Missoula County · Missoula, MT
Plumbers in Missoula, MT
Missoula is in Missoula County, Montana. About 51,000 people live in the 2 ZIP codes we cover here, in roughly 26,000 homes, 48% of them single-family detached houses. The biggest share of the housing was built between 1960 and 1979 (25%), and that age decides most of what goes wrong with the plumbing.
- Same-day service when a plumber is available
- 2 ZIP codes covered
ZIP codes we cover in Missoula
59801, 59802
Missoula homes and their plumbing
Here is how Missoula's homes break down by year built, based on Census estimates for the covered ZIP codes: before 1940 20%, 1940–1959 16%, 1960–1979 25%, 1980–1999 16%, 2000 or later 23%. 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 Kalispell are covered too.
| Year built | Share of homes |
|---|---|
| Before 1940 | 20% |
| 1940–1959 | 16% |
| 1960–1979 | 25% |
| 1980–1999 | 16% |
| 2000 or later | 23% |
Share of housing units in the covered ZIP codes. Census ACS 2023 5-year estimates.
- Residents in covered ZIPs
- 50,959
- Housing units
- 26,230
- Single-family detached
- 48%
- Owner-occupied
- 45%
- Heated with utility gas
- 59%
- Heated with electricity
- 38%
What goes wrong in Missoula homes
Pre-1960 homes: galvanized pipe and cast iron
36% of homes in Missoula'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.
Long, hard winters
60% of homes here were built before 1980, when pipes were more often run through exterior walls and uninsulated crawl spaces. In a long Montana winter those are the lines that freeze and split. See frozen and burst pipe repair.
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.
Hard water
Montana water is generally hard. With 59% 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 Missoula
- Whole-House Repiping
- Frozen & Burst Pipe Repair
- Gas Line Repair
- Water Softener Installation
- Water Heater Replacement
- Drain Cleaning
- Main Water Line Repair
- Sewer Line Repair in Missoula, MT
Also available in Missoula: emergency plumbing and every plumbing service.
Missoula at a glance
- County
- Missoula County
- ZIP codes
- 59801, 59802
Missoula plumbing FAQ
How old are the homes in Missoula?
In the ZIP codes we cover around Missoula, Census estimates put 36% of homes as built before 1960, 25% from 1960 to 1979, 16% from 1980 to 1999 and 23% in 2000 or later. The largest group is 1960–1979 (25%).
Who licenses plumbers in Missoula, MT?
The Montana State Board of Plumbers licenses plumbers statewide.
Are water heaters in Missoula 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.
I rent in Missoula. Who pays for plumbing repairs?
About 55% 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 Montana landlord-tenant law set the details.
Guides for Missoula homeowners
Housing, heating and population figures are US Census Bureau American Community Survey 2023 5-year estimates for the ZIP code areas we cover in Missoula, so they may include neighboring communities that share those ZIP codes.
Need a plumber in Missoula?
Same-day service when a plumber is available. One call connects you with a licensed plumber who serves your ZIP.