If you’ve ever experienced a burst sewer pipe, you know how quickly it can turn your day—and your home—upside down. Why Sewer Pipes Burst in Chicago
At ServiceMaster of Lake Shore, we’ve been providing disaster restoration services to Chicago-area customers since 1996.
We’ve created this comprehensive guide to walk you through everything you need to know about burst sewer pipes, from identifying early warning signs to calling the pros for help.
Key Takeaways
- Chicago’s aging sewer systems and extreme weather make the area vulnerable to pipe bursts.
- Warning signs include foul odors, slow drains, water pooling, and gurgling noises.
- If you suspect a burst sewer pipe, stop using water immediately, stay away from the affected area, and contact professionals.
- ServiceMaster of Lake Shore is ready 24/7 to handle cleanup, restoration, and insurance claims: (312) 707-8597.
Why Sewer Pipes Burst in Chicago
Several factors combine to make Chicago’s sewer system more prone to burst pipes than many other cities.
Here’s a quick overview:
1. Combined Sewer Systems
Chicago uses a combined sewer system, which means stormwater and wastewater travel through the same pipes.
During heavy rain or snowmelt, the system can become overwhelmed, leading to backups or pressure that weakens and eventually causes pipes to burst.
2. Aging Infrastructure
Some of Chicago’s sewer pipes date back over a century.
Because of this, pipes in older neighborhoods like Lincoln Park or Wicker Park are more likely to fail due to corrosion, cracking, and material fatigue.
Even in newer areas, many decades-old systems are starting to show their age.
3. Extreme Weather
Chicago winters are brutal, and the hot, humid summers don’t help, either.
When temperatures fluctuate rapidly, pipes expand and contract.
Over time, this weakens joints and creates small cracks that can eventually rupture under pressure.
4. Tree Root Intrusion
Chicago is known for its tree-lined streets, but all those roots can wreak havoc underground.
Here’s why:
Tree roots naturally seek moisture, and sewer lines provide exactly that.
Once a root breaches a small crack in your pipe, it keeps growing (and blocking) the pipe, causing expensive damage and burst pipes.
5. Soil Composition
Chicago’s soil is dense and clay-heavy.
While this helps ensure building stability, it also puts additional pressure on underground pipes.
When the ground shifts, due to freeze-thaw cycles or construction activity, the soil composition can cause pipes to crack or collapse.
6. Urban Density
With homes packed closely together and limited space for large-scale excavations, repairs in the city are often high-risk jobs.
Narrow alleys and shared utilities increase the challenge (and cost) of fixing a burst pipe.
Warning Signs of a Burst Sewer Pipe
Do you have a burst pipe?
Here’s what to watch for:
- Sudden foul smells. Sudden, unpleasant smells indoors or outdoors, such as a persistent sewage odor, could indicate a burst pipe.
- Slow drains. Drains that are suddenly sluggish or slow to empty may suggest that there is sewage backing up into sinks, tubs, or toilets.
- Pooling water. Standing water in your basement, crawl space, or yard could be the result of burst pipes.
- Gurgling noises. Odd noises from toilets or drains, especially after flushing, may be a sign of burst pipes.
- Soggy or unusually lush patches of grass. Do you have one lush patch of grass while the rest of your lawn languishes? It could indicate underground leakage.
- Increase in rodent or insect activity. Pests are drawn to standing sewage, so a sudden uptick in rodent or insect activity could indicate a burst sewer pipe.
What to Do When a Sewer Pipe Bursts
A sewer pipe emergency can feel overwhelming.
Don’t panic, though!
Follow these steps to protect your home and prevent more damage:
1. Stop Using the Water
Immediately turn off all faucets and stop using appliances that require water, like dishwashers, washing machines, and toilets.
Continuing to run water can make the situation worse.
2. Keep People and Pets out of the Affected Area
Sewage isn’t just gross—it’s dangerous.
Raw sewage contains bacteria, viruses, and pathogens that pose serious health risks.
Keep children and pets away from the affected area, and avoid touching anything contaminated unless you are wearing protective gear.
3. Shut Off Power to the Area
If sewage has reached outlets, appliances, or your electrical panel, turn off power to the affected zone at your breaker – only if you can do so without stepping into standing water.
If it’s unsafe to turn off the power, wait for the professionals to arrive instead.
4. Document the Damage
Before any cleanup starts, take clear photos and videos.
Capture photos that illustrate the extent of the damage, including affected belongings, walls, floors, and more.
These photos will support your insurance claim.
5. Notify Your Insurance Company
File a claim as soon as possible.
Not all water damage policies cover sewer backups, so be sure to review your policy carefully.
If you’re not sure where to start, ServiceMaster of Lake Shore can help guide you through the claims process.
6. Call ServiceMaster of Lake Shore
Last but not least, call a professional restoration company like ServiceMaster of Lake Shore.
Our expert team can safely and proficiently handle a variety of unexpected situations, including the following:
- Emergency sewage cleanup
- Leak detection and burst pipe evaluation
- Water extraction and drying
- Water damage repair
- Sanitization and mold prevention
Why Choose a Local Chicago Sewer & Water Damage Company?
There are a lot of restoration companies out there, but when you’re dealing with a burst sewer pipe in Chicago, you want someone who knows the city inside and out.
Here’s why:
- Fast response times across Chicago neighborhoods and nearby suburbs
- Knowledge of local building codes and permit processes
- Experience with Chicago’s older infrastructure
- Familiarity with local insurance procedures and city-sponsored programs
We’ve helped homeowners from Rogers Park to Hyde Park get their homes (and lives) back on track after a pipe burst. You can count on us for reliable, respectful service every time.
Don’t Let a Burst Sewer Pipe Destroy Your Home – We’re Here to Help!
Dealing with a burst sewer pipe in Chicago is never fun, but with quick action and the right help, you can get your home back to normal in no time.
If you’re facing a sewage emergency, our team is here to help.
Contact us today to learn more about our sewage backup cleanup services, or request your free quote: (312) 707-8597.
Who is Responsible for a Sewer Pipe?
Great question—and a common one. Generally, homeowners are responsible for the sewer line from their house to the city’s main line, which is buried underground.
If the issue occurs within that section, you’re likely responsible for the damages.
If the damage occurs in the city’s main line, however, it’s the City of Chicago’s responsibility.
Still not sure? A professional inspection can help you determine the location of the break and who needs to fix it.
How Can I Prevent a Sewer Pipe Burst?
Here are our top tips:
- Avoid flushing anything other than toilet paper.
- Have your sewer line inspected and cleaned regularly to prevent issues.
- Install a backwater valve to prevent backups.
- Keep tree roots away from sewer lines.
- Address slow drains or gurgling sounds early—they may be warning signs.
What Causes Sewer Pipes to Burst in Chicago?
As mentioned earlier, it’s usually a combination of aging infrastructure, root infiltration, extreme weather changes, and heavy usage.
Chicago’s dense layout and soil composition can also put extra strain on underground pipes.
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