Virginia Beach County · Virginia Beach, VA
Plumbers in Virginia Beach, VA
Virginia Beach is in Virginia Beach County, Virginia. About 457,000 people live in the 20 ZIP codes we cover here, in roughly 191,000 homes, 55% of them single-family detached houses. The biggest share of the housing was built between 1980 and 1999 (40%), and that age decides most of what goes wrong with the plumbing.
- Same-day service when a plumber is available
- 20 ZIP codes covered
ZIP codes we cover in Virginia Beach
23450, 23451, 23452, 23453, 23454, 23455, 23456, 23457, 23458, 23459, 23460, 23461, 23462, 23463, 23464, 23465, 23466, 23467, 23471, 23479
Virginia Beach homes and their plumbing
Here is how Virginia Beach's homes break down by year built, based on Census estimates for the covered ZIP codes: before 1940 1%, 1940–1959 7%, 1960–1979 32%, 1980–1999 40%, 2000 or later 20%. 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 Chesapeake, Norfolk, Hampton are covered too.
| Year built | Share of homes |
|---|---|
| Before 1940 | 1% |
| 1940–1959 | 7% |
| 1960–1979 | 32% |
| 1980–1999 | 40% |
| 2000 or later | 20% |
Share of housing units in the covered ZIP codes. Census ACS 2023 5-year estimates.
- Residents in covered ZIPs
- 457,066
- Housing units
- 190,734
- Single-family detached
- 55%
- Owner-occupied
- 65%
- Heated with utility gas
- 34%
- Heated with electricity
- 62%
What goes wrong in Virginia Beach homes
1980s and 90s construction and polybutylene
40% 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.
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.
Mostly electric homes
62% 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
40% 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 Virginia Beach
- Polybutylene Pipe Replacement
- Sewer Camera Inspection
- Water Heater Replacement
- Frozen & Burst Pipe Repair
- Drain Cleaning
- Main Water Line Repair
- Sewer Line Repair
Also available in Virginia Beach: emergency plumbing and every plumbing service.
Virginia Beach at a glance
- County
- Virginia Beach County
- Nearest city pages
- Newport News
- ZIP codes
- 23450, 23451, 23452, 23453, 23454, 23455, 23456, 23457, 23458, 23459, 23460, 23461, 23462, 23463, 23464, 23465, 23466, 23467, 23471, 23479
Virginia Beach plumbing FAQ
How old are the homes in Virginia Beach?
In the ZIP codes we cover around Virginia Beach, Census estimates put 8% of homes as built before 1960, 32% from 1960 to 1979, 40% from 1980 to 1999 and 20% in 2000 or later. The largest group is 1980–1999 (40%).
Who licenses plumbers in Virginia Beach, VA?
Virginia's Department of Professional and Occupational Regulation (DPOR) licenses plumbing tradesmen and contractors.
Are water heaters in Virginia Beach usually gas or electric?
Census data for the area show 34% of homes heating with utility gas, 62% 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 Virginia Beach homeowners
Housing, heating and population figures are US Census Bureau American Community Survey 2023 5-year estimates for the ZIP code areas we cover in Virginia Beach, so they may include neighboring communities that share those ZIP codes.
Need a plumber in Virginia Beach?
Same-day service when a plumber is available. One call connects you with a licensed plumber who serves your ZIP.