Yellowstone County · Billings metro
Plumbing help in Billings, MT
Frozen PipesOlder Pipes
Billings is the largest city on the Yellowstone River and draws its drinking water from it. About half its homes predate 1980, and cold, dry winters with sudden temperature swings make frozen pipes a recurring call.
- Median home built
- 1979
- Built before 1980
- 52%
- Owner-occupied
- 62%
- Water hardness
- See below
- Winter
- Long, hard freezes
- Plumbing code
- UPC
The plumbing calls that come up most in Billings
- Frozen Pipe Repair
Cold snaps and chinook temperature swings freeze and stress exposed pipes.
- Repiping
About half of homes predate 1980, many with galvanized supply lines.
- Sewer Line Repair
Older laterals crack and let roots in.
Protecting pipes through a Billings winter
Long, hard freezes · 52% of Billings homes were built before 1980
Emergency plumbing in Billings
Call (833) 878-1592Shut off your main water supply if it's safe to do so. The emergencies below are listed most likely first for Billings homes, based on local conditions.
Billings's 1970s housing and its pipes
The median home in Billings was built in 1979, and 52% of homes predate 1980. Homes from that era were typically built with copper supply, early plastic (ABS or PVC) drains, some cast iron.
- Galvanized steel supply (1900–1960)
- Copper supply (1950–2000)
- Polybutylene (some homes) (1978–1996)
- PEX / CPVC (1995–today)
Plumbing code and permits in Billings
Montana adopts the 2021 Uniform Plumbing Code (ARM 24.301.301), and plumbers are licensed by the Montana Board of Plumbers. [2]
Where Billings's water comes from
Billings is the largest community on the Yellowstone River and draws its drinking water from the river; the city's water plant was affected during the 2022 Yellowstone River flooding. [1]
Plumbing services for Billings homes
Billings plumbing questions
Where does Billings get its water?
From the Yellowstone River, treated by the City of Billings.
How do I check a Billings plumber?
Verify the license with the Montana Board of Plumbers.
Why do Billings pipes freeze even in mild winters?
Sudden swings from mild to bitter cold catch pipes that weren't protected. Keep exposed pipes insulated all winter, not just during forecast cold.
Which plumbing code applies in Billings?
Montana's statewide code, the 2021 Uniform Plumbing Code with Montana amendments.
Do Billings homes need sump pumps?
Homes near the Yellowstone River or with high groundwater benefit from a tested sump pump, especially during spring runoff. Test it by pouring water into the pit before the season.
Sources (3)
- U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 2024 1-year (B25035) · checked 2026-10-01
- City of Billings, Yellowstone River flooding impact on City of Billings water plant · checked 2026-10-01
- IAPMO, Montana 2021 UPC amendments · checked 2026-10-01