Meet the Expert: Mike Sullivan of Midwest Plumbing & Drain Specialists

Keeping homes flowing smoothly for Over 20 Years

Most homeowners don't think much about their plumbing until something goes wrong. A dripping faucet, slow drain, running toilet, or small water stain might seem like a minor inconvenience. But when ignored, those little problems can turn into thousands of dollars in water damage and unexpected repairs.

And with another Illinois winter approaching, protecting your home's plumbing becomes even more important.

This month, The Shiny Bubble sat down with Mike Sullivan of Midwest Plumbing & Drain Specialists, a locally owned plumbing company with 20 years of experience specializing in residential and commercial plumbing repairs, drain cleaning, water heater installation, pipe replacement, sewer services, and preventative maintenance.

Mike shared some practical advice about preventing expensive plumbing emergencies, maintaining older homes, and knowing when to call a professional.

Mike: Ignoring small problems because everything still seems to be working.

A faucet drips, a toilet runs occasionally, or a drain takes a little longer to empty. Homeowners get used to those things and figure they'll deal with them later.

The problem is that plumbing issues rarely fix themselves.

A slow leak underneath a sink can damage cabinets and flooring. A running toilet can waste a surprising amount of water. And a slow drain can eventually become a complete blockage.

My advice is simple: fix small plumbing problems while they're still small.

Mike: A completely new water heater just because they're running out of hot water.

Sometimes replacement is absolutely the right decision, especially if the tank is leaking or the equipment is near the end of its useful life.

But we've seen situations where the problem was a failed heating element, thermostat, sediment buildup, or another repairable component.

Before spending thousands of dollars on a new water heater, have someone diagnose the actual problem.

A good plumber should explain whether repairing the equipment makes financial sense or whether replacement is the better long-term investment.

Mike: A small water leak.

Water is incredibly destructive when it gets into places where it doesn't belong.

A slow leak behind a wall, underneath a toilet, around a dishwasher, or beneath a kitchen sink can go unnoticed for months.

By the time the homeowner discovers it, we may be dealing with damaged flooring, cabinets, drywall, insulation, and potentially mold.

The plumbing repair itself might be relatively inexpensive. It's the water damage that becomes costly.

Mike: I recommend homeowners do a basic visual inspection several times a year and consider a professional plumbing inspection annually, especially in older homes.

Look underneath sinks, around toilets, behind washing machines, and near the water heater.

Check for moisture, corrosion, dripping connections, and unusual stains.

If you have a sump pump, test it before the spring rainy season. And if your home has older supply lines or a history of sewer backups, those systems deserve additional attention.

Preventative maintenance is always easier than dealing with a flooded basement.

Mike: Know where your main water shutoff valve is located.

You'd be amazed how many homeowners have no idea where it is.

If a pipe bursts or a supply line breaks, being able to shut off the water immediately can prevent thousands of dollars in damage.

Find the valve, make sure it's accessible, and have a plumber address it if it's stuck or doesn't operate properly.

I'd also recommend making sure everyone in the household knows where it is.

Mike: Your plumbing usually gives you clues before something major happens.

Some common warning signs include:

If multiple drains are backing up at the same time, that can indicate a larger sewer-line problem.

Don't wait until water is coming up through your basement floor drain to investigate.

Mike: Older homes and homes with finished basements.

DuPage County has many beautiful neighborhoods with homes built in the 1950s, 1960s, and 1970s. Depending on the age and previous renovations, some still have older galvanized piping, cast-iron drains, or aging sewer lines.

Mature trees can also create problems when roots enter sewer pipes through existing joints or cracks.

And homeowners with finished basements need to pay particular attention to sump pumps, backup systems, and drainage.

If you've invested thousands of dollars finishing your basement, a properly functioning sump pump and backup system are extremely important.

Mike:  Technology has made a huge difference.

Today we have sewer inspection cameras, electronic leak detection equipment, improved piping materials, high-efficiency water heaters, and smart water monitoring systems.

One of the biggest improvements is automatic water shutoff technology.

Some systems can detect unusual water usage or leaks and shut off the home's water supply automatically.

For homeowners who travel frequently or own a second home, that technology can provide tremendous peace of mind.

Mike: Check your water meter.

Turn off all faucets, appliances, and anything else that uses water. Then look at your water meter.

If the meter continues showing water usage when nothing should be running, you may have a hidden leak.

It could be something simple like a running toilet, or it could be a leak you haven't discovered yet.

It's a quick check that can help identify a problem before it becomes expensive.

Mike: After twenty years, we've pulled just about everything imaginable out of drains.

One homeowner had a kitchen sink that kept backing up no matter what they tried.

When we inspected the drain, we discovered a collection of small plastic toys that had been dropped down the garbage disposal by their young son.

The parents thought they had a major sewer problem.

Fortunately, it was a much simpler repair—and the little guy eventually admitted he was trying to see where the toys went!

Mike: When a plumbing problem has already caused water damage.

We get called after a small leak has soaked through cabinets, after a sump pump has failed during a storm, or after a sewer line has backed up into a finished basement.

Another issue is drainage around the outside of the house.

If gutters are clogged, downspouts discharge too close to the foundation, or water consistently pools near the home, that moisture can contribute to basement water problems.

That's why I tell homeowners that protecting your plumbing and basement starts outside the house, too.

Keeping gutters clear, downspouts functioning, and water moving away from the foundation is an important part of protecting your property.

Mike: Disconnect your garden hoses.

It sounds simple, but every winter we see frozen or burst pipes caused by hoses left attached to outdoor faucets.

Even a frost-free hose bib can be damaged if a hose traps water inside the fixture.

Disconnect hoses, drain and winterize outdoor plumbing as appropriate, and make sure pipes in unheated areas are properly protected.

During extreme cold, maintain adequate heat throughout the home and pay special attention to plumbing near exterior walls.

A few minutes of preparation in October can prevent a very expensive plumbing emergency in January.

Mike: Don't wait until you have water on the floor to develop a relationship with a good plumber.

Find a licensed, insured plumbing contractor you trust. Have them evaluate aging equipment, identify potential problems, and help you plan for future repairs or replacements.

Your plumbing is one of the most important systems in your home, but most of it is hidden behind walls, beneath floors, or underground.

You don't have to become a plumbing expert. You just need to pay attention to the warning signs and take care of small problems before they become major ones.

After 20 years in the plumbing business, I've learned that the most expensive plumbing repair is often the one that could have been prevented.

Small plumbing issues can become expensive emergencies when ignored. DuPage County homeowners can protect their homes by checking for leaks, monitoring warning signs, keeping water away from the foundation, knowing where the main shutoff valve is, and preparing outdoor plumbing before winter.