If you’ve lived in or around Freehold, New Jersey, for more than a few years, you’ve probably driven past that building on Throckmorton Street a thousand times. Maybe you didn't even notice it. It’s not flashy. It doesn't have a giant neon sign or a mascot dancing on the sidewalk. But for the people who actually have to fix things—the plumbers, the contractors, and the DIYers who realize halfway through a Saturday that they bought the wrong size PVC pipe—Bill Wagner & Son Inc is basically legendary.
It’s one of those rare places that feels like a time capsule in the best way possible. Honestly, in an era where big-box retailers are taking over everything with their "one size fits all" aisles and employees who sometimes don't know a P-trap from a ball valve, walking into a spot like Bill Wagner & Son is a breath of fresh air.
They’ve been around since 1956. Think about that for a second. That’s seventy years of helping people keep their water running and their houses warm.
What Is Bill Wagner & Son Inc Exactly?
At its core, it's a wholesale and retail supply house. You’ll find them at 241 Throckmorton Street in Freehold. While a lot of people might confuse them with a service company that sends a van to your house (like the similarly named Wagner & Sons in Illinois or other regional outfits), this specific New Jersey institution is where the pros go to get their gear.
They specialize in:
✨ Don't miss: Growth Fund of America A Share: What Most People Get Wrong About This Giant
- Plumbing fixtures and supplies
- Heating systems and boiler parts
- Well pumps and well supplies (crucial for the more rural parts of Monmouth County)
- Septic and landscape excavation materials
Basically, if it involves moving water or heat through a building, they’ve got it. But it's not just about the inventory. The Kaplan family has owned and operated this place for over 52 years, moving it from its original spot on BanNard Street to Throckmorton back in '76. That kind of longevity creates a specific type of expertise you just can’t replicate with a corporate training manual.
The Counter Experience vs. Big Box Stores
You’ve been there. You go to a massive home improvement store because you need a specific washer for a 40-year-old faucet. You spend twenty minutes wandering the plumbing aisle. You finally find someone in an orange or blue vest, and they point you to a shelf that’s completely empty or filled with the wrong parts.
That doesn't really happen at Bill Wagner & Son.
The staff there is known for being—well, patient. That’s a word you see come up a lot. If you walk in with a rusted-out valve and a confused look on your face, they aren't going to roll their eyes. They’re going to help you identify it. For a homeowner trying to save a few hundred bucks by doing a repair themselves, that advice is worth way more than the price of the part.
Why Pros and DIYers Both Swear By Them
It’s about the "hard-to-find" stuff.
✨ Don't miss: International business machines stock price: What Most People Get Wrong
New Jersey has a lot of older homes. When you're dealing with a Victorian in the middle of Freehold or an old farmhouse out toward Howell, you aren't going to find the right replacement parts at a chain store. Those places stock what sells the most, which usually means parts for modern construction. Bill Wagner & Son Inc keeps a deep inventory of specialized items, from hydronic heating components to specific well equipment that hasn't changed much in decades but is still vital for thousands of local residents.
They also have a Notary Public on the premises most weekdays. It’s a small detail, but it speaks to the "community hub" vibe they’ve cultivated. It’s a business that understands its neighbors.
Navigating the Confusion: Which "Wagner" Are You Looking For?
One thing that gets people tripped up on Google is the name. There are several "Wagner" plumbing businesses across the country.
- There’s Wagner & Sons Plumbing in Genoa, Illinois (great reviews, run by a guy named Mike).
- There’s Wagner Mechanical out in Albuquerque.
- There’s even Michael Wagner and Sons in Wheeling, IL, which has a fancy showroom.
But if you are in Central Jersey, you are looking for the Throckmorton Street location. This isn't a franchise. It’s a local corporation (officially incorporated in 1983, though the roots go back much further) led by people like Vice President Laura DeAngelis.
The Reality of the Supply Chain in 2026
The world of plumbing and heating supplies has changed a lot lately. Between fluctuating copper prices and the push toward more "green" heat pump technology, supply houses have to stay on their toes. Bill Wagner & Son has managed to bridge that gap. They still carry the heavy-duty cast iron stuff for old boilers, but they also supply the modern, high-efficiency fixtures that contractors need to meet today’s building codes.
👉 See also: The Truth About Chuck Wright Credit Card Refund Issues and What You Should Actually Do
If you’re a contractor, you’re usually looking for three things: speed, accuracy, and fair pricing. You can't afford to have a crew sitting around a job site because a supply house gave you the wrong flange. The reputation here is built on getting it right the first time.
Quick Stats for the Curious
- Founded: 1956
- Current Location: 241 Throckmorton St, Freehold, NJ
- Primary Focus: Wholesale Plumbing and Heating Supplies
- Ownership: Kaplan Family (50+ years)
How to Get the Most Out of Your Visit
If you’re planning to head down there, here’s a bit of "pro" advice. Don't just show up and say "I need a pipe thingy."
- Take photos. Lots of them. Take pictures of the part, the pipe it connects to, and the brand name of the unit if there is one.
- Bring the old part. If you can take it off, bring it with you. There is no substitute for matching threads in person.
- Go early. The store opens at 7 am on weekdays. That’s when the pros are there. If you want a slightly quieter experience to ask questions, mid-morning is usually your best bet.
- Check the hours. They’re open Saturday mornings (usually 8 am to 2 pm), but they're closed on Sundays. Plan your weekend emergencies accordingly!
The Bottom Line on Bill Wagner & Son Inc
Local businesses like this are the backbone of the trades. Without a reliable place to get parts, the whole system of home maintenance in a town like Freehold would grind to a halt. Whether you're a master plumber with a fleet of trucks or a terrified homeowner with a leaking water heater, having access to an expert counter staff is a massive advantage.
Honestly, even if you don't need a toilet flapper right now, it’s worth knowing where they are. In the world of home ownership, it’s not a matter of if something will break, but when. And when it does, you’ll be glad you aren't stuck at a big-box store talking to a teenager who was working in the garden center yesterday.
Actionable Next Steps:
- Audit your home's "critical" systems: Locate your main water shut-off valve and your boiler/furnace. If you see any slow drips or crusty mineral buildup on valves, take a photo and bring it to the counter at Bill Wagner & Son. It’s much cheaper to replace a $15 valve on a Tuesday than to call an emergency plumber on a Sunday night.
- Support local: If you have a choice between ordering a plumbing fixture online or picking it up locally, choose the local house. You get the benefit of their expertise, and you help keep a 70-year-old community institution in business.
- Check your well pump: If you're on a well system, find the model number of your pump and pressure tank. Drop by the store to see if they stock the specific pressure switch for your model—it's a common failure point that’s easy to swap if you have the part on hand.