The Sewerage & Water Board (SWBNO) runs water, sewer and the city’s drainage pumping system. Its aging infrastructure leads to periodic boil-water advisories and pressure drops. Much of the city sits below sea level, and hurricanes and heavy rain bring flooding that backs up low drains and damages equipment.
Housing & construction
Shotgun houses, Creole cottages and doubles raised on piers, historic homes in the French Quarter and Garden District, and slab homes in newer neighborhoods.
Plumbing services in New Orleans
Pipe Repair in New Orleans
Exposed under-house pipes
New Orleans pipe repair →
Sewer Line Repair in New Orleans
Soil subsidence
New Orleans sewer line repair →Also common in New Orleans: drain cleaning, water heater repair.
What makes New Orleans plumbing different
Raised homes with exposed pipes
Plumbing under pier-raised homes is accessible but exposed to freezes and damage.
Subsiding soils
Soft soils settle unevenly, stressing laterals and supply lines.
Boil-water advisories
SWBNO system issues can lead to advisories; flush lines afterward.
Flooding
Heavy rain and hurricanes cause backups and equipment damage.
Seasonal plumbing calendar for New Orleans
- Hurricane seasonKnow your shutoffs and check plumbing after storms.
- Rare hard freezesWrap exposed under-house pipes and drip faucets.
Plumbing emergency in New Orleans?
- Close the main water shutoff, or the fixture valve if the problem is in one place.
- Stay away from water near outlets or the electrical panel.
- For sewage backups, stop using all drains.
- If you smell gas, leave and call the gas utility or 911 from outside.
New Orleans plumbing questions
What should I do after a New Orleans boil-water advisory ends?
Flush faucets for several minutes, discard ice and run water through filters, water heaters if advised, and appliances.
Why do New Orleans pipes break under raised houses?
Exposed pipes freeze in rare hard cold, and soil settlement stresses connections.
Who runs water and sewer in New Orleans?
The Sewerage & Water Board of New Orleans.
Nearby service areas
We also serve communities around New Orleans, including Metairie, Kenner, Gretna, Chalmette, Harvey, Algiers.
