Your Local Plumber: Serving Cleveland and Surrounding

Grease, hair, soap, food scraps, and so-called "flushable wipes” can build up inside your drain lines. Older cast-iron or clay pipes are more likely to have problems. In Northeast Ohio, tree roots often get into sewer lines, causing blockages that keep recurring.

How can I clear a clogged drain?

For small kitchen sink or bathroom clogs, try using a plunger or an enzyme-based drain cleaner first. Stay away from harsh chemical cleaners, as they can damage your pipes over time.

If clogs keep coming back, a professional can use hydro-jetting or a drain snake to clear the line and remove buildup that home methods can’t fix.

When should I get a sewer camera inspection?

If draiIf your drains back up again and again, schedule a sewer camera inspection soon. These inspections usually cost $200–$400 and can spot tree roots, broken pipes, or heavy buildup before you end up with a flooded basement or expensive repairs.

How can I prevent clogged drains?

Put strainers in your sinks to catch hair and food scraps. Only flush toilet paper  Wipes labeled "flushable" do not break down and can clog pipes. Don’t pour kitchen grease down the drain.

If your drains are slow or backing up, call Gorjanc Home Services at (440) 449-4411. We’ll find the cause and suggest the best fix for your home.

Schedule a $99 Plumbing Inspection or find a plumber near you on our local plumbers directory.

Who pays for sewer line repairs?

Many homes built before the 1970s have clay or Orangeburg sewer pipes that can crack, corrode, or collapse as they age. Tree roots often get into these old pipes, and Northeast Ohio’s freeze-thaw cycles can shift the soil and cause more damage. Places like Lakewood, Mentor, and North Ridgeville have lots of homes with these older systems.

Look out for warning signs before a big sewer backup happens, like gurgling toilets, slow drains, or sewage smells near floor drains.

Who is responsible for sewer line repairs?

Usually, the city or town takes care of the main sewer line up to your curb or property line. You are responsible for the sewer line from there to your house. Repairs to this part can cost $5,000 to $15,000 or more, depending on the damage and repair method.

What should I do if I suspect a sewer line problem?

Begin with a sewer camera inspection to find out exactly where and what the problem is. This can help you avoid digging up your yard and find the best repair option.

NEORSD (Northeast Ohio Regional Sewer District) sometimes offers leak credits or assistance programs. Check your water bill or contact them directly to see if you qualify.

What sewer line repair options are available?

Trenchless pipe lining and hydro-jetting can often fix the problem without the mess and cost of digging up your yard. After your camera inspection, we’ll explain which repair option is best for your needs and budget.

If you have signs of a sewer backup or want to check your old sewer line before problems start, call Gorjanc Home Services at (440) 449-4411. We’ll take a look and suggest the best solution for your home.

If your water heater starts leaking, turn the water supply shut-off valve off.

Why did my water heater suddenly stop producing hot water or start making noises?

Sediment from Northeast Ohio’s hard Lake Erie water can build up inside your water heater tank over time. This buildup can cause rumbling or popping sounds, lukewarm showers, and rusty water. Most regular tank water heaters last 8 to 12 years before these issues become common.

What water heater maintenance do I need?

Flush your water heater tank once a year to remove sediment. Doing this regularly helps your water heater last longer and work better.

When should I replace my water heater rather than repair it?

If your water heater is over 10 years old, leaking, or keeps having problems, it’s usually cheaper to replace it than keep fixing it. Waiting until it fails can lead to a flooded basement and emergency costs.

What water heater replacement options are available?

High-efficiency gas water heaters and tankless water heaters like Navien are reliable and save energy. Tankless water heaters give you endless hot water when you need it and take up less space than traditional tank water heaters.

Who can I call for a plumbing or water heater inspection?

When we visit, we’ll look at how much hot water your household uses and suggest the best water heater for your home and budget.

If your water heater is making strange noises, not heating well, or seems old, call Gorjanc Home Services at (440) 449-4411. We’ll check it out and help you decide if you should repair or replace it.

Why is the water coming out brown and rusty?

Galvanized and cast-iron pipes, often found in homes built before the 1970s, can corrode inside as they age. This corrosion slows down water flow and lets rust get into your water. Hard water and hidden leaks can make things worse.

How can a plumber diagnose low water pressure problems?

A plumber can figure out if low pressure or rusty water is coming from old pipes in your house, a bad pressure regulator, or an issue with the city’s water main.

What's the solution for corroded plumbing pipes?

Replacing old galvanized or cast-iron pipes with PEX or copper usually brings back good water pressure and clear water. How much needs to be replaced depends on which pipes are affected.

Should I consider a whole-house water treatment system?

Many homeowners in Northeast Ohio add whole-house water softeners or filters to deal with mineral buildup over time. These systems protect your plumbing and improve water quality in your home.

If you have weak water pressure or discolored water, find a plumber near you by calling  (440) 449-4411. We’ll find the problem and suggest solutions that fit your home and budget.

What's wrong with my sump pump?

Northeast Ohio’s clay soil and heavy spring rains can overwhelm old drainage systems and sump pumps. Towns from North Ridgeville to Mentor often have basement flooding during big storms or fast snowmelt.

How do I test my sump pump?

Test your sump pump every spring by pouring water into the sump pit. The pump should activate automatically and discharge water away from your foundation. If it does not turn on, runs continuously, or makes unusual noises, it needs repair or replacement.

How often should I replace my sump pump?

Replace your sump pump every 7 to 10 years, even if it appears to work. Pumps wear out over time, and failures during a storm can cause costly water damage.

Should I install a battery backup sump pump?

A battery backup sump pump keeps your basement dry during power outages, which often occur during severe storms when you need your pump most. This is essential protection for Northeast Ohio homes prone to spring flooding.

How can I prevent basement flooding?

Keep sump pump discharge lines free of ice and debris. Clean yard catch basins twice a year to prevent clogging. If flooding continues despite a working pump, you may need a second sump pump or perimeter drain system to handle excess groundwater.

At Gorjanc Home Services, we understand that basement flooding is urgent and stressful. If your basement is flooding or your sump pump isn't working, call us immediately at (440) 449-4411.