When heavy rain hits the Chicago area, plumbing problems can escalate quickly—often before the weather even clears. Sudden downpours can strain storm drains and sanitary sewers, increase groundwater pressure, and introduce debris into pipes. The result: backups, basement moisture, slow drains, and sometimes unexpected damage.

Below are the most common ways intense rainfall affects household plumbing in the region, plus practical steps to reduce risk.

1) Sewer backups and overflows

In many areas, combined sewer systems (where stormwater and wastewater are managed together) can be overwhelmed during intense storms. When capacity drops, sewer flow may reverse or back up through sinks, floor drains, and toilets. Even brief surges can leave residents dealing with gurgling drains and unpleasant odors.

Watch for: gurgling sounds in multiple drains at once, ... Read more »

With more people cooking at home and eating in, North Shore households are seeing a familiar plumbing issue: grease buildup in sewer lines. When fats, oils, and food scraps go down the drain, they can contribute to blockages and costly repairs. That’s why homeowners comparing grease traps and garbage disposals need to understand what each system is designed to handle.

While garbage disposals can reduce food waste at the sink, they don’t stop grease from moving through your plumbing. Grease traps, by contrast, are built to intercept grease and keep it from entering wastewater systems in the first place.

How a garbage disposal works (and what it can’t do)

A garbage disposal grinds soft food waste into smaller particles so they can pass through plumbing more easily. In many homes, that’s enough to prevent kitchen scraps from clogging the sink drain.

... Read more »

Sewer pipes don’t just have to survive water and waste—they also have to endure soil movement, traffic loads, root intrusion, corrosion, and the stresses of trenching and backfill. So when people ask whether clay or PVC sewer pipe lasts longer, the most honest answer is: both can last a long time, but in different ways.

Below is how durability typically compares, what most influences pipe lifespan, and how to choose a pipe material that fits your system and conditions.

Typical lifespan ranges

Exact service life varies by region, construction standards, and maintenance history, but common industry expectations are:

• Clay sewer pipe: often cited in the range of 50–100+ years in well-supported installations that avoid cracking and chronic infiltration.
• PVC sewer pipe: commonly designed fo ... Read more »

Tree roots creeping into sewer and drainage systems is a common—and preventable—problem in many cities. While roots may start as a small intrusion, they can expand into cracks or weak joints, restricting flow and ultimately leading to backups, odors, and expensive line replacements.

Because sewer repairs can be disruptive and costly, the key is recognizing warning signs early and taking action before damage spreads. Below are the most common indicators of root intrusion and the practical steps homeowners and property managers can take.

Key warning signs to watch for

One of the clearest signs of a blockage caused by roots is recurring drainage issues that don’t stay solved after a basic cleaning. If clogs return frequently—especially in the same area of the plumbing system—it may indicate roots are actively growing into the line.

Other common symptoms include ... Read more »