Answers to the questions Chicago homeowners ask us most.
Yes. 5Star Plumbing Solutions is a licensed and insured plumbing contractor serving the Chicago area. Ask us for current license and insurance details when we arrive.
We provide free, no-obligation estimates for most installation and repiping projects. Diagnostic visits for active leaks or emergencies may carry a diagnostic fee, which we'll always confirm before dispatch.
We serve Chicago and the surrounding neighborhoods along the Fullerton Avenue corridor, including Logan Square, Bucktown, Wicker Park, Avondale, and more. See our Service Areas page for the full list.
Yes, we offer emergency plumbing service for urgent situations like burst pipes, major leaks, and sewer backups. Call our main line any time.
We accept all major credit cards, checks, and cash. Ask about financing options for larger repiping or water heater replacement projects.
Watch for a water bill that suddenly rises, the sound of running water when all fixtures are off, or damp spots on floors, walls, or ceilings. Our leak detection service can confirm and locate it quickly.
Most standard tank replacements are completed in 2–4 hours. Tankless conversions or units that require new venting or gas line work can take a full day; we'll give you an exact estimate on-site before starting.
As a rule of thumb, if the unit is under 6 years old and the repair is minor, repair usually makes sense. Past 8–10 years, or with tank corrosion, replacement is typically the more cost-effective and safer option — we'll give you an honest recommendation either way.
Yes. We install and service tankless units from major manufacturers, including gas line and venting upgrades where required for the conversion.
Warning signs include low or uneven water pressure, rusty or discolored water, frequent pinhole leaks, and visible corrosion on exposed galvanized pipe. A camera or pressure inspection can confirm it quickly.
Both are excellent modern materials. Copper is rigid, time-tested, and resists bacteria; PEX is flexible, faster to install, and often more budget-friendly. We'll recommend the right fit for your home during the estimate.
Most single-family homes are completed in 2–4 days, depending on size and the number of fixtures. We section the work so you keep some water access throughout the project whenever possible.
We start with acoustic listening devices and pressure isolation testing to narrow the leak to a small area before any opening is made, which keeps repair costs and repair time down.
Common causes include water chemistry, high water velocity, and pipe age. If one pinhole leak has occurred, nearby sections of pipe are often at similar risk, so we'll check the surrounding run too.
If you can see active water intrusion or hear running water with everything off, call us right away — even a small leak can cause significant hidden damage over time.
A drain snake mechanically breaks through and pulls back a clog. Hydro-jetting uses high-pressure water to scour the full interior wall of the pipe, removing grease buildup and debris a snake can leave behind — ideal for recurring clogs.
Grease, coffee grounds, and food particles build up along pipe walls over time, gradually narrowing the pipe. A camera inspection can confirm buildup versus a deeper structural issue.
Yes — roots are drawn to the moisture and nutrients inside sewer pipes and can enter through small cracks or joints, eventually causing major blockages. We remove roots and can recommend long-term solutions.
Shut off your main water valve if you can safely access it, then call us immediately. If you smell gas, leave the house first and call from outside before calling your gas utility and us.
Emergency dispatch outside normal business hours carries a standard emergency rate, which we'll confirm with you before any work begins — no surprise charges.
We prioritize active emergencies and aim to reach most homes within our Chicago service area promptly. Call now and we'll give you a real-time estimate.