Lawrence and the communities around it sit on some of the oldest residential and commercial building stock in New England. That means the plumbing in a lot of these properties has had decades to age, corrode, and develop the kind of problems that don't fix themselves. Dan Hickey Plumbing & Heating handles that work across Lawrence, Methuen, Andover, North Andover, Salem, and Haverhill, from a single leaky fixture to a full sewer line replacement. Licensed plumbers perform every job, and we give honest recommendations on repairs, never an upsell.
Whether you own a multi-unit building in the city, manage a commercial property, or are dealing with a plumbing problem in your own home, the call works the same way. You tell us what's happening, we walk through what the job involves, and you get a price before anything is scheduled. We treat your home and its pipes the way we would our own, and we don't consider a job finished until the work holds and the space is left the way we found it.
Plumbing problems don't wait, and neither do we, which is especially true in a city where a lot of the housing hasn't had its pipes touched since it was built. In Lawrence and the surrounding area, that means galvanized steel supply lines that have been narrowing from the inside for decades, cast-iron drain stacks that are cracking or shifting at the joints, and clay sewer laterals that tree roots have been working their way into for years. A property that has changed hands several times often carries a mix of materials and repair approaches that don't always agree with each other.
Older multi-family buildings are a particular case. The supply and drain systems in a building with several units have been carrying more load for longer, and a problem in one unit often has a cause that runs through the whole building. We assess what's actually there before recommending a course of action, because the right fix depends on the condition of the pipe, not just the symptom showing at the surface.
A refrigerator water line is a small job that causes real damage when it's done wrong or left to fail. We run the supply line correctly, make sure the connection is secure, and confirm there's no drip at the fitting before we leave. Ice maker lines in older kitchens sometimes tap into supply runs that are already under stress, so we check the condition of the line we're connecting to as well.
A standard drain snake punches through a clog. Hydro jetting clears the pipe wall. In buildings where grease, scale, and years of buildup have narrowed the line, jetting is the method that actually restores flow rather than just reopening it temporarily. We use it on kitchen drains, main drain runs, and sewer lines where the buildup is too heavy for a snake to address properly.
Galvanized steel pipe corrodes from the inside out. The result is reduced pressure, discolored water, and a supply system that is progressively failing even when no single pipe has broken yet. Polybutylene, a grey plastic pipe installed in some homes through the 1980s and 1990s, is known to become brittle and crack without much warning. Both materials are worth replacing rather than patching. We assess the full supply system and work through the replacement in a way that minimizes disruption to walls and finishes where the layout allows.
A leak in a supply line running beneath a concrete slab is not always obvious from the surface. Rising water bills, warm spots underfoot, or the sound of running water when everything is shut off are common signs. We locate the leak accurately before we open anything up, which keeps the repair targeted rather than exploratory. Once the source is confirmed, we repair or reroute the affected line.
Shower and bath installation covers the plumbing side of the job: supply connections, drain rough-in, valve and fixture installation, and confirming that everything is watertight before the finish work goes in. In older homes where the existing supply and drain lines are not where a new layout needs them, we reroute what has to move and assess whether the existing pipe is in good enough condition to connect to.
Most calls start with a symptom, not a diagnosis. A drain that's slow, a fixture that's dripping, water showing up where it shouldn't. The work begins with finding what's actually causing it, because the visible problem and the real problem are not always the same thing. A leak at a fixture might trace back to a supply connection, a failed valve, or a line that's been failing slowly for a while. We start at the source, not the surface. The service page carries the full breakdown of repair types and what each involves.
Some jobs reach a point where repair is the more expensive path. A pipe that has failed in one spot but is corroded throughout is going to fail again. A water heater that's been repaired twice in two years is telling you something. We give honest recommendations on repairs, never an upsell, and when replacement makes more sense we say so and explain why. Whole-home repiping, sewer line replacement, and water heater replacement all fall in this category.
Installation work on a planned project runs differently from an emergency call. A bathroom renovation, a new appliance connection, or a fixture upgrade that's been on the list for a while gives us the chance to assess the existing supply and drain lines before we connect anything new to them. We scope the job on the call, confirm the price, and schedule the work when it suits the property.
the page on pipe work covers what the work involves before you call.
Getting your water flowing again is easier than you think, and the pricing conversation is part of that. When you call, we ask about the property and the problem. What we're told on the phone shapes the initial estimate, and what the licensed plumber finds when they get there confirms or adjusts it.
A few things move a quote in either direction. Pipe that's accessible is easier to work on than pipe buried in a wall or running under a slab. A straightforward fixture swap is priced differently from a repair that requires tracing a leak through a finished ceiling. An older building with mixed materials may need more assessment before the scope is clear. We explain what goes into the number so you understand what you're paying for.
You get the rate before we schedule anything. Ask what it covers and you get a straight answer. No pressure and no gimmicks, just sound, lasting plumbing.
Same-day appointments are often available, and we're open every day from 6:30 AM to 9:30 PM. When something goes wrong that can't sit, call (339) 365-9282 and tell us what's happening. We work to get to urgent calls as quickly as the schedule allows.
For tenants and businesses that need to stay operational, we work around what the property requires. A commercial kitchen with a blocked drain line, a rental unit with no hot water, a building where the main has backed up into multiple units: these are not situations that wait for a convenient window, and we treat them accordingly. We confirm the appointment and let you know who's coming before the visit.
You always know who to call if you need us again. We make the repair and leave it tidy.
Lawrence is the center of what we cover in this part of Essex County, but the surrounding communities are part of our service area as well. If your property is in Methuen, Andover, North Andover, Salem, or Haverhill, we handle plumbing work there too. The housing stock across this part of the county shares a lot of the same characteristics: age, mixed materials, and the wear that comes with New England winters and wet springs.
We serve residential properties, multi-family buildings, and commercial premises throughout the area. Coverage across the county means one call handles the job wherever the property sits.
Not the biggest name in town. Just the one that answers. No runaround.
A repair that does not hold is often the result of addressing the visible symptom rather than the underlying cause. A patched pipe in a section of heavily corroded line, for example, is likely to develop another failure nearby. When we make a repair, we assess the surrounding pipe and connections to make sure the fix addresses the real problem and not just the spot that happened to fail first.
Multi-family buildings with original plumbing often have supply and drain systems that have been repaired piecemeal over the years, which means the condition of the pipe varies from one section to the next. We assess what's actually there before recommending a scope, because a repair that only addresses one unit's symptom may leave the underlying cause in place. When the problem traces back to a shared line or a drain stack that runs the height of the building, we scope the work at that level and explain what it involves before anything is scheduled.
It depends on the scope of the work and where in the building it is happening. Localized repairs, a fixture replacement or a drain line repair in one area, often do not require shutting down the whole operation. A larger job that affects the main supply or requires extended shutoffs may need to be scheduled outside business hours. We talk through the options when you call so you can plan accordingly.
Yes. After a repair, we can walk you through what caused the problem and what, if anything, can be done to reduce the likelihood of it recurring. That might be a change in how a drain is used, a fixture that is worth replacing rather than repeatedly repairing, or a pipe condition that warrants monitoring. Honest guidance is part of how we approach the work.
A recurring blockage usually means the underlying cause was not fully addressed. A clog that returns quickly is often a sign of buildup further down the line, a partial obstruction that was not completely cleared, or a structural issue like a root intrusion or a collapsed section. We look at what the line is doing and address the cause rather than just clearing it again.
It is. A slow leak, a drain that has always been sluggish, or a pipe that has been making noise for as long as anyone can remember can all get worse without warning. Catching a problem that has been building quietly before it fails completely is almost always less disruptive than dealing with the emergency it eventually becomes.
The process is the same regardless of the property type. You call, we talk through the job, and you get a price before we schedule anything. Commercial properties and multi-unit buildings sometimes involve more complex supply or drain systems, which affects the scope of the work, but licensed plumbers handle both. Property managers and business owners in Lawrence and the surrounding area call us for the same range of work as homeowners, and we treat each job on its own terms.
It helps more than most people expect. A good description, when it started, whether it is getting worse, which fixtures are affected, and what has already been tried, lets us ask the right follow-up questions and give a more accurate price before we arrive. It also helps us bring the right parts for the most likely repair.
Yes. If you have several smaller repairs, a leaky faucet, a running toilet, a slow drain, and a shutoff valve that does not close fully, it makes sense to go through them in one visit rather than scheduling separately. When you call, let us know what is on the list so we can plan the visit accordingly.
Dan Hickey Plumbing & Heating is available every day from 6:30 AM to 9:30 PM for plumbing work across Lawrence and the surrounding communities. Whether you're in the city or in Methuen, Andover, North Andover, Salem, or Haverhill, call (339) 365-9282 for a quote and we'll walk through what the job involves before anything is scheduled.
Ready for your pipes. Call today.
We are in these nearby communities as well: Lowell, Woburn, Peabody, Lynn, Malden.
Check our list of communities.
Below is a plain-language look at the plumbing work we handle across Lawrence 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 Lawrence 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 |
| Essex 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. |
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