Monroe County · Rochester, NY

Plumbers in Rochester, NY

Rochester is in Monroe County, New York. About 114,000 people live in the 6 ZIP codes we cover here, in roughly 52,000 homes, 59% of them single-family detached houses. The biggest share of the housing was built between 1960 and 1979 (28%), and that age decides most of what goes wrong with the plumbing.

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6 ZIP codes covered

ZIP codes we cover in Rochester

14605, 14608, 14610, 14612, 14614, 14624

Rochester homes and their plumbing

Here is how Rochester's homes break down by year built, based on Census estimates for the covered ZIP codes: before 1940 25%, 1940–1959 18%, 1960–1979 28%, 1980–1999 20%, 2000 or later 10%. 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.

When Rochester homes were built

Year built	Share of homes
Before 1940	25%
1940–1959	18%
1960–1979	28%
1980–1999	20%
2000 or later	10%

Share of housing units in the covered ZIP codes. Census ACS 2023 5-year estimates.

Residents in covered ZIPs: 113,580
Housing units: 51,969
Single-family detached: 59%
Owner-occupied: 61%
Heated with utility gas: 76%
Heated with electricity: 19%

What goes wrong in Rochester homes

Pre-1960 homes: galvanized pipe and cast iron

42% of homes in Rochester's covered ZIP codes were built before 1960, 25% 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.

Natural gas in most homes

76% 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

70% of homes here were built before 1980, when pipes were more often run through exterior walls and uninsulated crawl spaces. In a long New York winter those are the lines that freeze and split. See frozen and burst pipe repair.

1960s and 70s homes reaching end of life

28% 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.

Common calls in Rochester

Also available in Rochester: emergency plumbing and every plumbing service.

Rochester at a glance

County: Monroe County
ZIP codes: 14605, 14608, 14610, 14612, 14614, 14624

Rochester plumbing FAQ

How old are the homes in Rochester?

In the ZIP codes we cover around Rochester, Census estimates put 42% of homes as built before 1960, 28% from 1960 to 1979, 20% from 1980 to 1999 and 10% in 2000 or later. The largest group is 1960–1979 (28%).

Who licenses plumbers in Rochester, NY?

New York has no statewide plumbing license; New York City and other municipalities license plumbers locally.

Are water heaters in Rochester usually gas or electric?

Census data for the area show 76% of homes heating with utility gas, 19% 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 Rochester homeowners

Nearby areas

All of Monroe County All of New York

Also covered nearby: East Rochester (8 mi), Fairport (10 mi), Hilton (12 mi), Avon (18 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 Rochester, so they may include neighboring communities that share those ZIP codes.

Need a plumber in Rochester?

Same-day service when a plumber is available. One call connects you with a licensed plumber who serves your ZIP.

Call (773) 514-3066 Request service