Boiler Repair & Maintenance
Boiler repair & maintenance keeps your system operating safely while extending its service life. Chicago's steam and hot water boiler specialists since 2008. We fix circulator pumps, zone valves, pressure relief issues, and noisy radiators in vintage Chicago homes.
Chicago Steam Specialists
Serving Chicago bungalows since 2008
"Most techs have never seen a steam boiler. We grew up fixing them in Chicago basements." - Bernie
Common Boiler Problems We Fix
From no heat to leaking pipes, we diagnose and repair boiler issues fast. Most repairs completed the same day.
No Heat
Boiler won't fire up or radiators stay cold? Common causes include:
- Faulty thermostat or wiring
- Dead circulator pump (hot water)
- Pilot light or ignition failure
- Air-locked radiator system
Leaking Boiler
Water pooling around your boiler? We repair:
- Pressure relief valve failures
- Corroded pipe fittings
- Cracked expansion tanks
- Loose valve packings
Noisy Boiler
Banging, hissing, or kettling sounds mean trouble:
- Kettling from scale buildup
- Water hammer (steam systems)
- Trapped air in pipes
- Faulty radiator vents
Low Pressure
System pressure too low? We diagnose:
- Slow leaks in pipes or radiators
- Faulty pressure reducing valve
- Waterlogged expansion tank
- Auto-fill valve issues
Cold Radiators
Some radiators hot, others cold? We check:
- Zone valve failures (multi-zone)
- Radiator valve stuck closed
- Air vents clogged or broken
- System balancing issues
Pilot Light Issues
Pilot won't stay lit? Common fixes:
- Bad thermocouple replacement
- Dirty pilot orifice cleaning
- Gas valve pressure adjustment
- Flue draft problems
Honest Boiler Repair Pricing
Upfront pricing before we start work. Diagnostic fee $89 (waived if you proceed with repair).
Circulator Pump
$350-$600
Taco or Grundfos pump replacement including labor
Pressure Relief Valve
$200-$400
Full valve replacement with proper discharge piping
Zone Valve
$250-$450
Motorized zone valve replacement per zone
Thermocouple
$150-$250
Pilot safety device replacement and testing
Expansion Tank
$300-$500
Tank replacement with proper sizing and installation
Annual Maintenance
$179
Complete tune-up with combustion analysis
Emergency service available 24/7 at regular pricing - no after-hours surcharge
Steam vs Hot Water Boiler Repairs
Chicago has both types. Most techs only know hot water. We're experts in both systems.
Steam Boilers
Common in Chicago bungalows and pre-1950s buildings. Different components and challenges.
- Water level issues (sight glass critical)
- Low-water cutoff safety testing
- Hartford Loop piping configuration
- Main vent and radiator vent replacement
- Pressure should run under 2 PSI
Hot Water (Hydronic)
Uses circulator pumps to move warm water. More common in newer homes and conversions.
- Circulator pump failures (most common)
- Expansion tank waterlogging
- Zone valve motor replacements
- Air purging and system balancing
- Pressure typically 12-15 PSI
Chicago Bungalow Steam Boiler Experts
Most of Chicago's brick bungalows (built 1910-1940) have steam heat. The Hartford Loop piping configuration is critical for safety - it prevents water from draining out of the boiler if a return pipe breaks. We inspect and repair Hartford Loops correctly.
"If your basement has a glass tube showing water level, you have steam. Don't let a 'hot water guy' guess at the repair. Call someone who knows steam." - Bernie
Or call (773) 900-6248
When to Repair vs Replace Your Boiler
We give you honest advice, not a sales pitch. Here's how we think about it.
Repair It
- Boiler is under 15 years old
- Repair cost less than $1,000
- Simple component failure (pump, valve)
- System has been maintained regularly
Consider Replacement
- Boiler is 20+ years old
- Repair estimate over $2,000
- Multiple failures in past 2 years
- Efficiency below 80% (wasting fuel)
Always Replace
- Cracked heat exchanger (safety risk)
- Failed combustion chamber/block
- Persistent CO or gas leaks
- Boiler 30+ years old (parts unavailable)
The Bernie's Promise: No Pressure, Just Truth
Unlike the big chains that pay their techs commissions on equipment sales, Bernie's technicians are salaried employees. They have zero financial incentive to upsell you. If your boiler can be fixed affordably, we'll fix it. If it's time for a replacement, we'll explain why and show you the options. Your choice, your budget.
Emergency Boiler Service
No heat in Chicago winter? That's a life-safety emergency. Frozen pipes can burst and cause thousands in damage. We answer the phone 24/7 and dispatch a tech fast.
No After-Hours Fee
Same flat-rate pricing whether it's 2pm or 2am.
Fast Response
Most emergency calls answered within 2 hours in Chicago.
Stocked Trucks
We carry common boiler parts to complete most repairs same-visit.
Chicago Winter = Critical Risk
When Chicago temperatures drop below freezing (which happens 36+ days per year), a boiler failure isn't just uncomfortable - it's dangerous.
- Frozen pipes: Can burst and cause $10,000+ in water damage
- Hypothermia risk: Especially dangerous for elderly and children
- Insurance requirements: Many policies require maintaining heat to avoid frozen pipe claims
Don't wait until morning. Call Bernie's now and we'll get your heat back on tonight.
Preventive Boiler Maintenance
Annual tune-ups prevent expensive mid-winter breakdowns. Our $179 service pays for itself in energy savings and avoided repairs.
Annual Tune-Up: $179
Complete inspection and cleaning before heating season
What's Included:
Bernie's Tip: Schedule your annual maintenance in September or October before the heating rush. You'll avoid the emergency rate and ensure your boiler is ready for winter. Many small issues we find during tune-ups would have turned into expensive emergency repairs by January.
Chicago Boiler Challenges
Chicago's vintage housing stock presents unique challenges. We know these buildings inside and out.
Old Steam Systems
The Challenge: Many Chicago bungalows and two-flats still have original 1920s-1940s steam radiator systems. Parts are hard to find and most young techs have never worked on steam.
The Bernie's Solution: We stock vintage steam parts (radiator vents, main vents, Hartford Loop fittings) and know how to properly pitch steam pipes. Our techs learned from old-timers who actually installed these systems originally.
Asbestos-Wrapped Pipes
The Challenge: Older Chicago basements often have asbestos insulation wrapped around boiler pipes. This must be handled carefully during repairs.
The Bernie's Solution: We don't disturb asbestos unnecessarily. When we need to access wrapped pipes, we carefully work around it or refer you to certified abatement contractors. Safety first.
Knob-and-Tube Wiring
The Challenge: Some vintage Chicago homes still have knob-and-tube electrical wiring. Modern boiler controls and thermostats may not be compatible.
The Bernie's Solution: We can install low-voltage transformers and adapter bases to make new thermostats work with old wiring. We also coordinate with electricians when rewiring is needed.
Tight Basement Access
The Challenge: Chicago basements are often cramped, low-clearance spaces with narrow bulkhead stairs. Getting equipment in and out is tough.
The Bernie's Solution: We've replaced boilers in every type of Chicago basement. We know how to measure doorways, use compact equipment, and sometimes cut boilers into sections for removal. No job is too tight.
Boiler Repair FAQs
Common questions from Chicago homeowners
Why is my boiler leaking water?
Boiler leaks are typically caused by a faulty pressure relief valve (releasing excess pressure), corroded pipe fittings, or a cracked expansion tank. For hot water boilers, the expansion tank may be waterlogged and unable to absorb pressure changes. Our technicians diagnose the exact source and provide upfront pricing before any repair work begins. Small drips can turn into major floods - don't ignore them.
My boiler pilot light is on but there's no heat. What's wrong?
If your pilot light is on but you're getting no heat, the problem is likely a bad circulator pump (for hot water boilers - listen for a humming sound at the pump), faulty thermostat wiring, or air-locked radiators. On steam boilers, check if the water level is visible in the sight glass - if it's empty, the low-water cutoff is preventing firing for safety. Bernie's offers same-day diagnosis and repair for all no-heat emergencies.
What causes the banging noise in my boiler system?
Banging noises (water hammer) in boilers are usually caused by kettling from lime scale buildup in the heat exchanger (sounds like a boiling kettle), or in steam systems, improper pipe pitch that allows condensate water to pool and then get hit by steam. Chicago's vintage steam boilers often require near-boiler piping corrections, proper main vent installation, and radiator vent adjustments to eliminate banging. This is one repair you don't want to trust to someone who's never worked on steam.
How often should I service my boiler?
Annual boiler maintenance is recommended every fall before the heating season begins. Our $179 tune-up includes combustion testing (to check for dangerous CO levels), burner cleaning, pressure checks, sediment flushing, and safety control testing. Regular maintenance prevents costly mid-winter emergency repairs and can extend your boiler's service life by 5-10 years. We find issues during tune-ups that would have turned into $500+ emergency repairs by January.
Should I repair or replace my old boiler?
If your boiler is under 15 years old and the repair costs less than $1,000, repair is usually the smart choice. For boilers 20+ years old facing repairs over $2,000, replacement may be more cost-effective long-term. A cracked heat exchanger always requires replacement due to carbon monoxide safety risks. We provide honest assessments without sales pressure. Many of our customers run boilers for 25-30 years with regular maintenance and minor repairs.
Expert Boiler Repair Since 2008
Don't let an inexperienced tech ruin your vintage Chicago steam system. Call Bernie's for honest diagnosis and expert repair.
24/7 Emergency Service • No After-Hours Fee • Same-Day Repairs