Stanislaus County · Modesto, CA
Plumbers in Modesto, CA
Modesto is in Stanislaus County, California. About 269,000 people live in the 10 ZIP codes we cover here, in roughly 91,000 homes, 73% of them single-family detached houses. The biggest share of the housing was built between 1960 and 1979 (34%), and that age decides most of what goes wrong with the plumbing.
- Same-day service when a plumber is available
- 10 ZIP codes covered
ZIP codes we cover in Modesto
95350, 95351, 95352, 95353, 95354, 95355, 95356, 95357, 95358, 95397
Modesto homes and their plumbing
Here is how Modesto's homes break down by year built, based on Census estimates for the covered ZIP codes: before 1940 6%, 1940–1959 16%, 1960–1979 34%, 1980–1999 31%, 2000 or later 12%. 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 | 6% |
| 1940–1959 | 16% |
| 1960–1979 | 34% |
| 1980–1999 | 31% |
| 2000 or later | 12% |
Share of housing units in the covered ZIP codes. Census ACS 2023 5-year estimates.
- Residents in covered ZIPs
- 268,575
- Housing units
- 90,801
- Single-family detached
- 73%
- Owner-occupied
- 58%
- Heated with utility gas
- 68%
- Heated with electricity
- 28%
What goes wrong in Modesto homes
1960s and 70s homes reaching end of life
34% 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
68% 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.
Common calls in Modesto
- Sewer Camera Inspection
- Gas Line Repair
- Polybutylene Pipe Replacement
- Water Heater Replacement
- Drain Cleaning
- Main Water Line Repair
- Sewer Line Repair
Also available in Modesto: emergency plumbing and every plumbing service.
Modesto at a glance
- County
- Stanislaus County
- ZIP codes
- 95350, 95351, 95352, 95353, 95354, 95355, 95356, 95357, 95358, 95397
Modesto plumbing FAQ
How old are the homes in Modesto?
In the ZIP codes we cover around Modesto, Census estimates put 22% of homes as built before 1960, 34% from 1960 to 1979, 31% from 1980 to 1999 and 12% in 2000 or later. The largest group is 1960–1979 (34%).
Who licenses plumbers in Modesto, 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 Modesto usually gas or electric?
Census data for the area show 68% of homes heating with utility gas, 28% 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 Modesto homeowners
Nearby areas
Also covered nearby: Ceres (4 mi), Empire (5 mi), Keyes (7 mi), Riverbank (7 mi), Salida (7 mi), Hughson (8 mi), Ripon (10 mi), Escalon (11 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 Modesto, so they may include neighboring communities that share those ZIP codes.
Need a plumber in Modesto?
Same-day service when a plumber is available. One call connects you with a licensed plumber who serves your ZIP.