Pennsylvania has one of the oldest housing stocks in the country. Philadelphia rowhouses, Pittsburgh hillside homes and older boroughs statewide commonly have cast iron drains, galvanized supply and clay sewer laterals. Pittsburgh’s water authority and other utilities have run lead service line replacement programs.
Freeze-thaw winters, basements throughout the state and hilly terrain that affects drainage and sewer laterals shape most plumbing work. Many rural homes rely on wells and septic systems.
Plumbing services we provide in Pennsylvania
These are the services Pennsylvania homeowners call about most often, based on the conditions above.
Sewer Line Repair
Sewer line repair fixes damage to the building sewer or lateral, the pipe that carries wastewater from a house to the public sewer main or septic system.
Sewer Line Repair details →
Pipe Repair
Pipe repair is fixing a damaged section of a home's water supply or drain piping, from a pinhole leak or failed fitting to a split caused by freezing.
Pipe Repair details →
Drain Cleaning
Drain cleaning is the mechanical removal of buildup, debris or roots from drain and waste pipes so water flows freely to the sewer or septic system.
Drain Cleaning details →
Sump Pump Repair
Sump pump repair restores a basement or crawl space pump that collects groundwater in a pit and pumps it away from the foundation.
Sump Pump Repair details →
Water Heater Repair
Water heater repair restores a tank or tankless water heater to safe, normal operation by fixing components such as thermostats, heating elements, burners, valves and controls.
Water Heater Repair details →Local conditions that affect plumbing in Pennsylvania
Old laterals on hilly lots
Clay and cast iron sewer laterals on sloped lots can shift, separate at joints and collect roots.
Lead and galvanized service lines
Older urban neighborhoods may still have lead or galvanized service lines; utilities can tell you what is on record.
Basement water
Sump pumps and drainage are essential in many homes during spring rains.
Rural wells and septic
Outside cities, private wells and septic systems are common, adding pump and treatment work.
City plumbing guides in Pennsylvania
Plumbing in Philadelphia
Row houses with century-old plumbing, owner-responsible service lines and laterals, combined sewers across much of the city, and freeze-thaw winters.
Philadelphia guide →
Plumbing in Pittsburgh
Steep hillside lots, old housing, lead service line replacement through PWSA, combined sewers and cold, snowy winters.
Pittsburgh guide →Plumbing emergency in Pennsylvania?
- Shut off the main water valve if water is leaking or a pipe has burst.
- Keep away from water near outlets, cords or the electrical panel.
- If sewage is backing up, stop using every drain in the house.
- If you smell gas, leave the building and call the gas utility or 911 from outside.
Pennsylvania plumbing questions
Why do older Pennsylvania homes have sewer line problems?
Clay and cast iron laterals installed decades ago crack, separate and attract roots, and hilly lots add ground movement. A camera inspection identifies the problem spot.
Does Pittsburgh replace lead service lines?
The Pittsburgh Water and Sewer Authority has run a lead service line replacement program. Check with your utility for current eligibility.
Are private wells common in Pennsylvania?
Yes, Pennsylvania has one of the largest numbers of private wells in the country. The state doesn’t regulate private well construction statewide, so testing is up to owners.
Does Pennsylvania have lead service lines?
Some older homes in Pittsburgh, Philadelphia and other cities have lead lines. Utilities have run replacement programs; check yours.
Why do Pennsylvania basements leak?
Groundwater, heavy rain and older foundations contribute. Sump pumps, drainage and grading help.
Is Pennsylvania water hard?
Much of central Pennsylvania has hard water from limestone geology; other areas are softer.
Who owns the sewer lateral in Pennsylvania cities?
Property owners generally own their laterals; some municipalities require lateral inspection at sale.
How do I protect pipes in a Pennsylvania winter?
Insulate exposed pipes, keep heat on, disconnect hoses and shut off exterior faucets.
