American Plumbing Supply

504 E Grand Ave
Des Moines, IA 50309
(515) 244-6749

American Plumbing Supply, located at 504 E. Grand, was started by Abraham Lekowsky after he received a bill for a leaky toilet. Abe realized that if a person was taught how to fix plumbing problems they could solve them themselves. In 1933, Abe started his business with $150 loan and an old truck he took to Chicago to pick up a load of used plumbing fixtures. In 1937, he moved the business to the building where it still stands today.

Harlan his son started to work at American Plumbing Supply after he came back from World War II. Today, after being in business for 71 years, Helen and Harlan’s son David is running the business.

American Plumbing Supply has a state-wide reputation of having most all parts and plumbing fixtures. They’re known to have thousands of faucet and repair parts. American Plumbing is THE source for finding parts for older plumbing fixtures but also carries the latest trends in plumbing lines. They handle Toto, Kohler, Delta, and everyone else.

Hours:  8:30 to 5:30 Monday through Friday
Perk: A free kitchen swivel aerator with purchase of $50 or more.

email questions to: plumbguy36@aol.com

Comments

[Chris Punke]

I was there last year after trips to the hardware store and "big box" home improvement warehouse turned up nothing in my search for a special gasket for my old cast iron sewer pipes.

I got there before they opened, and there was a line outside the door! I guess that says a lot about this great local resource!

Oh, and yes he did have the exact part I needed. I was back up-and-flushing in no time! :)

[Sherry Borzo]

You're right Chris
American Plumbing Supply is an institution in large part because of the great family that owns the place. Look forward to hearing more from them in a podcast in December.