When your pipes burst at 2 AM or your water heater fails on a weekend, you need someone who shows up and fixes it right the first time. No runaround, no surprises, no coming back next week to “finish up.”
You get a plumber who actually answers the phone. We respond fast because we know plumbing emergencies don’t wait for business hours. We arrive with the tools and parts needed to solve your problem, not just diagnose it.
Your home stays clean and your repair stays within budget. Most customers are shocked when we come in under the original estimate—something that rarely happens in this industry.
RB Mechanical isn’t some fly-by-night operation. We’ve been fixing Manhattan’s plumbing since 1983, back when Morningside Heights was a different neighborhood entirely. Bobby started the company, and now his son Rob works alongside him—real people you can trust with your home.
This is what 40 years in Manhattan plumbing teaches you: every building is different, every problem has a history, and shortcuts always cost more in the long run. That’s why we take time to understand what’s actually wrong before we start tearing into your walls.
You’re not getting a corporate plumber who’s never seen your type of building before. You’re getting local experts who know Morningside Heights’ older infrastructure, the common issues in pre-war buildings, and exactly how to fix them without creating bigger problems.
First, you call 646-996-5806 and actually reach someone who can help. No phone trees, no “we’ll call you back.” We pick up and get the details of what’s happening at your place.
Next, we show up when we say we will—usually within the hour for emergencies. We come equipped, not empty-handed. Our truck carries the parts and tools needed for most common repairs, so you’re not waiting days for a return visit.
Then comes the part that surprises most people: we explain exactly what’s wrong and what it’ll cost before we start the work. No hidden fees, no “additional charges we discovered.” You approve the work, we fix it, and you’re back to normal. Clean workspace, problem solved, often for less than you expected to pay.
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We handle everything from the simple stuff—leaky faucets and clogged drains—to the complex work that most plumbers won’t touch. Water heater installation and replacement, boiler repairs, gas line work, and those dreaded sewer problems that can flood your basement.
Morningside Heights buildings come with their own challenges. Hard water that destroys fixtures, old pipes that need careful handling, and building codes that change faster than most plumbers can keep up with. We stay current with NYC regulations and know how to work within the constraints of older Manhattan buildings.
We also handle the paperwork nightmares that come with NYC plumbing work. DEP violations, backflow testing requirements, gas inspections—all the regulatory stuff that can shut down your building if it’s not done right. When the city issues a three-day notice, you need someone who can resolve it properly and fast.
We typically respond to emergency calls within one hour, often faster. We understand that plumbing emergencies don’t wait for convenient times—burst pipes, gas leaks, and sewer backups need immediate attention to prevent property damage and safety hazards.
Our trucks are stocked with common parts and tools, so we can often complete repairs on the first visit instead of making you wait for a return trip. We’ve been serving Manhattan for over 40 years, so we know the neighborhood and can navigate traffic efficiently to reach you quickly.
For true emergencies like gas leaks or major water damage, we prioritize those calls above everything else. Your safety and property protection come first.
Three things set us apart: experience, honesty, and results. We’ve been fixing Manhattan plumbing since 1983, so we’ve seen every type of problem these older buildings can throw at us. Most plumbers learn on your dime—we already know what works.
Our pricing is transparent from the start. We give you a detailed breakdown before we begin work, and we often come in under our original estimate. That’s unusual in this industry, but it’s how we’ve built our reputation over four decades.
Finally, we’re a family business. When you call, you get us—the same people every time. We’re not a corporate operation with different technicians each visit. We take pride in our work because our name is on it.
Yes, we regularly resolve DEP violations including the dreaded three-day notices for defective water mains and sewer lines. These violations require immediate attention and proper documentation to avoid fines and legal complications.
We handle all the paperwork and coordinate with city inspectors to ensure compliance. We know exactly what the DEP requires and how to get violations cleared quickly and correctly. We’ve been dealing with NYC regulations for decades, so we understand the process inside and out.
Don’t try to handle DEP violations yourself or hire someone unfamiliar with the requirements. The city doesn’t give extensions, and improper repairs can lead to bigger problems and additional violations.
Absolutely. Pre-war buildings are actually our specialty. These older Manhattan buildings have unique plumbing systems that require specific knowledge and experience to repair properly. Many newer plumbers don’t understand how these systems work or how to maintain them without causing damage.
We know how to work with galvanized pipes, steam heating systems, and the quirky plumbing configurations common in buildings from the 1920s and 1930s. We also understand how to make modern upgrades while preserving the integrity of older systems.
Our experience with Morningside Heights’ building stock means we can often predict and prevent problems before they become emergencies. We know what fails first in these buildings and how to address issues properly.
Leave immediately and call 911 first, then call us at 646-996-5806. Don’t turn any lights on or off, don’t use electrical switches, and don’t try to locate the source yourself. Gas leaks are serious safety hazards that require immediate professional attention.
Once the fire department clears the scene, we can locate and repair the leak properly. We’re licensed for gas line work and carry the specialized equipment needed to detect and fix gas leaks safely. We also handle all the required inspections and documentation.
Never ignore the smell of gas or assume it’s minor. Even small leaks can become dangerous quickly, especially in Manhattan’s dense housing conditions. We respond to gas emergencies immediately because your safety is our top priority.
Plumbing costs in Manhattan vary widely depending on the complexity of the work and the age of your building. Simple repairs like fixing a leaky faucet might cost $150-300, while major work like water heater replacement can range from $1,200-3,000 depending on the unit and installation requirements.
What makes us different is our transparent pricing. We provide detailed estimates upfront and often come in under budget. We don’t hit you with surprise charges or “additional work we discovered” after we start the job. Many customers are shocked when our final bill is less than our original estimate.
The key is getting the problem diagnosed correctly from the start. We take time to understand what’s really wrong, not just treat the symptoms. This approach often saves money by addressing root causes instead of just patching problems that will return.
Other Services we provide in Morningside Heights