Washtenaw County · Ann Arbor, MI
Plumbers in Ann Arbor, MI
Ann Arbor is in Washtenaw County, Michigan. About 169,000 people live in the 6 ZIP codes we cover here, in roughly 74,000 homes, 48% of them single-family detached houses. The biggest share of the housing was built between 1960 and 1979 (30%), and that age decides most of what goes wrong with the plumbing.
- Same-day service when a plumber is available
- 6 ZIP codes covered
ZIP codes we cover in Ann Arbor
48103, 48104, 48105, 48108, 48109, 48113
Ann Arbor homes and their plumbing
Here is how Ann Arbor's homes break down by year built, based on Census estimates for the covered ZIP codes: before 1940 12%, 1940–1959 13%, 1960–1979 30%, 1980–1999 27%, 2000 or later 18%. 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. Neighboring areas such as Ypsilanti are covered too.
| Year built | Share of homes |
|---|---|
| Before 1940 | 12% |
| 1940–1959 | 13% |
| 1960–1979 | 30% |
| 1980–1999 | 27% |
| 2000 or later | 18% |
Share of housing units in the covered ZIP codes. Census ACS 2023 5-year estimates.
- Residents in covered ZIPs
- 168,550
- Housing units
- 74,060
- Single-family detached
- 48%
- Owner-occupied
- 53%
- Heated with utility gas
- 75%
- Heated with electricity
- 22%
What goes wrong in Ann Arbor homes
Natural gas in most homes
75% 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
55% of homes here were built before 1980, when pipes were more often run through exterior walls and uninsulated crawl spaces. In a long Michigan winter those are the lines that freeze and split. See frozen and burst pipe repair.
1960s and 70s homes reaching end of life
30% 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.
Pre-1960 homes: galvanized pipe and cast iron
26% of homes in Ann Arbor's covered ZIP codes were built before 1960, 12% 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.
Common calls in Ann Arbor
- Gas Line Repair
- Frozen & Burst Pipe Repair
- Sewer Camera Inspection
- Whole-House Repiping
- Water Softener Installation
- Water Heater Replacement
- Drain Cleaning
- Main Water Line Repair
Also available in Ann Arbor: emergency plumbing and every plumbing service.
Ann Arbor at a glance
- County
- Washtenaw County
- Nearest city pages
- Ypsilanti
- ZIP codes
- 48103, 48104, 48105, 48108, 48109, 48113
Ann Arbor plumbing FAQ
How old are the homes in Ann Arbor?
In the ZIP codes we cover around Ann Arbor, Census estimates put 26% of homes as built before 1960, 30% from 1960 to 1979, 27% from 1980 to 1999 and 18% in 2000 or later. The largest group is 1960–1979 (30%).
Who licenses plumbers in Ann Arbor, MI?
Michigan's Bureau of Construction Codes (LARA) licenses plumbers and plumbing contractors.
Are water heaters in Ann Arbor usually gas or electric?
Census data for the area show 75% of homes heating with utility gas, 22% 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 Ann Arbor homeowners
Nearby areas
Also covered nearby: Saline (7 mi), Dexter (9 mi), Whitmore Lake (10 mi), South Lyon (13 mi), Belleville (14 mi), Milan (14 mi), Chelsea (15 mi), Plymouth (15 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 Ann Arbor, so they may include neighboring communities that share those ZIP codes.
Need a plumber in Ann Arbor?
Same-day service when a plumber is available. One call connects you with a licensed plumber who serves your ZIP.