Our History

O’Neill Plumbing originated in 1917 by James O’Neill. After working out of his home for several years, it became clear that he needed a shop. Times were good, indoor plumbing systems were on the upswing and construction of new homes made it apparent that West Seattle was a good place for a local plumber. The first shop was located adjacent to the now Husky Deli at the junction.

In 1929 Tom O’Neill began working for his dad, Jim. Business was not as prosperous, and at times, you could find both Jim and Tom sitting on the shop steps waiting for the phone to ring. Around 1934, Tom took over the business from his father, with the help of his wife Hope. They were a team, and community supporters, until the business was sold to their son Terry in 1961.

A contract with city light created a surge of work for O’Neill around 1938. Promotion of “electric water heaters” created more work than Tom could handle. During this period (1938 – 1940) the staff grew to 6 employees. Removing coils in stoves, installing electric water heaters and re-piping were the services in demand.

The outbreak of World War II in 1941 reduced the staff to two people. It remained that way until Terry became interested in the business in 1953. The 1961 takeover of the business by Terry and Wendy prompted Tom and Hope to retire in 1962. They enjoyed many healthy years together traveling, living on Hood Canal, golfing and maintaining an apartment in West Seattle.

O’Neill Plumbing grew a little larger each year. From a small office and answering services, to our present location with a fleet of trucks, and a staff of 25 dedicated hardworking employees, the strides have been huge.

In 1984, Terry’s son Tim O’Neill joined the company. He started by helping grow the underground utility side of the business and has his license with the city of Seattle as a registered side sewer contractor. Now the Company owns several dump trucks, excavating equipment and employs upwards of 12 underground utility pipe fitters and operators.

In 2013 Tim and his wife Stephanie purchased the business from Terry and Wendy and looked forward to O’Neill’s 100th anniversary of serving the local community. In November of 2025 Tim and Stephanie sold O’Neill Plumbing to long-time employee Tyler Blanchard and his wife Katie. Tyler and Katie are excited to carry on the O’Neill Plumbing tradition and maintain it as a family-owned business.

Times have changed and so has business. Presently operating three divisions consisting of service, contracting and underground utilities, business is much more complex than it was over 100 years ago. But through all the changes, O’Neill Plumbing Co. remains a local business. We have expanded our services to include Greater King, Pierce and Snohomish counties and we look forward to serving you!