Jack Dankel Plumbing has been serving Pittsburgh homeowners, landlords, and businesses since 1995. That is 31 years of showing up on time, getting the work done right, and treating every customer like a neighbor. We handle the full range of residential and commercial plumbing work, from a dripping faucet to a burst pipe at midnight. Call us and a real local person picks up. Trusted for years. Ready for your pipes. Call anytime.
Jack Dankel started this company with a simple idea: Pittsburgh deserves a plumber who actually shows up, does the job right, and stands behind the work. In 1995, he picked up his tools and started taking calls from neighbors in the area. Word spread. Repeat customers turned into referrals. Referrals turned into a reputation built one job at a time across Allegheny County.
Three decades later, we still run the same way. We serve homeowners dealing with a slow drain or a water heater that gave out overnight. We work with landlords and property managers who need reliable service across multiple units without the runaround. We handle commercial accounts where a plumbing problem means lost time and frustrated tenants or customers. The customer list has grown, but the approach has not changed: honest communication, fair pricing, and the plumbing done right the first time.
Allegheny County has a wide range of housing stock and building types, and we have worked across most of it. From century-old row houses to newer construction, from single-family homes to multi-unit rentals, 31 years of continuous local work means very few situations we have not seen before. We get to the bottom of the problem fast.
Hearing a running toilet or a drip behind the wall? We cover the full scope of residential and commercial plumbing work, and we bring licensed plumbers to every job. Whether you need a quick repair or a larger project handled from start to finish, we have the experience to do it well.
Our services include drain cleaning and clog removal, leak detection and repair, water heater repair and replacement, toilet and faucet and fixture installation, sewer and main line service, repiping, garbage disposal service, sump pump installation and repair, and emergency plumbing. Every job is approached with code-compliant plumbing as the standard, not an afterthought. That matters for your safety, your property value, and your peace of mind.
Here is a closer look at what each service involves and what you can expect from a visit.
A slow drain is easy to ignore until it backs up completely. Kitchen grease, soap buildup, hair, and debris accumulate over time and restrict flow through your pipes. We clear clogs in kitchen and bathroom drains, floor drains, and main line connections using professional equipment that goes further than a store-bought snake.
For stubborn or recurring blockages, hydro jetting is an option. This process uses high-pressure water to break up buildup and flush the line clean. It is particularly effective for main line clogs and older pipes with years of accumulation. If your drains are slow, backing up, or gurgling, a single call gets the process started. One ring and we are on the way.
Water finds the path of least resistance, and leaks do not always show themselves in obvious places. A leak behind a wall, under a concrete slab, or inside a ceiling can go unnoticed for months while causing real damage to your home or building. We use detection methods that locate the source without unnecessary demolition.
Slab leak detection and repair is a specific capability we bring to older Pittsburgh-area properties where pipes run beneath concrete foundations. Once we locate the leak, we explain the repair options clearly before any work begins. We also handle burst pipe repair and emergency response when a pipe fails suddenly. Pick up the phone and we will handle the pipes.
No hot water is one of the most disruptive plumbing problems a household or business can face. We repair and replace both tank and tankless water heaters, and we work on units of all major brands and sizes.
If your water heater is making noise, leaking, or simply not keeping up with demand, a service call can often get it running again without a full replacement. When a unit is past its useful life or beyond repair, we help you choose a replacement that fits your household size and hot water needs. Tankless water heater installation is an option for customers looking to upgrade to on-demand hot water. Every installation is approached with transparent pricing with no hidden fees on any plumbing job, so you know what you are paying before the work starts. We will handle the pipes so you do not have to.
A running toilet wastes water and money. A leaky faucet that drips overnight adds up faster than most people realize. These are not problems worth putting off, and they are usually straightforward to fix when you have the right person on the job.
We repair and replace toilets, handle faucet repair and installation in kitchens, bathrooms, showers, and bathtubs, and install or swap out fixtures of all kinds. Garbage disposal installation and repair is also part of what we do. If a fixture is outdated, broken, or just needs an upgrade, we can source and install the right replacement and leave the space clean when we go.
A sewer line backup is a serious problem that gets worse fast. We handle main line cleaning, rooter service, sewer line repair, and full sewer line replacement when a line is too damaged to clear. If your drains are backing up across multiple fixtures at once, that is often a sign the main line needs attention, not just individual drains.
We address tree root intrusion, which is a common cause of sewer line blockages in older neighborhoods where mature trees grow near underground pipes. We speak only to the line itself: clearing it, repairing it, or replacing it from the house to the connection point. We get to the bottom of the problem fast.
Pittsburgh has a lot of older housing stock, and older homes often have galvanized steel pipes that have corroded from the inside out over decades. Galvanized pipe replacement is one of the more common larger projects we handle in the area. Signs that a repipe may be needed include discolored water, low pressure throughout the home, frequent leaks in multiple locations, or pipes that are simply at the end of their service life.
We handle whole-house repiping using copper or PEX pipe, depending on the situation and the customer's preference. A repipe is a significant project, but it is also a long-term fix that addresses the root cause rather than patching problems one at a time.
We also handle a range of other plumbing work that homeowners and property managers need on a regular basis:
If you have a plumbing need that is not on this list, call and ask. Chances are we have handled it before.
Calling a plumber does not have to be stressful, and it should not feel like a guessing game about who is going to show up. We work across a wide range of property types throughout Pittsburgh and Allegheny County, and we understand the mix of housing and commercial buildings that defines this area.
Older homes in neighborhoods throughout the county come with older pipes, aging fixtures, and plumbing systems that were installed long before current codes. Multi-unit rental properties need a plumber who can coordinate access, work efficiently, and keep disruption to a minimum. Commercial spaces, from small offices to restaurants to retail buildings, need a contractor who understands that downtime costs money.
We serve customers throughout the Pittsburgh area, including communities like Mt. Lebanon, Bethel Park, Sharpsburg, Swissvale, Carnegie, and Dormont. If you are a property manager with multiple locations in Allegheny County, we are set up to handle that kind of ongoing relationship. If you are a homeowner calling for the first time, we treat you with the same level of attention. Pick up the phone and we will handle the pipes.
You should not have to chase a plumber for answers when something goes wrong at the worst possible time. Burst pipes, no hot water, major leaks, sewer backups: these are not problems that wait for business hours, and we do not make you wait either.
We offer emergency plumbing service and same-day scheduling for urgent situations. When you call, a real local person picks up. You will not spend time on hold or waiting for a callback before anyone even knows what the problem is. We get the details, assess the situation, and get someone headed your way.
Customers dealing with a burst pipe or a flooding basement can expect a direct conversation about what is happening, what we are going to do about it, and what it is going to cost before we start. Call today. Scheduled tomorrow. Flowing by the weekend.
If you have ever been surprised by a plumbing bill that was higher than expected, you know how frustrating that is. We work differently. Before any work begins, we explain what we found, what the repair involves, and what it will cost. If something unexpected comes up during the job, we stop and talk to you before we proceed.
We believe in transparent pricing with no hidden fees on any plumbing job. That means the number we give you at the start is the number you see on the invoice, barring any change in scope that we have discussed with you first. To get a clear picture of what your plumbing project will cost, the fastest path is a phone call. We will handle the pipes so you do not have to.
We have been serving Pittsburgh and the surrounding Allegheny County communities since 1995. That is 31 years of continuous local work across residential and commercial properties of all types. Very few plumbing situations come up here that we have not seen before.
Work is performed by licensed plumbers who know the local code, the local housing stock, and the kinds of problems that come up in this region. Every job gets the same level of attention, whether it is a single faucet replacement or a whole-house repipe.
Code-compliant plumbing is the standard on every job, not an afterthought. Licensed plumbers handle the work, and we approach each installation and repair with the expectation that it needs to hold up to inspection and serve the property reliably for years. Where permits are required, we discuss that with you before work begins.
We treat every customer like a neighbor. That means honest communication from the first call, a clear explanation of what we found and what it will cost, and no pressure to approve work you did not ask for. We stand behind what we do, and we want every customer to feel that way when the job is done.
We diagnose the source of the problem, explain what we found, and recommend only what is needed to fix it. If a repair makes sense, we make it. If a replacement is the better answer, we say so and explain why. We do not add work to a job that the situation does not call for.
Showing up on time is a basic part of how we operate. We know your time matters, and we work to arrive within the window we give you. If something changes on our end, we call ahead so you are not left waiting without an update.
We treat your home with respect. That means taking care around finished floors, cabinetry, and walls when we are accessing pipes or making repairs. We come prepared to do the work without creating unnecessary mess or damage to the surrounding area.
Yes. We leave the work area in good shape when we go. Plumbing work can get messy, and we take responsibility for cleaning up before we consider a job finished.
We know schedules shift, so we keep booking flexible, and we are available for urgent calls around the clock. Whether you need a routine repair, a water heater replacement, a drain cleaned, or an emergency handled right now, Jack Dankel Plumbing is ready to take your call.
We serve homeowners, landlords, property managers, and commercial clients throughout Pittsburgh and the surrounding communities in Allegheny County. Licensed plumbers on every job. Honest pricing every time. Call (610) 697-9429 to schedule service or get an estimate. Trusted for years. Ready for your pipes. Call anytime.
We handle the full range of residential and commercial plumbing work across Pittsburgh and Allegheny County, from a single clogged drain to a whole-house repipe. Every job comes with transparent pricing and work performed by licensed plumbers who know the local housing stock. The table below covers what each service includes, who it is best for, and a practical note to help you decide when to call.
| Service | What's Included | Recommended For | Worth Knowing |
|---|---|---|---|
| Leak Detection & Repair | hidden wall and floor leakspinhole and burst pipe repairwater line repairslab leak detection | anyone seeing water stains, soft drywall, or a climbing water bill | Finding the source rather than patching the symptom prevents the same problem from returning weeks later. |
| Garbage Disposal Service | disposal repairfull unit replacementjam clearingdrain line connection | homeowners with a disposal that hums, leaks, or will not turn | A disposal that hums but does not spin has a jam or a failed motor. Both are straightforward repairs when caught early. |
| Sump Pump Installation | new sump pump installationpump and float switch replacementbattery backup systemsdischarge line service | Pittsburgh homeowners with basements prone to water intrusion during heavy rain | Pittsburgh's rainfall and basement-heavy housing stock make a working sump pump one of the most practical protections a homeowner can have. |
| Water Pressure & Shutoff Valve Repair | pressure regulator diagnosis and replacementshutoff valve repair and replacementmain water shutoff servicewhole-house pressure balancing | homes with low pressure at multiple fixtures or valves that no longer close fully | A failing main shutoff valve is a liability in any emergency. Replacing it before a crisis is the right move. |
| Drain Cleaning & Clog Removal | rooter servicehydro jettingkitchen and bathroom linesrecurring buildup | homeowners, renters, and landlords with slow or blocked drains | Hydro jetting clears grease and buildup that snaking leaves behind, reducing how often the same drain clogs again. |
| Faucet & Fixture Installation | kitchen and bathroom faucetsshower and tub fixturesgarbage disposal installationfixture upgrades | anyone replacing aging fixtures or upgrading a kitchen or bathroom | Proper installation keeps connections code-compliant and prevents the slow drips that damage cabinetry over time. |
| Toilet Repair & Installation | running or constantly cycling toiletsflush and fill valve repairfull toilet replacementcracked component repair | homeowners and landlords dealing with wasted water or a toilet that will not work correctly | A running toilet can waste thousands of gallons a month, which shows up fast on a water bill. |
| Water Softener Installation | whole-house softener installationfiltration system integrationsupply line connectionexisting system service | Pittsburgh homes dealing with scale buildup on fixtures or shortened water heater life | Pittsburgh's water carries moderate hardness that accumulates in water heaters and supply lines over time. A softener protects that equipment. |
| Emergency Plumbing | burst pipe repairmajor leak responseno hot water callsafter-hours and weekend availability | any situation that cannot wait for a regular appointment | We take same-day and after-hours calls. Tell us what is happening and we get someone headed your way. |
| Water Heater Repair & ReplacementMost Popular | tank and tankless unitsgas and electricsediment flush servicenew unit installation | households with no hot water, inconsistent temperature, or an aging unit | If the unit is past its reliable service life, replacement often costs less over time than repeated repairs. |
| Sewer & Main Line Service | sewer line cleaning and repairmain line clog clearingtrenchless repair and liningsewer backup response | homeowners with recurring backups, slow drains throughout the house, or sewage odors | Trenchless repair lets us restore a damaged line in many cases without major excavation, which matters on tight urban lots. |
| Slab Leak Detection & Repair | under-slab leak locationslab penetration and accesspipe repair or reroutingwater damage assessment | homeowners with unexplained water loss, warm spots on floors, or moisture under a concrete slab | Locating the source precisely before opening the slab keeps the repair targeted and limits disruption to the home. |
| Tree-Root Sewer Line Service | root clearing with rooter and hydro jettingroot-damaged pipe assessmenttrenchless repair and replacementrecurring root intrusion treatment | older Pittsburgh neighborhoods with mature trees and aging clay sewer laterals | Root intrusion is one of the most common causes of sewer backups in Allegheny County. Clearing the line is the first step; repairing the pipe stops it from coming back. |
| Whole-Home Repiping | galvanized steel pipe replacementcopper and PEX repipingfull supply line replacementpressure and flow restoration | older homes with corroded pipes, frequent leaks, or discolored water | Pittsburgh's older housing stock means galvanized pipe is common. Repiping stops the cycle of repeated repairs and gives the home a reliable system. |
How do I know if my water heater needs to be replaced or just repaired?
Age is the first thing we look at. A tank water heater that is more than 10 to 12 years old and showing signs of trouble, such as inconsistent temperature, rumbling from the tank, or visible corrosion around the base, is often past the point where repair makes financial sense. If the unit is younger and the problem is a failed element, thermostat, or valve, a repair is usually the right call. We assess the unit when we arrive and walk you through the options before any work begins.
What causes drains to clog, and when should I call a plumber instead of trying to clear it myself?
Kitchen drains clog from grease, food debris, and soap buildup. Bathroom drains clog from hair and soap scum. A plunger handles many simple clogs, but if the drain is slow throughout the house, if the clog comes back quickly after clearing, or if there is a gurgling sound in other fixtures when one drain runs, the blockage is likely deeper in the line. That is when a plumber with rooter service or hydro jetting equipment gets the job done properly.
How do you find a leak that is hidden behind a wall or under the floor?
We start with the visible signs: water stains, soft or discolored drywall, the sound of running water when everything is off, and a water meter that keeps moving with no fixtures open. From there we trace the supply and drain lines to isolate where the loss is occurring. For under-slab leaks, we use pressure testing and listening equipment to locate the source before we open anything. The goal is to find the actual source, not just the closest wet spot.
Transparent Upfront Pricing
We quote the job before any work begins, and the price we give you is the price you pay. Transparent pricing with no hidden fees applies to every plumbing job we take on.
What are the signs of a sewer or main line problem?
Multiple drains backing up at the same time is the clearest sign. Other indicators include sewage odors coming from drains, gurgling sounds in toilets when you run a sink, or water backing up in one fixture when another is used. In older Pittsburgh neighborhoods, tree root intrusion into clay sewer laterals is a frequent cause. A main line problem affects the whole house, not just one fixture, and it needs professional attention quickly.
What is the difference between a tank and a tankless water heater?
A tank water heater stores a set volume of hot water and reheats it continuously to keep it ready. A tankless unit heats water on demand as it flows through the unit, so there is no stored tank to run out of. Tankless units tend to have a longer service life and use less energy over time, but the upfront cost is higher and the installation is more involved. We service and install both types, and we can help you weigh which makes more sense for your household size and usage.
What causes low water pressure throughout the house?
Low pressure at a single fixture usually points to a clogged aerator or a problem with that fixture's supply valve. Low pressure throughout the house is a different situation. Common causes include a failing pressure regulator, a partially closed main shutoff valve, corroded or scaled supply lines, or a leak somewhere in the system that is bleeding off pressure. We diagnose the cause before recommending a fix, because the right repair depends on where the pressure is being lost.
Work Performed by Licensed Plumbers
Every job is handled by licensed plumbers who know Pittsburgh's local code and the kind of plumbing problems that come up in this region's older housing stock.
Do I need to be home when the plumber arrives?
For most jobs, yes. We need access to the affected area and, in many cases, the main water shutoff. If you are coordinating service for a rental property or a commercial space, we can work with a property manager or building contact who has access and authority to approve the work. Just let us know the situation when you call and we will make it work.
How do tree roots damage a sewer line, and what does the repair involve?
Tree roots seek out moisture and find their way into small cracks or loose joints in aging sewer pipe. Clay pipe, which is common in older Allegheny County neighborhoods, is especially vulnerable. Once inside, roots expand and eventually block the line entirely. We clear root-affected lines with rooter service and hydro jetting. If the roots have cracked or collapsed the pipe itself, we assess whether trenchless repair or replacement is the right approach. We work the line from the house out to the city connection.
Same-Day and Emergency Availability
Plumbing emergencies do not follow a schedule, and neither do we. We take same-day and after-hours calls for burst pipes, major leaks, and no hot water situations throughout the Pittsburgh area.
Will I know the cost before work begins?
Yes. We give you a quote before any work starts. We explain what we found, what the repair involves, and what it will cost. If something unexpected comes up during the job, we stop and talk to you before we proceed. There are no hidden fees added after the fact.
How long does a whole-home repipe typically take?
It depends on the size of the home and the complexity of the existing pipe layout. A single-story home can often be repiped in one to two days. A larger or multi-story home may take longer. We give you a realistic timeline when we assess the job, and we work to minimize disruption to the household during the process. Water service is restored before we leave each day whenever possible.
What should I do if a pipe bursts or I have a major leak?
Shut off the main water supply to the house immediately. The main shutoff is typically near the water meter, either inside the home near the foundation or outside near the street. Once the water is off, call us. We handle same-day and after-hours emergency calls, including burst pipe repair and major leak response. Tell us what is happening when you call and we will get someone headed your way.
Call (610) 697-9429 and we will talk through what you are dealing with, give you a straight answer, and get the work scheduled.
(610) 697-9429