Plumbing

Pay less for plumbing repairs

Small leaks waste water and money every month, and they can turn into big repair bills. Here’s how to find them, what you can fix yourself, and how to hire a licensed plumber without overpaying.

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Get a free plumbing quote

Leak, clog or no hot water? Call a local licensed plumber to ask about the repair.

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5 ways to cut plumbing costs

Hunt down leaks

EPA WaterSense estimates the average family can waste 180 gallons a week from household leaks. Running toilets, dripping faucets and leaky showerheads are the usual culprits.

Source: EPA WaterSense

Do the toilet dye test

Put a few drops of food coloring in the toilet tank. If color shows up in the bowl within 10 minutes, you have a leak, often a worn flapper, which is usually a simple DIY fix. Flush afterward so the dye doesn’t stain.

Source: EPA WaterSense

Read your water meter

Turn off every faucet and appliance and note the meter reading. Check again after two hours with no water use. If it changed at all, you likely have a hidden leak worth calling a plumber about.

Source: EPA WaterSense

Upgrade worn-out fixtures

EPA says replacing old toilets, showerheads and faucet aerators with WaterSense labeled models can noticeably lower water bills. If a fixture already needs replacing, pick a labeled one.

Source: EPA WaterSense

Hire licensed, and check it

Illinois requires plumbing work to be done by a licensed plumber or an apprentice working under one. Look up the license on the Illinois Department of Public Health’s plumber search before work starts.

Source: IDPH

What you can usually handle yourself

Replacing a toilet flapper or fill valve, following the manufacturer’s directions.
Cleaning or replacing a faucet aerator or showerhead.
Clearing a simple sink or tub clog with a plunger or a hand drain snake. Skip harsh chemical drain cleaners if you can: they can be hazardous, and a plumber may charge more to work on a drain full of chemicals.
Replacing washing machine supply hoses with new ones.

Leave gas lines, water heater installation, sewer lines and anything that requires opening walls to a licensed pro. Permits and inspections are often required for these jobs, and a bad DIY repair can cost far more than the original problem.

Getting a fair plumbing quote

Ask how they charge. Some plumbers charge a flat price per job, others by the hour plus parts. Ask about trip or diagnostic fees, and whether that fee comes off the repair if you hire them.
Ask about after-hours rates. If the problem can safely wait until a weekday, you may avoid emergency pricing. Shut off the water to the fixture or the house to buy time.
Get the price in writing before work starts. In Illinois, repair work over $1,000 must have a written contract or work order with the total cost.
Compare big jobs. For water heater replacements, repiping or sewer work, get at least two written estimates that list the same parts and scope.

Repair or replace the water heater?

Ask the plumber how old the unit is (the date is usually coded on the label) and get the repair price and a replacement quote in writing. If you’re replacing, ask about the size you actually need and the unit’s operating cost, not just the purchase price. Check ComEd or your gas utility for current rebates. The federal energy tax credit for water heaters ended for units installed after December 31, 2025.

Signs it’s time to call now

Call a plumber right away for a burst pipe, sewage backing up into drains, no water at all, or water near electrical panels. If you smell gas, leave the house and call your gas utility’s emergency line from outside.

Need a plumber?

If you’ve found a leak you can’t fix or a drain that won’t clear, call a local plumber for a free quote.

Call for a free quote

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Common questions

How do I check if a plumber is licensed in Illinois?

Use the Illinois Department of Public Health’s Plumber License Search. Ask for the license number before work begins and make sure it’s active.

Can a small leak really raise my water bill?

Yes. EPA WaterSense estimates household leaks waste about 180 gallons per week for the average family. A running toilet is one of the most common causes.

Should I pay a deposit to a plumber?

For a routine repair, many plumbers bill when the job is done. For bigger jobs, keep any deposit small, pay by check or card, and get a written contract. Never pay the whole price up front.

Is a plumber’s diagnostic fee normal?

Many plumbers charge a fee to come out and find the problem. Ask the amount on the phone, and whether it’s applied to the repair if you hire them.

Does MegaSavings get paid if I call?

MegaSavings may be paid when you call a provider through this page, at no cost to you. The payment doesn’t change the price you’re quoted or the tips on this page.

Sources

More guides: Home Repair Savings · Home & Renters Insurance · Frozen Pipes

Related: Water Heater Repair

Last reviewed: October 28, 2026