Lemont’s Historic Waterways Create Modern Drainage Challenges That Demand Professional Solutions

Nestled along the convergence of three historic waterways, Lemont offers the unique opportunity to see the Illinois & Michigan Canal, the Chicago Sanitary and Ship Canal, and the Des Plaines River in one location. This rich canal heritage that once made Lemont “the mountain” in French and helped establish it as the largest Civil War recruiting station for Union troops now presents unique drainage challenges for modern homeowners in 2025.

The Legacy of Lemont’s Canal Infrastructure

Lemont would not be the town it is today without its waterways, and understanding this history is crucial to addressing today’s residential drainage issues. The town’s development was intrinsically linked to the construction of the Illinois & Michigan Canal, which began in 1836 and was completed in 1848. This ambitious waterway project connected Lake Michigan to the Illinois River, creating a continuous water route from New York to the Gulf of Mexico via the Mississippi River.

The canal’s construction brought massive changes to the area’s water management systems. The 1890s also saw construction of the Sanitary & Ship Canal, which temporarily transformed Lemont into a “wide open” town accommodating up to 10,000 people. While the Illinois and Michigan Canal’s function was partially replaced by the wider and deeper Chicago Sanitary and Ship Canal in 1900, and it ceased transportation operations with the completion of the Illinois Waterway in 1933, the infrastructure changes continue to impact modern drainage patterns.

How Historic Waterway Changes Affect Modern Residential Drainage

Today’s Lemont residents face drainage challenges directly tied to this canal heritage. Stormwater is rainfall that does not soak into the ground but instead flows over the land or in the Stormwater Sewer System to the nearest body of water, which in our case is the I&M Canal. In urban areas such as Lemont, much of the land is covered by impervious surfaces such as streets, buildings, parking lots and driveways which is why a Storm Sewer System is necessary.

The village operates a complex system to manage these challenges. The Public Works Department maintains approximately 150 miles of sewer pipe within the three systems throughout the Village. First there is the Sanitary Sewer System that is used to carry the waste water from indoor plumbing from residences and businesses to the Metropolitan Sanitary District (MWRD) for treatment. Next is the Storm Water System that is used to transmit rainwater runoff from streets, sidewalks and buildings to local streams. Lastly there is a Combined Sewer System which by its name is a combination of both waste water and rain water which also goes to the MWRD for treatment.

The legacy infrastructure creates particular challenges. Combined Sewer Systems can cause serious water pollution problems due to combined sewer overflows, which are caused by large variations in flow between dry and wet weather conditions. This type of sewer design is no longer used in new construction, but many of the older areas still utilize this type of system. The Village of Lemont has dedicated itself to going into some of the more historic areas and separating the combined systems into separate, sanitary and storm systems.

Professional Drainage Solutions for Lemont Homeowners

When Lemont’s unique drainage challenges overwhelm residential systems, professional intervention becomes necessary. The unique challenges you face as a Lemont homeowner. Your area’s infrastructure from the 1990s housing boom, combined with hard water from local wells and mature oak trees sending roots toward water sources, creates perfect conditions for stubborn blockages that regular drain cleaning can’t handle.

For severe blockages and preventive maintenance, hydro jetting lemont services offer the most effective solution. Hydro jetting service doesn’t just poke a hole through the blockage—it scours your pipes completely clean, removing years of grease, soap scum, and debris that regular drain cleaning leaves behind. This powerful cleaning method delivers 3,000-4,000 PSI of cleaning power—enough to cut through tree roots and decades of buildup without damaging your pipes.

Go-Rooter: Your Local Drainage Solution Partner

Go-Rooter is the trusted and reliable emergency plumber serving Chicago, Cook County, IL. We take great pride in offering our community cost-effective, speedy, and trustworthy plumbing service. As a part of the Cook community, that’s why when you choose us you’re choosing a local small business that can cater to all your plumbing needs.

The company’s values align perfectly with what Lemont homeowners need when facing drainage challenges. We started with — the idea of providing a truthful and trustworthy plumbing experience without any surprise fees! We believe in honest dealings and upfront pricing, so there is no surprises. We want to see real, durable outcomes. Our commitment to quality runs deep, from replacing a pipe to installing a new faucet. What makes us different or unique It’s our commitment to getting the job done right the first time.

Licensed, bonded and insured family-owned plumbing and sewer company specializing in residential and commercial hydro-jetting, installing and repairing flood control systems, water prevention, power rodding, sewer repairs, gas pipe pressure testing, City of Chicago Private Drain Program services, and more! Their comprehensive approach ensures that whether you’re dealing with routine maintenance or emergency drainage issues caused by Lemont’s unique waterway heritage, you have access to professional solutions.

Protecting Your Investment in 2025

As Lemont continues to evolve while preserving its canal heritage, homeowners must stay proactive about drainage maintenance. Regular hydro jet service every 18-24 months prevents these problems from turning into expensive emergencies. It’s the difference between spending a few hundred dollars on maintenance versus thousands on pipe replacement or water damage cleanup.

Understanding your home’s connection to Lemont’s waterway heritage helps you make informed decisions about drainage maintenance. The same historic infrastructure that makes Lemont unique also requires modern solutions to keep your home safe and dry. With professional services available from trusted local providers, you can protect your investment while honoring the town’s rich canal legacy.