Get matched with top plumbers in Thomson, IL

Q: What size pipe do I need to plumb a bathroom?

• <div><p>You&rsquo;ll need two sizes of pipe to plumb a bathroom. You&rsquo;ll use a 1/2-inch pressure pipe for your supply lines that run from the fixture to the larger 3/4-inch supply lines that run through the house. For drain lines, you&rsquo;ll need a 3-inch PVC pipe for your toilet, a 2-inch PVC pipe for stand-alone showers, and a 1 1/2-inch pipe for a shower/tub combo and the bathroom sink. Each fixture&rsquo;s drain will run to the 3-inch main drain that runs through the house.</p></div>

Q: How serious is a pipe burst?

• <div><p>There&rsquo;s no way around it&mdash;a burst pipe is often a homeowner&rsquo;s worst nightmare, and the situation can range from semi-serious to dire. If you don&rsquo;t catch the leak, it can lead to thousands of dollars worth of water damage.</p><p>At best, you&rsquo;ll notice a burst pipe quickly, turn off your water supply, and use a wet vacuum to clean up minor flooding. A plumber can repair the pipe, and you won&rsquo;t be left with a major bill. At worst, severe water damage can collapse floors, ceilings, walls, and foundations, sometimes leading to major repairs and renovations.</p></div>

Q: Can you use normal solder on a copper pipe?

• <div><p>You can use normal solder, which consists of a tin and copper alloy, on copper pipes. You should avoid using leaded solder, especially if you're soldering together water supply lines, as it will contaminate drinking water. One <a href="https://www.angi.com/articles/there-lead-copper-or-brass-plumbing-pipes.htm">way to test if your copper pipes contain lead</a> is to scrape off the solder. If the scraped area is shiny, it likely contains lead. </p></div>

Q: What's the difference between a standard spigot and a frost-free hose bib?

• <div><p>The key difference between a standard spigot (or regular hose bib) and a frost-free hose bib is its design to prevent freezing and pipe bursting during cold weather. A standard spigot is a basic outdoor faucet. In contrast, a frost-free hose bib has a longer stem that extends into the heated interior of the house, placing the shut-off valve inside where it's protected from freezing temperatures. This design, often combined with a downward-sloping supply pipe, ensures water drains out of the faucet body when turned off, preventing ice formation. This allows you to leave the water supply on year-round without the risk of pipe damage, making it a valuable choice for regions with harsh winters.</p></div>

Q: Can you change a bathtub faucet without changing the valve?

• <div><p>Yes, you can change a bathtub faucet without changing the valve, as long as the new faucet is compatible with your existing valve system. Most manufacturers design their faucet trims (handles and spouts) to work with their standard valve bodies. However, you'll need to match the new faucet to your valve type, whether it's a compression, cartridge, or ball-type valve. Mixing brands can be problematic, but you can bring your old faucet parts to the hardware store and ask about compatibility. </p></div>

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Verified Reviews for Plumbing pros in Thomson, IL

*The Angi rating for Plumbing companies in Thomson, IL is a rating based on verified reviews from our community of homeowners who have used these pros to meet their Plumbing needs.

*The HomeAdvisor rating for Plumbing companies in Thomson, IL is a rating based on verified reviews from our community of homeowners who have used these pros to meet their Plumbing needs.

Last update on March 05, 2026

Reviewed in March 2026
Would highly recommend this company we needed our living room completely gutted and re-insulated due to the weather during the winter they came in and removed our whole living room installed new wiring and recessed lights and insulation in a timely manner and very professional. We will be having...
Weigant Home Improvement
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Reviewed in February 2026
I needed to tear out my old tub and put in a shower. The result is a big beautiful new shower I can't wait to use it.
Mad City Windows & Baths
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Reviewed in January 2025
Do not use this service! The ball park quoted me HALF is what they actually charge me. The invoice says that I paid $100 per person for two people that while one used a shovel, the other watched. I also had to pay $150 an hour for the plumber who wasn't even on site for more than half of the...
Alvarados Plumbing Service
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Reviewed in June 2024
We had a very knowledgeable representative come to our home to talk about all the products and what would work best for us. The install happened approximately 4 weeks later and we absolutely love our walk in shower.
Mad City Windows & Baths
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Reviewed in August 2023
Great company to deal with, said they would show up on time, and they did both the saleman and the Shower installer, the installer was very professinal, knew his business. Tore out the old tub/ shower combo, installed the new walk in shower in a timely manner, and was very pleasant individual.
Bath Planet of Quad Cities
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Reviewed in March 2023
I called in the morning and they came in and had the job done. The water company already paid them. I highly recommend them and they were very nice.
Hugunins Sewer & Plumbing
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Reviewed in November 2020
On a Sunday evening I discovered I had a broken sewer pipe and sewage was coming into my lower level. Went to Home Advisor right away and started making calls. Of the 4 or 5 places I called, Honest Abe's returned my call and came out. (I have not heard from the others 9 days later!). They...
Honest Abe's Home Services
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Reviewed in October 2017
They forgot to glue the waste vent line in the attic which caused a leak on to the ceiling of the room. The freeze less hose bib was installed so that it was sloped back into the house which caused water to sit in it and freezes which caused the pipe to crack. They used undersized water line in...
Eggers Plumbing
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Reviewed in January 2017
There are several plumbing companies around here and they are all almost the same. They are all very competitive. They are right there when I need them whether be it an emergency or what. They are right there.
Dependable Drain & Plumbing
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Reviewed in June 2012
We began to prepare to lift our house in May, 2011, put in a new basement and add an addition while also gutting the entire first floor and the second floor bathroom of our 100 year old farmhouse. Sam started by repairing sill so the house could be lifted and has helped gut, move walls, build...
Born Again Interiors
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Find Plumbers in Thomson

Five Star Bath Solutions of Elgin

5.0(

)

Shower Install or ReplaceBathtub Install or ReplaceWalk In Tub - Install or Replace

Serving Thomson, IL and surrounding areas

Approved

Super Service Award Winner

In business since 2023

Free estimates

Warranties offered

"Highly recommend! The installer did an amazing job and was very patient with all of my husband's questions. The rep was a very nice young man and explained the process in simple way that we both understood. We especially liked that they are a local company. The owner and rep even went to Belvidere...go Bucs!"

+43

Response time10 hrs

64 neighbors recently requested a quote

Recommended by12%of homeowners

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Five Star Bath Solutions of Rockford

5.0(

)

Shower Install or ReplaceBathtub Install or Replace

Serving Thomson, IL and surrounding areas

Approved

In business since 2023

Free estimates

Warranties offered

"The customer service was outstanding and they have a high-quality product. I would highly recommend Five Star Bath Solutions to anyone looking to redo their bathroom."

+11

Response time3 days

123 neighbors recently requested a quote

Recommended by8%of homeowners

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Mad City Windows & Baths

4.4(

830

)

Shower Install or ReplaceBathtub Install or ReplaceWalk In Tub - Install or Replace

Serving Thomson, IL and surrounding areas

Approved

Super Service Award Winner

In business since 2001

Free estimates

Warranties offered

"The do not do general contracting projects and I need plumbing, electrical, constructions, tiling, etc."

+20

Response time10 mins

5244 neighbors recently requested a quote

Recommended by90%of homeowners

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American Standard Walk-In Tubs

3.8(

)

Walk In Tub - Install or Replace

Serving Thomson, IL and surrounding areas

Approved (Corporate)

In business since 1929

Free estimates

Credit card accepted

"Very happy with my new Liberation walkin tub.I also love the special toilet. They also installed a sink/vanity for me. I recommend them if you want quality work."

Recommended by90%of homeowners

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PSD Home Improvement, LLC

5.0(

)

Bathtub Install or ReplaceShower Install or ReplaceWalk In Tub - Install or Replace

Serving Thomson, IL and surrounding areas

Approved

In business since 2024

Free estimates

Warranties offered

"Chris is an amazing worker and came in and worked fast. He was super nice and described exactly what he’d be doing. He’s redone my disposal (kitchen) and my faucet in the main bathroom. He is definitely the first person I would recommend to anyone needing home improvement!!"

6 neighbors recently requested a quote

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Neli Virtual Appliance Repair

4.2(

653

)

Refrigeration System - Install or ReplaceRefrigeration System - Install or Replace - For BusinessRefrigeration System - Repair or Service+1 more

Serving Thomson, IL and surrounding areas

Approved

In business since 2016

Free estimates

Warranties offered

"Saved me a good amount of money. Very knowledgeable and patient. Fixed leak and drain pump"

Response time1 day

Recommended by89%of homeowners

Shower Install or ReplaceWalk In Tub - Install or ReplaceBathtub Install or Replace

Serving Thomson, IL and surrounding areas

Approved (Corporate)

In business since 2016

Free estimates

Credit card accepted

Founded in 2016, Renuity operates with the belief that everyone deserves to be treated with the utmost honesty and respect. Our dedicated consultants and KOHLER-certified installation specialists work hard to provide customized products at affordable prices. We are proud to use American-engineered products that provide a lifetime of beauty, and with limited lifetime warranties, you can be sure your investment is well-protected. Our goal is always to provide a positive remodeling experience, and everyone on our staff contributes to making sure we do.

+12

413 neighbors recently requested a quote

Recommended by75%of homeowners

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Mid America Basement Systems

3.8(

)

Sump Pump - Repair or Replace

Serving Thomson, IL and surrounding areas

Approved

In business since 1990

Free estimates

Warranties offered

"Decided to go with a contractor who is taking care of water from the source- outside- so water doesn't get in basement. Also doing steel braces for foundation."

+41

Response time1 day

65 neighbors recently requested a quote

Recommended by76%of homeowners

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McDonagh & Sons Plumbing & Sewer Inc

4.1(

)

Bathtub Install or ReplaceBathtub Install or Replace - For BusinessDrain Clog or Blockage - Clear+32 more

Serving Thomson, IL and surrounding areas

In business since 2010

Free estimates

Emergency services offered

"Had sewer issues for years and finnaly found a plumber who could find the problem, show me on a sewer camera, and resolve the problem at a fair price and quickley. Also did plumbing for new bathroom in basement!
"

Recommended by96%of homeowners

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Haines Drains Plumbing and Drain Cleaning Specialist LLC

4.3(

298

)

Drain Clog or Blockage - ClearDrain Clog or Blockage - Clear - For BusinessDrain Line Breakage - Camera Locate+3 more

Serving Thomson, IL and surrounding areas

In business since 2014

Emergency services offered

Credit card accepted

"Love Haines Drains Plumbing!!! They answered the phone, didn't let it go to voicemail??. They were able to come out the same. wow! Excellent technicians gave an estimate, explained everything. Highly recommend them."

Response time4 hrs

Recommended by92%of homeowners

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Showing 1-10 of 36

Plumbing questions, answered by experts

You’ll need two sizes of pipe to plumb a bathroom. You’ll use a 1/2-inch pressure pipe for your supply lines that run from the fixture to the larger 3/4-inch supply lines that run through the house. For drain lines, you’ll need a 3-inch PVC pipe for your toilet, a 2-inch PVC pipe for stand-alone showers, and a 1 1/2-inch pipe for a shower/tub combo and the bathroom sink. Each fixture’s drain will run to the 3-inch main drain that runs through the house.

There’s no way around it—a burst pipe is often a homeowner’s worst nightmare, and the situation can range from semi-serious to dire. If you don’t catch the leak, it can lead to thousands of dollars worth of water damage.

At best, you’ll notice a burst pipe quickly, turn off your water supply, and use a wet vacuum to clean up minor flooding. A plumber can repair the pipe, and you won’t be left with a major bill. At worst, severe water damage can collapse floors, ceilings, walls, and foundations, sometimes leading to major repairs and renovations.

You can use normal solder, which consists of a tin and copper alloy, on copper pipes. You should avoid using leaded solder, especially if you're soldering together water supply lines, as it will contaminate drinking water. One way to test if your copper pipes contain lead is to scrape off the solder. If the scraped area is shiny, it likely contains lead.

The key difference between a standard spigot (or regular hose bib) and a frost-free hose bib is its design to prevent freezing and pipe bursting during cold weather. A standard spigot is a basic outdoor faucet. In contrast, a frost-free hose bib has a longer stem that extends into the heated interior of the house, placing the shut-off valve inside where it's protected from freezing temperatures. This design, often combined with a downward-sloping supply pipe, ensures water drains out of the faucet body when turned off, preventing ice formation. This allows you to leave the water supply on year-round without the risk of pipe damage, making it a valuable choice for regions with harsh winters.

Yes, you can change a bathtub faucet without changing the valve, as long as the new faucet is compatible with your existing valve system. Most manufacturers design their faucet trims (handles and spouts) to work with their standard valve bodies. However, you'll need to match the new faucet to your valve type, whether it's a compression, cartridge, or ball-type valve. Mixing brands can be problematic, but you can bring your old faucet parts to the hardware store and ask about compatibility.

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