FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions

Not every plumbing company specializes in water heaters.
We do.

Quick answers to common water heater questions. For immediate service, call the J Sewer & Drain team at (773) 968-2704

Do you offer emergency water heater services?

Yes. Through our parent company, J Sewer & Drain, we provide 24/7 emergency water heater repair, replacement, and leak containment throughout Chicago and the surrounding suburbs. If your water heater is actively leaking or you have completely lost hot water, call us immediately at (773) 968-2704.

How quickly can a technician arrive for an emergency?

For true emergencies, our J Sewer & Drain technicians typically arrive on-site within 60 to 90 minutes across most Chicago neighborhoods. Our service trucks arrive fully stocked so we can resolve your hot water issues on the very first visit.

Do you offer free estimates on installations?

Yes, we provide free, upfront estimates for new traditional and tankless water heater installations. For standard diagnostic and troubleshooting service calls, we charge a diagnostic fee that is fully credited toward the cost of the work if you choose to proceed with our recommended repairs.

What is the main difference between tankless and traditional water heaters?

Traditional tanks heat and store a set volume of water (usually 40–50 gallons) continuously, which can eventually run out during heavy use.

Tankless systems heat water on demand as it flows through the unit. This provides an endless supply of hot water, takes up significantly less space, and lowers your energy bills because you aren’t paying to keep a massive tank hot all day.

Is my home a good fit for a tankless water heater?

Most Chicago homes can successfully transition to a tankless system. However, because tankless units require specific venting and gas line sizes to operate safely and efficiently, our licensed plumbers will inspect your current utility setup during your consultation to confirm compatibility.

How long do tankless water heaters last?

With proper annual maintenance, a high-quality tankless water heater can last 20+ years. In comparison, traditional tank water heaters typically have a lifespan of only 8 to 12 years before requiring a replacement.

How often should a water heater be serviced?

We recommend scheduling a professional maintenance check once a year. For traditional tanks, this includes flushing out sediment buildup to prevent corrosion. For tankless systems, we flush the heat exchanger to remove scale and mineral deposits, ensuring the unit runs at peak energy efficiency.

Do you offer warranties on your work?

Yes, we stand behind our craftsmanship. We offer comprehensive warranties on our installation labor, and all the equipment we install comes backed by robust manufacturer warranties. We will explain the specific warranty coverage details for your chosen system before any work begins.

WE INSTALL & SERVICE ALL MAJOR TANKLESS BRANDS

Chicago Water Heater
Chicago Water Heater
Chicago Water Heater
Chicago Water Heater
Chicago Water Heater
Chicago Water Heater

READY TO UPGRADE TO TANKLESS?

Get endless hot water and lower energy bills today.