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Frequently Asked Questions

Real answers from the family that does the work. Call (773) 451-6767 anytime — we're open 24/7.

Where does Drain Flow Sewer & Plumbing service?

We're a family-run, fourth-generation drain and sewer company serving all of Chicago and the surrounding suburbs. Not sure if you're in our area? Call (773) 451-6767 — we'll give you a straight answer.

Do you work on residential, commercial, or both?

Both. We handle everything from a single clogged kitchen sink at a home to commercial sewer lines, floor drains, and clean-out stations for businesses.

Are you really open 24/7?

Yes. We take emergency calls around the clock, including nights, weekends, and holidays. When a sewer backs up at 11 p.m., that's exactly when you need someone who answers.

How fast can you get someone out?

For emergencies, we aim to get a truck out quickly. We'll give you an honest assessment when you call.

How do you handle a drain-cleaning or sewer call?

We don't make blind assessments over the web because every setup is different. If you call us and tell us what's happening and where your access point is, we can use our knowledge of local setups to recommend the right next step. We don't try to sell work you don't need.

What types of drains and clogs do you clear?

We clear just about everything — kitchen sinks, bathtubs, showers, floor drains, laundry tubs, main sewer lines, and commercial clean-outs. We use power rodding and high-pressure hydro jetting depending on what the job calls for.

What's the difference between power rodding and hydro jetting?

Power rodding (our rodding machine) uses a mechanical cable that breaks through and clears a clog — efficient for most blockages. Hydro jetting uses ultra-high-pressure water that scours the inside of the pipe and flushes out grease, tree roots, and debris. We recommend the right one for your situation. Honestly, we'd rather tell you what you need than recommend unnecessary work.

Why does a sewer line back up, and can you fix it without digging up my yard?

Backups usually come from a break, a belly, a root intrusion, or heavy grease. The key is that we always run a camera first so we know exactly what's going on before recommending any work. Because of that, many repairs can be completed without digging (trenchless/no-dig methods) — which saves your yard and your driveway. "We have to dig it up" is a last resort, not a default.

Do you really record your sewer camera inspections?

Yes. We use a high-definition recording sewer camera so you can see exactly what's in your line — a blockage, a crack, tree roots — and we can back up the recommendation with real footage, not a guess.

What is a camera inspection and why should I get one?

A camera inspection pushes a waterproof camera down your drain so we can see the actual condition of the pipe — clogs, cracks, roots, and bellies — and pinpoint exactly where a problem is. It gives you a real diagnosis and can help prevent needless digging.

Do you do sump pumps? What about a sump pump inspection?

Yes. We install and service sump and ejector pumps to keep water out of basements — and we can check whether yours is actually working when you need it most.

Do you help with flood or sewer backup protection?

Yes — and this is one we see a lot of in this area. If water is coming up out of a floor drain, especially during or after rain, that's usually not a simple clog: it often means tree roots or settled pipes have compromised the sewer main, and the water is taking the path of least resistance — your lowest floor drain (often a basement or slab-level drain). We handle backwater flow prevention and flood control, and we can help you understand what's actually happening so you're not treating a sewer problem like a drain problem.

Can you install a clean-out station, and what is it?

Yes. A clean-out station is an access point that makes it much easier to service a drain or sewer line. We design and install them for homes and commercial properties — the kind of access every drain system wishes it had.

Who actually shows up to do the work?

The owners do the work themselves — it's a family-run, fourth-generation operation. One reason customers keep coming back: the person you hire is the person on the job, and you get honest advice, not a pushy sales pitch.

Do I really need a camera inspection, or can you just rod it?

Honestly: rodding clears a clog, but it doesn't tell you why it backed up. If you want to know whether there's an underlying problem, a camera inspection answers that and helps prevent surprises later. We're happy to tell you either way; the camera means you're making a more informed choice.

Can you handle a sewage backup emergency right now?

If it's backed up now, call as soon as you can — (773) 451-6767. We'll stabilize the situation quickly and give you an honest next step.

What do your other customers say?

Recent customers give us a 4.9-star rating on Google from 69+ real reviews — and the numbers keep climbing. You can read them all on our Google listing and on Facebook.