Frequently asked questions
Everything you need to know before booking.
Answers to what clients typically ask before getting in touch.
- Are you licensed and insured, and can you pull permits for work in Pittsburgh?
- Yes. Timothy holds a Pennsylvania master plumber license and carries full insurance. For work that requires a City of Pittsburgh permit — water heater replacements, sewer modifications, gas piping, and similar jobs — he pulls the permit and coordinates the required inspection. You don't have to navigate the PLI office yourself.
- How do I know I actually need the repair you're recommending — and not something more expensive?
- Timothy explains what he found, why it matters, and what happens if it goes unaddressed. If a repair will solve the problem, that's what gets quoted. Replacing an entire system when a targeted fix will do isn't how this business operates — and with no sales staff and no commission structure, there's no incentive to oversell.
- What does a job typically cost, and will I get a price before work starts?
- Free estimates are standard. Before any work begins, you'll have a clear scope and a price. Pittsburgh plumbing permit costs run around $225 when required, and Timothy will let you know upfront if your job needs one so there are no surprises on the invoice.
- Can you actually get here quickly if I have a plumbing emergency?
- Timothy responds directly to calls and texts, so you reach a decision-maker immediately rather than waiting for a call center to route your request. Response time on emergencies depends on current schedule, but you'll get a straight answer on availability — not a vague window.
- Do you work on older Pittsburgh homes with cast-iron pipes, galvanized supply lines, and older boilers?
- That's most of the work. Older Pittsburgh housing stock — cast-iron sewer lines, galvanized supply pipes, steam radiators, and aging boilers — is what Timothy has been working on for decades. He knows what to look for and what repairs make sense versus what's overdue for replacement.
- How long will the work take, and will I be without hot water or heat while it's done?
- Job length depends on what's involved, and Timothy will walk you through the timeline before starting. For water heater or boiler replacements, he works to minimize downtime. You'll know going in whether you need to make arrangements, and he'll work around your schedule where possible.
- Do you handle both residential and commercial plumbing, or just homes?
- Both. Timothy has decades of experience on commercial and residential jobs — multi-unit rentals, small commercial buildings, and single-family homes. If you manage rental properties or need a licensed plumber for a small commercial space, this is the same service and the same direct contact.
- What's included in a dump trailer rental, and how does scheduling work?
- Timothy delivers the trailer to your property and returns to haul it away when you're done. Scheduling is handled directly with him by phone, text, or email — no online booking system to navigate. Trailer size is suited to Pittsburgh lots where a full roll-off container isn't practical or necessary.
- I need my backflow preventer tested annually — how does that process work with you?
- Timothy is a certified backflow prevention assembly tester. He performs the test, files the required documentation, and keeps your records on file electronically. He'll contact you before your next annual certification is due, so compliance doesn't fall through the cracks between busy seasons.
- Why is pricing more affordable than some larger companies I've called?
- Murphy's Contracting PGH operates without the overhead of a large office, multiple crews, or a customer service department. That structure keeps rates competitive without cutting corners on the work itself. You're paying for the labor and materials — not for someone else's advertising budget.
Talk to Timothy Before the Problem Gets Bigger
Because Timothy handles every job personally, availability is limited — reach out by phone, text, or the contact form to get a free estimate scheduled.