Orleans Parish · New Orleans–Metairie metro
Plumbing help in New Orleans, LA
Older PipesStorms
New Orleans treats Mississippi River water at two plants, one for each bank. Old housing, sinking soils, low elevation and a water system prone to pressure drops make boil-water advisories, sewer backups and pipe damage part of local plumbing life.
- Median home built
- 1964
- Built before 1980
- 72%
- Owner-occupied
- 53%
- Water hardness
- See below
- Winter
- Hard freezes are rare
- Plumbing code
- State code
Common repairs in New Orleans homes
- Sewer Line Repair
Settling soils shift and crack old sewer laterals under older homes.
- Sewer Backup
Heavy rain can overwhelm drainage in a low-lying city.
- Water Line Repair
Ground movement stresses service lines between the street and the house.
What's behind the walls of New Orleans's older homes
The median home in New Orleans was built in 1964, and 72% of homes predate 1980. Homes from that era were typically built with copper or galvanized supply, cast iron drains, clay or cast iron sewer laterals.
- Galvanized steel supply (1900–1960)
- Copper supply (1950–2000)
- Polybutylene (some homes) (1978–1996)
- PEX / CPVC (1995–today)
Emergency plumbing in New Orleans
Call (833) 878-1592Shut off your main water supply if it's safe to do so. The emergencies below are listed most likely first for New Orleans homes, based on local conditions.
Which plumbing rules apply in New Orleans
Plumbing in New Orleans must meet the Louisiana State Uniform Construction Code and be done by plumbers licensed by the State Plumbing Board of Louisiana. [2]
Where New Orleans's water comes from
New Orleans' water comes from the Mississippi River: East Bank customers are served by the Carrollton plant and West Bank customers by the Algiers plant. Boil-water advisories are issued when pressure falls below 20 psi. [1]
Heavy rain and storms
Plumbing services for New Orleans homes
New Orleans plumbing questions
What should I do during a New Orleans boil-water advisory?
Boil water for drinking, cooking and brushing teeth until the advisory is lifted. Afterward, flush your taps and replace filter cartridges.
Why do New Orleans sewer lines break?
Soft, settling soils move the ground under older homes, which shifts and cracks laterals over time. A camera inspection pinpoints the damage.
Where does New Orleans' water come from?
The Mississippi River, treated at the Carrollton plant (East Bank) and the Algiers plant (West Bank).
How do I check a New Orleans plumber?
Verify the license with the State Plumbing Board of Louisiana before work starts.
Sources (3)
- U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 2024 1-year (B25035) · checked 2026-10-01
- Sewerage & Water Board of New Orleans, Drinking Water Quality · checked 2026-10-01
- Louisiana State Uniform Construction Code Council · checked 2026-10-01