About Downing Plumbing
Northwest Indiana's trusted plumber since 1950. Three generations of neighbors have counted on the same licensed Downing crew — no subcontractors, no surprises.
OUR STORY
Built on a Handshake Since 1950
Downing Plumbing & Heating, Inc. was founded in 1950 by Ralph "Ducky" Downing in Munster, Indiana. What started as a one-man operation built on honest work and fair prices grew steadily alongside the communities it served — Lake County neighborhoods, Porter County suburbs, and eventually the south side of Chicago.
Now based out of Merrillville, Indiana, Downing Plumbing has served more than 83 communities across Northwest Indiana and the south suburbs of Chicago for over 75 years. The name has stayed the same. So has the standard.
We hold active plumbing licenses in both Indiana and Illinois, which means every job — whether it's a sewer repair in Crown Point or a water heater replacement in Tinley Park — is completed by our own licensed plumbers. We never subcontract.
Indiana License: CO19400019 Illinois License: 055-019996
1950 Year Founded
75+ Years in Business
83 Communities Served
4.9★ Average Rating
(312 Reviews)
(312 Reviews)
OUR HISTORY
75 Years of Northwest Indiana Plumbing
1950
Founded in Munster, Indiana
Ralph "Ducky" Downing establishes Downing Plumbing in Munster, IN — building a reputation for prompt, honest plumbing service across Lake County.
1960s–70s
Expanding Across Lake County
As Northwest Indiana grows through the postwar boom, Downing Plumbing grows with it — serving new neighborhoods in Hammond, Gary, Highland, Griffith, and Merrillville.
1980s–90s
Illinois License & South Suburban Service
Downing earns its Illinois plumbing license and extends service into the south and southwest suburbs of Chicago — Lansing, Calumet City, Tinley Park, and beyond.
2000s
Headquartered in Merrillville
Operations move to 8183 Grand Blvd in Merrillville — a central location that allows faster response times across the full service territory.
2016
BBB Accreditation — A+ Rating
Downing Plumbing earns Better Business Bureau accreditation, meeting all 26 standards of accreditation and carrying an A+ rating.
Today
83 Communities, One Standard
From Michigan City to Frankfort, IL — 83 communities across five counties trust Downing Plumbing. Same licensed crew, same commitment to getting it right the first time.
WHAT SETS US APART
The Downing Standard
Seventy-five years is a long time to stay in business. We've done it by keeping things simple: show up on time, do the work right, charge a fair price, and stand behind everything we do.
Licensed in Indiana & Illinois
We hold active plumbing contractor licenses in both states — Indiana license CO19400019 and Illinois license 055-019996. Every job is permitted and legal wherever we work.
No Subcontractors — Ever
When you call Downing Plumbing, Downing Plumbing shows up. We never send unfamiliar subs. The same licensed team that answers the phone does the work.
Same-Day & Emergency Service
Plumbing problems don't wait for a convenient time. We offer same-day service most days with emergency response for burst pipes, water main breaks, and sewer backups.
Upfront Pricing
We provide estimates on-site before any work begins. No surprise invoices. No upselling you on things you don't need. The price we quote is the price you pay.
Locally Rooted Since 1950
We live and work in the same communities we serve. Northwest Indiana is our home — which is why we treat every customer's property with the same care we'd give our own.
BBB Accredited — A+ Rating
We've earned Better Business Bureau accreditation by meeting all 26 standards of accreditation. Our A+ rating reflects 75 years of doing business the right way.
LICENSED & ACCREDITED
Our Credentials
We hold the licenses and accreditations required to legally perform plumbing work anywhere in our service territory — and we carry full liability insurance and bonding so you're protected on every job.
When you hire Downing Plumbing, you're hiring a company that has met the regulatory and professional standards set by both the State of Indiana and the State of Illinois. No workarounds. No unlicensed subs. Just legitimate, permitted plumbing work.
BBB Accredited Business
A+ Rating · Accredited since 2016 · Meets all 26 Standards of Accreditation
Indiana Plumbing Contractor
License No. CO19400019 · State of Indiana
Illinois Plumbing License
License No. 055-019996 · State of Illinois
Fully Bonded & Insured
General liability insurance and surety bond on every job
★★★★★
"Downing consistently gives excellent, efficient service — they responded quickly and got the job done right. I wouldn't call anyone else."
— Hilary, Munster, IN
Read all 312 reviews →WHERE WE WORK
Serving 83 Communities in Indiana & Illinois
From our Merrillville, Indiana base, our licensed crews reach every community in Lake, Porter, and LaPorte County, plus the south and southwest suburbs of Cook and Will County in Illinois.
View all service areas → Indiana
- Lake County
- Porter County
- LaPorte County
Illinois
- Cook County
- Will County
READY TO GET STARTED?
Need Plumbing Service?
Whether you need drain cleaning, sewer repair, water heater service, sump pump repairs, or emergency plumbing help, Downing Plumbing is ready to help.