Richmond County · Richmond, VA
Plumbers in Richmond, VA
Richmond is in Richmond County, Virginia. About 286,000 people live in the 12 ZIP codes we cover here, in roughly 131,000 homes, 50% of them single-family detached houses. The biggest share of the housing was built between 1960 and 1979 (23%), and that age decides most of what goes wrong with the plumbing.
- Same-day service when a plumber is available
- 12 ZIP codes covered
ZIP codes we cover in Richmond
23173, 23219, 23220, 23221, 23222, 23223, 23224, 23227, 23230, 23234, 23237, 23298
Richmond homes and their plumbing
Here is how Richmond's homes break down by year built, based on Census estimates for the covered ZIP codes: before 1940 23%, 1940–1959 19%, 1960–1979 23%, 1980–1999 17%, 2000 or later 19%. 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 Henrico, Midlothian are covered too.
| Year built | Share of homes |
|---|---|
| Before 1940 | 23% |
| 1940–1959 | 19% |
| 1960–1979 | 23% |
| 1980–1999 | 17% |
| 2000 or later | 19% |
Share of housing units in the covered ZIP codes. Census ACS 2023 5-year estimates.
- Residents in covered ZIPs
- 285,714
- Housing units
- 131,375
- Single-family detached
- 50%
- Owner-occupied
- 47%
- Heated with utility gas
- 29%
- Heated with electricity
- 64%
- Heated with fuel oil
- 4%
What goes wrong in Richmond homes
Pre-1960 homes: galvanized pipe and cast iron
42% of homes in Richmond's covered ZIP codes were built before 1960, 23% 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.
Mostly electric homes
64% 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.
Winter freezes
65% 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 Richmond
- Whole-House Repiping
- Water Heater Replacement
- Frozen & Burst Pipe Repair
- Drain Cleaning
- Main Water Line Repair
- Sewer Line Repair
Also available in Richmond: emergency plumbing and every plumbing service.
Richmond at a glance
- County
- Richmond County
- Nearest city pages
- Henrico, Midlothian
- ZIP codes
- 23173, 23219, 23220, 23221, 23222, 23223, 23224, 23227, 23230, 23234, 23237, 23298
Richmond plumbing FAQ
How old are the homes in Richmond?
In the ZIP codes we cover around Richmond, Census estimates put 42% of homes as built before 1960, 23% from 1960 to 1979, 17% from 1980 to 1999 and 19% in 2000 or later. The largest group is 1960–1979 (23%).
Who licenses plumbers in Richmond, VA?
Virginia's Department of Professional and Occupational Regulation (DPOR) licenses plumbing tradesmen and contractors.
Are water heaters in Richmond usually gas or electric?
Census data for the area show 29% of homes heating with utility gas, 64% with electricity, 4% with fuel oil. 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 Richmond. Who pays for plumbing repairs?
About 53% 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 Richmond homeowners
Nearby areas
Also covered nearby: Glen Allen (9 mi), Mechanicsville (9 mi), Sandston (9 mi), Chester (12 mi), Ashland (16 mi), Hopewell (19 mi), Fort Lee (22 mi), Petersburg (23 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 Richmond, so they may include neighboring communities that share those ZIP codes.
Need a plumber in Richmond?
Same-day service when a plumber is available. One call connects you with a licensed plumber who serves your ZIP.