Why Eichler Plumbing is Different
In-Slab Piping
The original copper or steel pipes are embedded directly in the concrete. Accessing them for repairs is difficult, making system preservation critical.
Original pipes are embedded in the concrete
The Boiler Heart
The boiler is the heart of the home. When original 60-year-old boilers fail, they must be replaced with care to protect the vintage pipe network.
Protects the vintage pipe network
No Attic or Crawlspace
With flat roofs and slab foundations, there is no room to hide plumbing. We are experts at running new lines discreetly when necessary.
Expertly concealed new lines
The Challenge: 60-Year-Old Systems
Most Eichlers were built in the 1950s and 60s. The original boilers were built like tanks but are extremely inefficient by modern standards. More importantly, the pipes in the floor have accumulated decades of sludge and magnetite (rust). You should never simply connect a new high-efficiency boiler to old Eichler pipes — new boilers have narrow waterways that will clog instantly with old system sludge, destroying the unit and voiding the warranty.
Signs Your System Needs Help
- Cold spots on the floor
- Boiler making banging noises (kettling)
- System pressure dropping frequently
- High energy bills
- Visible leaks around the boiler
Our Eichler Restoration Process
Pressure Testing
Before we touch the boiler, we isolate the floor loops and pressure test them. We need to know if the pipes in the slab are sound. If we find leaks, we can often repair them or abandon specific bad loops without tearing up the whole floor.
System Flushing
We use a high-velocity pump and specialized cleaners to flush out decades of black sludge (magnetite). We don’t stop until the water runs crystal clear. This is the most critical step for the longevity of your new system.
Magnetic Filtration
We install a magnetic dirt separator on every Eichler boiler replacement. This device constantly catches any remaining metal particles in the water, preventing them from entering the sensitive heat exchanger of your new boiler.
High-Efficiency Upgrade
We install a modern, modulating condensing boiler (like Lochinvar or Viessmann) that adjusts its output to match the weather. This can lower your heating bills by 30–40% compared to the original boiler.
Modern Upgrades for Eichler Homes
Bring your vintage home into the 21st century without compromising its character.
Smart Thermostats
Original Eichlers often had one thermostat for the whole house. We can upgrade your controls to smart thermostats (like Nest or Ecobee) that allow you to control your heating from your phone and set schedules.
Domestic Hot Water Integration
We can install a “Combi” boiler that handles both your radiant floor heating and your domestic hot water (showers/sinks) in one unit. This saves valuable space in your garage or utility closet.
Eichler Plumbing FAQ
Are the original pipes in my Eichler safe?
Surprisingly, yes. The original steel and copper pipes used in the 50s were thick and durable. While they don’t last forever, many are still sound. We verify this with a pressure test before doing any work. If they hold pressure, they can keep heating your home. Learn more about our radiant heating services.
Can I put new flooring over my radiant slab?
Yes, but you must choose carefully. Carpet acts as an insulator and blocks the heat. Thick solid wood can warp. Engineered hardwood, polished concrete, tile, or stone are the best options for conducting heat efficiently.
What if I have a leak under the slab?
We use thermal imaging and acoustic listening devices to pinpoint leaks. Our leak detection services use non-invasive methods to find problems fast. In many cases, we can open a small section of the floor to repair it. If a loop is too damaged, we can sometimes abandon that specific loop while keeping the rest of the system active.
Do you work in my neighborhood?
We specialize in the Eichler communities of Marin (Lucas Valley, Terra Linda, Marinwood) and San Francisco (Diamond Heights, Visitacion Valley). We know these tracts and their specific plumbing layouts.
What is the difference between a boiler and a water heater?
A standard water heater just heats water for your showers and sinks. A boiler is a more powerful system that can do that plus heat your home via radiant heating. Boilers modulate their output, meaning they only burn as much fuel as needed, making them extremely efficient for heating large spaces like Eichler homes.
Do you offer free estimates?
Yes, we provide free estimates for most projects. For diagnostic work (where we need to troubleshoot to find the cause), there may be a service fee, which is often waived if we proceed with the repair.
Preserve Your Eichler’s Comfort
Don’t trust your vintage radiant system to just any plumber. Call the specialists who understand how your home was built.
Get a System EvaluationLicensed & Insured • Marin & San Francisco • Eichler Specialists