Central Mechanical Services · Family-owned since 1909
The Lightness family opened Central in 1909 and the Ash family has carried it since: leaks and frozen pipes, water heaters, steam and hot-water heat, medical gas and commercial piping. The office keeps 8 to 5. The phone is answered 24/7.
Account opened 1909
Central Mechanical Services has been a pillar of trust and quality in Yakima and Kittitas Counties for over 100 years. Family-owned and operated, old-time craftsmanship with modern technology. Read the family history.
The Central ledger
The two black-and-white photographs are from Central's own archive. The rest of the record is the work the family still does across the valley.
1909 · Leaf one
Founded in 1909 by the Lightness family, Central has been a cornerstone of plumbing in Yakima for over a century. Robert Lightness led the company until 1981, and the habit of doing it properly was passed down with the keys.
1957 · Leaf two
William Ash started his plumbing apprenticeship under the Lightness family in 1957. His military background instilled honor, pride and commitment, and he carried them into the trade. He took over the company and ran it until 2002.
2002 · Leaf three
Kris Ash grew up in the industry and worked in the field for 15 years, learning plumbing, hydronics and boilers, before becoming project manager and estimator. In 2002 his son Steven began his apprenticeship and has since earned his journeyman plumber and medical gas certifications.
2009 · Leaf four
Central celebrated its 100th anniversary in 2009. The heating side of the trade had moved on from steam alone to radiant floors and high-efficiency water heaters, and the family moved with it while keeping the old-time craftsmanship.
Today · The open leaf
A main line leaking under a house, a valve that would not shut off, a partial re-pipe finished in a day, a decade of projects at the Pippins' stadium. The office is open Monday to Friday, 8 to 5. The line is answered 24/7.
What the family does now
Residential and commercial, repair and installation, across Yakima and Kittitas Counties. Every job carries a one year labor and product warranty.
24/7 emergency
No leak is too sneaky, no pipe too icy. Our 24/7 emergency service means you are never alone in a plumbing crisis, whether it is a main line under the house or a hose bib that split in the first hard freeze.
Emergency plumbing details
Radiant floor heatingUniform, consistent heat from the floor up, compatible with various flooring options. From accurate estimations to flawless installations.Radiant floor heating
Water heaters: gas, electric, tankless, heat pumpGone are the days of lukewarm showers. Heat pump models are now standard for new construction; ask us about our rebates.Water heatersBoilers, hydronic and steam heatBoiler servicing that keeps old radiators and new hydronic systems warm and worry-free.Boilers and steam
Fixtures, softeners, drains and pumpsFaucets, toilets, sinks, garbage disposals, water softeners and booster, re-circ and sump pumps, from the smallest repair to a complete remodel.Plumbing services
Commercial plumbing and medical gas pipingWhether you run a restaurant, office building, or manufacturing facility, our commercial plumbing keeps the business running: air, gas and mechanical piping, and medical gas piping for healthcare.Commercial plumbing
From the Google reviews
A main line leaking under the house
“I had a steady leak on my main line underneath my home. I called and got ahold of a lady named Krystal. She was able to get someone to come out pretty quickly to come and fix the leak. I am very pleased with their service and the technician, Darren, was friendly and knowledgeable.”
A shut-off that would not shut off
“I called Central Mechanical when I was getting a new dishwasher. The value under the sink should nothing shut off. With in an hour they had a plumber at my house and the value was replaced. It was amazing… they told me they keep openings in their schedule for calls like mine! I also had them install the dishwasher since the delivery service I paid to do it did not have a long enough hose to hook up. Central Mechanical was amazing so good I found them!”
A partial re-pipe in one day
“Steve was great, He arrived on time and communicated with me what was happening through out the day. He was able to complete my partial re-pipe in one day. It’s been a long time coming. I honestly cannot believe how much better my water pressure is now it’s a drastic improvement. Thank you to the folks at Central Mechanical”
A toilet and a shower, on a budget
“Tony came to my apartment due to a leaking toilet and shower. He arrived on time and held himself in a very professional manner. When he was done he cleaned up after himself which was really nice. Due to have a low income budget I really appreciated the fact the Central took the time to work with me on prices!”
Questions
More on what to do and what not to do with disposals, drains, toilets and sump pumps on the plumbing services page.
“Best service techs in town professional and courteous I know I can count on them to get the job done right the first time”
2601 Business Ln, Yakima
Call the same number any hour for an emergency. For a remodel, a new water heater or a radiant floor, the office will set up a visit, and large projects over $2,500 get a free, no obligation estimate.
“Steven and CMS have been a great help to the Pippins for the last decade + with several projects at the stadium. Thank you Central Mechanical!”