
Water Heaters
Repair and replacement for tank and tankless water heaters that leak, make noise or run out of hot water too fast.
Water in the basement after heavy rain or when the river is high comes from the sewer, the ground or the surface. We find out which, stop it and help you keep it out next time. From our office on West Elm Street, 24/7.

The source decides the fix:
Sewer water pushing back from a blocked line or an overloaded system.
High groundwater around the foundation, common near the river and lakes.
Surface water from heavy rain or a yard that slopes toward the house.
A burst pipe or a failed water heater. Shut off the water and call.
In July 2017, the Fox River flooded and the state declared McHenry County a disaster area. Homes along the river and the Chain O'Lakes took on water.
Heavy rain raises groundwater and loads the sewers, so homes away from the river can still get basement water in wet seasons.
When groundwater stays high for weeks, sump pumps run nonstop. A failed pump is one of the most common causes of basement flooding here.
If your basement is finished, water damage adds up fast.
A strong sump pump with a battery backup, a backflow valve and, for repeat sewer backups, an overhead sewer system.
Waterproofing keeps groundwater out of the basement. Our part is the plumbing that does the work: sump pits, pumps, battery backups, discharge lines and the drain tile that carries water to the pit.
If water comes in where the wall meets the floor, the drain tile may be clogged or the pump can't keep up with McHenry's high groundwater. We check the system and tell you what will actually stop it. For water coming up through drains, see sewage backup service.
Find the source first.
Get the pump running, clear the drain or shut off the pipe.
Floor drain, walls, window wells or plumbing.
Each fix priced before any work.

4.7 stars from 5,669+ Google reviews across all J. Blanton locations.
"Welhem and Josh have been so kind with my flooded crawl space and sump pump replacement process. It’s my first time owning a home and while these things can be stressful, they have been wonderful about getting things resolved as quickly as possible."
"I had water backing up in the basement on a Sunday. I called them and he came an hour later. John figured out the problem quickly-ejector pump, and what to do if it happens again. I did get an estimate for a new one if it needs replacing."
"Andrew A and Andrew M were remarkable!!!! We were in such a panic - just moving into our new home that day and they were professional and so knowledgeable! They are amazing!!!"
Stay safe, stop the water if you can and call.
Keep away from water near outlets or appliances. If a pipe or appliance is leaking, shut off the main. If water is coming up through the floor drain, stop using water. Then call us.
Groundwater rises with the river, and sewers carry more water.
When the Fox River and the lakes are high, groundwater rises too and sewer systems carry more water. A strong sump system and backflow protection handle both.
Yes.
Yes. If your backflow valve is stuck, leaking or failed during a backup, we can repair or replace it.
If the pump can't keep up, yes. If it's sewer water, no.
If groundwater is coming in faster than your pump can remove it, a bigger pump or a second one helps. If water comes up through drains, you need backflow protection instead.
It depends on the source and the fix. You get a flat price first.
It depends on where the water comes from and what it takes to stop it. We give you a flat-rate price for each option before any work begins.
Annual Protection Plan
Most plumbing problems start small. The No Drip Club brings a J. Blanton plumber to your home for regular maintenance, so small issues get caught before they turn into big repairs.


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

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

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

Running toilets, leaky shower valves and new fixture installs.

Hidden leaks behind walls, under floors and around fixtures, found and fixed.

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

Burst pipes, sewer backups and no hot water, any time of day or night.
Our McHenry office is at 3406 W Elm St, and our phone line is open 24/7.
We also serve Johnsburg, Wonder Lake, Ringwood, Spring Grove, Lakemoor, Fox Lake, Island Lake, Woodstock and more.