Ken Griffin Plumbing Services, Inc. is a long-established plumbing company based in Columbia, Maryland, that has served the Howard County area for over three decades. While it built a strong reputation as a family-owned business, it was acquired in 2022 by the national corporation HomeServe and now operates under its Service Experts brand, a significant change that appears to have influenced recent customer experiences.
- Company History & Acquisition: Founded in 1989 by Ken and Kathy Griffin, the company operated as a family business for over 30 years before being acquired by HomeServe in April 2022.
- Services Offered: The company provides a comprehensive range of residential and commercial plumbing services, including 24/7 emergency repairs, well pump maintenance, and full kitchen and bathroom remodeling.
- Reputation and Reviews: The business holds an A+ rating from the Better Business Bureau and has won local awards for over two decades. However, customer reviews are mixed, with many recent ones pointing to higher prices and challenges with administrative service since the corporate acquisition.
- Licensing and Operations: They are a licensed plumbing contractor in Maryland, with their current license active until late 2025. The company continues to operate from its Columbia, MD, location and offers 24-hour emergency services.
History and Corporate Acquisition
Ken Griffin Plumbing Services, Inc. was founded in 1989 by Ken and Kathy Griffin and operated as a family-owned business for more than 30 years. During this time, it became a well-known service provider in Howard County and the surrounding Maryland communities. The company built a reputation for its plumbing expertise and customer service, which was reflected in numerous local accolades.
In a significant shift, the company was acquired by HomeServe USA in April 2022. HomeServe is a large, multinational provider of home repair and installation services. At the time of the sale, it was announced that Ken Griffin and all existing staff would remain with the company to ensure operational continuity. Today, the business is part of HomeServe’s portfolio of brands and operates under the name Service Experts. This acquisition marks a transition from a local, family-run operation to a branch of a major national corporation.
Services and Specializations
The company offers a wide array of plumbing services for both residential and commercial clients and is available for emergency calls 24 hours a day. Their offerings can be categorized into several key areas:
| Service Category | Examples of Services Provided |
|---|---|
| General Plumbing & Repairs | Faucet repair, leak detection, drain cleaning, toilet repair, and garbage disposal service. |
| Installations & Replacements | Water heaters (tank and tankless), sump pumps, well pumps, and gas piping for appliances. |
| Specialized Services | Well water treatment, water filtration and softening systems, and sewer line services. |
| Remodeling | Full-service kitchen and bathroom remodeling, supported by an in-house design department and showroom. |
Reputation, Awards, and Customer Reviews
Ken Griffin Plumbing Services holds a strong official standing, with an A+ rating from the Better Business Bureau (BBB). The company has also been the recipient of numerous local awards, most notably being voted “Best of Howard County” for 24 consecutive years, an honor mentioned in press releases about its acquisition.
Customer sentiment, however, presents a more complex picture. A review of public feedback, particularly on platforms like Yelp, shows a division in customer experiences, especially when comparing reviews from before and after the 2022 acquisition.
- Positive Feedback: Many customers, both past and present, praise the technical proficiency, professionalism, and dedication of the on-site plumbers. Reviews often highlight that technicians are knowledgeable and effective at resolving complex plumbing issues.
- Negative Feedback: A recurring theme in reviews, particularly more recent ones, involves criticism of the company’s administrative and customer service functions. Complaints frequently mention poor communication, lack of follow-up on quotes and scheduling, and what are perceived as excessively high prices. One widely cited Yelp review from 2022 directly attributes these issues to the new corporate ownership, stating, “The Ken Griffin Plumbing everybody has loved for years is no more,” after receiving a quote they considered to be dramatically inflated.
This contrast suggests that while the quality of the hands-on plumbing work may remain high, customers may experience challenges with the company’s pricing structure and administrative processes under its new corporate management.
Learn More
- HomeServe Acquires Howard County, Maryland’s Ken Griffin Plumbing Services: The official press release detailing the 2022 acquisition.
- Ken Griffin Plumbing Services on Yelp: A collection of customer reviews that provides insight into a range of experiences with the company, both before and after its sale.
- BBB Profile for Ken Griffin Plumbing Services, Inc.: The company’s official Better Business Bureau page, showing their A+ rating and accreditation details.