Compare the highest-rated plumbing professionals in Dekalb, Illinois. All contractors are licensed, insured, and verified through our rigorous screening process.
A highly-rated, locally-owned and operated company known for its rapid response, especially for emergency services. They emphasize honest pricing, clean work, and customer education. They serve both residential and commercial clients.
While based in the neighboring city of Sycamore, this family-owned business has a strong reputation for serving all of DeKalb County. They are praised for their professionalism, expertise with complex issues, and high-quality workmanship on both repair and installation projects.
A larger, well-established regional plumbing contractor based in Aurora with a significant service area that includes DeKalb. They offer 24/7 emergency service and have the resources to handle a wide array of residential and commercial jobs, from small leaks to major repipes.
The plumbing market in Dekalb, Illinois, is characterized by a mix of a few highly-regarded local specialists and several larger regional companies that extend their services from nearby hubs like Sycamore and Aurora. Competition is healthy, which generally benefits consumers through competitive pricing and a focus on customer service. The presence of Northern Illinois University creates a consistent demand for both residential and commercial plumbing services. Typical pricing is in line with regional averages, with emergency/after-hours calls commanding a premium. Customers in Dekalb have access to high-quality, licensed, and insured professionals, with the key differentiators often being response time, communication, and the transparency of pricing.
4.7+ star average from verified customer reviews
All contractors are properly licensed and insured
10+ years average experience in the industry
Familiar with Dekalb regulations and climate
Get answers to common questions about plumbing services in Dekalb, Illinois.
The most frequent issues stem from our harsh Illinois winters, including frozen and burst pipes in poorly insulated crawl spaces or exterior walls. In older homes in areas like the historic district, we also commonly see sewer line problems due to aging clay pipes and tree root intrusion. Spring and fall are ideal times for preventative maintenance to avoid winter emergencies.
Always choose a plumber licensed by the State of Illinois Department of Public Health; you can request their license number. For Dekalb-specific work, especially sewer line repairs that may involve city right-of-way, ensure they are familiar with local municipal codes and have a good relationship with the DeKalb Public Works Department. Check for local reviews and membership in organizations like the Kishwaukee Valley Builders Association.
Costs vary, but regional averages are: $150-$450 for a standard service call and repair (like a faucet or toilet), $1,000-$4,000 for a water heater replacement (including Illinois code compliance), and $3,000-$8,000+ for major sewer line repair, which is common here. Pricing is influenced by the age of your home, accessibility, and the need for specialized equipment to navigate our local soil conditions.
In DeKalb, if multiple fixtures in your home are backing up simultaneously, it's likely a blockage in your private lateral sewer line, which is the homeowner's responsibility. If the problem is isolated, it could be an internal issue. The City of DeKalb is responsible for the main sewer line in the street. A local plumber can perform a camera inspection to pinpoint the location and responsibility, which is crucial before contacting the city.
If you have frequent leaks, discolored water, or significantly low water pressure in an older home (common with original galvanized steel pipes), repiping is advisable. For DeKalb's water supply, durable options like copper or cross-linked polyethylene (PEX) are excellent. PEX is particularly resistant to freezing, a valuable trait for our climate, and is often more cost-effective for whole-house repiping projects.