What are the most common plumbing issues?

The most common plumbing issues include leaky faucets, clogged drains, and running toilets

How often should I inspect my plumbing system?

It's recommended to inspect your plumbing system at least once a year to catch any potential issues before they become major problems

What can I do to prevent pipes from freezing?

You can prevent pipes from freezing by insulating exposed pipes, letting cold water drip from faucets, and opening cabinet doors to allow warm air to circulate

How do I fix a leaky faucet?

To fix a leaky faucet, you'll need to identify the source of the leak and replace the faulty part, such as the O-ring or gasket

What are the benefits of regular plumbing maintenance?

Regular plumbing maintenance can help prevent costly repairs, reduce water waste, and extend the lifespan of your plumbing system

Can I perform plumbing repairs myself?

While some minor plumbing repairs can be done yourself, it's often recommended to hire a professional plumber for more complex issues to ensure they're done safely and correctly

How much does a typical plumbing repair cost?

The cost of a plumbing repair can vary widely depending on the issue, location, and plumber, but on average, it can range from $100 to $500 or more

What are some signs that I need to call a plumber?

Signs that you need to call a plumber include low water pressure, discolored water, strange noises, and overflowing drains

Chicago Plumbing Blog

What to Do if Pipes Are Frozen? Expert Tips

by
baethke-plumbing
January 30, 2025

Did you know that frozen pipes cause about 250,000 water damage incidents each year in the U.S., according to Nerd Wallet? When temperatures drop, the risk of water freezing and expanding inside pipes increases, often leading to bursts and costly repairs.

by
baethke-plumbing
January 30, 2025

When investing in a large appliance like a water heater, you want to know you’re making a well-informed decision. Working with a qualified plumbing company is important to learn as much as possible before making a purchase. What is the best water heater replacement for your home?

by
jbaethke
December 30, 2024

Clogged drains can take you from headaches to costly home repairs in no time. Between the unpleasant odors and potential water damage if left alone, clogged drains are serious business you’ll want to handle the moment you realize they’re a problem.

by
baethke-plumbing
December 20, 2024

Choosing the Right Water Heater Size for Your Household Is bigger always better? When it comes to your water heater size, that’s not necessarily the case. Installing a tank that is too small will cause you to run out of water before you finish showering.

by
John Baethke & Son Plumbing
August 23, 2024

If you want to minimize the damage to your Chicago home, it's important to recognize signs of plumbing issues early. When you spot a plumbing concern, you can contact a licensed Chicago plumber. As an experienced plumbing company, we are extensively knowledgeable about plumbing problems.

by
jbaethke
June 7, 2024

The owner of Baethke Plumbing, John Baethke, is one of the Chicagoland area’s trusted plumbing professionals, and his advice is valued by residential and commercial property owners along with other plumbing and construction professionals.

by
jbaethke
April 14, 2024

Baethke Plumbing is a family-owned and operated business that’s served the Greater Chicago area for more than 30 years. We have a lot to celebrate, and we owe it all to our many loyal customers and our amazing team.

by
jbaethke
December 18, 2023

When it comes to your home plumbing system, it’s likely you don’t fully understand a lot of what is happening behind the scenes. The good news? You don’t have to be an expert!

by
jbaethke
April 20, 2023

When it comes to handling plumbing repair and replacement jobs throughout the Chicagoland area, there’s no one better to have on your side than Baethke Plumbing. Our team has been in business since 1993, earning a stellar reputation and top-quality employees along the way.

by
jbaethke
March 9, 2023

Plumbing is an important part of any household since there can be serious consequences if there are any issues related to it. Here at Baethke Plumbing, we’ve seen some of the most requested plumbing repairs that people need in order to get back to enjoying their daily lives.

by
jbaethke
October 13, 2022

In this episode, Dave and John discuss: John’s professional journey to accumulating 35+ years in the plumbing industry.The changing reputation of trade jobs.Differentiating yourself from the competition at the beginning.Red flags surrounding permits, licensure, and insurance. Listen now!

by
jbaethke
January 27, 2022

Chicago homeowners know drain problems all too well. It’s an old city and much to the disappointment of many homeowners, the city sewer system is the cause of many drain problems.

by
jbaethke
September 21, 2021

Chicago contains 400,000 lead service lines that connect the water main to the faucets in local homes, parks, schools, and more. A whopping 80% of Chicago homes are affected, posing health risks associated with lead exposure including lead poisoning.

by
jbaethke
April 12, 2021

When you think of a home renovation, replacing your lead pipe line may not be at the top of your list. A kitchen remodel or siding project may enhance the look of your home—but a pipe line upgrade will significantly improve your health!

by
John Baethke & Son Plumbing
December 11, 2020

While most of us know that you shouldn’t flush large plastic items or harsh chemicals down the drain, you may be surprised by the list of things that can clog your plumbing system or cause damage to sewer lines.

by
John Baethke & Son Plumbing
December 11, 2020

Did you know that approximately 98% of homes in Chicago will experience some sort of water damage in their basement? When these types of problems arise, the cost to fix them is exponential—around $28,000, to be exact.

by
John Baethke & Son Plumbing
November 11, 2020

As a reputable Chicago plumbing company, we have been providing excellent plumbing services to our customers in Northwest while also focusing on giving back to our local community.

by
John Baethke & Son Plumbing
October 6, 2020

During these strange times, dealing with COVID-19, it often feels like the pandemic has affected so many aspects of our lives. This includes, strangely enough, the way we use water fountains.

by
jbaethke
August 14, 2020

Did you run out of toilet paper during the great TP shortage of 2020? If so, how did you fare? It probably won’t make you feel any better to know that 70% of people in the world don’t even use toilet paper or that until about 140 years ago, Americans didn't use it, either.

Safety Measures and Precautions Update

Serving Our Customers Amid the COVID-19 Crisis with Precaution and Care As an Essential Business, we are completing plumbing projects – with extra health/safety measures for our service technicians and Video Support to avoid entering your home for estimates.