Questions wehear a lot
Straight answers about booking, prices, emergencies and everyday plumbing. Don't see yours? Call 908-873-6686.
4.9 from 174 Google reviews · NJ Master Plumber Lic. #36BI01345600
- You call or bookBook by 9 a.m. and we're there the same day.
- We look firstFind the cause, not just the symptom.
- You get optionsAn upfront flat-rate price. You choose.
- We fix it rightBacked for a year on parts and labor.
Booking and visits
How do I book a plumber?
Call 908-873-6686, use Book online, or send a request on this site. Book by 9 a.m. for same-day service.
Do you offer same-day service?
Yes. Requests booked by 9 a.m. get a same-day visit.
Do you come out at night, on weekends and on holidays?
Yes, for emergencies. Visits outside regular hours carry a $250 after-hours fee, paid upfront.
What areas do you serve?
Somerset, Franklin Township, Bridgewater, New Brunswick, Piscataway, Hillsborough, Somerville, Edison, Manville and other towns within about 60 miles of Somerset.
Who will come to my house?
Mike Holt, the owner, a licensed NJ Master Plumber (Lic. #36BI01345600).
Prices and payment
How much is a service call?
A regular service call is $49 to come out, and it's waived if you go ahead with the work. If the problem can't be seen right away, finding it is a separate diagnostic fee. Nights, weekends and holidays add a $250 after-hours fee.
How do you price the work?
After Mike sees the problem, you get a flat price for the job. No work starts until you agree to it, and the price does not change once the work starts.
Do you offer financing?
Yes, through Wisetack. You can check your options on your phone, and checking does not affect your credit score.
Do you have coupons or discounts?
Yes. There are monthly coupons on the coupons page, and everyday discounts for seniors, veterans and first responders with ID.
Is your work guaranteed?
Every repair comes with 1 year on parts and labor.
Emergencies
What do I do when a pipe bursts?
Shut off the main water valve, usually where the water line enters the house next to the meter. Turn off power to any wet area, move valuables out of the water, then call us.
My toilet is overflowing. What first?
Take the tank lid off and push the flapper down to stop water going into the bowl, then close the supply valve behind the toilet (turn it clockwise). If more than one toilet or drain backs up, the main line is likely blocked; call us.
I smell gas. What should I do?
Leave the house with everyone and call 911 or your gas company from outside. Once the utility has made it safe, we can repair the gas line.
Home plumbing
What temperature should my water heater be set to?
120°F. It prevents scalding, especially for children, saves energy and limits bacteria growth in the tank.
How can I tell if I have a hidden leak?
Turn off every faucet and appliance and watch the water meter. If it still moves, water is leaking somewhere. A toilet can be tested by putting a few drops of food coloring in the tank; color in the bowl after 10 minutes means a leak.
How long does a water heater last?
Usually 8 to 12 years for a tank heater. Flushing it once a year helps it last longer.
Should I use chemical drain cleaners?
We don't recommend them. They can corrode older pipes and often leave most of the clog in place. A snake removes it.
Do you work on septic systems, boilers or electrical?
No. We don't service septic tanks, boilers or electrical systems.
Plumbing Doctor at a glance
- Owner: Mike Holt, NJ Master Plumber, Lic. #36BI01345600
- Veteran-owned
- Emergency service day or night ($250 after-hours fee)
- 4.9★ on Google from 174 reviews
- BBB A+ accredited
- Upfront flat-rate pricing
- 1 year on parts and labor
Water on the floor right now?
Call. A licensed plumber answers day or night, talks you through stopping the water, and gets on the road.
908-873-6686Nights, weekends and holidays: emergency visits are an extra $250, paid upfront. We tell you on the phone before we drive out.
Do this now
- Shut the main valve. Usually where the water line enters, near the meter.
- Kill power to anything wet, from the breaker panel, if you can reach it dry.
- Open a low faucet to drain the pipes and take pressure off the leak.
What neighbors say
Mike works quickly and is transparent with pricing. He's trustworthy, reliable and brings his own shoe covers.
Had backup and they came out in half hour on a Sunday and got the blockage resolved. They cleaned up after themselves. Very very professional people.
They tell me what is worth doing or not doing, and won't try to upcharge me. The work is always great. They are my go-to!
Found my outdoor cleanout that was covered up for years and no other company could find! … They use drop cloths and clean up when they are done.
Very knowledgeable, attention to detail, extremely neat and organized. We highly recommend Plumbing Doctor.