Novato & Marin County Plumbing Services

More Space, More Options

Marin homes typically have larger garages. This makes them perfect for heat pump water heaters, which are ultra-efficient but need good airflow to work. Your Marin garage likely has the perfect amount of space for one.

• Heat pump water heaters need airflow and space — Marin garages deliver both
• Larger utility areas allow for combi-boiler setups that handle heating and hot water
• More room for proper venting and code-compliant installations

Perfect for heat pump water heaters

Harder Water, Consistent Pressure

Water in Marin has more minerals than San Francisco water. This mineral buildup damages boilers and water heaters faster. Unlike SF, water pressure in Marin is generally consistent — you won’t see sudden spikes, but hard water still takes a toll.

• Boilers need annual service to stay efficient
• Water heaters collect sediment quickly
• Fixtures and appliances wear out sooner without care
• Regular flushing is critical to extend equipment life

Protects against rapid scale buildup

Eichler Homes

Marin has many Eichler homes, especially in Lucas Valley. These mid-century modern homes use radiant floor heating. Many still have their original 60-year-old boiler systems, which are now reaching the end of their life. Learn more about our Eichler services →

• Original copper pipes in the slab may still be functional but need pressure testing
• Modern high-efficiency boilers require clean systems — old sludge must be flushed out first
• Radiant floor heating is embedded in the concrete — repairs require specialized knowledge
• We have replaced dozens of Eichler systems across Lucas Valley and San Rafael

Specialists in 60-year-old boiler systems

Boiler Services

We are Eichler home specialists. We know how to replace original 1950s systems properly.

• → High-efficiency installations
• → Eichler system replacements
• → Annual maintenance (crucial with hard water)

Radiant Heating

We partner with architects and contractors across Marin on radiant heating projects.

• → New construction design
• → Remodels and additions
• → Eichler home retrofits

Water Heaters

Heat pumps are a great choice in Marin because of the extra garage space.

• → Storage tank, tankless, heat pump
• → Maintenance (crucial with hard water)

Consider Heat Pumps

If you are replacing a water heater, look into a heat pump. They are 400% efficient and work well in garages with plenty of space and airflow.

Annual Maintenance is Key

The water in Marin is harder than in other areas. This causes mineral buildup in boilers and water heaters. Regular maintenance prevents damage and keeps your warranty valid.

Advice for Eichler Owners

If your original boiler is still running, that’s great. But when it fails, you need a specialist. We know how to flush and prep these 60-year-old systems so your new boiler lasts. See our Eichler services →

Your Local Experts

We are based in Novato. We know the neighborhoods, the homes, and the specific challenges of Marin County plumbing.

Why do boilers fail so often in Marin?

It’s usually the hard water. Minerals build up on the heat exchanger, causing it to overheat and crack (“kettling”). Regular annual flushing with a descaling solution is the only way to prevent this. If you skip maintenance, the boiler will fail prematurely.

Can I put hardwood floors over radiant heating?

Yes, but you have to be careful. Engineered hardwood is best because it’s more stable. Solid hardwood can shrink and gap from the heat. We work with your flooring contractor to ensure the surface temperature stays within the manufacturer’s warranty limits.

Do I need a permit for a water heater in Novato?

Yes, permits are required by the City of Novato and Marin County. This ensures safety compliance, including seismic strapping and proper venting. We pull the permit and schedule the inspection as part of our installation package.

My Eichler has original pipes. Are they safe?

The original steel or copper pipes in Eichler slabs are surprisingly durable, but they don’t last forever. Before connecting a new boiler, we perform a pressure test to ensure there are no leaks under the slab. If leaks are found, we can often abandon the bad loop or repair it without tearing up the whole floor. Learn about our Eichler process →

What areas do you service?

We proudly serve all of Marin County — Novato, San Francisco, San Rafael, Mill Valley, Corte Madera, Larkspur, San Anselmo, Fairfax, Ross, Kentfield, Tiburon, and surrounding areas.

Are you licensed and insured?

Absolutely. We are fully licensed, bonded, and insured plumbing contractors in the state of California. Our CSLB License number is #1004731.

Local Community

We are based in Novato. We live here, work here, and care about our neighbors. From Eichler models to new construction, we understand the unique characteristics of Marin homes.

• Based in Novato — we know the neighborhoods, homes, and water conditions
• Familiar with local permit requirements for Novato and Marin County
• 20+ years serving homeowners across all of Marin

Based right here in Novato

Eichler Specialists

We have replaced dozens of Eichler heating systems. We know exactly what needs to be done to do the job right.

• Pressure test, flush, and prep before every boiler replacement
• Experience with Lucas Valley, Terra Linda, and San Rafael Eichlers
• We protect your radiant slab — no shortcuts

Dozens of Eichler heating systems replaced

Honest Recommendations

We’ll tell you what makes sense for your situation. We believe in straight talk and honest advice.

• We’ll tell you if a repair makes more sense than a replacement
• Clear, upfront pricing — no surprises
• Free estimates on all major work

Straight talk and honest advice