King County · Federal Way, WA
Plumbers in Federal Way, WA
Federal Way is in King County, Washington. About 102,000 people live in the 4 ZIP codes we cover here, in roughly 39,000 homes, 50% of them single-family detached houses. The biggest share of the housing was built between 1980 and 1999 (42%), and that age decides most of what goes wrong with the plumbing.
- Same-day service when a plumber is available
- 4 ZIP codes covered
ZIP codes we cover in Federal Way
98003, 98023, 98063, 98093
Federal Way homes and their plumbing
Here is how Federal Way's homes break down by year built, based on Census estimates for the covered ZIP codes: before 1940 2%, 1940–1959 4%, 1960–1979 36%, 1980–1999 42%, 2000 or later 17%. 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 Auburn, Tacoma, Kent are covered too.
| Year built | Share of homes |
|---|---|
| Before 1940 | 2% |
| 1940–1959 | 4% |
| 1960–1979 | 36% |
| 1980–1999 | 42% |
| 2000 or later | 17% |
Share of housing units in the covered ZIP codes. Census ACS 2023 5-year estimates.
- Residents in covered ZIPs
- 101,803
- Housing units
- 39,157
- Single-family detached
- 50%
- Owner-occupied
- 57%
- Heated with utility gas
- 40%
- Heated with electricity
- 57%
What goes wrong in Federal Way homes
1980s and 90s construction and polybutylene
42% 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
36% 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.
Winter freezes
41% of homes here were built before 1980, when pipes were more often run through exterior walls and uninsulated crawl spaces. In a cold Washington winter those are the lines that freeze and split. See frozen and burst pipe repair.
Common calls in Federal Way
- Polybutylene Pipe Replacement
- Sewer Camera Inspection
- Frozen & Burst Pipe Repair
- Water Heater Replacement
- Drain Cleaning
- Main Water Line Repair
- Sewer Line Repair
Also available in Federal Way: emergency plumbing and every plumbing service.
Federal Way at a glance
- County
- King County
- Nearest city pages
- Tacoma, Kent, Puyallup
- ZIP codes
- 98003, 98023, 98063, 98093
Federal Way plumbing FAQ
How old are the homes in Federal Way?
In the ZIP codes we cover around Federal Way, Census estimates put 5% of homes as built before 1960, 36% from 1960 to 1979, 42% from 1980 to 1999 and 17% in 2000 or later. The largest group is 1980–1999 (42%).
Who licenses plumbers in Federal Way, WA?
The Washington State Department of Labor & Industries (L&I) certifies plumbers and registers contractors.
Are water heaters in Federal Way usually gas or electric?
Census data for the area show 40% of homes heating with utility gas, 57% 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 Federal Way homeowners
Nearby areas
Also covered nearby: Milton (4 mi), Pacific (5 mi), Fife (5 mi), Sumner (8 mi), Burton (10 mi), Vashon (10 mi), SeaTac (10 mi), Burien (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 Federal Way, so they may include neighboring communities that share those ZIP codes.
Need a plumber in Federal Way?
Same-day service when a plumber is available. One call connects you with a licensed plumber who serves your ZIP.