First, let’s start with what backflow is. Whether we’re talking about a residential building or a business, backflow is the undesirable reversal of flow in a potable water distribution through a cross-connection. Essentially, an outgoing faucet like a sprinkler head or drinking fountain can suck water back up and into the public potable water supply. It’s easy to understand how this can be a problem, as it can be very unhygienic and can make people ill.
Backflow prevention is a service that is sometimes helpful for homeowners—for instance, if you have an irrigation system in place—but is particularly necessary for businesses and commercial buildings. In fact, in most jurisdictions, it is legally required that commercial buildings have a backflow prevention system in place. According to the Illinois Environmental Protection Agency (IEPA), our area is no exception.
The traditional water heater—the storage tank model—is pretty big, usually very noticeable, and often a bit noisy. As such, many homeowners realize a system such as this needs occasional maintenance, and are likely to schedule that service on a regular basis.
When it comes to weather in Evanston, there are two conditions we’re pretty well known for—snowstorms in the wintertime, and rainstorms pretty much any time of the year. While we don’t have to worry about snow for the time being, it’s important to be aware of the risks that come along with the heavy rainfall we’re bound to experience from time to time. In particular, it’s important to be aware of your home’s risk of flooding, especially your basement area.
We get it—your toilet isn’t something you think about a whole lot. Sure, it’s a plumbing fixture you rely on daily, and we probably all take it for granted when it works flawlessly. But when something goes wrong with your toilet, it’s usually not a problem that can wait.
Should plumbing repairs ever be a Do-It-Yourself project? Well, it some cases it might be alright. For instance, perhaps you have a clog that is close to the surface of your sink drain and you can just relieve it on your own with nothing more than a sink plunger and a little bit of elbow grease.
One of the most common questions we get about 
Pretty much any home in our area has a main sewer line running beneath the property. This sewer line connects your various drain lines to the city’s main civic sewer system, and since it’s buried beneath your yard, it’s mostly protected from damage. However, when problems do occur, they can be quite a big hassle.
There are a couple reasons your plumbing system’s sewer line is buried under your yard. For instance, it’s more attractive this way! However, it’s also for safety and functionality on your property. But this means that not only is your sewer line out of sight (and therefore hard to spot problems with right away) but it’s also prone to problems like tree roots searching for a water source.
It can sometimes be hard to tell if your plumbing system is in good shape at any given moment. Most people don’t think very much about their plumbing system at all, provided that the pipes continue to work for them the way it always does. Out of sight, out of mind—right? Unfortunately, that’s not the best way to deal with plumbing issues.
When it comes to modern plumbing, there’s a lot we take for granted. For instance, we rely on hot water every day for bathing, cooking, and cleaning. We depend on our toilets to handle every flush with ease. We expect that our sewer lines will quickly and simply take wastewater away from our homes in a hygienic manner.