When to Call a Plumbing Contractor: A Comprehensive Guide for Orland Park Homeowners
When it comes to caring for your Orland Park home, plumbing is one of those systems you only think about when there’s
a problem—until now. Whether you’re planning a major renovation or simply upgrading aging fixtures, hiring the right
plumbing contractor can make or break your project. As a local homeowner or property manager, it’s essential to know
what to look for when hiring a plumber and what red flags to watch for.
What Does a Plumbing Contractor Do?
Unlike general handymen or basic plumbers, plumbing contractors are licensed and equipped to handle
large-scale or specialized plumbing installations and repairs. This includes:
- Whole-home plumbing installations
- Repiping and sewer line projects
- Water heater installation and replacement
- Appliance hook-ups (laundry, dishwashers)
- Bathroom or kitchen remodeling projects
- Gas line installation (certified plumbers only)
Signs It’s Time to Call a Plumbing Contractor
If you notice any of the following in your Orland Park home, it’s smart to get in touch with a licensed plumbing
contractor—sooner rather than later:
- Frequent drain clogs or backups: Could indicate a deeper issue with your sewer line.
- No hot water or low water pressure: May require a water heater replacement or main line
inspection. - Water stains on walls, ceilings, or floors: Often a sign of hidden leaks behind your surfaces.
- Unusual odors or sounds from pipes: Alert for gas leaks or trapped air in the system.
- Outdated plumbing fixtures or galvanized pipes: These can affect water quality and pressure.
How to Choose the Right Plumbing Contractor in Orland Park
1. Verify License and Insurance
Plumbing contractors in Illinois are required to be licensed through the Illinois Department of Public Health
(IDPH). Always ask for their license number and verify it’s in good standing.
At R.C. Szabo Plumbing, we’re fully licensed and insured to operate in Orland Park and throughout the southwest
suburbs.
2. Local Experience Matters
A local contractor understands the unique needs of Orland Park homes—from freezing winter temperatures (hello, frozen
pipes!) to older homes with aging infrastructure.
Look for a contractor with deep roots in the community like R.C. Szabo Plumbing, proudly serving
Orland Park since 2009.
3. Transparent Pricing
Look for a contractor who provides upfront estimates, explains projects clearly, and doesn’t push upcharges or vague
fees.
4. Prioritize Customer Reviews
💬 R.C. Szabo Plumbing is one of the most highly rated local plumbing contractors on Google, with
hundreds of positive reviews from Orland Park homeowners.
5. Emergency Response Availability
A broken pipe or backed-up sewer line won’t wait for business hours. Choose a contractor who offers emergency support
24/7 in Orland Park.
Common Projects That Need a Licensed Contractor
Thinking of remodeling your kitchen or adding a bathroom in your Orland Park home? Certain jobs legally require a
licensed plumbing contractor to handle the permitting, fixture installation, and inspections. These include:
- Bathroom/kitchen renovations
- Tankless water heater installation
- Water softener system installation
- Sump pump and ejector pump system upgrades
- Backflow prevention system installation
💡 Homeowners Tip: Planning a remodel in Old Orland or the Brook Hills neighborhood? Make sure
your plumbing upgrades meet current codes and efficiency standards.
Plumbing Codes & Permits in Orland Park, IL
The Village of Orland Park enforces its own building and plumbing codes in alignment with state regulations. Plumbing
permits are typically required for:
- Installing or relocating pipes
- Water heater changes
- Drainage or vent system changes
- Sewer connections
- Backflow device installations
Failure to use a licensed contractor or obtain required permits can delay home sales, trigger fines, or invalidate
insurance coverage in the event of water damage.
R.C. Szabo Plumbing handles all permits and inspections for you, ensuring every job is done right—and up to code.
Seasonal Readiness: When to Hire a Plumbing Contractor
Homeowners in Orland Park face distinct seasonal challenges year-round. Each season presents its own unique
plumbing-related concerns:
Winter: Prep to Prevent Frozen Pipes
- Insulate pipes in garages, crawl spaces, and exterior walls
- Upgrade outdated sump pumps
- Check water heater performance and capacity
- Seal foundation cracks to prevent drafts
Spring: Drainage and Flood Prevention
- Test and/or replace sump pumps
- Install a backup battery system (a must in Orland Park basements!)
- Clean out gutter downspouts
- Inspect for frozen pipe damage
Fall: Pre-Freeze Maintenance
- Winterize outdoor faucets and spigots
- Have your boiler or hydronic heating system inspected
- Flush and inspect water heaters
✅ Pro Tip: Book seasonal maintenance in advance with your local contractor. R.C. Szabo Plumbing offers preventative
plumbing inspections tailored to Orland Park homes.
Plumbing Contractor vs. Handyman Services
Handymen are great for small fixes around the house—but when a job involves water lines, drainage, gas, or permits, the
law (and your safety) requires a licensed plumbing contractor.
Here’s a quick comparison:
| Task | Handyman | License Contractor |
|---|---|---|
| Fixing leaking washers | ✅ | ✅ |
| Installing new water lines | ❌ | ✅ |
| Sewer line repair | ❌ | ✅ |
| Water heater replacement | ❌ | ✅ |
| Remodel plumbing updates | ❌ | ✅ |
| Emergency leak response | ❌ | ✅ |
Working with a fully licensed pro ensures higher standards, code compliance, and peace of mind.
Why Orland Park Homeowners Trust R.C. Szabo Plumbing
At R.C. Szabo Plumbing, we blend top-tier technical work with hometown service.
Our team:
- Is fully licensed, bonded, and insured
- Offers honest service backed by 15+ years of experience
- Specializes in residential and multi-family home services in Orland Park
- Provides emergency dispatch for after-hours and weekend plumbing needs
- Delivers clean, respectful service—we treat your home like it’s our own
We take pride in being a go-to plumbing contractor for Orland Park homeowners, HOAs, and property managers alike.
Call Your Local Orland Park Plumbing Contractor Today
Whether you’re planning a bathroom upgrade on Singing Hills Drive or dealing with a drainage emergency near Centennial
Park, we’re here and ready to help.
🔧 Need a plumbing contractor in Orland Park, IL?
👷 Call R.C. Szabo Plumbing
today at (708) 845-7922 or request a quote online at www.rcszaboplumbing.com
Let’s keep your home running clean, dry, and stress-free—365 days a year!
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Stay tuned for more home-focused blog content! Up next:
🎃 “Fall Festivals & Family Fun in Orland Park:
What to Do This October (And How to Prep Your Pipes Before the First Freeze!)”
Don’t miss a single seasonal update—bookmark R.C. Szabo Plumbing’s Orland Park Blog and keep your
home and family ready year-round!