Sewer Line Repair Lincolnwood

Is Your Lincolnwood, IL Home at Risk of a Sewer Backup?


Like most homeowners, you probably don’t think about sewer repair until you have a sewer backup. And when that time comes, it’s usually an emergency! That’s why it’s important to know what the sewer repair process looks like before you need it done.

In this blog post, we’ll discuss some of the common problems that can occur with sewers and how they can be fixed. We’ll also take a look at a sewer repair we completed in Lincolnwood, IL from start to finish.

Signs of Sewer Backup

Sewer backup is a serious problem that can occur in any home. There are several signs of a sewer backup, and it is essential to be aware of them so you can take action to prevent them.

Property owner needs Rescue Plumbing to repair floor drains

Smell

The first sign of sewer backup is an unpleasant smell coming from the plumbing system, such as floor drains or toilets. This is usually the result of a clog in the sewer lines.

Water Backup

Another sign of sewer backup is water backing up into your toilet or drains. This can be caused by a blockage in the sewer line or a problem with the septic or sump pumps’ system.

Sewage Backup

The last sign of sanitary sewer backups is sewage coming up through the drain line. This is the most serious type of sewer backup because it can cause health problems if you are exposed you will need an immediate clean-up of the affected property.

Common Causes of Sewer Backup

Sewer lines are known to back up for a variety of reasons. Knowing the most common causes of a sewer line backup can help protect your sewer system.

Tree Roots

Tree roots can grow into main sewer lines and cause blockages. They are attracted to the moisture and nutrients in the sewer, which is why tree roots often cause problems in older homes with sewer lines that are close to the surface.

Installing a new plastic pipe can help to prevent tree roots, but if they persist you may need to get your line power rodded regularly.

Aging Sewage Systems

Aging sewer pipes can also cause sewer backups. Older sewer lines have cracks due to shifting soil or ground movement.

If you have sewer line cracks or broken pipes, you’ll need to have them repaired as soon as possible to prevent a sewer backup.

Main sewer causing clog because of grease

Grease and Oil Buildup

Another common cause of sewer backups is grease and oil buildup. When you pour grease and oil down the drain, it will solidify in the sewer lines and eventually clog the line.

Sometimes these common causes will find their way to the sewer lateral – which are the sewer pipes between the city sanitary sewer main and the property. If you have deteriorated lateral sewer or sewer backups it is the responsibility of the property owner to handle the repairs.

If you have a sewer backup, don’t hesitate to call us at (773)799-8848!

How to Prevent a Main Sewer Line Backup

Now that we’ve made you aware of the causes of sewer backups, let’s talk about how you can prevent one in your main sewer. There are a number of ways to prevent a sewer backflow, here are some ways to help protect your home:

  • Regularly maintenance on sewer – have sewer line cleaned and inspected
  • Avoid dumping or washing grease, cooking oil, or food down the drain.
  • Do not flush feminine hygiene products, diapers, or paper towels down the toilet.
  • Do not plant trees near your sewer line.
  • If you have a basement sewer line, make sure it is properly sloped and has a cleanout so that water can drain out in the event of a blockage.
  • Install flood control in your home such as sump pumps or catch basins. Other flood control systems like overhead sewers or french drains can also be installed to prevent backups, it really depends on what’s best for your home.

What To Do If Your Sanitary Sewer has Failed

You know how to prevent sewer backflows, but do you know what to do if you ever find yourself already dealing with a sewer backup? Don’t fret, we’ve got you covered!

  • Prompt cleanup: wet-vacuum or remove spillage by mopping floors
  • Wiping walls and floors of the affected areas with soap and hot water
  • Removing wet carpets to avoid mold or further damage
  • Disinfect plumbing fixtures – steam cleaning
  • Call a licensed plumber to work on your sewer to avoid any damage to the sewer line or any improper plumbing connections. An example of an improper connection is when you use unapproved materials to transition types of pipe materials.

Sewer backflows can lead to basement flooding, electrical malfunctions, and extensive damage to your home. Do not wait until you are already in need of sewer repair call us for a qualified plumber at (773)799-8848!

Install new plastic pipe to prevent sewer backups

Importance of Calling Our Experts to Repair Your Sewer Lines

Here at Rescue Plumbing, we are familiar with Chicago and the surrounding areas. The Lincolnwood village is no exception. You may have even seen one of our trucks driving down Lincoln avenues.

Plumbing Problem in Lincolnwood Village

We were called to a residence near Lincoln Hall, where the laundry line in the basement had a backup.

Diagnosis

We came in expecting a simple drain clog, but after several hours of power rodding with no success, we knew we had a more serious problem on our hands.

The next step was excavating underneath the laundry line and conducting an in-depth sewer scope locating diagnostic. Soon we discovered a buried catch basin full of grease on the exterior of the home.

Repair

Once we diagnosed the issue, we removed pavers brick on the exterior of the home and excavated through a concrete staircase to gain access to the basin. We had an EPA Certified pump truck suck out all the grease.

Conducted a further evaluation of the sewer system and decided the catch basin needed to be eliminated due to the only line going to it was the laundry line.

We also removed the old cast iron cottage fitting and properly installed a 4-inch cleanout. The last step for us to complete the process was connecting the line directly to the underground building sewer.

Lincolnwood residents have fixture installed by Rescue Plumbing

To The Rescue!

If you’re in Lincolnwood, IL, and in need of sewer repair look no further! We are ready to repair all your plumbing needs, from sewer repair to clogged drains, we’ve got you covered! Call our friendly staff today at (773) 799-8848!

FAQ

Fixing a backed-up sewer is not a DIY job. You should call Rescue Plumbing at (773)799-8848. Our plumbers will locate and open any cleanout access to the main sewer. Using a drain cleaning machine, we will work on fixing the backed-up sewer.

There are many causes for a sewer backup. In the Chicagoland area, sewer backup is primarily caused by tree roots invading the sewer.

A sewer backup means that there is some sort of blockage in the sewer line. Since the sewer water has nowhere to go, it backs up into your home.

Signs of a sewage backup can be found in the lowest floor drain of your property. Signs include dried-up paper, a foul smell, or literal sewage. Be sure to check your exterior downspout drains connected to the sewer.

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Adrianna Hampton from Rescue Marketing

Adrianna Hampton

Adrianna Hampton is part of the Content Marketing team at Rescue Marketing. Her goal is to help small businesses grow in their own way – to give them an opportunity to be heard.

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