IronPoint Plumbing

04/08/2026

Space-Saving Combi Boiler Upgrade – Needham MA

Replaced an aging, discontinued Buderus high-efficiency boiler and separate water heater with a Lochinvar combi boiler.

This upgrade simplified the system, freed up space in the laundry area, and helped the homeowner get ahead of potential emergency repairs if either system failed.
Planning replacements before failure allows time to evaluate options and minimize disruption. Water heaters often fail without warning, and with older or discontinued equipment, parts availability can become a major issue.

We handle boiler replacements and system upgrades throughout the MetroWest area.

04/02/2026

Hynes Plumbing is now IronPoint Plumbing.

New name, same exceptional service.

IronPoint Plumbing remains locally owned and operated by Russell Hynes, with no private equity involvement. This change reflects the continued growth of the business and a commitment to high quality craftsmanship and thoughtful system design.

While we will continue to offer all the services you rely on, we will be placing a greater emphasis on larger, system level work. Over the years, we’ve seen a growing need for deeper understanding of older and more complex systems, such as steam heating, and we are well equipped to meet that need.

Thank you to everyone who has supported the business along the way. We truly appreciate it and look forward to continuing to serve our customers and the greater MetroWest community in the future.

10/21/2025

Protecting Water Lines: Why Going the Extra Mile Matters

Water line protection can take many forms, and sometimes it's the little things that make the biggest difference.

In this case, the water line was installed toward the back of the stud, leaving plenty of material for drywall to be properly secured. Typically, drywall is installed using 1-5/8" screws, which would not have contacted the pipe. In this case however, the drywall was secured with the much longer screw on the left which punctured the pipe.

At first, the screw sealed itself and no leak was detected. But over time, corrosion set in and water began to leak out. We removed the damaged section and installed a new piece of copper pipe. To help prevent this from happening again, we also added a metal nail plate (not shown) as an added layer of protection.

While the depth of the pipe should have been enough, when it comes to water lines, it is always worth going above and beyond.

Have questions about your home's plumbing or want a quick inspection? Send us a message or give us a call. We are here to help.

10/17/2025

Is your water pressure dropping when multiple fixtures are in use?

You’re not alone! Our latest article breaks down the most common causes, and how to fix them.

If you’re struggling with pressure problems, don’t hesitate to reach out. Call us today at (508) 233-2382 or send us a message through the form on our website. We’re here to help!

Proper water pressure is essential for both comfort and the efficient functioning of a home’s plumbing system. Low pressure can make tasks like washing dishes or showering, especially rinsing shampoo, frustrating and ineffective. While people often describe reduced water output as "low pressure," ...

10/14/2025

Don’t Be Fooled by the Term “Frost Proof”

The faucet pictured below is known as a "frost proof" outdoor faucet. It is designed to shut off inside your home and self drain to help prevent freezing during the winter.

BUT if you leave a hose attached, it can still freeze and break.
Because of how these faucets are designed, the break typically occurs after the shutoff point. This means the damage often goes unnoticed until the faucet is used again in the spring. When you turn it on, water not only flows from the spout but also from the break inside the wall, potentially causing water damage inside your home.

With colder weather setting in, now is the time to:
✅ Remove any hoses from outdoor faucets
✅ Check for stuck or corroded hoses (they may need to be cut off)
✅ Inspect your faucets for signs of damage

If you need help winterizing your home or replacing a damaged faucet, contact us to schedule an appointment. We are here to answer your questions and prevent damage to your home.

10/09/2025

Worried your water heater might be on its way out?
Don’t get caught without hot water! Check out our latest blog post to learn the top signs your water heater could be failing.

Need a repair or replacement? We’re here to help.
Contact us today to schedule your service appointment.

10/07/2025

A Testament to the Longevity of Indirect Water Heaters

Check out the unit on the left, while it may look like a catastrophic failure, it was actually only leaking slightly. The internal chamber hadn’t completely failed and would only leak under pressure when the water was heated.

When we checked the warranty status, we discovered it was manufactured in 1985, that’s an incredible 40 years of service. Unfortunately, that also meant it was made two years before the introduction of the lifetime warranty.

We were able to install a new HTP indirect water heater the very next day, eliminating the risk of a major failure and restoring both performance and peace of mind.

If you have a boiler and are looking for a hot water solution that can last for decades, an indirect water heater might be the perfect fit.

Have questions or want a personalized quote? Contact us today.

10/03/2025

Surprised by a high water bill? You're not alone, and you're not without options.

Check out our latest article to learn about the most common causes of unexpectedly high water bills, from hidden leaks to running toilets and more.

If you’ve received a large bill or suspect a leak somewhere in your home, we’re here to help. Our team can quickly locate and repair the issue to help you avoid further costs.

Call us at (508) 233-2382 or use the contact form on our website to schedule an appointment today.

10/01/2025

Understanding Toilet Fl**ge Installation

Knowing how to properly connect plumbing materials is crucial for a leak-free and long-lasting installation.

Below are images showing both correct and incorrect toilet fl**ge installations. The toilet fl**ge allows the toilet to be secured to the floor with bolts and provides a surface for a wax or neoprene seal that prevents water leaks.

The fl**ge on the left is improperly installed. Instead of using a proper cast iron fl**ge, the floor tile was brought tight to the pipe and the gap filled with grout. A metal ring was then screwed to the floor to secure the toilet. This setup wasn’t properly aligned to the outlet piping, and as grout breaks down over time, it compromises the seal, leading to leaks into the ceiling below.

Our fix: We removed the metal ring and tile, then installed a proper cast iron fl**ge around the pipe. The seal was made using oakum (oil-soaked h**p) packed around the pipe, followed by molten lead to secure it in place. This traditional method creates a strong, durable joint, strong enough to hold the toilet without screws, though we added two just to be safe. The toilet was then reinstalled with a new wax seal and thoroughly tested.

This issue was caught early when the homeowner noticed the toilet was loose. What began as a simple inspection turned into a more involved repair, but it prevented future water damage to the ceiling below.

If you have concerns about the plumbing in your home, give us a call. We’re ready to help solve the problem and restore your peace of mind.

09/26/2025

Thinking about adding a new gas appliance?
Before you do, make sure your current system can handle it.

Our latest blog post breaks down the basics of gas pipe sizing, why it matters and how it’s done. This quick guide is a great starting point for homeowners looking to understand their system.

Need a custom gas pipe design?
Get in touch with us at (508) 233-2382 or use the contact form on our website.

Interested in adding a new gas appliance to your home? Perhaps a larger stove for entertaining guests, or a gas fireplace insert for ambiance and supplemental heat? Understanding how gas pipe sizing works can help you anticipate the scope of work needed to install your new appliance. In this article...

09/24/2025

Oh, the places we plumbers will go.

This customer received an enormous water bill that alerted them to a leak somewhere in their building. After some investigation, the source of the leak was determined to be a decommissioned hydro-air system in a crawlspace under the building.

We were able to cap the lines feeding the hydronic coil and get the system back in operation.

While the fix may have been routine, the location definitely was not. Never a dull day in the life of a plumber.

09/19/2025

Ever wondered how your steam boiler works?
Have questions about maintenance or system components?

Our latest article explains everything you need to know to get the most out of your system.

Click the link or visit our website to read the full article.

Although steam heating systems are becoming antiquated, they remain a reliable and comfortable way to heat a home. While not the most energy-efficient option, converting a steam system to hydronic operation, or replacing it entirely with a modern heating system, can be prohibitively expensive. As a....