It’s easy to participate in Cook County Leak Repair and stop costly leaks at your home.
Leaks can waste water and money, but fixing them doesn’t have to be complicated. Cook County Leak Repair offers a simple four-step process to help residents stop leaks and improve water efficiency—completely free of charge.
Enroll in Cook County Leak Repair: Simply fill out the form. We can help you confirm your eligibility.
Talk to a specialist: A team member will call you to discuss your plumbing needs. If you have large or complex leaks, we may schedule a free in-home assessment.
Repairs and Upgrades: A licensed plumber will repair leaks, install efficiency upgrades, and restore any areas impacted by the repairs at no cost.
Enjoy savings: Repairing leaky plumbing can reduce your water bills.
The program covers leak repairs for fixtures that supply clean water.
Leaks We Can Fix |
|
|---|---|
| Type of Leak | Examples |
| Toilets | Running toilet, leaking flapper, faulty handle |
| Faucets (Kitchen or Bathroom) | Dripping kitchen or bathroom sink, faulty cartridge |
| Shower–heads | Leaking shower–head, old model replaced |
| Pipes Inside Your Home | Burst water supply pipes |
| Valves | Leaking shut-off valve |
Large plumbing leaks are assessed on a case-by-case basis.
The program does not cover leaks related to backups or sewage.
Leaks We Cannot Fix |
|
|---|---|
| Type of Leak | Examples |
| Structural and Slab Leaks | Roof, foundation, or wall leaks |
| Appliances | Dishwashers, washing machines, refrigerators |
| Boilers* | Leaks in boiler systems or distribution piping |
| Sewer Lines and Related Leaks | Wastewater backups or drain line issues |
| Sump Pumps and Related Leaks | Replacement or repair of sump pumps |
| Finish Repairs Caused by Leaks | Paint, flooring, or other damage caused by leaks |
| Drain Leaks or Clogged Pipes | Leaks caused by backed-up drains or clogged pipes |
| Roof Leaks | Damage or leaks from your roof |
| Basement Leaks | Basement leaks |
| Leaks Or Standing Water From Inclement Weather (Rain) | Leaks caused by rain, snow, or other inclement weather |
| Irrigation System Leaks* | Leaks resulting from sprinklers or other irrigation systems |
*We can help shut off water to these systems, but they are not eligible for repair.
The program uses funds from the federal government through the American Rescue Plan Act, making repairs free.
Renters are eligible to participate if they are responsible for the water bill, pending approval from the property owner.
Applicants with severe leaks will be prioritized for a plumber to come out as soon as possible. You can expect to hear from the program team within a few days of applying.
Simple Repairs
You can expect to be connected with the program plumber for simple repairs. The plumber will contact you directly to make an appointment. Please keep this original time to hold your place in the program. If you cannot make your appointment, please contact the plumber as soon as possible and at least 24 hours in advance.
Complex Repairs
A program team member will visit your house for complex repairs to complete a site assessment. After the assessment, a plumber will come for a walk-through.
The program may be able to support some residents with past-due water bills pending funding availability. Please include any water bill information on your application. After your application is accepted, you will be asked to upload a copy of your most recent water bill.
The program allocates a maximum budget for repairs and replacements for each home. We strive to address the most critical plumbing issues, but we may be unable to repair or replace every fixture in your home. Our team will work with you to prioritize repairs that provide the greatest water savings and address the most urgent needs.
Cook County Leak Repair has designated plumbers for this program that are under contract with Elevate and authorized to make repairs. The program does not reimburse for repairs made outside of the program.
To ensure we can assist as many people as possible, participation in the program is limited to once per household.
If you notice a leak after repairs, please contact the plumber who worked in your home. The plumber will address leaks related to the repairs completed, while leaks unrelated to the repairs completed will be the homeowner’s responsibility. If you need help finding their contact information, please reach out to the Cook County Leak Repair team at info@CookCountyLeakRepair.org.
Elevate is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization that works nationally and is headquartered in Chicago. Elevate seeks to create a just and equitable world in which everyone has clean and affordable heat, cooling, power, and water in their homes and communities — prioritizing frontline communities. Our programs, policy agenda, and partners reflect this commitment.
Elevate administers the Cook County Leak Repair on behalf of Cook County Government.