Centre County · State College, PA
Plumbers in State College, PA
State College is in Centre County, Pennsylvania. About 66,000 people live in the 4 ZIP codes we cover here, in roughly 31,000 homes, 42% of them single-family detached houses. The biggest share of the housing was built between 1980 and 1999 (31%), 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 State College
16801, 16803, 16804, 16805
State College homes and their plumbing
Here is how State College's homes break down by year built, based on Census estimates for the covered ZIP codes: before 1940 6%, 1940–1959 12%, 1960–1979 28%, 1980–1999 31%, 2000 or later 23%. 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.
| Year built | Share of homes |
|---|---|
| Before 1940 | 6% |
| 1940–1959 | 12% |
| 1960–1979 | 28% |
| 1980–1999 | 31% |
| 2000 or later | 23% |
Share of housing units in the covered ZIP codes. Census ACS 2023 5-year estimates.
- Residents in covered ZIPs
- 65,813
- Housing units
- 31,397
- Single-family detached
- 42%
- Owner-occupied
- 44%
- Heated with utility gas
- 40%
- Heated with electricity
- 49%
- Heated with fuel oil
- 7%
What goes wrong in State College homes
1980s and 90s construction and polybutylene
31% 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.
Long, hard winters
46% of homes here were built before 1980, when pipes were more often run through exterior walls and uninsulated crawl spaces. In a long Pennsylvania winter those are the lines that freeze and split. See frozen and burst pipe repair.
1960s and 70s homes reaching end of life
28% 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.
Apartments, condos and attached homes
Only 42% 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 State College
- Polybutylene Pipe Replacement
- Frozen & Burst Pipe Repair
- Sewer Camera Inspection
- Drain Cleaning
- Water Heater Replacement in State College, PA
- Main Water Line Repair
- Sewer Line Repair
Also available in State College: emergency plumbing and every plumbing service.
State College at a glance
- County
- Centre County
- ZIP codes
- 16801, 16803, 16804, 16805
State College plumbing FAQ
How old are the homes in State College?
In the ZIP codes we cover around State College, Census estimates put 18% of homes as built before 1960, 28% from 1960 to 1979, 31% from 1980 to 1999 and 23% in 2000 or later. The largest group is 1980–1999 (31%).
Who licenses plumbers in State College, PA?
Pennsylvania has no statewide plumbing license; Philadelphia, Allegheny County and other municipalities license plumbers, and home improvement contractors register with the Attorney General.
Are water heaters in State College usually gas or electric?
Census data for the area show 40% of homes heating with utility gas, 49% with electricity, 7% with fuel oil. 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 State College. 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 Pennsylvania landlord-tenant law set the details.
Guides for State College homeowners
Nearby areas
Also covered nearby: University Park (0 mi), Lemont (3 mi), Boalsburg (4 mi), Pine Grove Mills (4 mi), Pennsylvania Furnace (6 mi), Julian (7 mi), Bellefonte (10 mi), Centre Hall (10 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 State College, so they may include neighboring communities that share those ZIP codes.
Need a plumber in State College?
Same-day service when a plumber is available. One call connects you with a licensed plumber who serves your ZIP.