Pro TIps
Understanding Pittsburgh’s Municipal Water System (And How It Affects Your Home)
You need a glass of water, you go over to the tap and get yourself a glass. But do you ever stop to think about your water and the process of getting from the treatment plant to the city main to the street and eventually into your home?
How does the municipal system affect my home’s plumbing?
Changes in water pressure
If you have high municipal pressure, it can actually damage your pipes and fixtures over the long-term.
Water quality
Pittsburgh water is moderately hard. What does that mean? Well, mineral buildup affects appliances, water heaters and pipes. Installing a salt-based water softener is a solution for hard water.
Aging infrastructure and lead
Pittsburgh homes built before 1930 may still have lead service lines. The Pittsburgh Water and Sewer Authority (PWSA) runs a lead line replacement program to replace public-side lines and offers assistance for private-side. If your home was built before 1986, it’s worth having a plumber inspect your service line and interior pipes.
Seasonal main breaks
Cold Pittsburgh winters mean main breaks happen. These can affect water pressure and water quality until resolved.
What warning signs should I look for with my water?
- Discolored water after a main break or pressure change
- Big changes in your water bill
- Low pressure throughout the house
- Corrosion around fixtures and water heater
When do I call PWSA and when do I call a plumber?
PWSA handles water mains, hydrants and city-side service lines.
You are responsible to call a plumber for issues with private services lines, interior pipes, fixtures, water heaters and sump systems.
Terry’s can help diagnose whether an issue is coming from the street or from inside your home.
We’ve been working alongside Pittsburgh’s infrastructure for 40+ years and we are here to help.
If you have questions about how Pittsburgh’s water system is affecting your plumbing, give Terry’s a call at 412-364-9114.