Get answers to the most common questions about plumbing, heating, HVAC, and our services in New York City.
Karl's Plumbing Heating & Cooling has been serving New York City since 1935. We're a family-owned company with nearly 90 years of experience in residential and commercial plumbing, heating, and HVAC services.
We serve all five NYC boroughs — Manhattan, Queens, Brooklyn, the Bronx, and Staten Island — as well as Long Island and Westchester County.
Yes. Karl's Plumbing holds NYC Master Plumber Licenses #921 and #2060. We are fully licensed, bonded, and insured for all plumbing, heating, and HVAC work in New York City.
Yes, we provide free estimates for most projects. Request service online or call us at (800) 721-3200 to schedule.
Yes. We offer financing options through GreenSky for qualifying projects, so you can spread the cost of larger repairs and installations over time.
Yes. We provide 24/7 emergency plumbing service for burst pipes, gas leaks, sewage backups, flooding, and other urgent situations. Call (800) 721-3200 any time, day or night.
NYC plumbing costs vary by service type. Simple repairs like a clogged toilet typically cost $150–$500, while larger projects like sewer line repair can range from $2,000–$10,000+. Read our full guide to NYC plumbing costs for detailed price ranges.
Leave the building immediately. Do not turn on or off any lights or electrical switches. Call 911 and Con Edison's emergency line (1-800-752-6633) from outside. Once the area is cleared as safe, call a licensed plumber for gas leak detection and repair.
Signs of a hidden water leak include unexplained increases in your water bill, damp or discolored spots on walls or ceilings, musty odors, and the sound of running water when no fixtures are in use. Karl's Plumbing offers professional water leak detection using non-invasive technology.
Backflow testing ensures that contaminated water cannot flow backward into the clean water supply. NYC requires annual backflow testing for commercial properties and buildings with irrigation systems, boilers, or fire sprinkler connections.
Yes. We specialize in NYC DOB violation removal for plumbing, gas piping, and building code issues. Our licensed master plumbers can resolve violations and obtain sign-offs from the Department of Buildings.
NYC requires annual boiler inspections for buildings with boilers. Regular maintenance extends equipment life and ensures safety. Karl's Plumbing provides comprehensive NYC annual boiler inspections and maintenance.
For most NYC building owners, oil to gas conversion reduces fuel costs by 30–50%, requires less maintenance, and keeps your building compliant with city emissions regulations. Read our full guide to oil-to-gas conversion for details on cost and process.
A traditional water heater stores 30–80 gallons of hot water in a tank. A tankless water heater heats water on demand as it flows through the unit. Tankless units are more energy efficient and compact but cost more upfront. Read our full comparison guide.
NYC Local Law 152 requires periodic gas piping inspections by a licensed master plumber for buildings citywide. The law is designed to detect unsafe gas conditions before they cause leaks or explosions. Karl's Plumbing performs Local Law 152 gas inspections across all five boroughs.
Common causes include grease buildup, hair, soap scum, food waste, and tree root intrusion in sewer lines. For persistent clogs, professional drain cleaning with commercial-grade equipment is more effective than store-bought solutions.
Hydro jetting (waterjetting) uses high-pressure water to clear stubborn blockages, grease, tree roots, and mineral buildup from drain and sewer lines. It's the most thorough method for cleaning pipes and is safe for most pipe materials.
Trenchless sewer repair allows us to fix or replace damaged sewer lines without digging up your yard, driveway, or sidewalk. A new pipe liner is inserted inside the existing pipe, creating a seamless, durable repair with minimal disruption.
If your basement or lower level has experienced flooding, dampness, or standing water, a sump pump is highly recommended. Many NYC buildings with below-grade levels benefit from sump pump protection, especially in flood-prone areas.
A ductless mini split is an air conditioning and heating system that doesn't require ductwork. It consists of an outdoor compressor and one or more indoor wall-mounted units. It's ideal for NYC apartments and older buildings without existing duct systems.
We recommend annual AC maintenance before the cooling season (typically in spring). Regular service extends equipment life, improves efficiency, and prevents breakdowns during summer heat. For commercial HVAC systems, quarterly maintenance is recommended.
R-22 (Freon) is a refrigerant that was phased out by the EPA due to its ozone-depleting properties. If your AC system still uses R-22, it's increasingly expensive to recharge and should be upgraded to a modern, EPA-compliant system. Karl's Plumbing handles R-22 conversions for residential and commercial systems.
Straightforward Pricing
Friendly Customer Service
Family Owned and Operated
Licensed, Bonded, and Insured
Quality brands and parts
Courteous & Uniformed Professionals
Convenient Appointment Times
Service Agreements
In Business for Over 85 Years
If you own or manage a building in New York City, Local Law 152 requires periodic inspections of all exposed gas piping. Non-compliance can lead to fines, violations, and even gas service shutoffs. He
A failing water heater rarely breaks down without warning. Knowing the signs can help you avoid a cold shower — or worse, a flooded basement. Here are five red flags NYC homeowners and building manage
Every winter, New York City plumbers respond to thousands of frozen and burst pipe calls. When temperatures drop below 20°F — which happens multiple times each winter — water inside unprotected pipes