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YJ Sewer & Drain FAQs

YJ Sewer & Drain answers your frequently asked questions.

General Sewer and Drain Services

We provide the following services:

  • Sewer Rodding and Backup Clearing
  • Sewer Hydro Jetting
  • Sewer Line Camera Inspections
  • Sewer Line Repair and Replacement
  • Trenchless Sewer Lining
  • Catch Basin and Storm Drain Cleaning

We serve commercial properties, homeowners associations, condo associations, multi-family properties, and mixed-use developments.

Yes, we work with commercial properties, HOAs, and condo associations.

Please call 312-820-1155 to ask if urgent service is available.

Yes, we offer preventive sewer and drain maintenance.

We conduct an assessment of the sewer line and drainage system to determine the service a property needs. We can also use a camera to inspect the interior of the pipe.

We provide upfront pricing before work begins. Call us for a free estimate.

We encourage you to provide us with the following information:

  • Property type
  • Property location
  • Type of problem
  • Affected area
  • When the problem started
  • Frequency
  • Previous service (if any)
  • Known conditions
  • Access information
  • Urgency
  • Photos or videos (if available)

We will require access to the sewer line or drainage system.

Yes, we can schedule work around business hours, operational activity, and pedestrian/vehicular access.

Yes, we can serve multiple properties on a schedule.

Yes, we provide documentation of completed work to all our clients.

Sewer Backups and Rodding

Common signs include:

  • Several drains backing up simultaneously
  • Gurgling sounds from toilets, sinks, or drains
  • Sewage odors coming from drains or plumbing fixtures
  • Water appearing around floor drains
  • Toilets or drains that repeatedly overflow
  • Recurring slow drainage throughout the property
  • Wastewater returning through lower-level fixtures or floor drains

Common causes include:

  • Tree Roots
  • Grease
  • Debris
  • Sediment
  • Damaged Sewer Lines

Sewer rodding uses mechanical equipment with a flexible cable specifically designed to move through the sewer line and clear blockages.

A flexible cable is inserted through an opening or access point, working its way toward the cause of the obstruction. Once it reaches the blockage, specialized equipment is used to cut through it. After it’s cleared, wastewater can flow freely through the sewer again.

Yes, sewer rodding can remove tree roots from the sewer line.

We access the sewer line primarily through a designated access point called a cleanout.

Sewer rodding uses mechanical equipment to move through the sewer line and clear the obstruction. Hydro jetting uses high-pressure water to clean the pipe’s interior walls.

Hydro jetting is recommended when you need a more comprehensive cleaning of the pipe’s interior walls, rather than simply breaking through the obstruction to restore water flow.

Yes. After clearing the line, we test the wastewater flow to confirm the obstruction has been removed.

It depends on the building, the sewer lines, drain usage, etc. Some may need to be cleaned multiple times per year. Call us for a free consultation.

Sewer Hydro Jetting

Hydro jetting uses high-pressure water to clean the pipe’s interior walls.

Hydro jetting uses specialized equipment to direct high-pressure water through a sewer or drain line. The water pressure helps loosen grease, sediment, sludge, and other accumulated materials from the pipe walls. Once dislodged, the water then flushes the materials through the line along with the wastewater.

Hydro jetting can address various contaminants that accumulate inside the sewer and drain lines, including but not limited to:

  • Grease and fats
  • Sludge
  • Sediment
  • Mineral scale
  • Organic buildup
  • Dirt and debris
  • Other materials

No, it is not safe for every sewer line. We conduct an assessment of the sewer line to determine whether hydro jetting is suitable.

Yes. We inspect your pipe to see if hydro jetting is a safe and recommended option.

Yes, hydro jetting can help remove recurring interior buildup.

Properties that experience recurring drainage problems can benefit from scheduled hydro jetting. We can develop a schedule based on your property’s service history, pipe conditions, usage, and frequency of previous blockages.

Hydro jetting uses high-pressure water to clean the interior of the pipe. Power rodding uses mechanical equipment to reach and break through an obstruction.

It depends on the circumstances and condition of the pipe, but standard service can take one to 3 hours.

Sewer Camera Inspections

Common findings include:

  • Blockages
  • Cracks
  • Tree root intrusion
  • Separated joints
  • Pipe deterioration
  • Standing water
  • Collapsed sections
  • Other visible conditions

Schedule an inspection if you notice:

  • Recurring sewer backups
  • Repeated clogs in the same line
  • Unpleasant odors
  • Suspected tree root intrusion
  • Possible sewer damage
  • Slow drainage even after cleaning
  • Unexplained sewer line problems

No, a sewer line does not always need to be cleaned before a camera inspection.

Yes, a camera inspection can identify the location of the damaged section.

Yes, a sewer camera inspection can determine the depth of a sewer line if the camera is equipped with a built-in radio transmitter and an above-ground receiver.

You may request a copy of the inspection footage.

Yes, we provide written inspection findings.

Yes, a camera inspection can identify damage and the source of blockages, helping us determine whether repairs are necessary.

It depends, but most inspections take around 30 minutes to an hour.

Sewer Line Repair and Replacement

Common signs include:

  • Recurring sewer backups
  • Repeated clogs after cleaning
  • Suspected cracks in the pipe
  • Collapsed or damaged pipe sections
  • Severe root intrusion
  • Unpleasant odors
  • Wet areas near the sewer line
  • Repeated drainage problems in the same line

No, if the damage is structural, then cleaning alone won’t fix the problem. It will generally require repairs or replacement.

Minor issues, such as an isolated crack, failed joint, or localized damage to a section, can be addressed using targeted repair services. Replacement may be necessary if there is widespread deterioration, multiple sections are significantly damaged, or simple rehabilitation isn’t enough. We can conduct a professional assessment to determine whether you need a simple repair or a complete replacement.

Yes, if the rest of the pipe is in good condition, we only need to repair the damaged section. This helps save on time and costs.

No, not always. Depending on the circumstances, trenchless repair may be an option.

We analyze the following factors:

  • Condition of the existing pipe
  • Type and extent of damage
  • Length of the damaged section
  • Depth of the sewer line
  • Location of the damage
  • Available access points
  • Surrounding surfaces and structures
  • Accessibility of the work area
  • Condition of other sections of the sewer line

We provide sewer camera inspection services to get a clearer view of the pipe’s interior. This helps locate and identify visible damage, allowing us to recommend the appropriate solution.

It depends on the type of repair, the condition of the sewer line, and other variables. Call for a free quote.

Primary factors that affect the cost of sewer line repair include the extent and severity of the damage.

We use a post-repair camera inspection to confirm the repair and test the flow.

Trenchless Sewer Lining

Trenchless sewer lining works by installing a flexible liner inside an existing sewer pipe. It is a form of minimally invasive sewer repair, but feasibility will depend on certain factors.

Cured-in-place pipe (CIPP) is a trenchless repair method that involves installing a flexible liner inside an existing sewer pipe.

No, they are not the same. Sewer lining is a trenchless repair method that inserts a liner inside an existing pipe, whereas replacement is more invasive, as it involves excavating the earth, removing the damaged pipe, and installing a new one.

Common applications include:

  • Cracks in the existing pipe
  • Leaking or deteriorated joints
  • Root-entry points
  • Certain forms of corrosion
  • Other confirmed conditions suitable for trenchless sewer repair

Trenchless sewer relining is not a one-size-fits-all solution. It may not be suitable for severely collapsed or extensively damaged pipes, or for significantly misaligned sections.

No, trenchless sewer lining does not involve any digging. It simply inserts a flexible liner into the existing pipe and cures it until it forms against the pipe’s interior.

Before installing the lining, we recommend:

  • Inspecting the existing pipe with a sewer camera
  • Cleaning the pipe to remove buildup and debris
  • Measuring the pipe to determine the specifications of the liner
  • Clearing the line of roots and other obstructions
  • Evaluating the pipe for its structural integrity and accessibility

Lining a sewer line is possible if it maintains its structural integrity, is properly aligned, and provides a clear path for a liner.

It depends on the type of repair, the condition of the sewer line, and other variables. Call for a free quote.

After curing, we conduct a final inspection of the liner using a camera.

Exterior Drains, Catch Basins and Storm Drains

A catch basin is a drainage structure that collects stormwater and traps sediment or debris before the water enters the drain line.

A catch basin is a drainage structure that collects stormwater and traps sediment or debris before the water enters the drain line. A storm drain generally refers to a drainage inlet or system. It is designed to collect and move stormwater away from a surface.

Common signs include:

  • Standing water around drainage structures
  • Slow drainage after rainfall
  • Flooding or water collecting in parking areas
  • Unpleasant odors near drains
  • Visible sediment or debris inside catch basins
  • Leaves, litter, or other materials around drain openings
  • Repeated drainage problems

We offer a number of cleaning methods depending on the type of drainage structure, the material obstructing the flow, and the condition of the line. Methods include:

  • Catch Basin Pumping and Vacuum Removal
  • Sewer Rodding
  • Hydro Jetting

Yes, we clean parking lots and exterior drains.

Yes, buildup in your catch basin can cause localized flooding and water accumulation.

Catch basins and storm drains should generally be inspected regularly and cleaned at least once a year, preferably before the rainy season. More frequent cleaning may be necessary in areas with heavy leaf fall, sediment buildup, construction activity, or recurring drainage problems, as well as after major storms. Local requirements and site conditions should determine the final schedule.

Yes, exterior drain lines can be both rodded and hydro jetted. The appropriate method depends on the condition of the pipe and the source of the problem.

We handle and dispose of removed material appropriately. The disposal method will depend on the type of material removed and regulatory requirements.

Sewer or Drain Problem? Let's Fix It Today.

For emergency sewer backups, call 312-820-1155 to ask if urgent service is available.

CALL (312) 820-1155
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