Anchorage County · Anchorage, AK
Plumbers in Anchorage, AK
Anchorage is in Anchorage County, Alaska. About 97,000 people live in the 6 ZIP codes we cover here, in roughly 44,000 homes, 37% of them single-family detached houses. The biggest share of the housing was built between 1960 and 1979 (43%), and that age decides most of what goes wrong with the plumbing.
- Same-day service when a plumber is available
- 6 ZIP codes covered
ZIP codes we cover in Anchorage
99501, 99502, 99503, 99504, 99510, 99529
Anchorage homes and their plumbing
Here is how Anchorage's homes break down by year built, based on Census estimates for the covered ZIP codes: before 1940 1%, 1940–1959 9%, 1960–1979 43%, 1980–1999 31%, 2000 or later 16%. Most homes are old enough that original pipe, valves and water heaters are wearing out, but young enough that full repipes are a case-by-case call. Neighboring areas such as Wasilla are covered too.
| Year built | Share of homes |
|---|---|
| Before 1940 | 1% |
| 1940–1959 | 9% |
| 1960–1979 | 43% |
| 1980–1999 | 31% |
| 2000 or later | 16% |
Share of housing units in the covered ZIP codes. Census ACS 2023 5-year estimates.
- Residents in covered ZIPs
- 97,301
- Housing units
- 43,968
- Single-family detached
- 37%
- Owner-occupied
- 57%
- Heated with utility gas
- 78%
- Heated with electricity
- 17%
What goes wrong in Anchorage homes
1960s and 70s homes reaching end of life
43% of the housing here dates from 1960 to 1979. Original copper supply lines in those homes are now 45 to 65 years old, and cast iron drains of that age scale up inside and crack. Seized shutoff valves, pinhole leaks and recurring main-line clogs are common calls. A camera inspection shows the condition of the sewer line before anyone digs.
Natural gas in most homes
78% of occupied homes here heat with utility gas, so gas water heaters, ranges and dryers are common. That means gas line extensions for new appliances, flexible connector replacements and venting checks when a water heater is swapped. If you smell gas, leave first and call the gas utility from outside. See gas line repair.
1980s and 90s construction and polybutylene
31% of homes were built between 1980 and 1999. Polybutylene supply pipe was installed widely in US homes from about 1978 to 1995, so houses from these years are worth checking for gray plastic pipe stamped PB2110, usually visible at the water heater or under sinks. Insurers and buyers often ask about it. See polybutylene replacement.
Long, hard winters
53% of homes here were built before 1980, when pipes were more often run through exterior walls and uninsulated crawl spaces. In a long Alaska winter those are the lines that freeze and split. See frozen and burst pipe repair.
Common calls in Anchorage
- Sewer Camera Inspection
- Gas Line Repair
- Polybutylene Pipe Replacement
- Frozen & Burst Pipe Repair
- Drain Cleaning
- Water Heater Replacement
- Main Water Line Repair
- Sewer Line Repair
Also available in Anchorage: emergency plumbing and every plumbing service.
Anchorage at a glance
- County
- Anchorage County
- Nearest city pages
- Wasilla
- ZIP codes
- 99501, 99502, 99503, 99504, 99510, 99529
Anchorage plumbing FAQ
How old are the homes in Anchorage?
In the ZIP codes we cover around Anchorage, Census estimates put 9% of homes as built before 1960, 43% from 1960 to 1979, 31% from 1980 to 1999 and 16% in 2000 or later. The largest group is 1960–1979 (43%).
Who licenses plumbers in Anchorage, AK?
Alaska's Department of Labor and Workforce Development issues plumber certificates of fitness through its Mechanical Inspection section.
Are water heaters in Anchorage usually gas or electric?
Census data for the area show 78% of homes heating with utility gas, 17% with electricity. Water heaters often use the same fuel as the home's heat, so utility gas is the most common here, but check the label on your tank before you shop for a replacement.
Guides for Anchorage homeowners
Nearby areas
Also covered nearby: Jber (0 mi), Chugiak (0 mi), Eagle River (0 mi).
Housing, heating and population figures are US Census Bureau American Community Survey 2023 5-year estimates for the ZIP code areas we cover in Anchorage, so they may include neighboring communities that share those ZIP codes.
Need a plumber in Anchorage?
Same-day service when a plumber is available. One call connects you with a licensed plumber who serves your ZIP.