Water Heater in Chicago, IL

What usually goes wrong

You may want a water heater specialist if you notice any of these:

• Rumbling or popping from the tank
• Rusty or smelly hot water
• No hot water

Homes in Chicago: what pros run into

Winters off Lake Michigan bring subzero cold snaps, and the January 2019 polar vortex pushed temperatures below minus 20. Chicago has more lead service lines than any other U.S. city, roughly 400,000, and the city runs a replacement program.

The Deep Tunnel project, formally the Tunnel and Reservoir Plan, stores stormwater underground to reduce flooding and overflows. Older buildings may get hot water from the same boiler that provides heat, through an indirect tank or a coil. That changes who you call when it fails.

Very cold incoming water in winter makes heaters work harder, which is often when an undersized or failing unit first runs out. Alleys run behind most Chicago blocks, and detached garages usually open onto the alley rather than the street.

Local rules before you book

Electric heaters draw power from ComEd, and gas models rely on Peoples Gas. Either way, a replacement in Chicago typically needs a permit through the Chicago Department of Buildings. Water heater work is plumbing in Illinois, and plumbers are licensed by the Department of Public Health.

How the connection works

1. Call or use the form and describe the problem.
2. A local water heater specialist who works in Chicago gets your request.
3. They confirm timing, price and any fees with you directly.

What to have ready

Find the label on the tank and note the size, fuel type and age.