Plumbing Services in Chicago, IL

Chicago plumbing has to survive real winters and a lot of older buildings. The city's water comes from Lake Michigan and carries enough minerals to leave scale in water heaters and on fixtures. Many two-flats, bungalows, and greystones still have original galvanized supply lines, clay sewer laterals, or lead service lines that predate modern codes.

Freeze damage is the signature winter call. Pipes in unheated porches, garages, crawl spaces, and exterior walls can burst during a sustained cold snap, and the damage often appears only when temperatures rise. Summer storms bring the opposite problem: combined sewers can back up into basements, which is why sump pumps and backwater valves matter here.

Winter prep matters more here than in most cities. Insulate pipes in unheated spaces, seal drafts around exterior penetrations, disconnect garden hoses, and keep the heat at 55°F or higher when you travel. If a pipe freezes, shut off the supply and call before attempting to thaw it with an open flame.

Spring thaw and summer storms are the season for basement water. Test your sump pump, check the discharge line, and consider a battery backup if your basement is finished. Fall is the right time to have the sewer line camera-inspected if you have had repeat backups.