Linn County · Cedar Rapids, IA
Plumbers in Cedar Rapids, IA
Cedar Rapids is in Linn County, Iowa. About 137,000 people live in the 5 ZIP codes we cover here, in roughly 64,000 homes, 62% of them single-family detached houses. The biggest share of the housing was built between 1960 and 1979 (29%), 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 Cedar Rapids
52401, 52402, 52403, 52404, 52405
Cedar Rapids homes and their plumbing
Here is how Cedar Rapids's homes break down by year built, based on Census estimates for the covered ZIP codes: before 1940 15%, 1940–1959 17%, 1960–1979 29%, 1980–1999 18%, 2000 or later 21%. 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.
| Year built | Share of homes |
|---|---|
| Before 1940 | 15% |
| 1940–1959 | 17% |
| 1960–1979 | 29% |
| 1980–1999 | 18% |
| 2000 or later | 21% |
Share of housing units in the covered ZIP codes. Census ACS 2023 5-year estimates.
- Residents in covered ZIPs
- 136,762
- Housing units
- 64,293
- Single-family detached
- 62%
- Owner-occupied
- 68%
- Heated with utility gas
- 76%
- Heated with electricity
- 21%
What goes wrong in Cedar Rapids 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.
Pre-1960 homes: galvanized pipe and cast iron
32% of homes in Cedar Rapids's covered ZIP codes were built before 1960, 15% 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.
Long, hard winters
61% of homes here were built before 1980, when pipes were more often run through exterior walls and uninsulated crawl spaces. In a long Iowa winter those are the lines that freeze and split. See frozen and burst pipe repair.
1960s and 70s homes reaching end of life
29% 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.
Common calls in Cedar Rapids
- Gas Line Repair
- Whole-House Repiping
- Frozen & Burst Pipe Repair
- Sewer Camera Inspection
- Water Softener Installation
- Water Heater Replacement
- Drain Cleaning
- Main Water Line Repair
Also available in Cedar Rapids: emergency plumbing and every plumbing service.
Cedar Rapids at a glance
- County
- Linn County
- ZIP codes
- 52401, 52402, 52403, 52404, 52405
Cedar Rapids plumbing FAQ
How old are the homes in Cedar Rapids?
In the ZIP codes we cover around Cedar Rapids, Census estimates put 32% of homes as built before 1960, 29% from 1960 to 1979, 18% from 1980 to 1999 and 21% in 2000 or later. The largest group is 1960–1979 (29%).
Who licenses plumbers in Cedar Rapids, IA?
Iowa's Plumbing and Mechanical Systems Board licenses plumbers statewide.
Are water heaters in Cedar Rapids usually gas or electric?
Census data for the area show 76% of homes heating with utility gas, 21% 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 Cedar Rapids homeowners
Nearby areas
Also covered nearby: Hiawatha (6 mi), Marion (7 mi), Robins (8 mi), Swisher (8 mi), North Liberty (16 mi), Coralville (19 mi), Iowa City (23 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 Cedar Rapids, so they may include neighboring communities that share those ZIP codes.
Need a plumber in Cedar Rapids?
Same-day service when a plumber is available. One call connects you with a licensed plumber who serves your ZIP.