Plumbing Services in the Chicago SW Suburbs: What Every Homeowner Needs to Know

Emergency Plumbing Services

When Should You Call an Emergency Plumber?

Some problems can wait until morning. Others can’t. Call an emergency plumber immediately if you have:

• A burst pipe — water is actively flooding your home
• A sewer backup — sewage is coming up through drains or toilets
• No water at all — especially in winter
• An overflowing toilet you can’t stop
• A gas smell combined with any plumbing issue

How fast can water damage spread?

Fast. Within the first hour, water can soak into floors, walls, and cabinets. Within 24 hours, mold can begin forming. Don’t wait. Shut off your main water supply and call us immediately.

What should I do before the plumber arrives?

Here’s what to do right now:

• Turn off the main water shutoff valve
• Turn off the water heater if pipes are broken
• Move valuables away from standing water
• Document the damage with photos
• Don’t use any drains until the backup is cleared

What about emergency plumber cost per hour?

Emergency calls typically cost more than standard appointments. But the cost of water damage — floors, drywall, furniture — is far higher. Call us and we’ll give you a straight answer on pricing before any work begins.

🚨 Need emergency help right now? Visit our emergency plumbing page or call (630) 991-3641.

Drain Cleaning & Clog Problems

Why is my drain backing up?

Drains clog gradually. Over months and years, grease, hair, soap scum, and food particles build up inside your pipes. One day the water stops draining — and you’re stuck.

Common causes of drain backups:

• Kitchen drains: grease, food scraps, coffee grounds
• Bathroom drains: hair, soap residue, toothpaste
• Main sewer line: tree roots, debris, or collapsed pipe

What is the best way to fix a clogged drain?

For minor clogs, a plunger or drain snake might work temporarily. But if the same drain keeps clogging, the problem is deeper in the pipe. Chemical drain cleaners can damage older pipes and rarely fix the real issue.

Can I fix it myself or should I call a plumber?

If it’s a single slow drain, you can try a basic snake. If multiple drains are backing up, or if you’re getting sewage smell, call a licensed plumber right away. That’s a sewer line issue — not a DIY fix.

Learn more about our drain cleaning service options.

Water Heater Issues

Water heater leaking from the bottom — what do I do?

Turn off the cold water supply to the heater. Then turn off the power (electric) or gas supply. Do not try to use hot water. A leak from the bottom usually means the tank itself has failed — and replacement is often the safest move.

Other warning signs your water heater is failing:

• Water takes much longer to heat up
• Hot water runs out much faster than normal
• You hear popping or rumbling sounds from the tank
• You see rust-colored water from hot taps
• The unit is more than 10–12 years old

How much does water heater replacement cost?

In the Chicago area, a standard tank water heater replacement typically runs $900–$1,800 installed, depending on size and type. Tankless units cost more upfront but save on energy bills long-term. We’ll walk you through your options honestly.

Should I repair or replace my water heater?

If your heater is under 8 years old and the issue is minor (faulty thermostat, bad heating element), repair usually makes sense. If it’s older, leaking from the tank, or repeatedly failing — replacement is the smarter investment.

Get expert help with our water heater repair and replacement service.

Pipe Repairs & Leak Detection

Why did my pipe burst?

In the Chicago area, the most common culprit is freezing temperatures. When water inside a pipe freezes and expands, it can split the pipe. Old galvanized steel pipes and exposed pipes in unheated spaces are most at risk.

If a pipe burst in winter — what do you do?

• Shut off the main water valve immediately
• Open faucets to relieve pressure
• Keep the heat on to prevent further freezing
• Call a plumber — don’t try to patch a burst pipe yourself

Low water pressure in house suddenly — why?

Sudden low water pressure is a red flag. It can mean:

• A hidden leak somewhere in your supply lines
• Mineral buildup inside older pipes
• A failing pressure regulator
• A main line break

The EPA notes that the average household leaks nearly 10,000 gallons of water per year from hidden leaks — equivalent to the water needed to wash 300 loads of laundry. Don’t ignore pressure drops.

How do plumbers find hidden leaks?

Licensed plumbers use pressure testing, acoustic detection equipment, and in some cases camera inspection to locate leaks without tearing apart your walls. We find it first, then fix it.

Sump Pumps & Basement Protection

Why is my sump pump not working?

Common causes of sump pump failure:

• Power outage during a storm (most common)
• Float switch stuck or broken
• Pump motor burned out
• Discharge line frozen or clogged
• Pump overwhelmed by volume of water

How do I prevent basement flooding?

A working sump pump is your first line of defense. But there’s more you can do:

• Install a battery backup system for power outages
• Test your sump pump monthly by pouring water into the pit
• Keep the discharge line clear and directed away from the foundation
• Check your basement floor drains aren’t clogged
• Have a plumber inspect the system every year

If your basement is flooding right now and the sump pump isn’t working — call us. This is an emergency. Every hour of standing water increases the risk of structural damage and mold.

Why Professional Plumbing Services Make the Difference

Plumbing problems rarely fix themselves. A small leak becomes water damage. A slow drain becomes a full backup. A failing sump pump becomes a flooded basement.

Professional plumbing services mean you get a licensed plumber who diagnoses the real issue — not just the symptom. We use the right tools, follow local codes, and back our work.

At Demmis Plumbing, we’ve been serving homeowners across the Chicago Southwest suburbs for years. We answer our phones. We show up. We fix it right.