Most older homes in neighborhoods like Beaverdale, Sherman Hill and the East Village area have basements with floor drains, sump pumps, cast iron stacks and clay laterals. The city flooded severely in 1993 and again in 2008, and heavy spring rain still tests basements. Long, cold winters freeze pipes along rim joists, in exterior walls and in unheated garages.
Housing & construction
Brick and frame homes in Beaverdale, Craftsman and Victorian homes in Sherman Hill, mid-century homes across the south side, and newer suburbs in West Des Moines, Ankeny and Waukee.
Plumbing services in Des Moines
Sump Pump Repair in Des Moines
Snowmelt surges
Des Moines sump pump repair →
Water Softeners & Filtration in Des Moines
Hard water
Des Moines water softeners & filtration →Also common in Des Moines: pipe repair, water heater repair.
What makes Des Moines plumbing different
Hard water
Scale shortens water heater life and clogs fixtures.
Basements and sump pumps
Spring rain and snowmelt keep sump pumps working hard.
River flood history
Low-lying areas near the Raccoon and Des Moines rivers need backwater and flood planning.
Rim joist freezes
Basement pipes against cold rim joists freeze in subzero weather.
Seasonal plumbing calendar for Des Moines
- SpringTest sump pumps before snowmelt and spring storms.
- WinterInsulate rim joist pipes and disconnect hoses.
Plumbing emergency in Des Moines?
- 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.
Des Moines plumbing questions
Is Des Moines water hard?
Yes, it’s hard. Check Des Moines Water Works’ quality report for current figures.
Why does Des Moines Water Works remove nitrates?
Farm runoff upstream raises nitrate levels in the rivers at times; the utility runs nitrate removal to keep treated water within standards.
Do Des Moines basements need sump pumps?
Many do, especially during spring snowmelt and storms.
Nearby service areas
We also serve communities around Des Moines, including West Des Moines, Ankeny, Urbandale, Johnston, Clive, Waukee.
