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Plumbing in Chicago, IL: how to find a good plumber

Need a plumber in Chicago (Cook County)? Here is what local homeowners usually hire for, the signs you shouldn't ignore, and a checklist for vetting plumbers before you sign.

What Chicago homeowners hire plumbers for

• Drain clearing, sewer camera inspections and hydro jetting
• Water heater repair and replacement, including tankless
• Sump pumps, battery backups and flood prevention
• Repiping, leak repair and fixture upgrades
• Kitchen and bath remodel plumbing

Signs you need a plumber

• Slow drains or sewer backups after heavy rain
• No hot water, or a leaking water heater
• A sump pump that cycles constantly or fails a bucket test
• Low water pressure or visible corrosion on pipes

Checklist: vetting a plumber in Chicago

1. Ask for their Illinois plumbing license. The Illinois Department of Public Health licenses plumbers, and you can verify the license online.
2. Ask for proof of insurance and bonding.
3. Ask whether the job needs a permit and an inspection (water heaters and repipes usually do).
4. Get a flat-rate quote or a written hourly estimate before work starts.
5. For sewer work, ask for the camera footage.
6. Ask the Chicago building department whether the job needs a permit and an inspection.

Spring rains and snowmelt drive sump pump and sewer emergencies, so test your sump pump in March.

Nearby

Plumbing near Chicago: Evanston · Oak Park · Cicero · Skokie

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