The 10 top-rated water heater plumbers in Chicago, IL
We checked 12 companies against Google reviews, years in business, and published warranties, then scored each one out of 100. Payment never changes a rank.
Updated Method v2.1Researched by Strive LeadGenCook County
- Every license checked on the state record
- Every rating dated and sourced
- No company pays to be listed or ranked
- Score breakdown shown for every company
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Short answer
Chicago gets its water from City of Chicago Department of Water Management, measured at 142 mg/L (hard on the USGS scale). Hard water speeds up sediment buildup in a tank, so flushing and anode checks matter more here. Below are the 10 top-rated plumbers serving Chicago on our method, built Oct 14, 2026.
Looking for the best water heater plumber in Chicago? Here is how 10 companies score
Score out of 100. Google rating with review count.
| # | Company | Best for | Warranty | Score | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 |  Walsh & Son Plumbing & Sewer Inc. | Best overall | 5.0(469) | Terms on its site | 81.4 |
| 2 |  DRF Total Property Solutions | Longest track record | 4.7(1,619) | Terms on its site | 79.6 |
| 3 | American Vintage Home, Inc. | Most reviewed | 4.8(2,396) | None found | 78.8 |
| 4 |  Omega Plumbing Heating and Cooling | 4.9(775) | None found | 78.3 | |
| 5 |  Vanguard Plumbing and Sewer, Inc. | 4.9(382) | Terms on its site | 77.4 | |
| 6 |  Baethke Plumbing, Inc. | 4.7(962) | None found | 73.8 | |
| 7 |  First Chicago Plumbing | 4.8(360) | None found | 73.4 | |
| 8 | Lakeside Plumbing, Inc. | 4.9(126) | None found | 71.7 | |
| 9 |  Chicagoland Quality Plumbing, Inc. | 4.9(206) | None found | 71.1 | |
| 10 |  J & S Plumbing, Inc. | 4.4(287) | Terms on its site | 65.5 |
How we make money: when you request a quote, we work to match you with one licensed plumber who pays us for the referral. We tell you who first, nothing is shared unless you say yes, and if we cannot match you we tell you that too. No company pays to be on this list, and payment never changes a rank.How we rank
The full reviews
What stands out and what to know come only from the records we checked.
- #1
Best overall
Walsh & Son Plumbing & Sewer Inc.
5.0 from 469 Google reviews · Based in Orland Park
What stands out
- 5.0 Google rating from 469 reviews
- Lists warranty or guarantee terms on its website
Worth knowing
- Nothing flagged in the records we checked; still ask any plumber for a written quote
- License
- City of Chicago Plumbing Contractor License (Department of Buildings) BC210583, confirmed on the public lookup
- Founded
- 2013
- Insurance on file
- Ask for a certificate
- Warranty
- 1-year workmanship warranty on all services; 10-year warranty on pipe work installation
Visit website of Walsh & Son Plumbing & Sewer Inc.This button does not contact Walsh & Son Plumbing & Sewer Inc.. We match you with one licensed plumber and tell you who before sharing anything.
Full score breakdown and sources
Strongest factors: a Google rating of 5.0 from 469 reviews and a stated founding year of 2013.
- Google Google rating 5.0 from 469 reviews (as of Oct 6, 2026) Source
- Founded Company states it was founded in 2013 Source
- License City of Chicago Plumbing Contractor License (Department of Buildings) BC210583, confirmed on the public lookup Source
- Insurance No public insurance record checked; ask for a certificate.
- Warranty 1-year workmanship warranty on all services; 10-year warranty on pipe work installation
- Coverage Data coverage: 75 of 75 measurable points
- walshplumbingandsewerinc.com/
- google.com/maps/search/Walsh+%26+Son+Plumbing+%26+Sewer+Orland+Park+IL
- webapps1.chicago.gov/licensedcontractors/plumbing
Checked Oct 6, 2026.
- #2
Longest track record
DRF Total Property Solutions
4.7 from 1,619 Google reviews · Based in Plainfield
What stands out
- 1,619 Google reviews
- Lists warranty or guarantee terms on its website
Worth knowing
- 4.7 rating trails most companies on this list
- License
- City of Chicago Plumbing Contractor License (Department of Buildings) BC17054, confirmed on the public lookup
- Founded
- 2008
- Insurance on file
- Ask for a certificate
- Warranty
- Water heater installation backed by a 1-Year Best Value Guarantee
Visit website of DRF Total Property SolutionsThis button does not contact DRF Total Property Solutions. We match you with one licensed plumber and tell you who before sharing anything.
Full score breakdown and sources
Strongest factors: a Google rating of 4.7 from 1,619 reviews and a stated founding year of 2008.
- Google Google rating 4.7 from 1,619 reviews (as of Oct 6, 2026) Source
- Founded Company states it was founded in 2008 Source
- License City of Chicago Plumbing Contractor License (Department of Buildings) BC17054, confirmed on the public lookup Source
- Insurance No public insurance record checked; ask for a certificate.
- Warranty Water heater installation backed by a 1-Year Best Value Guarantee
- Coverage Data coverage: 75 of 75 measurable points
- drftps.com/
- google.com/maps/search/DRF+Total+Property+Solutions+Plainfield+IL
- webapps1.chicago.gov/licensedcontractors/plumbing
- drftps.com/water-heaters/
Checked Oct 6, 2026.
- #3
Most reviewed
American Vintage Home, Inc.
4.8 from 2,396 Google reviews · Based in Evanston
What stands out
- Most Google reviews on this list (2,396)
- Says it was founded in 1985
Worth knowing
- No warranty terms found on its website
- 4.8 rating trails most companies on this list
- License
- City of Chicago Plumbing Contractor License (Department of Buildings) SBC172925, confirmed on the public lookup
- Founded
- 1985 (company says)
- Insurance on file
- Ask for a certificate
- Warranty
- None found in writing
Visit website of American Vintage Home, Inc.This button does not contact American Vintage Home, Inc.. We match you with one licensed plumber and tell you who before sharing anything.
Full score breakdown and sources
Strongest factors: a Google rating of 4.8 from 2,396 reviews and a stated founding year of 1985.
- Google Google rating 4.8 from 2,396 reviews (as of Oct 6, 2026) Source
- Founded BBB profile lists the business as started in 1985. Credit capped at 20 years until a second source confirms it Source
- License City of Chicago Plumbing Contractor License (Department of Buildings) SBC172925, confirmed on the public lookup Source
- Insurance No public insurance record checked; ask for a certificate.
- Coverage Data coverage: 75 of 75 measurable points
- americanvintagehome.com/
- google.com/maps/search/American+Vintage+Home+Evanston+IL
- webapps1.chicago.gov/licensedcontractors/plumbing
- bbb.org/us/il/evanston/profile/heating-and-air-conditioning/american-v
Checked Oct 6, 2026.
- #4
Omega Plumbing Heating and Cooling
4.9 from 775 Google reviews · Based in Joliet
What stands out
- 4.9 Google rating from 775 reviews
- Says it was founded in 2005
Worth knowing
- No warranty terms found on its website
- License
- City of Chicago Plumbing Contractor License (Department of Buildings) SBC138280, confirmed on the public lookup
- Founded
- 2005 (company says)
- Insurance on file
- Ask for a certificate
- Warranty
- None found in writing
Visit website of Omega Plumbing Heating and CoolingThis button does not contact Omega Plumbing Heating and Cooling. We match you with one licensed plumber and tell you who before sharing anything.
Full score breakdown and sources
Strongest factors: a Google rating of 4.9 from 775 reviews and a stated founding year of 2005.
- Google Google rating 4.9 from 775 reviews (as of Oct 6, 2026) Source
- Founded BBB profile lists the business as started in 2005. Credit capped at 20 years until a second source confirms it Source
- License City of Chicago Plumbing Contractor License (Department of Buildings) SBC138280, confirmed on the public lookup Source
- Insurance No public insurance record checked; ask for a certificate.
- Coverage Data coverage: 75 of 75 measurable points
- omegaplumbing.com/
- google.com/maps/search/Omega+Plumbing+Heating+and+Cooling+Joliet+IL
- webapps1.chicago.gov/licensedcontractors/plumbing
- bbb.org/us/il/joliet/profile/plumbing-and-heating/omega-plumbing-heati
Checked Oct 6, 2026.
- #5
Vanguard Plumbing and Sewer, Inc.
4.9 from 382 Google reviews · Based in Chicago
What stands out
- 4.9 Google rating from 382 reviews
- Lists warranty or guarantee terms on its website
Worth knowing
- Nothing flagged in the records we checked; still ask any plumber for a written quote
- License
- City of Chicago Plumbing Contractor License (Department of Buildings) SBC196464, confirmed on the public lookup
- Founded
- 2009
- Insurance on file
- Ask for a certificate
- Warranty
- One-year labor warranty on water heater installations and all work
Visit website of Vanguard Plumbing and Sewer, Inc.This button does not contact Vanguard Plumbing and Sewer, Inc.. We match you with one licensed plumber and tell you who before sharing anything.
Full score breakdown and sources
Strongest factors: a Google rating of 4.9 from 382 reviews and a stated founding year of 2009.
- Google Google rating 4.9 from 382 reviews (as of Oct 6, 2026) Source
- Founded BBB profile lists the business as started in 2009 Source
- License City of Chicago Plumbing Contractor License (Department of Buildings) SBC196464, confirmed on the public lookup Source
- Insurance No public insurance record checked; ask for a certificate.
- Warranty One-year labor warranty on water heater installations and all work
- Coverage Data coverage: 75 of 75 measurable points
- vanguardplumbingandsewer.com/
- google.com/maps/search/Vanguard+Plumbing+and+Sewer+Chicago+IL
- webapps1.chicago.gov/licensedcontractors/plumbing
- bbb.org/us/il/chicago/profile/plumber/vanguard-plumbing-and-sewer-inc-
Checked Oct 6, 2026.
- #6
Baethke Plumbing, Inc.
4.7 from 962 Google reviews · Based in Chicago
What stands out
- Says it was founded in 1993
Worth knowing
- No warranty terms found on its website
- 4.7 rating trails most companies on this list
- License
- City of Chicago Plumbing Contractor License (Department of Buildings) SBC134156, confirmed on the public lookup
- Founded
- 1993 (company says)
- Insurance on file
- Ask for a certificate
- Warranty
- None found in writing
Visit website of Baethke Plumbing, Inc.This button does not contact Baethke Plumbing, Inc.. We match you with one licensed plumber and tell you who before sharing anything.
Full score breakdown and sources
Strongest factors: a Google rating of 4.7 from 962 reviews and a stated founding year of 1993.
- Google Google rating 4.7 from 962 reviews (as of Oct 6, 2026) Source
- Founded Company states it was founded in 1993. Credit capped at 20 years until a second source confirms it Source
- License City of Chicago Plumbing Contractor License (Department of Buildings) SBC134156, confirmed on the public lookup Source
- Insurance No public insurance record checked; ask for a certificate.
- Coverage Data coverage: 75 of 75 measurable points
- baethkeplumbing.com
- google.com/maps/search/Baethke+Plumbing+Chicago+IL
- webapps1.chicago.gov/licensedcontractors/plumbing
Checked Oct 6, 2026.
- #7
First Chicago Plumbing
4.8 from 360 Google reviews · Based in Chicago
What stands out
- 4.8 Google rating from 360 reviews
- Says it was founded in 2003
Worth knowing
- No warranty terms found on its website
- 4.8 rating trails most companies on this list
- License
- City of Chicago Plumbing Contractor License (Department of Buildings) SBC198939, confirmed on the public lookup
- Founded
- 2003 (company says)
- Insurance on file
- Ask for a certificate
- Warranty
- None found in writing
Visit website of First Chicago PlumbingThis button does not contact First Chicago Plumbing. We match you with one licensed plumber and tell you who before sharing anything.
Full score breakdown and sources
Strongest factors: a Google rating of 4.8 from 360 reviews and a stated founding year of 2003.
- Google Google rating 4.8 from 360 reviews (as of Oct 6, 2026) Source
- Founded BBB profile lists the business as started in 2003. Credit capped at 20 years until a second source confirms it Source
- License City of Chicago Plumbing Contractor License (Department of Buildings) SBC198939, confirmed on the public lookup Source
- Insurance No public insurance record checked; ask for a certificate.
- Coverage Data coverage: 75 of 75 measurable points
- firstchicagoplumbing.com
- google.com/maps/search/First+Chicago+Plumbing+Chicago+IL
- webapps1.chicago.gov/licensedcontractors/plumbing
- bbb.org/us/il/chicago/profile/plumber/first-chicago-plumbing-0654-9001
Checked Oct 6, 2026.
- #8
Lakeside Plumbing, Inc.
4.9 from 126 Google reviews · Based in Buffalo Grove
What stands out
- 4.9 Google rating from 126 reviews
- Says it was founded in 1988
Worth knowing
- No warranty terms found on its website
- License
- City of Chicago Plumbing Contractor License (Department of Buildings) SBC165549, confirmed on the public lookup
- Founded
- 1988 (company says)
- Insurance on file
- Ask for a certificate
- Warranty
- None found in writing
Visit website of Lakeside Plumbing, Inc.This button does not contact Lakeside Plumbing, Inc.. We match you with one licensed plumber and tell you who before sharing anything.
Full score breakdown and sources
Strongest factors: a Google rating of 4.9 from 126 reviews and a stated founding year of 1988.
- Google Google rating 4.9 from 126 reviews (as of Oct 6, 2026) Source
- Founded Company states it was founded in 1988. Credit capped at 20 years until a second source confirms it Source
- License City of Chicago Plumbing Contractor License (Department of Buildings) SBC165549, confirmed on the public lookup Source
- Insurance No public insurance record checked; ask for a certificate.
- Coverage Data coverage: 75 of 75 measurable points
- lakesideplumb.com/
- google.com/maps/search/Lakeside+Plumbing+Buffalo+Grove+IL
- webapps1.chicago.gov/licensedcontractors/plumbing
Checked Oct 6, 2026.
- #9
Chicagoland Quality Plumbing, Inc.
4.9 from 206 Google reviews · Based in Chicago
What stands out
- 4.9 Google rating from 206 reviews
- Says it was founded in 2005
Worth knowing
- No warranty terms found on its website
- License
- City of Chicago Plumbing Contractor License (Department of Buildings) BC189032, confirmed on the public lookup
- Founded
- 2005 (company says)
- Insurance on file
- Ask for a certificate
- Warranty
- None found in writing
Visit website of Chicagoland Quality Plumbing, Inc.This button does not contact Chicagoland Quality Plumbing, Inc.. We match you with one licensed plumber and tell you who before sharing anything.
Full score breakdown and sources
Strongest factors: a Google rating of 4.9 from 206 reviews and a stated founding year of 2005.
- Google Google rating 4.9 from 206 reviews (as of Oct 6, 2026) Source
- Founded BBB profile lists the business as started in 2005. Credit capped at 20 years until a second source confirms it Source
- License City of Chicago Plumbing Contractor License (Department of Buildings) BC189032, confirmed on the public lookup Source
- Insurance No public insurance record checked; ask for a certificate.
- Coverage Data coverage: 75 of 75 measurable points
- chicagolandplumbing.net/
- google.com/maps/search/Chicagoland+Quality+Plumbing+Chicago+IL
- webapps1.chicago.gov/licensedcontractors/plumbing
- bbb.org/us/il/chicago/profile/plumber/chicagoland-quality-plumbing-inc
Checked Oct 6, 2026.
- #10
J & S Plumbing, Inc.
4.4 from 287 Google reviews · Based in Elk Grove Village
What stands out
- Says it was founded in 1990
- Lists warranty or guarantee terms on its website
Worth knowing
- 4.4 rating trails most companies on this list
- License
- City of Chicago Plumbing Contractor License (Department of Buildings) SBC152851, confirmed on the public lookup
- Founded
- 1990 (company says)
- Insurance on file
- Ask for a certificate
- Warranty
- All services come with a 1-year warranty
Visit website of J & S Plumbing, Inc.This button does not contact J & S Plumbing, Inc.. We match you with one licensed plumber and tell you who before sharing anything.
Full score breakdown and sources
Strongest factors: a Google rating of 4.4 from 287 reviews and a stated founding year of 1990.
- Google Google rating 4.4 from 287 reviews (as of Oct 6, 2026) Source
- Founded Company states it was founded in 1990. Credit capped at 20 years until a second source confirms it Source
- License City of Chicago Plumbing Contractor License (Department of Buildings) SBC152851, confirmed on the public lookup Source
- Insurance No public insurance record checked; ask for a certificate.
- Warranty All services come with a 1-year warranty
- Coverage Data coverage: 75 of 75 measurable points
- jsplumbing.net
- google.com/maps/search/J+%26+S+Plumbing+Elk+Grove+Village+IL
- webapps1.chicago.gov/licensedcontractors/plumbing
Checked Oct 6, 2026.
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How the score works
Points per factor, out of the 75 we can measure in Chicago, scaled to 100.
- 30Rating
- 15Reviews
- 20Years
- 6Services
- 4Warranty
The full method
Google rating is blended toward 4.3 stars with 25 imaginary reviews (30 points), then Google review count (15), years in business (20), the water heater services it lists (6) and a published written warranty (4). A company with no Google listing gets 0 for both Google factors. A company is listed only if at least 90% of those points come from records we checked, it scores at least 60, and any plumbing license its state requires is confirmed on the public lookup. A factor we could not check after two tries is estimated at the 25th percentile for Chicago and marked as an estimate. BBB grades are not used. Google ratings were collected from Google search results on the date shown and will be re-checked.
Quote requests go to one company that pays Strive LeadGen per request, and only if this ranking already places it in the top 5 here. No company pays us for Chicago requests yet. We show an insurance record only where a public one exists; otherwise ask the company for a certificate.
Full ranking method · Listed wrong? Tell us.
Not yet rated
These companies passed our license and record checks and say they serve Chicago, but we have no Google rating for them yet, so they are not scored. A to Z, not ranked. No company here pays us.
- Rescue Plumbing, Inc. Based in Chicago · License City of Chicago Plumbing Contractor License (Department of Buildings) SBC198284 · BBB profile lists the business as started in 2018
Before you hire in Chicago
From city, county and utility sources, checked Oct 14, 2026
- Water utilityCity of Chicago Department of Water ManagementSource
- Water hardness142 mg/L (hard on the USGS scale)Source
- Water heater permitNo permit for repairing or replacing (in-kind) a hot water heater in a residential building up to 4 stories; otherwise Express Permit Program eligible. Chicago-licensed and bonded plumbing contractor; exception lets an owner/occupant/lessee do the work personally (code + inspection) but not hire anyone unlicensedSource
- Gas utilityPeoples GasSource
- Utility rebatesPeoples Gas Home Energy Rebate Program, HVAC and Water Heating application, valid Jan 1-Dec 31 2026: $150 tankless (power vented, >= 0.95 UEF); $150 indirect water heater paired with condensing modulating boiler >= 88% AFUE. Rules: must replace a standard-efficiency, atmospherically vented gas storage tank; Service Classification 1 account; application within 30 days of install or by 12/31/2026; AHRI certificate required. Standard tank-for-tank replacements do not qualify.Source
Chicago guides
Read before you hire
- How much does it cost to replace a water heater in 2026?
- How long does a water heater last? Lifespan by type
- Why is my water heater popping or rumbling?
- What does an anode rod do, and when should it be replaced?
- How much does a tankless water heater cost installed?
- Is there still a federal tax credit for heat pump water heaters?
Other Illinois cities
Water Heater Facts is an information and referral service run by Strive LeadGen LLC. Contractors may pay us when we connect a homeowner with one. Local facts come from city, county and utility sources linked above; rules change, so confirm with the city before you start. Google ratings were collected from Google search results on the date shown and will be re-checked. Ratings and review counts change daily. Company names and logos are trademarks of their owners, shown only to identify each company. No company endorses this list.