Elk Grove Village
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Sanitary sewer repairs are usually unexpected and can be costly. The unexpected nature inherently results in an immediate need to repair which opens the door for unscrupulous contractors to take advantage of the situation and overcharge. Although the Village cannot control the fee that contractors charge for work, we can do our best to educate our residents about what to expect if they need to call a sewer contractor.
To diagnose the issue and necessary repairs the contractor should utilize a camera inserted into the existing service to confirm the issue and location along the service. The cost of the repair can be substantially higher if the issue is not correctly diagnosed.
There are generally three methods for fixing a sewer problem:
Minor Blockage:
- Rodding out the sewer service by placing a cutter in the service to cut away the obstruction. No permit is required for this work.
- Installation of a cleanout followed by sewer rodding. A cleanout is installed when it is not feasible to remove a toilet to rod out the service and you do not already have a cleanout on the service line. A Village permit ($40) is required for this work.
Settlement, Displacement, or Collapse:
- Partial or complete sewer service line replacement when it cannot be rodded out or the sewer service is broken or collapsing. This method of repair is the most expensive but it is also a permanent solution. A Village permit ($40) is required for this work.
As with all work before you agree to any work on your sewer service line, the Village recommends that you obtain cost proposals from multiple contractors. Do not agree to let a contractor start digging in your yard without the contractor utilizing a camera or rod to identify the exact location of the blockage.
Call the Community Development Department at (847) 357-4220 to find out if your contractor is licensed and bonded to do work within the Village or if you have any questions. We are here to help.