If you’re like most Quincy homeowners—busy careers, kids’ activities, and a to‑do list that never ends—the last thing you need is a surprise leak or cold‑shower crisis. Old New England homes have character, but the plumbing behind those walls can be as vintage as the architecture. Below are seven practical tips every Quincy plumber wishes local families knew. Follow them and you’ll save money, safeguard your home’s value, and avoid 2 a.m. emergencies.
(P.S. Johnson Bros. runs two service hubs right here on the South Shore—Quincy and Abington—so help is always minutes away.)
1. Identify Your Pipe Material—Before It Identifies You
Why you should care: Cast‑iron drains rust from the inside, causing sluggish sinks; galvanized supply lines can burst without warning. Homeowner action: Peek at exposed pipes in the basement. If you see matte‑black (cast‑iron) or dull‑gray threaded lines (galvanized), schedule a camera inspection. How we help: Our flat‑rate video‑scope service shows you the inside of your drains on a tablet—no guesswork, no upsell.
2. Flush the Water Heater—It’s Cheaper Than a Weekend Away
Why you should care: Sediment buildup forces your heater to work harder, driving up gas or electric bills. Homeowner action: Hear popping or crackling sounds? That’s mineral “popcorn.” Time to flush. How we help: In one visit we flush, test the anode rod, and set the thermostat for optimum efficiency—still at a single flat price.
3. Perform a Two‑Hour Leak Check Each Spring
Why you should care: The EPA says 10 % of homes leak over 90 gallons a day—spiking water bills and fueling mold. Homeowner action: Note the water‑meter reading, avoid using water for two hours, retake the reading. Movement = leak. How we help: Our acoustic leak detectors find pinholes hidden under finished floors without tearing them up.
4. Winterize Outside Faucets Before Halloween Candy Runs Out
Why you should care: When temps dip below 20 °F, unprotected sillcocks freeze and split, flooding basements. Homeowner action: Shut the interior isolation valve, open the exterior bibb, and let it drain. How we help: We can swap your faucet for a frost‑proof model and add heat‑tape on vulnerable spans—all under one transparent flat rate.
5. Book an Annual Boiler Tune‑Up—Comfort Isn’t Optional
Why you should care: A boiler off by just 3 °F can tack $180 onto your winter heating cost—and nobody enjoys a no‑heat weekend. How we help: Our South Shore boiler techs handle combustion analysis, vent‑pipe inspection, and safety controls in a single fixed‑price visit.
6. Keep Drains Healthy—Skip the Store‑Bought Acid
Why you should care: Chemical cleaners eat away at vintage brass traps and can void pipe warranties. Homeowner action: Use enzyme treatments monthly; call pros for anything slower than a 10‑second sink drain‑down. How we help: We hydro‑jet clogs clean and include a free camera check so you see the “after” results.
7. Have an Emergency Plan—Because 2 A.M. Is Not for Googling
• Store our 24/7 number (617‑479‑9911) in your phone. • Know where your main shut‑off lives (usually front‑wall of a Quincy fieldstone basement). A true emergency plumber Quincy responds in under an hour—our GPS‑routed vans average 35 minutes.
Why Busy Families Choose Johnson Bros.
| What Matters to You | How We Deliver |
|---|---|
| Time | Two local hubs & GPS‑routed vans—faster arrivals |
| Budget | Up‑front flat‑rate pricing—no surprises |
| Trust | Family‑owned, 5‑star rated, 95 % repeat customers |
| Expertise | Old‑home specialists—steam, cast‑iron, threaded drains |
| Convenience | Text updates, online booking in 60 seconds |
Need help fast? Click to book online or call/text 617‑479‑9911. Sleep easy knowing Quincy’s most trusted family plumbers are on standby.
