Top Water Heater Installation Companies in Chicago, Illinois Ranked

Ensuring your Chicago home has a reliable supply of hot water is essential, especially during the city's famously cold winters. Whether your current unit is failing or you're looking to upgrade for better efficiency, navigating water heater installation and replacement is a significant home project. This guide will help you understand your options, from traditional tank models to modern tankless systems, and how to connect with qualified local professionals who can ensure a safe, code-compliant installation for your specific needs.

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 Your Water Heater Options

Choosing the right water heater involves balancing upfront cost, energy efficiency, space, and performance. Chicago's climate and home layouts play a key role in determining which system is best for you.

Conventional Storage Tank Water Heaters

The most common type found in Chicago homes, these units heat and store a ready reservoir of water (typically 40 to 50 gallons) in an insulated tank. They are popular due to their lower initial cost and straightforward installation ¹.

• Gas Models: These use natural gas to heat water quickly and are generally less expensive to operate than electric models in areas with lower gas rates. They require proper venting to expel combustion gases, which adds complexity to the installation ^{1 2}.
• Electric Models: Electric water heaters are simpler to install as they don't require venting, making them a good option where gas lines are not available. However, they can be more expensive to run depending on local electricity costs ¹.

The primary drawback of storage tank models is their limited hot water supply and standby heat loss (energy used to keep the tank hot). They also have a shorter average lifespan, typically lasting 8 to 12 years before needing replacement ^{1 2}.

Tankless (On-Demand) Water Heaters

Tankless systems heat water directly as it flows through the unit, providing an endless supply of hot water. They are compact, energy-efficient, and have a longer lifespan, often exceeding 20 years ^{2 3}.

• Benefits: They save significant space, reduce energy consumption by eliminating standby loss, and excel at providing continuous hot water, which is ideal for larger households.
• Considerations: The upfront cost for a tankless water heater and its installation is higher. Installation often requires upgrades to your home's gas line or electrical service to handle the high demand, and proper venting is still necessary for gas models ^{2 4 3}.

Heat Pump (Hybrid) Water Heaters

These highly efficient units work by moving heat from the surrounding air into the water, using significantly less electricity than standard electric models ^{2 3}.

• Benefits: They can be two to three times more energy-efficient, leading to substantial savings on utility bills.
• Chicago-Specific Challenge: Heat pump water heaters require installation in a location that remains between 40°F and 90°F year-round and has at least 700 cubic feet of air space. Since they extract heat from the air, they can struggle in cold Chicago basements during winter, potentially forcing them to use less-efficient backup electric heating elements ^{2 4 3}.

Solar Water Heaters

While less common, solar thermal systems use rooftop collectors to heat water. They offer tremendous energy savings but come with very high installation costs and require a sunny roof location and a conventional backup system for cloudy days and high-demand periods ³.

Key Factors for Chicago Homeowners

Chicago's unique environment influences which water heater is the best fit.

• Cold Climate Performance: Standard gas and electric tank units are reliably unaffected by ambient cold. Tankless systems perform excellently in cold weather, providing endless hot water on demand. Heat pump models, however, require careful indoor placement to avoid efficiency drops in spaces that fall below 40°F ^{5 2}.
• Energy Efficiency & Operating Costs: With Chicago's utility rates, investing in an ENERGY STAR® certified, high-efficiency model (whether tank, tankless, or hybrid) can lead to meaningful long-term savings that help offset a higher purchase price ².
• Space Constraints: Many Chicago homes have limited mechanical room space. The compact footprint of a tankless unit can be a major advantage, while the larger size of a heat pump hybrid requires more clearance ⁴.

The Professional Installation Process

A proper hot water heater installation is not a DIY project, especially when dealing with gas lines, high-pressure water, and electrical connections. Hiring a licensed professional ensures safety and compliance with Chicago building codes ^{1 5 6}.

1. Assessment and Planning: A qualified technician will assess your household's hot water needs, inspect the installation site, and help you select the appropriate type and size of unit. They will also identify any necessary upgrades, such as gas line or electrical work, and secure the required local permits ^{1 6}.
2. Removal of Old Unit: The existing water heater is safely disconnected from power, water, and gas lines, drained, and removed from the premises ⁶.
3. Preparation and Installation: The new unit is positioned. New water connections, pressure relief valves, and, if needed, gas lines and venting systems are installed to code. For electric models, proper electrical connections are made ^{1 6}.
4. Testing and Cleanup: The system is filled, purged of air, and activated. The technician checks for leaks, verifies proper operation and temperature, and ensures venting is safe. The work area is then cleaned up ⁶.

Understanding Investment and Value

The total cost of a water heater replacement in Chicago varies widely based on the unit type, size, labor, and any necessary ancillary work like gas line upgrades or permit fees ^{2 4}.

• Standard Gas or Electric Tank (40-50 gallon): The most cost-effective option, with installation typically ranging from $2,000 to $3,500+, depending on the unit's efficiency and complexity of the install ^{2 4 7}.
• Tankless Water Heater: Representing a larger upfront investment for long-term savings, installed costs generally range from $5,500 to $9,000+. This higher price includes the unit itself and often covers necessary upgrades to gas lines or electrical service ^{4 3 8}.
• Heat Pump Hybrid Water Heater: These units start around $3,000 for the appliance, with installation costs additional. It's important to factor in potential federal tax credits for energy-efficient home improvements, which can improve the overall value proposition ^{3 8}.

Always get detailed, written estimates from multiple licensed contractors. The lowest price isn't always the best value; ensure quotes include all aspects of the job: the unit, labor, permits, disposal of the old heater, and any potential upgrade work ⁹.

Choosing the Right Professional

Your safety and the longevity of your investment depend on a proper installation. Here's what to look for:

• Licensing and Insurance: Always hire a plumber who is licensed to work in Chicago and carries both liability and worker's compensation insurance. This protects you and your property ^{5 9}.
• Experience with Your Chosen System: Whether it's a complex gas tankless install or a heat pump, choose a pro with specific experience installing and servicing the type of unit you want.
• Local Knowledge: A professional familiar with Chicago's plumbing codes and climate challenges will ensure your system is installed correctly for reliable, long-term performance ^{1 5}.
• Warranties: Understand the manufacturer's warranty on the unit and inquire about the installer's warranty on their labor.

Taking the time to research and select a qualified expert for your water heater installation or replacement is the most important step in securing comfort, efficiency, and peace of mind for your home.

Frequently asked questions

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