If you own a home, you know that upkeep and maintenance are necessary. So when you’re told that you need a sewer repair, the first thing you probably wonder is how much the repair will cost.

Hiring the right company to do the job right is crucial, but it’s not always as easy as you think.

Unfortunately, there are companies that aren’t trustworthy or honest and will do anything to make a quick buck.

Below are some steps you can take to make sure the right company is hired the first time around.

DO Research Potential Companies

These days, technology is everywhere and everyone is online. Most reputable service companies have some sort of an online presence. Check out websites and social media channels to get a feel for the company.

A great thing to look for is online customer reviews from sites like Google, Facebook or the Better Business Bureau. These are real people who have used the company, sharing their honest feedback. Are they generally positive? Take some time to read what real customers are saying about their experiences working with the company. You can check out some of Reid & Pederson’s reviews on Google here!

DO Ask Questions

Sewer repairs can be costly. So when you have to spend your hard-earned money on a repair, you want to be armed with all of the information possible to help you choose the best company for the job. As you call around and speak to companies, know that a good company will listen to your questions and answer them honestly. Beware of companies that don’t call you back, that give you vague answers or push you into quickly signing a contract with them.

DON’T Rush the Process

We understand. A broken sewer line isn’t something you can leave broken. But taking a little time to do your research and ask the necessary questions could mean the difference between hundreds, even thousands, of dollars and a correct repair job or an incorrect one. Just think of the headaches and stress that choosing the wrong company can cause!

DO Sign a Contract

You’ve done your research and now you’re ready to sign on the dotted line. We can’t stress this enough – please DO sign on the dotted line! Review the contract before signing and clarify any questions you may have before signing. A contract is a binding legal document so making sure you are all on the same page is a must!

A Drain & Sewer Company You Can Trust

Hopefully, any company you choose is honest and gets the job done right, but Reid & Pederson are specialists in all things sewer and drainage. If you’ve been told you need a sewer repair, or you suspect your sewer line may be broken, start with the best and give us a call today!

During the colder months, some drain and sewer issues tend to pop more frequently than others, or at least more than they did in the warmer months. And here at Reid & Pederson Drainage, we’ve seen and dealt with them all! As such, we’ve put together a list of four of those issues along with how you can solve them, or avoid them altogether.

Read on to learn more, or simply reach out to our Crete drain and sewer experts with any questions you may have or if you need to book drain or sewer service in Crete, IL, or the surrounding area!

1) Clogged Kitchen Drains

Increased cooking during the holidays and more time at home during the cold winter months means more items going down your kitchen sink that probably shouldn’t be. Never put grease down your kitchen sink, as cold winter weather can cause it to quickly harden and cause a clog. Be wary of what you put down your disposal as well, making sure items such as bones, fibrous skins or noodles do not go down it. Read our comprehensive guide of things to never put down your drains here!

2) Frozen Sump Pit & Discharge Lines

Winter brings freezing temperatures which can cause the discharge lines of your sump pump to freeze. Regularly checking your sump pump, the pit and the discharge lines to ensure they are working correctly can prevent the lines from freezing. Additionally, running your sump pump above ground and away from your home during the winter months helps prevent the discharge lines from freezing.

3) Frozen Drain Lines

It is not uncommon for the pipes of common household fixtures such as your bath sink or kitchen sink to freeze in very cold winter weather, especially if their pipes face an outside wall. Opening the cabinets beneath these fixtures (if safe to do so) can allow the warmer air in your home to circulate around the pipes, preventing frozen drain lines.

4) Tree Roots Going Deeper Looking for Water

You may think that roots lie dormant in the winter months but this is certainly not the case! In fact, cold winter weather actually makes roots search harder for the water and nutrients they crave. Sewer pipes constantly carry a flow of water throughout them so what better place for the roots to go?

Long, thin feeder roots find a way into sewer pipes through cracks in the pipes and joints. Before long, the roots can grow out of control.

Here at Reid & Pederson, we can rod your sewer any time of year to ensure those pesky roots stay away – and out – of your sewer line! You can also learn more about what to do about tree roots in your sewer line here!

Help from Your Local Drain & Sewer Experts

If you need help with any of the issues above, or you’re dealing with a different drain or sewer problem, reach out to the experts at Reid & Pederson Drainage today!

You may not think twice about flushing that pair of contact lenses or those “flushable” wipes down your toilet.

But did you know that repeated flushing of these items and other commonly used household items can lead to clogs or cause disruptions in wastewater treatment systems?

The sewer and drain cleaning pros at Reid & Pederson Drainage have put together a list of items you may not think would cause much trouble, but that you should never flush down your toilet.

1) Dental Floss

If you floss twice a day (as you should) throwing your used floss down the toilet every day can cause a buildup of the strings, leading to clogs and allowing other debris that is washed down the drain to get caught as well.

2) Medications

Old or expired medications should never be flushed down the toilet for risk of them entering the drinking water system. The best way to dispose of them is by checking to see if your community participates in a drug take back program. If not, you can call your local police and see if you can drop them off at the station.

3) Cigarette Butts

These should never be flushed down the toilet, as they are full of chemicals that can find a way into water sources and pollute them and harm fish and other wildlife. 

4) Gum

Gum is sticky. So flushing it down the toilet brings the risk of it sticking to your pipes. Not only the gum but other debris floating through the pipes can stick to it and cause larger clogs. Your best bet is to simply throw it in the garbage. 

5) Fish

It’s sad to lose your pet goldfish. But flushing him away isn’t the best idea, as dead fish and other carcasses are difficult to deal with at the water treatment plant. Your best bet is to give Goldie a proper burial in your backyard.

6) Cotton Swabs & Cotton Balls

Again, not a good idea to flush down your toilet. Cotton balls expand when in water and Q-tips can also get trapped in pipes.

Help from the Drain Clog Experts

The bottom line? When in doubt, throw it out! Save yourself the headache of dealing with a clog and make sure you only flush the three “Ps!” (We’re pretty sure we don’t have to tell you what those are!”).

Of course if you do find yourself with a clogged toilet, drain or sewer line, reach out to the Crete, IL drain and sewer cleaning experts at Reid & Pederson right away!

If you look out your window and see a lake but you don’t own any lakefront property, you could have a drainage problem at your home.

While it may seem harmless to see pools of water in your landscape, it’s important to know what is happening underground and how water can affect the safety and integrity of your home.

Read on to learn more about drainage problems or reach out to the Crete sewer and drainage experts at Reid & Pederson today!

Signs You Have A Drainage Problem

If you notice any of the following signs in your landscape or in your basement, it’s a pretty good indication that your home does indeed have a drainage problem.

• Pooling/standing water in your yard
• Soggy, squishy ground
• Overflowing gutters or downspouts
• Unexplained leaks in your basement
• Mildew smell
• Visible mold on basement walls

What Causes Drainage Problems?

Landscape Grading

There are several reasons why drainage problems pop up. One of the biggest culprits is the grading of the landscape. When your home was built, the landscape was graded on a very slight slope. When done correctly, this grade prevents water from flowing towards your home during times of heavy rainfall or snowmelt. If the landscape is graded improperly and is flat, water will settle on top of the lawn once the soil below becomes saturated. Because the water has no place to go, it can eventually find a way near the foundation of your home. 

Gutters & Downspouts

Other common culprits are the gutters and downspouts of the home. Gutters that are filled with leaves and other debris can overflow, causing water to spill next to the house. Downspouts that aren’t pointed far enough away from the home also allow water to settle near the foundation. Keeping gutters clear and extending downspouts at least five feet from the home can greatly reduce the amount of water that finds a way near your home. 

Consequences of Drainage Problems

Water has many negative effects that can cause lots of damage to your home. Issues such as mold, bugs and pests, basement leaks and foundation damage are just a handful of issues that can pop up with a home drainage problem. Diverting water away from your home as much as possible will prevent issues before they become large, costlier ones. 

Help from the Drainage Pros

If you’re experiencing any kind of drainage problem in Crete, IL or the surrounding area, don’t hesitate to reach out to Reid & Pederson Drainage for help! We offer a full range of drainage services, so give us a call or contact us today!