Local business · Danvers, MALocal business · 10 Weeks Rd, Danvers, MA 01923
Verified record
Typical Greater Boston range for this kind of work, from regional averages — not a quote from Bowden Plumbing & Heating. Use it to sanity-check bids, then get the real number in writing.
Estimated range
$290 – $710
Typical plumbing job around $500
A homeowner on r/northshore went in expecting to replace the whole mixing valve behind their shower. Rick Bowden told them what type it was so they could buy a compatible fixture instead — much cheaper — and while he was there finished a few things on the water heater that the heat pump crew had left. The inspector passed everything first time. That was posted in June 2026, and it captures what most people say about this shop: the cheaper answer, offered unprompted. Bowden Plumbing & Heating is a two-person outfit in Danvers, run by Richard Bowden, doing residential plumbing and heating — drains, pipes, fixtures, toilets, sump pumps, gas lines, water heaters and boilers, with 24-hour emergency work listed on Angi. Thumbtack rates it 5.0 across 126 reviews, 99% of them five stars, and shows it hired 213 times with current Top Pro status. What stands out is how current that record is: every written review on file was posted in 2026. In February a customer with a 1901 house described annual maintenance on a Navien tankless heater where other problems were flagged without, as they put it, scare tactics or upselling, and praised being taught what actually mattered. In May another had a dishwasher pulled out and an obstructing step removed along with it. In July two separate customers described leak diagnosis and a shower repair, both noting the room was left clean. The one caveat comes from an April 2026 customer who was happy with the pipe repair itself — on time, careful, unrushed — but found the price higher than expected. The company says it works to flat rates quoted up front rather than hourly, so ask for that number in writing before work starts and you will not be caught out. One more thing to confirm directly: Thumbtack states it has verified a Massachusetts journeyman plumber licence for the business, but that is the platform's check, not the state registry's. Ask for the licence number and look it up yourself before booking a larger job.
“Bowden Plumbing! They're local. I thought I was going to need to fully replace the mixing valve on my shower to update the fixture and he told me the type it was so I could buy a compatible fixture for much cheaper then replacing the whole thing. Plus while he was doing work for me he also fixed a few things that the heat pump people didn't finish on my water heater. The prices were fair and the quality was great. The inspector passed everything on the first check.”
Rich throughly identified the source of the leak, and provided a relatively inexpensive solution. Very professional and highly recommend.
Rich was incredibly thorough and professional while completing my project. He explained the options, gave his professional opinion and left the room in great condition after fixing my shower. I highly recommend for projects big and small
Rick was true life saver!! I hired him to remove my old dishwasher and he went above and beyond on helping to also remove a step blocking just enough of the dishwasher to be problematic. He was tidy and also very reponsive! I will definitely hire him again in the future for any plumbing and heating needs I may have.
Rick was professional and communicated very clearly throughout the process. He arrived on time and efficiently repaired the pipes causing the water leakage. He worked carefully and didn't rush, taking the time needed to complete the job properly. My only concern was that the price felt quite high, which I wasn't expecting. Since this was my first time hiring a plumber, the cost came as a surprise in the current economic climate.
Rick and his team were truly outstanding. They helped us with the annual maintenance on our Navien tankless gas water heater and, along the way, identified several other issues that needed attention—none of which felt like scare tactics or upselling. They were quick to schedule, showed up right on time, and were incredibly professional from start to finish. What really set Rick apart was how much time he took to educate us. He explained everything clearly, in plain language, and without the usual doomsday tone we've come to expect after owning a 1901 "problem home." Instead of making us feel overwhelmed, he broke things down logically, prioritized what actually mattered, and gave thoughtful, practical guidance. Pricing was fair, transparent, and aligned with the work being done. No surprises, no pressure—just honest, skilled work from someone who clearly knows his craft and respects his customers. We will only be using Rick going forward for our plumbing needs. Highly, highly recommend.
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