Quick Comparison
| Firm | Founded / Tenure & Credentials | Services & Specialties | Geographic Focus |
|---|---|---|---|
| McQuillan Bros (McQuillan Home Services) | 1883 (McQuillan brothers founders, Galena IL farm origins, Irish immigrant lineage from County Fermanagh); five McQuillan family generations under John McQuillan | MN Mechanical Contractor MB805075, MN Master Plumbers and Class A Electrical Contractors on staff, BBB Accredited | Saint Paul base; Twin Cities metro (Saint Paul, Minneapolis, Ramsey, Washington, Dakota counties) |
| Rascher Plumbing and Heating | 1912 (Carl William Rascher founder, apprentice 1898, started with wheelbarrow on Saint Paul West Side); four Rascher family generations; current Joseph Rascher President | MN Plumbing Contractor, MN Master Plumber on staff, BBB Accredited | 712 Smith Avenue South Saint Paul base (West Side, 55107); Saint Paul plus surrounding suburbs |
| Ryan Plumbing & Heating | 1951 (Ryan family founder); five Ryan family generations | MN Plumbing Contractor, MN Master Plumber on staff, BBB Accredited | Saint Paul plus Minneapolis dual base; Twin Cities metro |
| Kelly Plumbing & Heating | 1973 (John Kelly founder, Summit-University neighborhood); ownership transitioned to Phil Skoog 1989; current owner Steven Skoog (Master Plumber); two Skoog family generations | MN Plumbing Contractor PC642539, MN Mechanical Bond MB003997, MN Master Plumber NAT-115322, BBB Accredited | 1932 Saint Clair Avenue Saint Paul base (55105); historic Saint Paul plus Minneapolis |
1. McQuillan Bros (McQuillan Home Services)
- Address: Saint Paul, MN (Twin Cities metro service)
- Phone: (651) 219-7444
- Founder: Four McQuillan brothers (James Francis born 1854; John born 1855; Phillip Louis born 1861; Peter Marcus born 1863); sons of Irish immigrants John and Margaret McQuillan from County Fermanagh; first official McQuillan Bros plumbing 1887; firm history dates to 1883
- Operating Since: 1883 (143 years; one of the longest-operating home service contractors in Minnesota)
- License: Minnesota Mechanical Contractor MB805075; staff MN Master Plumbers, Class A Electrical Contractors, certified Mechanical Contractors; BBB Accredited
- Service area: Saint Paul plus the Twin Cities metro (Minneapolis, Ramsey, Washington, Dakota, Hennepin counties; Maplewood, Roseville, White Bear Lake, Woodbury, Eagan, Inver Grove Heights, Mendota Heights, West Saint Paul)
- Website: mcquillanbros.com
143 Years of Continuous Twin Cities Operation
The McQuillan family roots trace to a Galena, Illinois farm where four brothers were born to Irish immigrants John and Margaret McQuillan from County Fermanagh. The family later moved to a Dakota County, Minnesota farm in 1865. The McQuillan plumbing firm history dates to 1883, with the first official McQuillan Bros plumbing operation established in 1887. Five McQuillan family generations have run the business across 143 years. The firm now operates as McQuillan Home Services under the fifth-generation leadership of John McQuillan.
Saint Paul Base With Multi-Trade Twin Cities Reach
McQuillan Home Services operates from a Saint Paul base. Service extends across Ramsey, Washington, Dakota, and Hennepin counties. The firm runs separate plumbing, heating, cooling, drain, and electrical divisions. Multi-trade service depth supports unified residential project work across the historic Saint Paul housing stock plus the broader Twin Cities suburban arc.
Minnesota Mechanical Contractor MB805075 Plus Multi-Trade Credentialing
McQuillan Home Services operates under Minnesota Mechanical Contractor license MB805075. Staff includes state-licensed Master Plumbers, Class A Electrical Contractors, and certified Mechanical Contractors. Minnesota plumbing licensing runs through the Department of Labor and Industry (DLI). BBB Accreditation provides third-party reputation verification. The 143-year operating history plus continuous multi-trade Minnesota credentialing supports a verifiable five-generation compliance record.
2. Rascher Plumbing and Heating
- Address: 712 Smith Avenue South, Saint Paul, MN 55107
- Phone: (651) 224-4759
- Founder: Carl William Rascher (apprentice 1898; founded firm 1912 with a wheelbarrow on the Saint Paul West Side); current Joseph Rascher President; four Rascher family generations
- Operating Since: 1912 (114 years)
- License: Minnesota Plumbing Contractor; MN Master Plumber on staff; BBB Accredited
- Service area: Saint Paul (West Side, Highland Park, Macalester-Groveland, Summit-University, Cathedral Hill, Como Park, Mac-Groveland, Battle Creek, Mounds Park), Mendota Heights, West Saint Paul, South Saint Paul, Inver Grove Heights, Lilydale
- Website: rascherplghtg.com
Four Rascher Family Generations Across 114 Years
Carl William Rascher began as a plumbing apprentice in 1898. He founded Rascher Plumbing and Heating in 1912, reportedly starting service with a wheelbarrow on the Saint Paul West Side. Four Rascher family generations have run the business across 114 years. Joseph Rascher serves as the current President. The 114-year operating tenure ranks Rascher Plumbing and Heating among the longest-tenured family-owned plumbing operations in Minnesota.
West Side Saint Paul Operating Base
The 712 Smith Avenue South headquarters establishes the firm in the West Side neighborhood of Saint Paul (55107). The position brings dispatch within across central Saint Paul plus the Dakota County suburban arc south of the Mississippi River. Service extends through historic Saint Paul neighborhoods (Highland Park, Macalester-Groveland, Summit-University, Cathedral Hill, Como Park) plus the cross-river Mendota Heights, West Saint Paul, and South Saint Paul corridor.
Minnesota Plumbing-Plus-Heating Service Mix and Trade Depth
Rascher Plumbing and Heating operates under Minnesota Plumbing Contractor licensing through DLI. The combined plumbing-and-heating service line supports residential boiler, radiator, in-floor radiant heat, towel-warmer, and snow-melt-system work alongside core plumbing service. Service depth fits the historic Saint Paul housing stock where steam-and-radiator heating systems remain common. BBB Accreditation provides third-party reputation verification.
3. Ryan Plumbing & Heating
- Address: Saint Paul plus Minneapolis dual base (Twin Cities metro)
- Phone: Saint Paul (651) 224-4771; Minneapolis (612) 927-6488
- Founder: Ryan family (founded 1951); five Ryan family generations
- Operating Since: 1951 (75 years)
- License: Minnesota Plumbing Contractor; MN Master Plumber on staff; BBB Accredited
- Service area: Saint Paul plus Minneapolis; Twin Cities metro (Ramsey, Hennepin, Washington, Dakota counties); commercial restaurant work plus rental-inspection compliance
- Website: ryanplumbing.com
Five Ryan Family Generations Across 75 Years
The Ryan family founded Ryan Plumbing & Heating in 1951. Five Ryan family generations have run the business across 75 years. The firm operates from a dual Saint Paul plus Minneapolis base. Five-generation family operating depth represents an unusual continuity in the Twin Cities plumbing trade.
Dual Saint Paul Plus Minneapolis Base
Ryan Plumbing & Heating maintains separate Saint Paul (651) 224-4771 and Minneapolis (612) 927-6488 telephone routing. The dual-base footprint supports unified service across the Twin Cities core plus the suburban arc. Service depth includes water heater repair and replacement, lead service line replacement, sewer line work, sump pump installation, faucet and toilet service, plus furnace, steam boiler, hydronic, and air conditioning work. Commercial scope includes restaurant plumbing and rental inspection compliance.
Minnesota Plumbing Contractor Compliance and Multi-Trade Service
Ryan Plumbing & Heating operates under Minnesota Plumbing Contractor licensing through DLI. The combined plumbing, heating, and cooling service mix supports unified residential and commercial project work. BBB Accreditation provides third-party reputation verification. Five Ryan family generations across 75 years supports a verifiable continuous-ownership compliance record.
4. Kelly Plumbing & Heating
- Address: 1932 Saint Clair Avenue, Saint Paul, MN 55105
- Phone: (651) 699-1232
- Founder: John Kelly (founded 1973 in the Summit-University neighborhood of Saint Paul); ownership transitioned to Phil Skoog in 1989 after John Kelly’s cancer diagnosis; current owner Steven Skoog (youngest son of Phil Skoog; Master Plumber, 15+ years experience); two Skoog family generations
- Operating Since: 1973 (53 years)
- License: Minnesota Plumbing Contractor PC642539; Mechanical Bond MB003997; Master Plumber NAT-115322; additional MN credentials BV001976, Pm58922; BBB Accredited
- Service area: Saint Paul (Macalester-Groveland, Highland Park, Summit-University, Cathedral Hill, Crocus Hill, Como Park, Hamline-Midway, Saint Anthony Park) plus Minneapolis historic neighborhoods
- Website: kellyplumbinginc.com
Founder-Successor Continuity Plus Two Skoog Generations
John Kelly founded Kelly Plumbing & Heating in 1973 in the Summit-University neighborhood of Saint Paul. In 1989, after a cancer diagnosis, John Kelly asked his most trusted employee Phil Skoog to purchase the firm. Phil Skoog took ownership and continued the company under the Kelly Plumbing & Heating name. Steven Skoog, the youngest son of Phil Skoog, started as an apprentice plumber while in high school. Steven Skoog now serves as a Master Plumber and current owner. The firm runs as a two-generation Skoog family operation continuing the founder’s legacy across 53 years.
Saint Clair Avenue Mac-Groveland Base
The 1932 Saint Clair Avenue headquarters sits in the Macalester-Groveland neighborhood of Saint Paul (55105). The position opens rapid dispatch coverage across central and west Saint Paul plus the Highland Park, Summit-University, Crocus Hill, and Cathedral Hill historic-housing corridor. Service extends west into the Saint Paul-Minneapolis border and the Hamline-Midway corridor.
Minnesota Plumbing Contractor PC642539 Plus Master Plumber Credentialing
Kelly Plumbing & Heating operates under Minnesota Plumbing Contractor license PC642539. The firm holds a Mechanical Bond MB003997 plus Master Plumber license NAT-115322. Additional Minnesota credentials include BV001976 and Pm58922. The firm specializes in residential renovation and service work across the historic Saint Paul housing stock. BBB Accreditation provides third-party reputation verification.
Reference Notes
Minnesota plumbing licensing runs through the Minnesota Department of Labor and Industry (DLI). DLI issues Master Plumber, Journeyworker Plumber, Restricted Master Plumber, Restricted Journeyworker Plumber, Plumbing Contractor, and Mechanical Contractor credentials. Verification runs through the DLI license lookup at secure.doli.state.mn.us. The Saint Paul Department of Safety and Inspections (DSI) issues building permits and trade-license verification within Saint Paul city limits. Saint Paul Regional Water Services handles water service connections plus annual backflow prevention testing.
Saint Paul residential housing reflects more than 175 years of construction layered across the city’s bluffs and river-bottom neighborhoods. Pre-1880 housing remains in Lowertown, Irvine Park, and the historic downtown core. The 1880-1920 streetcar-suburb expansion built out Summit-University, Cathedral Hill, Crocus Hill, Macalester-Groveland, Highland Park, and the Como Park corridor. Pre-war Tudor-revival, Colonial-revival, and bungalow housing filled out 1900-1940 across Mac-Groveland, Saint Anthony Park, and the Highland Park grid. Postwar tract construction built out Battle Creek, Mounds Park, and the Ramsey County suburban ring through 1945-1970. Historic Saint Paul housing carries cast-iron drain stacks, lead service lines, galvanized supply piping, steam-and-radiator boilers, and hot-water radiator systems. Winter freeze-protection considerations plus seasonal frost-line drain work shape recurring service categories.
The four firms profiled cover four positions on the Saint Paul market arc. McQuillan Bros leads tenure with the McQuillan brothers’ lineage tracing to Irish immigrant farm origins. Five McQuillan family generations have run the firm across 143 years, now under John McQuillan’s fifth-generation leadership. Rascher Plumbing and Heating follows with four Rascher family generations since Carl William Rascher’s 1912 founding on the Saint Paul West Side. Joseph Rascher serves as the current President. Ryan Plumbing & Heating brings five Ryan family generations since the firm’s 1951 founding. The dual Saint Paul plus Minneapolis base supports unified Twin Cities service. Kelly Plumbing & Heating runs founder-to-successor continuity since John Kelly’s 1973 founding in Summit-University. Phil Skoog purchased the firm in 1989 at the founder’s request following his cancer diagnosis. Steven Skoog, Phil’s youngest son and a Master Plumber, now serves as current owner.
Verification paths run through secure.doli.state.mn.us, BBB Minnesota listings, the PHCC of Minnesota directory, and the Saint Paul Department of Safety and Inspections contractor records. Pre-1900 Lowertown and Irvine Park housing tilts toward McQuillan’s 143-year operating depth. Four-generation West Side Saint Paul service fits Rascher. Five-generation Twin Cities residential and commercial service fits Ryan Plumbing & Heating. Two-generation Mac-Groveland and historic Saint Paul residential renovation fits Kelly Plumbing & Heating. Norblom Plumbing (1923, profiled in the Minneapolis directory) covers an additional historic Twin Cities operator outside this Saint Paul list. National rollup brands operating in Twin Cities (Authority Brands’ Benjamin Franklin Plumbing, Neighborly’s Mr. Rooter, Service Experts, Roto-Rooter, Wrench Group, Redwood Services, Master Trades Group, ARS, Apex Service Partners, Genz-Ryan after private-equity-style consolidation activity) sit outside the four-firm independent profile.
Selection Methodology
Selection follows four criteria. First, continuous family ownership or founder-operator continuity outside the national rollup pattern. Second, verifiable Minnesota Plumbing Contractor or Mechanical Contractor license cross-checked through the DLI public lookup. Third, BBB Accreditation or equivalent third-party rating. Fourth, minimum 10-year continuous operating tenure with documented Saint Paul service coverage. Firms acquired by national franchise networks (Authority Brands’ Benjamin Franklin Plumbing, Neighborly’s Mr. Rooter, Service Experts, Roto-Rooter, Wrench Group, Redwood Services, Master Trades Group, ARS) are excluded.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I verify a Saint Paul plumber’s license?
Use the Minnesota Department of Labor and Industry license lookup at secure.doli.state.mn.us. Search by license number or business name. Confirm active status, classification, bonding, and insurance before authorizing work.
What credentials should a Saint Paul plumber hold?
At minimum: Minnesota Plumbing Contractor credential plus general liability insurance and workers’ compensation coverage. Specialty work (gas line, backflow prevention, fire sprinkler, sewer lateral, boiler service) requires additional credential layers. Saint Paul rental property work may require additional Saint Paul DSI permit registration.
How can I tell if a Saint Paul plumber is locally owned versus a national rollup?
Check ownership disclosures and acquisition history. National franchise brands typically operate under parent-company branding. Search the firm name plus “acquired” or “parent company” to surface ownership structure. The four firms in this directory all run as independent locally-owned operators.
When should I call an emergency plumber in Saint Paul?
Burst pipes, sewer backups, gas leaks, no-water events, frozen-pipe events, and water heater failures justify after-hours dispatch. Cold Minnesota winter snaps drive freeze-burst pipe demand across Saint Paul. Each firm in this directory offers either 24/7 emergency service or structured after-hours response.
Editorial Note
Compiled by the editorial team. Firm details cross-verified through state license databases, BBB business profiles, and firm-published websites where available. License numbers should be re-verified through the Minnesota DLI public lookup before authorizing work. Information current as of the date below; firm details may change without notice. Last updated: 2026-05-10.