The other defining issue is basement flooding. Much of Chicago is served by combined sewers that carry rain and wastewater together, and during heavy storms they can fill and push water back into basements. That’s why overhead sewers, backwater valves, flood control systems and sump pumps are so common here. Long, cold winters add frozen pipes and occasionally frozen service lines to the list.
Housing & construction
Brick bungalows and two-flats across the Bungalow Belt, greystones and workers’ cottages in older neighborhoods, vintage courtyard buildings, and high-rises downtown and along the lake.
Plumbing services in Chicago
Water Line Repair in Chicago
City replacement programs
Chicago water line repair →
Sewer Line Repair in Chicago
Parkway tree roots
Chicago sewer line repair →
Sump Pump Repair in Chicago
Storm-season power outages
Chicago sump pump repair →
Drain Cleaning in Chicago
Basement floor drains
Chicago drain cleaning →Also common in Chicago: pipe repair.
Common plumbing problems in Chicago
What makes Chicago plumbing different
Lead service lines
Because lead service lines were required by city code until 1986, many Chicago homes built before then still have them. The city is replacing lead lines over time.
Combined sewers and basement backups
Heavy rain fills combined sewers. Overhead sewer conversions, backwater valves and sump pumps are common protections.
Bungalows, two-flats and greystones
Basement plumbing, shared stacks in two-flats and decades of renovations make each house different.
Chicago-specific plumbing rules
Chicago enforces its own plumbing code and permit process, which can differ from the rest of Illinois.
Seasonal plumbing calendar for Chicago
- Spring and summer stormsTest sump pumps and flood control systems before storm season; clear exterior drains.
- Polar vortex coldInsulate rim joist pipes and pipes in unheated rear porches and garages; keep heat on.
- FallShut off and drain exterior faucets before the first hard freeze.
Plumbing emergency in Chicago?
- Close the main water shutoff, or the fixture valve if the problem is in one place.
- Stay away from water near outlets or the electrical panel.
- For sewage backups, stop using all drains.
- If you smell gas, leave and call the gas utility or 911 from outside.
Chicago plumbing questions
Why does Chicago have so many lead service lines?
The city’s plumbing code required lead service lines until 1986, so most homes built before then were connected with lead.
How do I protect a Chicago basement from flooding?
Options include a backwater valve, an overhead sewer conversion, a flood control system and a sump pump with battery backup. The right choice depends on how your basement is plumbed.
What is an overhead sewer?
An overhead sewer raises the building’s sewer outlet above basement level and uses an ejector pump for basement fixtures, so a surcharged public sewer can’t back up through floor drains.
Does Chicago have its own plumbing code?
Yes. Chicago enforces its own plumbing code and permit requirements, separate from much of the rest of Illinois.
Do Chicago water service lines freeze?
During extreme cold, shallow or exposed sections can freeze. If no fixture has water during a deep freeze, contact the city and a plumber.
Nearby service areas
We also serve communities around Chicago, including Evanston, Oak Park, Cicero, Skokie, Berwyn, Oak Lawn.
Statewide: Sump Pump Repair in Illinois
