Serving Chicagoland Since 1993

Overhead Sewer Systems in Geneva, IL

If your floor drain backs up every time a big storm hits, an overhead sewer system lifts basement wastewater above the level where backups happen. We install them in Geneva homes from our office on Campbell Street.

J. Blanton Plumbing technician installing an overhead sewer pipe along a basement ceiling
Know the Signs

Signs a Geneva Basement Needs an Overhead Sewer

Consider it when:

A Gravity Floor Drain in an Old Basement

Historic homes often have a floor drain that connects straight to the sewer below the street level.

Water Only Comes Up in Big Storms

Dry weather is fine. Heavy rain brings water up the drain.

A Camera Shows a Clear Line

Your pipe is fine, so the sewer itself is pushing back.

Plans for the Basement

A new rec room, office or bath is worth protecting first.

The Basics

How an Overhead Sewer System Works

With an overhead system, basement drains no longer connect to the sewer by gravity. 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 stops it from falling back and it leaves the house above the level the sewer can reach.

Local Knowledge

Overhead Sewers and Geneva's Older Basements

Geneva's older homes are the most likely to need one.

Deep Basements Below the Street Sewer

Many 19th-century homes near the Fox River have basements that sit well below the sewer in the street. Any surcharge finds the floor drain.

Working Around Stone Walls

Old fieldstone and brick foundations need careful planning for the pit and the pipe path. We assess the basement before we quote.

September 2008 Is the Benchmark

About 9 inches of rain fell on Geneva in two days. A storm like that overwhelms gravity drains.

Confirm the Cause First

We camera your line before recommending a conversion. If a root mass or break is the cause, a sewer repair may be all you need.

Know Your Options

Overhead Sewer vs. Backflow Valve vs. Sump Pump

Each solves a different problem:

Sump PumpBackflow ValveOverhead Sewer System
Problem it solvesGroundwater at the walls and floorSewage flowing back into the houseStorm backups through basement drains
How it worksPumps water out of a pitA flap closes when flow reversesLifts basement wastewater above flood level
Best forDamp old foundationsHomes where a passive valve is enoughRepeat backups and finished basements

We'll tell you which ones your basement needs.

The J. Blanton Difference

What Happens When You Call J. Blanton

Every conversion starts with your line.

1. Camera First

No system you don't need.

2. Planned for Your Foundation

Pit, pump and piping placed carefully, even in old basements.

3. Flat Price, Water-Tested

Approved first, tested before we leave.

773-724-9272
J. Blanton plumber in shoe covers on a home's front steps with a sewer camera
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"

Jack Stone
Verified Customer

"Scott was so helpful and easy to work with! He was so patient and thorough in explaining our options! And Walter loved him!"

Markie Waymire
Verified Customer

"Mike P was super helpful and great at explaining the options we have for our sewer line."

Brian T
Verified Customer
Got Questions?

Overhead Sewer Questions From Geneva Homeowners

Usually, with careful planning.

Usually. Older basements can have stone walls and tight layouts, so we plan the pit and pipe path before quoting.

No. That's a sump pump's job.

No. It stops sewer backups. Groundwater needs a sump pump.

Yes.

Yes. It drains to the new pit with the rest of the basement.

Usually a few days.

Usually a few days, depending on layout and finishes.

It depends on your basement. You'll approve a flat price first.

It depends on sewer depth, layout, fixtures and access. You'll approve a flat-rate price before we start.

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)
Learn More About the No Drip Club
No Drip Club mascot: an illustrated J. Blanton plumber holding a red pipe wrench
What We Fix

Plumbing Services in Geneva

J. Blanton plumber checking the controls at the base of a basement water heater

Water Heaters

Repair and replacement for tank and tankless water heaters that leak, make noise or run out of hot water too fast.

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J. Blanton plumbers working a sewer lining machine connected to the cleanout at a residential sewer repair

Sewer Repair

Tree roots, cracked clay pipe and repeat backups in the line from your house to the street.

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Plumber feeding a drain cleaning cable into an outdoor drain pit to clear a clogged line

Drain Cleaning

Slow, gurgling or backed-up drains in kitchens, bathrooms and basements.

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J. Blanton plumber working on the wiring of a basement sump pump pit

Sump Pumps

Sump pump repair, replacement and battery backups to keep your basement dry through heavy rain.

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Interior wall with bubbling, cracked paint and water stains above the baseboard, a sign of a hidden leak behind the wall

Leak Repair

Hidden leaks behind walls and ceilings, drips under the sink and leaking water lines.

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J. Blanton plumber leaning over an open toilet tank to check the fill valve during a toilet repair

Toilets & Fixtures

Running toilets, leaky faucets and new fixture installs for kitchens and bathrooms.

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Local Office, 24/7 Phone

Ready to Protect Your Basement?

Our Geneva office is at 115 Campbell St, Suite 201C, and our phone line is open 24/7.

We also serve St. Charles, Campton Hills, Sugar Grove, Lily Lake and more.

Call Now: 773-724-9272
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