What Is Trenchless Sewer Repair? A Homeowner’s Guide for Chicagoland

By Megan A. Dutta, CEO, Drain Guys Chicago

If the words “sewer repair” make you picture torn-up lawns, broken sidewalks, and lots of chaos in your home or business, you’re not alone. In the past, fixing a damaged sewer line meant digging a trench straight through your yard (and sometimes your neighbor’s).

The good news? There’s a better option—and for many Chicagoland homes (especially those in Elmhurst, IL), it’s the smarter one.

It’s called trenchless sewer repair, and it’s exactly what it sounds like: repairing or replacing your sewer line without digging up your property.

Let’s break down what that really means and why it’s become a popular solution for homeowners in the Chicago area.

What Is Trenchless Sewer Repair?

Trenchless sewer repair is a modern way to fix sewer lines without digging up your yard—most of the work happens underground instead.  Instead of excavating the entire length of the pipe, plumbers repair the sewer line from the inside.

We use a method called cured-in-place pipe (CIPP), where a flexible liner is installed inside the damaged sewer line and hardened in place. The result is a brand-new pipe inside the old one—without tearing up your lawn or driveway.

How Is This Different From Traditional Sewer Repair?

Traditional sewer repair involves digging up the old pipe to remove and replace it. That can mean:

• Excavating your yard

• Removing concrete, pavers, or landscaping

• Long timelines

• Higher restoration costs

Trenchless sewer repair skips most of that. In many cases, the job can be completed in a day or two, with minimal disruption to your property.

When Is Trenchless Sewer Repair a Good Option?

Trenchless sewer repair works best when the existing pipe still has its general shape but is damaged by issues like cracks or fractures, root intrusion, corrosion/deterioration, minor offsets/separations, and recurring clogs caused by pipe damage.

Damage like this is especially common in older Chicagoland homes with clay or cast iron sewer lines—materials that were the standard decades ago but don’t always hold up to tree roots, soil shifting, and freeze-thaw cycles.

That said, trenchless isn’t right for every situation. Severely collapsed pipes or major alignment issues may still require traditional excavation. That’s why a sewer camera inspection is always the first step.

Why Trenchless Sewer Repair Is Popular in Chicagoland

Chicago-area homes face unique sewer challenges like older infrastructure, mature trees with aggressive root systems, harsh winters that cause ground movement, and tight urban lots where digging isn’t ideal.

Trenchless repair often makes sense because it addresses the problem without creating new ones. For example, your beautiful garden wouldn’t have to be destroyed and your sidewalks won’t be damaged.

What Are the Benefits of Trenchless Sewer Lining?

Homeowners often choose trenchless sewer repair because it means less mess, faster project completion and long-lasting results (Maxliner® CIPP comes with a 70-year warranty!).

It’s not just about convenience, it’s about protecting your home, your yard, and your peace of mind.

Learn more about the benefits.

How Do You Know If It’s Right for Your Home?

The only way to know for sure is with a professional sewer camera inspection. This allows us to see exactly what’s happening inside your sewer line and recommend the best solution—trenchless or otherwise.

At Drain Guys, our goal is always the same—fix the problem the right way, with honesty, transparency, and as little disruption to your property as possible. If sewer issues keep popping up, trenchless sewer repair may be worth a closer look.

Learn more about trenchless sewer repair from Drain Guys Chicago.

Holiday Plumbing Tips for Elmhurst Homeowners

By Felix Delgadillo, Founder and Owner, Drain Guys Chicago

If you live in Elmhurst, you already know the holidays hit different here. The houses fill up, the kitchens get busy, and the plumbing systems start working overtime. Every year around this time, Drain Guys Chicago gets a flood of calls from Elmhurst homeowners dealing with clogged drains, overflowing toilets, flooded basements, and last-minute emergency plumbing situations.

Trust me—after more than 20 years in this industry, I can tell you that holiday plumbing problems aren’t random. They come from the same stress points on your system, and with a little prep, most of them can be avoided.

Here are four things I tell every customer who wants to get through the holidays without searching “emergency plumber Elmhurst” in a panic.

Watch What Goes Down the Garbage Disposal, Holiday Clogs Happen Fast

Big cooking days mean big plumbing problems, especially in Elmhurst’s older homes. Garbage disposals here are good—but they’re not built to handle everything.

The most common foods causing garbage disposal clogs during the holidays: grease, oil, fats, potato peels, coffee grounds, eggshells, pasta, rice, stuffing, celery, onion skins, and fibrous veggies.

These don’t break down. They stick to the inside of your pipes and create thick, cement-like blockages that require a professional drain cleaning.

My advice: Run cold water the entire time the disposal is on. It makes it easier for the blades to grind. If your sink starts draining slowly, don’t wait. Slow drains almost always turn into full kitchen sink backups during holiday rush.

Prevent Toilet Clogs Before the Whole House Knows

Holiday guests + older Elmhurst sewer lines = a bad combination if people start flushing the wrong things.

Here are a few things that should never go down the toilet: “flushable” wipes (they’re not flushable!), baby wipes, feminine products, paper towels, cotton balls, an excessive amount of toilet paper.

One flush is all it takes to block the line, especially in multi-story Elmhurst homes with long pipe runs.

A tip: If your toilet gurgles or drains slow ahead of time—take that seriously. That’s the #1 warning sign before a full blockage or sewage backup. This is where we get most calls for emergency plumber Elmhurst during holiday weekends.

Handle Slow Drains Before You Have a House Full of People

If your sinks or tubs are already slow, they won’t survive holiday traffic. Slow drains mean buildup. That buildup will turn into a fully clogged sink, sewer smell from drains, water backup into tubs or showers, and/or pressure on old sewer lines

Elmhurst’s tree-lined streets also mean many homes deal with tree root intrusion—something that gets worse with heavy water usage.

My take: If anything gurgles, bubbles, or drains too slowly now, call for a pre-holiday drain cleaning. It’s cheaper than calling for an emergency plumber in Elmhurst at 9 p.m. on Christmas Eve.

Know Where Your Shut-Off Valves Are

Water moves fast. Damage happens faster. In an emergency (like an overflowing toilet or burst pipe) you need to shut the water off immediately.

Before guests arrive, make sure you know where to find: your main water shut-off, toilet shut-offs, sink shut-offs, etc.

If you can cut the water quickly, you’ll avoid the worst-case scenarios: flooding, drywall damage, mold, and massive repair bills.

Drain Guys Chicago Holiday Plumbing Wrap-Up

Look… holiday plumbing problems aren’t glamorous, but they’re real. And if you live in Elmhurst, you know how quickly a small issue can turn into a big one when the house is full.

A little preparation now keeps you out of trouble later. If something does go south—whether it's a clogged toilet, a backed-up sink, or a sewer line acting up—you don’t have to panic.

Drain Guys Chicago provides fast, reliable emergency plumbing in Elmhurst and the western Chicagoland suburbs. We’ve seen every holiday disaster imaginable and fixed them all. When you need us, we’re here to keep the holiday spirit flowing. 

For all of your plumbing needs in Elmhurst, call or text Drain Guys Chicago at 847.850.9653. We proudly serve Elmhurst, IL and nearby western suburbs including Hinsdale, Lombard, Oak Brook, and more.

Kid Flushed Something? Drain Guys Chicago Explains What To Do Next

By Megan A. Dutta, CEO, Drain Guys Chicago

If you’re a parent, you already know that toddlers are tiny rebels with zero fear and infinite curiosity. They test boundaries, explore textures, and they absolutely believe the toilet is a magical water slide for anything they can fit into their hands. Every week at Drain Guys Chicago, we get calls from parents whispering into the phone, “My kid flushed something… please tell me this is fixable.” 

Don’t worry—you are far from alone. I even had to call Felix, our owner, to come assist when my own tot threw every single one of her bath toys in the toilet and flushed.

Today, we’re breaking down the top five things kids commonly flush down toilets, why these objects cause immediate or long-term plumbing issues, and exactly what to do when your toilet clogs because your child flushed something they shouldn’t have.

Whether you're searching “toddler flushed toy down toilet,” “how to fix a clogged toilet,” or “plumber near me in Chicago,” this guide covers it all—in parent-friendly language, not tech jargon.

Toys: The #1 Thing Kids Flush Down Toilets

From rubber ducks to tiny trucks, toys top the list of things children “accidentally” (more like proudly in my case) send swirling into the porcelain abyss.

Why Toys Cause Toilet Clogs

Toys don’t break down in water. They wedge into the toilet trap or get stuck deeper in the drain line. Even if the toilet still flushes at first, the toy becomes a blockage point where toilet paper and debris start collecting.

What To Do When a Kid Flushes a Toy

1. Stop flushing immediately. 

Every flush pushes the toy further down.

2. If you can see it, try to grab it with gloves.

Gloves are key—you don’t want your bare hands in toilet water.

3. Skip DIY tools like coat hangers. 

They scratch porcelain and push objects deeper into the abyss.

4. If you can’t see the toy, call Drain Guys Chicago.

We have the retrieval tools to remove things safely without damaging your toilet. Call or text 847.850.9653.

Baby Wipes and “Flushable” Wipes (HINT: They’re not flushable!)

Toddlers love wipes—wiping themselves, wiping the toilet, wiping whatever they can think of. And, of course, they love to flush those wipes even more. 

Why Wipes Cause Major Toilet Problems

Even wipes labeled “flushable” do not dissolve like toilet paper as they're made from synthetic fibers (like plastic) and binders that don't break down quickly in water. They stay intact, tangle together, clump with grease, and create massive rope-like clogs in both toilets and sewer lines.

Signs Your Toilet Is Clogged With Wipes

Here are some common signs your toilet is clogged with wipes.

• Slow flushing

• Gurgling noises

• Backups in multiple bathroom fixtures

What To Do Next

Here’s what you should do next:

• Attempt to plunge if the clog is shallow.

• If multiple drains are backing up, you need professional drain cleaning.

• For wipe blockages, we often use hydrojetting to clear the line.

The Classic Toddler Move: Too Much Toilet Paper 

Potty-training toddlers have two settings: One square or an entire roll.

Why Excess Toilet Paper Causes Clogs

Toilet paper is designed to dissolve—but not all at once. A giant wad can get stuck fairly easily, especially in older toilets with weaker flush power.

What To Do When Toilet Paper Clogs the Toilet

• Try plunging first. TP clogs respond well to plunging.

• Teach the “3-square rule” or pre-tear squares for beginners.

• Consider upgrading the toilet if this becomes a weekly ritual.

Toothbrushes and Hair Accessories

Mornings, even with the best routine, are chaotic with kiddos. Everyone is running around getting ready for work, school, daycare, etc. The kids are distracted and then all of the sudden, something like a toothbrush is in the toilet..

Why Toothbrushes Cause Serious Clogs

A toothbrush is long, rigid, and perfectly shaped to get lodged in the toilet’s S-curve. Even smaller objects like hair ties and barrettes can wrap around tissue in the toilet, creating a larger obstruction.

What To Do Next

• Turn off the toilet’s water supply.

• If you can’t see the object, do not try flushing again.

• Professional tools (and sometimes a camera inspection) help locate the item.

Small Objects Kids Throw in the Toilet

This category includes the most random items we’re called to retrieve. Among the things Chicago toddlers have flushed: crayons, fruit snacks, candy wrappers, slime (SO. MANY. SLIME CALLS.), rocks, coins, string cheese (yes, really), earrings, etc.

Why These Objects Cause Drain Problems

Unlike toilet paper, none of these items dissolve. They get trapped in bends and can harden or swell over time, leading to slow drains and repeated clogs.

What To Do Next

• Never use chemical drain cleaners! They will corrode pipes over time.
  
  

• If plunging doesn’t work, call a licensed plumber to avoid making the blockage worse. Even better, call or text Felix at Drain Guys Chicago: 847.850.9653.

When You Should Call a Plumber Immediately

Not all clogs are DIY-friendly. Call Drain Guys Chicago if:

🚩 Multiple fixtures (toilet + tub) are backing up

This suggests a mainline clog.

🚩 The toilet overflows or water rises dangerously high

Shut off the valve and call 847.850.9653 ASAP.

🚩 You can’t see the object

If it’s out of reach, you won’t remove it without professional tools.

🚩 The toilet keeps clogging after a toy or wipe incident

This means something is still stuck inside.

How to Prevent Kids From Flushing Things in the Future

Well, if I knew the secret to stop kids from flushing random objects down the toilet, I’d be a billionaire. Obviously there are no full-proof preventative methods, but these tips help dramatically:

• Add a toilet lock during the toddler phase

• Keep bathroom doors closed

• Store wipes, toys, and toiletries out of reach

• Teach toilet paper rules early

• Let kids participate in flushing properly so curiosity doesn’t turn into experimentation
  
  

  Final Thoughts (And When to Call Drain Guys Chicago)

  Accidents happen, especially when curious toddlers and open toilets exist in the same household. If your child flushes something—whether it’s a toy, wipes, toiletries, or even jewelry—don’t panic. Don’t keep flushing. And don’t feel embarrassed. We’ve truly seen it all.

  At Drain Guys Chicago, we’re parents and homeowners, too. We get it. And we’re here to help with: fast response times, transparent pricing,  experienced technicians, and judgment-free service (seriously, your kid’s “flush art” is safe with us).

  If you're dealing with a clogged toilet or you suspect something is stuck in your drain, call or text Drain Guys Chicago at 847.850.9653, the local plumbing and drain-cleaning team Chicago families trust.

Welcome to The Main Line

By: Felix Delgadillo, Owner & Founder

Welcome to The Main Line, the official blog of Drain Guys Chicago, a locally owned sewer, drain cleaning, and plumbing company serving the Chicagoland area.

I’m Felix, the founder and owner of Drain Guys Chicago. After years working in the field, I saw firsthand how often homeowners were confused, overcharged, or pressured into unnecessary repairs when dealing with clogged drains and sewer/plumbing problems. That’s exactly why I started this company—and why this blog exists.

Why We Started This Plumbing & Drain Cleaning Blog

Plumbing problems don’t happen on a schedule. When a drain backs up or a sewer line fails, people are stressed and looking for answers NOW. Unfortunately, that’s also when misinformation spreads the most.

The Main Line is here to change that.

In our blogs, we’ll share:

• Practical drain cleaning tips from licensed professionals

• Common causes of clogged drains and sewer backups

• When you need a professional plumber—and when you don’t

• What to expect from services like hydro jetting, camera inspections, and trenchless sewer repair

• Honest advice from technicians who work in Chicagoland homes every day

No scare tactics. No upselling. Just clear, accurate information.

What “The Main Line” Means in Plumbing

In plumbing, the main line connects everything. When it’s clear, your sinks, toilets, and drains work properly. When it’s clogged or damaged, problems show up fast.

This blog works the same way. It’s the main line for information—helping homeowners understand what’s happening in their plumbing systems and how to make smart decisions before small problems turn into expensive repairs.

About Drain Guys Chicago

Drain Guys Chicago is a family-owned, local plumbing, sewer, and drain cleaning company. We specialize in:

• Trenchless sewer repair

• Drain cleaning

• Sewer line inspections

• Root removal

• Preventative maintenance

• Emergency plumbing services

We serve the City Chicago and nearby suburbs (Barrington, Elmhurst, Glenview, Lombard, Winnetka, and beyond) and we take pride in doing the job right the first time. We don’t subcontract work and we don’t recommend repairs that aren’t necessary.

Our approach is simple: Be honest. Explain the problem. Fix it correctly.

Who This Blog Is For

This blog is for everyone, whether you’re a homeowner who is dealing with a slow drain, a property manage who wants reliable plumbing info, or just searching for trustworthy plumbing advice in the Chicagoland area.

You don’t need to know plumbing terminology (that’s our job)—we believe every customer deserves transparency and education, not confusion.

Stay Connected

We’ll be updating The Main Line regularly with new posts covering real plumbing issues we see in Chicagoland homes and businesses. If you ever need professional help, Drain Guys Chicago is just a call away at 847.850.9653.

Thanks for being here and welcome to The Main Line!