Howard County · Ellicott City, MD
Plumbers in Ellicott City, MD
Ellicott City is in Howard County, Maryland. About 90,000 people live in the 3 ZIP codes we cover here, in roughly 33,000 homes, 59% of them single-family detached houses. The biggest share of the housing was built between 1980 and 1999 (44%), and that age decides most of what goes wrong with the plumbing.
- Same-day service when a plumber is available
- 3 ZIP codes covered
ZIP codes we cover in Ellicott City
21041, 21042, 21043
Ellicott City homes and their plumbing
Here is how Ellicott City's homes break down by year built, based on Census estimates for the covered ZIP codes: before 1940 2%, 1940–1959 6%, 1960–1979 19%, 1980–1999 44%, 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 Columbia, Catonsville are covered too.
| Year built | Share of homes |
|---|---|
| Before 1940 | 2% |
| 1940–1959 | 6% |
| 1960–1979 | 19% |
| 1980–1999 | 44% |
| 2000 or later | 29% |
Share of housing units in the covered ZIP codes. Census ACS 2023 5-year estimates.
- Residents in covered ZIPs
- 90,155
- Housing units
- 33,247
- Single-family detached
- 59%
- Owner-occupied
- 76%
- Heated with utility gas
- 52%
- Heated with electricity
- 43%
- Heated with fuel oil
- 4%
What goes wrong in Ellicott City homes
1980s and 90s construction and polybutylene
44% 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
52% 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
27% of homes here were built before 1980, when pipes were more often run through exterior walls and uninsulated crawl spaces. In a cold Maryland winter those are the lines that freeze and split. See frozen and burst pipe repair.
Common calls in Ellicott City
- Polybutylene Pipe Replacement
- Gas Line Repair
- Frozen & Burst Pipe Repair
- Water Heater Replacement in Ellicott City, MD
- Drain Cleaning
- Main Water Line Repair
- Sewer Line Repair
Also available in Ellicott City: emergency plumbing and every plumbing service.
Ellicott City at a glance
- County
- Howard County
- Nearest city pages
- Columbia, Catonsville
- ZIP codes
- 21041, 21042, 21043
Ellicott City plumbing FAQ
How old are the homes in Ellicott City?
In the ZIP codes we cover around Ellicott City, Census estimates put 8% of homes as built before 1960, 19% from 1960 to 1979, 44% from 1980 to 1999 and 29% in 2000 or later. The largest group is 1980–1999 (44%).
Who licenses plumbers in Ellicott City, MD?
The Maryland State Board of Plumbing licenses plumbers and gas fitters; check a license through the Maryland Department of Labor.
Are water heaters in Ellicott City usually gas or electric?
Census data for the area show 52% of homes heating with utility gas, 43% with electricity, 4% with fuel oil. 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 Ellicott City homeowners
Nearby areas
Also covered nearby: Clarksville (5 mi), Simpsonville (5 mi), Windsor Mill (5 mi), Randallstown (7 mi), Woodstock (7 mi), Elkridge (8 mi), Halethorpe (8 mi), Annapolis Junction (9 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 Ellicott City, so they may include neighboring communities that share those ZIP codes.
Need a plumber in Ellicott City?
Same-day service when a plumber is available. One call connects you with a licensed plumber who serves your ZIP.