FAQs

Here to Answer All Your Questions

Practical Answers from Your Local Plumbing Professionals

Welcome to our FAQ page! We know plumbing and water treatment issues can be confusing, and when you need help, you want quick, reliable answers. That’s why we’ve gathered some of the most common questions our customers ask. If you don’t see your question here, give us a call and we’ll be glad to help.

Absolutely. Plumbing emergencies don’t wait for business hours, and neither do we. Our team is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week for urgent issues like burst pipes, basement flooding, sewer backups, or water heater failures. When you call, a licensed Garrelts plumber will be dispatched quickly with the tools and parts needed to stop the problem and protect your home.

Yes, every plumber on our team is fully licensed and trained to meet Illinois plumbing codes. That means when you hire Garrelts & Sons, you’re getting a professional who knows how to do the job safely, legally, and to the highest quality standards.

Definitely. Beyond everyday plumbing repairs, we specialize in kitchen, bathroom, and basement remodeling. From rough-in plumbing to fixture installation, our team can handle everything from start to finish. We work closely with you to design the space and ensure all plumbing is done right the first time, so your remodel not only looks great, it performs flawlessly.

Every home is different, but as a rule of thumb, we recommend an inspection every 1–2 years. This helps prevent surprise clogs, backups, and expensive sewer repairs. If you notice slow drains, gurgling sounds, or frequent clogs, that’s a sign it’s time to call us right away.
Our licensed plumbers work with all major plumbing brands and fixtures, from faucets and sinks to water heaters and sump pumps. We proudly install and service trusted names like Kohler, along with other leading manufacturers of plumbing products. No matter the brand in your home or business, chances are we’ve worked with it, and we’ll make sure it’s repaired or replaced the right way.
Yes. We know investing in a water softener, iron filtration system, or reverse osmosis unit can feel like a big decision, so we offer in-house financing (upon qualification) and accept all major credit cards. Our goal is to make clean, safe water affordable for every family and business we serve.
Yes, and we recommend it. Water quality can change from year to year due to runoff, aging pipes, or environmental factors. Our free in-home water test checks for iron, sulfur, hardness, and other contaminants. Knowing what’s in your water is the first step toward protecting your family’s health and extending the life of your plumbing and appliances.
We install a full line of water softeners, iron filtration systems, and reverse osmosis drinking water systems. Whether you’re dealing with hard water stains, sulfur odors, or just want cleaner drinking water, we’ll match the right system to your needs. We also provide salt and chemical delivery for added convenience.
Most water softeners should be inspected every 12–18 months. Regular maintenance helps keep the system efficient, extends its lifespan, and prevents issues like resin breakdown or salt bridging. If you notice your softener isn’t performing as it used to, give us a call for service.

Garrelts & Sons proudly serves McHenry, Lake, and Kane counties, as well as Southern Wisconsin. This includes Johnsburg, McHenry, Crystal Lake, Algonquin, Lake Zurich, Huntley, Elgin, Barrington, Southern Wisconsin and surrounding communities.

Yes. We stand behind every job we do with a 100% satisfaction guarantee. Our reputation for quality has kept us in business for over four decades, and we’re committed to making sure you’re happy before we leave.

We’ve been a family-owned company serving Northern Illinois for over 60 years. With three generations of experience, we combine old-fashioned values with modern solutions to deliver reliable service you can trust.