Calling a plumber doesn't have to be stressful, and with Jack Dankel Plumbing, it never is. Since 1995, we have been the local plumbing repair and installation service that Pittsburgh homeowners, landlords, and businesses call when something goes wrong or when a project needs doing right. We cover the full range of residential and commercial plumbing work across Allegheny County, and every job is handled by licensed plumbers who take code-compliant plumbing seriously. We do the plumbing done right the first time, every time. Call us and a real local person picks up.
Trusted for years. Ready for your pipes. Call anytime.
You shouldn't have to chase a plumber for answers, and you shouldn't have to wonder what a job is going to cost before the work begins. We work with homeowners, renters, and landlords across Pittsburgh on everything from a single dripping faucet to a full bathroom rough-in. Scheduling is straightforward, and we come prepared to do the work on the first visit.
Property managers and business owners count on us for the same reason. We understand that a plumbing problem in a rental unit or a commercial space costs more than just the repair. It costs time and tenant confidence. We keep things moving with transparent pricing with no hidden fees on any plumbing job, so there are no surprises when the work is done. Pick up the phone and we'll handle the pipes.
We handle the full range of plumbing work that comes up in any home or building. Below is a look at what we do and what you can expect from a service visit.
Slow drains and full clogs are some of the most common calls we get, and they rarely clear up on their own. We clear kitchen and bathroom drain lines, remove stubborn clogs, and use hydro jetting when a line needs a thorough flush. If your drain is backing up or running slow, a quick call gets a plumber on the way.
Some leaks are obvious. Others hide behind walls or under a slab for months before the damage shows up. We locate the source, whether it is a visible supply line or a hidden pipe, and repair it correctly. Slab leak detection is part of what we do, and finding the problem early saves a lot of repair cost down the road.
No hot water is one of those problems that cannot wait. We repair and replace tank water heaters and handle tankless water heater installation and repair as well. If your unit is failing, making noise, or just not keeping up, we can diagnose the issue and walk you through your options on the same visit. We get to the bottom of the problem fast.
A running toilet wastes more water than most people realize, and a dripping faucet adds up quickly on a water bill. We handle toilet repair and replacement, faucet repair and replacement, and full fixture installation for bathrooms and kitchens. Whether you are updating a fixture or dealing with a breakdown, we come ready to do the work.
A sewer backup is messy and disruptive, and it usually points to a blockage or damage somewhere in the main line. We clear main line clogs, repair and replace damaged sewer line sections, and handle the line from the house out to the city connection. We speak to the line only. The work stops at the connection point, and we keep it focused on getting your system flowing again.
A garbage disposal that hums but does not spin, low water pressure throughout the house, a shutoff valve that no longer closes fully. These are the kinds of smaller jobs that still need a plumber. We install and repair disposals, diagnose water pressure problems at the source, and replace shutoff valves before a slow drip becomes a bigger issue.
Older homes in Pittsburgh often carry aging pipe materials that are past their service life. If you are seeing repeated leaks, discolored water, or reduced pressure throughout the house, a repiping evaluation makes sense. We handle whole-home repiping as well as targeted pipe replacement for renovation and remodel projects. We'll handle the pipes so you don't have to.
Pittsburgh's four-season climate, older housing stock, and mature neighborhoods bring a specific set of plumbing challenges that we see regularly. Wet winters and spring snowmelt put pressure on basement drainage systems. Decades-old trees line neighborhood streets and their roots find their way into aging sewer laterals. And water hardness across the region is common enough that water softener installations come up on a regular basis. Here is how we handle the work that matters most here.
Basements are a fact of life in Pittsburgh, and so is the wet weather that threatens them. Spring snowmelt and heavy rain seasons push groundwater up fast, and a failed or undersized sump pump can mean a flooded basement in a matter of hours. We install new sump pumps, replace units that have failed or worn out, and make sure the discharge line is routed correctly so the system does its job when the next storm rolls through. If your pump is old or you have never had one installed, it is worth a conversation before the rainy season hits.
Pittsburgh's older neighborhoods are full of mature trees, and their roots follow moisture straight into aging clay and cast-iron sewer laterals. Root intrusion is one of the more common sewer line problems we diagnose in this area. We locate the blockage, cut and clear the roots from the line, and assess whether the pipe needs repair or replacement. For lines with significant root damage, we can discuss trenchless repair options that minimize disruption to your yard. Hydro jetting is another method we use to clear root debris and flush the line thoroughly before it backs up again.
Scale buildup on fixtures and inside water heaters is a sign that your water has enough hardness to cause problems over time. Water softener installation is a straightforward plumbing job that connects into your existing supply lines and treats the water before it reaches your fixtures and appliances. We handle the full installation, make sure the connections are solid, and confirm the system is set up correctly before we leave. Code-compliant plumbing on every installation is something we do not cut corners on.
Hearing a running toilet or a drip behind the wall? Some plumbing problems can wait a day or two. A burst pipe, a major leak, a sewer backup, or a water heater that has stopped working entirely cannot. We take emergency calls and work to get a plumber to you as quickly as possible, including evenings, weekends, and holidays. Every emergency repair we make is held to the same standard as any scheduled job: code-compliant plumbing on every job, no matter the hour. One ring and we're on the way.
We work throughout Pittsburgh and the surrounding communities in Allegheny County. If you are nearby, we can likely get to you quickly.
If your neighborhood is not on this list, give us a call. We serve a wide area and are happy to confirm coverage before you schedule.
If you've never hired a plumber before, the process with us is simple. You call, we talk through what is going on, and we give you a quote before any work begins. We know schedules shift, so we keep booking flexible and work to find a time that fits. A licensed plumber arrives, assesses the situation, and gets to work. There are no hidden charges and no pressure to approve work you did not ask for.
Call today. Scheduled tomorrow. Flowing by the weekend.
A burst pipe, a major active leak, a complete sewer backup, or a total loss of hot water are all situations we treat as emergencies. If water is actively damaging your home or your plumbing system has stopped functioning in a way that affects daily life, do not wait for a regular appointment. Call (610) 697-9429 and we will get someone headed your way.
We take emergency calls and work to get a licensed plumber to you as quickly as possible, including evenings, weekends, and holidays. We operate every day from 6:00 AM to 10:00 PM. When you call, we assess the situation immediately and give you a realistic arrival window.
If there is an active leak or burst pipe, locate your main water shutoff and turn it off to stop the flow. Move valuables away from standing water if it is safe to do so. Do not try to open walls, cut pipes, or attempt repairs yourself while waiting. Call (610) 697-9429, describe what is happening, and we will walk you through any immediate steps that make sense for your situation.
Water stains on ceilings or walls, soft or warped drywall near a pipe, a mildew smell without an obvious source, and a water bill that has climbed without explanation are all common signs. Hidden leaks can cause significant damage before they become visible. If you notice any of these, a leak detection visit is worth scheduling sooner rather than later.
We use detection methods that let us find the source of a leak without unnecessary demolition. For leaks beneath a concrete slab, we use slab leak detection to pinpoint the location before any repair work begins. Finding the source accurately means we open only what needs to be opened.
It depends on the work involved. For most pipe repairs, fixture replacements, and water heater work, we will need to shut off the water supply to the affected area or to the whole house for a period of time. We let you know before we start so you can plan accordingly, and we restore water service as soon as the work is complete.
A patch can be appropriate for a minor, isolated issue on an otherwise sound pipe. But patching a symptom on a pipe that is corroded, aging, or failing in multiple places only delays the next problem. We assess the condition of the surrounding system and give you an honest recommendation. The goal is the plumbing done right the first time, not a fix that brings us back in six months.
Sediment buildup inside the tank reduces its effective capacity over time and forces the unit to work harder to heat water. A failing heating element, a malfunctioning thermostat, or a unit that is simply undersized for current demand can also cause the problem. We diagnose the issue on a service visit and let you know whether a repair or a replacement makes more sense.
Inconsistent water temperature, rumbling or popping sounds from the tank, water pooling near the base of the unit, and water that takes longer than usual to heat up are all signs worth acting on. A unit that is more than ten to twelve years old and showing these symptoms is often past the point where repair is the most cost-effective answer.
Tree roots follow moisture into small cracks or joints in aging clay and cast-iron sewer laterals. Once inside, they grow and expand until they restrict or fully block the line. We clear root intrusion using rooter service and hydro jetting, and where the root damage has compromised the pipe itself, we assess whether trenchless repair or section replacement is the right approach. We work the line from the house to the connection point.
If your Pittsburgh home has a basement and you have experienced water intrusion during heavy rain or spring snowmelt, a sump pump is worth serious consideration. We install the pump in a pit at the lowest point of the basement floor, route the discharge line to move water away from the foundation, and confirm the float switch and backup systems are functioning correctly. Battery backup options are available for power outages during storms.
A water softener connects into your home's main supply line so that treated water reaches every fixture and appliance in the house. We handle the full installation, make sure the connections are solid, and confirm the system is set up correctly before we leave. It is a straightforward plumbing job that can meaningfully extend the life of your water heater and fixtures.
We know you have options when it comes to plumbing in Pittsburgh, and we appreciate that you are considering Jack Dankel Plumbing. Whether you need a repair scheduled for next week or a plumber on the way today, we are ready to help. Thirty-one years of local work means we have seen just about every plumbing problem a Pittsburgh home or business can throw at us.
Call (610) 697-9429 for a quote. We will answer, talk through your situation, and get you taken care of.
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