Water Heater Repair & Replacement in Pittsburgh, PA
No hot water, a leaking tank, or a heater that cannot keep up? Connect with a licensed union plumbing contractor for repair or replacement.
Water heater problems we fix
Many "no hot water" calls are a failed part that can be repaired. When a unit cannot be saved, the contractor quotes a code-compliant replacement before any work begins.
- No hot waterPilot, burner, element, thermostat, and gas valve failures diagnosed.
- Not enough hot waterSediment, failed dip tubes and elements, or a tank that is undersized.
- LeaksFittings and relief valves repaired; leaking tanks replaced.
- Noises & temperature swingsPopping, rumbling, scalding, or lukewarm water traced to the cause.
No hot water? Check these first
A few quick checks before you call — and when to stop and call right away.
Look through the sight window for the pilot flame. If it is out, follow the relighting steps on the tank label.
Check the breaker for the water heater. If it trips again after resetting, leave it off and call.
Close the cold-water valve on top of the tank and turn the unit off (gas to "Off", or the breaker for electric).
Do not try to relight anything. Leave the house and call your gas utility or 911 from outside.
How our service works
- 1Call
A dispatcher answers 24/7.
- 2Explain the problem
Tell us what is happening and where you are.
- 3Get connected
We connect you with an available participating UA Local 27 contractor that serves your area.
- 4Get a quote
The plumber diagnoses the problem and gives you a price before work begins.
What usually goes wrong
Pilot will not stay lit
Usually a thermocouple or flame sensor, sometimes the gas valve or a venting problem. Typically repairable.
Not enough hot water
Sediment taking up tank space, a broken dip tube, a failed lower element, or a heater too small for the household.
Leaking
Leaks at fittings or the relief valve are repairable. Water coming from the tank body itself means replacement.
Popping or rumbling
Sediment on the bottom of the tank. Flushing can help if it is caught early.
Too hot or too cold
A thermostat, element, or mixing valve problem. Scalding-hot water should be checked promptly.
Repair vs. replacement
When it is a close call, ask for both prices. General guidelines:
Usually worth repairing
- Unit is under about 8–10 years old
- A single part failed — thermocouple, element, thermostat, or valve
- The tank body is not leaking
Usually time to replace
- Water is leaking from the tank body
- 10+ years old with repeated repairs
- Rusty or discolored hot water
- It cannot keep up with your household
Tank, tankless, gas, and electric
Gas tank
The most common setup in Pittsburgh homes. Burner, pilot, gas valve, and venting service, plus 40/50/75-gallon replacements.
Electric tank
Element and thermostat repair, and full replacements sized to your household.
Tankless
Rinnai, Navien, Noritz — descaling, error-code diagnosis, and new installs with proper gas-line sizing and venting.
Hybrid heat pump
Energy-efficient electric installs, with help on rebate paperwork.
Why choose a UA Local 27 contractor?
Real union hall, real apprentices, real Pittsburgh plumbers. The plumber dispatched on your water heaters call trained here — at the UA Local 27 headquarters and training center in Coraopolis. Five years, 10,000 hours, taught by veterans who've been on Pittsburgh jobs their whole careers.
Send a message and a licensed union plumber will call you back within the hour.