Santa Barbara County · Santa Maria, CA
Plumbers in Santa Maria, CA
Santa Maria is in Santa Barbara County, California. About 145,000 people live in the 5 ZIP codes we cover here, in roughly 43,000 homes, 65% of them single-family detached houses. The biggest share of the housing was built between 1960 and 1979 (32%), and that age decides most of what goes wrong with the plumbing.
- Same-day service when a plumber is available
- 5 ZIP codes covered
ZIP codes we cover in Santa Maria
93454, 93455, 93456, 93457, 93458
Santa Maria homes and their plumbing
Here is how Santa Maria's homes break down by year built, based on Census estimates for the covered ZIP codes: before 1940 4%, 1940–1959 13%, 1960–1979 32%, 1980–1999 30%, 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 | 4% |
| 1940–1959 | 13% |
| 1960–1979 | 32% |
| 1980–1999 | 30% |
| 2000 or later | 21% |
Share of housing units in the covered ZIP codes. Census ACS 2023 5-year estimates.
- Residents in covered ZIPs
- 145,186
- Housing units
- 42,933
- Single-family detached
- 65%
- Owner-occupied
- 59%
- Heated with utility gas
- 76%
- Heated with electricity
- 16%
What goes wrong in Santa Maria homes
Natural gas in most homes
76% 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.
1960s and 70s homes reaching end of life
32% 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
30% 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 Santa Maria
- Gas Line Repair
- Sewer Camera Inspection
- Polybutylene Pipe Replacement
- Water Heater Replacement
- Drain Cleaning
- Main Water Line Repair
- Sewer Line Repair
Also available in Santa Maria: emergency plumbing and every plumbing service.
Santa Maria at a glance
- County
- Santa Barbara County
- ZIP codes
- 93454, 93455, 93456, 93457, 93458
Santa Maria plumbing FAQ
How old are the homes in Santa Maria?
In the ZIP codes we cover around Santa Maria, Census estimates put 17% of homes as built before 1960, 32% from 1960 to 1979, 30% from 1980 to 1999 and 21% in 2000 or later. The largest group is 1960–1979 (32%).
Who licenses plumbers in Santa Maria, 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 Maria usually gas or electric?
Census data for the area show 76% of homes heating with utility gas, 16% 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 Santa Maria homeowners
Nearby areas
Also covered nearby: Nipomo (7 mi), Casmalia (8 mi), Guadalupe (8 mi), Arroyo Grande (15 mi), Oceano (15 mi), Grover Beach (16 mi), Los Alamos (16 mi), Mission Hills (17 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 Maria, so they may include neighboring communities that share those ZIP codes.
Need a plumber in Santa Maria?
Same-day service when a plumber is available. One call connects you with a licensed plumber who serves your ZIP.