Drain care for older New Orleans homes
Published March 1, 2026 · Last updated March 31, 2026
Many neighborhoods in New Orleans have charming older plumbing mixed with modern usage. A little prevention goes a long way toward avoiding backups and emergency calls.
What makes clogs more common here
Grease poured down kitchen sinks solidifies in cooler stretches of pipe. Tree roots seek moisture and can intrude into sewer laterals over years. Older cast iron or clay lines may have offsets or bellies that collect debris.
Daily habits that help
Scrape plates into the trash, not the disposal. Use sink strainers. Only flush human waste and toilet paper—no wipes labeled “flushable,” which still snag in municipal and home lines.
If multiple fixtures gurgle or drain slowly together, that often points past the branch line; stop using water and call before it backs up into tubs or showers.
When to call a pro
Recurring slow drains after DIY chemicals, or sewage smell near floor drains, warrant a camera inspection or professional cleaning. We match the method—snaking, auger, or jetting—to what your line needs.