Business Details
50+ Years
experience
Emergency
services
Trusted Plumbing and Mechanical Services in Chicago
Established in 1946, Great Lakes Plumbing & Heating has built a legacy as a trusted provider of comprehensive plumbing, mechanical, and fire protection solutions. Our family-owned business combines decades of expertise with cutting-edge technology to deliver custom-designed systems tailored to the unique needs of commercial, industrial, and residential clients across the Chicago metropolitan area. With a team of seasoned professionals, we prioritize safety, quality, and meticulous project management, ensuring every project is completed on time and within budget.Our commitment to innovation extends to advanced design tools like BIM and prefabrication techniques, which enhance efficiency and precision. For over 75 years, we have maintained long-term relationships with clients by offering 24/7 emergency service, personalized communication, and solutions that minimize downtime while maximizing system longevity. Recognized for our work in iconic structures like Willis Tower and Navy Pier, we continue to set industry standards through our dedication to client satisfaction and technical excellence.
Services
Commercial Plumbing
Mechanical Contracting
Fire Protection Systems
Design/Build Solutions
24/7 Emergency Service
System Maintenance
Specialty Piping
Clean Room Installation
Sprinkler Retrofits
HVAC Systems
Details
- Year established: 1946
Highlights and features
- We offer 75+ years of specialized plumbing and mechanical contracting experience
- Our skilled team includes in-house engineers and certified technicians
- 24/7 emergency service available for critical system failures
- We utilize BIM technology and prefabrication for precision projects
- Long-term client relationships maintained through transparent communication
What people say
Trusted partners for 25+ years
Exceeding expectations consistently
Proactive communication approach
Skilled engineering team
Reliable emergency response
Services
Commercial Plumbing
We design and install commercial plumbing systems across Chicago. Our experienced team handles projects of all sizes, from high-rise buildings to industrial facilities. Using advanced technology and prefabrication techniques, we ensure efficient water distribution, drainage, and gas piping systems that meet strict code requirements while minimizing maintenance needs.
Fire Protection
Our fire protection services include design, installation, and maintenance of wet/dry sprinkler systems, fire pumps, and clean agent suppression. Certified engineers ensure compliance with local and national codes. We specialize in retrofitting existing buildings while maintaining operational continuity for commercial clients across the Midwest.
Mechanical Contracting
We provide heating, ventilation, and air conditioning solutions for commercial and industrial spaces. Our capabilities include medical gas systems, clean room environments, and data center cooling. With BIM technology integration, we deliver energy-efficient mechanical systems that enhance indoor air quality and operational reliability for facilities like hospitals and laboratories.
Design/Build
Our in-house engineering team creates tailored mechanical and plumbing systems using Building Information Modeling. This approach allows clients to visualize projects before construction begins. We manage complex challenges from concept to completion, ensuring cost-effective solutions that meet specific operational requirements for new constructions and renovations.
24/7 Service
We offer round-the-clock maintenance and emergency repair services for plumbing, mechanical, and fire protection systems. Our rapid response team addresses critical issues like burst pipes, HVAC failures, and sprinkler malfunctions. Preventative maintenance plans help clients avoid downtime and extend equipment lifespan across commercial properties.
People
George W. Treutelaar
Chairman
Fourth-generation leader with over 40 years in mechanical contracting. Oversees strategic direction while maintaining family commitment to quality. Instrumental in expanding services to include advanced design/build capabilities and technology integration.
Justin Treutelaar
President, Business Development
Third-generation executive driving business growth since 2001. Focuses on client relationships and market expansion. Holds engineering degree and specializes in complex project coordination for commercial and industrial clients across multiple sectors.
Matt Treutelaar
President, Operations
Operations leader with 25+ years managing large-scale projects. Oversees field operations, safety protocols, and workforce development. Ensures adherence to quality standards across all plumbing, mechanical, and fire protection installations.
John Devine
Executive Vice President
30-year industry veteran directing major project execution. Specializes in healthcare and data center infrastructure. Maintains relationships with key clients through transparent communication and delivery of complex mechanical systems under tight deadlines.
Jerry Graupman
Vice President, Fire Protection
Licensed professional engineer leading fire safety division. 25+ years designing code-compliant systems for commercial buildings. Expert in sprinkler retrofits and fire pump installations, ensuring client compliance with evolving safety regulations.
Questions
What areas do you serve?
We primarily serve the Chicago metropolitan area, including surrounding suburbs like Naperville, Westmont, and Elk Grove. Our service radius extends to support major commercial and industrial projects across Illinois.
Do you handle emergency repairs?
Yes, our 24/7 emergency service responds to plumbing, mechanical, and fire protection system failures. We dispatch technicians promptly to minimize downtime and property damage for commercial clients.
What industries do you specialize in?
We work extensively in healthcare, data centers, hospitality, and industrial sectors. Our team has specialized expertise in complex systems for hospitals, laboratories, and high-rise buildings.
How do you ensure project quality?
We combine experienced personnel with BIM technology and prefabrication. Our quality control includes regular inspections, code compliance verification, and client communication throughout each project phase.
Can you retrofit existing systems?
Yes, we specialize in upgrading plumbing and fire protection systems in existing buildings. Our approach minimizes tenant disruption while improving efficiency and code compliance for commercial properties.
What sets you apart from competitors?
Our combination of 75+ years local experience, in-house engineering, and 24/7 service creates unique value. We maintain long-term client relationships through transparent communication and delivery of complex projects on time.
