Los Angeles County · Santa Monica, CA
Plumbers in Santa Monica, CA
Santa Monica is in Los Angeles County, California. About 94,000 people live in the 11 ZIP codes we cover here, in roughly 54,000 homes, 21% of them single-family detached houses. The biggest share of the housing was built between 1960 and 1979 (37%), and that age decides most of what goes wrong with the plumbing.
- Same-day service when a plumber is available
- 11 ZIP codes covered
ZIP codes we cover in Santa Monica
90401, 90402, 90403, 90404, 90405, 90406, 90407, 90408, 90409, 90410, 90411
Santa Monica homes and their plumbing
Here is how Santa Monica's homes break down by year built, based on Census estimates for the covered ZIP codes: before 1940 13%, 1940–1959 25%, 1960–1979 37%, 1980–1999 14%, 2000 or later 11%. 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 Culver City, Los Angeles, San Pedro are covered too.
| Year built | Share of homes |
|---|---|
| Before 1940 | 13% |
| 1940–1959 | 25% |
| 1960–1979 | 37% |
| 1980–1999 | 14% |
| 2000 or later | 11% |
Share of housing units in the covered ZIP codes. Census ACS 2023 5-year estimates.
- Residents in covered ZIPs
- 93,880
- Housing units
- 53,591
- Single-family detached
- 21%
- Owner-occupied
- 30%
- Heated with utility gas
- 60%
- Heated with electricity
- 34%
What goes wrong in Santa Monica homes
Pre-1960 homes: galvanized pipe and cast iron
38% of homes in Santa Monica's covered ZIP codes were built before 1960, 13% 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
37% 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.
Apartments, condos and attached homes
Only 21% 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.
Natural gas in most homes
60% 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 Monica
- Whole-House Repiping
- Sewer Camera Inspection
- Drain Cleaning
- Gas Line Repair in Santa Monica, CA
- Water Heater Replacement
- Main Water Line Repair
- Sewer Line Repair
Also available in Santa Monica: emergency plumbing and every plumbing service.
Santa Monica at a glance
- County
- Los Angeles County
- Nearest city pages
- Culver City, Los Angeles, San Pedro, Wilmington
- ZIP codes
- 90401, 90402, 90403, 90404, 90405, 90406, 90407, 90408, 90409, 90410, 90411
Santa Monica plumbing FAQ
How old are the homes in Santa Monica?
In the ZIP codes we cover around Santa Monica, Census estimates put 38% of homes as built before 1960, 37% from 1960 to 1979, 14% from 1980 to 1999 and 11% in 2000 or later. The largest group is 1960–1979 (37%).
Who licenses plumbers in Santa Monica, 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 Monica usually gas or electric?
Census data for the area show 60% of homes heating with utility gas, 34% 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 Monica. Who pays for plumbing repairs?
About 70% 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 Monica homeowners
Nearby areas
Also covered nearby: Marina Del Rey (4 mi), Beverly Hills (6 mi), West Hollywood (8 mi), Playa Vista (8 mi), Pacific Palisades (8 mi), Venice (8 mi), Playa Del Rey (8 mi), Harbor City (8 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 Monica, so they may include neighboring communities that share those ZIP codes.
Need a plumber in Santa Monica?
Same-day service when a plumber is available. One call connects you with a licensed plumber who serves your ZIP.