Compare the highest-rated plumbing professionals in Essex, Massachusetts. All contractors are licensed, insured, and verified through our rigorous screening process.
A full-service plumbing and heating company serving Essex and the North Shore for over 25 years. They specialize in both residential and commercial plumbing, with 24/7 emergency response teams. Known for their expertise in water heater installation, drain cleaning, and addressing the unique plumbing challenges of older Essex homes.
Serving the entire North Shore region including Essex, this highly-rated contractor specializes in emergency plumbing repairs and complex installations. They have extensive experience with local coastal plumbing systems and offer advanced leak detection services. Their team is available 24/7 for urgent plumbing issues.
Specializing in drain cleaning and sewer services for the Essex coastal community, this company handles everything from clogged drains to full sewer line replacements. They offer trenchless pipe repair technology and are known for their quick response times for emergency drain issues, particularly important in Essex's older infrastructure.
Essex, Massachusetts features predominantly older homes (many historic) with aging plumbing infrastructure that presents unique challenges. The coastal environment can accelerate corrosion in pipes, and many properties have well systems and septic tanks rather than municipal sewer connections. Common issues include frozen pipes in winter, corroded galvanized pipes in older homes, and drain problems related to the area's clay soil. Local plumbers must be familiar with both historic preservation requirements and modern code compliance.
4.7+ star average from verified customer reviews
All contractors are properly licensed and insured
10+ years average experience in the industry
Familiar with Essex regulations and climate
Get answers to common questions about plumbing services in Essex, Massachusetts.
Given Essex's many historic homes and cold New England winters, frequent issues include frozen and burst pipes in poorly insulated crawl spaces, corrosion in older galvanized steel lines, and seasonal sump pump failures during spring thaws. Additionally, the town's proximity to the Essex River basin can mean higher groundwater, leading to basement drainage and sewer backup concerns during heavy rains.
Always choose a plumber licensed by the Massachusetts Board of State Examiners of Plumbers and Gas Fitters. For reliability, seek local providers with strong reputations in Essex and neighboring towns like Gloucester or Ipswich, as they understand the specific challenges of our coastal area. Check for proper insurance and ask for references from recent jobs, particularly for older home repairs which are common here.
Costs vary but reflect North Shore Massachusetts rates. A standard service call typically ranges from $100-$200. Repiping a section of an older home can cost $1,500-$4,000, while a water heater replacement generally runs $1,800-$3,500, including installation and compliance with state code. Emergency or after-hours services, especially during a winter freeze, will carry a significant premium.
Yes. All plumbing work requires a permit from the Essex Building Department, and inspections are mandatory. This is crucial for protecting the value of your historic home and ensuring compliance with the Massachusetts State Plumbing Code. Special attention is given to work in designated historic districts and to proper backflow prevention, which is important for homes near the town's water bodies.
The ideal times are late fall (before freezing temperatures) to winterize pipes and inspect heating systems, and early spring to check sump pumps and drainage after the thaw. Scheduling these services early is key, as Essex plumbers are in highest demand during sudden cold snaps in January or during the busy summer season when many homeowners are preparing their properties.