Leahy Plumbing & Heating, Inc.
“Your Neighborhood Plumbers”
Family Owned and Operated Since 1927
Plumbing License Numbers:
WSSC License #00241 – State of Maryland License #5752939 – City of Rockville License #PLN-0001872
BBB Rating: A+
Residential Plumbing and Heating Services Include:
Serving Montgomery County, Maryland
Hot Water Heater Replacement
Pin Hole Leak Repair
Main Water Shutoff Valve Replacement
Replacement of Fixtures and Faucets
Drain Cleaning
Residential Repairs
Boiler Replacement and Service
Garbage Disposal Installation & Repair
Our Team
We are proud to say our technicians are seasoned professionals who are employees of Leahy Plumbing, not subcontractors. More than half have been with us for more than 15 years, including several who have been here for 30 years or more!
Our Promise To You:
We won’t send anyone in to your house we wouldn’t welcome in to our own home!
Mark
Jim
Blaine
Gary
Griffin
Creighton
Cassio
Daniel
John
Ryder
Tips
Winterize Your Outdoor Plumbing
It gets very cold in Rockville and Bethesda in the winter! Customers frequently ask us if they need to winterize their outdoor hose bibs and our answer is a resounding “yes!” Frozen pipes can burst, causing serious and costly damage to your home. Thankfully, winterizing is easy and inexpensive. The best time to winterize your outdoor plumbing is in the fall before temperatures dip below freezing. There are a few key steps to take. Disconnect your hoses and drain all of the water out of them before storing for the season. Shut off the internal supply valve to your outdoor spigot and then open the spigot to drain water from the pipes. Once all the water is drained, close the shut off valve at your outdoor spigot. Finally, insulate the spigot with a faucet cover or foam, ensuring a flush fit between the house and the insulated covering.
Know Your Main Water & Gas Shut-Off Valves
Knowing where your main water and gas shut-off valves are can save you from serious damage and costly repairs in the event of an emergency. If a pipe bursts or you smell gas, acting fast is critical. Your main water shut-off valve is usually located in the basement, crawl space, or near where the main water line enters your home. To turn it off, rotate the valve clockwise. The gas shut-off valve is typically found near the gas meter outside your home. If you ever detect a gas leak (like a rotten egg smell), leave the house immediately and call your gas company. Take a few minutes today to locate these valves so you’re prepared before an emergency strikes.
Prevent Clogs: What Not to Put Down Your Drains
Many homeowners don’t realize that common household items can cause terrible problems with their pipes. Grease, oils, and fats may go down as a liquid but solidify inside your pipes, creating stubborn, difficult to clear blockages. Coffee grounds, eggshells, and pasta absorb water and expand, making them prime culprits for sink backups. In the bathroom, avoid flushing so-called “flushable” wipes, cotton swabs, and hair, as they don’t break down like toilet paper. The best rule of thumb? If it’s not water, human waste, or toilet paper, keep it out of your drains to prevent plumbing disasters!
Ensure Your Heating System is Safe and Ready for Winter with a Check-Up
Don’t wait until the first cold snap to find out your heating system isn’t working properly! A yearly check-up ensures your furnace or boiler is running efficiently, safely, and reliably all winter long. Regular maintenance helps prevent breakdowns, improves energy efficiency, and even extends the life of your system. Professional inspections check for leaks, clean critical components, test safety controls, and replace filters if needed. If you have a gas furnace, it’s especially important to check for carbon monoxide leaks—this colorless, odorless gas can be deadly if undetected. Every home should have a working carbon monoxide detector near sleeping areas and the furnace. Schedule your heating system check-up in the fall, and test your detector to stay warm and safe all winter!
Consider a Sub-Meter for Outdoor Water Use
Did you know that installing a sub-meter for outdoor water use could save you money on your water bill? Many municipalities charge sewer fees based on total water usage, but water used for irrigation, pools, and other outdoor purposes doesn’t go down the drain. In Rockville, MD, and Bethesda, MD, many homeowners are eligible for reduced sewer fees by installing a sub-meter. A sub-meter tracks the water used outside separately, which may qualify you for a reduction in sewer charges. This can lead to significant savings, especially if you have a large lawn or garden. Check with your local water authority to see if a sub-meter could help lower your costs, and if so, we can help with installation!
Shut Off Your Gas Fireplace When Winter Ends
As the weather warms up in Maryland, it’s time to shut off your gas fireplace for the season. Many gas fireplaces have a standing pilot light that stays on year-round, wasting gas and adding to your utility bill. Turning off the pilot light in the spring can help reduce energy costs and prevent unnecessary wear on your system. If you’re unsure how to safely turn it off, check your manufacturer’s instructions or give us a call—we’re happy to help! When the cold returns, simply relight the pilot, and your fireplace will be ready to keep you cozy again.
Bleed Your Radiators & Change Your Air Filters
Keeping your heating system running efficiently starts with two simple maintenance tasks: bleeding your radiators and changing your air filters. If you have a hot water radiator system, trapped air can cause uneven heating and cold spots. Bleeding your radiators releases this air, helping your system work more efficiently and keeping your home warmer. If you have a forced-air system, dirty filters can restrict airflow, making your furnace work harder and increasing energy costs. Replacing air filters every 1–3 months improves indoor air quality and keeps your system running smoothly. A little maintenance now means better performance and lower heating bills all season long!
About Us
The story of Leahy Plumbing tracks with the stereotype of the young Irish immigrant coming to America at the turn of the century. John’s grandfather, Maurice Leahy, came to America in the early 1900s and became the groundskeeper for the Grosvenor Estate in Bethesda. He and his wife had 11 children, several of whom founded the plumbing company in 1927. With a large family, there were enough members to manage the business as each son went off to serve in World War II. After the war, John’s father took over the plumbing business and ran it until 1996, when John assumed leadership.
For the first 85 years, the business was located in what is now Downtown Bethesda, initially on Bethesda Avenue and later on Cordell. As Bethesda developed into the bustling community it is today, managing a service business there became challenging due to logistical constraints, prompting John to make the tough decision to relocate to Rockville. Although we miss Bethesda and the spontaneous visits from friends and clients, the new shop’s central location offers its own benefits. We left a small legacy behind—the Leahy kids etched their names into the fresh concrete in front of the old shop.
Over the years, we have built a database of over 16,000 customers throughout Montgomery County, many of whom have become friends. We are deeply thankful for the community’s support and will continue to look forward to serving your plumbing needs.
