Reading Plumbing Company handles the full range of residential and commercial plumbing work across Reading and Berks County, Pennsylvania. Whether you own a row home near Penn Street, manage a multi-unit property, or run a small business that needs a reliable plumber on call, we handle the work from start to finish. Drain cleaning, water heater replacement, sewer line service, fixture installs, emergency repairs - it all falls within what we do every day. The job is scoped and priced before a wrench comes out, so you know what you are getting into before we begin. One number. One call. One plumber at your door.
Call (484) 926-6559 for a quote.
Plumbing problems do not sort themselves by property type. We work with homeowners dealing with a slow drain or a failed water heater, landlords who need a fast turnaround between tenants, property managers coordinating repairs across multiple units, and small businesses that cannot afford extended downtime. We also handle new construction rough-in, bathroom and kitchen remodels, and renovation projects where the plumbing needs to be moved or replaced entirely.
Local means we care what the neighbors say about our work. That applies whether the job is a single faucet swap or a full repipe across a rental building. The scope and the price are confirmed before anything is scheduled, and the work is done to the standard that holds up when the next tenant moves in or the next inspector walks through.
Plumbing problems don't wait, and neither do we, so this section covers the everyday work that keeps water moving the way it should across Reading homes and commercial properties.
A clogged sink or backed-up floor drain is easy to put off until it becomes a bigger problem. We clear clogged toilets, kitchen and bathroom sinks, floor drains, and main line blockages. For stubborn buildup that a standard snake will not reach, hydro jetting pushes through grease, scale, and debris without damaging the pipe. Slow drains are easier to clear before they stop completely.
Water finds its way through the smallest gap, and what starts as a damp spot behind a wall can turn into a serious repair if the source is not found quickly. We use pressure testing and electronic detection methods to locate leaks without unnecessary cutting or digging. Burst pipes, pinhole leaks, corroded supply lines, and damaged joints are all within scope. The cause of a leak is explained, not just the patch, so you understand what failed and why before we close the wall.
No hot water is one of the more disruptive plumbing failures in any property. We repair and replace both tank and tankless water heaters, including commercial units in multi-unit buildings and businesses. If the unit is repairable, we will tell you. If replacement makes more sense given the age or condition of the heater, we will walk you through the options. Call and we will get your water back on.
Running toilets, dripping faucets, and failing shower valves all waste water and add up over time. We repair and replace toilets, install new faucets, and handle outdoor faucet and hose bib repairs before winter sets in. Bathroom and kitchen plumbing work covers showers, bathtubs, utility sinks, laundry room hookups, and washing machine connections. We also run ice maker lines and refrigerator water lines where the layout calls for it.
A disposal that hums but will not spin, or one that leaks at the flange, is usually a straightforward repair or swap. We install, repair, and replace garbage disposals in kitchens across Berks County. On the supply side, we replace failing shutoff valves, diagnose low water pressure, and install or repair backflow preventers where the system requires them. Getting your water flowing again is easier than you think.
A sewer backup is not a slow-build problem, and waiting on it makes the damage worse. We clear main sewer line clogs, repair drain lines, and run video pipe inspections to confirm what is actually going on inside the pipe before any work is recommended. Trenchless repair methods are an option where the pipe condition and layout allow it, which keeps disruption to landscaping and driveways to a minimum. We also handle main water line repairs where the supply side is the issue. No pressure and no gimmicks, just sound, lasting plumbing.
Your time matters, so we keep the plumbing job moving when an emergency hits. A burst pipe in January, a major leak under the kitchen, or a water heater that stops working on a Sunday morning - these are not problems that wait for a weekday appointment. We take emergency calls every day from 6:00 AM to 8:30 PM.
When you call, the job is scoped on the phone. You get a price before we schedule the visit, not after we arrive. There is no mystery about what the work involves or what it costs. Leak found. Leak fixed. Water back on.
Call (484) 926-6559.
Reading and the surrounding Berks County area carry some of the oldest housing stock in the country. Row homes built before mid-century, properties with full basements, and buildings that have never had their original plumbing touched are common across this part of Pennsylvania. Cold winters, aging infrastructure, and seasonal groundwater combine to make certain plumbing jobs come up again and again here. The three services below address the work that matters most in this region.
Galvanized steel pipe corrodes from the inside out. By the time water runs discolored or pressure drops noticeably at the fixtures, the pipe wall may already be compromised across much of the house. Lead pipe, still present in some older Reading properties, carries its own set of concerns. A whole-home repipe replaces the supply system with copper or PEX, restoring full pressure and eliminating the corrosion problem at the source. We scope the job on the first call, confirm what is involved before any work begins, and clean work that leaves your home as it was found.
Older clay and cast-iron sewer lines crack, shift, and root-intrude over decades of use. Reading's housing stock means a significant portion of the sewer lines running under these properties are well past their design life. We run a video inspection before recommending repair or replacement, so the decision is based on what the camera shows, not a guess. Where the pipe condition and site allow it, trenchless repair avoids the need to excavate the full length of the line. Where it does not, we replace the drain line and restore the grade.
Berks County basements collect groundwater, especially during nor'easters and the spring thaw when the ground is saturated. A sump pump that fails during a heavy rain event can mean several inches of water in a finished basement before anyone notices. We install, repair, and replace sump pumps, and we check the discharge line and pit condition as part of the visit. A functioning system protects the foundation, the finished space, and whatever is stored down there. We'll find the leak and fix it right.
If you're not sure your water pressure is where it should be, or you have a repair you have been putting off, the first step is a phone call. Plumbing repair costs vary by job, and the only way to give you an accurate number is to understand what the work actually involves. We confirm the price on the call, before anything is scheduled. There is no commitment required to ask what a repair or installation will run.
Short-notice work is available, and you can ask what the schedule allows when you call.
Call (484) 926-6559, describe what is going on, and we will tell you what it covers and what it costs.
We serve Reading and the communities around it throughout Berks County. If your property is in Wyomissing, Shillington, Sinking Spring, Laureldale, Temple, Muhlenberg Township, or Exeter Township, we cover that work the same way we cover Reading itself. The service area runs across the county, and scheduling is handled the same way regardless of which part of it you are in. Call and we will confirm availability for your address.
A plumbing emergency is any situation where water is actively causing damage or a critical system has failed completely. Burst pipes, major leaks that cannot be isolated by shutting off a valve, a complete loss of hot water, and a sewer backup flooding a lower level all qualify.
If you are not sure whether your situation is an emergency, call (484) 926-6559 and describe what you are seeing, and we will tell you how to handle it.
Shut off the water supply to the affected fixture or, if the leak is large or the source is unclear, shut off the main supply to the house. Do not try to disassemble a fitting or a valve that is under pressure. If the situation involves a sewer backup, avoid running water anywhere in the building until the line is cleared. Describing what you did when you call helps us scope the job more accurately.
Discolored or rusty water from the hot faucet, a rumbling or popping sound from the tank during heating, visible corrosion or moisture around the base of the unit, and water that runs out faster than it used to are all signs the unit is declining. A water heater that is not producing hot water at all may have a failed heating element or thermostat rather than a failed tank. Call and describe what you are seeing, and we will scope whether repair or replacement makes more sense.
Running out of hot water faster than usual is often a sign of sediment buildup at the bottom of the tank, a failing heating element, or a thermostat that is no longer reading correctly. In a tankless unit, the same symptom can point to a flow sensor or heat exchanger issue. If the problem is recent and the unit is otherwise in good condition, repair is often the right call. If the unit is older and the problem is recurring, replacement may be the more practical answer.
A toilet that runs continuously after flushing, makes a hissing sound between flushes, or rocks slightly at the base is usually wasting water. A running flapper or a failed fill valve can add hundreds of gallons of wasted water to a monthly bill before the problem is noticed. A toilet that rocks may have a failed wax seal, which allows water to seep under the base and damage the subfloor over time. Both are straightforward repairs that cost far less than the damage or the water bill they prevent.
A sewer smell inside the house most often points to a dry trap, a cracked vent pipe, or a partial blockage in the drain line that is allowing gas to escape. Dry traps are common in floor drains or guest bathrooms that go unused for long periods. A persistent smell that does not clear after running water through the drain is worth a call, because it can indicate a more significant issue with the main line or the vent stack.
Galvanized steel corrodes from the inside out, gradually narrowing the pipe diameter and introducing rust into the water supply. When pressure drops at multiple fixtures or the water runs discolored, the pipe itself is usually the cause rather than any single fitting or valve. In those cases, patching one section rarely solves the problem for long, and whole-home repiping with copper or PEX addresses the source rather than the symptom.
Outdoor work, including sewer line replacement, main water line repair, and exterior hose bib replacement, is subject to ground conditions and weather. Frozen ground can affect how quickly excavation is possible, and heavy rain can delay work that requires an open trench. We confirm what the site conditions allow when the job is scoped, and we keep you informed if conditions change the timeline.
Clear out anything stored under the sink before the visit, including cleaning supplies, trash cans, and extra items that block access to the supply valves and drain connections. For water heater work, move any items stored in front of or directly around the unit so the plumber can reach all sides and the connections at the top. The more accessible the work area, the faster the job goes.
A sewer line inspection uses a camera run through the line from an access point inside the house or at a cleanout outside. The camera shows the condition of the pipe, including cracks, root intrusion, offset joints, and buildup. A good time to schedule one is when drains are slow across multiple fixtures, when there is a sewer odor without a clear source, or before purchasing an older property in Reading or Berks County where the lateral has never been inspected.
Yes. After the job is complete, you receive documentation of what was done and what was charged. If the scope changed from what was agreed on the call, that change is explained and confirmed before the work is finished. You are not handed a bill for work that was not discussed.
Reading Plumbing Company handles repairs, installations, emergency calls, and commercial plumbing work across Reading and Berks County, every day from 6:00 AM to 8:30 PM. Whether the job is a dripping faucet or a full sewer line replacement, the process is the same: scope it on the call, price it before we start, and do the work right. We answer when you call. We explain the work. We leave it dry.
Call (484) 926-6559 for a quote.
From a slow drain to a failed sewer line, the work that keeps a Reading home or commercial property running falls into a short list of common jobs. We handle all of it, and the price is confirmed before anything is scheduled. The table below covers the services we offer, who each one fits, and a practical note to help you decide whether to call now or plan ahead.
| Plumbing Service | What the Job Covers | Recommended For | Good to Know |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sump Pump & Basement Drainage |
| Berks County basements prone to groundwater intrusion, especially during nor'easters and spring thaw | A pump that fails during a heavy rain event can mean several inches of water before anyone notices. The discharge line and pit are checked as part of every visit. |
| Water Heater Repair & Replacement |
| Anyone with no hot water, inconsistent heat, or an aging unit | If the unit is repairable, we will say so. If replacement makes more sense given the condition, we walk you through the options before anything is ordered. |
| Faucet & Fixture Installation |
| Remodels, fixture upgrades, or a dripping faucet that has gone unaddressed | Outdoor faucet work is worth scheduling before winter sets in to avoid freeze damage at the bib. |
| Garbage Disposal Service |
| Kitchens with a disposal that hums, leaks, or will not spin | Most disposal failures are straightforward to diagnose on the call, so the visit is usually focused and fast. |
| Sewer & Main Line Service |
| Properties with backups, slow drains across multiple fixtures, or a known sewer issue | We run a camera before recommending repair or replacement, so the scope is based on what the pipe actually shows. |
| Toilet Repair & Installation |
| Households dealing with a constantly running toilet or a rocking base | A running toilet can waste hundreds of gallons before it is noticed. The repair usually costs far less than the water bill it prevents. |
| Whole-Home Repiping |
| Older Reading row homes with discolored water, chronic low pressure, or original galvanized or lead pipe | Patching one section of corroded galvanized pipe rarely solves the problem for long. Repiping addresses the source rather than the symptom. |
| Water Pressure & Shutoff Valve Repair |
| Homes with noticeably weak flow at multiple fixtures or valves that no longer close fully | In older Berks County homes, a pressure regulator past its service life is a common and overlooked cause of low pressure. |
| Sewer Line Replacement |
| Properties with aging sewer laterals, root intrusion, or repeated backups | Reading's older housing stock means a significant portion of sewer laterals are well past their design life. A camera inspection confirms what the pipe actually needs. |
| Lead Service Line Replacement |
| Older Reading properties that have never had the service line evaluated or replaced | Lead service lines are still present in a portion of Reading's older housing stock. Replacement eliminates the source rather than managing around it. |
| Drain Cleaning & Clog Removal |
| Homes or businesses with slow or stopped drains | A partial clog is easier and less expensive to clear than a full backup. Calling early keeps the job simple. |
| Leak Detection & Repair |
| Any property with unexplained moisture, high water bills, or a known leak | The cause is explained before the wall is closed, so you know what failed and why, not just that it was patched. |
| Emergency Plumbing |
| Any situation where water is actively causing damage or a critical system has failed | Emergency calls are taken every day from 6:00 AM to 8:30 PM. The job is scoped on the phone so you have a price before anyone arrives. |
How do I know whether my drain problem is at the fixture or in the main line?
A single slow drain is usually local to that fixture, often a buildup of hair, grease, or soap in the trap or the branch line. When two or more drains in different parts of the house are slow at the same time, or when flushing a toilet causes a drain elsewhere to gurgle, the blockage is more likely in the main line. Describing what you are seeing when you call helps us narrow it down before we arrive.
What is the difference between a tank and a tankless water heater, and how do I choose?
A tank water heater stores a set volume of hot water and reheats it as it is used. A tankless unit heats water on demand, which means no storage tank and no standby heat loss, but it requires a gas line or electrical supply sized for the load. For most single-family homes, either type works well. For households with high simultaneous demand, or for multi-unit buildings, tankless units can be a practical fit. We scope the existing setup on the call and explain what each option involves before anything is ordered.
What causes low water pressure, and when does it point to a pipe problem?
Low pressure at a single fixture is usually a clogged aerator or a failing shutoff valve at that fixture. Low pressure across multiple fixtures at the same time points further upstream, toward the pressure regulator, the main shutoff, or the supply pipe itself. In older homes with galvanized steel pipe, the interior of the pipe corrodes and narrows over time, which reduces flow even when the regulator and valves are fine. If pressure has dropped gradually across the whole house, the pipe is worth evaluating.
Cause Found Before Anything Is Replaced
We diagnose before we recommend. Whether it is a leak behind a wall or a sewer line that has backed up twice in a year, the cause is identified and explained before any repair or replacement is proposed.
When does a clog require hydro jetting instead of a standard snake?
A drain snake breaks through a soft blockage and restores flow, but it does not clean the pipe wall. Grease buildup, mineral scale, and compacted debris can coat the inside of a line and leave it prone to repeat clogs even after snaking. Hydro jetting uses high-pressure water to clear the full diameter of the pipe, which addresses the buildup rather than just the immediate blockage. It is particularly useful in kitchen drain lines and in main lines that have backed up more than once in a short period.
How do tree roots get into a sewer line, and what does the repair involve?
Roots follow moisture, and older clay or cast-iron sewer lines develop cracks and offset joints over time that allow roots to enter. Once inside, roots grow and spread, eventually causing partial or full blockages. A video inspection shows how far the intrusion extends and whether the pipe wall is still intact. Where the pipe is structurally sound, a mechanical root cut combined with hydro jetting can restore flow. Where the pipe is cracked or collapsed, repair or replacement is the more practical answer.
What happens during a sump pump failure, and how quickly does it become a problem?
A sump pump that stops working during a heavy rain event leaves groundwater with nowhere to go. In a Berks County basement with active drainage, water can begin entering within minutes of the pump failing, and several inches can accumulate before the situation is noticed. The most common failure points are a burned-out motor, a stuck float switch, or a clogged discharge line. We check the pump, the float, and the discharge line as part of every sump pump visit, not just the part that stopped working.
Older and Newer Plumbing Both Handled
Reading's housing stock runs from pre-war row homes with original galvanized pipe to newer construction with PEX throughout. We work on both, and the approach is matched to what is actually in the building.
How long does a whole-home repipe typically take?
The timeline depends on the size of the house, the number of fixtures, and the pipe material being replaced. A single-story home can often be completed in one to two days. A multi-story row home or a property with more complex layout may take longer. The scope is confirmed on the first call, and we give you a realistic timeline before any work begins so you can plan around the water being off.
When should I call a plumber instead of attempting a fix myself?
Replacing a faucet aerator, tightening a supply line connection, or resetting a tripped disposal are reasonable DIY tasks for most homeowners. Anything involving the main shutoff, a supply line under pressure, a drain line that connects to the main stack, or a water heater is worth a call first. A small mistake on a pressurized line or a gas connection can turn a straightforward repair into a larger one. Describing the situation on the call costs nothing and helps clarify whether it is something to handle yourself or something to schedule.
Scope Agreed Before Any Pipe Is Cut
The job is scoped on the call and confirmed in person before work begins. No pressure and no gimmicks, just a clear understanding of what the repair involves and what it costs.
What causes a faucet or fixture to drip, and does it matter if I wait to fix it?
A dripping faucet is almost always a worn washer, O-ring, or ceramic cartridge inside the valve body. The drip is slow enough to ignore, but a faucet that drips once per second wastes several gallons a day and adds up on a monthly water bill. More importantly, a valve that is already worn tends to fail further rather than stabilize. Fixing it while it drips is simpler and less expensive than replacing the valve after it stops closing entirely.
How are hidden or under-slab leaks located without tearing up the floor?
Pressure testing isolates which section of the supply system is losing pressure, which narrows the location before any floor or wall is opened. Electronic leak detection equipment picks up the sound of water escaping under pressure through concrete or behind a wall, allowing us to pinpoint the area rather than guess. In most cases, the access point is kept as small as possible. The cause is explained before the repair is made, so you understand what failed and where.
Does plumbing work in Reading require a permit, and how is that handled?
Permit requirements in Reading and Berks County depend on the scope of the work. Fixture swaps and minor repairs generally do not require a permit. Larger jobs, including sewer line replacement, whole-home repiping, and water heater replacement in some jurisdictions, may require one. We confirm what applies to your specific job when the work is scoped, and the work is done to the standard that holds up when an inspector walks through.
Call (484) 926-6559 and describe what you are seeing. We will tell you what the work involves, what it costs, and when we can get there.
(484) 926-6559