McLean County · Bloomington, IL
Plumbers in Bloomington, IL
Bloomington is in McLean County, Illinois. About 85,000 people live in the 8 ZIP codes we cover here, in roughly 40,000 homes, 58% of them single-family detached houses. The biggest share of the housing was built between 1980 and 1999 (29%), and that age decides most of what goes wrong with the plumbing.
- Same-day service when a plumber is available
- 8 ZIP codes covered
ZIP codes we cover in Bloomington
61701, 61702, 61704, 61705, 61709, 61710, 61791, 61799
Bloomington homes and their plumbing
Here is how Bloomington's homes break down by year built, based on Census estimates for the covered ZIP codes: before 1940 15%, 1940–1959 10%, 1960–1979 23%, 1980–1999 29%, 2000 or later 23%. 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 Normal are covered too.
| Year built | Share of homes |
|---|---|
| Before 1940 | 15% |
| 1940–1959 | 10% |
| 1960–1979 | 23% |
| 1980–1999 | 29% |
| 2000 or later | 23% |
Share of housing units in the covered ZIP codes. Census ACS 2023 5-year estimates.
- Residents in covered ZIPs
- 85,488
- Housing units
- 39,945
- Single-family detached
- 58%
- Owner-occupied
- 64%
- Heated with utility gas
- 74%
- Heated with electricity
- 23%
What goes wrong in Bloomington homes
Natural gas in most homes
74% 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.
Long, hard winters
48% of homes here were built before 1980, when pipes were more often run through exterior walls and uninsulated crawl spaces. In a long Illinois winter those are the lines that freeze and split. See frozen and burst pipe repair.
1980s and 90s construction and polybutylene
29% 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.
Hard water
Illinois water is generally hard. With 74% of homes here on gas, scale settles as sediment in gas water heater tanks, which then rumble and wear out early. See water softener installation.
Common calls in Bloomington
- Gas Line Repair
- Frozen & Burst Pipe Repair in Bloomington, IL
- Polybutylene Pipe Replacement
- Water Softener Installation
- Water Heater Replacement
- Drain Cleaning
- Main Water Line Repair
- Sewer Line Repair
Also available in Bloomington: emergency plumbing and every plumbing service.
Bloomington at a glance
- County
- McLean County
- Nearest city pages
- Normal
- ZIP codes
- 61701, 61702, 61704, 61705, 61709, 61710, 61791, 61799
Bloomington plumbing FAQ
How old are the homes in Bloomington?
In the ZIP codes we cover around Bloomington, Census estimates put 25% of homes as built before 1960, 23% from 1960 to 1979, 29% from 1980 to 1999 and 23% in 2000 or later. The largest group is 1980–1999 (29%).
Who licenses plumbers in Bloomington, IL?
The Illinois Department of Public Health licenses plumbers and plumbing contractors must register; Chicago adds its own requirements.
Are water heaters in Bloomington usually gas or electric?
Census data for the area show 74% of homes heating with utility gas, 23% 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 Bloomington homeowners
Nearby areas
Also covered nearby: Downs (7 mi), Shirley (7 mi), Towanda (7 mi), Hudson (9 mi), Carlock (11 mi), Danvers (11 mi), Heyworth (11 mi), Ellsworth (13 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 Bloomington, so they may include neighboring communities that share those ZIP codes.
Need a plumber in Bloomington?
Same-day service when a plumber is available. One call connects you with a licensed plumber who serves your ZIP.