Business Details
45 Years
experience
Emergency
services
Your Trusted Chicago Plumbing & Flood Control Experts
Parks Plumbing & Sewer has been a trusted name in Chicagoland's plumbing and flood control industry since 1981. Founded by Jeff Parks, a visionary with a legacy rooted in precision engineering, we pioneered the patented 'DOUBLE GUARD' backwater valve systema flood control solution with a 99% success rate over 40 years. Our team combines over a century of cumulative experience with specialized expertise in sewer systems, drainage, and emergency plumbing services. Recognized by industry peers and featured on 'Ask This Old House,' we maintain rigorous standards through licensed professionals, including certified Cross-Connection-Control Device Inspectors and pipe fitters.With more than 110,000 satisfied customers, our commitment to innovation, accountability, and hand-crafted solutions has established us as Chicagoland's premier flood control specialists. We operate with full transparency, offering 24/7 emergency services and patented fiberglass J-Vault technology that outperforms traditional concrete vaults by lasting 75 years. Our E-E-A-T principles are demonstrated through continuous education, public seminars, and a customer-centric approach that prioritizes long-term relationships over short-term gains.
Services
Flood Control Systems
Sewer Repair
Plumbing Services
Sump Pump Installation
Drain Cleaning
Water Line Replacement
Trenchless Sewer Repair
Foundation Crack Repair
Emergency Plumbing
Maintenance Plans
Details
- Year established: 1981
Highlights and features
- We invented the patented 'DOUBLE GUARD' backwater valve with 99% success rate over 40 years
- Our team includes licensed plumbers and certified Cross-Connection-Control Device Inspectors
- Over 110,000 satisfied customers across Chicagoland since 1981
- Featured on 'Ask This Old House' for flood control expertise
- Offer 24/7 emergency plumbing services with guaranteed response
What people say
Excellent work
Efficient team
Professional staff
Patented system success
Fair pricing
Services
Flood Control Systems
Our patented 'DOUBLE GUARD' backwater valve system prevents sewer backups with dual mechanical valves that activate under city sewer pressure. This 100% brass system lasts over 200 years and features easy-access fiberglass J-Vaults with 75-year durability. Installed 10-15 feet from homes, it protects against 200+ pounds of back pressure while maintaining EPA compliance.
Sewer Repair
We offer comprehensive sewer solutions including camera inspections, trenchless repair, and traditional excavation methods. Our licensed technicians handle clogs, root intrusion, and pipe replacement using modern techniques that minimize property disruption. Services include sewer rodding, hydro jetting, and 24/7 emergency response for complete system restoration.
Plumbing Services
From fixture installation to emergency leak repairs, our certified plumbers handle residential and commercial needs. We specialize in water heater replacement, gas line repair, and leak detection using thermal imaging. Services include kitchen/bathroom plumbing, backflow prevention, and whole-house repiping with guaranteed code compliance and manufacturer warranties.
Sump Pump Installation
Our battery backup sump pump systems prevent basement flooding with dual protection mechanisms. We install high-capacity pumps with automatic float switches and maintenance-free batteries that operate during power outages. Systems include alarm monitoring, manual testing capabilities, and annual inspection programs to ensure 100% reliability during storm events.
Drain Cleaning
We employ hydro jetting technology to clear drain blockages using 4,000 PSI water streams that remove scale, grease, and root intrusions. Our technicians perform camera inspections before and after cleaning to document pipe condition. Services include catch basin cleaning, window well drainage, and preventative maintenance plans for commercial properties with complex drainage systems.
People
Jeff Parks
Founder
Son of a Skokie plumbing inspector, Jeff started the company in 1981 with a van and vision. He invented the 'DOUBLE GUARD' system after identifying recurring flood control issues in Chicago's aging infrastructure. With engineering expertise from aerospace and defense projects, he built the company into a regional leader.
Matt Finegan
Senior Technician
15-year veteran specializing in foundation seepage solutions and interior drain tile installations. Recognized for exceptional customer service and technical expertise in complex waterproofing projects. Leads training sessions for new technicians on patented system installations and maintenance protocols.
Christina
Customer Service Manager
Oversees scheduling and client relations with 12 years of experience coordinating emergency services and large-scale projects. Known for flexible scheduling and personalized client communication. Manages the 5-year maintenance agreement program serving over 2,000 active accounts.
Questions
What makes your flood control system better than competitors?
Our patented 'DOUBLE GUARD' system uses dual brass valves with 99% reliability over 40 years, outperforming plastic alternatives. The J-Vault lasts 75 years versus 25 for concrete.
Do you offer emergency services after hours?
Yes, we provide 24/7 emergency plumbing and flood control services with guaranteed response times during critical situations.
How do you handle foundation crack repairs?
We use specialized epoxy injections and interior drainage systems to address both symptoms and root causes of foundation water intrusion.
Are financing options available?
We offer seasonal promotions and referral bonuses. Contact our office for current financing programs on major installations.
What areas do you service?
We serve Chicago's North Side, West Suburbs, and Northwest Suburbs with specialized expertise in city-specific plumbing codes.
How often should systems be maintained?
We recommend annual inspections for flood control systems and semi-annual plumbing checkups to prevent emergency situations.
Reviews (4)
Geers Tyresoil
Apr 11, 2022
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Critical: Professionalism One of your workers just washed out some container on my property, not cool.
Rob Oldenburg
Jan 07, 2022
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Victor and Liam were great. They were super friendly, did great work, and averted a disaster when my neighbor turned the water back on to the building without checking to see if the plumbing work was finished. Parks Plumbing will be my first call for any plumbing going forward. Service: Plumbing leak detection
Ellen Ray
Oct 08, 2021
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We called Parks for some small plumbing projects at the recommendation of our home inspector. Parks was easy to book with - all done by email - and were able to come out within a week of our initial inquiry. The team - Victor and Liam - arrived on time, were direct and honest in their assessment - even waiving us off work they did not recommend - explained the work thoroughly and quoted us a fair price before starting.
They were done with the work we agreed upon before the arrival window closed and the price we got quoted was the price we paid. They also both remained masked and distanced the whole time and were very respectful of us and our home. We were very impressed with their wise counsel, their professionalism, the quality of the work, and the transparent pricing. We will definitely be using Parks' again.
They were done with the work we agreed upon before the arrival window closed and the price we got quoted was the price we paid. They also both remained masked and distanced the whole time and were very respectful of us and our home. We were very impressed with their wise counsel, their professionalism, the quality of the work, and the transparent pricing. We will definitely be using Parks' again.
Ronen Sumagin
Sep 04, 2021
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Made an appointment to consult and solve an issue of over flooding back yard. Specifically explained what I needed prior to setting appointment. The specialist that arrived was an indoor basement solutions expert and could not really advise or price the project I needed. I was assured someone will contact me the next day with proper specialist which never happened. Waste of time and really unprofessional.
