Last updated Reviewed by our licensed Chicago master plumber team
Plumbers 911 Chicago is the full-service residential plumbing partner for Chicago homeowners — handling every job from a $95 flapper replacement to a $20,000 whole-house repipe. We serve Chicago proper plus 245 surrounding cities across 15 counties. Our team handles 40+ distinct residential services — from emergency calls at 2 AM for burst pipes, to scheduled water heater replacements, to full bathroom and kitchen remodeling rough-ins, to specialized work on Chicago's vintage bungalows, two-flats, and greystones that require deep experience with cast-iron drains, lead service lines, galvanized supply, and century-old infrastructure. Every plumber on our team holds a City of Chicago plumbing license, we carry $2M general liability insurance, and we pull all required permits on code-regulated work. Most importantly: we give upfront written pricing before starting any job, we diagnose the root cause (not just the symptom), and we provide written warranty on our work. Whether your need is today's emergency or next month's remodel, call 833-758-6911. This page links to every residential service we offer — jump to any category below, or browse our full Chicago services list.
Every Residential Plumbing Service We Offer
Quick navigation to every service. Click any service for detailed pricing, process, and FAQs.
Emergency & 24/7 Response
- Emergency Plumber — 24/7 dispatch for active leaks, burst pipes, flooding, and no-water emergencies
- Frozen / Broken Pipe Repair — winter thaw, leak repair, burst pipe replacement
- Sewage Backup Cleanup — IICRC S500 certified black water response + remediation
Water Supply
- Water Main Repair — service line spot repair and full replacement (lead service line replacement eligible)
- Water Leak Detection & Repair — infrared, acoustic, and pressure testing for hidden leaks
- Water Pressure Issues — PRV replacement, galvanized descaling, booster pumps, water hammer
- Whole House Repiping — copper, PEX, or CPVC full-home repipe; lead/galvanized replacement
Water Heaters
- Water Heater Installation — traditional tank (gas or electric)
- Tankless Water Heater Installation — Navien, Rinnai, Noritz
- Water Heater Repair — tank units, all brands
- Tankless Water Heater Repair — error codes, sensors, combustion
- Water Softener Installation — ion-exchange, salt-free, whole-house
- Water Filter Installation — whole-house, under-sink, RO
Drain & Sewer
- Drain Cleaning — sinks, tubs, showers, floor drains
- Sewer Cleaning — main sewer rodding and camera verification
- Hydro Jetting — 4,000 PSI for grease, roots, scale in mains
- Sewer Camera Inspection — HD video diagnostic with locator + depth
- Sewer Cleanout Installation — accessible cleanouts for future service
- Drain Replacement — full pipe replacement when cleaning no longer works
- Sewer Replacement — trench or trenchless main sewer replacement
- Trenchless Sewer Repair — pipe bursting and CIPP lining
- Backflow Testing & Installation — annual certification + new installs
- Catch Basin Services — cleaning, repair, replacement
Pumps
- Sump Pump Installation & Replacement — primary pump systems
- Sump Pump Battery Backup — flood protection during outages
- Ejector Pump Services — basement bathroom and below-grade wastewater
Fixtures & Repair
- Toilet Installation & Repair — standard, comfort-height, smart, wall-hung
- Faucet Repair — cartridge, leak, base repair — all brands
- Sink Installation & Repair — kitchen and bath, all types
- Bathtub Installation — standard, soaking, freestanding, walk-in
- Shower Installation — custom tile, prefab, curbless, walk-in
Kitchen Plumbing
- Garbage Disposal Installation — all brands, all horsepowers
- Dishwasher Installation — Bosch, Miele, KitchenAid — all brands
- Kitchen Remodeling — full rough-in and finishing
Bathroom Plumbing
- Bathroom Remodeling — full renovations, additions, modifications
Gas
- Gas Line Install & Repair — new gas runs, leak repair, appliance connections
Inspection & Maintenance
- Plumbing Inspection — home purchase or annual whole-system check
What Makes Chicago Residential Plumbing Different
Chicago homes have specific plumbing challenges that cookie-cutter suburban plumbers miss. We specialize in these.
Old Infrastructure
Chicago's housing stock is old — 35% of homes were built before 1940, which means:
- Cast iron drain stacks (60 – 120 year service life — many are near or past end of life)
- Galvanized steel water supply (internal rust restricts flow; slowly-accumulating problem)
- Lead service lines — Chicago installed lead water service lines through 1986; roughly 400,000 remain. Lead service line replacement is eligible for the city's LSLR program (free replacement for qualifying homes)
- Knob-and-tube mixed with plumbing in unexpected ways — we don't do electrical but we navigate around it carefully
Extreme Climate
- Sub-zero winters regularly freeze exposed pipes and service lines to outdoor fixtures
- Flash flooding from lake-effect storms overwhelms combined sewers — backflow prevention becomes critical
- Freeze-thaw cycles crack catch basins, break water mains, and damage exterior faucets
Combined Sewer System
Most of Chicago has combined sewers (one pipe carries both storm and sanitary waste). Heavy rain can cause sewers to surcharge back into basements. That's why many Chicago homes need:
- Overhead sewer conversion
- Backwater valve installation
- Reliable sump pump with battery backup
- Ejector pump systems for basement bathrooms
Hard Water
Chicago water averages 8 – 13 grains per gallon — moderately hard. Effects:
- Accelerated corrosion of water heater anode rods
- Mineral buildup in fixtures, faucets, and showerheads
- Shorter fixture lifespan overall
- Scale buildup in galvanized pipes
Solution: water softener extends the life of every appliance in the house.
Chicago Code and Permits
Chicago DOB requires licensed plumbers and pulled permits for:
- Any water or drain line replacement (not repair)
- Water heater installation (gas and electric)
- Gas line work of any kind
- New fixtures in unplumbed rooms
- Sewer line work beyond cleaning
- Backflow device installation and testing
We pull all permits and coordinate inspections — no paperwork for you.
Typical Cost Ranges for Chicago Homes
A quick reference for typical residential plumbing jobs. All pricing includes licensed labor, materials, and warranty. 2026 pricing.
| Service Category | Typical Cost Range | Time |
|---|---|---|
| Service call / diagnostic | $95 – $175 (applied to repair) | 30 – 60 min |
| Flapper / fill valve / minor repair | $95 – $225 | 20 – 60 min |
| Faucet cartridge repair | $145 – $295 | 30 – 90 min |
| Toilet installation (labor only) | $245 – $500 | 90 – 180 min |
| Sink install (drop-in) | $275 – $475 | 90 – 150 min |
| Garbage disposal replacement | $285 – $725 | 60 – 120 min |
| Dishwasher installation (labor) | $195 – $395 | 90 – 180 min |
| Main drain cleaning (rodding) | $175 – $450 | 60 – 120 min |
| Hydro jetting residential | $350 – $800 | 60 – 120 min |
| Sewer camera inspection | $285 – $575 | 45 – 90 min |
| Water heater installation (40 – 50 gal tank) | $1,350 – $2,850 | 3 – 5 hours |
| Tankless water heater install | $3,200 – $6,800 | 6 – 10 hours |
| Sump pump replacement | $550 – $1,400 | 2 – 4 hours |
| Ejector pump replacement | $725 – $2,400 | 3 – 5 hours |
| Water pressure regulator (PRV) | $275 – $650 | 2 – 3 hours |
| Gas line run (short) | $475 – $1,450 | 3 – 6 hours |
| Whole house repipe (copper) | $8,500 – $22,000 | 3 – 7 days |
| Whole house repipe (PEX) | $4,500 – $12,000 | 2 – 5 days |
| Water main replacement | $3,500 – $12,000 | 1 – 2 days |
| Sewer replacement (trench) | $6,500 – $18,000+ | 2 – 5 days |
| Sewer replacement (trenchless) | $7,500 – $22,000 | 1 – 2 days |
| Bathroom remodel rough-in | $3,500 – $12,000 | 3 – 7 days (plumbing only) |
| Kitchen remodel rough-in | $2,500 – $9,000 | 2 – 5 days (plumbing only) |
Financing Available
We offer financing through Hearth and GreenSky for large projects ($2,500+). Same-day approval on most applications. Special zero-interest promotional plans on water heater, repipe, and sewer projects.
Why Hire a Licensed Chicago Plumber
Chicago DOB requires a licensed plumber for most plumbing work. The short answer: unlicensed work is a bad idea. Here's why.
What Goes Wrong With Unlicensed Work
- No permits pulled — work is unpermitted and invisible to the city
- No inspections — issues aren't caught before walls are closed
- Code violations — work doesn't meet current code (ask: is 1995 code still current? no)
- Voided home insurance — claims related to unlicensed work often get denied
- Failed home sale inspections — title company or buyer discovers unpermitted work
- Voided appliance warranties — many fixture manufacturers require licensed installation
- Personal liability — if unlicensed work causes water damage to a neighbor, you're fully on the hook
What Licensed Plumbers Include
- Valid City of Chicago plumbing license (we carry a master plumber license)
- $2M+ general liability insurance
- Workers' comp for all crew on site
- Permits pulled and inspections scheduled
- Work done to current code — 2024 IPC with Chicago amendments
- Written warranty on labor (typically 1 – 5 years) and parts (manufacturer)
Red Flags for Unlicensed Operators
- No physical business address, no truck with company name
- Cash only, no invoice or receipt
- Can't produce current Chicago plumbing license
- Won't pull permits ("it's not required for this job")
- Door-to-door solicitation after a storm
- Prices dramatically below market ("$200 water heater install")
- No insurance certificate on request
How to Verify a Plumber's License
- Ask for the license number and Google search — Chicago plumbing licenses are public
- Ask for insurance certificate (COI) — current, with your address named as the job site
- Check Google reviews and BBB complaints
- Verify they'll pull permits and provide copies after
- Get three written estimates for larger projects
We make this easy — every one of our technicians carries their plumbing license, we email you the COI before arriving, and we handle all permits.
Preventive Maintenance Plans
Small problems cost $150 to fix; the emergencies they grow into cost $5,000+. Preventive maintenance catches small problems.
What's Included (Tiered Plans)
Basic Plan — $249/year:
- Annual plumbing inspection (all visible pipes, fixtures, shutoff valves)
- Water heater flush + anode rod inspection
- Water pressure test at multiple fixtures
- Priority scheduling (same-day for emergencies, next-day for repairs)
- 10% discount on all repair work
- Written summary of system condition with photos
Plus Plan — $449/year:
- Everything in Basic
- Annual main drain cleaning (preventive, before clogs happen)
- Sump pump inspection + test + battery inspection
- Backflow valve annual test (required by code)
- 15% discount on repair work
Premium Plan — $599/year:
- Everything in Plus
- Annual sewer camera inspection
- Water softener salt check and regeneration test
- Tankless water heater annual descaling
- 20% discount on repair work
- Free diagnostic visit credit ($175 value)
Why Maintenance Pays
Statistically:
- Annual inspection catches 2 – 4 issues per year in an average Chicago home
- Each issue caught early averages $150 – $300 to fix
- Each issue that grows into emergency averages $1,200 – $4,500
- Properly maintained plumbing lasts 30 – 50% longer
Easy Enrollment
Call 833-758-6911 or enroll during any service visit. Plans auto-renew annually. Cancel anytime.
Frequently Asked Questions About Residential Plumbing
How much does a plumber cost in Chicago?
Service call / diagnostic: $95 – $175 (credited toward repair). Most common repairs: $145 – $650. Mid-range projects (water heater install, sump pump replacement, toilet install): $500 – $2,850. Large projects (whole house repipe, sewer replacement, tankless): $4,500 – $22,000+. We provide upfront pricing before any work and keep the service call fee low so diagnosis is affordable. See the detailed cost table on this page.
Do you offer same-day plumbing service?
Yes — we offer same-day service for most repairs. For best odds, call before 11 AM. Our 24/7 emergency service is always available for active leaks, burst pipes, flooding, sewage backups, gas leaks, and no-water situations. Typical response time in Chicago: 30 – 90 minutes.
Are your plumbers licensed in the City of Chicago?
Yes — every technician on our team holds a valid City of Chicago plumbing license. We carry $2M general liability insurance, workers' comp on all crew, and pull all required permits for code-regulated work. We email the certificate of insurance before arrival and provide permit copies after completion.
Do you work on older Chicago homes?
Yes — older homes are our specialty. We have deep experience with cast iron drain stacks, galvanized steel water supply, lead service lines (eligible for free LSLR program replacement), original fixtures in vintage bungalows, and the quirks of Chicago two-flats and greystones. We modernize where it makes sense (PEX or copper for supply, PVC for drains) while respecting the home's character.
Do you pull permits for Chicago plumbing work?
Yes — always, on any work requiring a permit. Chicago DOB requires permits for water line replacement (not repair), water heater installation, gas line work, new fixtures in previously unplumbed rooms, sewer line work beyond cleaning, and backflow device installation. We handle permit applications, pull the permit, and coordinate the city inspection — no paperwork for you.
What's the best plumber near me in Chicago?
We're biased, but here's how to evaluate any plumber: (1) Chicago plumbing license verified via Google search of license number, (2) $2M+ insurance with certificate you can view, (3) Google reviews — 4.5+ stars with 100+ reviews, (4) Written estimates before starting work, (5) Permits pulled on code-regulated jobs, (6) Clear warranty on labor (1 – 5 years typical). We meet all of these — call ${SITE_CONFIG.phone} for a free estimate on larger projects.
Do you work in Chicago suburbs or just the city?
Both. We serve Chicago proper plus ${SITE_CONFIG.serviceAreaCount} surrounding cities across 15 counties — Arlington Heights, Evanston, Oak Park, Naperville, Schaumburg, Wheaton, Lombard, Downers Grove, and many more. Response times in closer suburbs are typically the same as Chicago (30 – 90 min emergency); further suburbs may be 60 – 120 min. See our service area map for a complete list.
What should I do in a plumbing emergency?
Three immediate steps: (1) Stop the water — close the main shutoff valve (usually in basement near the front wall), (2) Remove valuables from the affected area if safe to do so, (3) Call 833-758-6911 for 24/7 emergency dispatch. Do NOT attempt major repairs yourself — amateur fixes during emergencies often cause more damage. For active sewage backups, also keep pets and kids out of the area (biohazard). See our detailed emergency plumber page.
Do you install fixtures I bought myself (online, Costco, etc.)?
Yes — we install whatever fixture you buy, no matter where you bought it. Common examples: toilets from Costco, dishwashers from Best Buy, faucets from Amazon, water heaters from Menards, shower systems from Lowe's. We don't sell fixtures, so we have no incentive to push specific brands. Bring us what you want and we'll install it properly with warranty on the labor. If there's a manufacturer issue with the product, we help you navigate the warranty claim.