Tag Archives: plumber chicago

Jan '24

Plumbing Issues That Old Chicago Homes Experience

Plumbing issues are a common problem that homeowners face, regardless of the age of their property. However, old Chicago homes have their own unique set of plumbing challenges due to the specific characteristics of these buildings. This article aims to explore some of the plumbing issues that old Chicago homes often experience and provide valuable insights on how to address them effectively.

The Challenges of Old Chicago Homes

Old Chicago homes, with their rich history and charm, often come with outdated plumbing systems that require extra attention and maintenance. These properties pose several challenges due to the age and condition of their plumbing infrastructure. Understanding these challenges is essential for homeowners looking to navigate the complexities of plumbing issues in their older Chicago residences.

Outdated Pipes

One of the most common plumbing issues in old Chicago homes is outdated pipes. Many older properties in the city still have pipes made of materials that are no longer in use today, such as galvanized steel or cast iron. These pipes can corrode and deteriorate over time, leading to leaks, reduced water pressure, and even burst pipes. It is important for homeowners to be aware of the type of pipes in their homes and consider replacing them with more modern, durable materials like copper or PVC.

Poor Drainage Systems

Another prevalent plumbing issue in old Chicago homes is poor drainage systems. Older properties often have inadequate drainage systems that were not built to handle the demands of modern living. This can result in frequent clogs, slow drains, and sewage backups. Homeowners should consider updating their drainage systems by installing larger pipes and adding additional cleanouts to improve the overall effectiveness of the plumbing system.

Leaky Faucets and Fixtures

Leaky faucets and fixtures are a common annoyance in any home, but they tend to be more prevalent in older properties. Over time, the seals and gaskets of faucets and fixtures can wear out, leading to leaks and wastage of water. To address this issue, homeowners should regularly inspect and replace faulty washers, seals, or cartridges. Upgrading to more efficient and water-saving fixtures can also help reduce water waste and lower utility bills.

Water Quality Concerns

Older plumbing systems in Chicago homes may also contribute to water quality concerns. Outdated pipes can accumulate rust, sediment, and other harmful substances, affecting the taste and safety of the water. Homeowners should consider installing water filtration systems or water softeners to ensure cleaner and healthier water. Regular testing of the water quality can provide valuable insights and guide appropriate actions for maintaining water purity.

Frozen pipes are a common issue during the winter months, leading to water blockages and potentially burst pipes.

Frozen Pipes in Winter

Chicago’s harsh winters can be particularly challenging for old homes with vulnerable plumbing systems. Frozen pipes are a common issue during the winter months, leading to water blockages and potentially burst pipes. To prevent frozen pipes, homeowners should insulate exposed pipes, apply heat tape, and consider allowing a small, steady drip of water during extremely cold weather. It is crucial to address this issue promptly to avoid costly repairs and water damage.

Expert Advice and Professional Help

Dealing with plumbing issues in old Chicago homes can be overwhelming, especially for homeowners with little experience in plumbing maintenance and repairs. In such cases, seeking expert advice and professional help is highly recommended. Licensed plumbers who specialize in older homes can provide valuable insights, perform thorough inspections, and offer tailored solutions to address specific plumbing issues.

Maintenance and Prevention

Prevention is key when it comes to maintaining a reliable plumbing system in old Chicago homes. Regular maintenance and inspections can help identify potential issues early on and prevent them from escalating into major problems. Homeowners should schedule routine plumbing maintenance, including drain cleaning, pipe inspections, and water heater servicing. By investing in regular maintenance, homeowners can save time, money, and stress in the long run.

To Sum it Up

Plumbing issues are an inevitable part of owning an old Chicago home. However, by understanding and addressing the specific challenges that these properties present, homeowners can effectively manage and minimize plumbing problems. Whether it involves updating outdated pipes, improving drainage systems, or seeking professional assistance, taking proactive measures can help ensure a reliable and efficient plumbing system in these historic residences.

Jul '22

Important Questions to Ask a Chicago Plumber Before Hiring

Finding the right plumber when you have plumbing issues in your home is more than half the effort of solving the problem. A good plumber looks holistically at your plumbing systems, instead of simply focusing on the single issue you reported, as amateurs do. That plumber not only solves the plumbing problem but also helps you prevent future problems.

How do you find that kind of plumber?

Most homeowners wait until there is a pressing problem with their plumbing before they look for a plumber, says Envy Property Management. When you do this, chances are you won’t care much about the qualifications of the person you hire. You just want them to make the problem go away. This is one reason why plumbing problems in your home are never completely solved.

To find a qualified Chicago plumber, you should start the process long before there are issues with your home’s plumbing. This will help you avoid the anxieties that lead to hiring the wrong person.

So, what criteria should you use when trying to find a plumber for your home? If you live in the Chicago area, the list below will answer that question for you.

Are they local or national?

A national chain may have all the right people but the two things they lack are flexibility and a personal touch. These are important when looking for a plumber. You want a local company that you can build a long-term relationship with. That plumber should come to know your home’s plumbing intimately so that they can diagnose and solve problems quickly and economically.

What kind of plumbing services do they provide?

When looking for a local plumber for your home, you do not want to hire a commercial plumber in Chicago. Commercial and residential plumbing systems are very different, and a commercial plumber may not give you the kind of service you need in your home. Only hire a commercial plumber if they also provide residential plumbing services.

Ask about licensing, qualifications, and memberships

Plumbers in Chicago are required to have up-to-date licenses to practice in the city. Check that the plumber is properly licensed by the city. You will also want to know if they are members of the local chapter of their professional organization. The training of the employees who will be doing the work matters, so make sure to ask about that.

How long have they been in business?

Experience counts: not everything is learned in training. The longer a plumber has been in business, the more time they have had to gain the needed expertise to solve the most difficult plumbing issues. The other reason to hire an experienced plumber is you can use them as your sounding board; they become a trusted adviser on all plumbing issues.

Are they bonded and insured?

What kind of insurance do they have? How much insurance do they carry? The plumber’s insurance policy should include worker compensation for any worker who is injured while on your property, liability insurance to protect you from lawsuits, and property insurance if your property is damaged by their workers.

What do others say about them?

The company should have an online footprint that you can follow. Check online review sources to see what people are saying about them. Look out for negative reviews and pay particular attention to how the company responds to those. Some online sources where you can look for reviews are BBB (Better Business Bureau) and Yelp.

Can they provide references?

Ask the plumber for a verifiable list of people who have used their services in the last year. These should be people who live in Chicago. Ask the plumber’s permission to contact these references. Make sure to call some of the people on the list to find out what their experience of working with the plumber was like.

Do they offer a warranty on their work?

What happens if there are issues with a job the company did for you? Will they fix the problems at no cost to you? Will there be a warranty on the parts they supply? If there are warranties, you will want to know the terms and conditions attached to them. Warranties should be gotten in writing.

How will they estimate the cost of the job?

Will they provide a free estimate? How do they arrive at that estimate? Will you get a quote over the phone, or should you expect them to do a home inspection? You want your plumber to have the right information about a problem before quoting on the job. Do not work with plumbers who attempt to give you a quote over the phone.

How do they charge?

Do they use hourly rates or flat rates? With flat rates, you know what you are paying for a job, but hourly rates can be unpredictable. You also want to see the contract and payment terms. Do they expect you to pay upfront, halfway through the job, or after the work is completed?

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Jul '22

10 Ways to Find a Dependable Plumber in Chicago

The plumbing system is a huge part of what makes your home such a nice place to live in. Although you don’t see this system at work most of the time, it is toiling away every single hour to keep you and your family supplied with clean water. It also carries away all the wastewater generated in your home without any fuss.

What would happen if your home’s plumbing system suddenly stopped working? That’s not something you like to think about, but it is a very real possibility. There are two ways to keep this from happening. You can avoid damage to your home’s plumbing by using it in the right way, says Ocean Blue Management. Secondly, you can protect your plumbing by only hiring a qualified plumber to work on it.

If you live in Chicago, you know that finding someone to fix problems with your plumbing is not hard at all. However, whether that person has the training and experience to do a good job is another matter altogether. The cost of letting unqualified persons handle your home’s plumbing system goes beyond the money you pay the person and your wasted time.

Badly done plumbing repairs and amateur plumbers subject your home to a slew of issues. Long after the joy of paying a small fee to a non-professional is forgotten, the unrelenting pains of that bad decision will still haunt you. What are the steps you can take to make sure that the plumber you hire to work on your Chicago home is trustworthy?

10 steps for finding a dependable plumber in Chicago

Experience matters

There are things you can only learn from years of practice; that’s why experience often coincides with competence. Also, a plumber who has been practicing in an area for a long time would have built a reputation. That reputation is easier to verify. A new company, on the other hand, might be a bad plumber who has recently moved to your area.

Are they local?

Give preference to local Chicago plumbers over national chains. Nationwide companies may have all the sophisticated equipment, but they lack one key thing: the personal touch. Local companies are more responsive, they can adapt to your specific needs, and you can build a long-term personal relationship with the plumber.

Verify credentials and licensing

Most tradesmen are happy to display proof of their competence via their various certifications and the training they have done. However, you should not take the plumber at their word. Take the extra step to verify all claims. Also, ensure the plumber you are working with is licensed by the municipality and that the license is still valid.

Ask about memberships

In addition to certifications, training, and licensing, the plumber should be a member of the local chapter of their professional body. Professional bodies have a code of conduct they expect their members to follow. The plumber knows that he can lose his standing, or license if he fails to uphold those standards.

Insurance and warranty

What kind of insurance do they offer? What happens if one of their workers is injured on your premises while working on your plumbing? What about if they damage your home or belongings while doing their work? Do they have enough insurance to cover these and is there a warranty on their work?

Look at their team

How many people do they have on their payroll? Are they permanent or temporary employees? What are the qualifications of the people who work for them? Permanent employees are more committed to their work than temporary staff, since, unlike temps, they may have to work for that same customer again in the future.

Check their online reputation

Follow the company’s online footsteps by checking the comments and reviews left by past and current customers. How does the company interact with people on its social media pages? Pay particular attention to its response to negative comments and reviews. What are its Yelp, Google, and BBB ratings?

Ask for referrals

Can the plumber furnish you with a list of people they have worked for in the last 6-12 months? These should be people who live close to your location. Ask the plumber’s permission to contact the people on the list. Make the effort to speak with some of them about their experience working with that plumber.

Ask for recommendations

Skilled workers and technicians who have worked within a specific location for a reasonable length of time often know one another. Your plumber, HVAC technician, and the local hardware store know the best workmen in the area and the ones who are no good. You can ask them for recommendations.

Are they willing to put things in writing?

Ask the plumber for a copy of the contract they give to their customers? Let them also provide the estimates in writing, rather than over the phone. A plumber who is unwilling or unable to do these cannot be trusted. Having things in writing helps you avoid unnecessary disputes in the future.

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