Tag Archives: plumber near me

Apr '23

Top Reasons to Hire a Local Plumber Over a Chain Company

When it comes time to hire a local plumber, many homeowners often feel overwhelmed by their choices. With so many different companies claiming to offer first-class service, it can be hard to know who to pick. With this in mind, many people opt for larger national chains in the hope of getting reliable work. However, often it’s the local plumbers that provide the best quality service and value for money. Here’s why you should consider choosing a local business when looking for a plumber:

Better Quality Plumbing Services

One of the main reasons why it makes sense to hire a local plumber is because they can provide top-notch plumbing services. It is well known that locally-owned firms take great pride in their work and they are even more motivated to make sure that they get the job done correctly the first time. This is because they have their own reputation to uphold and they don’t want to risk their business’s reputation by performing shoddy work.

Local plumbers also have the experience and skills needed to solve most problems with ease, meaning no job is too big nor too small. Many local plumbers have built up a loyal customer base over the years, which is why they continue to remain popular in their local communities.

Actual Professional Plumbers

Another great benefit of hiring a local plumber is that you can be sure that the individual you hire is a professional. Chain plumbers may not take the same care in their work as they do not have their own local businesses to protect. This means that they may use shortcuts and rush through the job, leaving you with a half-finished or shoddy repair job. On the other hand, local plumbers undertake their work with a great deal of attention and care so that your plumbing is back up and running in no time.

Local plumbers also understand the local area better and recognize any unique problems unique to that region that would otherwise be missed by other firms.

When it comes to hiring a local plumber, homeowners should be aware of the many benefits they can offer.

Local Plumbers are Licensed

Finally, a major advantage of hiring a local plumber near you is the cost. Although the initial cost may seem more expensive than opting for a chain, you should consider that the local plumber may complete the job in a much shorter timeframe. This can save you a lot of money in the long run and may even result in a far better quality job.

Considering the plumber will also be familiar with the standards required by the local government and other local regulations, this also means that it is more likely you will have a job done to the highest possible standard. Because these businesses are locally owned and rely on repeat customers, they take pride in delivering quality results.

When it comes to hiring a local plumber, homeowners should be aware of the many benefits they can offer. Whether it’s quality workmanship or the fact that they are more in tune with the local area, there is no doubt choosing a local business can be the right decision. With this in mind, it’s worth taking the time to look around and do your research to find the best plumber to suit your needs.

Apr '23

How To Avoid Plumbing Scams in Chicago

Every homeowner in Chicago needs to know how to avoid plumbing scams. There are, unfortunately, many plumbing scams in Chicago, and if you’re not careful, you could end up paying for unnecessary or inadequate services. To help you protect yourself and your wallet, here is an overview of some of the most common plumbing scams in the Chicago area, how to recognize them, and how to protect yourself from becoming a victim.

Plumbing Scams in Chicago

The most common type of plumbing scam in Chicago is when an unlicensed plumber claims to have the right qualifications and then charges significantly more than the job should have cost. Additionally, unlicensed plumbers often don’t provide the best quality of workmanship, which has the potential to cause more problems down the line. It is important to make sure that you are only dealing with a reputable, licensed plumber in Chicago.

Another option often used by scammers is to offer an estimate that is too low, and then when the work is completed, they will charge significantly more. This is called bait and switch. Researching companies before you hire them and getting detailed estimates in writing from any plumber you’re considering hiring can help protect you from being scammed in this way.

Irish Plumbers in Chicago

The Irish plumber is a stereotype in Chicago that is based in reality. Fake Irish plumbers often target elderly and vulnerable people in the Chicago area. They claim to be Irish, or from an Irish owned plumbing business, and may wear clothing that looks like an Irish uniform. Often, bogus Irish plumbers will try to get the job done quickly, without doing the necessary preparatory work, and will try to overcharge for any additional parts or labor.

To protect yourself from fake Irish plumbers, you must always make sure you check out any plumber you’re considering hiring before they start any work. Take the time to research them online and check if they are actually licensed, registered, and insured. Knowing the plumber’s company name and phone number can also go a long way towards protecting you, as you can look them up online and find more information that way.

a man posing as an irish plumber in chicago.

It is essential to get a written estimate from your chosen plumber and agree on the work and cost before they begin.

Chicago Plumbing Fraud

Another type of plumbing fraud in the Chicago area is when a plumber charges a fee for services that were never provided. This can take the form of an inflated bill for an incomplete job, or for parts that were never purchased. It is essential to get a written estimate from your chosen plumber and agree on the work and cost before they begin. The same goes for any materials that need to be purchased.

If you suspect that you’ve been the victim of plumbing fraud, make sure to report it to the Illinois Department of Labor, as well as to the police department in your area. You should also contact the Better Business Bureau in your area and file a complaint with them.

In Summary

Protecting yourself from plumbing scams in Chicago doesn’t have to be difficult. The key is to do your due diligence and take the time to research any plumbers you’re considering hiring. Make sure they’re licensed and insured, and always get a detailed estimate in writing. Be suspicious of any plumbers who give you an offer that seems too good to be true. By taking the right precautions, you can protect yourself from plumbing scams and save yourself time and money and in turn help you find a legit licensed plumber in the Windy City.

Mar '23

How to Find the Best Plumber Near Me in Chicago?

Finding a reliable and affordable plumber in Chicago can be a daunting task. With so many businesses competing for your attention, it can be difficult to know which one is the best fit for your needs and budget. There are a few key things to look for when searching for the best plumber near you in Chicago.

Affordable Plumber Chicago

When searching for an affordable plumber in Chicago, it’s important to look for companies that offer competitive rates. Many plumbers in the city offer discounts for customers who book their services online, so it’s worth taking the time to compare prices and look for special deals. It’s also important to read reviews from past customers to get an idea of the quality and reliability of the service.

Best Plumber Chicago

When searching for the best plumber in Chicago, it’s important to consider the experience and qualifications of the plumbers you are considering. Most professional plumbers will have years of experience and be certified by both the local and state governments. Look for plumbers who are members of the local plumbing association, as this will ensure they are up to date on the latest tools, techniques, and safety protocols.

Another way to find the best plumber in Chicago is to ask for referrals from friends and family. This will allow you to get first-hand feedback from people who have experienced the services of the plumbers in question.

Local Plumber Chicago

When choosing a local plumber in Chicago, it’s also important to consider their location. Many plumbers in the city are mobile, meaning they can come to your home or business to help with your plumbing issues. This is convenient and can often save you time and money since you won’t have to wait for them to drive to you.

Finally, when looking for a residential plumber in Chicago, make sure to check their insurance and licensing. Plumbers must be licensed and insured in order to work in the city, so make sure to ask for proof of this before hiring them.

Finding the best plumber in Chicago doesn’t have to be a difficult task. All it takes is a little research and comparing prices and services to find the best fit for your needs and budget. With the right plumber on your side, you can rest assured that any plumbing issue you may have will be taken care of quickly and efficiently.

Sep '22

Why You Should Always Opt for a Local Plumber in Chicago

Your home’s relationship with your plumber is like your relationship with your family physician. Although the relationship is professional, it has a personal dimension. Because the doctor has watched your body transition through various stages of life, they are intimately familiar with your body’s health needs.

In the same way, Abacus Avenue Management explains, you also want your plumber to have a familiar knowledge of your home’s plumbing system. When there is an issue with the water pipes or drains, you don’t want someone who will deal with those problems in isolation from other issues in the system. You want them to adopt a holistic approach that considers your home’s history.

How do you build that relationship between yourself, your home, and your plumber? A simple way to do this is to find a professional and experienced plumber who is local and stick with them. When looking for a plumber, you can choose between a national/regional company and a plumber who operates within your community.

Why you should always choose a local plumber

Here are six reasons you are better off working with a local plumber.

Reputation

A good reputation is probably the most important quality you want in your plumber. You will understand just how important this is if you have ever had a plumber make a problem worse than it was in the beginning.

It is easier to verify the claims of a plumber if that person is local versus when they are not. Your neighbors may be able to share first-hand experiences of working with the plumber.

It is also more accessible to follow up on the references a local plumber shares with you. When dealing with a non-local plumber, you often only have the company’s word regarding their reputation.

Personal touch

When working with a local plumbing company, you can put a face to the company’s operations. You know exactly whom you are dealing with because you meet the company’s owner and the staff. You can build a relationship with the organization. This is important when solving plumbing issues in your home since people are nicer to people they know.

You cannot get this kind of treatment when you hire a non-local company. First, the chances that you will meet the owner or principal officers of the organization are very slim. Second, the company’s employees are constantly being rotated, and you never know whom you will get.

Flexibility

The employees of the non-local company who fix the plumbing issues in your home often don’t have the power to make crucial decisions. But a local company can make decisions on the fly; it is easy to agree with them on what needs to be done and how it should be done.

A local plumber does not have to wade through layers of red tape before acting. In a couple of minutes, you can decide with your plumber; this is very important when dealing with plumbing emergencies. A local plumber’s flexibility can save you tons of time and money.

Availability

When dealing with plumbing issues in the home, it is vital to have a plumber who is available 24 hours. Because the plumber lives in your community and you have a personal relationship with them, it is easier to get your local plumber to come to your home at odd hours.

Access to 24-hour service every day of the week can make all the difference when dealing with emergencies such as burst pipes, clogged drains, sewage backups, or plumbing issues with the potential to cause massive damage. Not having to wait hours for a plumber will save you money.

Affordability

Local plumbers are more affordable and more effective than non-local plumbers and chain companies such as Roto-Rooter and the like. Why is this? Local plumbers treat customers like friends and family. This is quite unlike non-local plumbers, where the customer is a number or faceless name.

Additionally, non-local plumbing companies have considerable overheads to worry about, and their primary concern is the bottom line rather than maintaining the relationship with their customers. As a result of these differences, the local plumber charges less money for their services, even though they are better.

Informed

Finally, a local plumber will have an intimate knowledge of the area. They know the common plumbing problems and the solutions that have worked for them in the past. The local plumber is used to the water issues peculiar to your area and the piping systems used in homes.

They do not have to look long and hard to understand the problems in your home, even if they are visiting for the first time. Overall, this can amplify the plumber’s efficiency and also help you cut costs.

When looking for a plumber to service your home, look no further than your friendly, local plumber.

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Are you looking for a local plumber in Chicago? We can help! Contact us at 773-599-9181 or by form below:

May '22

How to Save Money and Water Using Plumbing Fixtures

An efficient building is not only sustainable but cost-efficient as well. One way of saving operational costs is through the strategic use of the water supply using various plumbing fixtures. To reduce water costs, you can use these fixtures and tips to ensure that you are using your water efficiently:

Regular Maintenance

The primary cause of water waste is leakage, and you might not see them until they necessitate a significant repair. Minor plumbing issues that you initially thought were irrelevant can cause considerable damage and inconvenience to the building occupants.

A well-maintained plumbing system can help you reduce costs. A plumber will inspect for leaks in the faucets, drainage, and toilets during the inspection.

Install access doors in critical locations to make things more convenient for the plumber during maintenance or repair. A stainless steel access door with a surface mount is an excellent way of providing access to plumbing components while protecting them from unauthorized access.

Install a Quality Shower Head

Another standard fixture notorious for wasting water is broken or outdated shower heads. Experts suggest using high-quality shower heads since traditional models use up to two and a half gallons of water per minute. Newer models effectively reduce the volume of water that travels through the shower head.

Invest in Valves That Reduce Pressure

A skilled plumber must check the water pressure as routine maintenance. If the PSI is unusually high, they may advise you to install a pressure-reducing valve (PRV). It’s applicable in many settings, including apartments, where the average plumbing system can operate at 35 psi.

The issue is that many people are unaware that they are using significantly more pressure than is necessary. You can reduce water pressure by installing these valves on your main supply line. It reduces the amount of waste and extends the life of your plumbing.

Experts suggest using high-quality shower heads since traditional models use up to two and a half gallons of water per minute.

Switch to High-Efficiency Toilets

Older toilets tend to use about 3.5 gallons every flush and are a significant source of water waste. Newer, highly efficient models can cut flush volume to as little as 1.3 gallons. These toilets can reduce flushes by incorporating gravity and air pressure into the design. The upgraded feature allows the removal of waste without consuming much water.

The following are examples of variations that you can apply to your setting:

Waterless urinals for commercial use
Dual flush toilets

Install Water-Saving Faucets

Decreasing the volume of water you utilize will help you save money and energy. According to the EPA, faucets account for 15% of indoor residential water use. Another study found that water-saving taps can keep your water consumption by 15%. As a result, it would be best to upgrade your faucet to one suitable for your plumbing fittings.

Purchasing gaskets and aerators for your tap is also a wise decision. You can reduce water flow while keeping the pressure when you do so. The update will reduce your water consumption from 2.2 gallons to 1.5 gallons per minute.

Recirculate Your Hot Water Systems

The distance between you and your heat source may cause some water waste. The farther it is from the outlet, the longer it takes for you to get your hot water. It can waste water if you wait for the correct temperature. Prevent this by recirculating the pump transporting water to the outlet.

Check if your system sends hot water from your supply to your taps or showers to prevent waste from the cold water that drains as you wait. You can also conserve water by doing regular water heater maintenance to prolong the life of your water heater.

The Takeaway

Maximizing your potential to save water by making your plumbing more efficient is necessary for this day and age as many industries aim toward sustainability.

Knowing and understanding the benefits and how they impact your building over time would require professional help, so ensure that you work closely with an expert plumber to guarantee the best outcome for your setting.

Feb '22

What to Look for in a Local Chicago Plumber?

Plumbing issues in the home are unavoidable – they happen every so often. When they do happen, these problems can disrupt the entire routine of your household and destroy your personal belongings. Plumbing issues will also cost you a lot of money if you do not detect them on time.

The difference between having constant plumbing emergencies in your home and staying ahead of problems is the plumber you hire and your plumbing maintenance plan. Your plumber is vital to the frequency of plumbing problems in your home and how much they cost.

A good plumber should reduce the number of emergencies to the barest minimum. They should take you to where you will get preventative maintenance and upgrades. That means a relative absence of plumbing crises because issues are dealt with before they get to that point.

How do you find a plumber who is competent and trustworthy? What are the qualities you should look for in plumbers before hiring them? The list below highlights the critical traits a professional plumber must have. Following them will help you better manage plumbing issues in your home or office.

Tips for choosing the right plumber in Chicago

Are they a local or national chain plumbing company?

The first criterion is that you want a company near enough to respond to your needs. You want a long-term relationship with this company, and you expect that they will come to know your home’s plumbing intimately. It is hard to get these benefits when dealing with a national plumbing company such as Roto-Rooter and the like. That is why you should only talk to local plumbers in Chicago.

Licensing, accreditations, certifications, and memberships

They must be adequately trained and willing to share proof of that training. On your part, you should be able to verify any claims they make. In most municipalities, plumbers need licenses before working in the area. You want to ascertain this, their level of training and membership of the local chapter or their professional body.

Years of experience

The plumber must have experience; you only learn some things by doing. This experience is best if particularized to the kind of plumbing you have in your home or office. You don’t want a plumber who works mainly with single-family homes handling the plumbing in a multi-unit apartment complex.

Reviews and references

If a plumber in Chicago has been in the industry for a long time, they should have a list of satisfied customers who are willing to vouch for them. Ask for a list of references in the area and contact them to hear what they can say about the company. Also, check reviews of the company online; pay attention to negative reviews or comments to see how the company responds to them.

a local chicago plumber performing a drain cleaning service.

The quality of their employees

What kind of training does the staff of the company have? Do they use trained and certified plumbers? How many of such workers are on the company’s payroll? Are the workers full-time or part-time, and how long have they been with the organization? Finally, do they conduct thorough background checks on the people they employ?

Are they insured?

The company must have insurance up to a certain amount. They should be able to provide proof of that insurance. Moreover, you must verify their insurance from the insurance company. The company’s insurance should not only cover their employees in case of injury. It should shield you from liability and protect your property from loss or damage.

Tools and equipment

They should have up-to-date tools and equipment. Plumbing issues in the house require a diverse set of tools and equipment. If the plumber is not well equipped, it will affect the quality of work. That is crucial because you want a plumber to arrive when you have a plumbing emergency. A competent plumber should have a fully kitted van with everything they need to resolve plumbing emergencies in Chicago quickly and thoroughly.

Round-the-clock service

Plumbing emergencies don’t announce themselves before they happen, and they can happen at any time of the day. You want to know if your plumber can send someone to handle issues if they need fixing at the oddest hour of the night or during the holidays. Additionally, the company should have stellar customer service available throughout the day.

How much do they charge?

You should know the charges for any service the plumber in Chicago provides upfront. You want the plumber’s rates to compare favorably with what others charge. But more importantly, you want those rates to be transparent and predictable. You also want to know the kind of guarantees they offer on any work they do. You must, however, avoid the mistake of selecting the cheapest plumber.

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