Signs to watch for
- Slow drains in several fixtures at once.
- Gurgling sounds when a fixture drains.
- Sewage odors in the basement, yard or around drains.
- Repeated clogs that return after cleaning.
- Wet, soft or sunken ground along the line.
- Unusually green strips of lawn over the line.
- Sewage backing up into a floor drain, tub or toilet.
Why Oak Park lines fail
The Village says most homes use gravity sewers with house lines about 4 to 6 inches in diameter. In older areas the pipe may be clay tile or cast iron, which crack, offset and corrode over time. Tree roots enter joints and expand. Many homes also connect downspouts and fixtures to the house sewer, adding load during storms.
Who is responsible
The Village maintains public sanitary and storm sewers. The house sewer from your building to the public main is generally the owner's responsibility. Ask Village Public Works at 708.358.5700 if you are unsure where the boundary lies.
How a camera inspection helps
A small camera is pushed through a cleanout and shows the condition of the line on a monitor. A transmitter in the camera head lets a locator mark the depth and position of problems on the surface, so any repair can be targeted. See sewer and drain leak detection and pipe inspection and detection.
Backup versus leak
A backup happens when flow reverses, often during heavy rain, while a leak is water escaping from the pipe. Both can be investigated. For storm-related backups, see flood detection and prevention.
