Sewer Repair
Tree roots, cracked clay pipe and repeat backups in the line from your house to the street.
Serving Chicagoland Since 1993
Overhead Sewer Systems in Joliet, IL
If your basement 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 for Joliet homes, especially in the older neighborhoods near downtown. From our office on Ottawa Street.
Does Your Joliet Basement Need an Overhead Sewer?
From mild to severe:
A Little Water at the Floor Drain in Big Rains
It shows up in the storm and drains away after. That's the first warning.
A Clean Line That Still Backs Up
No roots or damage on camera, and it still floods in heavy rain.
A Finished Basement That's Already Been Hit
Once is enough to look for a permanent fix.
How an Overhead Sewer System Works
Most basement drains run by gravity to a sewer line that leaves the house below the floor. When the sewer outside fills, that same path lets water flow back in. An overhead system changes the route. Basement drains empty into a sealed pit, an ejector pump lifts the wastewater up to a line near the ceiling, and a check valve stops it from flowing back. Gravity carries it out to the sewer from there, the same way your upstairs drains work.
Overhead Sewers and Joliet Basements
Overhead sewers make the most sense where storm water and sewage share the same pipes.
Combined Sewers in Older Areas
Joliet's older neighborhoods typically have combined sewers. In heavy rain, they can fill to the level of a basement floor drain.
Old Homes, Low Basements
Homes from the late 1800s and early 1900s often have basements and drains sitting low relative to the sewer. That makes them more exposed to backups.
Check the Line First
We camera your line before recommending a conversion. If roots or a crack are the real cause, a sewer repair may be enough.
Overhead Sewer vs. Backflow Valve vs. Sump Pump
Three fixes for three different problems:
| Sump Pump | Backflow Valve | Overhead Sewer System | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Handles | Groundwater around the foundation | Sewage trying to flow back in | Storm backups through basement drains |
| Works by | Pumping water from a pit to outside | A flap that closes when flow reverses | Lifting basement wastewater above flood level |
| Best for | Damp walls or floors after rain | Homes that sit high enough for a passive valve | Repeat backups, especially on combined sewers |
Many older Joliet basements need more than one. We'll tell you which yours needs.
The J. Blanton Difference773-724-9272
What Happens When You Call J. Blanton
Every overhead project starts with your basement and your sewer line.
1. Camera First
So you don't pay for a conversion when a repair would do.
2. A Plan for Your Basement
Pit, pump and new piping laid out around your space.
3. Flat Price, Fully Tested
One price before we start, tested 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 Joliet Homeowners
It stops sewer backups through basement drains. Groundwater needs a sump pump.
It stops sewer water from coming up through basement drains, which is the main storm risk on combined sewers. It won't stop groundwater coming through walls or the floor. That's a sump pump job.
Sometimes. It depends on how your plumbing sits relative to the sewer.
Sometimes. A backflow valve can protect homes that sit high enough above the sewer. For older homes with low basements on combined sewers, an overhead system is usually the more complete fix. We'll look and recommend one.
Usually a few days, depending on the basement.
Usually a few days, depending on how many fixtures need rerouting and how finished the basement is. We'll give you a realistic schedule first.
It depends on depth, layout and existing equipment. You get a flat price first.
It depends on the depth of the connection, the basement layout, whether there's an existing ejector pit and access. We give you a flat rate 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 Joliet
Learn More
Drain Cleaning
Slow, gurgling or backed-up drains in kitchens, bathrooms and basements.
Water Heaters
Repair and replacement for tank and tankless water heaters that leak, make noise or run out of hot water too fast.
Sump Pumps
Sump pump repair, replacement and battery backups to keep your basement dry through heavy rain.
Leak & Pipe Repair
Leaking pipes, drips under the sink and hidden leaks behind walls and ceilings.
Toilets & Showers
Running toilets, worn-out shower valves and new fixture installs.
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 Every Time It Rains?
Our Joliet office is at 311 N Ottawa St, Suite 2, and our phone line is open 24/7.
We also serve Crest Hill, Lockport, Rockdale, Romeoville, Plainfield, New Lenox, Manhattan and more.
Need a Plumber?Call our Joliet Office
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