New Hanover County · Wilmington, NC
Plumbers in Wilmington, NC
Wilmington is in New Hanover County, North Carolina. About 212,000 people live in the 7 ZIP codes we cover here, in roughly 103,000 homes, 62% of them single-family detached houses. The biggest share of the housing was built in 2000 or later (36%), and that age decides most of what goes wrong with the plumbing.
- Same-day service when a plumber is available
- 7 ZIP codes covered
ZIP codes we cover in Wilmington
28401, 28403, 28405, 28408, 28409, 28411, 28412
Wilmington homes and their plumbing
Here is how Wilmington's homes break down by year built, based on Census estimates for the covered ZIP codes: before 1940 6%, 1940–1959 8%, 1960–1979 17%, 1980–1999 33%, 2000 or later 36%. With so much newer construction, the plumbing itself is usually sound, and most calls are about water heaters, fixtures, pressure and clogs.
| Year built | Share of homes |
|---|---|
| Before 1940 | 6% |
| 1940–1959 | 8% |
| 1960–1979 | 17% |
| 1980–1999 | 33% |
| 2000 or later | 36% |
Share of housing units in the covered ZIP codes. Census ACS 2023 5-year estimates.
- Residents in covered ZIPs
- 212,039
- Housing units
- 103,017
- Single-family detached
- 62%
- Owner-occupied
- 59%
- Heated with utility gas
- 9%
- Heated with electricity
- 88%
What goes wrong in Wilmington homes
Mostly electric homes
88% of occupied homes here heat with electricity, and electric tank water heaters are the norm. Failed elements and thermostats are repairable, but tanks that leak need replacement. Heat pump water heaters are an efficient replacement where there's space and airflow.
1980s and 90s construction and polybutylene
33% 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.
Newer homes on their first water heater
36% of homes here were built in 2000 or later. Those houses usually have PEX or CPVC supply lines in good shape, so the work is on equipment: original tank water heaters past their 8 to 12 year service life, expansion tanks, pressure regulators and fixtures. See water heater replacement.
Common calls in Wilmington
- Water Heater Replacement
- Polybutylene Pipe Replacement
- Drain Cleaning
- Main Water Line Repair
- Sewer Line Repair
Also available in Wilmington: emergency plumbing and every plumbing service.
Wilmington at a glance
- County
- New Hanover County
- ZIP codes
- 28401, 28403, 28405, 28408, 28409, 28411, 28412
Wilmington plumbing FAQ
How old are the homes in Wilmington?
In the ZIP codes we cover around Wilmington, Census estimates put 14% of homes as built before 1960, 17% from 1960 to 1979, 33% from 1980 to 1999 and 36% in 2000 or later. The largest group is 2000 or later (36%).
Who licenses plumbers in Wilmington, NC?
The North Carolina State Board of Examiners of Plumbing, Heating and Fire Sprinkler Contractors licenses plumbing contractors.
Are water heaters in Wilmington usually gas or electric?
Census data for the area show 9% of homes heating with utility gas, 88% with electricity. Water heaters often use the same fuel as the home's heat, so electricity is the most common here, but check the label on your tank before you shop for a replacement.
Guides for Wilmington homeowners
Nearby areas
Also covered nearby: Wrightsville Beach (5 mi), Leland (8 mi), Winnabow (8 mi), Castle Hayne (10 mi), Carolina Beach (12 mi), Hampstead (14 mi), Kure Beach (15 mi), Rocky Point (16 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 Wilmington, so they may include neighboring communities that share those ZIP codes.
Need a plumber in Wilmington?
Same-day service when a plumber is available. One call connects you with a licensed plumber who serves your ZIP.