San Diego County · San Diego, CA
Plumbers in San Diego, CA
San Diego is in San Diego County, California. About 1.3 million people live in the 76 ZIP codes we cover here, in roughly 534,000 homes, 44% of them single-family detached houses. The biggest share of the housing was built between 1960 and 1979 (31%), and that age decides most of what goes wrong with the plumbing.
- Same-day service when a plumber is available
- 76 ZIP codes covered
ZIP codes we cover in San Diego
92101, 92102, 92103, 92104, 92105, 92106, 92107, 92108, 92109, 92110, 92111, 92112, 92113, 92114, 92115, 92116, 92117, 92119, 92120, 92121, 92122, 92123, 92124, 92126, 92127, 92128, 92129, 92130, 92131, 92132, 92134, 92135, 92136, 92137, 92138, 92139, 92140, 92142, 92145, 92147, 92149, 92150, 92152, 92153, 92154, 92155, 92158, 92159, 92160, 92161, 92163, 92165, 92166, 92167, 92168, 92169, 92170, 92171, 92172, 92174, 92175, 92176, 92177, 92179, 92182, 92186, 92187, 92190, 92191, 92192, 92193, 92195, 92196, 92197, 92198, 92199
San Diego homes and their plumbing
Here is how San Diego's homes break down by year built, based on Census estimates for the covered ZIP codes: before 1940 7%, 1940–1959 15%, 1960–1979 31%, 1980–1999 28%, 2000 or later 19%. 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 El Cajon are covered too.
| Year built | Share of homes |
|---|---|
| Before 1940 | 7% |
| 1940–1959 | 15% |
| 1960–1979 | 31% |
| 1980–1999 | 28% |
| 2000 or later | 19% |
Share of housing units in the covered ZIP codes. Census ACS 2023 5-year estimates.
- Residents in covered ZIPs
- 1,330,316
- Housing units
- 533,760
- Single-family detached
- 44%
- Owner-occupied
- 47%
- Heated with utility gas
- 52%
- Heated with electricity
- 39%
What goes wrong in San Diego homes
1960s and 70s homes reaching end of life
31% 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.
1980s and 90s construction and polybutylene
28% 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.
Natural gas in most homes
52% 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.
Apartments, condos and attached homes
Only 44% of homes here are single-family detached houses. In attached buildings a leak or clog often involves a shared stack or a neighbor's unit, so it's worth knowing which lines are yours and which belong to the building or HOA, and where your unit's own shutoff is.
Common calls in San Diego
- Sewer Camera Inspection
- Polybutylene Pipe Replacement
- Gas Line Repair
- Drain Cleaning
- Water Heater Replacement
- Main Water Line Repair
- Sewer Line Repair
Also available in San Diego: emergency plumbing and every plumbing service.
San Diego at a glance
- County
- San Diego County
- Nearest city pages
- El Cajon
- ZIP codes
- 92101, 92102, 92103, 92104, 92105, 92106, 92107, 92108, 92109, 92110, 92111, 92112, 92113, 92114, 92115, 92116, 92117, 92119, 92120, 92121, 92122, 92123, 92124, 92126, 92127, 92128, 92129, 92130, 92131, 92132, 92134, 92135, 92136, 92137, 92138, 92139, 92140, 92142, 92145, 92147, 92149, 92150, 92152, 92153, 92154, 92155, 92158, 92159, 92160, 92161, 92163, 92165, 92166, 92167, 92168, 92169, 92170, 92171, 92172, 92174, 92175, 92176, 92177, 92179, 92182, 92186, 92187, 92190, 92191, 92192, 92193, 92195, 92196, 92197, 92198, 92199
San Diego plumbing FAQ
How old are the homes in San Diego?
In the ZIP codes we cover around San Diego, Census estimates put 21% of homes as built before 1960, 31% from 1960 to 1979, 28% from 1980 to 1999 and 19% in 2000 or later. The largest group is 1960–1979 (31%).
Who licenses plumbers in San Diego, 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 San Diego usually gas or electric?
Census data for the area show 52% of homes heating with utility gas, 39% 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.
I rent in San Diego. Who pays for plumbing repairs?
About 53% of homes here are renter-occupied. In most cases the landlord is responsible for the building's plumbing, and tenants should report leaks right away and in writing. Damage a tenant causes, like a clog from something flushed, may be billed back. Your lease and California landlord-tenant law set the details.
Guides for San Diego homeowners
Nearby areas
Also covered nearby: La Jolla (0 mi), San Ysidro (0 mi), La Mesa (7 mi), Lemon Grove (8 mi), Santee (8 mi), Spring Valley (11 mi), National City (12 mi), Del Mar (12 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 San Diego, so they may include neighboring communities that share those ZIP codes.
Need a plumber in San Diego?
Same-day service when a plumber is available. One call connects you with a licensed plumber who serves your ZIP.