Plumbing Tips, Guides & Advice

Drains & Sewers

What to Do If Your Basement Floods

Stay safe, stop the water and dry your basement before mold sets in — step by step.

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Drains & Sewers

Why Heavy Rain Causes Basement Drain and Sewer Problems

Why Chicago storms overwhelm drains and sewers, and how to protect your basement.

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Emergency

Burst Pipe Emergency: What to Do in the First Hour

Shut off the water, limit the damage and get emergency help fast.

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Emergency

When to Call an Emergency Plumber

Which plumbing problems can wait — and which need help right now.

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Drains & Sewers

Sewer Backup Causes in Chicago (and How to Stop Them)

The most common reasons sewers back up into Chicago basements.

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Drains & Sewers

7 Warning Signs of a Damaged Sewer Line

Catch a failing sewer line early and avoid a costly emergency.

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Drains & Sewers

Tree Roots in Sewer Lines: Signs, Damage and Solutions

How roots invade older clay laterals and how to fix them for good.

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Drains & Sewers

Sewer Camera Inspection: What It Is and When You Need One

See exactly what's happening inside your sewer line before you repair.

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Drains & Sewers

Sewer Line Repair vs. Replacement: Which Do You Need?

Compare costs, lifespan and disruption to make the right call.

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Drains & Sewers

Kitchen Drain Clog vs. Sewer Line Clog: How to Tell

Is it a simple kitchen clog or a main line problem? Here's how to tell.

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Drains & Sewers

Why Older Chicago Homes Get Recurring Drain Clogs

The root causes behind clogs that keep coming back.

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Drains & Sewers

Why Your Bathroom Sink Drains Slowly (and How to Fix It)

Common causes of a slow bathroom sink and the fastest fixes.

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Drains & Sewers

When to Use Hydro Jetting for Your Drains

When high-pressure hydro jetting beats snaking — and when it doesn't.

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Drains & Sewers

Are Chemical Drain Cleaners Safe? What to Know First

Why harsh chemicals can damage pipes — and what to use instead.

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Water Heaters

Water Heater Runs Out of Hot Water? Causes and Fixes

Why your hot water runs short and how to restore it.

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Water Heaters

Water Heater Leaking From the Bottom: Causes and Fixes

What a bottom leak means, and whether it can be repaired.

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Water Heaters

Water Heater Popping Noises: Causes and What to Do

Sediment buildup is usually to blame — here's how to fix it.

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Water Heaters

Water Heater Repair vs. Replacement: How to Decide

Age, cost and efficiency — how to choose the smarter option.

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Water Heaters

Tank vs. Tankless Water Heater: Which Is Right for You?

Compare upfront cost, efficiency and endless hot water.

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Leaks & Pipes

Hidden Water Leak Warning Signs You Should Never Ignore

Spot hidden leaks before they cause costly structural damage.

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Plumbing Basics

How to Find and Shut Off Your Main Water Valve

Know exactly where to go in an emergency — before you need to.

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Plumbing Basics

Common Plumbing Problems in Older Chicago Homes

Cast iron, galvanized steel and clay laterals — what to expect.

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Fixtures

Why Is My Faucet Dripping? Common Causes and Fixes

Stop the drip and the wasted water it causes.

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Fixtures

Garbage Disposal Humming but Not Spinning? Here's Why

Diagnose a jammed or stuck disposal safely.

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Fixtures

What Not to Put in a Garbage Disposal

The everyday items that clog and damage disposals.

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Fixtures

Why Your Toilet Clogs Repeatedly (and How to Fix It)

Recurring clogs usually point to a deeper problem.

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Fixtures

Toilet Keeps Running? Here's How to Fix It

A running toilet wastes water — here's the likely fix.

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Winter & Seasonal

How to Prepare Your Plumbing for Chicago Winter

Protect pipes, water heaters and drains before the freeze.

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Winter & Seasonal

Chicago Winter Plumbing Checklist: Prevent Frozen Pipes

A simple checklist to avoid frozen and burst pipes.

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Winter & Seasonal

Spring Plumbing Maintenance Checklist for Chicago Homes

Tune up your plumbing after winter and before storm season.

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