Best Water Heater Repair Companies in Illinois Ranked

A malfunctioning water heater is more than an inconvenience; it disrupts daily routines and can signal a potential safety hazard. Whether you're dealing with no hot water, strange noises, or a leak, understanding the repair process is key to restoring comfort and safety in your Illinois home. This guide provides a clear overview of common water heater problems, typical repair procedures, and what to expect when you hire a professional. It's designed to help you make informed decisions and connect with qualified local technicians who can diagnose and fix your hot water system efficiently.

Keeley's Plumbing

270 Eisenhower Ln N #6, Lombard, IL 60148

Keeley's Plumbing is a locally owned plumbing company serving Chicago, IL, and nearby areas including DuPage County. They provide a range of plumbing services for residential and commercial clients, including drain cleaning, sewer camera inspections, sewer line repair and replacement, repiping, water heater repair, sump pump repair, gas line installation, and hydro jetting. Keeley's Plumbing uses sewer camera inspections to accurately diagnose issues before recommending repairs. The company offers 24/7 emergency plumbing services and focuses on serving a limited area to maintain local code knowledge and reduce travel times.

5.0

615 Reviews

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

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Common Water Heater Problems in Illinois Homes

Water heater issues generally fall into two categories: those specific to the type of unit (gas or electric) and those common to both. Identifying the symptoms is the first step toward a solution.

Issues with Gas Water Heaters

Gas models are common in Illinois and involve combustion, which introduces specific repair complexities related to ignition, gas supply, and ventilation ^{1 2}.

• Pilot Light Failure: If the pilot light won't stay lit, it's often due to a faulty thermocouple (a safety device), a clogged pilot tube, or drafts affecting the flame ³. A relit pilot that immediately goes out typically requires professional attention.
• Gas Control Valve Malfunctions: This valve regulates the gas flow to the burner. If it fails, the burner may not ignite, or the gas supply may be insufficient, leading to lukewarm water ⁴.
• Burner Problems: A clogged or dirty burner assembly can produce a weak, yellow, or uneven flame, drastically reducing heating efficiency and potentially creating soot ⁴.
• Ventilation Issues: Blockages in the flue pipe or improper venting can prevent exhaust gases (including carbon monoxide) from safely exiting your home. This is a critical safety hazard that requires immediate professional repair ⁴.

Issues with Electric Water Heaters

Electric units use heating elements and are common where gas lines are unavailable. Their problems are often electrical in nature ^{1 5}.

• Tripped Circuit Breaker: A breaker that repeatedly trips often indicates a short circuit, faulty wiring, or a damaged heating element drawing excessive current ^{5 6}.
• Faulty Heating Elements: These are the components that heat the water. If one fails, you may get only lukewarm water. If both fail, you'll have no hot water at all ⁷.
• Thermostat Malfunctions: The thermostat controls the water temperature. A faulty one can lead to water that's too cold, scalding hot, or inconsistent. If the water gets too hot, it can trigger the high-limit safety switch, cutting power to the elements ^{5 8}.
• Wiring Issues: Loose electrical connections at the terminal or a failed reset button can interrupt power to the entire unit ^{5 9}.

Problems Common to Both Gas and Electric Units

Regardless of fuel type, traditional tank-style water heaters share several common failure points.

• Sediment Buildup and Strange Noises: Over time, minerals in the water settle at the bottom of the tank. This sediment layer causes rumbling, popping, or banging noises as it overheats and reduces the unit's efficiency and lifespan ^{10 11}.
• Leaks: Water pooling around the base of the heater can originate from several places: a leaking drain valve, a faulty temperature and pressure (T&P) relief valve, or connections at the top. A leak from the tank itself usually indicates corrosion and often necessitates a full replacement ^{11 9}.
• Rusty or Discolored Water: This typically signals internal tank corrosion and is a strong indicator that the tank is failing and may soon leak ¹¹.

The Professional Water Heater Repair Process

For safety and reliability, hiring a licensed Illinois plumber is highly recommended ^{1 12}. Here's what a standard professional repair service entails:

1. Diagnostic and System Evaluation: The technician will start by inspecting the unit. They'll check for error codes, test components like the thermocouple or heating elements, listen for unusual sounds, and look for signs of leaks or corrosion to accurately diagnose the root cause ^{1 13}.
2. Quoting and Options: After diagnosis, a reputable technician will provide a transparent quote detailing the necessary parts and labor. They should also discuss whether repair is the most cost-effective option or if a replacement is wiser, especially if the unit is old (typically over 10 years) or the repair cost is high ^{2 14}.
3. Expert Repairs: With your approval, the technician will perform the repair. This may involve draining the tank, replacing defective parts (thermostats, elements, valves), cleaning components, or sealing leaks. All work should comply with Illinois plumbing and safety codes ^{15 16}.
4. Final Testing and Safety Check: After repairs, the system is refilled, powered on, and tested for proper operation. A crucial final step is a comprehensive safety check, which for gas units includes checking for gas leaks and ensuring proper ventilation ^{13 15}.

Understanding Water Heater Repair Costs in Illinois

Repair costs vary based on the specific part needed, local labor rates in Illinois, and the accessibility of the unit. The following ranges are estimates for typical repairs, including parts and professional labor ^{17 18}.

• Minor Fixes: Replacing a thermostat (electric) or thermocouple (gas) typically costs between $150 and $300^{17 19}.
• Heating Element Replacement (Electric): Replacing one failed heating element generally ranges from $200 to $300^{10 17}.
• Gas Control Valve Replacement (Gas): This is a more complex repair, usually costing between $300 and $500^{17 20}.
• Pressure Relief Valve Replacement: Replacing a leaking or faulty T&P valve can cost between $20 and $200, depending on the valve type and labor ²¹.
• Flushing and Cleaning Sediment: A professional tank flush to remove sediment buildup and restore efficiency typically costs $100 to $200¹⁷.

When to Repair vs. Replace Your Water Heater

While repair is often the right choice, replacement can be more economical in the long run. Consider a new water heater if:

• The Tank is Leaking: A leak from the tank body itself usually means internal corrosion has breached the steel. This is not repairable and requires replacement ²².
• The Unit is Old: The average lifespan of a tank water heater is 8-12 years. If your unit is in this age range and requires a major repair, replacement is often advised ¹⁴.
• Repair Costs Are High: A common rule of thumb is to consider replacement if the repair cost exceeds half the price of a new, installed unit. Given that a full replacement typically ranges from $1,200 to $3,000 installed, a repair quote over $600-$1,500 may warrant a replacement discussion ^{22 14}.
• You Have Recurring Problems: Frequent repairs are a sign of general system failure and add up quickly. Investing in a new, reliable unit can provide peace of mind and better energy efficiency.

Maintaining Your Water Heater

Proactive maintenance can prevent many common problems and extend the life of your unit.

• Annual Flushing: Draining a few gallons from the tank once a year helps remove sediment buildup, which improves efficiency and prevents noise.
• Test the T&P Valve: Lift the valve's test lever briefly each year to ensure it operates freely and allows water to discharge. This is a critical safety device.
• Check the Anode Rod: The anode rod sacrifices itself to protect the tank from corrosion. Having a professional inspect it every 3-5 years and replace it if heavily corroded can significantly prolong your tank's life.
• Set the Correct Temperature: The U.S. Department of Energy recommends a setting of 120°F. This provides sufficient hot water, reduces energy costs, and minimizes scalding risk.

Frequently asked questions

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