A clogged drain is a common household problem—but the right fix depends on what’s causing the blockage. While many plumbing issues can be handled by a general plumber, certain drain and sewer problems often require the tools, diagnostics, and specialized experience of a drain specialist.

Knowing which professional to call can save time, limit property damage, and reduce the chance of the problem coming back soon.

When a general plumber is usually enough

If the issue appears localized and straightforward, a general plumber can often resolve it quickly. Typical examples include a single-sink clog, a slow-draining bathroom fixture, or a straightforward blockage accessible from the home’s plumbing system.

In these cases, a general plumber may use standard drain cleaning methods (such as handheld equipment or basic augers) and inspect nearby connections to confirm there&rsquo ... Read more »

Regular drain cleaning isn’t about “never letting anything go wrong”—it’s about preventing buildup before it turns into slow drains, recurring clogs, and costly sewer backups. The right cadence depends heavily on your home’s age, plumbing type, and risk factors like tree roots, hard water, and heavy kitchen use.

Below is a practical maintenance schedule you can use as a starting point. Adjust based on your household habits and any recurring issues you’ve already noticed.

Newer homes (0–5 years): maintain for prevention

Most newer homes have cleaner lines and fewer decades of accumulated grease, hair, soap scum, and scale. Still, early maintenance can help you avoid problems if you have frequent dishwasher or garbage disposal use, long drain runs, or known site issues.

Recommended approach: Focus on routine prevention rather ... Read more »

For homeowners in Northbrook and Glenview, moving from septic to municipal sewer—or connecting a property that isn’t currently served—can be a practical upgrade. But the process is more than scheduling plumbing work: it typically involves permits, utility coordination, inspections, and clear cost expectations.

Below are the key items homeowners should know before starting the connection process, including how applications usually work, what impacts project timing, and which responsibilities may fall to the property owner.

1) Confirm whether your property is eligible and what’s required

The first step is determining whether your address is within an area served by the municipal system and what type of connection is being requested. Eligibility can depend on location, existing sewer availability, and the property’s current wastewater setup. Homeowners should also ask what “scop ... Read more »

Sewer gas is a general term for gases that can build up when wastewater lines, drains, or vents don’t function properly. It may smell like rotten eggs, a strong “sewage” odor, or even fuel-like fumes. While some incidents are minor and fixable—such as a dry drain trap—others can point to conditions that are hazardous to health or require urgent attention.

Because sewer gas contains potentially toxic and flammable components, it’s important to treat unusual odors as a warning sign, not just a nuisance.

What sewer gas is and where it comes from

In properly functioning plumbing systems, wastewater flows away and gases are safely vented outdoors. Sewer gas may enter your home when water seals in drains (called trap water) evaporate, fixtures are rarely used, vents are blocked, plumbing is damaged, or a sewer line backup forces gases into living spaces. Common sources include floo ... Read more »