Our History

If you’re looking for high quality and personal plumbing, heating and cooling services, you’ve come to the right place. You see, our family-owned business has been serving families like yours – in Frankfort and throughout central Kentucky – for over 100 years. Our clients include both homeowners and businesses who expect to get what they pay for – fast, efficient, reliable and effective service.

Our family serving your family for over 100 years.

Late 1800s – Charles Whitehead started a plumbing business in the back of a grocery store in Frankfort. It was located on St. Clair Street near the present-day location of the new Franklin County Courthouse.

1930s – Charles Hancock went to work for Charles Whitehead.

1940s – Charles Hancock purchased the business from Charles Whitehead.

Late 1950s – Whitehead Plumbing moved its offices to the old train depot on Broadway, directly across from the modern-day Thomas D. Clark Center for Kentucky History.

1959 – After Charles Hancock passed away, his wife, Dorothy Hancock, took over the business with help from a son, C.M. “Hank” Hancock.

1970 – The long-running business relocated again, this time to its current location at 417 W. Second St., directly across from the Second Street School.

1976 – Mike and Pat Hancock, twin sons of Charles Hancock, joined their brother Hank in the business.

1990 – Pat Hancock and his wife Susan became sole owners of the business.

1990s – Joe and Jeff Hancock, sons of Pat and Susan, started working for Whitehead-Hancock.

2009 – The father-son team of Pat and Joe Hancock assumed operation of the business together.

Family members and employees on St. Claire Street, 1960.


The Hancock Family outside our current office, 1998.

Our founder, Charles Whitehead, on his boat Maggie Jiggs, circa 1920s. Photo courtesy of Capital City Museum.

Hancock family members pose with some of our employees, 1980. Some of these employees are still with us!

Whitehead-Hancock’s office on St. Claire St., at the foot of the Singing Bridge, circa 1930s. Courtesy Capital City Museum

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