Pierce County · Tacoma, WA
Plumbers in Tacoma, WA
Tacoma is in Pierce County, Washington. About 365,000 people live in the 35 ZIP codes we cover here, in roughly 149,000 homes, 60% 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
- 35 ZIP codes covered
ZIP codes we cover in Tacoma
98401, 98402, 98403, 98404, 98405, 98406, 98407, 98408, 98409, 98411, 98412, 98413, 98415, 98416, 98417, 98418, 98419, 98421, 98422, 98424, 98431, 98433, 98443, 98444, 98445, 98446, 98447, 98448, 98464, 98465, 98466, 98471, 98481, 98490, 98493
Tacoma homes and their plumbing
Here is how Tacoma's homes break down by year built, based on Census estimates for the covered ZIP codes: before 1940 20%, 1940–1959 16%, 1960–1979 23%, 1980–1999 22%, 2000 or later 20%. 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 Federal Way, Puyallup are covered too.
| Year built | Share of homes |
|---|---|
| Before 1940 | 20% |
| 1940–1959 | 16% |
| 1960–1979 | 23% |
| 1980–1999 | 22% |
| 2000 or later | 20% |
Share of housing units in the covered ZIP codes. Census ACS 2023 5-year estimates.
- Residents in covered ZIPs
- 364,667
- Housing units
- 149,276
- Single-family detached
- 60%
- Owner-occupied
- 56%
- Heated with utility gas
- 32%
- Heated with electricity
- 63%
What goes wrong in Tacoma homes
Pre-1960 homes: galvanized pipe and cast iron
35% of homes in Tacoma's covered ZIP codes were built before 1960, 20% 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
63% 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
59% 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 Tacoma
- Whole-House Repiping
- Water Heater Replacement
- Frozen & Burst Pipe Repair
- Drain Cleaning
- Main Water Line Repair
- Sewer Line Repair
Also available in Tacoma: emergency plumbing and every plumbing service.
Tacoma at a glance
- County
- Pierce County
- Nearest city pages
- Federal Way, Puyallup
- ZIP codes
- 98401, 98402, 98403, 98404, 98405, 98406, 98407, 98408, 98409, 98411, 98412, 98413, 98415, 98416, 98417, 98418, 98419, 98421, 98422, 98424, 98431, 98433, 98443, 98444, 98445, 98446, 98447, 98448, 98464, 98465, 98466, 98471, 98481, 98490, 98493
Tacoma plumbing FAQ
How old are the homes in Tacoma?
In the ZIP codes we cover around Tacoma, Census estimates put 35% of homes as built before 1960, 23% from 1960 to 1979, 22% from 1980 to 1999 and 20% in 2000 or later. The largest group is 1960–1979 (23%).
Who licenses plumbers in Tacoma, WA?
The Washington State Department of Labor & Industries (L&I) certifies plumbers and registers contractors.
Are water heaters in Tacoma usually gas or electric?
Census data for the area show 32% of homes heating with utility gas, 63% 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 Tacoma homeowners
Nearby areas
Also covered nearby: Fife (5 mi), University Place (5 mi), Milton (6 mi), Lakewood (7 mi), Fox Island (8 mi), Steilacoom (8 mi), McChord Afb (8 mi), Gig Harbor (9 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 Tacoma, so they may include neighboring communities that share those ZIP codes.
Need a plumber in Tacoma?
Same-day service when a plumber is available. One call connects you with a licensed plumber who serves your ZIP.