Polk County · Des Moines, IA

Plumbers in Des Moines, IA

Des Moines is in Polk County, Iowa. About 120,000 people live in the 6 ZIP codes we cover here, in roughly 57,000 homes, 62% of them single-family detached houses. The biggest share of the housing was built between 1960 and 1979 (27%), and that age decides most of what goes wrong with the plumbing.

Call (773) 514-3066 Request service

Same-day service when a plumber is available
6 ZIP codes covered

ZIP codes we cover in Des Moines

50301, 50309, 50310, 50315, 50317, 50321

Des Moines homes and their plumbing

Here is how Des Moines's homes break down by year built, based on Census estimates for the covered ZIP codes: before 1940 20%, 1940–1959 25%, 1960–1979 27%, 1980–1999 13%, 2000 or later 15%. 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.

When Des Moines homes were built

Year built	Share of homes
Before 1940	20%
1940–1959	25%
1960–1979	27%
1980–1999	13%
2000 or later	15%

Share of housing units in the covered ZIP codes. Census ACS 2023 5-year estimates.

Residents in covered ZIPs: 120,339
Housing units: 57,185
Single-family detached: 62%
Owner-occupied: 59%
Heated with utility gas: 63%
Heated with electricity: 34%

What goes wrong in Des Moines homes

Pre-1960 homes: galvanized pipe and cast iron

45% of homes in Des Moines's covered ZIP codes were built before 1960, 20% 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.

Natural gas in most homes

63% 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

72% 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.

Hard water

Iowa water is generally hard. With 63% 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 Des Moines

Also available in Des Moines: emergency plumbing and every plumbing service.

Des Moines at a glance

County: Polk County
ZIP codes: 50301, 50309, 50310, 50315, 50317, 50321

Des Moines plumbing FAQ

How old are the homes in Des Moines?

In the ZIP codes we cover around Des Moines, Census estimates put 45% of homes as built before 1960, 27% from 1960 to 1979, 13% from 1980 to 1999 and 15% in 2000 or later. The largest group is 1960–1979 (27%).

Who licenses plumbers in Des Moines, IA?

Iowa's Plumbing and Mechanical Systems Board licenses plumbers statewide.

Are water heaters in Des Moines usually gas or electric?

Census data for the area show 63% 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.

Guides for Des Moines homeowners

Nearby areas

All of Polk County All of Iowa

Also covered nearby: Altoona (9 mi), West Des Moines (9 mi), Urbandale (10 mi), Clive (10 mi), Ankeny (11 mi), Bondurant (12 mi), Mitchellville (14 mi), Waukee (14 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 Des Moines, so they may include neighboring communities that share those ZIP codes.

Need a plumber in Des Moines?

Same-day service when a plumber is available. One call connects you with a licensed plumber who serves your ZIP.

Call (773) 514-3066 Request service