Company History

The Sembower family originally came from Ohio. They moved to the Wilkinsburg Borough in the early 1900’s.

In 1923, James M. Sembower started J.M. Sembower plumbing company on Coal Street. Jim lived, with his wife, May, and their only son, James W. on Mill Street, Center Street and then moved to North Avenue. In the late 1940’s, Jim moved his business to 1120 Swissvale Avenue next to their home. In the 1960’s, the business name was changed to J. M. Sembower & Son.

In December 1967, Jim passed away and his son Jim W. took over the business along with the help of his wife, Betty. Jim, Betty and their three daughters Laurel, Linda and Janice lived in Penn Hills.

In December 1971, Jim passed away from cancer and Betty continued running the business herself. Betty hired Jim’s cousin, John D. Sembower, Sr., who was a plumber and had a little experience in the business.

John D. Sembower, Sr., was born May 23, 1940 at home on Frankstown Road in Penn Hills. He graduated from Penn Hills Seneca High School in 1958. On June 18, 1960, John married Donna Flanders, his girlfriend since Junior High. Donna was originally from Homewood but she and her family moved to Penn Hills when she was in second grade.

In April 1961, Donna and John had their first daughter Debra Lynn, then Terri Lee, October 1963, John Daniel, Jr., November 1968 and Scott William, March 1972.

John decided to attend Robert Morris for a short period of time for Accounting, but then he decided to go into plumbing school.  He worked for Stenson and Kennedy on commercial work as an apprentice for five years.  He then received his journeyman’s license and became foreman.

On February 9th, 1973 John purchased J.M. Sembower & Son from Betty Sembower. John worked along with his father, William, who was a plumber at J. M. Sembowers for over 50 years. William died in January 1977. John went back to night school to get his master’s license. Betty Sembower continued to work in the office until 1979.

During the years, J.M. Sembower & Sons assumed the responsibilities for commercial and heating work of A.C. Good Plumbing and Alshous Plumbing.

Robert Mikesell originally owned the Mikesell name of the business. When he died, his son, Dean, ran the business. When Dean passed away, his wife, Virginia, along with the help of Harry Lafferty, operated the business until Harry purchased the plumbing business on 650 Ardmore Blvd. from her in April 1970. Harry with the help of his wife, Grace, operated Mikesell Plumbing.

In 1977, J.M. Sembower & Son and Mikesell’s Plumbing incorporated the name of the business to form Sembower-Mikesell, Inc. Harry continued to work as an estimator for the company until he retired in December, 1982.

As always, this business is still operated by the family members. John’s daughter Debbie works in the office along with her husband, Rich Navari.  His daughter, Terri, also works in the office. John, Jr. and Scott operate a sister company, Mr. Waterheater. John Sr. turned over the responsibilities of the day-to-day activities to his family in 2007.

Operating since 1923, the business has expanded from just plumbing and heating work to plumbing, heating, air-conditioning, remodeling and general contracting. The Sembower family, along with the employees, takes pride in the quality of their work and in the service that they provide.