Chicago Community Area #8
Plumbing help in Near North Side
River North, Streeterville, the Gold Coast and part of Old Town. Most homes here are in mid- and high-rise buildings, where the question is often whose pipe it is and what the building allows.
Calls are answered by a referral service that connects you with a local plumbing provider. How this works
Buildings in Near North Side
The Near North Side community area covers the dense neighborhoods north of the river. Alongside high-rises, the Gold Coast and Old Town keep historic rowhouses and walk-ups.
| Building | Plumbing themes |
|---|---|
| High-rise condo and rental towers | Building risers, pumps and pressure zones run by engineering staff; in-unit valves and fixtures |
| Mid-rise and loft conversions | Shared stacks; mixed-age piping |
| Historic rowhouses and walk-ups | Cast-iron drains, older supply, building sewers to the street |
General patterns, not a survey of individual buildings.
Common problems here
Leak to the unit below
Shower pans, supply lines and appliance connections are common sources. Leak detection
Building approvals
Many buildings require insurance certificates, scheduled hours and engineer sign-off for contractors.
In-unit water heaters
Some towers have unit heaters; others have central systems. Water heaters
Rules that apply
This area is inside the City of Chicago, so City rules apply: plumbing contractors need a City of Chicago license in addition to State licensing, many jobs need a Department of Buildings permit, and sewer work needs a licensed drainlayer and a sewer permit. Chicago permits explained · Lead service lines
Frequently asked questions
Can any plumber work in my high-rise?
The contractor needs the required City licensing, and the building may have its own requirements, such as certificates of insurance and work-hour limits. Ask management before scheduling.
Who shuts off water to my unit?
Often only building engineering can operate riser valves. Know your in-unit shutoffs and who to call after hours.
More in Downtown, Near North & Near West
Sources
- City of Chicago — Does my project require a licensed plumbing contractor? Official / primary
- City of Chicago DOB — Plumbing Contractor License Official / primary
Information can change; official sources control.