Imperial County · El Centro, CA
Plumbers in El Centro, CA
El Centro is in Imperial County, California. About 49,000 people live in the ZIP code we cover here, in roughly 16,000 homes, 53% of them single-family detached houses. The biggest share of the housing was built between 1980 and 1999 (34%), and that age decides most of what goes wrong with the plumbing.
- Same-day service when a plumber is available
- 1 ZIP codes covered
ZIP codes we cover in El Centro
92243
El Centro homes and their plumbing
Here is how El Centro's homes break down by year built, based on Census estimates for the covered ZIP codes: before 1940 3%, 1940–1959 14%, 1960–1979 28%, 1980–1999 34%, 2000 or later 21%. 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 | 3% |
| 1940–1959 | 14% |
| 1960–1979 | 28% |
| 1980–1999 | 34% |
| 2000 or later | 21% |
Share of housing units in the covered ZIP codes. Census ACS 2023 5-year estimates.
- Residents in covered ZIPs
- 48,556
- Housing units
- 15,908
- Single-family detached
- 53%
- Owner-occupied
- 52%
- Heated with utility gas
- 24%
- Heated with electricity
- 69%
What goes wrong in El Centro homes
1980s and 90s construction and polybutylene
34% 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.
Mostly electric homes
69% of occupied homes here heat with electricity, and electric tank water heaters are the norm. Failed elements and thermostats are repairable, but tanks that leak need replacement. Heat pump water heaters are an efficient replacement where there's space and airflow.
Common calls in El Centro
- Polybutylene Pipe Replacement in El Centro, CA
- Sewer Camera Inspection
- Water Heater Replacement
- Drain Cleaning
- Main Water Line Repair
- Sewer Line Repair
Also available in El Centro: emergency plumbing and every plumbing service.
El Centro at a glance
- County
- Imperial County
- ZIP codes
- 92243
El Centro plumbing FAQ
How old are the homes in El Centro?
In the ZIP codes we cover around El Centro, Census estimates put 17% of homes as built before 1960, 28% from 1960 to 1979, 34% from 1980 to 1999 and 21% in 2000 or later. The largest group is 1980–1999 (34%).
Who licenses plumbers in El Centro, CA?
The Contractors State License Board (CSLB) licenses plumbing contractors under the C-36 classification, and its online lookup shows license status.
Are water heaters in El Centro usually gas or electric?
Census data for the area show 24% of homes heating with utility gas, 69% with electricity. Water heaters often use the same fuel as the home's heat, so electricity is the most common here, but check the label on your tank before you shop for a replacement.
Guides for El Centro homeowners
Nearby areas
Also covered nearby: Imperial (4 mi), Brawley (13 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 El Centro, so they may include neighboring communities that share those ZIP codes.
Need a plumber in El Centro?
Same-day service when a plumber is available. One call connects you with a licensed plumber who serves your ZIP.