Mt. Lebanon Plumbing Company handles residential and commercial plumbing across Mt. Lebanon and the surrounding Allegheny County communities. From a dripping faucet to a burst pipe, from a water heater replacement to a whole-home repipe, we take the call and get the work scheduled. Older homes in this area often hide older pipes behind newer walls, and knowing what to look for before a small problem becomes a large one is exactly the kind of work we do every day. We are available every day from 7:30 AM to 10:30 PM, including weekends. We answer when you call. We explain the work. We leave it dry.
Call (412) 991-9789 for a quote.
Every home's plumbing tells a different story, and so does every property type. For homeowners, that might mean a slow drain in the master bath, a water heater that stopped producing hot water, or aging supply lines that need replacing. For rental property owners and property managers, it means reliable scheduling and clear pricing so a repair does not turn into a phone tag situation with a tenant waiting. We work with commercial clients too, from office buildings to restaurants to multi-unit properties, handling the same scope of work scaled to the size of the job.
We are a straightforward choice for homeowners and property managers who need plumbing work done without a lot of back and forth. One call, and the visit is booked.
From the jobs that come up every week to the ones that only happen once in a home's lifetime, the following covers the core of what we do. This is the everyday work: diagnosing what is wrong, explaining what the fix involves, and getting the water flowing right again.
A slow drain is usually the first sign that something is building up in the line. Kitchen drains collect grease and food debris. Bathroom drains catch hair and soap. Floor drains in basements and utility rooms can back up from sediment over time. We clear slow drains, backed-up drains, and full clogs in any part of the house. For stubborn buildup in older lines, hydro jetting pushes pressurized water through the pipe to clear what a standard snake cannot reach.
When the job is done, we leave your home clean and dry, but getting there starts with finding the source. Leak detection involves pressure testing the line and tracing where the loss is occurring before any wall or floor gets opened. We repair pipe leaks, water line breaks, and main line leaks. If you are dealing with a burst pipe, shut off the main water supply at the shutoff valve and call us. We scope the repair on the call so you know what is involved before anyone arrives.
A sewer backup is one of those problems that does not improve on its own. We clear sewer line clogs, repair damaged sections, and replace lines that have deteriorated past the point of cleaning. A service call covers running a camera or cable through the line to locate the blockage or break, then clearing or repairing from there. Where the situation allows, trenchless repair methods can address a damaged section without full excavation.
Tank and tankless water heaters both develop problems over time, and a no-hot-water call usually starts with a diagnostic to find out whether the unit needs a repair or a replacement. We check the heating element, thermostat, pressure relief valve, and connections before recommending anything. When replacement is the right call, we install both tank and tankless units. The price is confirmed on the call before anything is scheduled, so you know the cost going in.
You shouldn't have to chase a plumber for answers on something as straightforward as a running toilet or a dripping faucet. A running toilet can waste a significant amount of water before it gets fixed. We repair and replace toilets, including clogged toilets that do not respond to a plunger. For faucets and fixtures, we repair drips, replace cartridges and valves, and install new kitchen and bathroom faucets, sinks, and fixtures. If you are scheduling a fixture installation, have the brand and model ready when you call so we can confirm compatibility before the visit.
A garbage disposal that hums but will not spin, or one that leaks from the base, is a common service call. We install new disposals, repair units that are malfunctioning, and replace ones that have run their course. The service call covers diagnosing the issue, confirming whether repair or replacement makes more sense, and completing the work in the same visit where possible.
From a single shutoff valve to a whole-home repipe, the water goes off first, but low pressure is often the symptom that brings the call in. In older Mt. Lebanon homes, low pressure can come from mineral buildup inside galvanized pipes, a failing pressure-reducing valve, or a partially closed shutoff. We diagnose the cause, replace shutoff valves that are corroded or no longer holding, and address pressure issues at the source rather than guessing.
When a home has had the same section of pipe repaired two or three times, a full repipe of that run is often the more practical answer. We handle partial repiping, full whole-home repiping, and targeted pipe replacement for sections that have corroded, scaled, or failed. Drain and pipe work is carried out to code, and we explain what the project involves before any work begins.
When the water won't stop, the job becomes urgent. A burst pipe, a major leak, a sewer backup, or no hot water in the middle of winter all qualify as emergency calls. Short-notice plumbing calls are taken, and the schedule is confirmed when you phone. When you call, we scope the job on the phone, confirm the price before the visit starts, and get someone dispatched. Simple scheduling. A price settled on the call. Water back fast.
Call (412) 991-9789 for emergency plumbing service.
Allegheny County's wet winters, clay-heavy soils, and aging housing stock make certain plumbing services come up more often here than in other parts of the country. The homes across Mt. Lebanon and the surrounding South Hills carry decades of pipe history, and the landscape itself creates conditions that push specific problems to the surface.
Mt. Lebanon sits in hilly terrain with clay-rich soil that does not drain quickly. During heavy rain or snowmelt, that water has to go somewhere, and in homes with basements, a sump pump is what keeps it from pooling on the floor. We install new sump pumps, replace units that have failed or are nearing the end of their service life, and check the discharge line and sump pit as part of the visit. If your pump has not been tested recently and the wet season is approaching, a service call is worth scheduling before the water arrives.
Mt. Lebanon's mature tree canopy is part of what makes the neighborhood appealing, but the root systems that come with it work their way into older clay and cast-iron sewer lines over time. A root intrusion starts as a slow drain and can progress to a full backup if the line is not cleared. We clear the line, assess the extent of root damage, and discuss repair or replacement options based on what the inspection shows. The work stays on the line from the house to the connection point.
Water hardness varies across Allegheny County, and in many parts of the region the mineral content is high enough to leave scale inside pipes, reduce the efficiency of water heaters, and shorten the life of fixtures. A water softener addresses the problem at the point where water enters the home. We handle the full installation, including the supply line connection, drain line, and initial setup. We take pride in the plumbing work we leave behind, and that includes making sure the system is installed cleanly and functioning correctly before we leave.
When you call, the first thing we do is ask about the problem. Describe the symptom, where in the home it is occurring, and whether there has been any prior repair work done on that line or fixture. That information lets us scope the job accurately and give you a rate on the call before anything is scheduled. Ask what the rate covers and you get a straight answer. Call and we'll handle the leaks, drains, and fixtures.
Mt. Lebanon is our primary service area, and we take calls from across the South Hills and surrounding Allegheny County communities. That includes Bethel Park, Castle Shannon, Dormont, Carnegie, Upper St. Clair, Peters Township, Brentwood, and Scott Township. Whether the property is a single-family home, a rental unit, or a commercial building, the same scope of work applies. We make the repair and leave it tidy.
Low pressure across multiple fixtures usually points to a problem with the main supply line, a failing pressure-reducing valve, or significant scale buildup inside older galvanized pipes. In Mt. Lebanon homes with original galvanized supply lines, the interior of the pipe corrodes and narrows over time, which reduces flow even when nothing else has changed. We diagnose the source before recommending a repair, because the fix depends on where the restriction is occurring.
If water is actively flowing from a burst pipe or a major leak, turn off the main water shutoff immediately. If you do not know where the shutoff is located, stay on the phone with us and we will walk you through finding it. Do not attempt to repair a burst pipe with tape or sealant, and do not run water in the house until the source of the problem is isolated.
A sump pump is installed in a pit at the lowest point of the basement, where groundwater collects before it can reach the floor. We size the pump to the volume of water the basement is likely to see, set the float switch, and confirm the discharge line routes water well away from the foundation. In Mt. Lebanon, where clay-heavy soil and significant spring rain totals push water against older basement walls, a properly installed sump pump is a practical protection against water intrusion.
Root intrusion typically shows up as slow drains throughout the house, gurgling sounds near floor drains, or recurring backups that clear temporarily and return. We run a cable or camera through the line to locate the blockage and assess the extent of the root growth. From there, we clear the line and discuss whether the pipe condition warrants repair or replacement of the affected section.
A water softener is connected to the main supply line where water enters the home, so it treats all the water before it reaches fixtures, the water heater, and appliances. The installation includes the supply line connections, a drain line for the regeneration cycle, and initial setup of the system. We confirm the unit is functioning correctly before we leave.
For most repairs involving supply lines, fixtures, valves, or water heaters, yes. The main water shutoff or the fixture shutoff valve is closed before the work begins. We identify the right shutoff on the call and confirm access to it before the visit. For drain work like clog clearing or sewer line service, the supply does not need to be off, but we will let you know what applies to your specific job.
Recurring leaks in older homes are often a sign that the pipe material itself has reached the end of its useful life rather than that a single joint or fitting has failed. Galvanized steel pipe corrodes from the inside out, and once corrosion is advanced enough to cause a leak in one spot, the same process is usually underway in nearby sections. Repairing the same run multiple times is a signal that a targeted repipe of that section is the more practical answer.
The scope starts with what you describe on the call. We ask about the symptom, where it is occurring, whether it is affecting one fixture or multiple, and whether there has been prior repair work on that line or fixture. That information lets us arrive with a realistic picture of what the job involves. If the work reveals something beyond the original scope, we explain what we found and discuss the options before proceeding.
Clear a path to the water heater and remove anything stored directly around it. The area needs to be accessible from multiple sides, especially if the unit is being replaced. If the water heater is in a closet or a tight utility space, let us know when you call so we can account for the access conditions in the scope. Knowing whether the unit is gas or electric also helps us confirm what the installation will involve.
A water heater that is accumulating sediment at the bottom of the tank reduces heating efficiency and can cause rumbling or popping sounds during the heating cycle. Over time, sediment buildup can also accelerate corrosion inside the tank and affect the pressure relief valve. A failing water heater can also cause fluctuating hot water pressure at fixtures throughout the home, which is sometimes mistaken for a supply line problem.
A standard snake works well on clogs that are close to the drain opening or caused by solid debris. When the blockage is deeper in the line, caused by grease buildup, or occurring in a main line rather than a branch drain, hydro jetting is more effective. Hydro jetting pushes pressurized water through the pipe to clear the interior wall, not just punch a hole through the clog.
The price we give on the call is based on what you describe. If the work reveals a different or larger problem once the pipe or fixture is accessed, we explain what we found and what it would cost to address before proceeding. Common examples include discovering corroded pipe behind a wall when replacing a fitting, or finding that a drain clog extends further into the main line than the initial symptoms suggested.
We are available every day from 7:30 AM to 10:30 PM. Residential calls, rental property calls, and commercial plumbing calls are all welcome. Dripping faucet fixed. Slow drain cleared. Water flowing right.
Call (412) 991-9789 to get a price or schedule a visit.
Every plumbing job in Mt. Lebanon starts with a phone call and a straight answer about what the work involves. We cover the full range of residential and commercial plumbing, from a backed-up drain to a whole-home repipe, and we give you a price on the call before anything is scheduled. The table below lays out what each service covers, who it fits best, and what is worth knowing before you book.
| Type of Job | What the Job Covers | When to Call | Things to Keep in Mind |
|---|---|---|---|
| Leak Detection & Repair |
| Homeowners noticing unexplained water damage or a rising water bill | We locate the source before opening anything. Older Mt. Lebanon homes with galvanized or cast-iron pipe can develop leaks in multiple spots along the same run. |
| Sump Pump Installation |
| Mt. Lebanon homes with basements in areas with clay-heavy soil or significant seasonal rain | Clay soil does not drain quickly, and water pushed against older basement walls needs somewhere to go. A properly sized pump and a correctly routed discharge line are both part of the installation. |
| Faucet & Fixture Installation |
| Homeowners upgrading fixtures or dealing with persistent drips | Have the brand and model of any new fixture ready when you call so we can confirm compatibility before the visit. |
| Emergency Plumbing |
| Any situation where water damage is active or the home is without a working plumbing system | Short-notice calls are answered, so reach out as soon as the situation develops. Shut off the main water supply if a pipe has burst, then call us. |
| Water Softener Installation |
| Homes with hard water causing scale buildup in pipes or reduced fixture life | Water hardness varies across Allegheny County. A softener installed at the main supply line treats water before it reaches the water heater and all fixtures, which extends the life of both. |
| Water Heater Repair & Replacement |
| Households with no hot water, inconsistent water temperature, or an aging tank | We check the unit before recommending replacement. When a new unit is the right call, we install both tank and tankless models and confirm the price before scheduling. |
| Garbage Disposal Service |
| Kitchens with a disposal that hums, leaks, or will not spin | We confirm on the call whether repair or replacement makes more sense, and complete the work in the same visit where possible. |
| Water Pressure & Shutoff Valve Repair |
| Homes with low pressure at multiple fixtures or shutoff valves that no longer hold | In older Mt. Lebanon homes, mineral buildup inside galvanized pipe is a common cause of reduced flow. We diagnose the source rather than guessing. |
| Sewer & Main Line Service |
| Properties with slow drains throughout the house or recurring sewer backups | A sewer backup does not improve on its own. We run a camera or cable through the line to locate the problem before clearing or repairing. |
| Toilet Repair & Installation |
| Homeowners with a running, leaking, or non-flushing toilet | A running toilet can waste a significant amount of water before it is fixed. Most repairs are completed in a single visit. |
| Drain Cleaning & Clog Removal |
| Homeowners dealing with slow or fully clogged drain | Recurring clogs in the same drain often point to buildup deeper in the line than a standard snake can reach. Hydro jetting clears the pipe wall, not just the clog. |
| Whole-Home Repiping |
| Older homes with recurring leaks, low pressure, or original galvanized pipe throughout | When the same section of pipe has been repaired multiple times, a full repipe of that run is often the more practical answer. We explain the scope before any work begins. |
What are the signs that a water heater needs to be replaced rather than repaired?
ne factor, but the more telling signs are sediment buildup causing rumbling or popping during the heating cycle, rust-colored hot water at the faucet, visible corrosion around the base of the tank, or a unit that consistently fails to produce enough hot water even after a repair. When a water heater has had the same component fail more than once, replacement is usually the more practical answer. We diagnose the unit on the call and explain what we find before recommending anything.
What is the difference between a tank and a tankless water heater?
A tank water heater stores a set volume of hot water and keeps it heated continuously. A tankless unit heats water on demand as it flows through the unit, which means it does not run out the way a tank can during heavy use. Tankless units take up less space and do not have standby heat loss, but they require a higher flow rate of gas or electricity to operate. We install both types and can walk you through which fits your household size and existing utility setup when you call.
How do I know if a slow drain is a fixture problem or a main line problem?
A single slow drain is usually a localized clog in that fixture's branch line. When multiple drains in the house are slow at the same time, or when flushing a toilet causes water to back up in a nearby tub or floor drain, the problem is most likely in the main sewer line. We ask about which fixtures are affected when you call, because that information tells us where to start and what equipment the job requires.
Cause Found Before Anything Is Replaced
We diagnose the problem before recommending a repair or replacement. Whether it is a water heater, a drain line, or a shutoff valve, you hear what we found and what the fix involves before any work is authorized.
What does hydro jetting clear that a standard drain snake cannot?
A drain snake punches through or breaks apart a clog, but it does not clean the interior wall of the pipe. Grease, mineral scale, and compacted debris can coat the inside of a drain line and slow flow even after a snake clears the immediate blockage. Hydro jetting pushes pressurized water through the line in all directions, which clears the buildup from the pipe wall rather than just opening a path through it. It is particularly effective on kitchen drain lines and on older main lines with years of accumulation.
How do tree roots damage a sewer line, and what does the repair involve?
Tree roots follow moisture, and older clay or cast-iron sewer lines develop small cracks and joint gaps over time that roots work their way into. Once inside, they grow and expand, narrowing the line until flow is restricted or the pipe is blocked entirely. The intrusion typically shows up as slow drains throughout the house, gurgling at floor drains, or backups that clear temporarily and return. We run a cable or camera through the line to locate the root mass and assess how far the damage extends, then clear the line and discuss whether the pipe condition warrants repair or replacement of the affected section.
How is a hidden or slab leak located without tearing up the floor?
Pressure testing isolates whether a leak is in the supply or drain system and roughly where the loss is occurring. Electronic leak detection can then narrow the location further by identifying where pressure or acoustic signatures change along the line. We use these methods to locate the leak before any floor or wall is opened, which limits the scope of the access work needed. A slab leak is confirmed and located before any concrete is cut.
Older and Newer Plumbing Both Handled
Mt. Lebanon's housing stock runs from century-old homes with original cast-iron and galvanized pipe to newer construction with PVC and PEX throughout. We work on both, and we adjust the approach to what is actually in the wall.
When is repiping a better answer than repairing a leaking pipe?
A single leak in an otherwise sound pipe is a repair. When the same section of pipe has leaked in two or three places, or when galvanized pipe throughout the home has corroded to the point where the interior is significantly narrowed, repairing one spot leaves the surrounding pipe in the same condition. At that point, a targeted repipe of the affected run addresses the underlying problem rather than the symptom. We explain what we find and what the options are before any work begins.
Do I need to be home when the plumbing work is done?
For most jobs, yes. Access to the affected fixture or line, the main water shutoff, and any crawl space or utility area involved in the repair all typically require someone to be present. If you are a property manager scheduling work at a tenant-occupied unit, let us know when you call and we can work through the access details then.
Code-Compliant Work on Every Job
Drain and pipe work is carried out to the code inspectors in this area enforce. If a repair or installation requires a permit, we confirm that before the job is scheduled.
What causes a faucet to keep dripping after it has been repaired?
A dripping faucet usually comes down to a worn cartridge, O-ring, or seat washer. If a faucet drips again shortly after a repair, the most common cause is that the seat itself, the surface the washer presses against, is worn or pitted and is not sealing correctly even with a new washer. In older faucets, the valve body can also be corroded to the point where a replacement cartridge does not seat cleanly. We assess the full valve, not just the part that was most recently replaced.
How long does a water heater replacement typically take?
A standard tank water heater replacement in an accessible utility space usually takes a few hours from the time work begins. Tankless installations take longer because they involve more connection work, and tight utility spaces or closet installs add time. We account for access conditions when we scope the job on the call, so the estimate reflects the actual situation at your property rather than a best-case scenario.
What should I do if a shutoff valve will not close all the way?
A shutoff valve that turns but does not fully stop the flow is a valve that can no longer be relied on in an emergency. Do not force it. Call us and describe which valve it is and where it is located. We can often replace a corroded or worn shutoff valve in a single visit, and we will walk you through locating the next valve upstream if the immediate one needs to be isolated before we arrive.
Call (412) 991-9789 and describe what you are dealing with. We will scope the job, give you a rate, and get the visit on the schedule.
(412) 991-9789