Loudoun County · Sterling, VA
Plumbers in Sterling, VA
Sterling is in Loudoun County, Virginia. About 91,000 people live in the 5 ZIP codes we cover here, in roughly 31,000 homes, 45% of them single-family detached houses. The biggest share of the housing was built between 1980 and 1999 (54%), 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 Sterling
20163, 20164, 20165, 20166, 20167
Sterling homes and their plumbing
Here is how Sterling's homes break down by year built, based on Census estimates for the covered ZIP codes: before 1940 1%, 1940–1959 1%, 1960–1979 21%, 1980–1999 54%, 2000 or later 24%. 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. Neighboring areas such as Herndon, Ashburn, Reston are covered too.
| Year built | Share of homes |
|---|---|
| Before 1940 | 1% |
| 1940–1959 | 1% |
| 1960–1979 | 21% |
| 1980–1999 | 54% |
| 2000 or later | 24% |
Share of housing units in the covered ZIP codes. Census ACS 2023 5-year estimates.
- Residents in covered ZIPs
- 90,758
- Housing units
- 30,660
- Single-family detached
- 45%
- Owner-occupied
- 73%
- Heated with utility gas
- 52%
- Heated with electricity
- 45%
What goes wrong in Sterling homes
1980s and 90s construction and polybutylene
54% 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.
Natural gas in most homes
52% 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.
Winter freezes
23% of homes here were built before 1980, when pipes were more often run through exterior walls and uninsulated crawl spaces. In a cold Virginia winter those are the lines that freeze and split. See frozen and burst pipe repair.
Apartments, condos and attached homes
Only 45% 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 Sterling
- Polybutylene Pipe Replacement
- Gas Line Repair
- Frozen & Burst Pipe Repair
- Drain Cleaning
- Water Heater Replacement in Sterling, VA
- Main Water Line Repair
- Sewer Line Repair
Also available in Sterling: emergency plumbing and every plumbing service.
Sterling at a glance
- County
- Loudoun County
- Nearest city pages
- Ashburn, Reston, Chantilly, Leesburg, Vienna
- ZIP codes
- 20163, 20164, 20165, 20166, 20167
Sterling plumbing FAQ
How old are the homes in Sterling?
In the ZIP codes we cover around Sterling, Census estimates put 2% of homes as built before 1960, 21% from 1960 to 1979, 54% from 1980 to 1999 and 24% in 2000 or later. The largest group is 1980–1999 (54%).
Who licenses plumbers in Sterling, VA?
Virginia's Department of Professional and Occupational Regulation (DPOR) licenses plumbing tradesmen and contractors.
Are water heaters in Sterling usually gas or electric?
Census data for the area show 52% of homes heating with utility gas, 45% 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 Sterling homeowners
Nearby areas
Also covered nearby: Dulles (4 mi), Great Falls (6 mi), Oakton (10 mi), Dunn Loring (12 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 Sterling, so they may include neighboring communities that share those ZIP codes.
Need a plumber in Sterling?
Same-day service when a plumber is available. One call connects you with a licensed plumber who serves your ZIP.