Plumbing Services in Boston, MA

Plumbing in Boston at a glanceBoston’s housing is among the oldest of any major U.S. city. Triple-deckers in Dorchester and Somerville-adjacent neighborhoods, brick row houses in the South End and Back Bay, and Victorian single-families in Jamaica Plain and West Roxbury commonly carry original cast iron drain stacks, galvanized supply lines and decades of layered renovations. Some older homes still have lead service lines, and the Boston Water and Sewer Commission has offered programs to help replace them.

Boston’s water comes from the Quabbin and Wachusett reservoirs through the MWRA and is soft, so hard-water scale is rarely the problem. Cold is: long New England winters freeze pipes in exterior walls, porches and unheated basements, and Massachusetts requires permits and licensed plumbers for most plumbing and gas work under the state plumbing code.

Bright bathroom with freestanding tub and cream vanity

Housing & construction

Triple-deckers, brick row houses, Victorian single-families and converted multi-family buildings, plus newer condos in the Seaport and downtown.

Plumbing services in Boston

Wrench tightening a fitting on metal piping

Pipe Repair in Boston

Galvanized risers in multi-family homes

Boston pipe repair →

New blue water main pipe and valves exposed in an excavated trench

Water Line Repair in Boston

BWSC replacement programs

Boston water line repair →

Drain Cleaning in Boston

Shared stacks

Boston drain cleaning →

Also common in Boston: water heater repair, gas line plumbing.

Common plumbing problems in Boston

Brown or Rusty Water in BostonGalvanized supply pipe

What makes Boston plumbing different

Triple-decker plumbing

Three stacked units often share drain stacks and supply risers, so one leak or clog can affect every floor.

Soft MWRA water

Low mineral content means little scale; corrosion control is handled at the treatment level.

Lead service lines

Some older homes still have lead service lines; check with the Boston Water and Sewer Commission about replacement programs.

State plumbing code and permits

Massachusetts requires licensed plumbers and permits for most plumbing and gas work.

Seasonal plumbing calendar for Boston

WinterInsulate pipes in exterior walls, porches and basements; keep heat on in vacant units.
Nor’eastersCoastal storms and heavy snow can cause power loss and frozen pipes; know your shutoffs.
Spring thawCheck sump pumps and basement drainage as snow melts.

Plumbing emergency in Boston?

Close the main water shutoff, or the fixture valve if the problem is in one place.
Stay away from water near outlets or the electrical panel.
For sewage backups, stop using all drains.
If you smell gas, leave and call the gas utility or 911 from outside.

Call (866) 417-0220

Boston plumbing questions

Is Boston tap water hard?

No. Boston’s MWRA water from the Quabbin and Wachusett reservoirs is soft, so mineral scale is uncommon.

Does Boston help replace lead service lines?

The Boston Water and Sewer Commission has offered lead service line replacement programs. Check current eligibility for your address.

Do I need a permit for plumbing work in Boston?

Most plumbing and gas work in Massachusetts requires a licensed plumber and a permit from the local inspector.

Why do pipes freeze in Boston triple-deckers?

Pipes running through exterior walls, back porches and unheated basements are exposed to cold; vacant or underheated units freeze first.

Who fixes a shared stack in a Boston condo building?

Shared stacks are usually common elements maintained by the condo association, while branch lines inside a unit may be the owner’s responsibility.

Nearby service areas

We also serve communities around Boston, including Cambridge, Somerville, Brookline, Quincy, Newton, Medford.

Massachusetts