Douglas County · Lawrence, KS
Plumbers in Lawrence, KS
Lawrence is in Douglas County, Kansas. About 102,000 people live in the 5 ZIP codes we cover here, in roughly 47,000 homes, 49% of them single-family detached houses. The biggest share of the housing was built between 1980 and 1999 (31%), 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 Lawrence
66044, 66045, 66046, 66047, 66049
Lawrence homes and their plumbing
Here is how Lawrence's homes break down by year built, based on Census estimates for the covered ZIP codes: before 1940 10%, 1940–1959 7%, 1960–1979 23%, 1980–1999 31%, 2000 or later 29%. 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 Olathe are covered too.
| Year built | Share of homes |
|---|---|
| Before 1940 | 10% |
| 1940–1959 | 7% |
| 1960–1979 | 23% |
| 1980–1999 | 31% |
| 2000 or later | 29% |
Share of housing units in the covered ZIP codes. Census ACS 2023 5-year estimates.
- Residents in covered ZIPs
- 102,426
- Housing units
- 47,000
- Single-family detached
- 49%
- Owner-occupied
- 46%
- Heated with utility gas
- 61%
- Heated with electricity
- 34%
- Heated with propane
- 4%
What goes wrong in Lawrence homes
1980s and 90s construction and polybutylene
31% 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.
Natural gas in most homes
61% 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.
Winter freezes
40% of homes here were built before 1980, when pipes were more often run through exterior walls and uninsulated crawl spaces. In a cold Kansas winter those are the lines that freeze and split. See frozen and burst pipe repair.
Hard water
Kansas water is generally hard. With 61% 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 Lawrence
- Polybutylene Pipe Replacement
- Gas Line Repair
- Frozen & Burst Pipe Repair
- Water Softener Installation
- Water Heater Replacement
- Drain Cleaning
- Main Water Line Repair
- Sewer Line Repair
Also available in Lawrence: emergency plumbing and every plumbing service.
Lawrence at a glance
- County
- Douglas County
- Nearest city pages
- Olathe
- ZIP codes
- 66044, 66045, 66046, 66047, 66049
Lawrence plumbing FAQ
How old are the homes in Lawrence?
In the ZIP codes we cover around Lawrence, Census estimates put 17% of homes as built before 1960, 23% from 1960 to 1979, 31% from 1980 to 1999 and 29% in 2000 or later. The largest group is 1980–1999 (31%).
Who licenses plumbers in Lawrence, KS?
Kansas does not issue a statewide plumbing license; cities and counties such as Wichita and Johnson County license plumbers locally.
Are water heaters in Lawrence usually gas or electric?
Census data for the area show 61% of homes heating with utility gas, 34% with electricity and 4% with propane. 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 Lawrence. Who pays for plumbing repairs?
About 54% 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 Kansas landlord-tenant law set the details.
Guides for Lawrence homeowners
Nearby areas
Also covered nearby: Eudora (9 mi), Baldwin City (13 mi), Linwood (13 mi), Tonganoxie (14 mi), De Soto (17 mi), Mc Louth (17 mi), Edgerton (20 mi), Basehor (21 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 Lawrence, so they may include neighboring communities that share those ZIP codes.
Need a plumber in Lawrence?
Same-day service when a plumber is available. One call connects you with a licensed plumber who serves your ZIP.