Parts of Burlington are served by combined sewers, and the city has invested in wastewater and stormwater upgrades to reduce overflows into the lake. Winters are long and very cold, freezing pipes in exterior walls, porches and basements, and rental turnover means vacant units can freeze if heat is turned down.
Housing & construction
Late-1800s and early-1900s homes in the Old North End and Hill section, multi-unit rentals near UVM and Champlain College, and newer homes in the South End.
Plumbing services in Burlington
Pipe Repair in Burlington
Vacant rental units
Burlington pipe repair →
Drain Cleaning in Burlington
Heavy rental use
Burlington drain cleaning →Also common in Burlington: sewer line repair, water heater repair.
What makes Burlington plumbing different
Student and multi-unit rentals
Heavy use and turnover strain older plumbing.
Combined sewers
Storms can back water into older basements.
Very cold winters
Exterior-wall and porch pipes freeze in extended cold.
Older housing stock
Cast iron drains and old supply lines in 100-year-old homes.
Seasonal plumbing calendar for Burlington
- WinterKeep vacant units heated and insulate exposed pipes.
- Late summerMove-in season puts heavy demand on rental plumbing.
Plumbing emergency in Burlington?
- 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.
Burlington plumbing questions
Where does Burlington’s water come from?
Lake Champlain, treated by the city.
Why do pipes freeze in Burlington rentals?
Vacant or underheated units, porches and exterior walls freeze during long cold spells.
Does Burlington have combined sewers?
Parts of the city do, and the city has invested in upgrades to reduce overflows.
Nearby service areas
We also serve communities around Burlington, including South Burlington, Winooski, Essex, Colchester, Shelburne, Williston.
