Question 1

Why is my sump pump running constantly?

Accepted Answer

A sump pump that runs non-stop usually means one of four things: the float switch is stuck or set too low, the check valve has failed and water is falling back into the pit, groundwater is overwhelming the basin (often a sign the pump is undersized for your lot), or the discharge line is clogged or frozen. In Schaumburg specifically, the most common cause we see during spring melt and summer thunderstorms is an undersized 1/3 HP pump trying to keep up with a high water table. A 1/2 HP primary plus a battery-powered backup is what we install on most NW Suburb lots.

Question 2

How exactly does your low-overhead written quote match guarantee work?

Accepted Answer

Bring us any apples-to-apples written quote from a licensed Illinois plumber — same scope of work, same parts, same warranty terms. We will beat that price. Not just match it. Beat it. We can do this because we don't pay franchise royalties (often 6–8% of revenue), commission spiffs to technicians, or national television advertising budgets. Those costs are baked into every invoice from a national chain. We carry none of them, so we typically come in 15–35% lower without changing a single material on the job.

Question 3

What should I do if a water pipe freezes or bursts in the winter?

Accepted Answer

Step one: shut the main water valve off — it is usually near where the line enters the house, often by the front foundation wall in NW Suburb homes. Step two: open every cold faucet on the lowest floor to relieve pressure. Step three: do not use open flames to thaw a frozen pipe — that's how houses burn down. Step four: call us at (847) 489-0401. Every Braintree truck carries pipe thawers, copper and PEX fittings, and a small water-mitigation dryer. We can be onsite anywhere in Schaumburg, Hoffman Estates, Palatine, Roselle, Elk Grove Village, Rolling Meadows, or Hanover Park within an hour for a true emergency.

Question 4

Are you a licensed Illinois plumbing contractor?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Braintree Plumbing is a fully licensed Illinois plumbing contractor, and every plumber on staff carries an active Illinois Plumber's License. We're fully bonded and carry general liability plus workers' comp insurance.

Question 5

Do you handle permits and village inspections?

Accepted Answer

Yes — and we strongly recommend it. Schaumburg, Hoffman Estates, Palatine, and Roselle all require permits for water heater replacements, sewer work, gas line work, and any rough-in plumbing. We pull the permit, schedule the inspection, and meet the inspector. You don't lift a finger. The permit fee is itemized separately on your invoice at exact cost.

Question 6

What's your service area?

Accepted Answer

Schaumburg (our home base), Hoffman Estates, Palatine, Roselle, Elk Grove Village, Rolling Meadows, and Hanover Park. We occasionally serve adjacent villages — Streamwood, Inverness, Barrington — for existing customers or referrals.