Parts of Spokane are served by combined sewers, and the city has built storage tanks to reduce overflows into the Spokane River. Winters are cold and snowy, freezing pipes along rim joists and in exterior walls, and spring snowmelt raises groundwater in basements.
Housing & construction
Early-1900s homes on the South Hill and in Browne’s Addition, mid-century homes on the North Side, and newer homes in the Valley and on the edges of the city.
Plumbing services in Spokane
Pipe Repair in Spokane
Rim joist freezes
Spokane pipe repair →
Sewer Line Repair in Spokane
Frost heave
Spokane sewer line repair →Also common in Spokane: water heater repair, sump pump repair.
What makes Spokane plumbing different
Moderately hard aquifer water
Scale builds in water heaters and fixtures.
Older basement homes
Cast iron, galvanized and clay systems in early-1900s homes.
Combined sewers
Storms can back water into older basements.
Cold winters
Rim joist and exterior-wall pipes freeze.
Seasonal plumbing calendar for Spokane
- WinterInsulate rim joists and disconnect hoses.
- Spring thawCheck sump pumps and basement drains.
Plumbing emergency in Spokane?
- 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.
Spokane plumbing questions
Where does Spokane’s water come from?
The Spokane Valley–Rathdrum Prairie Aquifer.
Is Spokane water hard?
It’s moderately hard, unlike much of western Washington.
Does Spokane have combined sewers?
Parts of the city do, and the city has built storage to reduce overflows.
Nearby service areas
We also serve communities around Spokane, including Spokane Valley, Liberty Lake, Cheney, Airway Heights, Mead, Coeur d’Alene, ID.
