Montgomery County · Rockville, MD
Plumbers in Rockville, MD
Rockville is in Montgomery County, Maryland. About 144,000 people live in the 8 ZIP codes we cover here, in roughly 61,000 homes, 39% of them single-family detached houses. The biggest share of the housing was built between 1960 and 1979 (33%), and that age decides most of what goes wrong with the plumbing.
- Same-day service when a plumber is available
- 8 ZIP codes covered
ZIP codes we cover in Rockville
20847, 20848, 20849, 20850, 20851, 20852, 20853, 20857
Rockville homes and their plumbing
Here is how Rockville's homes break down by year built, based on Census estimates for the covered ZIP codes: before 1940 2%, 1940–1959 15%, 1960–1979 33%, 1980–1999 23%, 2000 or later 28%. 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 Gaithersburg are covered too.
| Year built | Share of homes |
|---|---|
| Before 1940 | 2% |
| 1940–1959 | 15% |
| 1960–1979 | 33% |
| 1980–1999 | 23% |
| 2000 or later | 28% |
Share of housing units in the covered ZIP codes. Census ACS 2023 5-year estimates.
- Residents in covered ZIPs
- 144,320
- Housing units
- 60,782
- Single-family detached
- 39%
- Owner-occupied
- 54%
- Heated with utility gas
- 59%
- Heated with electricity
- 38%
What goes wrong in Rockville homes
1960s and 70s homes reaching end of life
33% 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.
Natural gas in most homes
59% 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
49% 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.
Apartments, condos and attached homes
Only 39% of homes here are single-family detached houses. In attached buildings a leak or clog often involves a shared stack or a neighbor's unit, so it's worth knowing which lines are yours and which belong to the building or HOA, and where your unit's own shutoff is.
Common calls in Rockville
- Sewer Camera Inspection
- Gas Line Repair
- Frozen & Burst Pipe Repair
- Drain Cleaning
- Water Heater Replacement
- Main Water Line Repair
- Sewer Line Repair
Also available in Rockville: emergency plumbing and every plumbing service.
Rockville at a glance
- County
- Montgomery County
- Nearest city pages
- Gaithersburg
- ZIP codes
- 20847, 20848, 20849, 20850, 20851, 20852, 20853, 20857
Rockville plumbing FAQ
How old are the homes in Rockville?
In the ZIP codes we cover around Rockville, Census estimates put 16% of homes as built before 1960, 33% from 1960 to 1979, 23% from 1980 to 1999 and 28% in 2000 or later. The largest group is 1960–1979 (33%).
Who licenses plumbers in Rockville, 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 Rockville usually gas or electric?
Census data for the area show 59% of homes heating with utility gas, 38% 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 Rockville homeowners
Nearby areas
Also covered nearby: Derwood (2 mi), Washington Grove (4 mi), Suburb Maryland Fac (4 mi), Potomac (5 mi), Garrett Park (5 mi), Olney (6 mi), Sandy Spring (6 mi), Kensington (6 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 Rockville, so they may include neighboring communities that share those ZIP codes.
Need a plumber in Rockville?
Same-day service when a plumber is available. One call connects you with a licensed plumber who serves your ZIP.