Verified record
Typical Greater Boston range for this kind of work, from regional averages — not a quote from J & B's Plumbing Co. Use it to sanity-check bids, then get the real number in writing.
Estimated range
$290 – $710
Typical plumbing job around $500
J & B's Plumbing Co is a Watertown shop reviewers say Jerry Barbato runs; its website states the company was established in 1980, with over 30 years of master plumbing experience, working plumbing, gas fitting, and drain and pipe inspection jobs across Massachusetts with a focus on the Metrowest area. The reviews split into two fairly distinct camps. Recently, a customer described a complicated sink install that two other plumbers couldn't finish — Jerry had someone out that same afternoon with a price in hand. Older accounts tell a similar story: in a 2024 review, a customer got a callback within 10 minutes of an overnight emergency and had Jerry rearrange his own morning to help; in a 2025 review, another described a leaking water heater diagnosed and swapped within 30 minutes, with Jerry checking the warranty first to save them money; and a 2021 review recounts a water tank replacement where the team brought in an outside electrician to sort out a wiring complication, still coming in under a competing quote. On the other side, three reviews raise real money and workmanship complaints. A 2024 review says a dishwasher and garbage-disposal swap the customer expected to run about $600 came to $1,980, with the work feeling slow-walked. Another 2024 review describes a pipe-capping job that should have taken half an hour billed up from $220 to $500, calling the experience a scam. And in a February 2026 review, a customer says a plumber inspecting the toilets scratched a marble countertop and left the original pipe-noise issue unresolved after 90 minutes. Before booking, get a firm number in writing — pricing is the recurring theme worth asking about, especially for anything beyond a quick diagnostic call. For a genuinely urgent or tricky job, the track record on speed and follow-through holds up; for routine work, confirm the scope and cost up front.
These guys are fantastic. We had a very complicated sink install that our regular plumber and a handyman were unable to complete and we were referred to Jerry. He sent someone over that afternoon to look at it and then got back to me within hours with a price for the job. Jake and Jerry came the next business day and installed the sink perfectly. All of this was happening as our house was being listed for sale - so we were very stressed about it. These guys are so professional and knowledgeable. I knew that we were in great hands. If I wasn't planning on moving - they would be my new plumber. I can't thank them enough.
I did not have a good experience with J&B’s. I had a humming noise that intermittently came from my pipes when I used water. I called the team to come investigate. While the plumber was here last week, he took off the toilet tank covers to inspect the toilets. He set the rough side of the tank lid down directly on the marble countertop, causing scratches which damaged the counter, and now need to be repaired. During his 90 minute visit, the issue was not fixed or addressed. The plumber seemed very stressed and confused when the sound happened, and he had to call the boss for advice. The plumber was very friendly and professional behaving, but was unable to identify the cause of the humming sound. The boss (who was not onsite) did have a few ideas related to my master pressure valve and provided a quote for future work. For this assessment which did not fix the issue or identify the source of the humming sound, but did cause damage, I was charged $400. I was not pleased with this experience or confident in the path forward, so I called a second plumber to come assess. They localized the issue to one sink/faucet fixture. During their visit, the plumber caused no damage to my house, found and isolated the issue, and charged me $180 for the visit. Going forward, I’ll be using this other company, not J & B’s.
I have had great experiences with Jerry. We recently discovered that our water heater was leaking steadily and our basement was filling up quickly. Within 30 minutes he sent his worker over and diagnosed and took care of the problem. We ended up needing a replacement water heater and Jerry was able to look up to see if we still had a warranty. We did and saved us money purchasing a new one! He also recommended installing a leak detector which we’re glad we did. Jerry does excellent work, is honest, and makes sure that his customer is satisfied.
I can’t recommend J & B Plumbing enough. I had an overnight emergency and they called me within 10 minutes of me talking with their answering service. Jerry moved his morning around to accommodate us due to the urgency of the matter and followed through with amazing help and service. He even talked me through some updates we want to start thinking about but did not pressure us in any way to make any unnecessary/non-urgent changes right now. Great customer service, exceptional speed and service. I will use J & B again.
I hired J&B’s of Watertown to replace a dishwasher and garbage disposal and haul away old dishwasher on 8/22/24. Two guys came and were there for 3.5 hours. The invoice said 9 hrs total. They replace drain on sink and add-on Dahl shut off. The bill came to $1980. The owner said he did me a favor getting it install the same day. I was expecting a $600 bill. Shame on me for not getting a quote but they were recommended to me. They did the job but slow walked it. Only use if you can a quote.
Specializes in
Also offers
Languages
Established 3.0 rating
Same-day furnace and water heater fixes3.6
No-charge follow-ups3.6
Old-house expertise5.0
State-verified plumbing license2.9
Multi-trade crew3.9
Finds problems beyond the original call4.5