Roanoke plumbing, the local details
Who owns which pipe
In the City of Roanoke, Roanoke County and Vinton, public water and sewer service comes from the Western Virginia Water Authority, which also provides wastewater service across the greater Roanoke Valley, including Salem. The Authority maintains the public mains. The private sewer lateral that runs from your house to the main is the homeowner's responsibility, according to the Authority's sewer backup guidance. That is why a root-filled or collapsed lateral in the yard is a plumber's job, not the utility's.
If sewage is coming up in several fixtures at once, call the Authority's 24-hour line at 540-853-5700 first so they can check the public main. If the main is clear, the blockage is on your side and you need a plumber.
Permits in the City of Roanoke
The city issues plumbing trade permits on demand, and a permit stays valid as long as it is inspected within six months, per the City of Roanoke's trade permit page. The city's Business Owner's Guide lists water heater installation and replacement of water or waste piping among the jobs that need a plumbing permit. A licensed contractor pulls the permit as part of the job.
What jobs have actually cost here
Contractors in Roanoke declare a job value when they pull a permit. A few examples from the city's public permit reports:
| Job (from City of Roanoke permit records) | Declared job value |
|---|---|
| Gas water heater replacement | $1,095 – $1,959 |
| Water service line replacement | $3,695 |
| Sewer line replacement | $5,477 |
| Whole-house re-pipe | $11,750 |
Values contractors declared on permits in the City of Roanoke's weekly permit reports for April 2018 and July 2022. They are examples of real local jobs, not quotes; your price depends on the job.
Older homes, older pipes
Much of Roanoke's housing stock in neighborhoods like Grandin, Raleigh Court, Wasena and Old Southwest predates modern piping. Galvanized supply lines, cast-iron drains and clay sewer laterals are common in houses from that era. The Water Authority publishes a service line inventory so you can check what material it has on record for your service line.
Common questions
How fast can a plumber get here?
It depends on the time of day and how busy crews are. For an active leak or sewage backup, say so right away so it's treated as urgent.
Is there a charge to call?
No. Calling is free. You only pay for work you approve after getting a price.
Is the plumber licensed?
Work is done by a contractor holding a Virginia contractor license with a plumbing specialty. You can check any license number on the Virginia DPOR license lookup before work starts.
Do you work in Salem and Roanoke County?
Yes. Calls are taken from the City of Roanoke, Salem, Vinton and all of Roanoke County. See the service area page for neighborhoods and nearby towns.