Wastewater is handled by the Narragansett Bay Commission, which built a large tunnel system to capture combined sewer overflows. Older neighborhoods still see basement backups during heavy rain. Winters freeze pipes in porches and exterior walls, and coastal storms and hurricanes bring flooding to low-lying areas near the waterfront.
Housing & construction
Triple-deckers and two-families across most neighborhoods, historic homes on College Hill and the East Side, and apartments downtown.
Plumbing services in Providence
Water Line Repair in Providence
Replacement program
Providence water line repair →
Pipe Repair in Providence
Porch plumbing
Providence pipe repair →Also common in Providence: sewer line repair, water heater repair.
What makes Providence plumbing different
Lead service lines
Providence Water has run a replacement program; check your address.
Triple-deckers
Shared stacks and mains affect several units at once.
Combined sewers
Heavy rain can still back water into older basements.
Coastal storms
Low-lying areas flood during hurricanes and nor’easters.
Seasonal plumbing calendar for Providence
- WinterInsulate porch and exterior-wall pipes and keep units heated.
- Hurricane seasonKnow your shutoffs and check basements after storms.
Plumbing emergency in Providence?
- 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.
Providence plumbing questions
Does Providence have lead service lines?
Many older homes do. Providence Water has run a lead service line replacement program; check your address for its status.
Who handles sewers in Providence?
The Narragansett Bay Commission treats wastewater and operates the combined sewer overflow tunnel system.
Is Providence water hard?
No, Scituate Reservoir water is soft.
Nearby service areas
We also serve communities around Providence, including Cranston, Pawtucket, East Providence, North Providence, Johnston, Warwick.
