Problems
What is going on with my plumbing?
Plain explanations of common problems in Chicago-area homes: what you might see, likely causes, safe first steps and when to call.
Calls are answered by a referral service that connects you with a local plumbing provider. How this works
Common plumbing problems
- Basement floodingWhy basements flood in Chicago and what to do first
- Frozen pipesSigns, safe thawing steps and when a pipe may have burst
- Sewer backupWater or sewage rising from a floor drain
- Sump pump keeps runningNormal groundwater or a failing switch?
- Water coming up through a floor drainWet-weather vs dry-weather backups
- Low water pressureOne fixture or the whole building?
- Basement smells like sewageDry traps, vents and cracked drains
Water in the basement?
Start with the basement water guide — it compares sewer backups, groundwater, sump failures and leaks side by side.