Nationwide Plumbers is a NYC licensed master plumbing contractor, License #2023, in business since 1984. We serve Gowanus 24/7 with drain and sewer work, backflow testing, commercial plumbing, gas lines, water heaters and Local Law 152 inspections. Call 718-748-2727.
Gowanus grew up around the Gowanus Canal, and for most of its history it was warehouses, workshops and small factories, with brick and frame row houses on the blocks between them. Third Avenue and Fourth Avenue are the main north-south streets, the R train runs under Fourth Avenue, and the F and G stop at Fourth Avenue-9th Street. The rezoning of recent years has added large new residential buildings near the canal.
That mix gives Gowanus three very different kinds of plumbing work. Older row houses on streets like Union, Carroll and President need sewer, water service and heating repairs. Converted industrial buildings have commercial systems, backflow preventers and drain lines that were never designed for kitchens and bathrooms. And the low ground near the canal floods in heavy rain, with combined sewers that back up toward basements.
Services we offer in Gowanus
- Sewer camera inspection and sewer line repair
- Hydro jetting, 45-day guarantee
- Backflow testing and installation for commercial and mixed-use buildings
- Commercial plumbing for workshops, studios and restaurants
- Sump and ejector pumps for low basements
- Gas line installation and repair for commercial kitchens
- Local Law 152 gas piping inspections
- Water heaters, tank and tankless
Common plumbing issues in Gowanus
Combined sewer backups near the canal
Gowanus sits low, and its sewers carry both stormwater and waste. In a heavy storm they fill up and can push water back into basements through floor drains and low fixtures. A backwater valve, a clean house trap and a working sump pump reduce the risk. We check the house sewer first so you know what you are protecting.
Old industrial buildings with new uses
A former warehouse turned into studios, offices or a restaurant may have floor drains, a water service and gas piping designed for a very different use. Adding bathrooms and kitchens can overload old lines, and the building likely needs a backflow preventer tested every year. We assess what is there and handle upgrades and inspections.
Row houses and old water services
Some of the older row houses in Gowanus still have old water service pipes and original galvanized piping inside. Low pressure and rusty water are the giveaways. Replacing the water service line from the main and repiping the interior brings the pressure back and removes the source of the rust.
New residential towers
The new buildings near the canal bring pumps, pressure reducing valves, backflow preventers, commercial water heaters and gas piping on the Local Law 152 cycle. We work with managing agents and condo boards on testing, inspections, leak tracing between units and repairs, and we provide certificates of insurance for every job in the building.
Why Gowanus residents choose Nationwide Plumbers
- Our own van-mounted jetter for heavy sewer and grease lines
- Licensed master plumber, License #2023
- COIs for commercial landlords, condo boards and managing agents
- Written estimates before any work starts
Service area in and around Gowanus
We service all of Gowanus, Brooklyn (ZIP 11215, 11217, 11231), for emergencies 24/7 and for scheduled work.
Nearby neighborhoods we also serve: Park Slope, Cobble Hill & Carroll Gardens, Boerum Hill, Red Hook and Greenwood Heights. For our full coverage, see our Brooklyn service area page.
Plumbing in Gowanus: FAQ
Does my building in Gowanus need annual backflow testing?
If it has a backflow preventer on the water service, yes. Most commercial, mixed-use and larger residential buildings do. The city requires a yearly test by a certified tester, with the results filed. We test, repair or replace devices and handle the filing.
Why does my basement back up when it rains, even with a clear line?
In low areas near the canal, the street sewer itself can fill during heavy rain and push water back into the house. A backwater valve on your house sewer is designed for exactly this. We camera the line to confirm your pipe is clear and see whether a valve fits.
Can you add plumbing for a new kitchen in a converted space?
Yes. We install water, drain, vent and gas piping for commercial and residential kitchens, including grease interceptor connections, and file the permits the work needs. You get a written estimate before any work starts.
