Pierce County · Lakewood, WA
Plumbers in Lakewood, WA
Lakewood is in Pierce County, Washington. About 68,000 people live in the 5 ZIP codes we cover here, in roughly 30,000 homes, 44% of them single-family detached houses. The biggest share of the housing was built between 1960 and 1979 (39%), and that age decides most of what goes wrong with the plumbing.
- Same-day service when a plumber is available
- 5 ZIP codes covered
ZIP codes we cover in Lakewood
98439, 98496, 98497, 98498, 98499
Lakewood homes and their plumbing
Here is how Lakewood's homes break down by year built, based on Census estimates for the covered ZIP codes: before 1940 3%, 1940–1959 19%, 1960–1979 39%, 1980–1999 24%, 2000 or later 15%. 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 Spanaway, Tacoma, Puyallup are covered too.
| Year built | Share of homes |
|---|---|
| Before 1940 | 3% |
| 1940–1959 | 19% |
| 1960–1979 | 39% |
| 1980–1999 | 24% |
| 2000 or later | 15% |
Share of housing units in the covered ZIP codes. Census ACS 2023 5-year estimates.
- Residents in covered ZIPs
- 68,023
- Housing units
- 29,836
- Single-family detached
- 44%
- Owner-occupied
- 44%
- Heated with utility gas
- 30%
- Heated with electricity
- 65%
What goes wrong in Lakewood homes
1960s and 70s homes reaching end of life
39% 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
65% 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
60% 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.
Apartments, condos and attached homes
Only 44% of homes here are single-family detached houses. In attached buildings a leak or clog often involves a shared stack or a neighbor's unit, so it's worth knowing which lines are yours and which belong to the building or HOA, and where your unit's own shutoff is.
Common calls in Lakewood
- Sewer Camera Inspection
- Water Heater Replacement
- Frozen & Burst Pipe Repair in Lakewood, WA
- Drain Cleaning
- Main Water Line Repair
- Sewer Line Repair
Also available in Lakewood: emergency plumbing and every plumbing service.
Lakewood at a glance
- County
- Pierce County
- Nearest city pages
- Spanaway, Tacoma, Puyallup
- ZIP codes
- 98439, 98496, 98497, 98498, 98499
Lakewood plumbing FAQ
How old are the homes in Lakewood?
In the ZIP codes we cover around Lakewood, Census estimates put 22% of homes as built before 1960, 39% from 1960 to 1979, 24% from 1980 to 1999 and 15% in 2000 or later. The largest group is 1960–1979 (39%).
Who licenses plumbers in Lakewood, WA?
The Washington State Department of Labor & Industries (L&I) certifies plumbers and registers contractors.
Are water heaters in Lakewood usually gas or electric?
Census data for the area show 30% of homes heating with utility gas, 65% 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 Lakewood. Who pays for plumbing repairs?
About 56% 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 Washington landlord-tenant law set the details.
Guides for Lakewood homeowners
Nearby areas
Also covered nearby: Steilacoom (3 mi), McChord Afb (3 mi), University Place (4 mi), Dupont (7 mi), Fox Island (7 mi), Anderson Island (8 mi), Fife (10 mi), Roy (11 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 Lakewood, so they may include neighboring communities that share those ZIP codes.
Need a plumber in Lakewood?
Same-day service when a plumber is available. One call connects you with a licensed plumber who serves your ZIP.