Sewer Repair
Root intrusion, cracked pipe and repeat backups in sewer lines that are now 60 to 80 years old.
Serving Chicagoland Since 1993
Overhead Sewers and Flood Control in Skokie, IL
If your basement floor drain backs up whenever a big storm hits, an overhead sewer system is the strongest way to keep sewer water out. We install them in Skokie's postwar basements. Our office is on Lincoln Avenue.
Is an Overhead Sewer Right for Your Skokie Home?
Think about one if:
Storms Bring Backups
The floor drain fills when it pours, not on dry days.
Your Line Is Clear on Camera
And it still happens.
You Use the Basement
A laundry, a bathroom or a finished rec room.
You've Had Damage Before
One backup into finished space is enough.
How an Overhead Sewer System Works
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.
Overhead Sewers in Skokie
In May 2020, Skokie got 7.35 inches of rain in five days. The Village encouraged homeowners with basement backups to consider a backflow valve or an overhead sewer.
Postwar Basements With Gravity Drains
The floor drain, laundry tub and basement toilet all sit below the street sewer.
Planned Around the Laundry Area
Most conversions here route the laundry and floor drain into the new pit.
Camera the Line First
A partly blocked lateral can cause backups too. A sewer repair may be all you need.
Overhead Sewer vs. Backflow Valve vs. Sump Pump
Different tools for different problems:
| Sump Pump | Backflow Valve | Overhead Sewer System | |
|---|---|---|---|
| What it stops | Groundwater at the foundation | Sewer water flowing back in | Storm backups through basement drains |
| How it works | Pumps water out of a pit | A flap closes when flow reverses | Pumps basement wastewater above flood level |
| Best for | Wet soil | Lighter backup risk | Repeat backups and used basements |
We'll tell you which ones your basement needs.
The J. Blanton Difference773-724-9272
What Happens When You Call J. Blanton
We start with your sewer line, not a sales pitch.
1. Camera First
To rule out a simpler fix.
2. A Layout for Your Basement
Pit, pump and piping placed to fit.
3. Flat Price, Water-Tested
Before we leave.
Customer Stories
Real Overhead Sewer System Reviews
4.7 stars from 390 Google reviews for our Skokie office.
★★★★★
"Our entire sewer system was collapsed, but Kyle and his crew offered peace of mind options at reasonable prices. They dug out our entire basement 10 - 11 inches for more livable space, and installed an overhead sewer system. Their quality work and additional measures to help ensure we would never have to worry about a wet or flooded basement went beyond our expectations."
★★★★★
"Boomer and Steve were excellent. Fair pricing, completely professional, and tidy on a complex problem with a basement overhead system in a tight space. Grateful for trustworthiness and prompt work!"
★★★★★
"Wally and Ted replaced our overhead sewer system's broken ejector pump and did a camera inspection of our sewer line. A few days later, Shane came to replace our venting pipe on the system with a correct setup and angle coming out of the pit per Wally's recommendation. Great work was done by everyone."
Got Questions?
Overhead Sewer Questions From Skokie Homeowners
Basement drains no longer connect to the sewer by gravity.
Basement drains empty into a sealed pit, and a pump lifts the water to a pipe near the ceiling. It leaves the house above the level where the sewer can back up.
Yes.
Yes. It drains into the new pit along with the floor drain.
No. That's a sump pump.
No. An overhead sewer handles sewer backups. Groundwater needs a sump pump.
Usually a few days.
Usually a few days, depending on the layout and the number of fixtures.
It depends on your basement. You'll approve a flat price first.
It depends on the sewer depth, the layout, the fixtures and access. You'll approve a flat-rate price before we start.
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 Skokie
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.
Toilets & Fixtures
Running toilets, leaky faucets and new fixture installs for kitchens and bathrooms.
Leak & Pipe Repair
Leaking water lines, low pressure from old galvanized pipe and hidden leaks behind walls.
Sump Pumps
Sump pump repair, replacement and battery backups to keep your basement dry through heavy rain.
Emergency Plumbing
Burst pipes, sewer backups and no hot water, any time of day or night.
Local Office, 24/7 Phone
Ready to Protect Your Basement?
Our Skokie office is at 8001 Lincoln Ave #301, and our phone line is open 24/7.
We also serve Lincolnwood, Morton Grove, Niles, Evanston, Wilmette, Glenview, Golf and more.
Need a Plumber?Call our Skokie Office
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