In the 1920's John Birnie saw an opportunity in the newly developing city of Hamilton, Ontario, and started a sewer and cement business under the name of John Birnie Sewer and Cement.

The company earned a reputation for good work at a quality price and for caring about customers’ homes. In 1946 Thos. Birnie (John's Son) took on the business and put it in his name and shortly thereafter his sons (Roy Birnie & Bob Birnie) soon followed him into the business. 

In 2000 the company was accidentally left out of the phone book and had to develop a strategy to help customers remember who to call in a STINKY situation, and that's where the phone number 5-Stinky came from.

In 2010 Roy and Bob's sons came into ownership with their dads, continuing the family legacy.

In 2025, in celebration of over 100+ years in business the company launched a new name and logo, paying homage to the company's history and dedication of service to the community.  To this day, the business is still owned and operated by the Birnie family and includes other members of the family and staff that have made their careers with us.

                         

Who We Are

Birnie Plumbing & Drains (formerly known as Thos. R. Birnie & Sons) is a family owned company that has been providing service to the Hamilton and Golden Horseshoe communities for 100 years. At Birnie Plumbing & Drains, we love what we do, and we believe in it. It’s not just plumbing to us, it's also about people! Our team is dedicated to enhancing the lives of the people we meet daily. When Thos R. Birnie passed away, the Hamilton Spectator wrote an article entitled "He didn't make customers, he made friends." His legacy continues on today!