Cameron County · Harlingen, TX
Plumbers in Harlingen, TX
Harlingen is in Cameron County, Texas. About 54,000 people live in the ZIP code we cover here, in roughly 22,000 homes, 58% of them single-family detached houses. The biggest share of the housing was built between 1980 and 1999 (34%), and that age decides most of what goes wrong with the plumbing.
- Same-day service when a plumber is available
- 1 ZIP codes covered
ZIP codes we cover in Harlingen
78550
Harlingen homes and their plumbing
Here is how Harlingen's homes break down by year built, based on Census estimates for the covered ZIP codes: before 1940 3%, 1940–1959 15%, 1960–1979 25%, 1980–1999 34%, 2000 or later 22%. 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 San Benito, Weslaco, Brownsville are covered too.
| Year built | Share of homes |
|---|---|
| Before 1940 | 3% |
| 1940–1959 | 15% |
| 1960–1979 | 25% |
| 1980–1999 | 34% |
| 2000 or later | 22% |
Share of housing units in the covered ZIP codes. Census ACS 2023 5-year estimates.
- Residents in covered ZIPs
- 54,169
- Housing units
- 22,347
- Single-family detached
- 58%
- Owner-occupied
- 53%
- Heated with utility gas
- 10%
- Heated with electricity
- 88%
What goes wrong in Harlingen 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
34% 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.
Hard water
Texas water is generally hard. With 88% of homes here on electric heat, scale on electric water heater elements is a frequent failure. See water softener installation.
Common calls in Harlingen
- Water Heater Replacement
- Polybutylene Pipe Replacement
- Water Softener Installation in Harlingen, TX
- Drain Cleaning
- Main Water Line Repair
- Sewer Line Repair
Also available in Harlingen: emergency plumbing and every plumbing service.
Harlingen at a glance
- County
- Cameron County
- Nearest city pages
- San Benito, Weslaco, Brownsville, Donna, Edinburg, Pharr
- ZIP codes
- 78550
Harlingen plumbing FAQ
How old are the homes in Harlingen?
In the ZIP codes we cover around Harlingen, Census estimates put 19% of homes as built before 1960, 25% from 1960 to 1979, 34% from 1980 to 1999 and 22% in 2000 or later. The largest group is 1980–1999 (34%).
Who licenses plumbers in Harlingen, TX?
Texas licenses plumbers at the state level; you can look up any plumber's license through the state's plumbing license search.
Are water heaters in Harlingen usually gas or electric?
Census data for the area show 10% 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 Harlingen homeowners
Nearby areas
Also covered nearby: Los Fresnos (15 mi), Olmito (15 mi), Edcouch (18 mi), La Blanca (22 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 Harlingen, so they may include neighboring communities that share those ZIP codes.
Need a plumber in Harlingen?
Same-day service when a plumber is available. One call connects you with a licensed plumber who serves your ZIP.