When selecting plumber to install a new hot water heater in your home, there are a two basic qualifications you should look for before you even ask for an estimate:
#1 Make sure they are insured.
If something goes wrong during the installation, you don't want to be the one left without hot water in your home while things get worked out with the lawyers.
#2 Make sure they have the right licenses to operate in your state.
If your existing hot water system uses gas, even if you are switching to electric, your plumber must have both a master plumber’s and a master gas-fitter’s license. The master gas-fitter license is required for all gas plumbing repairs or fixture installations. They will also need a state contractor’s license. It can be a class A, B or C. In Chicago, you can visit the Department of Professional and Occupational Regulation (DPOR) website and look up individual contractor’s license to make sure they are current and do not have any claims pending against them.
You'll want to identify at least three or four plumbing companies that meet these two basic qualifications. Whenever you undertake a major project in your home, plumbing or anything else, make sure you get at least two to three bids. It may seem like a hassle, and you may be tempted to go with whoever can get there first, but the extra time you spend on choosing the right contractor will save you both time and money in the end. Replacing your water heater falls under the classification of a “major project” and is no exception to this rule, no matter how badly you want hot water back in your home.
Things you should know if you're thinking about going to one of the "big box stores," for your installation. All of these stores sub-contract every one of their installations to licensed and insured local contractors. The problem is, the contractors will sometimes turn around and send unlicensed plumbers to your home under their master license. This practice is illegal in the State of Illinois , and several others. Check with your local licensing authority about the laws in your state.
The other thing to know is the big-box stores often sell you a "basic installation" while you're in the store. This doesn't include any of the modifications that may be needed to install your new water heater. When the plumber gets to your house, and the new water heater doesn't work in the space, they will do a change order, which will add the modifications to the contractor’s cost along with a 30% to 40% mark up for the store. In the end, you can end up paying hundreds more than if you'd gone with a qualified local plumber for your install.
OUR CHICAGO PLUMBING SERVICE AREA:
Chicago 60601 – Loop
Chicago 60603 – Loop
Chicago 60606 – Loop
Chicago 60613 – Lakeview
Chicago 60613 – Buena Park
Chicago 60613 – North Center
Chicago 60613 – St. Ben’s
Chicago 60614 – Lincoln Park
Chicago 60614 – Park West
Chicago 60614 – Mid-North District
Chicago 60618 – Avondale
Chicago 60618 – Roscoe Village
Chicago 60618 – Horner Park
Chicago 60618 – Irving Park
Chicago 60618 – Belmont Gardens
Chicago 60618 – Lathrop Homes
Chicago 60618 – North Center
Chicago 60618 – St. Ben’s
Chicago 60622 – West Town
Chicago 60622 – Ukrainian Village
Chicago 60622 – Wicker Park
Chicago 60622 – Noble Square
Chicago 60622 – Humboldt Park
Chicago 60622 – Smith Park
Chicago 60625 – Lincoln Square
Chicago 60625 – Ravenswood
Chicago 60625 – Ravenswood Manor
Chicago 60625 – Kimball
Chicago 60625 – Albany Park
Chicago 60625 – Peterson Park
Chicago 60625 – North Park
Chicago 60626 – Rogers Park
Chicago 60639 – Hermosa
Chicago 60639 – Belmont Cragin
Chicago 60639 – Belmont Central
Chicago 60639 – North Austin
Chicago 60640 – Andersonville
Chicago 60640 – West Edgewater
Chicago 60640 – Uptown
Chicago 60640 – Sheridan Park
Chicago 60640 – Ravenswood
Chicago 60641 – Old Irving Park
Chicago 60641 – Portage Park
Chicago 60641 – Belmont Gardens
Chicago 60642 – Noble Square
Chicago 60642 – River West
Chicago 60645 – West Ridge
Chicago 60646 – Lincolnwood
Chicago 60646 – North Park
Chicago 60646 – Hollywood Park
Chicago 60646 – Sauganash
Chicago 60646 – Edgebrook
Chicago 60646 – South Edgebrook
Chicago 60646 – Forest Glen
Chicago 60647 – Bucktown
Chicago 60647 – Wicker Park
Chicago 60647 – Logan Square
Chicago 60647 – Palmer Square
Chicago 60647 – Hermosa
Chicago 60647 – Belmont Gardens
Chicago 60647 – Humboldt Park
Chicago 60647 – Lathrop Homes
Chicago 60654 – River North
Chicago 60657 – Lake View
Chicago 60657 – Roscoe Village
Chicago 60657 – Park West
Chicago 60659 – Peterson Park
Chicago 60659 – West Ridge
Chicago 60659 – Hollywood Park
Chicago 60659 – North Park
Chicago 60660 – Edgewater
Chicago 60660 – West Edgewater
Chicago 60661 – Downtown
Chicago 60712 – Lincolnwood
Chicago 60712 – Edgebrook
Comments will be approved before showing up.
