The Metropolitan St. Louis Sewer District operates a combined sewer system in the older city and inner suburbs, and its long-term Project Clear program is building tunnels and other improvements to reduce overflows and backups. City water comes from the Mississippi and Missouri rivers and is moderately hard. Hot, humid summers and cold winters both stress older plumbing.
Housing & construction
Century-old brick row houses, two- and four-family flats, bungalows in South City, and suburban homes in St. Louis County.
Plumbing services in St. Louis
Sewer Line Repair in St. Louis
Century-old clay
St. Louis sewer line repair →
Water Line Repair in St. Louis
Lead line inventory
St. Louis water line repair →Also common in St. Louis: sump pump repair, drain cleaning.
Common plumbing problems in St. Louis
What makes St. Louis plumbing different
Lead service lines
Many older homes have lead lines; check the city’s inventory for your address.
Combined sewers
Older areas can see storm-driven basement backups.
Multi-family flats
Two- and four-family buildings share stacks and mains.
Clay laterals
Roots and settling crack century-old laterals.
Seasonal plumbing calendar for St. Louis
- Spring and summer stormsTest sump pumps and check backwater protection.
- WinterInsulate basement and exterior-wall pipes during cold snaps.
Plumbing emergency in St. Louis?
- 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.
St. Louis plumbing questions
What is MSD Project Clear?
It’s the Metropolitan St. Louis Sewer District’s long-term program to reduce sewer overflows and improve the system.
Does St. Louis have lead service lines?
Yes, many older homes do. The city has been working on identification and replacement; check your address.
Do St. Louis County municipalities help with sewer laterals?
Many St. Louis County municipalities have run sewer lateral repair programs funded by an annual fee; check with your municipality.
Is St. Louis water hard?
It’s moderately hard; check the city water division’s quality report.
Nearby service areas
We also serve communities around St. Louis, including Clayton, University City, Webster Groves, Kirkwood, Florissant, East St. Louis, IL.
