Frequently Asked Questions
Get expert answers to common plumbing questions from Des Plaines' most trusted plumbers. Professional advice for emergency situations, installations, and maintenance.
Quick Help: Can't find your answer below? Call us at(847) 999-7997 for immediate assistance orcontact us online for non-urgent questions.
🚨Emergency Plumbing
What constitutes a plumbing emergency?
A plumbing emergency includes burst pipes, major leaks causing water damage, gas leaks, sewage backups, and complete loss of water service. If water is actively damaging your property or you smell gas, call us immediately at (847) 999-7997.
Related Services:
How quickly can you respond to emergencies?
We provide 24/7 emergency service with typical response times of 1-2 hours for urgent situations in Des Plaines and surrounding areas. Our emergency team is always ready to help minimize water damage and restore your plumbing system.
Related Services:
Should I turn off the water during an emergency?
Yes, if you have a major leak or burst pipe, immediately turn off the main water supply to prevent further damage. The main shutoff is typically located near the water meter or where the main line enters your home. Then call us for emergency repair.
Related Services:
🔥Water Heaters
How long do water heaters typically last?
Traditional tank water heaters last 8-12 years, while tankless units can last 15-20 years with proper maintenance. Age, water quality, and usage patterns all affect lifespan. We offer professional inspections to assess your water heater's condition.
Related Services:
Why is my water heater making strange noises?
Rumbling, popping, or banging sounds often indicate sediment buildup in the tank. This reduces efficiency and can cause premature failure. Professional flushing and maintenance can resolve these issues and extend your water heater's life.
Related Services:
Should I choose tankless or traditional water heater?
Tankless heaters provide endless hot water and save space but have higher upfront costs. Traditional tanks cost less initially but have limited hot water capacity. We'll assess your household's needs, budget, and space to recommend the best option.
Related Services:
🚰Drains & Clogs
What causes recurring drain clogs?
Recurring clogs often indicate deeper issues like tree root intrusion, pipe bellies, or accumulated grease and debris. While temporary fixes may clear surface blockages, professional drain cleaning with camera inspection identifies and resolves root causes.
Related Services:
Are chemical drain cleaners safe to use?
Chemical drain cleaners can damage pipes, especially older ones, and pose health risks. They're also ineffective against many clogs. Professional drain cleaning is safer and more effective, using specialized equipment to thoroughly clear blockages.
How often should drains be professionally cleaned?
We recommend annual professional drain cleaning for most homes, or every 6 months for homes with frequent clog issues. Regular maintenance prevents major blockages and extends your plumbing system's life while improving performance.
Related Services:
💧Water Quality & Filtration
How do I know if I need water filtration?
Signs include bad taste, odors, discoloration, hard water stains, or dry skin after bathing. Professional water testing identifies specific contaminants and helps determine the best filtration system for your needs and budget.
Related Services:
What's the difference between water softeners and filters?
Water softeners remove minerals causing hardness (calcium, magnesium), while filters remove contaminants like chlorine, sediment, and bacteria. Many homes benefit from both systems working together for comprehensive water treatment.
How often should water filters be replaced?
Replacement frequency depends on the filter type and water usage. Most under-sink filters need replacement every 6-12 months, while whole-house systems vary. We provide maintenance schedules and can set up automatic replacement reminders.
Related Services:
🏠Residential Plumbing
How can I prevent frozen pipes in winter?
Keep faucets dripping during extreme cold, open cabinet doors under sinks, maintain consistent heating, and insulate exposed pipes. If pipes do freeze, turn off water and call us immediately - never use open flames to thaw pipes.
Related Services:
Why is my water pressure low throughout the house?
Low water pressure can result from mineral buildup, pipe corrosion, water main issues, or pressure regulator problems. We perform comprehensive pressure testing and system evaluation to identify and resolve the root cause.
Related Services:
When should I consider pipe replacement?
Consider replacement for pipes over 50 years old (galvanized), frequent leaks, discolored water, or major renovations. We assess pipe condition and provide cost-benefit analysis for repair versus replacement options.
Related Services:
🏢Commercial Plumbing
What commercial plumbing services do you provide?
We offer comprehensive commercial services including restaurant plumbing, office building systems, emergency repairs, backflow prevention, maintenance programs, and code compliance services for businesses throughout Des Plaines and Chicagoland.
Do you offer maintenance contracts for businesses?
Yes, we provide customized maintenance programs for commercial properties. Regular maintenance prevents costly emergencies, ensures code compliance, and extends equipment life. Contact us for a tailored maintenance plan for your business.
Related Services:
How quickly can you respond to commercial emergencies?
We understand business operations can't wait. Our commercial emergency service provides rapid response to minimize downtime and business disruption. We're available 24/7 for urgent commercial plumbing issues.
Related Services:
Still Have Questions?
Our expert plumbers are here to help with personalized advice for your specific situation.
Additional Resources
Frequently Asked Questions
Get expert answers to common plumbing questions from Des Plaines' most trusted plumbers. Professional advice for emergency situations, installations, and maintenance.
Quick Help: Can't find your answer below? Call us at(847) 999-7997 for immediate assistance orcontact us online for non-urgent questions.
🚨Emergency Plumbing
What constitutes a plumbing emergency?
A plumbing emergency includes burst pipes, major leaks causing water damage, gas leaks, sewage backups, and complete loss of water service. If water is actively damaging your property or you smell gas, call us immediately at (847) 999-7997.
Related Services:
How quickly can you respond to emergencies?
We provide 24/7 emergency service with typical response times of 1-2 hours for urgent situations in Des Plaines and surrounding areas. Our emergency team is always ready to help minimize water damage and restore your plumbing system.
Related Services:
Should I turn off the water during an emergency?
Yes, if you have a major leak or burst pipe, immediately turn off the main water supply to prevent further damage. The main shutoff is typically located near the water meter or where the main line enters your home. Then call us for emergency repair.
Related Services:
🔥Water Heaters
How long do water heaters typically last?
Traditional tank water heaters last 8-12 years, while tankless units can last 15-20 years with proper maintenance. Age, water quality, and usage patterns all affect lifespan. We offer professional inspections to assess your water heater's condition.
Related Services:
Why is my water heater making strange noises?
Rumbling, popping, or banging sounds often indicate sediment buildup in the tank. This reduces efficiency and can cause premature failure. Professional flushing and maintenance can resolve these issues and extend your water heater's life.
Related Services:
Should I choose tankless or traditional water heater?
Tankless heaters provide endless hot water and save space but have higher upfront costs. Traditional tanks cost less initially but have limited hot water capacity. We'll assess your household's needs, budget, and space to recommend the best option.
Related Services:
🚰Drains & Clogs
What causes recurring drain clogs?
Recurring clogs often indicate deeper issues like tree root intrusion, pipe bellies, or accumulated grease and debris. While temporary fixes may clear surface blockages, professional drain cleaning with camera inspection identifies and resolves root causes.
Related Services:
Are chemical drain cleaners safe to use?
Chemical drain cleaners can damage pipes, especially older ones, and pose health risks. They're also ineffective against many clogs. Professional drain cleaning is safer and more effective, using specialized equipment to thoroughly clear blockages.
How often should drains be professionally cleaned?
We recommend annual professional drain cleaning for most homes, or every 6 months for homes with frequent clog issues. Regular maintenance prevents major blockages and extends your plumbing system's life while improving performance.
Related Services:
💧Water Quality & Filtration
How do I know if I need water filtration?
Signs include bad taste, odors, discoloration, hard water stains, or dry skin after bathing. Professional water testing identifies specific contaminants and helps determine the best filtration system for your needs and budget.
Related Services:
What's the difference between water softeners and filters?
Water softeners remove minerals causing hardness (calcium, magnesium), while filters remove contaminants like chlorine, sediment, and bacteria. Many homes benefit from both systems working together for comprehensive water treatment.
How often should water filters be replaced?
Replacement frequency depends on the filter type and water usage. Most under-sink filters need replacement every 6-12 months, while whole-house systems vary. We provide maintenance schedules and can set up automatic replacement reminders.
Related Services:
🏠Residential Plumbing
How can I prevent frozen pipes in winter?
Keep faucets dripping during extreme cold, open cabinet doors under sinks, maintain consistent heating, and insulate exposed pipes. If pipes do freeze, turn off water and call us immediately - never use open flames to thaw pipes.
Related Services:
Why is my water pressure low throughout the house?
Low water pressure can result from mineral buildup, pipe corrosion, water main issues, or pressure regulator problems. We perform comprehensive pressure testing and system evaluation to identify and resolve the root cause.
Related Services:
When should I consider pipe replacement?
Consider replacement for pipes over 50 years old (galvanized), frequent leaks, discolored water, or major renovations. We assess pipe condition and provide cost-benefit analysis for repair versus replacement options.
Related Services:
🏢Commercial Plumbing
What commercial plumbing services do you provide?
We offer comprehensive commercial services including restaurant plumbing, office building systems, emergency repairs, backflow prevention, maintenance programs, and code compliance services for businesses throughout Des Plaines and Chicagoland.
Do you offer maintenance contracts for businesses?
Yes, we provide customized maintenance programs for commercial properties. Regular maintenance prevents costly emergencies, ensures code compliance, and extends equipment life. Contact us for a tailored maintenance plan for your business.
Related Services:
How quickly can you respond to commercial emergencies?
We understand business operations can't wait. Our commercial emergency service provides rapid response to minimize downtime and business disruption. We're available 24/7 for urgent commercial plumbing issues.
Related Services:
Still Have Questions?
Our expert plumbers are here to help with personalized advice for your specific situation.