Tag Archives: plumbers in chicago

Jan '24

Don’t Let Leaky Plumbing Cause Damage to Your Chicago Home

Protect Your Chicago Home from the Damage of Leaky Plumbing

Welcome to our website, where we aim to provide you with valuable information and resources to help protect your Chicago home from the devastating effects of leaky plumbing. Leaky pipes, faucets, and fixtures can cause significant damage to your property if not addressed promptly. By understanding the common causes of plumbing leaks, knowing how to detect them early, and taking proactive measures, you can prevent costly repairs and potential structural damage.

The Dangers of Ignoring Leaky Plumbing

Leaky plumbing may initially seem like a minor inconvenience, but it can quickly escalate into a major problem. Here are some of the dangers associated with ignoring or delaying the repair of leaky pipes:

Water Damage: Over time, even a small leak can result in extensive water damage to your walls, ceilings, floors, and other areas of your home. This can lead to the growth of mold and mildew, which can pose health risks to you and your family.

Structural Damage: Leaky pipes can weaken the structure of your home, compromising its stability and potentially causing costly structural repairs.

Increased Utility Bills: Leaks can significantly increase your water bills, as well as contribute to wasted water, putting unnecessary strain on the environment.

Electrical Hazards: Water and electricity don’t mix well. Leaky plumbing can lead to electrical hazards, risking your safety and that of your family.

Common Causes of Plumbing Leaks

Understanding the common causes of plumbing leaks can help you take preventive measures and mitigate potential damage:

Corrosion

Over time, pipes can corrode and rust, leading to leaks. Corrosion is more common in older plumbing systems or those with poor water quality.

High Water Pressure

Excessively high water pressure can put strain on your pipes, causing them to crack or burst. Consider installing a pressure regulator to maintain a safe water pressure level in your home.

Pipe Joints and Connections

Poorly connected or loose pipe joints can result in leaks. It’s crucial to ensure that all connections are properly sealed and secure.

Clogs

Clogs can create excessive pressure within your plumbing system, leading to leaks. Avoid putting items down your drains that can cause blockages and invest in regular drain cleaning services.

Temperature Changes

Extreme temperature fluctuations can cause pipes to expand and contract, weakening their structure and causing leaks and ultimately, burst pipe emergencies. Proper insulation can help reduce this risk.

Signs of a Plumbing Leak

Early detection of a plumbing leak is key to preventing extensive damage. Look out for the following signs:

Unexplained Water Pooling

If you notice water pooling in areas where it shouldn’t be, such as under sinks, around toilets, or near appliances, there may be a leak.

Damp or Musty Odors

A persistent musty or damp odor, particularly in areas with plumbing fixtures, could indicate a hidden leak.

Water Stains

Yellow or brown stains on your walls, floors, or ceilings are a clear sign of water damage and a potential plumbing leak.

Increased Water Bills

If you notice a sudden and unexplained increase in your water bills, it may be indicative of an undetected leak.

Decreased Water Pressure

A significant drop in water pressure throughout your home can be a sign of a leak or other plumbing issues.

a man reading his high water bill in chicago.

Keep an eye on your water bills and be alert to any significant increases. If you notice a sudden spike without any apparent explanation, it’s time to investigate potential leaks.

Preventing and Repairing Plumbing Leaks

Now that you understand the risks and potential causes of plumbing leaks, it’s essential to take proactive measures to prevent them from occurring:

Regular Maintenance

Schedule annual plumbing inspections to identify and address any potential leaks or issues before they escalate. A professional plumber can also perform routine maintenance tasks to keep your plumbing system in optimal condition.

Monitor Your Water Bill

Keep an eye on your water bills and be alert to any significant increases. If you notice a sudden spike without any apparent explanation, it’s time to investigate potential leaks.

Insulate Your Pipes

Insulating your pipes can protect them from extreme temperature changes, reducing the risk of leaks. Pay particular attention to uninsulated pipes in attics, basements, and crawl spaces.

Address High Water Pressure

If your water pressure is consistently high, consider installing a pressure regulator to prevent unnecessary strain on your pipes.

Act Promptly

If you detect a plumbing leak, no matter how small, it’s crucial to take immediate action. Ignoring the problem or delaying repairs can lead to more extensive damage and costly repairs.

Contact Our Professional Plumbers Today

If you suspect or have detected a plumbing leak in your Chicago home, don’t hesitate to contact our team of experienced plumbers. We specialize in water leak detection and repair, utilizing the latest technology and techniques to minimize disruption and ensure a lasting solution. Protect your home and your investment by addressing plumbing leaks promptly.

With our help and expertise, you can maintain a safe, dry, and worry-free home environment, free from the damaging effects of leaky plumbing. Don’t let a small leak turn into a big problem.

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Contact us today to schedule an inspection (773-599-9181) or receive immediate assistance with your plumbing needs.

May '23

Tips on Finding the Right Plumber Near Me in Chicago

Check Certification and Licensing

Proper licensing and certification should be one of the first things you look for when hiring a plumber. Reputable Chicago plumbers carry certain credentials, such as a state-issued license and qualifications from trade schools and apprenticeships. To ensure that your plumber is licensed, contact the issuing authority in your state.

Check References and Reviews

The best way to find a reliable plumber in Chicago is to ask people you trust. Ask your friends and family who they use and trust. Your friends may be able to give you a personal recommendation or a review of their past experience. You can also check online reviews on sites such as Angie’s List or Google.

Consider Knowledge and Experience

It’s important to hire a Chicago plumber who is knowledgeable and experienced. Make sure they are familiar with the type of plumbing job you need to have done. Ask them if they have experience with a variety of plumbing systems, so you know they will be able to handle any issues that might arise.

Examine their Insurance and Bonding

Before signing a contract with a Chicago plumber, ask to see proof of insurance and bonding. If an accident or damage to your property occurs, you will want to make sure you are covered by a professional liability insurance policy and bonding. This can also protect your financial interests.

Compare Rates and Services

It’s important to compare rates before settling on a plumber in order to find the best value for your money. Ask the plumber for a detailed estimate of the costs associated with the work, including materials, labor and any extras. Make sure you understand all the services that are included in the quote. It’s also important to compare different plumbers to make sure you are getting the best rate and service for your money.

Pay Attention to Red Flags

When interviewing potential plumbers in the Chicago area, look for signs that should give you pause. Are they on time? Are they unprofessional? Are they able to answer your questions? Red flags should be taken seriously, as they can be indicative of a plumber who is not knowledgeable, reliable, or trustworthy.

Check the Warranty

Most reputable plumbers will offer a warranty on their work. This will help ensure that if your plumbing system needs to be repaired, the plumber will honor the repair and take responsibility for any problems. Be sure to ask what is covered under the warranty, including parts, labor and any additional services that may be needed.

Get Everything in Writing

The best way to protect yourself when hiring a local plumber in the Chicago area is to get a signed contract for the work that needs to be done. This should include details such as the type of job, the materials used, the cost, the timeline, and any warranties or guarantees. Make sure to read and understand the contract before signing it to make sure you are getting the services you are expecting at the price you agreed upon.

When it comes to finding the right plumber in Chicago, it’s important to do your research and choose a reliable and experienced professional. Make sure you check references and reviews, compare rates, and ensure they have the proper licensure and insurance. Additionally, be sure to get everything in writing before signing a contract. By following these tips, you can rest assured you are getting the best plumbing service for your Chicago area home.

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In need of plumbing services in the Chicago area? Feel free to contact us at 773-599-9181 or by form below!

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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