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Plumbing problems don't wait for business hours. A-1 Sewer Service answers emergency calls 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, for homes and businesses around Iowa City and the Corridor. There are no after-hours fees until 8 p.m., weekends included. If water is coming in right now, call (319) 600-4224. The steps below can limit the damage while we're on the way.
If water or sewage is coming into the house and you can't stop it, that's an emergency. So is a burst pipe, a sump pump that has quit while water is rising in the pit, a water heater leaking from the tank, or a main line backup that leaves you without a working toilet. A single slow drain can usually wait for a regular drain cleaning visit. When in doubt, call and describe what you're seeing. We'll tell you honestly whether it needs someone tonight.
Shut off the water. The main valve is usually where the water line comes into the basement or utility room, often near the meter. Turn it clockwise until it stops. If the problem is a sewer backup, stop running water anywhere in the house, including the washer, the dishwasher and the toilets. Every gallon that goes down the drain has to come back up somewhere.
If water is near outlets, cords or the furnace, stay out of it and turn off power to that area at the breaker panel if you can reach it safely. Move what you can off the floor. Take a few photos for your insurance company before you start cleaning up.
A backup through the basement floor drain or the lowest toilet means the main line is blocked somewhere between that fixture and the street. We clear it with a cable machine at the cleanout, then check that the line flows freely. If it's the second or third backup, we'll recommend a video inspection so we can find out why it keeps happening.
Frozen pipes are the usual cause in an Iowa winter, often in an outside wall, a crawl space or near a garage. Once the water is off, we find the break, repair the pipe and check the rest of that run before turning the water back on. Our plumbing page covers leak detection for slower leaks you can't see.
A dead sump pump during heavy rain can put inches of water in a basement within hours. We replace failed pumps on emergency calls and check the float, the check valve and the discharge line so the new pump isn't fighting the same problem. If the pump runs but the basement still floods, the discharge line may be frozen or the downspouts may be dumping water at the foundation.
If water is coming from the bottom of the tank, turn off the cold water supply valve on top of the heater. For a gas unit, turn the gas control to off or pilot. For electric, turn off its breaker. A tank that leaks from the body usually needs replacing, and we can often install the new one quickly. One customer called about a leaking heater, sent photos, and had a new one installed the next day. See the water heater installation page for options.
We don't charge after-hours fees until 8 p.m., including weekends. We'll tell you the price before we start, whatever time it is.
We take emergency calls in Iowa City, Coralville, North Liberty, Tiffin, Cedar Rapids, West Liberty, Kalona and the Amana Colonies. Arrival time depends on where our crew is when you call, and we'll give you a realistic window on the phone.
Finished work from across Eastern Iowa. Drag the slider to compare.
“I’ve had a recurring issue for years with my floor drain backing up. Andy at A1 Sewer Services was the first one to do a more thorough inspection rather than just clearing out the line. He also discovered a crack in my clean out which I had him repair to prevent worse issues down the road. I highly recommend A1 for sewer and drain issues.”
“First time using A1 and I can’t say enough positive. Andy came within the hour that I called to unclog a basement floor drain. He was very thorough and checked to make sure the blockage was not coming from more than one area. He cleaned it out in a short time, got things moving and had good suggestions to help minimize future problems. Reasonable charges for good work and an honest pleasant person. Highly recommended.”
“Fantastic service! Called, told him the bottom of my water heater is leaking, sent him pics of everything and he was out the next day replacing it at a reasonable price! Highly recommend 👌 Thank you!”
Yes. Call any time, day or night, including weekends and holidays.
There are no after-hours fees until 8 p.m., including weekends. We'll give you the price before any work starts.
It depends on where you are and where our crew is when you call. We'll give you an honest arrival window on the phone.
Usually where the water line enters the house, in the basement or utility room near the water meter. If you can't find it, call us and we'll help you look.
Main sewer lines, kitchen sinks, floor drains and bathroom drains.
Learn moreHigh-pressure water that scours grease, roots and buildup off pipe walls.
Learn moreA camera look inside the line, with the problem marked on the ground.
Learn moreFixtures, disposals, sump pumps, downspout lines, leaks and sewer repair.
Learn more24/7 response for sewer backups, burst pipes and failed sump pumps.
You’re on this pageTank and tankless heaters, with gas and venting checked first.
Learn moreIf water is coming in right now, call A-1 Sewer Service at (319) 600-4224. For anything that can wait until tomorrow, the contact page works too.
Drain cleaning and plumbing from our shop off Bay Ridge Ave on the south side of Iowa City.
