HVAC emergency in Chicago? Call Bernie's Heating & A/C Service now! Same-day service available for all heating and cooling emergencies.
Boiler repair & leak detection locates and repairs leaks that waste energy and can damage your property. We find the source - visible or hidden - and fix it fast.
Each leak type has different causes and repair costs. We diagnose the exact source before quoting any work.
Dripping from the PRV discharge pipe. Usually caused by excessive system pressure or a faulty valve. Small puddles near the boiler.
Repair: $200-$400
Leaks at threaded connections or unions. Common in older Chicago boilers with corroded iron pipes. Often at near-boiler piping.
Repair: $150-$300
Water dripping from the circulator pump body. The mechanical seal has failed. Common on pumps 10+ years old.
Repair: $250-$500
Rust holes in the boiler jacket or heat exchanger. Cannot be repaired safely. Requires full boiler replacement.
Requires Replacement
Not all leaks are visible. We use multiple detection methods to locate the source - even hidden leaks behind walls or insulation.
Check all visible connections, valves, pumps, and pipes for water stains, rust, or active dripping. Look for calcium deposits (white residue) that indicate slow leaks.
Monitor system pressure over time. A drop in pressure indicates a leak somewhere in the system - even if not visible. Helps quantify leak severity.
Infrared cameras detect temperature differences caused by moisture. Finds hidden leaks behind finished walls, under floors, or behind insulation without destructive investigation.
Find leaks without cutting into walls or ceilings. No drywall repair costs.
Pinpoint the exact leak location in minutes instead of hours of investigation.
Detect water damage to insulation or framing before it becomes a major problem.
We give you an honest assessment. Not every leak means replacement - but some do.
Typical Cost: $200-$600
Cannot be safely repaired
If you discover a boiler leak, take these steps immediately to prevent water damage to your property.
Turn the thermostat to off and flip the emergency shut-off switch. Stop the boiler from running and potentially making the leak worse.
Close the water supply valve to the boiler (usually near the boiler with a blue handle). This stops fresh water from feeding the leak.
For large leaks, attach a hose to the drain valve at the bottom of the boiler and drain into a floor drain or outside. This reduces water pressure and stops the leak.
Place buckets, towels, or plastic sheeting under the leak. Move any valuables away from the area. Document damage with photos for insurance.
Call Bernie's at (773) 900-6248 for immediate service. We respond to leak emergencies same-day.
Chicago's vintage housing stock and steam boiler systems create unique leak issues. We've seen them all.
Chicago bungalows often have original steam boilers from the 1920s-1950s. Hartford loop leaks are common where the return pipe connects. Old pipe pitch can cause water hammer and fitting failures. We specialize in vintage steam systems.
The Hartford loop (equalizer piping on steam boilers) develops leaks at threaded connections due to thermal cycling and corrosion. These leaks waste water and reduce boiler efficiency. Repair requires steam boiler expertise - not just generic plumbing.
Pre-1980 Chicago homes often have galvanized steel piping that corrodes from the inside out. Threaded connections weaken and leak. Modern replacement uses brass or stainless fittings. We assess whether widespread repiping is needed or isolated repair is sufficient.
Honest pricing before we start work. No surprises.
$89-$150
Visual inspection and pressure testing. Applied toward repair if you proceed.
Thermal imaging: +$100
$200-$400
Includes new valve, installation, and pressure testing to verify repair.
$250-$500
Seal cartridge replacement. Full pump replacement if needed: $400-$700.
$150-$300
Re-threading or union replacement. Multiple fittings may cost more.
Most repairs completed same-day. Total cost range: $200-$800
Standard visual leak detection is $89-$150 as part of a service call. Thermal imaging adds $100 but finds hidden leaks that save money in the long run. Detection fees apply toward repair cost if you proceed.
Small leaks from valves, fittings, or pump seals can be repaired for $200-$600. Tank corrosion or cracked heat exchangers require full boiler replacement - these cannot be safely repaired. We give you an honest assessment.
Immediately shut off the boiler, turn off the water supply valve, and place towels or a bucket under the leak. For large leaks, drain the boiler to prevent water damage. Call for emergency service - leaks can damage your property and waste energy.
We use visual inspection for obvious leaks, pressure testing to identify pressure drops, and thermal imaging to locate hidden leaks behind walls or insulation. Thermal cameras detect temperature differences that indicate moisture and leaks.
Steam systems operate at higher temperatures (212°F+ vs 140-180°F) which causes more thermal expansion stress on fittings. Many Chicago steam boilers are 50+ years old with original piping. Hartford loops and old galvanized fittings are common leak points.
Don't let a leak damage your property or waste energy. We diagnose and repair leaks same-day when possible. Call now.