Sewer Repair
Tree roots, cracked clay pipe and repeat backups in the line from your house to the street.
Serving Chicagoland Since 1993
Sewer Rodding in Joliet, IL
Water coming up through the basement floor drain or every drain in the house slowing down means the main line is blocked. We rod it clear, show you the cause on camera and quote one flat price first. From our office on Ottawa Street, open 24/7.
The Basics
What Is Sewer Rodding?
Sewer rodding clears a blocked main line with a long, flexible steel cable fed through a cleanout access point. A cutting head on the end breaks through roots, grease, and debris and pushes the blockage toward the street connection, restoring flow through the pipe. It's the standard first fix for a clogged or backed-up sewer line. For most homes, it's the only fix needed.
When Your Joliet Home Needs Sewer Rodding
These signs point to the main line:
Water Around the Floor Drain
The floor drain is usually the lowest opening in the house, so it's where a main line clog shows up first.
Gurgling in Several Fixtures
Toilets and tubs bubbling when other fixtures drain means air is backing up through a blocked line.
A Backup After Heavy Rain
In older neighborhoods with combined sewers, a partly blocked line overflows first during storms.
You Rodded It Last Year
Roots or a sag are likely bringing it back. The camera shows which.
What Clogs Joliet Main Lines
Joliet's mix of century-old homes and newer subdivisions means we see every kind of main line clog.
Roots in Old Clay
In homes built before 1940, roots from mature trees grow into clay joints and form a mat. Rodding cuts it back fast.
Scale in Old Cast Iron
Older cast iron drains inside the house build up rust scale over a century. It narrows the pipe and catches everything else.
Wipes and Grease Everywhere
In newer homes, most main line clogs come from wipes and grease, not the pipe itself.
When Rodding Isn't Enough
Fast regrowth calls for hydro jetting. Cracks or sags call for a sewer repair.
The J. Blanton Difference773-724-9272
What We Do Differently
A clog shouldn't turn into a guessing game about the bill.
1. Camera, Then Quote
We look first, and you look with us.
2. Flat Price in Writing
If the camera finds more than a clog, you decide what happens next.
3. One Visit for Most Lines
Rods, cutters and a camera on every truck.
Customer Stories
Sewer Rodding Reviews
4.7 stars from 5,669+ Google reviews across all J. Blanton locations.
★★★★★
"On 11/25/2025 technician Mr. Edgar Herrera did amazing job fixing problem what we have. He spent long hours making sure that everything worked. He was very professional and also understanding our needs. Thank you so much Mr. Herrera."
★★★★★
"Jovany was super helpful and got the job done, explaining everything to me in detail, dealt nicely with the fact that we had to reschedule the service due to weather issues. Great service."
★★★★★
"I had another company come out first to fix my sewer line that got blocked in this cold weather, but the issue was not fully resolved. [...] They all were professional, knowledgeable, offered solutions, and answered all my questions. They all went above and beyond to make sure my issue is fixed efficiently and as soon as possible."
Got Questions?
Sewer Rodding Questions From Joliet Homeowners
Older clay lines with roots: about once a year. Newer lines: only when they clog.
If your home has an older clay line with roots, about once a year keeps it open. Newer PVC lines in the west side subdivisions often go years without needing it. A camera check sets the right schedule. See sewer maintenance.
Storms fill the sewers, and a partly blocked line overflows first.
In older parts of Joliet, the sewers carry stormwater too, so heavy rain fills them fast. If your line is also partly blocked, it overflows at the floor drain first. Rodding clears the line, and a backflow valve or an overhead sewer system protects against storm backups.
It depends on the blockage and access. You get a flat price first.
It depends on what's blocking the line and how easy the cleanout is to reach. You get a flat price before we start. If the camera shows more than a clog, we'll give you a separate price before anything else.
Usually not. Handheld snakes are made for sinks and tubs.
Usually not. A handheld snake doesn't have the length or cutting power for a 4- or 6-inch main line. A professional machine reaches the whole line and cuts through roots.
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
Sewer Backing Up? Let's Get It Moving.
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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