Plumbing guides for Cincinnati houses
Each of these starts from something specific to Cincinnati: MSD's combined sewers and its 48-hour rule, clay laterals under pre-war houses, January cold snaps, Water Works' lead line program, and a permit system split at the city limit.
If there is water in the basement now, go to the MSD guide first, because its clock is already running. If you are pricing a job, start with the cost guide. If a drain keeps blocking, the clay lateral guide explains what the camera is likely to show.
What a Plumber Costs in Cincinnati (2026)
Typical Cincinnati plumbing quotes for drain clearing, main lines, camera work, sewer repair, sump pumps and water heaters, and what moves each number.
MSD's Sewer Backup Program: The First 48 Hours
How MSD of Greater Cincinnati's Sewer Backup program works: the 48-hour report, free cleaning, damage claims, insurance deductions and what is excluded.
Clay Sewer Laterals Under Clifton, Northside and Westwood
Why the old clay sewer laterals under Clifton, Northside and Westwood houses fail, how to read a camera inspection, and when to repair rather than clear.
Frozen Pipes in a Cincinnati Cold Snap
Which pipes freeze in Cincinnati houses, how to thaw one safely, what to do if it splits, and how to prepare before January's coldest nights.
Sump Pump or Backwater Valve? Two Different Basement Problems
A sump pump handles groundwater; a backwater valve stops sewer backflow. How to tell which problem a Cincinnati basement has, and when you need both.
Lead Water Lines in Cincinnati: How to Check Yours
How to tell if your Cincinnati house has a lead water service line, what Greater Cincinnati Water Works is doing about it, and what it costs owners.
Plumbing Permits in Cincinnati and the Rest of Hamilton County
Who issues plumbing permits in Cincinnati vs the rest of Hamilton County, what licence a plumbing contractor needs, and how to check it before work starts.
Reading because something is already wrong? Call and a local plumbing company can tell you whether it can wait.
Ask about your own house
Say what is happening and where, and a local plumbing company will call you back. Answered Mon–Sat, 8am–6pm · after hours, the company's on-call rota applies Or call (513) 986-8088. If water is coming in right now, calling is quicker.
Which guide, for which situation
Sewage or water on the basement floor
The MSD Sewer Backup guide for the 48-hour report and claims; the sump pump versus backwater valve guide for stopping it next time.
A drain that blocks again and again
The clay lateral guide, then the cost guide for what repair options generally run.
January
The frozen pipes guide: which pipes freeze, how to thaw safely, what to do if one splits.
Buying or renovating an older house
The lead water line guide and the permits guide, before anyone opens a wall.