A broken sewer line doesn’t always announce itself with visible damage. In many homes, the earliest warning signs are behavioral—changes in how plumbing drains, unusual smells, or new drainage problems that spread across fixtures. If you suspect a problem, there are several non-invasive ways to narrow down whether the issue is likely in the sewer line rather than a single drain.

Common household signs of a sewer line break

Start by tracking symptoms that suggest wastewater isn’t moving normally through the main line. Look for repeated backups in multiple drains, especially when they occur during or soon after heavy water use. Slow draining in sinks, tubs, and toilets at the same time can also point to a shared line issue rather than a localized clog.

Other red flags include sewage odors near drains, bathrooms, or around the property perimeter; wet spots or unusually lush patches of grass near ... Read more »

Monthly or annual “drain cleaning” maintenance plans have become a common upsell in residential and small-business plumbing. The pitch is straightforward: regular visits prevent buildup, reduce the odds of backups, and help you avoid costly emergency calls. The question for homeowners, however, is whether these plans deliver enough real-world benefit to justify their recurring cost.

What maintenance plans typically cover

Most drain maintenance offerings focus on routine clearing of scum, grease, hair, scale, and other common contributors to slow drains. Depending on the provider, a plan may include scheduled drain cleaning for specific fixtures (such as kitchen sinks or bathtub drains), inspections, and discounted rates for additional repairs. Some plans also include camera inspections, but others rely on standard mechanical or chemical clearing without confirming the underlying cause of recurring issues.

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As Chicago heads into its rainier months, blocked or poorly maintained storm drains can quickly turn routine downpours into street flooding or basement backups. While local infrastructure does much of the heavy lifting, homeowners and property managers can improve flow by preparing drainage paths before the busiest storms arrive.

The goal is simple: keep water moving into the storm sewer system by reducing debris, leaves, and sediment that accumulate around inlets and grates. Even small improvements—like clearing a few inches of buildup and managing runoff from your yard—can make a measurable difference during peak rainfall.

Start with a careful inspection

Before the first major storm, walk your property and look for storm drain intakes—such as curbside grates, yard inlets, or drain structures along driveways and walkways. Check for visible leaves, twigs, trash, standing water that drains slow ... Read more »

Drain problems in restaurants rarely start as sudden failures. More often, they build quietly—through grease and food solids accumulating inside pipes, slowly narrowing flow paths until backups, odors, and emergency repairs follow. A practical maintenance plan can prevent most issues while also supporting compliance with local plumbing and wastewater requirements.

Grease is the primary driver of clogged drains. Kitchen wastewater can carry oils and fats that cool and harden on pipe walls. Over time, that residue traps other debris, including food particles and organic waste, forming blockages that are difficult to clear without specialized equipment. Many jurisdictions require restaurants to manage grease before it enters municipal sewer systems, typically through grease interceptors or approved alternatives.

What codes usually require (and what to document)

While details vary by city and ... Read more »