Dan Hickey Plumbing & Heating serves homeowners, landlords, property managers, and businesses across Wakefield and Middlesex County with the full range of residential and commercial plumbing work. From a dripping faucet to a burst pipe, we handle it all. Same-day appointments are often available, and we're open every day from 6:30 AM to 9:30 PM. When you call, you get honest recommendations on repairs, never an upsell. Call (339) 365-9282 for a quote.
Same-day service. Upfront pricing. Licensed plumbers.
We plumb homes and businesses every day, and we're good at it, which means you get a plumber who knows what they're looking at from the moment they walk in the door.
Slow drains and stubborn clogs are among the most common calls we get. Whether it's a kitchen sink that won't drain, a shower backing up, or a toilet that keeps clogging, we clear it. We use drain snaking for most blockages and hydro jetting for tougher buildup that a snake won't fully clear. If the clog keeps coming back, there's usually a reason, and we find it.
Leaks are another everyday job. We locate and repair pipe leaks, water line damage, and broken supply connections throughout the house. A slow leak inside a wall or under a slab can do real damage before it becomes visible, so we take leak detection seriously. When a pipe bursts, we get to the source and make the repair.
Fixture and appliance work rounds out a big part of what we do. Toilet repair and replacement, faucet installation, garbage disposal service, outdoor hose bibs, bathroom and kitchen fixture upgrades - all of it falls within our scope. If you're remodeling or just replacing a worn-out fixture, we handle the plumbing side of the job cleanly.
Low water pressure is worth diagnosing properly, because the cause varies. It might be a failing shutoff valve, a clogged aerator, corroded pipe, or a pressure regulator that needs attention. We trace it down and fix the actual problem. We treat your home and its pipes the way we would our own, which means no guesswork and no unnecessary work.
We also handle gas line service on the plumbing side, including repairs to the gas line itself where it connects to a plumbing appliance. We speak to the line, not the appliance.
We'll make your plumbing sound again.
Getting your water flowing again is easier than you think. If your water heater is underperforming, leaking, or simply not producing hot water, we diagnose the problem and tell you what it needs.
For tank water heaters, we handle repairs to heating elements, thermostats, pressure relief valves, and connections, as well as full unit replacement when the tank has run its course. For tankless systems, we service and install units that deliver hot water on demand without the storage tank. Both types have their place depending on the home and the household's needs, and we'll walk you through the options when you call.
A no-hot-water call is one of the more urgent situations we respond to, and same-day service is often available for it. Work on water heaters is performed by licensed plumbers who know the job from the gas or water line in to the connections out.
We keep your home dry and your water flowing.
Here's what most people get wrong about their plumbing: a slow drain in one fixture is a nuisance, but a slow drain in every fixture at once usually means the main sewer line is the problem.
Main line clogs and sewer backups are a different category of job from a standard drain clog. We run a camera through the line to see exactly what's happening, whether that's a grease buildup, a root intrusion, a collapsed section, or a joint that's shifted. Video inspection takes the guesswork out of the diagnosis and lets us recommend the right fix rather than throwing methods at the problem.
For stubborn main line buildup, hydro jetting is often the most effective approach. It clears the line thoroughly rather than just punching a hole through the clog.
We work on the sewer line from the house out to the city connection. We take pride in the plumbing work we leave behind, and that starts with knowing what's actually in the pipe before we decide how to address it.
Reach out and we'll start at the source of the leak.
Wakefield's housing stock includes some of the oldest homes in the region. That means galvanized steel, original copper, aged cast-iron drain stacks, and clay sewer lines are all common here. Add Middlesex County's winters, the groundwater that comes with spring snowmelt, and the low-lying areas around the lake, and certain plumbing jobs come up again and again. These are the services we're called out for most often in this area.
Older homes in Wakefield frequently have galvanized steel pipe that has been corroding from the inside for decades. The result is reduced water pressure, discolored water, and pipes that are close to failing. We assess the existing system, discuss material options, and repipe the home with minimal disruption to walls and finishes where possible. Lead service line replacement is also a job we handle, particularly in homes where the original supply line from the street hasn't been updated. Repiping is not a small job, but it solves problems that no amount of patching will fix permanently.
Tree roots find their way into older clay and cast-iron sewer lines, and the ground movement that comes with freeze-thaw cycles in Massachusetts speeds up the deterioration. We inspect the line with a camera, confirm the extent of the damage, and replace what needs replacing. Where the site conditions allow, trenchless methods can reduce the amount of digging involved. We work on the line from the house out, and we replace cast-iron drain stacks inside the home when they've reached the end of their service life.
Basements in Middlesex County take on water. Spring snowmelt, heavy rain, and the nor'easters that roll through every winter all push groundwater against foundation walls. A working sump pump is the difference between a dry basement and a flooded one. We install new sump pumps, repair and replace failing units, and address the drainage plumbing that gets water to the pump in the first place. If your sump pump hasn't been checked in a while, it's worth a call before the next storm.
Our customers call us back because we make plumbing simple, and that goes for homeowners and property managers alike.
For homeowners, we handle the everyday repairs and the bigger projects: bathroom and kitchen plumbing, fixture upgrades, remodels, new construction rough-in, and the frozen pipe repairs that come with a Massachusetts winter. Whatever the job, we scope it honestly and get it done.
For commercial clients, landlords, and property managers, we work on rental units, apartment buildings, office spaces, and retail properties throughout the area. Multi-unit buildings have their own plumbing demands, and we're familiar with the work involved in keeping them running. Renovation and remodel projects are part of what we do as well, including the plumbing side of kitchen and bathroom buildouts.
You always know who to call if you need us again.
Plumbing problems don't wait, and neither do we, which is why we're available every day from 6:30 AM to 9:30 PM for urgent calls.
Burst pipes, major leaks, sewer backups, and no-hot-water situations are the calls that can't wait for a scheduled appointment. Same-day service is often available for these situations. We don't promise a specific arrival window, but we work to get to urgent calls as quickly as the schedule allows.
When something goes wrong with your plumbing, the last thing you need is pressure or a sales pitch. We operate with no pressure and no gimmicks, just sound, lasting plumbing. Call (339) 365-9282 and tell us what's happening.
Not the biggest name in town. Just the one that answers. No runaround.
When you call, you get a price before anything is scheduled. We talk through the job, ask the right questions, and give you a rate based on what the work actually involves.
Plumbing costs vary depending on the scope of the job, the parts required, and how accessible the problem is. A straightforward faucet replacement is priced differently from a sewer line repair. We explain what goes into the number so you understand what you're paying for and why.
Ask what it covers and you get a straight answer. We make the repair and leave it tidy.
We provide plumbing service across Wakefield and the surrounding communities in Middlesex County. If you're nearby, we can get to you.
Service area includes:
Call (339) 365-9282 to confirm coverage at your address and get a quote.
Common signs include inconsistent hot water, water that takes longer than usual to heat, discoloration or a metallic taste, visible corrosion around the tank, or water pooling near the base of the unit. A unit that is producing some hot water but not enough may be repairable. One that is leaking from the tank itself or has significant corrosion is usually at the end of its useful life, and replacement is the more practical call.
A water heater that is struggling to keep up can affect water pressure at fixtures, cause inconsistent temperatures during showers, and put stress on the supply connections around the unit. Sediment buildup inside an older tank reduces efficiency and can accelerate corrosion. Addressing the water heater early, before it fails completely, avoids the disruption of a no-hot-water emergency.
We are open every day from 6:30 AM to 9:30 PM, and emergency calls within those hours are answered and scheduled as quickly as the situation allows. Same-day service is often available when you call. We do not promise a specific arrival window, but we work to get to urgent calls as fast as the schedule permits.
Shut off the water supply to the affected fixture or to the whole house if the leak is significant or the source is not clear. Avoid using any drains or fixtures connected to a backed-up line. Keep the area clear so the plumber can get to the problem quickly, and note any details about when the issue started or what changed before it appeared.
Tree roots enter sewer lines through small cracks or loose joints and expand over time, eventually blocking the flow or causing the pipe to collapse. We run a camera through the line to identify exactly where the intrusion has occurred and how extensive the damage is. Depending on what the inspection shows, we clear the line, repair the affected section, or replace the line where the damage is too far along for a targeted fix.
A whole-home repipe replaces the supply lines throughout the house, typically with copper or PEX depending on the job. We assess the existing system first, then work through the replacement line by line. The level of disruption depends on the layout of the home and how accessible the existing pipes are, but we work to minimize the impact on walls and finishes where the job allows.
A patch is appropriate when the damage is isolated, the surrounding pipe is in good condition, and the repair can be made to hold reliably. When a pipe is corroded throughout, has had multiple failures in different spots, or is made of a material that has reached the end of its service life, ongoing patching costs more in the long run than a full replacement. We assess the condition of the pipe and give you an honest recommendation either way.
We start by identifying where the water is showing up and working back from there, using pressure testing and inspection of accessible sections of the line. Where the leak is not obvious from the surface, we use detection methods that narrow down the location before we open anything up. The goal is to find the source accurately so the repair is made in the right place.
We confirm water flow, check for leaks at connections and joints, and verify that any affected fixtures or appliances are operating correctly before we leave. For drain work, we run water through the line to confirm the clog is fully cleared. For water heater replacements, we verify that the unit is producing hot water and that all connections are secure.
We inspect the existing pump and drainage plumbing to assess the condition of the system. If the pump has failed or is undersized for the volume of water the basement takes on, we replace it with a unit appropriate for the load. We also check that the discharge line is routing water away from the foundation correctly, because a pump that drains back toward the house defeats the purpose.
Shutoff valves in older homes can corrode to the point where they no longer close fully, which becomes a serious problem during a leak or repair. Supply lines made of galvanized steel narrow over time as corrosion builds up inside, reducing pressure and eventually failing. If your home has original valves or supply lines that have never been replaced, a plumber can assess their condition and let you know whether replacement makes sense.
Dan Hickey Plumbing & Heating handles residential plumbing, commercial plumbing, emergency calls, and the everyday repairs that keep your water running right. We're open every day from 6:30 AM to 9:30 PM. Call (339) 365-9282 for a quote and we'll take it from there.
Ready for your pipes. Call today.
Below is a plain-language look at the plumbing work we handle across Wakefield and the surrounding communities. Each row covers what the service includes, who it fits best, and a practical note to help you decide whether to call. If you have questions about a specific job, call us and we will walk through it with you before anything is scheduled.
| Type of Job | What It Covers | Typical Situations | Worth Knowing |
|---|---|---|---|
| Whole-Home Repiping |
| older Wakefield homes with corroding galvanized pipe, discolored water, or persistent pressure problems | Galvanized steel pipe corrodes from the inside over time, narrowing the line and eventually failing. Repiping solves problems that patching cannot fix permanently. |
| Water Pressure & Shutoff Valve Repair |
| homes with noticeably low pressure or valves that no longer close fully | Shutoff valves in older homes often corrode to the point where they will not fully close, which creates a serious problem during any repair or emergency. |
| Toilet Repair & Installation |
| homeowners with a toilet that runs, leaks at the base, or needs full replacement | A running toilet can waste a significant amount of water before the problem becomes obvious. Most repairs are straightforward and completed in a single visit. |
| Sewer Line Replacement |
| homes with older clay or cast-iron sewer lines showing root damage or freeze-thaw deterioration | Massachusetts freeze-thaw cycles accelerate deterioration in clay and cast-iron lines. We inspect first and replace only what the camera confirms needs replacing. |
| Leak Detection & Repair |
| anyone who suspects a hidden leak or has visible water damage | Leaks inside walls or under floors can cause significant damage before they surface. Early detection keeps repair costs down. |
| Water Heater Repair & ReplacementMost Popular |
| households with inconsistent hot water, a leaking tank, or a unit past its useful life | Same-day service is often available for no-hot-water calls. Work is performed by licensed plumbers who know the gas and water line connections. |
| Frozen Pipe Repair |
| homeowners dealing with a freeze event or preparing exposed pipes for a Massachusetts winter | Pipes in unheated crawl spaces, exterior walls, and uninsulated areas are most at risk. A burst pipe after a freeze is one of the more damaging plumbing emergencies we respond to. |
| Emergency Plumbing |
| urgent situations that cannot wait for a scheduled appointment | We are open every day from 6:30 AM to 9:30 PM. Same-day service is often available for emergency calls placed within those hours. |
| Sewer & Main Line Service |
| homes with multiple slow drains, recurring backups, or suspected main line problems | Slow drains at every fixture usually point to the main line, not individual clogs. Camera inspection confirms the cause before we recommend a fix. |
| Drain Cleaning & Clog Removal |
| homeowners dealing with slow or backed-up drains | A clog that keeps coming back usually points to a deeper problem in the line. We find the cause, not just the blockage. |
| Faucet & Fixture Installation |
| remodels, fixture upgrades, or worn-out hardware that needs replacing | We handle the plumbing side of kitchen and bathroom updates cleanly, whether it is a single faucet or a full fixture swap. |
| Sump Pump & Basement Drainage |
| Middlesex County basements that take on water during snowmelt, heavy rain, or nor'easters | A sump pump that has not been checked in a while is worth a call before the next storm season. A failed pump during a nor'easter turns into a flooded basement fast. |
What is the difference between a tank and a tankless water heater, and how do I know which one fits my home?
Tank water heaters store a set volume of hot water and keep it ready. Tankless units heat water on demand as it passes through the unit, so there is no storage tank to run out. Tank units are simpler to install and typically cost less upfront. Tankless units take up less space and can be a good fit for households with consistent high-volume hot water demand. The right choice depends on the home's layout, the existing gas or water line setup, and how the household uses hot water. When you call, we talk through both options and give you a straight recommendation based on the job.
What are the signs that a main sewer line is the problem rather than a single clogged fixture?
The clearest sign is multiple fixtures draining slowly or backing up at the same time. If your toilet gurgles when you run the sink, or water backs up into the tub when you flush, the main line is the likely source. A single slow drain is usually a fixture-level clog. When the problem shows up in more than one place, or when a cleared drain keeps backing up, we run a camera through the main line to see exactly what is in there before recommending a fix.
What does hydro jetting clear that a drain snake cannot?
A drain snake punches through a blockage and restores flow, but it does not clean the pipe wall. Grease, mineral scale, and compacted debris can coat the inside of a line and cause recurring clogs even after snaking. Hydro jetting uses high-pressure water to scour the pipe wall, clearing buildup that a snake would pass right through. It is the more thorough approach for lines that keep clogging or for main lines with significant buildup.
Work Performed by Licensed Plumbers
Every job, from a faucet swap to a full repipe, is handled by licensed plumbers who know the work. We do not cut corners on the trade qualification of the people coming to your home.
How do I know whether my home's pipes need to be fully replaced or whether repairs will hold?
The condition of the surrounding pipe is the key factor. A single isolated failure in otherwise sound pipe is a reasonable candidate for a targeted repair. When a pipe is corroded throughout, has failed in multiple spots, or is made of a material that has reached the end of its service life, patching costs more over time than replacing the line. Galvanized steel pipe in particular corrodes from the inside, and by the time one section fails the rest of the line is often in similar shape. We assess what is there and give you an honest read on whether a repair makes sense or whether replacement is the better call.
What causes low water pressure, and can it be fixed without repiping the whole house?
Low pressure has several common causes. A failing pressure regulator, a partially closed shutoff valve, a clogged aerator, or mineral buildup inside older galvanized pipe can all reduce flow at fixtures. In many cases the fix is straightforward: replacing a regulator, clearing a valve, or cleaning an aerator. When the cause is internal corrosion in the supply lines throughout the house, repiping is the lasting solution. We trace the problem to its actual source before recommending anything.
Do I need to be home when the plumber comes out?
Someone needs to be present to let the plumber in and to confirm the scope of the work before anything starts. For rental units and commercial properties, that can be a property manager, a building superintendent, or another authorized contact. We confirm who will be on site when the appointment is scheduled so there are no delays on the day of the visit.
Scope Agreed Before Any Pipe Is Cut
We talk through the job and confirm the price before anything is scheduled. You know what is being done and what it costs before we start.
When does a running or leaking toilet need to be replaced rather than repaired?
Most running toilets are a repair, not a replacement. A worn flapper, a faulty fill valve, or a float that needs adjustment are common causes and straightforward fixes. A toilet that leaks at the base, has a cracked tank or bowl, or has had repeated internal failures is often more economical to replace than to keep repairing. Older toilets also use significantly more water per flush than current models, so replacement can make sense on that basis alone. We look at the condition of the unit and give you a clear recommendation either way.
How does pricing work, and when do I find out what the job will cost?
You get a price when you call, before anything is scheduled. We ask about the job, the symptoms, and the setup, then give you a rate based on what the work actually involves. Plumbing costs vary depending on the scope, the parts required, and how accessible the problem is. We explain what goes into the number so you know what you are paying for. The price is confirmed before we schedule, and you can ask what it covers and get a straight answer.
Experienced With Older and Newer Homes
Wakefield's housing stock runs from century-old colonials to recent construction. We are familiar with galvanized supply lines, cast-iron drain stacks, clay sewer lines, and modern PEX systems alike.
When should I call a plumber rather than attempting a repair myself?
Simple tasks like replacing a faucet aerator, a showerhead, or a toilet flapper are reasonable DIY jobs for someone comfortable with basic tools. Once the work involves cutting into a supply line, opening a drain stack, working on a water heater, or diagnosing a problem that is not visible, a licensed plumber is the right call. Mistakes on pressurized supply lines or drain venting can cause water damage or create code problems that cost more to fix than the original repair would have. If you are unsure whether a job is within scope for a DIY fix, a quick call to describe the situation will tell you.
How long does a water heater replacement typically take?
A straightforward tank water heater replacement in an accessible location is usually completed in a few hours. Tankless installations take longer because they often involve changes to the gas line, the venting, and the water connections. The timeline depends on the type of unit, the condition of the existing connections, and whether any code upgrades are needed at the same time. We give you a realistic estimate of the time involved when you call.
What causes a faucet or fixture to drip, and is it worth repairing?
Most dripping faucets come down to a worn washer, O-ring, or cartridge inside the valve body. The repair is usually straightforward and worth doing, because even a slow drip wastes a measurable amount of water over time and the drip tends to worsen rather than stop on its own. The age and condition of the fixture matters. A faucet that is corroded, has stripped connections, or is a model where parts are no longer available is often a better candidate for replacement. We assess the fixture and give you a clear answer on which direction makes more sense.
Call (339) 365-9282 and tell us what is going on. We will ask the right questions, give you a price, and get the job on the schedule.
(339) 365-9282