Plumbing Services in Pittsburgh, PA

Plumbing in Pittsburgh at a glancePittsburgh’s hills shape its plumbing. Homes sit on steep lots where sewer laterals run long distances at sharp grades, and ground movement on slopes cracks and separates older clay pipe. The city’s housing is old — many homes date to the early 20th century — with cast iron stacks, galvanized supply and aging laterals.

The Pittsburgh Water and Sewer Authority has run a large lead service line replacement program, and much of the region is served by combined sewers handled by ALCOSAN, which can back up during heavy rain. Cold, snowy winters add frozen pipes to the list.

Bathroom with wood vanity, vessel sink and wall-mounted faucet

Housing & construction

Older brick and frame homes on hillsides, row houses in neighborhoods like Lawrenceville and the South Side, and mid-century homes in outer neighborhoods.

Plumbing services in Pittsburgh

Utility crew excavating a street to reach a broken water line

Sewer Line Repair in Pittsburgh

Slope and soil movement

Pittsburgh sewer line repair →

New blue water main pipe and valves exposed in an excavated trench

Water Line Repair in Pittsburgh

PWSA program status

Pittsburgh water line repair →

Drain Cleaning in Pittsburgh

Steep lateral grades

Pittsburgh drain cleaning →

Also common in Pittsburgh: pipe repair.

Common plumbing problems in Pittsburgh

Tree Roots in Sewer Line in PittsburghWooded hillside lots

What makes Pittsburgh plumbing different

Hillside laterals

Long, steep sewer laterals on slopes are prone to cracks, separations and root intrusion.

PWSA lead line replacement

PWSA has replaced many lead service lines; check your address before private work.

Combined sewers

Heavy rain can surcharge combined sewers and back water into basements.

Seasonal plumbing calendar for Pittsburgh

WinterInsulate pipes in exterior walls and basements; keep heat on in vacant homes.
Spring rainsHillside runoff and saturated soil stress basements and laterals.

Plumbing emergency in Pittsburgh?

Close the main water shutoff, or the fixture valve if the problem is in one place.
Stay away from water near outlets or the electrical panel.
For sewage backups, stop using all drains.
If you smell gas, leave and call the gas utility or 911 from outside.

Call (866) 417-0220

Pittsburgh plumbing questions

Has PWSA replaced lead service lines in Pittsburgh?

PWSA has run a large lead service line replacement program. Check its service line map for your address.

Why do Pittsburgh sewer laterals fail so often?

Steep lots, shifting soil and old clay pipe make cracks and separations common.

Why does my Pittsburgh basement back up in storms?

Combined sewers can surcharge in heavy rain, pushing water back into basement drains.

Nearby service areas

We also serve communities around Pittsburgh, including Mt. Lebanon, Bethel Park, Penn Hills, Ross Township, McKeesport, Wilkinsburg.

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