Newport News County · Newport News, VA
Plumbers in Newport News, VA
Newport News is in Newport News County, Virginia. About 183,000 people live in the 10 ZIP codes we cover here, in roughly 82,000 homes, 50% of them single-family detached houses. The biggest share of the housing was built between 1960 and 1979 (32%), and that age decides most of what goes wrong with the plumbing.
- Same-day service when a plumber is available
- 10 ZIP codes covered
ZIP codes we cover in Newport News
23601, 23602, 23603, 23605, 23606, 23607, 23608, 23609, 23612, 23628
Newport News homes and their plumbing
Here is how Newport News's homes break down by year built, based on Census estimates for the covered ZIP codes: before 1940 5%, 1940–1959 15%, 1960–1979 32%, 1980–1999 31%, 2000 or later 18%. 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 Hampton are covered too.
| Year built | Share of homes |
|---|---|
| Before 1940 | 5% |
| 1940–1959 | 15% |
| 1960–1979 | 32% |
| 1980–1999 | 31% |
| 2000 or later | 18% |
Share of housing units in the covered ZIP codes. Census ACS 2023 5-year estimates.
- Residents in covered ZIPs
- 182,786
- Housing units
- 82,482
- Single-family detached
- 50%
- Owner-occupied
- 48%
- Heated with utility gas
- 38%
- Heated with electricity
- 60%
What goes wrong in Newport News homes
1960s and 70s homes reaching end of life
32% 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.
1980s and 90s construction and polybutylene
31% 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.
Winter freezes
51% of homes here were built before 1980, when pipes were more often run through exterior walls and uninsulated crawl spaces. In a cold Virginia winter those are the lines that freeze and split. See frozen and burst pipe repair.
Common calls in Newport News
- Sewer Camera Inspection
- Polybutylene Pipe Replacement
- Frozen & Burst Pipe Repair
- Water Heater Replacement
- Drain Cleaning
- Main Water Line Repair
- Sewer Line Repair
Also available in Newport News: emergency plumbing and every plumbing service.
Newport News at a glance
- County
- Newport News County
- ZIP codes
- 23601, 23602, 23603, 23605, 23606, 23607, 23608, 23609, 23612, 23628
Newport News plumbing FAQ
How old are the homes in Newport News?
In the ZIP codes we cover around Newport News, Census estimates put 20% of homes as built before 1960, 32% from 1960 to 1979, 31% from 1980 to 1999 and 18% in 2000 or later. The largest group is 1960–1979 (32%).
Who licenses plumbers in Newport News, VA?
Virginia's Department of Professional and Occupational Regulation (DPOR) licenses plumbing tradesmen and contractors.
Are water heaters in Newport News usually gas or electric?
Census data for the area show 38% of homes heating with utility gas, 60% 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.
I rent in Newport News. Who pays for plumbing repairs?
About 52% 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 Virginia landlord-tenant law set the details.
Guides for Newport News homeowners
Nearby areas
Also covered nearby: Fort Eustis (0 mi), Fort Monroe (9 mi), Poquoson (9 mi), Yorktown (9 mi), Smithfield (10 mi), Bena (12 mi), Gloucester Point (12 mi), Hayes (12 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 Newport News, so they may include neighboring communities that share those ZIP codes.
Need a plumber in Newport News?
Same-day service when a plumber is available. One call connects you with a licensed plumber who serves your ZIP.