Business Details
Emergency
services
Expert Plumbing & HVAC Services in Evanston
Founded in 1890, John J Cahill Inc. has built a legacy of excellence through five generations of family leadership. Our union-certified plumbers and pipefitters deliver comprehensive residential and commercial services, including emergency plumbing, HVAC solutions, and custom kitchen/bathroom remodeling. With deep roots in the North Shore community, we combine time-honored craftsmanship with modern innovation to ensure safety, comfort, and efficiency for every client.Our team prioritizes transparency, reliability, and personalized service, offering free estimates and 24/7 emergency support. From drain cleaning to radiant heating systems, we maintain industry-leading standards through continuous training and investment in advanced technologies. Our showroom in Evanston allows clients to hand-select premium fixtures, ensuring every project reflects individual needs and aesthetic preferences.
Services
Plumbing Repairs
HVAC Installation
Kitchen Remodeling
Emergency Services
Drain Cleaning
Highlights and features
- We offer 135 years of family-owned plumbing and HVAC expertise.
- Our team provides 24/7 emergency service with no hidden fees.
- Free estimates available for all residential and commercial projects.
- Union-certified technicians ensure industry-leading quality and safety.
- Custom solutions for historic home retrofits and modern installations.
Associations and certifications
- Union Certified
- EPA-Certified
What people say
Exceptional kitchen remodel
Professional technicians
Timely service
Quality workmanship
Stylish designs
Services
Plumbing Repairs
Our licensed plumbers handle all residential and commercial plumbing needs, from emergency leak repairs to sewer rodding. With expertise in modern and vintage systems, we ensure durable solutions that meet local codes. Clients benefit from same-day service and guaranteed workmanship.
HVAC Installation
We install and maintain energy-efficient heating and cooling systems, including furnaces, boilers, and ductless AC units. Our certified technicians optimize system performance for comfort and cost savings. Specializing in historic home retrofits with minimal disruption to existing structures.
Kitchen Remodeling
Our designers create custom kitchen spaces with premium fixtures and materials. The process includes personalized consultations, showroom selections, and full-project management. Clients receive functional, stylish upgrades tailored to their lifestyle and budget.
Emergency Services
Available 24 hours a day for urgent plumbing and HVAC issues. Rapid response teams equipped to handle burst pipes, heating failures, and AC emergencies. Service guarantees minimize property damage and restore comfort quickly.
Drain Cleaning
Advanced hydro-jetting and mechanical cleaning for clogged drains and sewer lines. Preventative maintenance plans reduce future blockages. Suitable for residential and commercial properties with complex plumbing systems.
People
Steve Krueger
Kitchen Designer
With 15+ years in kitchen design, Steve specializes in creating functional, aesthetically pleasing spaces. He guides clients through material selection and project planning, ensuring seamless installations that exceed expectations.
Randy Hunt
Bathroom Remodel Specialist
Randy oversees bathroom renovations with focus on accessibility and modern design. He coordinates fixture selection and installation timelines, delivering projects within budget while maintaining Cahill's quality standards.
Andy Szorc
Project Manager
Andy manages large-scale remodeling projects, ensuring timely execution and client communication. His team leadership ensures complex renovations proceed smoothly from concept to completion.
Questions
What areas do you serve?
We serve Evanston, Skokie, Winnetka, Highland Park, and surrounding North Shore communities.
Are you available for emergencies?
Yes, our 24/7 emergency service responds to plumbing and HVAC crises at any time.
Do you offer free estimates?
Yes, we provide complimentary consultations and project cost estimates for all services.
How long have you been in business?
Since 1890, making us a fifth-generation family-owned company with 135 years of experience.
What certifications do your technicians hold?
Our plumbers are union-certified, and HVAC specialists hold EPA certifications for industry-standard work.
Can I see fixture options before purchasing?
Yes, our Evanston showroom displays full kitchen and bathroom fixtures for hands-on selection.
Reviews (6)
Cindy S.
Jun 20, 2022
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Water Heater Install. I called around for a quote and Cahill was by far the cheapest (100s less than other places ). Some plumbing companies asked me questions such as how many stairs to water heater location, is it in a hard to reach area and so forth with it costing me more every time I answered yes. Cahill gave me a flat rate to replace my 21 yr old water heater. They honored that quote but a rusted valve needed replacing so I did have to pay extra for the valve.
The foreman and another employee came first thing in the morning, fixed everything fairly quickly and professionally. They never complained about the age of my water heater or rust or other things that occur with an old water heater. The only issue was the misinformation about payment. The office said I can pay the following week when they mail my bill but the foreman wanted a check in hand right after the job was finished. I would recommend having a check ready with full payment the day of install. Quality of install was above board and I would highly recommend them to install big ticket items.
The foreman and another employee came first thing in the morning, fixed everything fairly quickly and professionally. They never complained about the age of my water heater or rust or other things that occur with an old water heater. The only issue was the misinformation about payment. The office said I can pay the following week when they mail my bill but the foreman wanted a check in hand right after the job was finished. I would recommend having a check ready with full payment the day of install. Quality of install was above board and I would highly recommend them to install big ticket items.
Ronnie Dugan
Jun 07, 2022
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Excellent company but the rates they charge residential customers are too high. If you need a faucet changed or other relatively simple jobs like toilet replacement, go find another plumber or be prepared to drain your bank account. Too many good plumbers are charging sky high rates with Cahill leading the pack. That said, I use them regularly for other complex tasks which justifies their high rate.
Ric Beyer
Apr 25, 2022
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Called three companies, quickest reply. I new what I wanted he didn't have it, but had no problem getting it. Had a new hot water tank in less than 48 hours! Thanks John
Mark C.
Feb 08, 2022
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Quality work conducted fast and safely - replaced water heater and removed large tempering tank which was leaking - 24 hours from call
Ben E.
Nov 01, 2021
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Sometimes "playing plumber" doesn't work and you need a professional! Highly recommend John J Cahill of Evanston! Reliable! Trustworthy! And reasonably priced! (Yes, that's a tampon applicator that was flushed and wedged in the workings of the toilet!) - please visitors, only flush toilet paper! And respect the courtesy flush!
Amy Stockli
Aug 24, 2021
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Never again! Used Cahill for standard boiler maintenance, which included replacing the thermocouple, Dec 2019 @ cost of $350. All good. Had standard maintenance performed on the boiler again Jan 2021, again included replacing the thermocouple. This time the cost was $518! Less than 3 months later, we didn't have any heat. To have a Cahill service person come out it would be a brand new call and charge - even if it was the thermocouple that was just replaced 3 months earlier. CAHILL ONLY COVERS THEIR LABOR FOR 30 DAYS! Insane!
I used a competitor and sure enough it was the thermocouple. There are way too many other options in the market than to go with this one who is not only one of the costliest but also doesn't stand behind their work.
I used a competitor and sure enough it was the thermocouple. There are way too many other options in the market than to go with this one who is not only one of the costliest but also doesn't stand behind their work.