New Orleans, LA
Water and sewer line repair in New Orleans
Updated · Editorial team; not yet technically reviewed
Short answer
In New Orleans, owners of lots created after 1954 pay for water and sewer connections from the main to the property line and for everything from the property line to the house. If Sewerage and Water Board work disrupts a connection between the main and the property line, the Board pays to repair it. Owners may hire a Louisiana-licensed plumber, under Board inspection.
What's different in New Orleans
For lots created after 1954, the property owner bears the costs of connections extended from the sewer and water main to the property line, and facilities from the property line on site are installed and maintained at the owner's cost. [1]
If Board work disrupts a water or sewer connection between the main and the property line, the Board bears the cost of repairing it. [1]
Owners may contract with a Louisiana-licensed plumber for connections and later work, all subject to the Board's regulation, inspection and control. [1]
Who pays for which section
| Section | Who pays |
|---|---|
| Main to property line (lots created after 1954) | Property owner |
| Main to property line, damaged by S&WB work | Sewerage and Water Board |
| Property line to the house | Property owner |
Soft soil and sinking pipes
New Orleans sits on soft, subsiding soil, and settlement stresses buried water and sewer lines, joints and connections at the house. Leaks can show up as soggy spots, sinking pavement or a meter that moves with everything off. Older homes with cast iron or clay sewer lines are prone to cracking and roots. See sewer camera inspection.
If your line is leaking
Find out which side
Locate the leak relative to the property line and meter.
Report Board-caused damage
If S&WB work disrupted your connection, the Board is responsible for that section.
Hire a Louisiana-licensed plumber
Work is subject to S&WB inspection.
Further reading: How to tell what your pipes are made of.
What New Orleans homeowners usually check next
- SymptomSigns of a hidden leak
- SymptomWater bill suddenly high
- SymptomNo water in the house
Common questions
Who pays for water line repair from the main to my property line in New Orleans?
For lots created after 1954, the property owner, unless the damage was caused by Sewerage and Water Board work.
Does S&WB fix connections it damages?
Yes, if Board work disrupts a connection between the main and the property line, the Board pays to repair it.
Who maintains the line from my property line to the house?
The property owner.
Do I need a licensed plumber in New Orleans?
Owners may hire a Louisiana-licensed plumber, and the work is subject to S&WB inspection.
Why do New Orleans water lines leak so often?
Soft, subsiding soil stresses buried pipes and joints over time.
How do I know if my New Orleans water line is leaking?
Look for soggy ground, sinking pavement or a meter moving with all water off.
Does the 1954 rule affect older lots?
The owner-pays rule in the statute applies to lots created after 1954; ask S&WB about older lots.
Will S&WB inspect my plumber's work?
Yes, connection work is subject to the Board's regulation and inspection.
Can sewer lines in New Orleans be damaged by settlement?
Yes, settlement can crack joints and connections, especially in older pipe.
Should I scope my New Orleans sewer line?
If you have recurring clogs or slow drains, a camera inspection shows cracks, sags and roots.
More plumbing help in New Orleans
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Sources (1)
- Louisiana Revised Statutes (Sewerage and Water Board of New Orleans) · checked 2026-10-03