A decision table for a running toilet, dripping faucet, dead outlet, stuck lock and cracked window pane, with how Illinois licensing affects each choice.
Call a licensed plumber for toilets and faucets, an electrician for outlets, a locksmith for a lock that will not work, and a glass company for a cracked pane. Call a handyman for door adjustment, trim, caulk, drywall and mounting. Illinois licenses plumbing and roofing at the state level, and each city or village sets electrical rules.
What does Illinois license, and what does it leave to towns?
The short version, from our guide to handyman vs. licensed contractor in Illinois:
- No statewide handyman license. Cities and villages may require a local business license or contractor registration.
- Plumbing is state licensed. The Illinois Plumbing License Law, 225 ILCS 320/3, says all plumbing "shall be performed only by plumbers licensed" under the Act. There is an exception for owners who live in a single-family home and work on it themselves.
- Roofing is state licensed. The Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation licenses roofing contractors. See its roofing page.
- Electrical is set locally. Illinois does not issue a statewide electrician license. The Illinois Municipal Code lets a municipality require the registration of electrical contractors. Ask your local building department.
To check a state-issued professional license, IDFPR offers an online License Look Up.
Which trade fits which problem?
| Problem | Who to call | Notes |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Running toilet | Licensed plumber | Plumbing work in Illinois is for licensed plumbers, with the owner-occupant exception above. |
| Dripping faucet | Licensed plumber | Same reason. If water is actively spilling, shut off the water first. |
| Outlet not working | Electrician licensed or registered where you live | If the outlet is warm, discolored, sparking or smells like burning, stop using it. NFPA says to call a qualified electrician or your landlord. |
| Door lock stuck or will not turn | Locksmith | Ask for the locksmith's license information and for a price before work starts. |
| Door sticks, rubs or will not latch, but the lock works | Handyman | Planing, hinge and strike plate adjustment is general repair. |
| Cracked window pane | Glass company | The glass is the specialty. A handyman can repair interior trim and caulk after. |
| Window sticks or will not stay open | Handyman | Sash and hardware adjustment is general repair. |
| Small drywall hole or nail pops | Handyman | Patch, prime and paint. |
| Ceiling stain that is wet or growing | Licensed plumber or roofer first | Find and fix the source before any patching. |
| Roof leak | Licensed roofer | State licensed. |
| Cabinet door off its hinge, loose handrail, shelf mounting | Handyman | General repair. |
What should you know about outlets before you call?
The National Fire Protection Association's electrical safety checklist lists reasons to call a qualified electrician or your landlord: discolored or warm wall outlets, a burning or rubbery smell from an appliance, sparks from an outlet, and frequent tripping breakers.
NFPA also notes that ground-fault circuit interrupters (GFCIs) are meant for kitchens, bathrooms, laundry, basements, garages and outdoor areas. If an outlet in one of those places stopped working, the cause may be a protective device. An electrician can tell you.
A handyman can replace a cracked cover plate. Anything behind the plate is electrical work.
What about locksmiths and glass companies?
Locksmiths and glass companies are not covered by the plumbing and roofing licenses described above. Ask your village whether any local registration applies to the trade. For any vendor, ask for:
- Their business name, address and phone number
- Proof of insurance if you need it for a lease or association
- Written scope and price before work begins
- A license number, if your town requires one
For a lock or a broken window that leaves your home open, see Emergency or can it wait?.
When does a job need more than one trade?
Many repairs involve two or three steps:
1. Find and fix the cause (plumber, electrician, locksmith, glass company or roofer).
2. Dry and clear the area.
3. Patch, paint, trim and finish (handyman).
For example, after a plumber fixes a supply line, a handyman patches the drywall and repaints. Send one clear list to each trade, and keep photos of each stage. For ideas on how to batch work, see get more done in one handyman visit.
Enhaus is family owned by Natasha and Eduard Semenenko, who live locally. Enhaus refers plumbing, electrical and roofing to licensed independent contractors.
FAQ
Can a handyman fix a running toilet in Illinois?
Illinois plumbing law says plumbing must be performed by licensed plumbers, with an exception for owners working on their own single-family home. We refer toilet and faucet work to licensed plumbers.
Who should I call for an outlet that does not work?
An electrician licensed or registered by your city or village. Stop using any outlet that is warm, discolored, sparking or smells like burning.
Do I call a locksmith or a handyman for a stuck lock?
Call a locksmith if the lock itself is jammed, broken or will not turn. A handyman can help if the door has shifted and the latch no longer lines up with the strike plate.
Who replaces a cracked window pane?
A glass company replaces the glass. A handyman can repair interior trim and caulk around it afterward.
To send your list and photos, call or text (847) 877-1877.
