Kane / DuPage / Will / Kendall Counties
Plumbing help in Aurora
Illinois’ second-largest city spans four counties, from historic neighborhoods near the Fox River to large subdivisions near Naperville. The city is actively replacing lead and galvanized service lines.
Calls are answered by a referral service that connects you with a local plumbing provider. How this works
Aurora homes
Aurora (180,542 residents, 2020 Census; the city has disputed the count as an undercount) lies in Kane, DuPage, Will and Kendall Counties.
| Home type | Plumbing themes |
|---|---|
| Pre-1960 homes near downtown and the Fox River | Lead or galvanized service lines possible; older drains |
| Mid-century neighborhoods | Basement drains, aging building sewers |
| Newer subdivisions (far east side) | Sump pumps, water heaters, basement baths |
Patterns only.
Common needs
Lead service lines
City program for homes built in 1960 or earlier. Aurora lead line replacement
Sump pumps
Newer subdivisions with drain tile. Sump pumps
Older building sewers
Roots and cracks in older areas. Camera inspection
- Service line — material may be lead, galvanized, copper or other; check the City inventory.
- Curb stop / buffalo box — a valve typically in the parkway, operated by the utility.
- Inside shutoff valve — know where yours is before an emergency.
- Water meter. Where City and owner responsibilities split varies — confirm with your water utility (311 in Chicago).
Local programs
Aurora Water notifies owners of homes built in 1960 or earlier whose service lines are lead, galvanized or unknown, and invites them to enroll in its lead service line replacement program at no cost. Owners who do not participate must replace the line with copper at their own expense, with a City permit issued to a licensed contractor and a City inspection.
Source: City of Aurora — Lead in Drinking Water; City of Aurora — Lead service line notice FAQ
Aurora permits
Plumbing work requires City permits.
What we could not confirm
- Aurora’s plumbing permit process, fees and exemptions — not captured in our review; confirm with the City’s building division.
Check with the official source before relying on these points.
Frequently asked questions
Who handles plumbing permits in Aurora?
The City of Aurora. Plumbers are licensed by the State of Illinois, while permits, inspections and any local contractor paperwork are handled locally. Confirm requirements with the City of Aurora before work starts.
Sources
- City of Aurora — Lead in Drinking Water Official / primary
- City of Aurora — Lead service line notice FAQ Official / primary
- Daily Herald — 2020 Census changes in suburbs Secondary
Information can change; official sources control.