by gravity anymore. The floor drain and basement fixtures empty into a sealed pit. An ejector pump lifts the water to a pipe near the ceiling, a check valve keeps it from falling back and gravity carries it out above the level the sewer can reach. If the public sewer surcharges, there's no low opening for it to push through.
Overhead Sewers in Elgin Basements
Overhead systems make the most sense in homes that rely on gravity basement drains.
Historic Homes With Deep Basements
Many older homes near downtown have basements well below street level. In heavy rain, the floor drain is the first place water appears.
Big Storms Happen Here
The July 2017 storms dropped more than 7 inches just south of Elgin over two days. Basements across the area flooded.
Check the Line First
We camera your line before recommending a conversion. If roots or a break are the cause, a sewer repair may be all you need.
Overhead Sewer vs. Backflow Valve vs. Sump Pump
Each solves a different problem:
| Sump Pump | Backflow Valve | Overhead Sewer System | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Problem it solves | Groundwater at the walls and floor | Sewage flowing back into the house | Storm backups through basement drains |
| How it works | Pumps water out of a pit | A flap closes when flow reverses | Lifts basement wastewater above flood level |
| Best for | Damp basements after rain | Homes where a passive valve is enough | Repeat backups and finished basements |
We'll tell you which ones your basement needs.
The J. Blanton Difference773-724-9272
What Happens When You Call J. Blanton
Every conversion starts with your line and your layout.
1. Camera First
So you don't pay for a system when a repair will do.
2. A Layout for Your Basement
Pit, pump and piping planned around finished space and old foundations.
3. Flat Price, Water-Tested
One price up front, and we test the system before we leave.
Customer Stories
Overhead Sewer System Reviews
4.7 stars from 5,669+ Google reviews across all J. Blanton locations.
★★★★★
"Thank you to Scott and Payton for coming by and helping us out. They identified a sewer pipe problem that was worse than what we were expecting, they provided a solution to the problem that will help in the long run and we have confidence that the solution will solve the problem and that we will not have to worry about it in the future"
★★★★★
"Scott was so helpful and easy to work with! He was so patient and thorough in explaining our options! And Walter loved him!"
★★★★★
"Mike P was super helpful and great at explaining the options we have for our sewer line."
Got Questions?
Overhead Sewer Questions From Elgin Homeowners
Usually, yes. Older foundations just need more planning.
Usually, yes. Older basements can have thick stone or block walls and odd layouts, so we plan the pit location and pipe path carefully before quoting.
No. That's a sump pump's job.
No. It stops sewer water from coming up through basement drains. Groundwater coming through walls or the floor needs a sump pump.
Yes. It drains to the new pit.
Yes. Basement bathrooms, laundry and bar sinks all drain to the ejector pit, and the pump sends everything out overhead.
Usually a few days.
Usually a few days, depending on the number of fixtures and how finished the basement is.
It depends on your basement and line. You get a flat price first.
It depends on sewer depth, basement layout, the number of fixtures and access. We give you a flat-rate price before any work begins.
Annual Protection Plan
Join the No Drip Club for Year-Round Sewer Protection
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.
- Two Free Professional Maintenance Visits per Year
- 10% Discount on All General Plumbing & Sewer Services
- 5-Year Parts and Labor Warranty on Approved Projects
- VIP Priority Scheduling Status (Skip the Queue)
What We Fix
Plumbing Services in Elgin
Learn More
Water Heaters
Repair and replacement for tank and tankless water heaters that leak, make noise or run out of hot water too fast.
Sewer Repair
Tree roots, cracked clay pipe and repeat backups in the line from your house to the street.
Garbage Disposals
Repair and replacement for garbage disposals that jam, leak or just hum.
Sump Pumps
Sump pump repair, replacement and battery backups to keep your basement dry through heavy rain.
Leak Repair
Hidden leaks behind walls and ceilings, drips under the sink and leaking water lines.
Emergency Plumbing
Burst pipes, sewer backups and no hot water, any time of day or night.
Local Office, 24/7 Phone
Ready to Stop Worrying When It Storms?
Our Elgin office is at 964 N McLean Blvd, and our phone line is open 24/7.
We also serve South Elgin, Bartlett, Gilberts, Hoffman Estates, Pingree Grove, Hampshire and more.
Need a Plumber?Call our Elgin Office
Call Now