Living in the New Orleans area has its perks—jazz-filled evenings, second lines, and world-famous cuisine. But if you’re a homeowner in the Crescent City, you know it also means dealing with some truly unique plumbing problems. Thanks to our region’s swampy foundation, aging infrastructure, heavy rainfall, and humid climate, plumbing issues can be a real problem around the New Orleans area.
Whether you’re hearing strange gurgles from the sink, noticing low water pressure, or seeing signs of mold, it pays to know what to look for. In this guide, we’ll explore some of the unique regional challenges New Orleans-area homeowners face with the top 10 plumbing problems in New Orleans, and what you can do to prevent and avoid them.
Regional Plumbing Differences: New Orleans vs. the Northshore
While many of the issues we’ll discuss apply across southern Louisiana, there are some key differences between plumbing challenges in New Orleans and those on the Northshore.
Unique Plumbing Issues in New Orleans
As any local knows, New Orleans homes have character—and quirks. Here are a few things to watch out for, especially in historic properties:
- Cast iron and galvanized piping: Common in older homes, these materials rust over time and can cause major drainage issues due to scale buildup.
- Swampy Foundations and Old Infrastructure: The uniquely swampy soil conditions that make up our area, coupled with the city’s old utility infrastructure, can cause unique plumbing issues and concerns for New Orleans homeowners.
- Foundation shifting: Sinking homes can cause slab shifts, breaking underground sewer lines and leading to backflow issues. If you’re concerned about the condition of your sewer line, check for cracks in the floor, or in interior and exterior walls, and consider scheduling a professional sewer camera inspection.
Common Plumbing Issues on the Northshore
If you live on the Northshore, it pays to work with a plumber who understands the area’s unique challenges and can tailor solutions to your home’s specific needs.
Here are some common problems we see with our clients on the Northshore:
- Private wells: Many Northshore homes rely on private wells, unlike metro New Orleans, where homes are connected to a city utility. This means water quality can vary widely from home to home.
- Water quality concerns: Acidic or mineral-heavy water on the Northshore can corrode metal pipes and damage fixtures, appliances, and water heaters faster than in New Orleans homes.
At Goodbee Plumbing, we offer custom water treatment systems designed to extend the life of your Northshore home’s plumbing and improve your water quality. When you have a plumbing problem you can’t fix on your own, call us at 985-999-4618, and we’ll bee right there.
The Top 10 Plumbing Problems in New Orleans
1. What’s That Smell? Sewer Line Backups After Heavy Rainfall
Let’s face it—when the rain comes down in New Orleans, it really pours. And when it does, it can overwhelm the city’s drainage system, sending water (and sometimes, even raw sewage) back into your pipes. This often leads to toilets that gurgle, slow drains throughout the house, or tubs and showers that back up with dark water. That’s usually a sign that your sewer line is under serious stress.
Sewer backups can occur when stormwater overwhelms the sewer system, when old pipes collapse, or when tree roots grow into your line and cause blockages. If your home sits on low ground or near older infrastructure, you’re especially at risk. Installing a backflow prevention valve and scheduling regular sewer inspections can help you avoid the worst of it.
- Warning signs: Gurgling toilets, slow drains, and unpleasant smells after rainstorms
- Solutions: Install a backflow prevention device and schedule regular sewer line inspections
2. Are Crawfish Shells Clogging Your Garbage Disposal?
Spring and Summer in NOLA means backyard boils, oyster trays, and platters piled high with shrimp, crawfish, and all the fixins. But the leftovers? They’re not so great for your plumbing. When shrimp shells, grease, corn husks, or crawfish heads go down the garbage disposal, they can jam the blades or clog the pipes further down the line.
Once your garbage disposal clogs, you might notice an unpleasant smell, standing water that won’t drain, or a humming sound coming from the motor even though nothing’s happening. Those are all signs that your disposal is stuck or burned out.
To prevent problems with your garbage disposal, always run cold water while using it, and avoid putting large or fibrous food scraps down the drain.
3. Are Tree Roots Damaging or Breaking Your Pipes?
Our lush Southern landscapes are beautiful—but tree roots can be surprisingly destructive to your home’s plumbing. In search of moisture, roots can grow into tiny cracks in underground plumbing. Once inside, they expand and trap debris, causing slow drains, gurgling sounds, or even full pipe collapses.
If you live in a tree-heavy neighborhood like the Garden District, your home may be especially vulnerable. Routine hydrojetting can help keep roots at bay by clearing early buildup before it becomes a bigger problem.
If you’re experiencing plumbing issues such as low water pressure, a video pipe inspection can confirm whether roots are the issue, and trenchless pipe repair techniques can often solve the problem without tearing up your yard.
- Warning signs: Slow drainage, frequent backups, or gurgling sounds from drains
- Solutions: Video inspections and trenchless pipe repair for minimal lawn damage
4. Why Is My Water Pressure So Low During the Summer?
During the heat of summer, water demand spikes as families fill pools, water plants, and wash off muddy pets. That sudden spike in demand can reduce water pressure across entire neighborhoods. But sometimes, the problem is closer to home.
If your low water pressure is isolated to one fixture or one part of the house, it may be due to clogged aerators, mineral buildup inside the pipes, or a broken pressure regulator. Leaks behind the walls can also reduce your water flow.
- Check for: Inconsistent flow, low pressure only in certain areas, or high water bills
- Quick fixes: Clean faucet aerators, check for hidden leaks, or test the pressure regulator
5. Leaky Outdoor Faucets and Hose Bibs: Are They a Big Deal?
Those little outdoor spigots can leak thousands of gallons if left unchecked. Between sun exposure, rust, and wear from hoses being tugged or twisted, it’s common for these fixtures to crack or drip.
While a leaky outdoor faucet might seem like a small issue, it can cause water to pool near your foundation or invite mildew and mold around the siding.
- Look for: Dripping spigots, water pooling around your home, or rust around fixtures
- Fixes: Replace worn washers or the entire bib; check at the start and end of each season
6. Old Homes with Old Pipes: What Can Go Wrong
Many New Orleans homes—especially in older neighborhoods like the Treme, Marigny, and Bywater—were built with galvanized steel or cast iron pipes. These materials corrode over time, restricting water flow and increasing the risk of leaks, pipe bursts, or lead contamination.
If you notice discolored water, fluctuating pressure, or frequent leaks, your pipes may be nearing the end of their lifespan. Replacing old pipes with modern materials like PEX or copper can improve water quality and protect your home.
- Things to Watch Out For: Rusty water, frequent leaks, or banging pipes
- Modern Upgrades: Repiping with modern materials like PEX or copper
7. Slab Leaks Under Raised and Historic Homes
Unlike cities where most homes are built on slabs, many New Orleans homes have raised foundations—or a mix of old slab and pier designs. A slab leak occurs when pipes beneath your foundation crack or corrode, slowly leaking water into the concrete.
Over time, this hidden leak can lead to mold, rotting floors, or even structural damage to your home. You may notice wet spots on the floor, rising water bills, or unexplained humidity inside the house.
- Warning signs: Damp floors, musty smells, or warm spots underfoot
- Next steps: Schedule a professional leak detection test
8. Is Mold Growing Because of a Plumbing Leak?
Our humid climate is a breeding ground for mold—and a tiny plumbing leak can make it worse. Whether it’s from a leaky faucet base, a loose connection under the sink, or condensation from cold pipes, moisture buildup invites mold and mildew.
Mold behind walls or under sinks can go unnoticed for months, slowly damaging drywall and creating a health hazard. Catching small leaks early is key.
- Red flags: Musty odors, dark spots, or unexplained allergy symptoms
- Fixes: Repair the leak and use dehumidifiers to prevent regrowth
9. Why Your Water Heater Acts Up in the New Orleans Heat
New Orleans heat may be intense, but we still rely on hot water for showers, laundry, and dishes. Unfortunately, our mineral-rich water and humid conditions can shorten the lifespan of traditional water heaters.
Rusty water, banging noises, or inconsistent water temperature are all signs your unit may be failing. Regular flushing and timely replacement can keep your water heater buzzing along.
- Symptoms: Discolored water, popping noises, or no hot water
- Maintenance tips: Flush the tank annually and replace every 8–12 years
10. When DIY Fixes Go Wrong
We all love a good home improvement challenge—but when it comes to DIY plumbing, these “fixes” might do more harm than good. From overtightened fittings to mismatched pipe sizes, small mistakes can lead to big leaks.
If you’re not confident in your repair, it’s best to call a licensed plumber who knows the quirks of New Orleans homes. Save yourself the time, money, and potential flooding!
- Common issues: Overtightened connections, incompatible parts, or improperly sloped pipes
- Better plan: Call your friendly New Orleans area licensed plumber at 985-999-4618 for peace of mind
Expert Advice from the Hive
At Goodbee Plumbing, our technicians have decades of combined experience working in homes across New Orleans and the Northshore. Here’s what we want homeowners to know:
- Don’t ignore that small leak: A dripping faucet or slow drain might seem minor, but it often signals a bigger hidden issue.
- Invest in inspections: Annual plumbing inspections—especially sewer line scopes—can save you thousands by catching issues before they turn into emergencies.
- Humidity might mean mold: In our climate, even small amounts of moisture can trigger mold growth. Fix leaks quickly and consider a dehumidifier if you notice musty smells.
- Know your pipe materials: If your home has galvanized steel, cast iron, or even polybutylene piping, ask a pro whether you should consider repiping your home.
- Use plumbers who know our area: Hiring a plumber familiar with our uniquely Southern plumbing challenges can mean the difference between a quick fix and a costly do-over.
Let Goodbee Plumbing Bee Your Louisiana Plumbing Expert
When you need help with plumbing problems in New Orleans and on the Northshore, you can trust Goodbee Plumbing. We’re a locally owned company with deep roots in Louisiana, and we’ve seen it all—from French Quarter floods to Northshore well repairs.
Whether you need a quick fix, a second opinion, or full system upgrades, our licensed technicians are ready to help. Give us a call at 985-999-4618 now, and we’ll buzz on by to help.