Monroe County · Bloomington, IN
Plumbers in Bloomington, IN
Bloomington is in Monroe County, Indiana. About 121,000 people live in the 5 ZIP codes we cover here, in roughly 60,000 homes, 51% of them single-family detached houses. The biggest share of the housing was built between 1980 and 1999 (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 Bloomington
47401, 47403, 47404, 47405, 47408
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 9%, 1940–1959 9%, 1960–1979 25%, 1980–1999 32%, 2000 or later 26%. 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 | 9% |
| 1940–1959 | 9% |
| 1960–1979 | 25% |
| 1980–1999 | 32% |
| 2000 or later | 26% |
Share of housing units in the covered ZIP codes. Census ACS 2023 5-year estimates.
- Residents in covered ZIPs
- 121,017
- Housing units
- 59,990
- Single-family detached
- 51%
- Owner-occupied
- 52%
- Heated with utility gas
- 46%
- Heated with electricity
- 47%
- Heated with propane
- 5%
What goes wrong in Bloomington homes
1980s and 90s construction and polybutylene
32% 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.
Long, hard winters
43% of homes here were built before 1980, when pipes were more often run through exterior walls and uninsulated crawl spaces. In a long Indiana winter those are the lines that freeze and split. See frozen and burst pipe repair.
Hard water
Indiana water is generally hard. With 47% of homes here on electric heat, scale on electric water heater elements is a frequent failure. See water softener installation.
Common calls in Bloomington
- Polybutylene Pipe Replacement
- Frozen & Burst Pipe Repair
- 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
- Monroe County
- ZIP codes
- 47401, 47403, 47404, 47405, 47408
Bloomington plumbing FAQ
How old are the homes in Bloomington?
In the ZIP codes we cover around Bloomington, Census estimates put 18% of homes as built before 1960, 25% from 1960 to 1979, 32% from 1980 to 1999 and 26% in 2000 or later. The largest group is 1980–1999 (32%).
Who licenses plumbers in Bloomington, IN?
The Indiana Plumbing Commission, through the Professional Licensing Agency, licenses plumbers and plumbing contractors.
Are water heaters in Bloomington usually gas or electric?
Census data for the area show 46% of homes heating with utility gas, 47% with electricity and 5% with propane. Water heaters often use the same fuel as the home's heat, so electricity 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: Harrodsburg (10 mi), Stinesville (12 mi), Solsberry (14 mi), Gosport (15 mi), Paragon (16 mi), Nashville (16 mi), Spencer (16 mi), Avoca (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 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.