If you've ever dealt with a burst pipe at 3:00 AM in Brooklyn, you know the absolute dread of realized powerlessness. Most big-box stores are locked tight. Your local neighborhood hardware guy has been asleep for hours. This is usually when people first discover Kevin & Richard Plumbing & Heating Supplies.
Honestly, it’s a bit of a local legend. Tucked away at 93 Emerson Place in Clinton Hill, it’s the kind of place that looks unassuming from the street but acts as a literal lifeline for the city's infrastructure.
But there is a lot of noise online about how they operate. Some people swear by them as the only "real" plumbing shop left in the borough. Others complain about the pricing or the gruff counter service. To understand why Kevin & Richard Plumbing & Heating Supplies still matters in 2026, you have to look at what they actually do—and what they aren't trying to be.
The 24-Hour Reality of Kevin & Richard Plumbing & Heating Supplies
Let's talk about the elephant in the room: the hours.
Most plumbing supply houses in New York operate on "contractor time." They open at the crack of dawn and vanish by 4:00 PM. If your boiler dies on a Tuesday night in January, those places might as well be on the moon.
Kevin & Richard Plumbing & Heating Supplies broke that mold years ago by staying open late—and in many cases, 24 hours.
It's a specialized business model. They aren't trying to compete with the garden section at Home Depot. They exist for the emergency. Because of this, the atmosphere inside is... efficient. If you walk in expecting a retail "experience" with a greeter and a smile, you're probably going to be disappointed.
The guys behind the counter are often dealing with stressed-out supers and frantic homeowners. They know the inventory like the back of their hand. They can identify a specific 1950s steam valve by sight. That expertise is why people keep coming back, even when the reviews mention the occasional "cranky" interaction.
What's Actually on the Shelves?
Inventory is where the shop earns its keep. Most modern retailers focus on "high-velocity" items—the stuff that sells every day. Kevin & Richard Plumbing & Heating Supplies carries the weird stuff.
- Steam Heating Parts: Brooklyn is a museum of old heating systems. Finding parts for a 100-year-old radiator is a nightmare elsewhere.
- Specialty Pipes: They stock various gauges of copper, PVC, and black iron that smaller shops just don't have the space for.
- Commercial Grade Pumps: Sump pumps, sewage ejectors, and booster pumps are ready to go.
- The "Small" Stuff: Washers, gaskets, and obscure fittings that save you from replacing an entire $500 fixture.
I've seen people drive from Queens or even Jersey City because Kevin & Richard was the only place that had a specific grease trap or a certain brand of commercial water heater in stock at 11:00 PM.
The Price of Convenience
There is a recurring theme in recent 2025 and 2026 reviews regarding the cost. Is it more expensive than a big warehouse in the suburbs? Often, yes.
Basically, you are paying for the availability. When you need a $200 part to stop a flood that is causing $10,000 in floor damage, that part is worth $200. Some customers have noted that "electrical items" (like certain pump components) are non-returnable. This is a common practice in professional supply houses to prevent people from "borrowing" parts for troubleshooting, but it catches DIYers off guard.
If you're a homeowner, go in with your old part in hand. Don't guess. The staff is knowledgeable, but they aren't mind readers. If you show them exactly what broke, they’ll usually find the match in minutes.
Why the Expert Crowd Stays Loyal
Professionals like Richard B. Turchiano—a licensed Master Plumber and mechanical engineer—understand the value of a reliable supply chain. In the high-stakes world of NYC property management, "time is money" isn't just a cliché; it's the bottom line.
Kevin & Richard Plumbing & Heating Supplies serves as a hub for these pros. It's where the guys with 15-van fleets go when they run out of a specific coupling mid-job.
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There's also a weirdly specific service they offer: propane refills. In a city where finding a legal spot to refill a BBQ or torch tank is surprisingly difficult, they remain one of the few reliable spots in the area to get it done.
Navigating the Shop: A Quick Guide
- Bring Cash if Possible: While they take cards, there have been occasional reports of tech glitches or fees. Cash is king in old-school Brooklyn.
- Know Your Measurements: Plumbing isn't "close enough." If you need a 3/4-inch fitting, a 1/2-inch fitting is useless. Measure twice.
- Check the 525 Park Ave vs 93 Emerson Pl Addresses: They have operated out of a few spots nearby. Currently, the Emerson Place location is the heartbeat of the retail supply side.
- Avoid Peak Times: Saturday mornings are a madhouse. If you can go on a weeknight, you’ll get way more attention from the staff.
The Actionable Bottom Line
If you are a DIYer or a property owner in Brooklyn, you should have the number for Kevin & Richard Plumbing & Heating Supplies (+1 718-222-1581) saved in your phone. Don't wait for a crisis to find out where they are.
Before you head out there for an emergency repair, take a clear photo of the broken part and any brand names or model numbers printed on the equipment. This single step will save you three trips and a lot of frustration. If you're worried about the price, call ahead. They’ll usually give you a quote over the phone so you aren't surprised when you get to the counter.
Most importantly, respect the trade. These shops are the backbone of New York’s "hidden" infrastructure. They aren't there to hold your hand through a Pinterest project; they're there to help you keep the water in the pipes and the heat in the radiators.