Older neighborhoods have homes going back to the 19th and early 20th centuries, with aging sewer laterals and drain materials. Some older parts of the city are served by combined sewers, which carry stormwater and wastewater together and can surcharge in heavy rain.
Housing & construction
Many older homes with basements in central neighborhoods, plus mid-century and newer suburban construction.
Plumbing services in Columbus
What makes Columbus plumbing different
Basement water
Heavy spring rain can bring groundwater and sewer backups into basements.
Freezes
Cold winters threaten pipes in exterior walls and unheated spaces.
Aging laterals
Clay pipe and roots are frequent causes of main line problems in older neighborhoods.
Older homes with original plumbing
Neighborhoods with early 20th-century homes often have galvanized supply lines that cause low pressure and rusty water, and cast iron stacks that crack with age.
Seasonal plumbing calendar for Columbus
- SpringTest the sump pump and consider a backwater valve if the home has had backups.
- WinterInsulate exposed pipes and disconnect hoses.
Plumbing emergency in Columbus?
- 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.
Columbus plumbing questions
Why does my Columbus basement floor drain back up in heavy rain?
Your lateral may be partly blocked, or the public sewer may be overloaded. A camera inspection and a backwater valve address these risks.
Do Columbus homes need sump pumps?
Many homes with basements do, particularly where groundwater rises in spring.
Why is my water rusty in an older Columbus home?
Corroding galvanized supply pipes are the most common cause in older homes. If only hot water is rusty, the water heater may be the source.
Nearby service areas
We also serve communities around Columbus, including Upper Arlington, Bexley, Worthington, Grandview Heights, Westerville, Dublin, Hilliard, Gahanna.
