Best Water Heater Installation Companies in Illinois Ranked

A properly functioning water heater is essential for daily comfort in any Illinois home. When your unit fails or becomes inefficient, a professional installation or replacement ensures reliable hot water, improved energy efficiency, and compliance with state and local safety codes. This guide provides a detailed overview of what Illinois homeowners need to know about water heater services, from selecting the right unit to understanding installation requirements and costs, helping you make an informed decision for your household.

Excellent Plumbing

785 Oakwood Rd Suite E101, Lake Zurich, IL 60047

Excellent Plumbing is a family-owned plumbing company serving Chicago, IL, and the northern Chicagoland suburbs since 2006. They offer a wide range of plumbing services, including drain cleaning, sewer line repair, water heater installation and repair, leak detection, and water softener installation. Their team is equipped to handle specialized plumbing tasks such as high-pressure hydro jetting and comprehensive boiler and radiator services. With over 17 years of experience, Excellent Plumbing provides 24/7 emergency service and same-day appointments to address urgent plumbing needs promptly.

5.0

511 Reviews

Walsh & Son Plumbing and Sewer

chicago

Walsh & Son Plumbing and Sewer is a licensed plumbing company serving Chicago, IL, and the surrounding Chicagoland area. Since 2013, this family- and woman-owned business has provided a range of plumbing services including sewer line repair, water heater installation and repair, sump pump maintenance, drain cleaning, leak detection, repiping, and gas line installation. Their team uses advanced technology for sewer camera inspections and offers a 10-year warranty on pipe installations, reflecting their commitment to durable workmanship. They also provide fast, same-day responses to plumbing issues and offer discounts for seniors, veterans, and first responders.

5.0

364 Reviews

Legendary Service

960 Rand Rd Suite 200F, Des Plaines, IL 60016

Legendary Service is a plumbing and home comfort provider serving Chicago, IL. They offer a range of services including water heater repair and installation, water softener installation, drain cleaning, repiping, toilet repair, and garbage disposal repair. With over 40 years of combined experience, their licensed team handles plumbing and HVAC needs with thoroughness and professionalism. They also provide indoor air quality solutions and maintenance plans to support ongoing home system care.

5.0

278 Reviews

Drain & Plumbing Services

3663 Woodhead Dr, Northbrook, IL 60062

Drain & Plumbing Services offers a wide range of plumbing and drain cleaning solutions in Chicago, IL, including water heater repair and installation, tankless water heaters, leak detection, toilet and garbage disposal repairs, and hydro jetting. Their team uses advanced technology such as sewer camera inspections and hydro jetting equipment to diagnose and resolve plumbing issues efficiently. Serving both residential and commercial clients, they provide comprehensive services tailored to local infrastructure needs. The company also offers 24/7 emergency plumbing service to address urgent repairs promptly.

5.0

267 Reviews

Hydro-Man Jetting & Drain Cleaning LLC.

15020 S Illinois St, Plainfield, IL 60544

Hydro-Man Jetting & Drain Cleaning LLC. is a family-owned plumbing company serving Chicago, IL, and surrounding areas. Founded in 2020 by a second-generation plumber, the company offers a range of services including hydro jetting, drain cleaning, sewer camera inspections, water heater repair and installation, and sump pump repair. They use advanced equipment owned in-house to provide precise diagnostics and effective solutions. Hydro-Man Jetting & Drain Cleaning LLC. also provides 24/7 emergency plumbing services to address urgent issues at any time.

5.0

246 Reviews

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Understanding Illinois Codes and Regulations

All water heater installations and replacements in Illinois must comply with the Illinois Plumbing Code and locally adopted building codes, such as the International Residential Code (IRC) and the National Electric Code (NEC) ¹. These regulations are in place to ensure safety, efficiency, and proper system function. A building or plumbing permit is generally required for this work, though inspection requirements and fees can vary by municipality ^{1 2}.

Key code requirements for a typical installation include:

• Expansion Tanks: An expansion tank is mandatory if a backflow prevention device (check valve) is installed on the main water service line. This prevents dangerous pressure buildup within your home's closed plumbing system ^{1 3}.
• Sediment Traps: For gas-fired units, a proper drip leg or sediment trap must be installed on the gas line to catch debris and protect the appliance's gas valve ^{1 4}.
• Temperature & Pressure (T&P) Relief Valve: This critical safety device must be installed with approved metallic piping that extends to within 6 inches of the floor or a floor drain to safely discharge hot water if pressure gets too high ^{1 5}.
• Combustion Air and Venting: Gas appliances require adequate combustion air. Proper venting is non-negotiable to safely exhaust combustion gases. In tighter, modern homes, power-vented or sealed combustion units may be necessary to prevent dangerous backdrafting ^{1 6}.
• Future-Proofing Electrical: For new construction or additions, the 2023 Illinois Stretch Energy Code requires a dedicated 120-volt (or 240-volt, 30-ampere) electrical receptacle and reserved circuit breaker space near a gas water heater location. This provision accommodates a future switch to a highly efficient heat pump water heater ⁷.

Choosing the Right Water Heater Type and Size

Selecting a new water heater involves matching your household's hot water demand with the right technology and capacity. Sizing is primarily based on the number of occupants and peak-hour demand, known as the First-Hour Rating (FHR) found on the unit's Energy Guide label ^{8 2}.

Storage Tank Water Heaters

These are the most common type, storing a reservoir of heated water.

• For 1-2 people: A 30 to 40-gallon tank is typically sufficient.
• For 3-4 people: A 40 to 50-gallon gas tank or a 50 to 80-gallon electric tank is recommended.
• For 5+ people: Consider a 50+ gallon gas unit or an 80+ gallon electric unit ^{8 9}.

Tankless (On-Demand) Water Heaters

These units heat water instantly as it flows through the system, providing endless hot water. Sizing is based on flow rate in gallons per minute (GPM). A typical Illinois home requires a system capable of delivering 5 to 8 GPM to handle simultaneous uses like showers and appliances ^{10 11}.

Hybrid (Heat Pump) Water Heaters

These are highly efficient electric units that move heat from the surrounding air into the water. They can be two to three times more energy-efficient than standard electric models and may qualify for rebates, but they require installation in a location with sufficient air volume (typically a minimum of 750 cubic feet) and warmer ambient temperatures ^{12 13}.

Fuel Type Considerations in Illinois

The fuel source for your water heater significantly impacts upfront cost, operating expenses, and installation complexity.

• Natural Gas: This is the most common choice in many parts of Illinois, including Chicago, where approximately 80% of homes use natural gas ¹⁴. Gas units generally have faster recovery times (heat water more quickly) and lower operating costs than standard electric models, though installation can be more complex due to venting requirements ^{15 16}.
• Electric: Electric water heaters are very common due to their lower upfront unit and installation costs. They are simpler to install but often have higher long-term operating costs compared to natural gas ^{10 13}.
• Propane and Oil: These are less common but are viable options in areas without natural gas service. Installation and fuel storage must be handled according to specific safety codes ¹².

Cost Breakdown for Installation and Replacement

The total cost for a new water heater in Illinois varies widely based on the unit type, size, fuel source, and necessary site upgrades. The following table outlines typical installed cost ranges ^{14 17}:

Several key factors influence the final price:

• Labor: Professional installation labor typically constitutes about 50% of the total project cost ¹⁸.
• Code-Mandated Upgrades: Converting from one fuel type to another (e.g., electric to gas) or upgrading an undersized gas line or electrical panel to meet current codes can add $300 to $2,000 or more to the project ^{10 19}.
• Permits: Municipal permit fees generally range from $25 to $300, depending on your location and the scope of work ²⁰.
• Disposal: Most professional installers include the removal and recycling of your old unit in their quote, though some may charge a separate fee ¹⁸.

The Professional Installation Process

A proper installation by a licensed professional follows a systematic process to ensure safety, efficiency, and code compliance.

1. Assessment and Selection: A technician will assess your home's needs, existing plumbing and fuel connections, and location to recommend the correctly sized and typed unit.
2. Permit Acquisition: Your contractor will typically pull the required local building or plumbing permit before work begins.
3. Preparation and Removal: The water and fuel supplies are shut off, the old unit is drained, disconnected, and removed.
4. Site Preparation: The new location is prepared, which may involve installing a new drip leg, expansion tank, or updated shut-off valves.
5. Installation and Connection: The new unit is positioned, leveled, and connected to the water, fuel, and venting systems. All connections are tested for leaks.
6. Start-Up and Inspection: The unit is filled, purged of air, and ignited or powered on. The technician will set the thermostat and test the T&P relief valve. A final inspection by the local building department may be required to close the permit ^{4 5}.

Frequently asked questions

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