As Illinois heads into another rain season, many cities and counties are increasing storm drain maintenance to keep waterways clear and reduce the chances of street-level flooding during heavy storms. Public works departments say the work typically begins weeks ahead of peak rainfall and focuses on removing debris that can block inlets and slow runoff.

Officials noted that storm drains can accumulate leaves, sediment, litter, and other material throughout the year—especially after windy falls and winter freeze-thaw cycles. When clogged, drains may overflow, sending water onto roads, sidewalks, and nearby properties.

Cleaning and inspection are the core tasks

Maintenance crews often start with inspections to identify trouble spots such as frequently backed-up intersections, low-lying road segments, and areas near parks or commercial corridors. Crews then clear storm inlets and catch basins, ta ... Read more »

A clogged bathroom sink drain is one of the most common plumbing problems, and it’s rarely caused by a single “mystery” issue. In most homes, clogs build gradually as everyday materials combine inside the drainpipe and collect along bends, traps, and narrower sections.

Understanding what’s actually going on helps you prevent repeat blockages and pick the most effective remedy—especially when you want faster drainage without damaging pipes.

Common reasons bathroom sink drains clog

Hair is the most frequent culprit. Strands tangle with soap residue and other debris, forming a dense mass that water can’t easily push through. Even if you don’t notice hair going down the drain, shedding from brushing, washing, and shaving can make its way into the pipe.

Soap scum and toothpaste residue also contribute. These materials can stick to the inside of the pip ... Read more »

A sewer cleanout is a sturdy, capped opening built into a home’s wastewater system—usually near the property line or where the main drain exits the house. It provides plumbers with a direct route to inspect, remove debris, and clear clogs without breaking walls or digging up pipes.

Because clogs can happen even in well-maintained homes, cleanouts act as a practical “service access” point. When an obstruction forms—such as grease buildup, tree-root intrusion, or a blockage from inappropriate items—having a cleanout can make the difference between a fast fix and a more disruptive repair.

How a sewer cleanout works

Unlike a bathroom or kitchen drain, which carries wastewater from a fixture, the sewer cleanout connects to the main line that serves multiple plumbing fixtures. During a service call, a plumber can remove the cap and use a snake (auger) or hydro-jetting equipment to ... Read more »

A collapsed sewer line in Northbrook can escalate quickly—starting with slow drains and odors, and progressing to backups and ground instability. In this real case, our team acted fast to identify the failure point, secure the site, and restore service using a structured, safety-first repair plan.

Before any digging or restoration work began, we treated the situation as potentially hazardous. Sewer incidents can expose crews and the public to contaminated water, harmful gases, and unstable surfaces. The first steps were access control, traffic and pedestrian safety measures, and coordination to limit impacts while the line was assessed.

Detecting the problem

The response began with diagnostics aimed at narrowing down where the collapse occurred. Technicians used sewer inspection methods to confirm blockage location and assess the severity of the damage. This helped distinguish between an obst ... Read more »