Sewer Line Repair, Rodding and Camera Inspection in Chicago
Most older Chicago homes drain to the city sewer through clay pipe, and most of them have big parkway trees out front. Roots find the joints in that pipe, and the result is a main line that backs up every year or two. Our trucks come into the city from our shop at 2093 Rand Road in Des Plaines — we don't keep a Chicago office — and the northwest side is a short run down the Kennedy.
In plain language: we clear the sewer, then show you on camera what's causing the backups, so you can decide between cleaning it on a schedule or fixing the bad section.
Right Away Plumbing and HVAC is based at 2093 Rand Rd, Des Plaines, IL 60016.
Clay sewers and parkway trees
Clay sewer pipe was laid in short sections with joints every few feet. Over decades, those joints shift and open slightly, and tree roots grow in toward the moisture. Parkway trees are often the culprit, because the building sewer runs under the parkway on its way to the main in the street. A root mass at one joint can catch paper and grease until the line stops.
We also see sags (bellies) where the soil settled, offset joints, and sections that were broken during later construction. Each of those looks the same from inside the house — a backup — but needs a different answer.
Rodding, flat-rodding and camera inspection
We rod main lines with a cable machine and a cutting head sized for the pipe. Many older Chicago homes are set up for flat-rodding from a catch basin or a basement cleanout, and we work with that setup. After the line is open, we run a sewer camera through it so you can see the roots, the joints and the condition of the pipe for yourself, and we can locate problem spots from the surface.
In plain language: rodding opens the pipe; the camera tells us why it closed.
Repair options
If the camera shows a single bad joint or a broken section, a spot repair may be enough. If the whole line is root-damaged or collapsing, replacement or lining may be the better spend. Work on a Chicago building sewer generally involves city permits, and work under the parkway or street has its own requirements. We explain the options and put the scope in writing before any digging is scheduled.
Many owners choose to rod the line on a regular schedule instead of repairing right away. That's a reasonable choice when the pipe is otherwise sound, and the camera helps you make it.
If the sewer is backing up now
Stop using water in the house — no laundry, showers or flushing — until the line is cleared. Keep people away from sewage on the basement floor. Call 773-250-6060 — same-day visits when the schedule allows.
What we check
- Cleanout and catch basin access
- Rodding with the right cutting head for the pipe
- Camera inspection of joints, roots, sags and breaks
- Locating problem spots from the surface
- Connection toward the parkway and city main
- Floor drains and fixtures that back up first
See our full sewer repair page, or go back to plumbing and HVAC in Chicago.
Chicago sewer repair questions
Why does my Chicago sewer back up every year?
Most often it's tree roots entering clay pipe joints. Rodding clears them, but they grow back. A camera inspection shows whether a regular cleaning schedule or a repair is the better choice.
What is flat-rodding?
Flat-rodding uses a flat steel rod pushed through the line, often from a catch basin, and is common in older Chicago homes. We also use powered cable machines and a sewer camera.
Do you do sewer camera inspections in Chicago?
Yes. After clearing the line we can run a camera through it, show you the footage and locate any problem section.
Does sewer repair in Chicago need a permit?
Repair or replacement of a building sewer generally requires city permits, and work under the parkway or street has extra requirements. We explain what applies to your job before work is scheduled.
What number do I call for a sewer backup in Chicago?
Call 773-250-6060.
Request sewer repair in Chicago
Call 773-250-6060 or request service online. Same-day visits when the schedule allows. We are licensed, bonded and insured.