Plumbing, heating, and cooling care for San Rafael's mid-century modern Eichler homes, built around their radiant slabs and ductless design.
Eichler homes are unlike most houses in Marin County. Their radiant-slab heating, open layouts, and lack of conventional ductwork call for a contractor who understands how these systems were built and how to keep them working. John Owens Services has cared for residential customers across Marin and Sonoma since 1986, with deep respect for the design and original systems of these mid-century modern homes.
Our approach is what we call the John Owens Way: maintain first, repair when something breaks, and replace equipment only when it is truly the last resort. The goal is to protect your home's comfort, efficiency, and character without unnecessary work.
The John Owens Way for Eichler Homes
Eichler homes have distinct features and original systems that deserve careful attention. Our philosophy keeps your investment protected at every stage:
Maintain — Regular maintenance keeps your HVAC, plumbing, and other systems running efficiently year-round, helping you save money and avoid larger failures down the road.Repair — When something breaks, we diagnose the issue and fix it properly, respecting the integrity and style of your home so you can get back to comfort.Replace — If equipment has reached the end of its life, we help you choose quality systems that complement your home's design and meet your needs for long-term reliability.
Heating, Cooling, and Radiant Systems
Many Eichlers were built with radiant heat that warms the home through the concrete slab. We service and repair these hydronic systems, including boilers, and help homeowners keep original radiant heating working well.
Because Eichlers typically lack existing ductwork, they pair well with heat pumps for both heating and cooling. We install air-to-air and air-to-water systems, including in-roof ducting where it fits the home, so you can add modern comfort without compromising the design.
Plumbing, Drains, and Sewers
We handle the full range of residential plumbing in your Eichler home, from faucets, showers, and garbage disposals to leak locating and pipe repair.
Our full-service drain trucks clear root intrusions and blockages, and a truck-mounted hydrojet handles the toughest clogs. When a line is beyond cleaning, we can repipe your home's drains and sewers.
One Company for the Whole Home
Rather than hiring and vetting several contractors for your Marin County Eichler, you can call one company for nearly every system. John Owens Services holds five trade licenses — plumbing, boiler, HVAC, electrical, and general construction — one for each major system in the home.
From planning and design through final cleanup, we treat your home with care and return everything to its original state and aesthetic. Preserving your home's mid-century character matters to us as much as solving the problem.
Why Homeowners Choose John Owens
Since 1986, we have cared for residential customers throughout Marin and Sonoma Counties, specializing in heating, cooling, plumbing, and drain services. Over four decades we have helped tens of thousands of homeowners keep their homes comfortable and efficient.
All of our plumbers and technicians are licensed, insured, and bonded, so your Eichler home and property are fully protected while we work.
Yes. Many Eichlers heat the home through hot water running under the concrete slab. We service and repair these radiant and hydronic systems, including the boilers that drive them.
Yes. Because Eichlers usually lack existing ductwork, they pair well with heat pumps. We install air-to-air and air-to-water systems, and can run in-roof ducting where it suits the home, to provide both heating and cooling.
No. John Owens Services holds five trade licenses — plumbing, boiler, HVAC, electrical, and general construction — so one company can handle nearly any system in your home.
Yes. Our drain trucks clear root intrusions and blockages, and a truck-mounted hydrojet handles severe clogs. If a line cannot be cleaned, we can repipe your home's drains and sewers.
From the Marin coast to Sonoma wine country, we bring honest plumbing, heating & cooling to homeowners across both counties — based locally since 1986.