Pima County · Tucson, AZ
Plumbers in Tucson, AZ
Tucson is in Pima County, Arizona. About 916,000 people live in the 54 ZIP codes we cover here, in roughly 417,000 homes, 58% of them single-family detached houses. The biggest share of the housing was built between 1980 and 1999 (35%), and that age decides most of what goes wrong with the plumbing.
- Same-day service when a plumber is available
- 54 ZIP codes covered
ZIP codes we cover in Tucson
85701, 85702, 85703, 85704, 85705, 85706, 85707, 85708, 85709, 85710, 85711, 85712, 85713, 85714, 85715, 85716, 85717, 85718, 85719, 85720, 85721, 85722, 85723, 85724, 85725, 85726, 85728, 85730, 85731, 85732, 85733, 85734, 85735, 85736, 85737, 85739, 85740, 85741, 85742, 85743, 85744, 85745, 85746, 85747, 85748, 85749, 85750, 85751, 85752, 85754, 85755, 85756, 85757, 85775
Tucson homes and their plumbing
Here is how Tucson's homes break down by year built, based on Census estimates for the covered ZIP codes: before 1940 2%, 1940–1959 12%, 1960–1979 28%, 1980–1999 35%, 2000 or later 23%. 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.
| Year built | Share of homes |
|---|---|
| Before 1940 | 2% |
| 1940–1959 | 12% |
| 1960–1979 | 28% |
| 1980–1999 | 35% |
| 2000 or later | 23% |
Share of housing units in the covered ZIP codes. Census ACS 2023 5-year estimates.
- Residents in covered ZIPs
- 916,333
- Housing units
- 416,818
- Single-family detached
- 58%
- Owner-occupied
- 62%
- Heated with utility gas
- 51%
- Heated with electricity
- 45%
What goes wrong in Tucson homes
1980s and 90s construction and polybutylene
35% 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.
1960s and 70s homes reaching end of life
28% 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.
Very hard water
Arizona water is generally very hard. With 45% of homes here on electric heat, scale on electric water heater elements is a frequent failure. See water softener installation.
Natural gas in most homes
51% 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.
Common calls in Tucson
- Polybutylene Pipe Replacement
- Sewer Camera Inspection
- Water Softener Installation
- Gas Line Repair
- Water Heater Replacement
- Drain Cleaning
- Main Water Line Repair
- Sewer Line Repair
Also available in Tucson: emergency plumbing and every plumbing service.
Tucson at a glance
- County
- Pima County
- ZIP codes
- 85701, 85702, 85703, 85704, 85705, 85706, 85707, 85708, 85709, 85710, 85711, 85712, 85713, 85714, 85715, 85716, 85717, 85718, 85719, 85720, 85721, 85722, 85723, 85724, 85725, 85726, 85728, 85730, 85731, 85732, 85733, 85734, 85735, 85736, 85737, 85739, 85740, 85741, 85742, 85743, 85744, 85745, 85746, 85747, 85748, 85749, 85750, 85751, 85752, 85754, 85755, 85756, 85757, 85775
Tucson plumbing FAQ
How old are the homes in Tucson?
In the ZIP codes we cover around Tucson, Census estimates put 14% of homes as built before 1960, 28% from 1960 to 1979, 35% from 1980 to 1999 and 23% in 2000 or later. The largest group is 1980–1999 (35%).
Who licenses plumbers in Tucson, AZ?
The Arizona Registrar of Contractors (ROC) licenses plumbing contractors; its website shows license class, status and complaint history.
Are water heaters in Tucson usually gas or electric?
Census data for the area show 51% of homes heating with utility gas, 45% 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 Tucson homeowners
Nearby areas
Also covered nearby: Vail (14 mi), Sahuarita (16 mi), Mount Lemmon (21 mi), Green Valley (23 mi), Catalina (23 mi), Rillito (24 mi), Cortaro (25 mi), Marana (25 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 Tucson, so they may include neighboring communities that share those ZIP codes.
Need a plumber in Tucson?
Same-day service when a plumber is available. One call connects you with a licensed plumber who serves your ZIP.