Cascade County · Great Falls, MT
Plumbers in Great Falls, MT
Great Falls is in Cascade County, Montana. About 48,000 people live in the 3 ZIP codes we cover here, in roughly 22,000 homes, 60% of them single-family detached houses. The biggest share of the housing was built between 1960 and 1979 (29%), and that age decides most of what goes wrong with the plumbing.
- Same-day service when a plumber is available
- 3 ZIP codes covered
ZIP codes we cover in Great Falls
59401, 59403, 59405
Great Falls homes and their plumbing
Here is how Great Falls's homes break down by year built, based on Census estimates for the covered ZIP codes: before 1940 18%, 1940–1959 26%, 1960–1979 29%, 1980–1999 13%, 2000 or later 14%. 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.
| Year built | Share of homes |
|---|---|
| Before 1940 | 18% |
| 1940–1959 | 26% |
| 1960–1979 | 29% |
| 1980–1999 | 13% |
| 2000 or later | 14% |
Share of housing units in the covered ZIP codes. Census ACS 2023 5-year estimates.
- Residents in covered ZIPs
- 47,659
- Housing units
- 22,181
- Single-family detached
- 60%
- Owner-occupied
- 59%
- Heated with utility gas
- 77%
- Heated with electricity
- 18%
What goes wrong in Great Falls homes
Pre-1960 homes: galvanized pipe and cast iron
45% of homes in Great Falls's covered ZIP codes were built before 1960, 18% 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.
Natural gas in most homes
77% 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.
Long, hard winters
73% of homes here were built before 1980, when pipes were more often run through exterior walls and uninsulated crawl spaces. In a long Montana winter those are the lines that freeze and split. See frozen and burst pipe repair.
1960s and 70s homes reaching end of life
29% 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.
Common calls in Great Falls
- Whole-House Repiping
- Gas Line Repair
- Frozen & Burst Pipe Repair
- Sewer Camera Inspection
- Water Softener Installation
- Water Heater Replacement
- Drain Cleaning
- Main Water Line Repair
Also available in Great Falls: emergency plumbing and every plumbing service.
Great Falls at a glance
- County
- Cascade County
- ZIP codes
- 59401, 59403, 59405
Great Falls plumbing FAQ
How old are the homes in Great Falls?
In the ZIP codes we cover around Great Falls, Census estimates put 45% of homes as built before 1960, 29% from 1960 to 1979, 13% from 1980 to 1999 and 14% in 2000 or later. The largest group is 1960–1979 (29%).
Who licenses plumbers in Great Falls, MT?
The Montana State Board of Plumbers licenses plumbers statewide.
Are water heaters in Great Falls usually gas or electric?
Census data for the area show 77% of homes heating with utility gas, 18% 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 Great Falls 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 Great Falls, so they may include neighboring communities that share those ZIP codes.
Need a plumber in Great Falls?
Same-day service when a plumber is available. One call connects you with a licensed plumber who serves your ZIP.