McHenry County · Crystal Lake, IL
Plumbers in Crystal Lake, IL
Crystal Lake is in McHenry County, Illinois. About 60,000 people live in the 3 ZIP codes we cover here, in roughly 22,000 homes, 75% of them single-family detached houses. The biggest share of the housing was built between 1980 and 1999 (38%), and that age decides most of what goes wrong with the plumbing.
- Same-day service when a plumber is available
- 3 ZIP codes covered
ZIP codes we cover in Crystal Lake
60012, 60014, 60039
Crystal Lake homes and their plumbing
Here is how Crystal Lake's homes break down by year built, based on Census estimates for the covered ZIP codes: before 1940 6%, 1940–1959 9%, 1960–1979 27%, 1980–1999 38%, 2000 or later 20%. Most homes are old enough that original pipe, valves and water heaters are wearing out, but young enough that full repipes are a case-by-case call. Neighboring areas such as McHenry are covered too.
| Year built | Share of homes |
|---|---|
| Before 1940 | 6% |
| 1940–1959 | 9% |
| 1960–1979 | 27% |
| 1980–1999 | 38% |
| 2000 or later | 20% |
Share of housing units in the covered ZIP codes. Census ACS 2023 5-year estimates.
- Residents in covered ZIPs
- 60,312
- Housing units
- 22,491
- Single-family detached
- 75%
- Owner-occupied
- 83%
- Heated with utility gas
- 89%
- Heated with electricity
- 10%
What goes wrong in Crystal Lake homes
Natural gas in most homes
89% of occupied homes here heat with utility gas, so gas water heaters, ranges and dryers are common. That means gas line extensions for new appliances, flexible connector replacements and venting checks when a water heater is swapped. If you smell gas, leave first and call the gas utility from outside. See gas line repair.
1980s and 90s construction and polybutylene
38% of homes were built between 1980 and 1999. Polybutylene supply pipe was installed widely in US homes from about 1978 to 1995, so houses from these years are worth checking for gray plastic pipe stamped PB2110, usually visible at the water heater or under sinks. Insurers and buyers often ask about it. See polybutylene replacement.
Long, hard winters
42% of homes here were built before 1980, when pipes were more often run through exterior walls and uninsulated crawl spaces. In a long Illinois winter those are the lines that freeze and split. See frozen and burst pipe repair.
Hard water
Illinois water is generally hard. With 89% of homes here on gas, scale settles as sediment in gas water heater tanks, which then rumble and wear out early. See water softener installation.
Common calls in Crystal Lake
- Gas Line Repair
- Polybutylene Pipe Replacement
- Frozen & Burst Pipe Repair
- Water Softener Installation
- Water Heater Replacement
- Drain Cleaning
- Main Water Line Repair
- Sewer Line Repair
Also available in Crystal Lake: emergency plumbing and every plumbing service.
Crystal Lake at a glance
- County
- McHenry County
- Nearest city pages
- McHenry
- ZIP codes
- 60012, 60014, 60039
Crystal Lake plumbing FAQ
How old are the homes in Crystal Lake?
In the ZIP codes we cover around Crystal Lake, Census estimates put 15% of homes as built before 1960, 27% from 1960 to 1979, 38% from 1980 to 1999 and 20% in 2000 or later. The largest group is 1980–1999 (38%).
Who licenses plumbers in Crystal Lake, IL?
The Illinois Department of Public Health licenses plumbers and plumbing contractors must register; Chicago adds its own requirements.
Are water heaters in Crystal Lake usually gas or electric?
Census data for the area show 89% of homes heating with utility gas, 10% with electricity. Water heaters often use the same fuel as the home's heat, so utility gas is the most common here, but check the label on your tank before you shop for a replacement.
Guides for Crystal Lake homeowners
Nearby areas
Also covered nearby: Lake In The Hills (3 mi), Lakewood (3 mi), Cary (5 mi), Algonquin (5 mi), Fox River Grove (7 mi), Woodstock (7 mi), Huntley (7 mi), Island Lake (8 mi).
Housing, heating and population figures are US Census Bureau American Community Survey 2023 5-year estimates for the ZIP code areas we cover in Crystal Lake, so they may include neighboring communities that share those ZIP codes.
Need a plumber in Crystal Lake?
Same-day service when a plumber is available. One call connects you with a licensed plumber who serves your ZIP.