Water Leak Repair in Des Plaines, Chicago and Nearby Suburbs
A water stain on a basement ceiling, a damp spot under the kitchen sink or a puddle beside the water heater does not tell you where the water started. Water travels along pipes, joists and the top of the foundation before it drips, so the wet spot is often a few feet from the actual leak.
We trace the water back to the pipe, fitting, valve or appliance connection that is leaking, show you what we found and explain the repair.
In plain language: tell us where you see water and when it shows up. We find where it is coming from before recommending any work.
Tell us what the system is doing when you call — that decides which truck and which parts head to your address.
What to do first when you find a leak
If water is spraying or running, close the main water shutoff. In most Des Plaines and Chicago-area homes it is in the basement or utility area, on the pipe where water enters near the meter. If the leak is under one sink or toilet, the small fixture shutoff valve under it may be enough. If water is near outlets, a furnace or an electrical panel, stay clear of it and keep the area dry rather than reaching through standing water.
Take a photo of the wet area and anything you notice: whether it is wet only when a fixture runs, only after a shower, or all the time. That pattern is one of the most useful clues we get.
In plain language: shut the water off if it is running, stay away from wet electrical equipment and note when the water appears.
Common leaks we repair
Most household leaks come from a short list: a corroded or pinholed copper line, a failing galvanized pipe joint, a loose or cracked compression fitting, a supply line to a faucet, toilet or washing machine, a shutoff valve leaking at its stem, a drain trap or drain joint under a sink, and connections at the water heater. Older Chicago-area homes often mix copper, galvanized and newer plastic piping, and the joints between different materials deserve a close look.
A leak that appears only when a fixture drains is usually on the drain side. A leak that drips even when nothing is running is usually on the pressurized supply side, and it will not stop on its own.
In plain language: whether the water shows up only during use or all the time tells us which part of the plumbing to check.
Water heater leaks: fitting or tank?
Water at the base of a water heater can come from a drain valve, a supply connection, the temperature and pressure relief valve discharge, condensation, or the tank itself. Fittings and valves can be repaired. A tank that is leaking through its own wall cannot, and that becomes a replacement decision. Our guide on water heater leaking from the bottom explains how to tell the difference before you call.
In plain language: a leaking valve or fitting is usually a repair. A leaking tank is not.
How we find and repair the leak
We start where the water is visible and follow it back along the pipe, joist or wall. We check nearby fittings and valves, run fixtures to see whether the leak changes with use, and look at the condition of the pipe on either side of the problem. When the leak is inside a finished wall or ceiling, we explain how much needs to be opened before cutting anything.
The repair matches what we find: a new fitting, a replaced section of pipe, a new valve or supply line, or a corrected drain joint. If the surrounding pipe is in poor condition, we tell you so and explain your options rather than patching one spot and leaving the next leak a few inches away.
In plain language: we find the actual source, explain it, then fix that part, and we tell you if the pipe around it is also worn out.
Leak repair in Des Plaines
Right Away works from 2093 Rand Rd, Des Plaines, IL 60016. Leak repair in Des Plaines often involves basement copper lines, utility-room shutoff valves and water heater connections in older ranch and split-level homes, along with supply lines in remodeled kitchens and bathrooms. Call 847-550-3322 to describe where you see water.
In plain language: if you are in Des Plaines and see water where it should not be, call 847-550-3322.
Leak repair in Park Ridge, Mount Prospect, Glenview and Arlington Heights
We repair leaking pipes, valves and fixture connections across the northwest suburbs, including Park Ridge, Mount Prospect, Glenview, Arlington Heights and Niles. Many homes in these communities have original copper or galvanized piping alongside newer plumbing from additions and remodels, and the transition joints between them are worth checking when a leak appears. Suburban customers can call 847-550-3322.
In plain language: we serve the nearby suburbs from our Des Plaines shop; call 847-550-3322.
Leak repair in Chicago
In Chicago houses, two-flats and small multi-unit buildings, a leak on an upper floor can show up in the unit or basement below. We trace the water through the building to the source and explain which part of the plumbing is involved before work begins. Chicago customers can call 773-250-6060.
In plain language: in Chicago, call 773-250-6060 and tell us which floor or unit has the water.
Qualifying installations may include our lifetime product, labor and parts warranty program; terms and eligibility apply.
Where we do this work
We work from 2093 Rand Rd, Des Plaines, IL 60016 and cover Cook and DuPage county communities plus Chicago. Every community is listed on our service areas page, or start with one of these:
Questions we are asked about this service
Should I shut off my water if I find a leak?
If water is spraying, running or collecting quickly, close the main shutoff near where water enters the home, or the fixture shutoff valve if the leak is under one sink or toilet. Stay clear of water near electrical equipment. Then call so we can find and repair the source.
Why is the water stain not where the leak is?
Water runs along pipes, joists and framing before it drips, so a ceiling stain or wet spot can be several feet from the actual leak. We trace the water back to the source before recommending a repair.
Can a leaking water heater be repaired?
If the leak is at a drain valve, supply connection or relief valve, that part can usually be repaired. If the tank itself is leaking, it cannot be repaired and replacement should be planned. Our water heater leak guide explains the difference.
Do you repair leaks in Des Plaines and Chicago?
Yes. We repair leaking pipes, fittings, valves and fixture connections in Des Plaines, Chicago and nearby suburbs. Des Plaines and suburbs: 847-550-3322. Chicago: 773-250-6060.
Related services
Guides worth reading
Every article is on our plumbing and HVAC guides page.
Schedule this service
Call 847-550-3322 for Des Plaines and the suburbs, or 773-250-6060 in Chicago. You can also request service online.