Plumbing Services in Philadelphia, PA

Plumbing in Philadelphia at a glancePhiladelphia is a city of row houses, and many still have plumbing that dates back a century: cast iron drain stacks, galvanized supply lines and, in some homes, lead service lines. In Philadelphia, property owners are generally responsible for the water service line and the sewer lateral serving their home, so leaks and breaks in those lines are the owner’s to fix. The Philadelphia Water Department has offered a loan program to help homeowners with these repairs.

A large part of the city is served by combined sewers, and heavy rain can back water up into basements. Freeze-thaw winters split pipes in exterior walls and rear additions, and narrow row house layouts mean a plumbing problem in one home can affect the neighbors.

Large kitchen with island and marble countertops

Housing & construction

Brick row houses across most neighborhoods, twins and detached homes in the Northeast and Northwest, and converted multi-unit buildings in older areas.

Plumbing services in Philadelphia

New blue water main pipe and valves exposed in an excavated trench

Water Line Repair in Philadelphia

Water Department leak notices

Philadelphia water line repair →

Utility crew excavating a street to reach a broken water line

Sewer Line Repair in Philadelphia

Shared trenches and tight frontages

Philadelphia sewer line repair →

Drain Cleaning in Philadelphia

Old cast iron interiors

Philadelphia drain cleaning →

Wrench tightening a fitting on metal piping

Pipe Repair in Philadelphia

Rear additions and kitchens

Philadelphia pipe repair →

Also common in Philadelphia: sump pump repair.

Common plumbing problems in Philadelphia

Sewer Backup in PhiladelphiaRoot-filled clay lateral

What makes Philadelphia plumbing different

Owner-responsible service lines and laterals

The homeowner generally owns and maintains the water service line and sewer lateral, including repairs under the sidewalk.

Repair loan program

The Philadelphia Water Department has offered a loan program to help eligible homeowners repair water service lines and sewer laterals; check current terms.

Combined sewers

Much of the city uses combined sewers that can back up into basements during intense storms.

Row house plumbing

Shared walls, narrow basements and century-old cast iron make repairs tighter and more involved.

Seasonal plumbing calendar for Philadelphia

Winter freeze-thawInsulate pipes in rear additions and exterior walls; keep basements heated.
Summer stormsKeep basement drains clear and consider a backwater valve.

Plumbing emergency in Philadelphia?

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.

Call (866) 417-0220

Philadelphia plumbing questions

Who is responsible for my water service line in Philadelphia?

Philadelphia homeowners are generally responsible for the water service line serving their property and the sewer lateral, including repairs.

Does Philadelphia help pay for service line repairs?

The Philadelphia Water Department has offered a loan program for eligible homeowners repairing service lines and sewer laterals. Check current eligibility with PWD.

Why does my Philadelphia basement flood in heavy rain?

Much of the city has combined sewers that can surcharge during storms, pushing water back through basement drains.

Are there lead service lines in Philadelphia?

Some older homes still have lead service lines. The Water Department can help you determine your line’s material.

Nearby service areas

We also serve communities around Philadelphia, including Camden, Cheltenham, Upper Darby, Bensalem, Lower Merion, Cherry Hill.

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