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Homeowner guide
The Ann Arbor Plumbing Guide
The local rules and facts behind everyday plumbing decisions in Ann Arbor and Washtenaw County, drawn from the city’s and county’s own published information, with links to the sources.
- Water hardness
- Service lines
- Sewer backups
- Backflow
- Permits
Request a Plumber
Tell us what is going on. We call you back to talk it through and set up a visit. For water running right now, call (734) 228-7852.
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Your water
Ann Arbor Water Hardness and Lead Lines
The City of Ann Arbor’s 2025 Consumer Confidence (water quality) Report gives an average hardness of 126 ppm as calcium carbonate, about 7.4 grains per gallon, ranging from about 4.3 to 10.5 grains. The city draws water from the Huron River and groundwater wells.
The same report lists no known lead service lines in the city system and none of unknown material, with most lines’ materials verified. If your home gets water from YCUA or a private well, check with that utility or test your well.
Water service line
Who Owns the Water Line to Your House?
Under the City of Ann Arbor’s ordinance (ORD-18-32), the property owner owns and maintains the water service line from the curb stop to the building, whatever the cause of a failure. The city can shut off water or add a surcharge if a leaking line isn’t repaired.
The curb stop is the shutoff valve near the street, usually in the lawn or terrace. Know where it is, and keep it accessible.
Sewer backups
If Sewage Backs Up Into Your Basement
Stop using water, keep people and pets away and find out whether neighbors are affected. The City of Ann Arbor asks residents to report sewer backups to Public Works at 734-794-6320 on weekdays, and after hours to the Water Treatment Plant at 734-994-2840.
If only your house is backing up, the blockage is usually in your own drain or sewer lateral, which is a job for a plumber. The building sewer serving your home is generally the owner’s to maintain; ask Public Works where your responsibility ends on your street.
The city asks everyone to flush only the three P’s and to keep fats, oils, grease and wipes out of the pipes.
Footing drains
Footing Drain Disconnection Sump Pumps
Starting in the early 2000s, the city disconnected footing drains from the sanitary sewer at a large number of homes to reduce basement backups during heavy rain, and installed sump pumps to carry that water away. The program later wound down; today footing drain disconnection is mainly tied to new development through the city’s Developer Offset Mitigation program.
If your home has one of those pumps, it is yours to maintain and replace. Many are now old enough to deserve a check, and a backup pump is worth considering.
Backflow
Backflow Testing Requirements
The city’s cross-connection program covers devices that protect the drinking water from irrigation systems, boilers, in-ground pools, heat exchangers, solar heating, private wells and some commercial uses. Devices are tested by a State of Michigan (EGLE) certified tester, results are reported to the city, and the city reports to the state. The city publishes a list of certified testers and an online report form; its backflow line is 734-794-6339.
Permits
Plumbing Permits in Ann Arbor and Washtenaw County
City of Ann Arbor
Building and trade permits are applied for through the city’s online STREAM portal. Licensed contractors register their state license in STREAM before applying.
Washtenaw County
The county building department issues plumbing permits and inspects to the Michigan Plumbing Code for the communities it serves.
Other local authorities
Some communities run their own permitting. For example, the Western Washtenaw Construction Authority covers Manchester and several western townships. Ask your city or township which office handles permits.
Homeowners
Michigan law lets a homeowner do plumbing in a single-family home they own and live in, with a permit. Other plumbing work needs a licensed contractor.
Michigan licensing →FAQ
Ann Arbor Plumbing Rules: Quick Answers
Does Ann Arbor have lead water pipes?
The city’s 2025 water quality report lists no known lead service lines in its system and none of unknown material.
Who fixes the water line between the street and my house?
In Ann Arbor, the property owner owns and maintains it from the curb stop to the building, under ordinance ORD-18-32, and hires a plumber to repair or replace it.
Who do I call about a sewer backup?
If neighbors are affected, the City of Ann Arbor Public Works at 734-794-6320 (after hours 734-994-2840). If it is only your home, a plumber.
Where do I apply for a plumbing permit in Ann Arbor?
Through the city’s STREAM online permit portal. Outside the city, ask your city or township; many use the Washtenaw County building department.
Sources
- City of Ann Arbor, 2025 Water Quality Report
- City of Ann Arbor, Ordinance ORD-18-32 (water service line ownership)
- City of Ann Arbor, Water, Sewer and Storm (reporting a sewer backup)
- City of Ann Arbor, FOG and Wipes in the Pipes
- City of Ann Arbor, Developer Offset Mitigation Program (footing drains)
- City of Ann Arbor, Cross Connections and Backflow Prevention
- City of Ann Arbor, Permitting Process (STREAM)
- Washtenaw County, Plumbing Permits and Inspections
- Western Washtenaw Construction Authority
- Michigan Compiled Laws 339.6107 (homeowner plumbing)
- Ypsilanti Community Utilities Authority
Facts as published by these sources when this page was written (October 2026). Rules change; check the source for your situation.
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Questions About Your Home’s Plumbing?
Call (734) 228-7852. We are happy to explain what applies to your house.
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Tell Us What’s Going On
Send a few details and we will call you back to talk it through and set up a visit. We answer 24/7: for water running or sewage backing up right now, call (734) 228-7852.
- 24/7 emergency service, nights, weekends and holidays
- $99 diagnostic fee, applied to the repair
- Financing: 25 months same as cash, on approved credit
- The price explained before work starts
- Call(734) 228-7852
- Service areaAnn Arbor & Washtenaw County
- LicensingMichigan plumbing license #A111705
Request a Plumber
Tell us what is going on. We call you back to talk it through and set up a visit. For water running right now, call (734) 228-7852.
No obligation. By sending, you agree we may call, text or e-mail you about this request. Calls may be recorded. Privacy Policy