Marin County · San Rafael, CA
Plumbers in San Rafael, CA
San Rafael is in Marin County, California. About 72,000 people live in the 5 ZIP codes we cover here, in roughly 29,000 homes, 54% 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 San Rafael
94901, 94903, 94912, 94913, 94915
San Rafael homes and their plumbing
Here is how San Rafael's homes break down by year built, based on Census estimates for the covered ZIP codes: before 1940 9%, 1940–1959 29%, 1960–1979 39%, 1980–1999 18%, 2000 or later 6%. 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 Novato are covered too.
| Year built | Share of homes |
|---|---|
| Before 1940 | 9% |
| 1940–1959 | 29% |
| 1960–1979 | 39% |
| 1980–1999 | 18% |
| 2000 or later | 6% |
Share of housing units in the covered ZIP codes. Census ACS 2023 5-year estimates.
- Residents in covered ZIPs
- 72,230
- Housing units
- 29,120
- Single-family detached
- 54%
- Owner-occupied
- 57%
- Heated with utility gas
- 65%
- Heated with electricity
- 30%
What goes wrong in San Rafael 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.
Pre-1960 homes: galvanized pipe and cast iron
37% of homes in San Rafael's covered ZIP codes were built before 1960. 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.
Natural gas in most homes
65% of occupied homes here heat with utility gas, so gas water heaters, ranges and dryers are common. That means gas line extensions for new appliances, flexible connector replacements and venting checks when a water heater is swapped. If you smell gas, leave first and call the gas utility from outside. See gas line repair.
Common calls in San Rafael
- Sewer Camera Inspection
- Whole-House Repiping
- Gas Line Repair in San Rafael, CA
- Water Heater Replacement
- Drain Cleaning
- Main Water Line Repair
- Sewer Line Repair
Also available in San Rafael: emergency plumbing and every plumbing service.
San Rafael at a glance
- County
- Marin County
- ZIP codes
- 94901, 94903, 94912, 94913, 94915
San Rafael plumbing FAQ
How old are the homes in San Rafael?
In the ZIP codes we cover around San Rafael, Census estimates put 37% of homes as built before 1960, 39% from 1960 to 1979, 18% from 1980 to 1999 and 6% in 2000 or later. The largest group is 1960–1979 (39%).
Who licenses plumbers in San Rafael, CA?
The Contractors State License Board (CSLB) licenses plumbing contractors under the C-36 classification, and its online lookup shows license status.
Are water heaters in San Rafael usually gas or electric?
Census data for the area show 65% of homes heating with utility gas, 30% with electricity. Water heaters often use the same fuel as the home's heat, so utility gas is the most common here, but check the label on your tank before you shop for a replacement.
Guides for San Rafael homeowners
Nearby areas
Also covered nearby: Ross (3 mi), San Anselmo (3 mi), San Quentin (3 mi), Greenbrae (4 mi), Fairfax (4 mi), Larkspur (4 mi), Corte Madera (5 mi), Mill Valley (6 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 San Rafael, so they may include neighboring communities that share those ZIP codes.
Need a plumber in San Rafael?
Same-day service when a plumber is available. One call connects you with a licensed plumber who serves your ZIP.