Serving Pittsburgh, 15201 to 15232

Water Heater Repair in Pittsburgh, PA

Pittsburgh Water tells customers to keep the hot water tank at 120 degrees and to flush it and check the anode rod every year. If yours is leaking or has gone cold, call and get a plumber out.

Call for service(858) 465-8561 What's different in Pittsburgh

One callStraight to water heater help
Repair or replaceHonest advice on which makes sense
All major brandsRheem, A.O. Smith, Bradford White, Rinnai, Navien
Local to youPlumbers who work in your town

Pittsburgh at a glance

What shapes water heater trouble in Pittsburgh

120°F

tank setting Pittsburgh Water recommends

Source: Pittsburgh Water

2 ppb

lead level Pittsburgh Water certified for 2025, against a 15 ppb action level

Source: Pittsburgh Water

28,797

public and private lead lines replaced as of Oct. 1, 2026

Source: Pittsburgh Water

47%

of Pittsburgh homes built before 1940

Source: US Census Bureau

Water

Allegheny River water, moderately hard

Pittsburgh Water draws from the Allegheny River and describes the water as moderately hard. Its water quality FAQ goes further than most utilities: set the hot water tank to 120 degrees and clean it regularly to prevent sediment build-up and bacterial growth, and flush the tank and check the anode rod once a year. A plumber can do that service if you'd rather not.

Lead

The lead line program's final stretch

As of October 1, 2026, Pittsburgh Water had replaced 16,264 public and 12,533 private lead service lines, about 88% of its residential program, and aims to finish by the end of 2027. About 8,300 properties were still to be checked. The utility says the work comes at no direct cost to customers, and it certified a record-low lead level of 2 ppb for 2025, crediting orthophosphate corrosion control.

Homes

Old houses, rowhomes and renters

Census estimates put the median Pittsburgh home at 1944, with about 47% built before 1940 and about 10% built since 2000. About 43% are detached houses, about 14% are attached homes such as rowhouses, and about 29% are in buildings with five or more units. About 52% of households rent. Gas heats about 75% of homes and electricity about 23%.

Permits

County plumbing permits

In Pittsburgh, plumbing permits come from the Allegheny County Health Department, not the city. The county says any plumbing that is installed or altered needs an approved plan and a permit, including replacement cards for water heater installs, and every permit ends with a final inspection. Filing is through the county's Citizen Access Portal; the plumbing office is at 412-578-8036.

Pickup

Bulk items with regular trash

The city lets you set bulky or large items out at the curb with your regular refuse pickup. Freon appliances such as refrigerators and air conditioners are not taken at the curb.

Before the plumber arrives

Safe steps for Pittsburgh homes

Leaking? Close the cold water valve on top of the tank.
Turn off the gas valve or the breaker for the heater.
Gas smell? Leave the house, then call 911 and your gas utility from outside. The county controller's utility list includes both Peoples Natural Gas and Columbia Gas, so call whichever bills you: Peoples takes emergencies at 1-800-400-4271 and Columbia Gas of Pennsylvania at 1-888-460-4332.

Call for service(858) 465-8561

Service area

Where we take calls

Pittsburgh, Allegheny County, ZIP codes 15201, 15203, 15205, 15206, 15207, 15210, 15212, 15213, 15217, 15224, 15232. Not sure your address is covered? Call and we'll check.

Services in Pittsburgh