Serving Chicagoland Since 1993

Sewage Backup Service in Northbrook, IL

Sewage coming up through the floor drain, a basement shower or a toilet is a health risk, not just a mess. Call us any time. We clear the line, find the cause on camera and help you stop the next one. J. Blanton is headquartered on Techny Road in Northbrook.

Plumber feeding a cable into an outdoor drain pit to clear a sewage line backup
Backup Happening Now?

What to Do During a Sewage Backup

A sewage backup is a health risk as much as a plumbing problem. Here's what to do while we're on the way:

1. Stop Using Water

Don't flush, run the dishwasher or do laundry. Every gallon that goes down a drain has nowhere to go but back up.

2. Keep People and Pets Away

Sewage carries bacteria. Keep everyone out of the affected area and don't try to clean it with bare hands.

3. Call Us 24/7

Our phone line is open around the clock, including weekends and holidays. Tell us which drains are backing up and we'll take it from there.

773-724-9272
What Causes It

Why Sewage Backs Up Into Northbrook Homes

Most backups we see in Northbrook come down to one of these. The camera tells us which:

Roots in an Older Clay Line

Homes built between 1940 and 1969 often have clay sewer pipe. Roots enter at the joints and build a mat that catches everything else.

A Storm That Overloads the System

During heavy rain, extra water enters the sewers through cracks and leaky joints. When the system fills, sewage takes the lowest way out, often your floor drain.

Grease and Wipes

Grease hardens in the line, and so-called flushable wipes don't break down. Together they close a pipe one layer at a time.

A Failed Ejector Pump

If a basement bathroom drains through an ejector pump, a failed pump backs up sewage even when the main line is clear.

Local Knowledge

Sewage Backups in Northbrook Homes

Northbrook backups tend to cluster around storms. The September 2008 floods, the April 2013 storm that hit while the ground was still frozen and the June 2013 storm all sent water into Northbrook basements.

Frozen Ground, Fast Runoff

When heavy rain falls on frozen or soaked ground, almost none of it soaks in. More water reaches the sewers at once, and the risk of a backup goes up.

Sump Pumps and Downspouts on the Wrong Line

A sump pump or downspout tied into the sanitary sewer adds stormwater to a pipe that wasn't built for it. If yours is connected that way, we'll show you and reroute it.

Stopping the Next One

Once the line is clear, the right fix depends on the cause: hydro jetting for roots and grease, a sewer repair for broken pipe, or an overhead sewer system for storm backups.

The J. Blanton Difference

What Happens When You Call J. Blanton

When sewage is in your basement, you need a plumber who shows up and explains what's going on, not a sales pitch.

1. Camera Inspection First

We run a camera down the line and show you what we see, in plain language.

2. Honest Diagnosis

We walk you through your options, short-term and long-term, and tell you which one we'd pick for your line.

3. Upfront Pricing

You get a flat rate before any money changes hands.

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

Sewage Backup Reviews

4.7 stars from 5,669+ Google reviews across all J. Blanton locations.

"We had an emergency situation on a weekend when our sewer main broke in the basement, and this company was an absolute lifesaver! They responded quickly, offered very reasonable rates, and immediately sent someone out to diagnose the problem. Within no time, they had a crew on-site to tackle the issue."

Mike Robb
Verified Customer

"Updating to also call out Emanuel and Gio, who worked on lining our 110 year old sewer for the past two days. They were flexible, friendly, and professional. No one wants to deal with plumbing issues so we’re thanking for the people who do! 5 stars for Shane Waychoff! He rescued us from a small sewage issue in our basement. [...]"

Heidi Grace Bush
Verified Customer

"Zachary did a great job clearing out our sewer line after a clog. He was very professional, friendly, and knowledgeable. I would highly recommend him and J. Blanton Plumbing."

John Costouros
Verified Customer
Got Questions?

Sewage Backup Questions From Northbrook Homeowners

A plumber first, to stop the source. Cleanup comes after.

Call a plumber first. If sewage is still coming in, cleanup won't hold. We clear the line, find the cause on camera and fix it. Once the source is stopped, a restoration company can clean and dry the space.

Storms push extra water into the sewers. A partly blocked or cracked line makes it worse.

Heavy storms push much more water into the sewer system than a normal day. If your line has roots, a crack or a sag, it has less room to handle that surge. We'll camera the line to see if your pipe played a part, and tell you what will protect the basement next time.

It can if it drains into the sanitary sewer. Sump water should go outside.

It can. A sump pump that discharges into the sanitary sewer adds a lot of water during a storm, right when the system is already full. Sump water should go outside, away from the house. We'll check where yours goes.

It depends on the cause. You get a flat-rate price before any work begins.

It depends on what's causing it: a clog that clears with rodding is a different job than a broken line or a failed ejector pump. We give you a flat-rate price before any work begins, so you know the cost going in.

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 Northbrook

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

Drain Cleaning

Slow or clogged kitchen, bathroom and basement drains, cleared and checked.

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J. Blanton plumber in branded red leather gloves installing a new chrome faucet on a white bathroom sink with an adjustable wrench

Faucets & Fixtures

Leaky faucets, worn-out shut-off valves and new kitchen and bathroom fixture installs.

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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 for heavy rain and spring snowmelt.

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Gas fireplace log set with the gas valve and burner line visible under the grate

Gas Lines & Fireplaces

Gas line repair, leak detection and gas fireplace service.

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Local Office, 24/7 Phone

Sewage Backing Up? Call Us Now.

Our Northbrook office is at 1945 Techny Road, Suite 11, and our phone line is open 24/7.

We also serve Glenview, Northfield, Deerfield, Wheeling, Prospect Heights, Lincolnshire, Winnetka and more.

Call Now: 773-724-9272
Need a Plumber?Call our Northbrook Office
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