Hydronic Heating & Boiler Services

Essex County's
Hydronic
Heating Specialist

Boiler installation, baseboard heat, radiant systems, and zone valve service for Essex County's historic and custom homes, by a licensed Master Plumber who knows these systems cold.

MA Master Plumber #16207
NH Licensed
Est. 2019
Essex County MA & Southern NH

Hydronic Heating Specialists for Essex County's Older Homes

Essex County is loaded with Victorian-era homes, old Cape Cods, and pre-war colonials that have been running on hydronic systems for decades. When something goes wrong with a 1940s steam boiler or a baseboard zone that won't heat, you need a plumber who has worked on these systems, not one who's looking it up as they go. ECPH specializes in the hydronic heating systems that define this region's housing stock.

What We Handle

Hydronic Heating Services

From boiler replacement to full radiant installs, ECPH handles every part of your hydronic system, licensed, permitted, and done right the first time.

Boiler Installation & Replacement

New boiler installs and direct replacements for gas systems. We work with Lochinvar and Viessmann. High-efficiency equipment built for residential applications. Properly sized, code-compliant, and permitted start to finish.

Baseboard Heat Service

Hot water baseboard repair and replacement, including air bleeding, element swaps, zone isolation, and full baseboard runs for additions and renovations. Common in Essex County's older homes and handled with care.

Radiant Floor Heating

In-floor PEX tubing, manifold installation, and zone control for new construction and renovation projects. We work alongside general contractors to rough in and commission radiant systems that perform long-term.

Zone Valves & Controls

Multi-zone systems, zone valve replacement, thermostat wiring, and control upgrades. Adding a zone, troubleshooting an unresponsive zone, or converting a single-zone system. We handle the full scope.

Labeled hydronic zone circulator pumps — First Floor / Attic / Master - hydronic heating

Indirect Water Heaters Built Into the System

Many high-efficiency boiler installs pair with an indirect water heater that uses the boiler's heat to produce domestic hot water. It's one of the most efficient ways to heat water in a home, and it eliminates the need for a standalone water heater entirely.

ECPH installs and services indirect tanks alongside boiler work. If your boiler is in need of replacement, it may be the right time to consolidate your water heating needs. We will guide you in the right direction for your home. Learn more about water heater installation from ECPH.

Have a system that's not heating the way it should? Let's take a look.

Get a Quote
Diagnose & Repair

Common Hydronic Heating Problems We Solve

Old systems develop predictable problems. Here's what we see most often in Essex County homes, and what we do about it.

Banging or knocking pipes

Water hammer and steam-system noise. Usually a pressure, pitch, or trap issue. Diagnosable and fixable without full replacement.

Uneven heat between zones

Air locks, zone valve failure, or an undersized circulator. We diagnose the source before recommending any parts.

Boiler short-cycling

A boiler that fires and shuts off repeatedly is working harder than it should. Common causes: pressure settings, a failing aquastat, or an oversized unit.

Leaking radiators or baseboards

Pinhole leaks, failed fittings, or corroded elements. We locate the source and repair it, rather than suggesting a full system overhaul when a targeted fix will do.

System past service life

A boiler over 20 to 25 years old running on borrowed time. We'll give you an honest assessment of repair vs. replace, not a sales pitch for a new unit.

No heat after power outage

Pilot light, control board, or ignition issues. Most can be diagnosed in a single visit. If it's a plumbing repair issue tied to the heating system, we cover that too.

How We Work

From First Call to Working System

No guesswork, no surprises. Three steps from inquiry to a system that heats the way it should.

1
System Diagnosis

We inspect the boiler, distribution system, zones, and controls. Then we tell you exactly what we find. If something doesn't need to be replaced, we'll tell you that too.

2
Written Estimate

A clear scope of work before anything starts. Equipment, labor, and timeline, in writing. You decide before we schedule.

3
Licensed Installation or Repair

Permitted, inspected, and done by a licensed Master Plumber. Whether it's a boiler swap or a zone valve, the work meets code and carries Ian's license behind it.

Radiant heat manifold mounted in wall cabinet with supply/return lines and gauges - hydronic heating
Radiant Floor Heating

In-Floor PEX Radiant Systems for New Construction and Renovations

Radiant floor heating delivers warmth evenly from the ground up. No drafts, no hot spots, no noise. It's one of the most comfortable and efficient heating methods available, and one of the more technically demanding to install correctly. ECPH designs and installs PEX radiant systems for new construction and ADU projects as well as major renovation work.

The key is proper design. Loop lengths, manifold sizing, and flow balancing all affect long-term system performance. We work alongside your general contractor to rough in tubing before the slab is poured or subfloor is installed, then commission the system to ensure even heat distribution across every zone.

  • PEX-A tubing installed in concrete slab or between subfloor panels
  • Manifold installation with independent zone controls per area
  • Boiler or heat source integration, sized for the radiant load
  • Pressure testing before concrete pour or floor finish
  • Permits pulled, inspected, and signed off
  • Compatible with tile, hardwood, engineered wood, and polished concrete
Discuss a Radiant Project
Common Questions

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I know if my boiler needs repair or replacement?

Age and repair history are the two biggest factors. A gas boiler over 20 years old with a pattern of recurring repairs is usually a better replace candidate than a repair candidate. The math catches up. A newer boiler with an isolated issue is almost always worth fixing. We'll give you an honest read on the system after inspection, not a default recommendation for a new unit.

What boiler brands do you install?

ECPH works with Lochinvar and Viessmann for residential boiler installs. Both are high-efficiency, well-supported, and appropriate for Essex County's older homes. We select equipment based on the specific application, not what's easiest to get. For water heaters connected to hydronic systems, we also work with AO Smith, Bradford White, and Rinnai.

Can you add zones to an existing system?

Yes. Adding zones is one of the most common upgrades in older single-zone homes. We assess whether the existing boiler has the capacity to support additional zones, then add zone valves, thermostat wiring, and distribution piping as needed. It's a straightforward job when the system is in good shape, and a meaningful comfort upgrade for homeowners tired of heating the whole house when only part of it is being used.

Do you work on steam heating systems as well as hot water?

Yes. Steam systems are common in Essex County's pre-war homes and require a different diagnostic approach than hot water systems. We work on both. If you have a steam boiler that's banging, losing pressure, or going through water too fast, reach out. Steam system problems are diagnosable and usually fixable without full replacement.

Related Service

Tank, Tankless, and Heat Pump Water Heaters

A boiler replacement is often the right time to revisit how your home heats domestic water. Heat pump water heaters, tankless units, and indirect tanks all have different applications depending on your system, usage patterns, and utility costs.

ECPH installs and services all three types, and we can help you figure out which option makes sense for your home.

Water Heater Installation
Mechanical room with indirect hot water tank and custom copper piping - hydronic heating

Ready to Get Your System Running Right?

Whether you need a boiler replaced, a zone that won't heat, or a new radiant system in a custom build, ECPH serves Essex County MA and southern NH. We will get the issue resolved.