Your Questions, Answered

Yes, we are fully licensed, bonded, and insured, giving you peace of mind that all work is completed safely, professionally, and up to code.

We charge a $78 service call fee, which includes a 15-minute visual evaluation.

Yes, we offer flexible financing options to help make unexpected plumbing repairs or larger projects more manageable. Learn more here.

Yes. Call 847-268-3600 to schedule.

We have technicians and field managers available 24/7. Our office is open Monday-Friday, 8 am-5 pm. Regular service pricing applies to appointments scheduled between 8 am and 5 pm, Monday – Friday, excluding the following holidays:
-New Year’s
-Memorial Day Weekend
-Independence Day (4th of July)
-Labor Day Weekend
-Thanksgiving
-Christmas

• Cash
• Check
• Visa
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• Discover
• Amex

We also offer to finance. Learn more here.

Absolutely. We provide 24/7 emergency plumbing services so you can get help whenever you need it. Whether it's a burst pipe, sewer backup, or major leak, our team is ready to respond quickly.

We offer same-day service whenever possible. For urgent plumbing or sewer emergencies that are causing active property damage or affecting multiple residents, we aim to arrive within 60–90 minutes. Response times may vary based on technician availability, location, and current call volume.

We proudly provide plumbing, drain, sewer, and water services throughout Chicago’s North and Northwest suburbs. Visit our Service Area page to see the communities we serve, or give us a call if you’re unsure whether your location is covered.

We provide full-service plumbing solutions for both residential and commercial customers, including repairs, installations, maintenance, sewer and drain services, water heaters, emergency services, and more.

Chemical drain cleaners may provide temporary relief, but they often don’t fully clear the pipe and can damage plumbing over time.

When performed correctly, pipe milling is controlled and targeted to remove buildup without harming your pipe. A professional inspection is usually done first to confirm your pipes can handle the process safely.

Yes, roots can grow back if your pipe still has openings that allow entry. To reduce the chance of regrowth, repairs such as sealing joints or replacing damaged sections may be recommended after the roots are cleared.

Removing the roots restores proper drainage, but it may not solve the underlying issue if your pipe is damaged. A full inspection helps determine whether repairs or replacement are needed to prevent future blockages.

The best way to keep drains clear is to limit what you put in them:

• Do not put hard food (food you wouldn’t give a baby), coffee grounds, and grease down your garbage disposal.
• Keep hair and soap scum out of bathroom drains. Cover your tub and shower drains with a mesh screen or a perforated shower drain hair catcher.
• Remove loose hair by brushing it before you take a shower or bath.
• If you wash your dog in the tub or shower, put a washcloth over the drain. The amount of hair a dog sheds during a bath can clog your regular shower drain hair catcher.
• Toilets are designed to only flush human waste and toilet paper. Dental floss, feminine hygiene products, and other household waste should go in the trash instead.

Plunging is an effective way to open a clogged drain. It’s important to know that there are two types of plungers. The kind with a steep black cup is a toilet plunger. The red plungers with a shallow cup are designed for opening sink and tub drains. Make sure there is water covering the drain. Place the plunger cup over the drain and push it down until the plunger makes a good vacuum seal over the drain. Then grasp the handle and pump the plunger cup up and down quickly five or six times. Pull backward and see if the drain opens. Repeat the process until the clog is forced out and the drain opens.

Roots do not invade healthy, well-kept pipes. They attack vulnerable pipes that have cracks and leaks. These occur when regular maintenance is not conducted, or trees are planted too close to sewage lines. When it comes to landscaping, it’s important to know where your underground pipes, lines, and cables run. Limit the number of trees and find out which trees are safe to plant close to your sewage lines. If you can’t avoid planting trees close to your sewage line, make sure to plant slow-growing trees with small root balls that are unlikely to invade your pipes.

While preventative maintenance seems costly, it prevents high-cost repairs. When regular maintenance is performed, you can deal with any issues before they get worse. Routine video inspection and cleaning prevent roots from invading your pipes.

If you already have tree root damage, it’s important to get your sewer lines clean and work with us to develop a maintenance program. Ask about our root inhibitor treatment that kills roots up to 12” outside of your sewer pipe.

You may notice multiple drains slowing down at once, repeated backups, or unusual gurgling sounds from your toilets and drains. In some cases, sections of your yard may stay damp or appear greener due to a leaking pipe underground.

You may need descaling if your drains stay slow even after cleaning, clogs keep returning, or your system includes older metal pipes like cast iron pipes.

We use tools like camera inspections for sewer/drain lines and smoke testing for vents to find the exact source of the odor. This helps locate hidden leaks or pipe issues without unnecessary damage.

We typically use specialized cutting equipment or high-pressure water to break apart and clear roots from inside your pipe. The method used depends on how severe the intrusion is and the condition of your sewer line. In some cases, we may also recommend a chemical root treatment like Root-X to kill remaining roots and help prevent future growth.

By identifying the exact problem area, camera location prevents unnecessary excavation and trial-and-error repairs. This makes the repair process faster and helps avoid added labor and property damage costs.

Professional drain clearing involves using specialized equipment to break up and remove blockages inside your pipes. This may include motorized drain machines (power rodding), hydrojetting with high-pressure water, or video camera inspections to locate the exact issue.

Drain snaking pushes through a clog to reopen your line, but it doesn’t fully clean your pipe. Hydrojetting, on the other hand, clears out the entire interior surface of your pipe, removing buildup that can lead to future blockages.

Hydrojetting uses pressurized water to flush out loose debris and grease, while descaling uses mechanical tools to remove solid, stuck-on buildup. Descaling is typically required when the material inside your pipe has hardened over time. In many cases, these services can also be combined to fully restore flow and improve overall pipe performance.

We recommend professional drain cleaning at least once a year to keep your pipes clear and functioning properly. Homes with heavy usage, frequent cooking, or older plumbing systems may benefit from service every 6 to 12 months to avoid buildup and unexpected blockages.

Yes, sewer gas can affect your indoor air quality and may cause headaches, nausea, or irritation. It is important to address the problem quickly to protect your health and home.

No. Drain clearing punctures the clog to restore flow. Drain cleaning equipment, like hydrojetting, removes the debris because it has the ability to push/pull along with high-pressure water.

Yes. It is safe for most pipes when performed by a trained professional. We typically perform a camera inspection of the pipe before and after the hydrojetting service to confirm its condition and ensure there are no further issues.

“Clearing” and “cleaning” can be synonyms in some cases, but in the world of plumbing, these terms refer to two very different processes designed to meet differing needs. Drain clearing is considered more of a “quick fix” for clogged pipes. During clearing, the plumber breaks up the clog with a rodding machine. Rodding machines consist of heavy-duty cable and cutting blade attachments and are motor-powered. The blades are designed to spin and break up clogs when the motor is turned on. While a normal flow can typically resume once the clog is broken up (cleared, not cleaned), remnants of past clogs are left behind, which makes it more likely that you’ll experience another clog.

Drain cleaning uses a machine called a hydro jetter which runs highly pressurized water through your pipes. Clogs and/or grease buildup is removed (cleaned) from the walls of your pipes. Drain cleaning solves existing problems and helps prevent future buildup, which will save you money in the long run.

Regular maintenance helps remove buildup before it becomes a problem, keeping water flowing smoothly. It can also reduce odors, lower the chance of emergency plumbing issues, and help your pipes last longer by minimizing internal wear and corrosion. It can also detect small defects before they become larger issues.

You may notice water draining more slowly than usual, repeated clogs in the same fixture, unpleasant smells, or bubbling noises coming from drains. These signs typically mean material is collecting inside your pipes and should be addressed before it leads to a full backup.

Descaling improves drainage, reduces the likelihood of recurring clogs, and helps maintain the structural condition of your pipe. By clearing out corrosion and buildup, it can extend the usable life of your plumbing system.

Clogged drains are typically caused by buildup inside your pipes. In kitchens, grease, food particles, and soap residue are the most common culprits. In bathrooms, hair, soap scum, and personal care products often restrict water flow. More severe clogs can be caused by tree root intrusion or debris in the main sewer line.

You should call a professional if you notice slow-draining water, gurgling noises, recurring clogs, or foul odors coming from your drains. These symptoms usually indicate a blockage forming deeper in your plumbing system than basic DIY methods can fully remove.

A sewer odor usually happens when gas escapes from your plumbing system due to dry traps, cracked pipes, or blocked vents. These issues allow foul-smelling gases to enter your home.

Hydrojetting can clear out grease, soap residue, mineral deposits, food particles, sludge, and minor root intrusion. Because it cleans the full diameter of your pipe, it helps reduce the chances of clogs returning quickly.

Pipe milling and descaling remove hardened buildup from your sewer and drain lines. Using specialized rotating tools, we break down and clear away corrosion, scale, and debris that restrict water flow and reduce pipe capacity.

Hydrojetting is a professional drain cleaning service that uses highly pressurized water to clear blockages and buildup inside your pipes. A specialized hose and nozzle push water through your line, removing grease, debris, and residue from the pipe walls to restore proper flow.

Sewer camera location involves sending a specialized camera through your pipes to view the condition of the line in real time. A tracking device above ground pinpoints the exact depth and position of the camera to locate problem areas.

Hydrojetting CLEANS your pipes. It uses pressured water to push away any obstructions and leave the pipe as clean as when it was first installed. This process works by attaching a cleaning head to a water line that is threaded into the pipe. The head is covered in holes that release high-pressure jets of hot water up to 4,000 PSI into the lines, obliterating the clog and flushing it away without damage to the pipe. Besides removing the clog, pressurized water also dissolves grease and sludge which could cause another outbreak of clogging. Power Rodding CLEARS your pipes. It carefully eases a stabilized metal cable into the pipe to avoid damaging the delicate plumbing system. At the end of this cable, is a cleaning head made of extremely sharp blades that are measured to the diameter of the pipe. The blades rotate at high speed breaking up the clog and scraping away accumulated sludge from the pipe walls, resulting in a clear sewer for water to flow.

A camera inspection can reveal blockages, pipe cracks, root intrusion, and sections that have shifted or collapsed.

Clogs usually develop from everyday materials like grease, soap residue, hair, food scraps, and mineral buildup. These substances stick to the inside of your pipes and gradually narrow the passage, eventually slowing or stopping water flow.

Hydrojetting is recommended when you’re dealing with frequent clogs, slow-moving drains, or recurring sewer backups.

You should schedule an inspection if you notice frequent clogs, slow drainage, or unexplained sewer odors. It is also useful before major repairs or property purchases to check the condition of your sewer line.

You should call a professional if the smell is constant, getting worse, or spreading throughout your home. Early detection can prevent larger damages and restore safe air quality.

Camera location eliminates the need for unnecessary digging by showing exactly where the issue is inside your pipe. This allows for more accurate repairs and reduces disruption to your property.

Tree roots grow toward sources of water, and your sewer line provides a consistent supply. If your pipe has even a small crack or loose connection, roots can enter, expand, and begin blocking your line over time.

If drains are clean, the problem is likely deeper in your plumbing system, such as a broken pipe or blocked vent.

Chemical drain cleaners can damage your pipes over time and often fail to fully remove the blockage. They may provide temporary relief but can worsen buildup or corrosion inside your plumbing system.

In most cases, you are responsible for the buffalo box (the exterior shut-off valve in your yard) in your home. If the problem is located before your meter or under public property, it is typically handled by the local utility provider. It’s best to verify this with your city or water authority.

Hiring a professional ensures your valve is installed correctly and safely. A plumber can also check for underlying issues and make sure everything is working properly before restoring your water supply.

Yes, we provide professional water testing to identify the exact contaminants in your water. Based on the results, we’ll recommend the most effective solution tailored to your home’s needs.

Yes, regular maintenance is important to keep your system performing at its best. We offer ongoing service, filter replacements, and system checkups to ensure long-term efficiency and water quality.

Older homes are more likely to have lead service lines. You might notice a dull gray pipe where the water line enters your home, but the most reliable way to know is to have a professional inspection.

Common signs include hard water stains, unpleasant odors, bad taste, dry skin after showering, or buildup on fixtures and appliances. These issues are often caused by minerals, chlorine, or contaminants in your water supply.

With proper maintenance, most tankless water heaters can last 15–20 years or more, which is significantly longer than traditional tank systems. Regular servicing helps maintain efficiency and extend the life of your unit.

Most water heater installations take a few hours to complete. The exact time depends on the type of your system and any upgrades needed.

In most cases, a water line replacement can be completed within one to two days. The exact timeline depends on factors like the length of your pipe, ground conditions, and whether trenchless or traditional excavation methods are used.

While tankless water heaters have a higher upfront cost, you may find them worthwhile due to long-term energy savings, durability, and consistent hot water supply.

If the problem is limited to a small section, a repair may be enough. However, if your pipe is aging, corroded, or experiencing repeated issues, replacing your entire line is typically the more reliable and cost-effective long-term solution.

Minor issues can sometimes be fixed, but older or damaged valves are often better replaced. A new valve provides more reliable performance and reduces the risk of future leaks or failure.

Yes, certain water line issues can be addressed using trenchless repair methods that limit disruption to your yard and landscaping. However, in some cases, like severe damage or difficult pipe access, excavation may still be required.

Yes, it can pose serious health concerns. Even small amounts can be harmful, particularly for young children and pregnant women. Removing the source of lead is the most effective way to ensure your water is safe.

Yes. Tankless systems often require proper sizing, gas line adjustments, venting, and electrical work to operate safely and efficiently. Hiring a licensed plumber ensures your system performs correctly and meets local codes.

If your water heater is over 8–12 years old or needs frequent repairs, replacement is often the better choice. Newer systems are more efficient and reliable.

It’s best to replace your entire service line rather than just part of it. Partial replacements can leave sections of lead behind and may not fully resolve the issue. A full replacement provides better long-term safety and peace of mind. We recommend checking with your local village for possible rebate programs.

Tankless water heaters offer several advantages, including endless hot water, improved energy efficiency, and a longer lifespan compared to traditional systems. They also take up less space and can help reduce your utility costs over time.

Water treatment helps improve taste and odor, remove harmful contaminants, reduce scale buildup, protect your plumbing system, and extend the life of your appliances. It also provides cleaner, healthier water for your family.

Signs include inconsistent water temperature, strange noises, leaks, or no hot water. Fixing these issues early can help your prevent bigger and more expensive problems.

You may need service if the valve is leaking, hard to turn, stuck in place, or doesn’t fully stop the water. Visible rust or corrosion is also a sign the valve may be failing.

Common warning signs include a noticeable drop in water pressure across multiple fixtures, rusty or cloudy water, frequent leaks, and unexplained spikes in your water bill.

A failing water line often shows clear signs, such as a sudden spike in your water bill, low water pressure throughout your home, or soggy areas in your yard. You might also notice muddy water, strange noises in your pipes, or sections of grass that appear greener than the rest.

A water line replacement is the process of removing your damaged or outdated main water pipe and installing a new one that connects your home to the public water supply. This ensures your home receives clean water with consistent pressure and flow.

A lead service line is the underground pipe that delivers water from the city supply into your home. If your pipe contains lead, it can contaminate your drinking water over time. Replacing it is the safest way to protect your household from potential health risks.

A tankless water heater heats water only when you need it, instead of storing hot water in a tank. When you turn on a faucet, cold water flows through the unit and is instantly heated using gas or electricity. This on-demand system provides continuous hot water without running out.

A water shut-off valve lets you control or stop the flow of water to your home or specific fixtures. It’s essential for handling leaks, making repairs, and preventing water damage during plumbing emergencies.

During the replacement process, your existing lead pipe is removed and replaced with a new, approved material such as copper. The new line is installed from the main water connection to your home, and your system is flushed to ensure clean water flow.

We offer repair, replacement, maintenance, and installation services. Our team helps keep your system running efficiently and reliably.

We provide a full range of water treatment solutions, including whole-house filtration systems, water softeners, reverse osmosis systems, UV purification, and well water filtration. Each system is customized to address your specific water quality concerns.

If the damage is minor and isolated, a repair may be enough. But if your water line is older, made from outdated materials, or has multiple problem areas, replacement is often the better long-term solution.

Water lines can deteriorate over time due to age and corrosion, especially in older homes. Ground movement and temperature changes can also put stress on the pipe. In some cases, high water pressure or improper installation can lead to early failure.

Leaks can be caused by worn parts, faulty valves, or corrosion inside the tank. Even small leaks should be fixed quickly to avoid further damage.

Delaying replacement can lead to serious issues like major leaks, property damage, and reduced water quality. Installing a new water line improves system reliability, helps prevent emergencies, and ensures your home has a dependable water supply.

If your valve doesn’t work properly, you may not be able to stop water in an emergency. Replacing it helps protect your home from potential flooding, water damage, and costly repairs.

Yes, we install and replace washing machine hookups, utility sinks, and drain lines. Proper installation ensures safe water flow and reduces the risk of leaks or backups.

Yes, we install and replace toilets, sinks, faucets, showers, and pipes. Proper installation helps prevent leaks and ensures everything works efficiently.

Yes, we can repair and replace garbage disposals.

If you have recurring clogs, ongoing leaks, or slow drains, it’s time to call a professional. These issues often point to deeper plumbing problems that need proper repair.

A fixture can usually be repaired if the issue is minor, such as a worn washer, loose handle, or small leak. Replacement is recommended when there is visible damage, corrosion, recurring leaks, or poor performance despite previous repairs.

Most repair and replacement options can be performed within 1–3 hours, depending on the fixture.

Signs include constant dripping, reduced water pressure, rust or mineral buildup, cracks, or water stains around the fixture. Fixtures that make unusual noises or require frequent repairs are also likely nearing the end of their lifespan.

Leaks are often due to worn-out seals, loose connections, or aging pipes. Even small drips can increase your water bill and lead to damage if ignored.

Common issues are usually caused by buildup, worn-out parts, or aging pipes. Daily use over time puts stress on your plumbing system.

Leaks often come from worn hoses, loose connections, or damaged pipes behind your washer. These issues can go unnoticed and cause serious damage if not addressed early.

We repair and install faucets, sinks, garbage disposals, and kitchen water lines, and we handle dishwasher connections. Our team also handles pressure issues, valve repairs, and drain piping to keep your kitchen running properly.

We repair and install washing machine lines, laundry sinks, floor drains, and related piping. Our team also handles leaks, frozen pipes, and appliance connections to keep your system working properly.

The most common plumbing fixtures that need repair include faucets, sinks, toilets, showers, bathtubs, and garbage disposals. These components are used daily and are prone to wear, leaks, or mechanical failure over time.

We repair leaks, clogs, running toilets, low water pressure, and faulty fixtures. These problems can quickly worsen and cause water damage if not fixed promptly.

Call us if you notice leaks, low water pressure, recurring clogs, or unusual noises. Early repairs help prevent bigger problems like water damage or pipe failure.

Contact us if you notice standing water, slow drainage, unusual noises, or visible leaks. Laundry rooms have multiple water connections, so problems can escalate quickly if ignored.

Slow drains are usually caused by grease buildup, food debris, or blockages deeper in the pipe. If the problem keeps coming back, it often means your line needs professional cleaning or repair.

This is usually caused by a clogged drain line or a blockage deeper in your system. If not cleared quickly, it can lead to water damage and flooding in your laundry area.

Hiring a professional ensures the fixture is installed correctly, meets local plumbing codes, and functions efficiently. Improper installation can lead to leaks, water damage, and higher utility bills.

Yes! Financing is available for emergency work, so you can take care of an urgent plumbing or sewer issue now and choose a payment option that works for your budget.

Yes. Advantage+ member pricing can be used with financing on qualifying services, so you don’t have to give up your member savings if financing is needed.

The application is handled by Service Finance and their disclosures explain what kind of credit check is performed. Capps does not run credit and cannot speak to the effect on your score.

In most cases, you’ll receive a financing decision within seconds—whether you apply online through your estimate or with your technician. You can quickly review your financing options and decide what works best for you.

Financing is available for projects of $1,000 or more, giving you more flexibility to choose the payment option that works best for your budget.

For questions about an existing loan, contact Service Finance Company, LLC Customer Support at 866-254-0497. You’re also always welcome to call our office, and we’ll help point you in the right direction.