Galveston County · Galveston, TX
Plumbers in Galveston, TX
Galveston is in Galveston County, Texas. About 56,000 people live in the 5 ZIP codes we cover here, in roughly 38,000 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
- 5 ZIP codes covered
ZIP codes we cover in Galveston
77550, 77551, 77553, 77554, 77555
Galveston homes and their plumbing
Here is how Galveston's homes break down by year built, based on Census estimates for the covered ZIP codes: before 1940 18%, 1940–1959 12%, 1960–1979 29%, 1980–1999 23%, 2000 or later 18%. 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 Texas City, Dickinson, League City are covered too.
| Year built | Share of homes |
|---|---|
| Before 1940 | 18% |
| 1940–1959 | 12% |
| 1960–1979 | 29% |
| 1980–1999 | 23% |
| 2000 or later | 18% |
Share of housing units in the covered ZIP codes. Census ACS 2023 5-year estimates.
- Residents in covered ZIPs
- 55,548
- Housing units
- 37,511
- Single-family detached
- 60%
- Owner-occupied
- 49%
- Heated with utility gas
- 33%
- Heated with electricity
- 65%
What goes wrong in Galveston homes
Pre-1960 homes: galvanized pipe and cast iron
30% of homes in Galveston'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.
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.
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.
Hard water
Texas water is generally hard. With 65% of homes here on electric heat, scale on electric water heater elements is a frequent failure. See water softener installation.
Common calls in Galveston
- Whole-House Repiping
- Sewer Camera Inspection
- Water Heater Replacement
- Water Softener Installation
- Drain Cleaning
- Main Water Line Repair
- Sewer Line Repair
Also available in Galveston: emergency plumbing and every plumbing service.
Galveston at a glance
- County
- Galveston County
- Nearest city pages
- League City, Alvin, Friendswood
- ZIP codes
- 77550, 77551, 77553, 77554, 77555
Galveston plumbing FAQ
How old are the homes in Galveston?
In the ZIP codes we cover around Galveston, Census estimates put 30% of homes as built before 1960, 29% from 1960 to 1979, 23% from 1980 to 1999 and 18% in 2000 or later. The largest group is 1960–1979 (29%).
Who licenses plumbers in Galveston, TX?
Texas licenses plumbers at the state level; you can look up any plumber's license through the state's plumbing license search.
Are water heaters in Galveston usually gas or electric?
Census data for the area show 33% 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 Galveston. Who pays for plumbing repairs?
About 51% 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 Texas landlord-tenant law set the details.
Guides for Galveston homeowners
Nearby areas
Also covered nearby: Hitchcock (9 mi), La Marque (10 mi), Santa Fe (16 mi), Bacliff (19 mi), Kemah (21 mi), Seabrook (24 mi), Webster (24 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 Galveston, so they may include neighboring communities that share those ZIP codes.
Need a plumber in Galveston?
Same-day service when a plumber is available. One call connects you with a licensed plumber who serves your ZIP.