Drain Pipe Repair in Pittsburgh PA
Sewage backup, multiple clogged drains, or rotten egg smell from your basement? Our waterproof camera inspection finds the exact problem before we recommend any repair - no guessing, no unnecessary digging, no surprises on the invoice.
★★★★★ NASSCO Certified · Camera Diagnosis First · Trenchless Available
EMERGENCY
24-hr
Response. NASSCO Certified
40 Years
Experience
Camera
No Guesswork
100%
Satisfaction Guaranteed
1-Year
Repair Warranty
NASSCO
Certified
Don't Ignore These Warning Signs
6 Signs Your Pittsburgh Drain Pipe Needs Repair Now
Call immediately if you see raw sewage backing up into your home, multiple drains clogging simultaneously, or visible water damage accompanied by a sewage odor - these are active emergencies that worsen by the hour.
- Multiple drains backing up simultaneously — main sewer line blockage or collapse running along exterior walls
- Rotten egg smell from drains or basement — sewer gas escaping through a break
- Gurgling toilets or drains at rest — trapped air from a blockage downstream
- Mysteriously wet or sunken patches in yard — underground pipe actively leaking
Drain emergency?
(412) 388-2512

Camera First. Then the Right Fix.
Our Drain Pipe Repair Solutions for Pittsburgh Homes
We never guess and we never dig blind. Every repair starts with a waterproof camera inspection that shows us exactly what's wrong and exactly where - saving you time, unnecessary excavation, and money.
Repair methods we use:
- Pipe lining (CIPP) - new pipe created inside the old one, no excavation, 50+ year lifespan
- Pipe bursting - old pipe fractured outward while new pipe is pulled in simultaneously
- Spot repair - targeted section replacement for isolated damage points
- Traditional excavation - when local code or pipe condition rules out trenchless options
- High-pressure water jetting - clears buildup before lining or other repair
- Root cutting - removes tree intrusion before proceeding with full repair
🚫 Trenchless vs. Traditional
✓ Trenchless (No-Dig)
No landscaping destroyed · Completed in hours not days · 50+ year pipe liner lifespan · Lower total cost in most cases
Traditional Excavation
Used when local code or pipe condition rules out lining · Follows strict safety protocols · Property fully restored after completion
📹 Camera First — Always
We send a waterproof camera to pinpoint the exact damage location before recommending any repair method. No guesswork. No digging blind. You see exactly what we see — then you decide.
Drain emergency or early warning signs? Don't let it get worse overnight.
Camera diagnosis · NASSCO certified · All Pittsburgh zip codes served from McKees Rocks.
Worried About the Cost?
Plumbing services can be expensive - but postponing repairs always costs more.
Our licensed professionals guarantee high-quality service, upfront pricing, and 100% satisfaction. On top of all that - we're family budget-friendly, with 0% financing available for qualifying homeowners.
Other Services Related to Drain Repairs
Drain Cleaning
Clear the clog before it damages the pipe beyond repair
Trenchless Sewer Line Repair
No-dig restoration for your main sewer line
Stormwater Management
Prevent flooding from overwhelmed drain systems
Best Choice for pittsburgh homeowners
Ready to Fix Your Pittsburgh Drain - Right?
11 Tunnel Way, McKees Rocks, PA 15136 · Mon–Fri 8:00 AM – 4:30 PM · Emergency service available
Meet the Owners of WJ McNabb Plumbing

Melisa and William (Bill) McNabb
William “Bill” McNabb is the co-owner and master plumber of W.J. McNabb Plumbing, a highly respected, family-owned plumbing company serving Pittsburgh, PA, and surrounding communities. With over 40 years of hands-on experience in the plumbing industry, Bill leads the company’s operations and is recognized for his technical expertise, integrity, and commitment to customer satisfaction. Bill holds NASSCO certifications in PACP, MACP, and LACP, ensuring his team adheres to the highest standards in pipeline and infrastructure assessment.
Melisa McNabb is the co-owner and office manager of W.J. McNabb Plumbing. She plays a pivotal role in the company’s daily operations, customer relations, and business development. Melisa is often the first point of contact for customers, ensuring that each client receives prompt, friendly, and knowledgeable service. She is instrumental in upholding the company’s mission of delivering top-rated service and maintaining a seamless experience for both customers and staff.
Location
W.J. McNabb Plumbing operates from their McKees Rocks location, serving homeowners and businesses throughout Pittsburgh and the surrounding communities. Their expert plumbing services and customer care reach neighborhoods across Allegheny, Beaver, Butler, and Washington Counties
Why Trust WJ McNabb Plumbing
Still a True Local Family Business
You should call W.J. McNabb Plumbing because they treat every customer like a neighbor, showing up promptly, explaining repairs clearly, and always respecting your home and time. Their team is known for being personable, patient, and genuinely caring—whether you’re in a panic with a leak or just need advice, you’ll get friendly, honest service from people who want to make your day easier, not harder. Homeowners consistently praise their professionalism, kindness, and the peace of mind that comes from working with a family-owned business that values relationships as much as results.
Homeowner Help Center
How do I know if I have a broken drain pipe?
Common signs of a broken drain pipe include slow drains, recurring clogs, sewer smells, gurgling sounds, wet spots, basement backups, soft areas in the yard, or water showing up where it should not. One slow sink may be a simple clog, but problems in several fixtures can point to a deeper drain line issue. WJ McNabb Plumbing looks at the pattern of the problem, not just the first symptom, so Pittsburgh homeowners get the right repair instead of another temporary fix.
How much does drain pipe repair cost in Pittsburgh?
Drain pipe repair cost depends on where the damaged pipe is located, how much pipe is affected, whether the pipe is under a floor, wall, yard, or basement slab, and whether the issue can be repaired in one spot or needs a larger section replaced. Camera inspection, access, pipe material, excavation, and emergency timing can also affect the price. WJ McNabb Plumbing provides upfront pricing after checking the problem, so you know what needs to be repaired before work begins.
What causes drain pipes to break?
Drain pipes can break from age, corrosion, shifting soil, tree roots, freezing and thawing, poor installation, heavy clogs, or worn-out pipe materials. In Pittsburgh, older homes may still have aging cast iron, clay, or other older drain materials that can crack, separate, or collapse over time. WJ McNabb Plumbing checks the cause of the damage before recommending a repair, because fixing the pipe without understanding why it failed can lead to the same problem coming back.
Is drain pipe repair the same as drain cleaning?
No. Drain cleaning clears a clog or buildup inside the pipe, while drain pipe repair fixes a pipe that is cracked, leaking, separated, sagging, crushed, or broken. Cleaning may help if the pipe is still in good shape. But if the drain keeps backing up, smells like sewer gas, or has roots or pipe damage, cleaning alone may not solve it. WJ McNabb Plumbing helps homeowners understand whether they need cleaning, repair, replacement, or a combination.
Do I need a camera inspection for drain pipe repair?
A camera inspection is often helpful when a drain problem keeps coming back, affects multiple fixtures, or may be caused by a broken, bellied, or root-damaged pipe. It lets the plumber see what is happening inside the line before tearing into walls, floors, or the yard. WJ McNabb Plumbing uses diagnosis to avoid guesswork, so the repair plan is based on the actual condition of the drain pipe.
Can a cracked drain pipe cause sewer smells in my home?
Yes. A cracked, loose, or poorly sealed drain pipe can allow sewer odors to escape into the home, especially near floor drains, basements, bathrooms, laundry areas, or under sinks. Sewer smells should not be ignored because they can point to a damaged pipe, dry trap, venting issue, or backup risk. WJ McNabb Plumbing tracks the odor to the source and repairs the plumbing issue instead of covering it up with a short-term solution.
Can tree roots damage my drain pipes?
Yes. Tree roots can enter small cracks, loose joints, or older pipe connections while searching for moisture. Once inside, they can grow, catch waste, slow the drain, and eventually crack or block the pipe. This is common in many older Pittsburgh neighborhoods with mature trees and aging underground lines. WJ McNabb Plumbing can identify whether roots are part of the problem and recommend the right repair before the line backs up again.
Can a drain pipe be repaired without digging up my yard?
Sometimes. The right repair depends on the pipe location, the type of damage, the pipe material, and how much of the line is affected. Some issues can be repaired from an accessible basement, wall, ceiling, or cleanout area. Other underground problems may require excavation or a trenchless-style repair if the situation allows it. WJ McNabb Plumbing focuses on the least disruptive repair that still solves the problem correctly.
Why should I call WJ McNabb Plumbing for drain pipe repair in Pittsburgh?
WJ McNabb Plumbing is a locally owned Pittsburgh plumbing company that understands how stressful drain pipe problems can be, especially when they involve basement backups, sewer odors, or hidden leaks. The team looks at the full drain system, checks the likely cause, explains the repair options, and gives upfront pricing before work begins. For Pittsburgh homeowners, that means a practical repair plan from plumbers who know local homes, older piping, and the damage a broken drain line can cause if it is ignored.
