Lightning Plumbing Service

- 2804 N Dawson Ave, Chicago, IL 60618

When a plumbing emergency strikes in Chicago or elsewhere in Illinois, the immediate need to find a trustworthy and competent professional can lead homeowners to make rushed decisions. This urgency is sometimes exploited by fraudulent operators. This article provides crucial consumer information for Illinois residents regarding a company that has operated under the name "Lightning Plumbing Service" and highlights essential precautions to take before hiring any plumbing contractor.

Publicly available records and consumer reports raise significant concerns about the legitimacy and operation of a business listed as Lightning Plumbing Service. Illinois residents are strongly advised to exercise extreme caution and conduct thorough independent verification of any company claiming to offer plumbing services, especially those associated with serious public allegations and reported consumer issues.

The information gathered suggests that potential customers encountered major issues and that the company may not be a licensed or legitimate plumbing operation within the city or state. For any home repair or plumbing work, Illinois law requires plumbers to be licensed by the Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH). Verification of current licensing and insurance is the first and most vital step to protect yourself from potential fraud and shoddy, damaging, or illegal work.

The business "Lightning Plumbing Service" has been associated with an address and contact information in Chicago. However, public records contain severe allegations that directly contradict the image of a professional, licensed plumbing service. Specifically, there are reports, including those cited from major Chicago news outlets, suggesting the business operates under highly questionable circumstances. These reports allege that the listed business address is non-existent, and that no corresponding business or plumbing license could be found under this name with the Chicago Department of Buildings or the state IDPH. Furthermore, at least one severe consumer incident reportedly involved a customer being charged a substantial amount for damages allegedly caused by the "company," followed by the business's reported website going offline.

For consumers in Illinois, these reports serve as a powerful cautionary tale about the critical need for due diligence when selecting a contractor. The risk of encountering "rogue plumbers" or home repair fraud, where unlicensed individuals pose as credible businesses, is a known issue in the Chicagoland area. These operators may drastically overcharge for work, perform substandard repairs, or even cause damage, leaving the homeowner to cover the cost of corrections.

The business was publicly listed with the following address in Chicago:

2804 N Dawson Ave, Chicago, IL 60618, USA

However, according to public consumer alerts and media investigations, this specific address has been reported as non-existent for the purpose of a licensed, operating plumbing business. A non-existent or fake business address is a major warning sign of potential fraudulent activity. Legitimate businesses maintain a physical presence that can be verified. For Illinois residents, always cross-reference a company's physical address and phone number with official business registration and licensing records.

Based on promotional information associated with the company name, the following plumbing and heating services were reportedly offered, though the legitimacy of these offerings is highly contested due to the ongoing public allegations:

• Plumbing Service
• Emergency Services / Hour Emergency Services
• Water Heater Installation
• Water Heater Repair
• Boiler Repair
• Burst Pipes Repair
• Heating Specialists

Instead of traditional service highlights, this section focuses on critical features and red flags that Illinois consumers must be aware of when considering this entity or any similar operation:

• Reported Lack of License: Media reports and public consumer feedback indicate that no valid plumbing or business license could be located for "Lightning Plumbing Service" with the relevant Illinois state and Chicago municipal authorities. Plumbers in Illinois must be licensed by the IDPH.
• Non-Existent Address: The listed business address, 2804 N Dawson Ave, Chicago, IL 60618, has been publicly reported as a non-existent business location for this entity, which is a key indicator of a potential scam.
• BBB Status: Records indicate that this business is Not a Better Business Bureau Accredited Business, although it held a "Rating: A" at one point, highlighting the complexity of relying solely on one rating system. Always check for accreditation, not just a letter grade.
• Public Scam Allegations: Serious public reports, including from major Chicago news sources, allege scam activity, including overcharging and causing damages to customers' properties.
• Website Deactivation: Following a serious reported incident of property damage and overcharging, the company's associated website was reported to have been taken offline.

The publicly listed contact details associated with the name "Lightning Plumbing Service" are provided below. Consumers are strongly urged to use this information to verify the company's current and legitimate status with state and local regulatory agencies before initiating any service.

• Address: 2804 N Dawson Ave, Chicago, IL 60618, USA
• Phone: (872) 246-0126
• Mobile Phone: +1 872-246-0126

When selecting a plumber in Illinois, it is paramount to prioritize verified professionalism and legitimacy over quick response times, especially when dealing with emergency repairs. Given the serious nature of the allegations surrounding Lightning Plumbing Service, the best choice for any Illinois homeowner is to follow stringent consumer protection steps.

Essential Steps for Hiring a Plumber:

The Illinois Attorney General and consumer watchdogs recommend the following steps to avoid fraudulent contractors:

• Verify State and City Licenses: Plumbers must be licensed by the Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH). Always ask to see the plumber's license and verify it on the IDPH website. For Chicago, check the Department of Buildings as well. If a company cannot provide a verifiable license number, do not hire them.
• Confirm Insurance and Bonding: A legitimate plumber must be fully insured and bonded. Insurance protects you in case of accidental property damage, while a bond may protect you if the contractor fails to complete the job or secure necessary permits.
• Get Multiple Written Estimates: Always get written quotes from at least three different companies. Be suspicious of any contractor who pressures you to agree to a job immediately or offers extremely high or low pricing compared to the average.
• Check Business Reputation: Use established resources like the Better Business Bureau (BBB) to check for accreditation, customer reviews, and complaint history. Be aware that non-accredited businesses may still be listed, but accreditation signifies a commitment to ethical business practices.
• Contract and Payment Security: Insist on a written contract detailing the scope of work and total cost. Never pay the full amount upfront. Avoid paying in cash, which leaves no paper trail. Be aware that Illinois law often grants consumers a right to cancel a contract within three business days if it was signed based on a contractor's visit to your home.

The decision of who to trust with your home's vital systems should never be taken lightly. By remaining vigilant and adhering to these verification best practices, Illinois residents can effectively protect themselves from potential plumbing fraud and ensure they receive service from a qualified, licensed, and trustworthy professional.

If you suspect any fraudulent activity, immediately contact the Illinois Attorney General's Consumer Fraud Hotline to report the suspicious business.

Lightning Plumbing Service

2804 N Dawson Ave, Chicago, IL 60618, USA