JP Walsh Plumbing & Heating has been handling residential and commercial plumbing in Medford and across Middlesex County since 2012. When something goes wrong with your pipes, drains, or water heater, you need someone who shows up fast, tells you what it will cost before touching anything, and gets the job done right. We offer same-day availability for urgent calls, and all work is performed by licensed plumbers who treat your home with care.
Quick to arrive. Careful with your home. Clean when we leave.
We serve homeowners, landlords, property managers, and businesses throughout the area. Whether you have a slow drain, a burst pipe, or a water heater that stopped working overnight, we are ready to help. Call for a quote: (339) 545-3923
Good plumbing work isn't complicated, it's just done right, and that starts with showing up prepared and being honest about what a job requires. We cover the full range of everyday plumbing work for homes and commercial properties across Medford.
Here is what we handle:
Every job comes with transparent pricing and no hidden fees on any plumbing job. We explain what we find, what it will take to fix it, and what the price is before any work begins. All installations and repairs are done to code, so you are not left with a problem that comes back in six months.
Give us a ring and we'll take it from there.
For busy homeowners and property managers, a backed-up drain is not a minor inconvenience. It disrupts daily routines and, if ignored, can point to a deeper problem in the main line.
We clear clogs in kitchen drains, bathroom drains, laundry lines, and floor drains. Grease buildup, hair, and soap residue are the most common culprits in residential drains. In older Medford homes, root intrusion into aging clay or cast-iron sewer lines is a frequent cause of recurring backups that simple snaking will not fully resolve.
For stubborn main-line blockages, we use hydro jetting to cut through buildup and flush the line clean. Hydro jetting uses high-pressure water to clear obstructions that a cable snake leaves behind, and it leaves the inside of the pipe in better shape than it was before.
We clear the line from the house to the city connection. We do not service septic tanks or drain fields.
We're one phone call from getting your plumbing right.
Your time matters, so we keep the plumbing job on schedule, and that applies to water heater calls as much as anything else. No hot water in the morning is an emergency for most households, and we move accordingly.
We service and replace both tank water heaters and tankless units. A service call starts with a diagnosis. If the problem is a failed heating element, a faulty thermostat, or a worn anode rod, we repair it on the spot when parts are available. If the unit is old, corroded, or beyond economical repair, we walk you through replacement options and help you choose a unit that fits your household size and your budget.
Tankless water heaters have become a popular choice in Medford homes where space is limited and efficiency matters. We handle the full installation, including the water and gas line connections on the plumbing side.
Work performed by licensed plumbers means the installation is done to code and the unit is set up to perform as intended.
One call, and a plumber is on the way.
Doing plumbing work right matters, and we'll help you get it right, especially when the problem is a leak you cannot easily see. A slow leak inside a wall or under a slab can cause significant damage before it becomes obvious.
We locate and repair leaks across the full range: dripping fixtures, pinhole leaks in copper pipe, failing joints, and main water line breaks at the street. Our process starts with identifying the source before any walls are opened or ground is disturbed.
Medford's housing stock includes a large number of pre-war and mid-century homes that still have galvanized supply lines. Galvanized pipe corrodes from the inside out, restricting water flow and eventually failing. If your water pressure has been dropping or your water has a rust tint, aging supply lines are worth a close look. We handle galvanized pipe replacement, copper pipe repair, and main water line repair or replacement as needed.
Reach out and we'll start at the source of the leak.
A running toilet, a dripping faucet, or a fixture that has never worked quite right are the kinds of jobs that seem small but add up in water waste and frustration. We fix them properly the first time.
We repair and replace toilets of all types, including older low-clearance models common in Medford's tighter bathrooms. We install new toilets when a repair is not practical. On the faucet side, we handle kitchen faucet installation, bathroom faucet replacement, and repairs for fixtures that leak at the base or handle.
We also service outdoor faucets and hose bibs. A hose bib that was not properly winterized can crack and leak inside the wall without showing any visible sign until water damage appears in the spring. If yours has not been inspected in a while, it is worth a look.
All fixture installation is done to code, and we bring straight answers about your pipes and fixtures, no surprises, to every job.
We're one phone call from getting your plumbing right.
Medford sits in one of the oldest continuously developed parts of Massachusetts. The housing stock reflects that history, with many homes carrying original or early-replacement plumbing that has been patched over the decades. Add in cold winters, spring thaw cycles, and basements that face real water pressure during nor'easters, and certain plumbing jobs come up far more often here than in newer construction markets. The three services below are ones we handle regularly across the area.
Many homes in Medford were built before copper supply lines became standard. Galvanized steel pipe, and in some cases lead pipe, is still in service in older properties across Middlesex County. Galvanized pipe corrodes from the inside, narrowing over time until water pressure drops noticeably and discolored water becomes a daily problem. At that point, spot repairs extend the problem rather than solving it.
A whole-home repiping project starts with an assessment of what is in the walls and what condition it is in. We identify the material, map the supply lines, and give you a clear picture of the scope before work begins. Material selection depends on the property and your goals. Copper remains a reliable choice. PEX is flexible, durable, and easier to run in finished spaces.
During the project, we work in sections to minimize disruption. When we are done, water pressure improves, the risk of a supply line failure drops significantly, and the home has plumbing that will serve it for decades.
Simple booking. Clear pricing. Sound, lasting pipes.
Older clay and cast-iron sewer laterals are a known issue in established neighborhoods throughout Medford and the wider region. Clay pipe joints shift over time, allowing tree roots to find their way in. Cast-iron lines corrode and can collapse in sections. When a sewer line is failing, backups become frequent and the problem does not resolve with cleaning alone.
We inspect the line, assess the condition, and recommend the right approach. Where the site allows, trenchless methods can replace the line with minimal disruption to the yard. Open-cut replacement is the right call when the line has collapsed or when access requires it. Either way, the work covers the line from the house to the city connection.
We do not service septic tanks or drain fields. Our work stops at the connection point.
Give us a ring and we'll take it from there.
Frost-heavy winters and spring thaw cycles put real stress on basement drainage in Medford. When snowmelt and rain arrive at the same time, a sump pump that is worn or undersized can fall behind quickly, and a flooded basement follows.
A sump pump service call covers inspection of the pump, float switch, and discharge line. If the unit is repairable, we fix it. If it is at the end of its service life, we replace it with a properly sized unit and make sure the discharge line is routed correctly. We also check backup power options for properties where losing power during a storm is a real concern.
A working sump pump is a first line of defense against water intrusion. Getting it inspected before the heavy weather season is a straightforward way to avoid a much larger problem.
Reach out and we'll start at the source of the leak.
A burst pipe, a sewer backup, a water heater that stopped working, or a major leak that is actively getting worse all qualify as plumbing emergencies. These are not problems that can wait for a scheduled appointment.
We offer same-day service for urgent plumbing calls in Medford and the surrounding area. When you call, we assess the situation, tell you when we can be there, and move as fast as the job requires. While you wait, shut off the water at the nearest valve to the problem, or at the main shutoff if you are not sure where the source is. That one step limits the damage until we arrive.
Call us and a real local person picks up.
We are locally owned and have been serving this community since 2012. When something goes wrong at your property, you reach someone who knows the area and can get a plumber to your door.
No guesswork. No shortcuts. No bill-day surprises.
Call for a quote: (339) 545-3923
For busy homeowners and property managers, having a plumber you can call and count on makes a real difference. On the residential side, we handle everything from a single fixture replacement to a full repiping project. We also do rough-in work for kitchen and bathroom remodels, running new supply and drain lines to match the updated layout.
For landlords and property managers, we understand that a plumbing problem in a rental unit needs to be resolved quickly and correctly the first time. Tenants cannot wait, and repeated service calls for the same issue are costly. We work with multi-unit buildings and apartment properties across Medford, providing clear communication from the first call to the final test so you always know where the job stands. We keep records of the work done and can coordinate directly with tenants when that is helpful.
We're one phone call from getting your plumbing right.
The cost question is the first thing most people want answered, and we respect that. We do not give vague ranges over the phone and then adjust the number at the door.
Here is how it works. You call for a quote. We ask about the problem and, when needed, send a plumber to assess the job in person. The plumber looks at what is actually going on, then gives you a clear price before any work begins. If the scope changes once the wall is open or the pipe is exposed, we tell you before we proceed. You decide.
We bring transparent pricing with no hidden fees on any plumbing job to every call, whether it is a simple faucet swap or a full sewer line replacement. There are no add-ons that appear at the end and no charges for work you did not approve.
One call, and a plumber is on the way.
We are based in Medford and serve customers throughout Middlesex County and the neighboring communities. Our regular service area includes Somerville, Arlington, Malden, Everett, Winchester, Woburn, and Cambridge, along with other nearby towns in the region.
If you are not sure whether we cover your area, call and ask. We would rather answer the question directly than have you search for another option.
For emergencies such as burst pipes, major leaks, or a complete loss of hot water, we respond as quickly as the situation requires. We are available every day from 8:30 AM to 10:00 PM, and we handle after-hours emergencies as well. Call (339) 545-3923 and describe what is happening so we can give you a realistic arrival time.
Shut off the water at the valve closest to the problem. If you are not sure where that is, turn off the main shutoff for the house. That one step limits the damage until we arrive. If the problem involves a gas line, leave the house and call your gas utility before calling us.
If one drain is slow or blocked, the problem is usually in that fixture's drain line. If multiple drains in the house are slow at the same time, or if sewage is backing up into a basement floor drain or a low fixture, the main sewer line is likely involved. We use camera inspection to confirm the location and condition of the blockage before recommending a course of action.
Dropping water pressure, rust-colored water, recurring leaks at joints or fittings, and a water bill that has increased without a clear reason are all signs that aging supply lines may be failing. In Medford homes with galvanized or early copper pipe, these symptoms tend to appear gradually and get worse over time. A plumber can assess the condition of your supply lines and tell you honestly whether repair or replacement makes more sense.
Clearing a clog removes the blockage and restores flow, but it does not change the condition of the pipe itself. If a line is cracked, root-damaged, or collapsed in sections, cleaning it will provide temporary relief at best. Sewer line replacement addresses the structural problem and is the right answer when camera inspection shows the pipe is beyond the point where cleaning will hold.
Additional charges can come up when the scope of work changes once we are into the job. For example, opening a wall to repair a pipe may reveal a larger section of damaged line than was visible from the outside. When that happens, we stop, explain what we found, and give you an updated price before proceeding. You approve any change before we continue.
Water stains on ceilings or walls, a mildew or musty smell that does not have an obvious source, soft or discolored flooring, and a water bill that has spiked unexpectedly are all common indicators. We use diagnostic tools to locate the source of a hidden leak before opening walls or floors, which reduces unnecessary damage and gets the repair done more efficiently.
A persistent sewer smell inside the house usually points to a dry or damaged drain trap, a cracked sewer vent pipe, or a problem further down the drain line. In older Medford homes, deteriorating clay or cast-iron pipe can allow sewer gas to escape at joints or cracks. We locate the source of the odor and address the underlying cause rather than masking the symptom.
Low pressure throughout the house typically points to a failing pressure regulator, a partially closed shutoff valve, or significant buildup inside aging supply lines. We test the pressure at multiple points, identify where the drop is occurring, and trace it back to the source. The fix might be a regulator replacement, a valve repair, or, in older homes with heavily corroded galvanized pipe, a repiping assessment.
A toilet that runs continuously after flushing, or one that cycles on and off on its own, is typically losing water through a worn flapper or a faulty fill valve. A running toilet can waste hundreds of gallons of water per day, which shows up quickly on a water bill. We diagnose the cause, repair or replace the faulty component, and confirm the toilet is seating and filling correctly before we leave.
When leaks are recurring in multiple locations, water pressure has dropped noticeably across the house, or the supply lines are galvanized and have been in service for several decades, patching individual sections tends to be a short-term fix. At that point, a whole-home repiping assessment is worth having. We look at what is in the walls, explain the condition, and give you a clear picture of what repiping would involve versus continuing with spot repairs.
JP Walsh Plumbing & Heating has been a trusted name for plumbing repair and installation in Medford since 2012. We show up when we say we will, we price the job honestly, and all work is performed by licensed plumbers who take the job seriously.
Quick to arrive. Careful with your home. Clean when we leave.
Call for a quote today and let us take care of the plumbing: (339) 545-3923
We handle the full range of plumbing work that Medford homeowners, landlords, and commercial property managers call about, from a slow drain or a dripping faucet to a full sewer line replacement or a whole-home repipe. Every job gets clear communication from the first call to the final test, and we give you a price before any work begins. The table below covers what each service includes, who it is right for, and what is worth knowing before you call.
| Type of Job | What It Covers | When to Call | Worth Knowing |
|---|---|---|---|
| Lead Service Line Replacement |
| Older homes where a lead service line is still present between the house and the street | Replacement eliminates the risk at the source and is often the most reliable long-term solution |
| Faucet & Fixture Installation |
| Renovations, fixture upgrades, or a dripping faucet that needs a permanent fix | Proper installation prevents future leaks at the supply connection |
| Toilet Repair & Installation |
| Homeowners with a constantly running, leaking, or failing toilet | A running toilet can waste hundreds of gallons a week; repair is usually straightforward and fast |
| Leak Detection & Repair |
| Anyone noticing water stains, rising water bills, or unexplained moisture | Finding the source before opening walls saves time and limits damage |
| Sump Pump & Basement Drainage |
| New England homeowners preparing for spring thaw, heavy rain, or a pump that is aging or behaving oddly | A sump pump that runs constantly or cycles erratically often signals a failing switch or a unit near the end of its life |
| Sewer & Main Line Service |
| Properties with slow drains throughout the house, sewage odors, or a known backup | Camera inspection confirms the problem before any digging or repair work begins |
| Emergency Plumbing |
| Any situation that cannot wait for a scheduled appointment | We are available every day including weekends and after regular business hours |
| Frozen Pipe Repair |
| Homeowners dealing with no water flow during or after a hard New England freeze | A pipe that has frozen once is more likely to freeze again; we assess the run and recommend a lasting fix |
| Cast-Iron Drain Stack Replacement |
| Older homes where the main drain stack is corroding, cracking, or causing recurring drain problems | Cast-iron stacks in pre-1970s homes can deteriorate from the inside; camera inspection confirms whether replacement is warranted |
| Water Pressure & Shutoff Valve Repair |
| Homes with noticeably low or inconsistent water pressure | A failing pressure regulator is a common culprit and is straightforward to replace |
| Drain Cleaning & Clog Removal |
| Homeowners and landlords dealing with slow or backed-up drains | Recurring clogs often mean buildup deeper in the line; hydro jetting clears what a snake cannot reach |
| Water Heater Repair & Replacement |
| Households with no hot water, a leaking unit, or an aging water heater losing efficiency | Replacement is often more cost-effective than repeated repairs on a unit over ten years old |
| Sewer Line Replacement |
| Properties with cracked, root-intruded, or collapsed clay or cast-iron sewer lines | Tree root intrusion and ground movement are common causes of line failure in older Middlesex County neighborhoods |
| Whole-Home Repiping |
| Older Medford homes with corroding galvanized pipe, discolored water, or persistent low pressure | Most whole-home repipes take one to two days; the result is a water system that does not need constant attention |
| Garbage Disposal Service |
| Homeowners with a disposal that hums, leaks, or will not turn on | Most disposals have a reset button; if that does not fix it, the unit may need replacement |
How do I know if my water heater needs to be replaced or just repaired?
Age is the first thing we look at. A tank water heater that is more than ten years old and showing problems, whether that is inconsistent hot water, rust-colored water, or a leak at the base, is often a better candidate for replacement than repair. If the unit is newer and the issue is a failed heating element or a faulty thermostat, repair usually makes more sense. We assess the unit on-site and give you a straight answer about which path is worth the money.
What is the difference between hydro jetting and drain snaking?
A drain snake breaks through a clog and restores flow, which handles most residential blockages well. Hydro jetting uses high-pressure water to scour the interior of the pipe, clearing grease buildup, mineral deposits, and debris that a snake pushes past rather than removes. For drains that clog repeatedly or lines with significant buildup, hydro jetting addresses the cause rather than the symptom.
How do you find a hidden water leak without tearing open walls?
We use camera inspection and pressure testing to locate the source before opening anything up. In many cases we can pinpoint the leak to a specific section of pipe, which limits how much wall or flooring needs to come out. The goal is to find the problem accurately the first time so the repair is targeted and the disruption is minimal.
Upfront Quotes With No Surprise Fees
We give you a clear price before any work begins and hold to it. Transparent pricing with no hidden fees on any plumbing job is the standard we hold ourselves to on every call, not just the straightforward ones.
What are the signs that a sewer line is failing?
Multiple slow drains throughout the house at the same time, sewage odors inside or in the yard, patches of unusually green or wet grass over the sewer line, and recurring backups are all worth taking seriously. Any one of these can point to a blockage or a line that is cracked, root-intruded, or beginning to collapse. A camera inspection confirms what is actually happening before we recommend any repair.
How do tree roots damage a sewer line?
Roots follow moisture, and the small gaps at pipe joints in older clay or cast-iron lines are enough of an entry point. Once inside, roots grow and expand, eventually cracking the pipe or blocking flow entirely. Homes with large trees near the sewer line run, or with older clay lines, are the most common candidates. We scope the line with a camera to see how far the intrusion has gone and whether cleaning, repair, or replacement is the right call.
How long does a whole-home repipe take?
Most whole-home repipes in a standard single-family home take one to two days. The timeline depends on the size of the house, how accessible the existing pipes are, and what material is being replaced. We walk through the scope with you before work begins so you know what to expect, including when water will be shut off and for how long.
Experienced With Older and Newer Homes
Medford and the surrounding Middlesex County communities have some of the oldest residential plumbing in Massachusetts. We work in older homes regularly and understand what galvanized pipe, cast-iron stacks, and aging clay sewer lines actually look like and what they need.
What causes low water pressure throughout the house?
Low pressure that affects every fixture at once usually points to a failing pressure regulator, a partially closed main shutoff valve, or buildup inside the supply lines. In older homes with galvanized pipe, corrosion narrows the interior of the pipe over time and reduces flow. We diagnose the cause before recommending a fix, whether that is a regulator replacement, a valve adjustment, or a conversation about repiping.
Do I need to be home when the plumber arrives?
For most service calls, yes. Someone needs to let us in, review what we find, and approve the estimate before work begins. We do not start any job without your sign-off on the price and scope. If you are a property manager coordinating service at a tenant-occupied unit, we can work through the logistics of access and communication for that situation when you call.
Same-Day and Emergency Availability
We offer same-day scheduling for most service calls and respond to plumbing emergencies every day of the week. Work performed by licensed plumbers is available when you need it, not just during business hours.
How does your pricing work, and will I know the cost before work starts?
We give you a clear price before any work begins. We look at the actual job, account for what is involved, and give you a number you can count on. There are no hidden fees added at the end. If something unexpected comes up once we are into the work, we tell you before we proceed, not after.
My sump pump is running constantly. Is that a problem?
A sump pump that runs without stopping usually means one of a few things: the float switch is stuck, the pump is undersized for the water volume coming in, or the discharge line is cycling water back into the pit. It can also mean the pump is working harder than it should and wearing out faster than normal. We assess the pump, the pit, and the discharge setup and tell you honestly whether a repair or replacement makes sense.
What should I do if a pipe bursts?
Shut off the main water supply to the house first. That valve is usually near the water meter or where the main line enters the building. Then call us. The faster the water is off, the less damage spreads into walls, floors, and ceilings. We respond to burst pipe calls as an emergency and will walk you through next steps on the phone while we are on the way.
Every plumbing situation is a little different, so call us and we will walk you through what your job involves, what it costs, and when we can get there.
(339) 545-3923