Tag Archives: plumber near me chicago

Common Plumbing Code Violations Our Plumbers See in Chicago

plumbing code violations in chicago.

Plumbing code violations are a common problem in Chicago homes. But homeowners typically don’t violate these codes intentionally. According to Superior West Property Management, most plumbing code violations happen because a home’s plumbing is outdated or because of installation and repair errors.

Whether it happened unintentionally or not, plumbing code violations are a serious issue. Building codes exist for two main reasons: to safeguard health and provide safety for the home’s occupants and the general population. That is why city officials take plumbing code violations seriously.

However, given that most homeowners generally know very little about buildings and plumbing systems in particular, how can they avoid or detect plumbing code violations in their homes? This post will discuss the most common plumbing code violations in Chicago homes.

The top plumbing code violations found in Chicago homes

These are the plumbing code violations professional plumbers frequently encounter in Chicago homes.

The wrong pipe slope

This mistake is common with homeowners who DIY their home’s plumbing installations or repairs. Plumbing codes are very specific on how to slope drainpipes. A 1/8-inch pitch per foot of pipe is the requirement. Large-diameter pipes must have a 3-inch pitch. That allows the pipe’s contents to flow freely under the force of gravity. Not following this guideline will make the plumbing prone to slow drains and backups.

Using the wrong pipe size

Using the wrong pipe size in any section of the plumbing will introduce imbalances that can increase the likelihood of water pressure issues in your home’s plumbing. It can also make the plumbing prone to leaks and impair the system’s overall performance.

Making pipes inaccessible

A common code violation is to put walls or floors around or on top of valves, pipe fittings and fixture management. That prevents easy access to these plumbing features. Another common violation is failing to install access panels close to tubs and showers. These blunders make it hard to solve plumbing issues quickly and affordably.

Not enough space around toilets

Toilets are required to have a minimum distance of 15 inches between them and any finished wall. This distance is measured from the toilet’s centerline. Violations of this code often happen when a toilet is installed before the drywall is finished.

No or not enough shut-off valves

The entire freshwater supply system should have a main water shut-off valve. In addition to this main shut-off, there should be dedicated shut-offs for bathrooms, kitchens, and outdoor water fixtures. Faucets, toilets and washing machines are also required by code to have their separate shut-off valves.

Wrong placement of cleanouts

Cleanouts provide easy access to the plumbing system for maintenance. They should not be obstructed by any features in the home, external or internal. Cleanouts should not be in places with a risk of contact between sewage and electric circuits or in parts of the home where sanitation is a major concern.

Insufficient number of cleanouts

Having less than the required number of cleanouts makes plumbing maintenance tedious, inefficient and costly. The proper number of cleanouts depends on the size of the plumbing system. At the very least, there should be one indoor and one outdoor cleanout. There should be one cleanout for every 100 feet of plumbing and every change of pipe direction above 45 degrees.

a plumber re-piping a home.

To impart efficiency and resilience to the system, plumbing codes dictate the proper fittings to use in specific situations.

Using the wrong fittings

Plumbing pipes rarely run straight; they bend regularly. These bends are necessary for proper drainage and flow. Bends are also the area where the plumbing is most vulnerable. Using the wrong fittings in these vulnerable places will make the plumbing fragile and prone to leaks. To impart efficiency and resilience to the system, plumbing codes dictate the proper fittings to use in specific situations.

Using glue instead of priming the pipes

Professional plumbers fuse the pipes via a chemical process to join two pipes with minimal risk for future leaks. This process involves using a purple primer to soften the pipes and bond them chemically. If pipes are glued rather than bonded chemically, the glue will not hold, and the pipes will eventually leak.

What should you do if these plumbing code violations exist in your Chicago home?

The right step is to have an experienced and licensed Chicago plumber inspect your plumbing to evaluate the violations, plan the necessary repairs or modifications, obtain the required permits, implement the changes, and inspect the finished work to ensure compliance with the codes.

It is essential to take control of the process of correcting all existing plumbing code violations in your home instead of waiting until city officials discover them. Remember that plumbing codes exist for your good, and the penalty for ignoring them can be very costly.

Have a plumbing code violation you need corrected in the Chicago area? Contact us below!

Emergency Plumbing Services: Expert Solutions for Homeowners and Businesses in Chicago

an emergency plumbing service in chicago.

Plumbing emergencies can happen at the most unexpected times. Their impact can be such that they will disrupt your entire program for the day. If the problem happens in your business, the cost of lost opportunities and reputation damage is almost irreparable.

By their very nature, plumbing emergencies get worse the longer they are allowed to progress. With every passing moment, the damage to your building, the inconvenience to the building’s occupants, and the cost of fixing the problem increase.

That is why you need a plan for dealing with plumbing emergencies in your home or business. The greatest factor in the amount of damage a plumbing emergency does to a building is the unpreparedness of the homeowner or business owner.

What is a plumbing emergency, and how should you deal with plumbing emergencies in your Chicago home or business?

What is a plumbing emergency?

In simple terms, a plumbing emergency is any plumbing problem that makes your plumbing fixtures unusable. Plumbing emergencies subject the structures of your building and belongings to the risk of water damage. They can pose a threat to the people in the building by affecting its integrity, warns Granite Foundation Repair in Fort Worth.

A plumbing emergency can make your entire home or office, or sections of it, temporarily uninhabitable. The defining characteristic of plumbing emergencies is they happen unexpectedly and are out of control. Their impact is immediate and very hard to ignore.

Examples of common plumbing emergencies in homes and businesses include:

Burst pipes:

Pipes can burst following high water pressure, aging, corrosion, or freezing. A burst pipe may cause extensive and costly water damage in a very short time.

Severe clogs and blockages

A clogged/blocked drainpipe and the effect of the problem can put the plumbing fixtures in your home or office out of commission.

Sewer backups

This is when the blockage inside a sewer line is so bad that water cannot flow out of the pipe but instead starts to flow backwards into the building.

Sump pump failure

A significant portion of basement flooding incidents in Chicago homes and offices happen because a sump pump suddenly stopped working.

Gas leaks

This is a leading cause of house fires in Chicago city. Even when a gas leak does not result in a fire, it can lead to death by suffocation.

an emergency plumber repairing a sump pump in chicago.

A significant portion of basement flooding incidents in Chicago homes and offices happen because a sump pump suddenly stopped working.

How to solve plumbing emergencies in your Chicago home or business

How should you deal with plumbing emergencies in your home or business? The best, and probably only, way to deal with plumbing emergencies is to contact an emergency plumber nearby in Chicago as soon as the plumbing emergency is detected.

Emergency plumbers are professional plumbers who are specifically equipped to solve plumbing emergencies. The difference between an emergency plumber and a regular plumber is that the emergency plumber brings the following capabilities to the table:

Immediate response (no need for appointments)

Unlike regular plumbers who only work during standard business hours, an emergency plumber will be dispatched to your home immediately.

The right tools and supplies

Emergency plumbers have the equipment to detect the source of a problem quickly. They will arrive with all the parts needed to fix the emergency.

247-availability

Whether the emergency happens at night, during a winter storm, on a weekend or holiday, you can rely on an emergency plumber to respond at once.

Damage control

Emergency plumbers have their entire operation set up to expeditiously reduce the impact of a plumbing emergency on your life, building and plumbing.

an emergency plumber performing a drain cleaning in chicago.

Unlike regular plumbers who only work during standard business hours, an emergency plumber will be dispatched to your home immediately.

More reasons to hire an emergency plumber in Chicago

Plumbing emergencies happen suddenly, but their impact can linger. That is why you need a plan to stop plumbing emergencies dead in their tracks. Any plan for fixing the emergencies in your plumbing system should offer the following benefits:

Safety and security

You expose yourself to security risks when you hire a plumber without doing proper background checks. Plumbing emergencies will force you to do this. Having a standby emergency plumber ensures your safety.

Reduced downtime

For businesses, the price of plumbing emergencies goes beyond the cost of fixing the damage. The business pays in terms of lost time, money and reputation. An emergency plumber can reduce the impact of the emergency on your operations.

Damage mitigation

Sometimes, the biggest cost of a plumbing emergency is the damage to the structures, finishes, and contents of your building. A qualified emergency plumber can help to minimize this cost.

Health and well-being

Plumbing emergencies may keep hurting you long after the main issue is solved via water contamination, mold growth, and other issues. Emergency plumbers know this, and they will work to solve the resulting problems.

When is the best time to find a reputable Chicago emergency plumber?

You should find a licensed emergency plumber and build a relationship with them long before you ever have a plumbing emergency in your home or business.

If you have to wait until you have a plumbing emergency in your home or office before you look for an emergency plumber, you may be too late.

In need of emergency plumbing services in Chicago? Contact us below:

The Benefits of Choosing a Plumbing Service That Offers Free Estimates

free estimate plumber in chicago.

When looking for a professional plumber to fix the plumbing issues in your home, finding a reliable and competent company is very hard. Considering the overwhelming number of plumbing companies in Chicago, how can you find a plumber who is right for you?

One thing you want to keep in mind, according to, American Heritage Properties, when speaking to different plumbing companies is to ask if the plumber is willing to give you a free estimate for solving the problem. Plumbers who offer free estimates are your best choice for several reasons.

Why choose a plumber who offers free estimate

They are more honest

Firstly, these plumbers are often truthful. By giving you an estimate for the job, the plumber knows you will use their estimate as a benchmark when talking with other plumbers. If their estimate is too high, they understand that you will likely choose another plumber. That gives the plumber an incentive to offer you honest pricing.

They are more competent

What if the plumber gives you a free estimate far below the actual cost of doing the job? An estimate and a quote are not the same thing. A quote is legally binding, while an estimate is not because it is a ballpark figure. Despite this, the plumber knows that if their quote is radically different from their estimate, you will walk away. That is why only skilled plumbers are willing to give you an estimate.

They have local expertise

To be confident enough to give you a free estimate, the plumber must have a vast knowledge of the common plumbing issues in homes. By asking a few questions, they can make a very educated guess about the cause of the issues in your plumbing. This local expertise helps them to solve problems quickly and affordably.

Other things to look for in a plumber

In addition to the plumber’s willingness to give you a free estimate, here are a few criteria to determine if a plumber is a right fit before you hire them.

Do they charge an hourly or flat rate?

You are better off with a Chicago plumber who charges a flat rate. Plumbers who charge an hourly rate are more likely to intentionally waste time on a job to be able to charge more. On the surface, plumbers who charge an hourly rate often appear to be cheaper. But since you cannot control how long it will take to complete the job, hiring them can be a huge mistake.

Will they come to the site before giving you a quote?

Never hire a plumber who is not willing to do an on-site inspection of the problem before giving you a quote. Such plumbers are often commission-based agents who have several independent plumbers they work with. They only care about earning their fee and not about the quality of work. Insist that the plumber visit your home to see the problem before quoting for the job.

Are they willing to put it in writing?

The best plumbers are happy to put the contract in writing. Furthermore, the contract will spell out every detail of the job, including the parts to be used and their cost. Any plumber unwilling to give you a written contract cannot be trusted. When looking at a plumber’s contract, be attentive to the payment terms and always ask them about guarantees.

Are they a local company or a national chain?

Working with a large plumbing company with offices in many cities sounds nice in theory. But in practice, the personal touch and accessibility of a local plumber beats any promises a big company can make to you. For the best overall outcomes, you are better off with a local plumber because they have more in-depth knowledge of the common plumbing issues in your area.

How long have they been in the area?

Look for expertise, experience and an established reputation. One of the reasons to hire a local plumber is because it is easy to verify their competence. Only a trustworthy plumbing company can operate in an area for many years. A fly-by-night operation or an incompetent plumber will not survive in the same location for a long time because word of their dishonest practices will soon spread.

Are they licensed and insured?

Lastly, you want to be sure that the plumber you hire is properly licensed and has permits to work in the area. In addition to being fully certified and duly licensed, you only want to work with plumbers who have insurance. Mandatory insurance policies that you should require from a plumber include workers’ compensation, liability insurance and property insurance.

Are you looking for a professional plumber who is within easy reach and able to solve the plumbing issues in your Chicago home quickly and efficiently?

Interested in obtaining a free estimate for any plumbing repair or installation services in the Chicagoland area? Contact us Below!

How to Choose the Right Chicago Plumbing Expert for Your Home

a chicago plumbing expert.

Qualified Plumbers

When looking for a plumbing expert in Chicago, it is important to make sure that you are selecting a plumber who is qualified to do the job. The best way to ensure this is to find a plumber who is licensed and insured. Licensing is important as it shows that the plumber is trained to do the job and has the necessary knowledge and experience. The insurance is important in case something goes wrong, you will be covered.

When you are looking for a qualified local plumber, be sure to ask them for references from past customers. This will give you the opportunity to speak with those people and ask questions about the quality of work, customer service and overall experience. You should also ask for proof of insurance and licensing to make sure that the plumber is qualified to do the job.

Emergency Plumbers Chicago

When selecting an emergency plumber in Chicago, it is important to make sure that you are choosing a plumber who is available for emergency services. Plumbing problems can occur at any time and you want to make sure that you can get the help you need when you need it. Ask the plumber if they offer emergency services and if they do, ask what the fees are and the time frame they guarantee.

It is also important to make sure that the plumber can come to your home quickly. Ask them what the typical response time is and if there is any way to get a faster response. If you have an emergency, you don’t want to wait around for a plumber to arrive.

Chicago Plumbing Services

When selecting a residential plumber in Chicago, you want to make sure that they offer a wide range of services. Plumbing problems can range from simple repairs to complex full home re-piping services. Be sure to ask the plumber what services they offer and if they have the experience and knowledge to handle the job.

You should also ask about warranties and guarantees. A good plumber should stand behind their work and offer some sort of guarantee. This will give you peace of mind knowing that if something goes wrong, the plumber will be there to fix it.

Finally, you want to make sure that the plumber is someone you can trust. Be sure to ask for references and also ask about their reputation. You want to make sure that the plumber is someone you can trust to do a good job and be reliable.

Finding the right Chicago plumbing expert for your home doesn’t have to be difficult. With the right research and questions, you can find a qualified, experienced plumber who offers emergency services and a wide range of services. Make sure to ask questions, get references and check their reputation to make sure you are getting the best possible service. With the help of a qualified plumbing expert, you can trust that your plumbing needs will be taken care of quickly and efficiently.

Call a Chicago Plumber for Plumbing Repair | Best Chicago Plumbers

best plumbers in chicago.

Best Chicago Plumbers

The Windy City of Chicago is home to some of the best plumbers in Illinois. With the sheer number of people living in the city, there is always a need for plumbing repair. Whether it’s a clogged drain or a broken pipe, Chicago Plumbing Experts has some of the best Chicago plumbers in the business to take care of any problem.

When you’re in need of plumbing repair in Chicago, it’s important to find a reliable and experienced plumber. The best plumbers in the city have many years of experience and can handle any plumbing repair job quickly and efficiently. They also have access to the latest tools and technologies, making them the ideal choice for all of your plumbing repair needs.

When looking for the best Chicago plumbers, there are a few things to keep in mind. First, you’ll want to make sure that the plumber is licensed and insured. This ensures that the plumber is qualified to do the job and that you’ll be protected in the event something goes wrong. Additionally, you’ll want to make sure that the plumber offers a warranty on the work they do. This will help protect your investment in the event something does go wrong with the plumbing repairs.

best local plumber in chicago.

Chicago Plumbers

Chicago is home to a number of great plumbers who can take care of your plumbing repair needs. Most of these plumbers are members of the Chicago Plumbers Association, which means they have access to the latest tools and technologies and are committed to providing the best service possible. When you’re looking for a plumber in Chicago, make sure to ask about their membership in the association. This will ensure that the plumber you’re hiring is up-to-date on the latest techniques and technologies.

It’s also important to make sure that the plumber you’re hiring is experienced and certified. This will ensure that they know what they’re doing and can handle any plumbing repair job quickly and efficiently. Additionally, it’s important to make sure that the plumber you’re hiring is licensed and insured. This will protect you in the event something goes wrong with the plumbing repairs.

Local Plumbers

If you’re in need of plumbing repair in the Chicago area, it’s important to find a reliable and experienced local plumber. Local plumbers can often provide faster service than plumbers from other areas and can provide a more personal experience. They also have access to the latest tools and technologies, making them the ideal choice for all of your plumbing repair needs.

When looking for a local plumber, make sure to ask about their experience, certifications, and insurance. This will ensure that the plumber you’re hiring is qualified to do the job and that you’ll be protected in the event something goes wrong. Additionally, you’ll want to make sure that the plumber offers a warranty on the work they do. This will help protect your investment in the event something does go wrong with the plumbing repairs.

best plumbing company in chicago.

When it comes to plumbing repair, there are a number of good local plumbers in Chicago who can take care of your needs. Whether you’re in need of a drain unclogging service or a broken pipe, the best local plumbers in the city have the experience and the latest tools and technologies to get the job done quickly and efficiently. So if you’re in need of plumbing repair or installation services in Chicago, make sure to call a reliable and experienced local plumber here at Chicago Plumbing Experts!

Looking for the best plumbing services in Chicago? Call us at 773-599-9181 or contact us below!

5 Most Common Plumbing Problems in Chicago

5 Most Common Plumbing Problems in Chicago

Every home needs water. We need water for cooking, cleaning, and personal sanitation. It would be impossible to live in a modern home without water running inside its structures. But to have access to that water, you need a system to deliver clean water to the house and take away the dirty water. That is what the plumbing system in your home does.

A home’s plumbing system consists of hundreds of feet of pipes with valves, connections, and other components. It is one of the most complicated and most used systems in the home. As a result, problems with the plumbing system are among the most common issues homeowners in Chicago encounter. 

Plumbing problems are one of Chicago homeowners’ biggest issues because:

  • They are hard to detect: The typical way homeowners discover an issue with their plumbing is when the water supply stops or water goes where it is not supposed to. But before the problem goes that far, it will show subtle signs that go undetected.

  • They cost a lot of money to fix: Plumbing issues often cost a lot of money to repair. That is not because of the cost of fixing the damaged components. Instead, it is due to the cost of repairing the damage the issue has done to the surrounding areas.

That is why plumbing problems are best discovered early and solved on time. Finding a problem before it causes damage to the structures of your home can save you hundreds of thousands of dollars, says Income Realty Corporation. To do this, you need to know the common plumbing problems you are likely to face in your Chicago home and what you can do to solve them.

Five most common plumbing problems in Chicago homes

These five problems top the list of plumbing issues occurring in Chicago homes.

Drain clogs

A drain clog is a common occurrence in the home, and it can happen in different parts of the plumbing system. Drains get clogged when an item or material obstructs drain pipes. That occurs in the kitchen sink or bathroom drain. Drain clogs can be minor issues requiring a few minutes to solve, or they can be leading problems that require special equipment and lots of time. You can clear most clogs by using a plunger, drain snake, or running the disposal unit. If these DIY solutions don’t work, it will be necessary to contact your local Chicago plumber.

Frozen pipes

Water has the odd behavior of expanding when it freezes. That can be a problem for your plumbing system. Frozen water inside pipes will not only cut off your water supply, but it can also cause the pipes to rupture. It takes only a few hours of below-freezing temperatures for pipes to freeze. The best way to keep pipes from freezing is to install PEX pipes in the home or take precautionary steps to keep water flowing through the pipes. If you find that the pipes in your home are frozen, the best solution is to call a plumber who specializes in repairing burst pipes.

Water leaks

Leaks are another major issue. This problem results from the highly mobile nature of water and its corrosive powers. Over time water will erode any material it is flowing. Water also carries particles and chemical substances that get deposited inside pipes. These two effects can result in pipes bursting or wearing out, causing leaks. Water leaks also happen when water pressure is too high or frozen pipes thaw out. Leaks are a crucial problem because they often occur inside the walls and damage your property. The best way to prevent leaks is to inspect the plumbing system regularly and install a leak-detection system.

Water heater issues

Water heater malfunctions are among the most annoying plumbing problems; think what it feels like to get cold water dumped on you when trying to take a warm shower in the morning. Water heater issues will also deny you access to warm water for washing dishes and clothes. Several issues can cause water heater malfunctions, leaks, water hardness issues, and faulty components. The best way to prevent issues with the water heater is to be aware of its life expectancy and know the telltale signs of problems with the equipment. Water heater issues should never be DIYed; always call your plumber for any kind of water heater repairs.

Sewer line problems

Sewer lines carry wastewater out of your home into the municipal sewers. Problems with the sewer line are not only frustrating and disgusting, but they are also potential health hazards. They will expose you to unsanitary materials that can harm your health. The most common sewer line problems you are likely to face are clogs and leaks. These are due to several issues: flushing prohibited items down the drains, old and worn pipes, or damage from tree roots. If you think there are issues with your sewer line, contact a professional plumber at once.