Santa Barbara County · Santa Barbara, CA
Plumbers in Santa Barbara, CA
Santa Barbara is in Santa Barbara County, California. About 138,000 people live in the 17 ZIP codes we cover here, in roughly 57,000 homes, 53% of them single-family detached houses. The biggest share of the housing was built between 1960 and 1979 (36%), and that age decides most of what goes wrong with the plumbing.
- Same-day service when a plumber is available
- 17 ZIP codes covered
ZIP codes we cover in Santa Barbara
93101, 93102, 93103, 93105, 93106, 93107, 93108, 93109, 93110, 93111, 93120, 93121, 93130, 93140, 93150, 93160, 93190
Santa Barbara homes and their plumbing
Here is how Santa Barbara's homes break down by year built, based on Census estimates for the covered ZIP codes: before 1940 16%, 1940–1959 21%, 1960–1979 36%, 1980–1999 18%, 2000 or later 9%. With that many older homes, original galvanized supply pipe and cast iron or clay drains are still common, so leaks, rust and root intrusion come up often. Neighboring areas such as Ventura, Oxnard are covered too.
| Year built | Share of homes |
|---|---|
| Before 1940 | 16% |
| 1940–1959 | 21% |
| 1960–1979 | 36% |
| 1980–1999 | 18% |
| 2000 or later | 9% |
Share of housing units in the covered ZIP codes. Census ACS 2023 5-year estimates.
- Residents in covered ZIPs
- 138,319
- Housing units
- 57,345
- Single-family detached
- 53%
- Owner-occupied
- 49%
- Heated with utility gas
- 67%
- Heated with electricity
- 26%
What goes wrong in Santa Barbara homes
Pre-1960 homes: galvanized pipe and cast iron
37% of homes in Santa Barbara's covered ZIP codes were built before 1960, 16% of them before 1940. Houses that old often still have galvanized steel supply lines that rust closed from the inside, and cast iron or clay sewer pipe that cracks and lets roots in. Weak pressure at upstairs fixtures, brown water after a shutoff and slow drains are the usual clues. Typical fixes are whole-house repiping and a sewer camera inspection.
1960s and 70s homes reaching end of life
36% 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
67% 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 Santa Barbara
- Whole-House Repiping
- Sewer Camera Inspection
- Gas Line Repair
- Water Heater Replacement
- Drain Cleaning
- Main Water Line Repair
- Sewer Line Repair
Also available in Santa Barbara: emergency plumbing and every plumbing service.
Santa Barbara at a glance
- County
- Santa Barbara County
- Nearest city pages
- Ventura
- ZIP codes
- 93101, 93102, 93103, 93105, 93106, 93107, 93108, 93109, 93110, 93111, 93120, 93121, 93130, 93140, 93150, 93160, 93190
Santa Barbara plumbing FAQ
How old are the homes in Santa Barbara?
In the ZIP codes we cover around Santa Barbara, Census estimates put 37% of homes as built before 1960, 36% from 1960 to 1979, 18% from 1980 to 1999 and 9% in 2000 or later. The largest group is 1960–1979 (36%).
Who licenses plumbers in Santa Barbara, 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 Santa Barbara usually gas or electric?
Census data for the area show 67% of homes heating with utility gas, 26% 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 Santa Barbara. Who pays for plumbing repairs?
About 51% 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 Santa Barbara homeowners
Nearby areas
Also covered nearby: Summerland (7 mi), Goleta (8 mi), Carpinteria (12 mi), Oak View (24 mi), Santa Ynez (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 Santa Barbara, so they may include neighboring communities that share those ZIP codes.
Need a plumber in Santa Barbara?
Same-day service when a plumber is available. One call connects you with a licensed plumber who serves your ZIP.