# 1896 Plumbing & Heating Inc. **Trade:** Plumbing · **Address:** 50 Harding St, Worcester, MA 01604 · **Phone:** (774) 287-1699 · **Website:** http://thedrainguys.com/ · **Languages:** English **Rating: 2.9/5** (medium confidence) — from 14 reviews across 3 sources. 86% of sentiment-scored reviews read net-positive. Last 6 months: 2 reviews, 2 negative. ## The honest read 1896 Plumbing & Heating Inc., also known as The Drain Guys, is a Worcester plumbing company that handles drain cleaning, leaks, sewer backups, boilers, water heaters, and related heating work. Its BBB profile says the business has operated for 24 years, is accredited with an A+ grade, and lists services including boiler installation and repair, water heaters, radiant heat, and furnace work. Customers describe a useful emergency profile in older Google reviews: same-day help for clogged pipes, quick drain diagnosis, sewer-backup repair, and after-hours response. Several reviewers mention clear explanations, reasonable pricing, and fast completion, including a 2021 account of a main-pipe clog fixed in about an hour and a 2024 account of a kitchen-sink call answered the next morning. The recent written record is more cautionary. Two reviews from March and August 2026 describe a leak repair that took 48 hours with poor communication and a $313 charge without a price breakdown, and a boiler visit where the technician reportedly left without attempting service because parking was difficult. Those accounts are specific and worth discussing before booking, especially for urgent no-heat work and service-call pricing. The Massachusetts registry verifies plumber license 4977-PL-C as active for 1896 Plumbing & Heating Inc. DBA The DrainGuys. They look best suited to homeowners who need plumbing or drain help quickly; confirm the scope, arrival expectations, and pricing before authorizing work. **Strengths:** - Fast response — reviewers describe after-hours and same-day help - Drain expertise — multiple reviews describe quick diagnosis and repairs - Clear explanations — customers mention communication and recommendations **Concerns:** - Recent delays — one review reports 48 hours to fix a leak - Pricing clarity — one customer reports $313 without a breakdown - No-heat response — one reviewer says a technician left without servicing **Where sources disagree:** - Google publishes a 4.5-star average from 15 ratings, while the 14 quoted written reviews include two recent one-star complaints and many older five-star reviews. - BBB lists directory license numbers 4977, 17457, and 34395; only plumber license 4977-PL-C is state-registry verified active in the evidence. ## Claims & citations Every claim below is backed by real evidence rows — uncited claims are dropped in code before publication. - The Massachusetts registry verifies plumber license 4977-PL-C as active for 1896 Plumbing & Heating Inc. DBA The DrainGuys. _(confidence: high)_ - [State License Registry](https://occupationallicensingandpermitting.mass.gov/madol/s/license-search-page) — “MA plumber license 4977-PL-C registry-verified active — registry holder of record: 1896 Plumbing & Heating Inc DBA The DrainGuys” - BBB lists the company as accredited with an A+ grade and 24 years in business. _(confidence: high)_ - [Better Business Bureau](https://www.bbb.org/us/ma/worcester/profile/plumber/1896-plumbing-and-heating-inc-the-drainguys-0261-294554) — “Better Business Bureau grade: A+” - [Better Business Bureau](https://www.bbb.org/us/ma/worcester/profile/plumber/1896-plumbing-and-heating-inc-the-drainguys-0261-294554) — “Better Business Bureau: accredited / certified / member” - [Better Business Bureau](https://www.bbb.org/us/ma/worcester/profile/plumber/1896-plumbing-and-heating-inc-the-drainguys-0261-294554) — “BBB profile for 1896 Plumbing and Heating Inc., & The Drainguys shows an A+ rating and accreditation, 24 years in business, listed heating/p…” - BBB lists heating and air-conditioning, boiler installation and repairs, water heaters, radiant heat, and furnace services. _(confidence: high)_ - [Better Business Bureau](https://www.bbb.org/us/ma/worcester/profile/plumber/1896-plumbing-and-heating-inc-the-drainguys-0261-294554) — “Services offered (Better Business Bureau): heating and air-conditioning, boiler installation, boiler repairs, water heaters, radiant heat, f…” - Google reviewers describe quick responses, same-day or next-morning service, drain cleaning, sewer-backup repair, and reasonable pricing. _(confidence: medium)_ - [Google Reviews](https://www.google.com/maps/reviews/data=!4m8!14m7!1m6!2m5!1sChdDSUhNMG9nS0VJQ0FnTUNZMHBiZzVnRRAB!2m1!1s0x0:0x37ed6e67b1a21048!3m1!1s2@1:CIHM0ogKEICAgMCY0pbg5gE%7C%7C?hl=en) — “5★ Called after hours on a Friday and they showed up right away to handle the problem. This is the second time I’ve had then in my old Worce…” - [Google Reviews](https://www.google.com/maps/reviews/data=!4m8!14m7!1m6!2m5!1sChZDSUhNMG9nS0VJQ0FnSUNYaHBucFFnEAE!2m1!1s0x0:0x37ed6e67b1a21048!3m1!1s2@1:CIHM0ogKEICAgICXhpnpQg%7C%7C?hl=en) — “5★ Excellent experience with this company. We had a clogged kitchen sink. I called Sunday evening and they were there Monday morning. They w…” - [Google Reviews](https://www.google.com/maps/reviews/data=!4m8!14m7!1m6!2m5!1sChZDSUhNMG9nS0VJQ0FnSUQ5Z19yRERnEAE!2m1!1s0x0:0x37ed6e67b1a21048!3m1!1s2@1:CIHM0ogKEICAgID9g_rDDg%7C%7C?hl=en) — “5★ I recently experienced a sewer backup, and 1896 Plumbing Services was able to assist with the repair. They were efficient, punctual, and …” - [Google Reviews](https://www.google.com/maps/reviews/data=!4m8!14m7!1m6!2m5!1sChZDSUhNMG9nS0VJQ0FnSURaLWZ1bWZBEAE!2m1!1s0x0:0x37ed6e67b1a21048!3m1!1s2@1:CIHM0ogKEICAgIDZ-fumfA%7C%7C?hl=en) — “5★ An excellent drain cleaning company. Had an emergency, they were very responsive and honest, and diagnosed without over charging. Would r…” - [Google Reviews](https://www.google.com/maps/reviews/data=!4m8!14m7!1m6!2m5!1sChdDSUhNMG9nS0VJQ0FnSUNHcHY2aTFRRRAB!2m1!1s0x0:0x37ed6e67b1a21048!3m1!1s2@1:CIHM0ogKEICAgICGpv6i1QE%7C%7C?hl=en) — “5★ First off, this company was referred to me by several people. I called for a clog in my main pipe and they came out the same day. They we…” - Two recent Google reviews report delayed leak service, poor communication, an unexplained $313 charge, and a boiler technician leaving without servicing the home. _(confidence: high)_ - [Google Reviews](https://www.google.com/maps/reviews/data=!4m8!14m7!1m6!2m5!1sCi9DQUlRQUNvZENodHljRjlvT25oaVMzVlpZbGhhUld4UlVVaG9Oa3N3YzNkcmQzYxAB!2m1!1s0x0:0x37ed6e67b1a21048!3m1!1s2@1:CAIQACodChtycF9oOnhiS3VZYlhaRWxRUUhoNkswc3drd3c%7C%7C?hl=en) — “1★ Don't use them.. took 48 hours to fix a leak. No call . No eta. Just a leaking pipe. Little did I know.. all I had to do was screw it …” - [Google Reviews](https://www.google.com/maps/reviews/data=!4m8!14m7!1m6!2m5!1sCi9DQUlRQUNvZENodHljRjlvT2toa2F6bDJTVXR3U0ZVNGRUQjNRa2xEWDJoV1pWRRAB!2m1!1s0x0:0x37ed6e67b1a21048!3m1!1s2@1:CAIQACodChtycF9oOkhkazl2SUtwSFU4dTB3QklDX2hWZVE%7C%7C?hl=en) — “1★ Don't use them they're very unprofessional. I waited most of the day for service on a non‑working boiler while caring for a toddler in a …” - Google publishes 4.5 stars from 15 ratings, while the written reviews include both detailed praise and two recent one-star complaints. _(confidence: high)_ - [Google](https://www.google.com/maps/search/?api=1&query=1896%20Plumbing%20%26%20Heating%20Inc.&query_place_id=ChIJHTWUF28G5IkRSBCisWdu7Tc) — “Google: 4.5★ from 15 ratings” - [Google Reviews](https://www.google.com/maps/reviews/data=!4m8!14m7!1m6!2m5!1sCi9DQUlRQUNvZENodHljRjlvT25oaVMzVlpZbGhhUld4UlVVaG9Oa3N3YzNkcmQzYxAB!2m1!1s0x0:0x37ed6e67b1a21048!3m1!1s2@1:CAIQACodChtycF9oOnhiS3VZYlhaRWxRUUhoNkswc3drd3c%7C%7C?hl=en) — “1★ Don't use them.. took 48 hours to fix a leak. No call . No eta. Just a leaking pipe. Little did I know.. all I had to do was screw it …” - [Google Reviews](https://www.google.com/maps/reviews/data=!4m8!14m7!1m6!2m5!1sCi9DQUlRQUNvZENodHljRjlvT2toa2F6bDJTVXR3U0ZVNGRUQjNRa2xEWDJoV1pWRRAB!2m1!1s0x0:0x37ed6e67b1a21048!3m1!1s2@1:CAIQACodChtycF9oOkhkazl2SUtwSFU4dTB3QklDX2hWZVE%7C%7C?hl=en) — “1★ Don't use them they're very unprofessional. I waited most of the day for service on a non‑working boiler while caring for a toddler in a …” - Specializes in Plumbing _(confidence: high)_ - [Better Business Bureau](https://www.bbb.org/us/ma/worcester/profile/plumber/1896-plumbing-and-heating-inc-the-drainguys-0261-294554) — “Services offered (Better Business Bureau): heating and air-conditioning, boiler installation, boiler repairs, water heaters, radiant heat, f…” - [Google Reviews](https://www.google.com/maps/reviews/data=!4m8!14m7!1m6!2m5!1sChdDSUhNMG9nS0VJQ0FnTUNZMHBiZzVnRRAB!2m1!1s0x0:0x37ed6e67b1a21048!3m1!1s2@1:CIHM0ogKEICAgMCY0pbg5gE%7C%7C?hl=en) — “5★ Called after hours on a Friday and they showed up right away to handle the problem. This is the second time I’ve had then in my old Worce…” - [Google Reviews](https://www.google.com/maps/reviews/data=!4m8!14m7!1m6!2m5!1sChZDSUhNMG9nS0VJQ0FnSUQ5Z19yRERnEAE!2m1!1s0x0:0x37ed6e67b1a21048!3m1!1s2@1:CIHM0ogKEICAgID9g_rDDg%7C%7C?hl=en) — “5★ I recently experienced a sewer backup, and 1896 Plumbing Services was able to assist with the repair. They were efficient, punctual, and …” - [Google Reviews](https://www.google.com/maps/reviews/data=!4m8!14m7!1m6!2m5!1sChdDSUhNMG9nS0VJQ0FnSUNHcHY2aTFRRRAB!2m1!1s0x0:0x37ed6e67b1a21048!3m1!1s2@1:CIHM0ogKEICAgICGpv6i1QE%7C%7C?hl=en) — “5★ First off, this company was referred to me by several people. I called for a clog in my main pipe and they came out the same day. They we…” - Also offers HVAC / Heating & Cooling _(confidence: high)_ - [Better Business Bureau](https://www.bbb.org/us/ma/worcester/profile/plumber/1896-plumbing-and-heating-inc-the-drainguys-0261-294554) — “Services offered (Better Business Bureau): heating and air-conditioning, boiler installation, boiler repairs, water heaters, radiant heat, f…” - [Google Reviews](https://www.google.com/maps/reviews/data=!4m8!14m7!1m6!2m5!1sCi9DQUlRQUNvZENodHljRjlvT2toa2F6bDJTVXR3U0ZVNGRUQjNRa2xEWDJoV1pWRRAB!2m1!1s0x0:0x37ed6e67b1a21048!3m1!1s2@1:CAIQACodChtycF9oOkhkazl2SUtwSFU4dTB3QklDX2hWZVE%7C%7C?hl=en) — “1★ Don't use them they're very unprofessional. I waited most of the day for service on a non‑working boiler while caring for a toddler in a …” ## License Status: **active** (#4977-PL-C, plumber) — verified against the official MA state registry on 2026-08-24, never self-reported. Re-check at the official registry: https://occupationallicensingandpermitting.mass.gov/madol/s/license-search-page ## Sources - [Google](https://www.google.com/maps/search/?api=1&query=1896%20Plumbing%20%26%20Heating%20Inc.&query_place_id=ChIJHTWUF28G5IkRSBCisWdu7Tc): 4.5★ from 15 ratings - [Google Reviews](https://www.google.com/maps/search/?api=1&query=1896%20Plumbing%20%26%20Heating%20Inc.&query_place_id=ChIJHTWUF28G5IkRSBCisWdu7Tc): Listed on this source - [Better Business Bureau](https://www.bbb.org/us/ma/worcester/profile/plumber/1896-plumbing-and-heating-inc-the-drainguys-0261-294554): Listed on this source ## Recent reviews - **1/5 · Google Reviews · Paul Kerbel · 2026-08-15**: Don't use them.. took 48 hours to fix a leak. No call . No eta. Just a leaking pipe. Little did I know.. all I had to do was screw it out. Screw new one in.. $313 for 18 minutes of there time. No price break down. Just a rediculous price. Others guys would have been cheaper.. will never use them… - **1/5 · Google Reviews · A. Meri Rodriguez · 2026-03-05**: Don't use them they're very unprofessional. I waited most of the day for service on a non‑working boiler while caring for a toddler in a cold home. When the technician finally arrived, he refused to provide service and left immediately because the parking situation wasn’t “ideal.” This was an urgent… - **5/5 · Google Reviews · Jamie Rotman · 2025-08-07**: All plumbers are not equal!!! I had Landry’s come out to change a faucet, I had purchased. All the guys were nice except it turned into a long appointment where they couldn’t turn off the water so… the new estimate was about 300% more. 1896/The Drain Guys came out and had it all fixed in an hour for… - **5/5 · Google Reviews · Paul Bergeron Jr · 2025-05-03**: Called after hours on a Friday and they showed up right away to handle the problem. This is the second time I’ve had then in my old Worcester home to assist with old pipes. Communication was A+ and they solved the drain issue quickly and professionally. After the job was complete, they made recommen… - **5/5 · Google Reviews · Erica Spizzirri · 2025-03-20**: It does not get better than this team of Professionals.Reliable,Knowledgeable, trustworthy,and consistency is what makes them my only choice .From the technicians to the office staff, they are simply exceptional. Erica Spizzirri - **5/5 · Google Reviews · paul revellese · 2024-12-05**: These guys will definitely take care of all your plumbing needs. Thanks Cleber and your staff for taking care of me when needed. No issues, definitely a good referral to anyone in need of service. - **5/5 · Google Reviews · Lucas and Grace Brown · 2024-10-15**: Excellent experience with this company. We had a clogged kitchen sink. I called Sunday evening and they were there Monday morning. They were efficient and very reasonably priced. They were half the price of a different company that I received a quote from. - **5/5 · Google Reviews · CJ Burgos · 2024-03-20**: I recently experienced a sewer backup, and 1896 Plumbing Services was able to assist with the repair. They were efficient, punctual, and offered their services at a reasonable price. I highly recommend them to anyone in need of plumbing services. - **5/5 · Google Reviews · Michael Farnham · 2023-10-04**: An excellent drain cleaning company. Had an emergency, they were very responsive and honest, and diagnosed without over charging. Would recommend to everyone. - **5/5 · Google Reviews · Craig Thomas · 2023-08-21**: Always reliable service! --- Data freshness: last scanned 2026-08-24T05:36:52.406Z. Cite as: 1896 Plumbing & Heating Inc. — Tavlee (https://tavlee.com/contractor/1896-plumbing-and-heating-inc-worcester) Source: https://tavlee.com/contractor/1896-plumbing-and-heating-inc-worcester