
Drain Cleaning
Slow, gurgling or backed-up drains and main lines, cleared and checked on camera.
If your basement takes on sewer water in heavy storms, an overhead sewer keeps it out for good. For lighter risk, a backflow valve may be enough. We'll help you decide. Our office is on Greenbrook Boulevard.

Consider it when:
Not dry days.
And it still backs up.
Or will be.
And don't want a repeat.
Every drain below the street sewer's flow line, like your floor drain, a basement bathroom, or a laundry line, normally relies on gravity to reach the sewer. An overhead sewer system reroutes those drains into a sump pit instead. An ejector pump lifts that wastewater up to a line above flood level, where a check valve keeps it from flowing back down. From there, gravity carries it the rest of the way to the street sewer, the same as every drain upstairs.
In the August 2007 storm, 3.25 inches of rain fell fast, and many basements took on sewer water.
Common in homes from the '70s and '80s.
The 2007 storm also knocked out power. An overhead sewer pump needs a battery backup or generator.
A clogged or broken line can cause backups too. A sewer repair may be enough.
Common options:
| Standpipe | Backflow Valve | Overhead Sewer System | |
|---|---|---|---|
| What it does | Raises the floor drain opening | Closes on reverse flow | Lifts all basement wastewater above flood level |
| Best for | Occasional light backups | Moderate risk | Repeat backups and finished basements |
| Basement fixtures | Not protected | Partly protected | Fully protected |
We'll tell you which one fits your basement.
Start with the line.
Rule out a simpler fix.
Pit, pump and piping.
Before we leave.

First, we cut the basement floor to reach the existing drains and set a sealed pit with a pump. Basement fixtures are re-piped to drain into that pit. A new line runs up the wall and out above the flood level, then drops into the sewer outside. The old connection at the floor is closed off so sewer water can't push back in. We test with water before closing the floor. In a finished Hanover Park basement, we plan the route to touch as little finish work as possible.
4.9 stars from 47 Google reviews for our Hanover Park office.
"Fantastic service! J. Blanton Plumbing provided same day service when our bathroom was flooding due to a faulty pipe. Anthony went above and beyond, and did not leave our home until the issue was resolved. He was professional, pleasant and communicative throughout the process and provided the best experience we have had in a long time. It's safe to say that we will continue to use the services of J. [...]"
"So it's Christmas Eve and my sewer is backed up. J. Blanton did not hesitate or cancel my appointment. George and Mike were excellent! They were not rushed, answered all my questions. Very knowledgeable and honest, which goes a long way especially as a first time home owner."
"Ray was awesome! My kitchen sink was backed up and he took care of things courteously, neatly and thoroughly. Ray explained the mechanics of why my issue may have happened and how to prevent it from happening again. I recommend Ray and JVS to anyone looking for a plumber!"
For moderate risk, it can be.
For occasional backups, often. For repeat backups or a finished basement, an overhead sewer gives full protection.
The pump needs backup power.
The pump needs power, so a battery backup or generator is worth it. The 2007 storm showed why.
No.
No. That's groundwater. A sump pump handles it.
Usually a few days.
Usually a few days, depending on the layout.
Day to day, no.
Day to day, no. Fixtures drain normally. The difference is that the basement no longer connects directly to a sewer that can push back.
Yes, and we handle it.
Yes. We handle the village permit for our work.
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
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.


Slow, gurgling or backed-up drains and main lines, cleared and checked on camera.

Roots, cracked pipe and repeat backups in sewer lines that are now about 50 years old.

Sump pump repair, replacement and battery backups, so a power outage doesn't flood your basement.

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

Repair for pipes that froze or burst, from basement water lines to outdoor spigots.

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

Burst pipes, sewer backups and no hot water, any time of day or night.
Our Hanover Park office is at 1300 Greenbrook Blvd Ste B5, and our phone line is open 24/7.
We also serve Bartlett, Roselle, Schaumburg, Bloomingdale, Hoffman Estates, Keeneyville, Carol Stream and more.