Washoe County · Reno metro
Plumbing help in Reno, NV
Frozen PipesModerately Hard Water
Reno drinks mostly Truckee River snowmelt, which is fairly soft, blended with harder well water in summer. High-desert winters freeze exposed pipes, and much of the city's housing dates from the 1990s growth boom.
- Median home built
- 1993
- Built before 1980
- 34%
- Owner-occupied
- 49%
- Water hardness
- Moderately hard
- ≈ 3.5 grains/gal
- Winter
- Regular hard freezes
- Plumbing code
- State code
Common repairs in Reno homes
- Frozen Pipe Repair
High-desert winters freeze exposed pipes and hose bibs.
- Water Heater Replacement
Homes from the 1990s growth years are replacing heaters.
- Backflow Testing
Irrigation backflow devices need winterizing and testing.
Emergency plumbing in Reno
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 Reno homes, based on local conditions.
Frozen pipe risk in Reno
Regular hard freezes · median home built 1993
Which plumbing rules apply in Reno
Plumbing contractors in Reno must be licensed by the Nevada State Contractors Board (C-1 plumbing and heating classification). [2]
Reno's water: moderately hard
Treated Truckee River water in fall and winter typically measures about 3 to 4 grains per gallon (50 to 68 mg/L); hardness varies with nearby production wells and season, since summer brings a blend of surface and well water. [1]
Polybutylene-era homes in Reno
The median home in Reno was built in 1993, and 34% of homes predate 1980. Homes from that era were typically built with copper or CPVC supply, plastic drains, and in some homes gray polybutylene supply pipe.
- Galvanized steel supply (1900–1960)
- Copper supply (1950–2000)
- Polybutylene (some homes) (1978–1996)
- PEX / CPVC (1995–today)
Plumbing services for Reno homes
Reno plumbing questions
Is Reno water hard?
Truckee River water is fairly soft, about 3 to 4 grains per gallon in fall and winter, but it can be harder in summer near production wells. TMWA has a lookup map for your address.
Where does Reno's water come from?
Mostly the Truckee River, supplemented by wells.
How do I check a Reno plumbing contractor?
Search the Nevada State Contractors Board license lookup for a C-1 classification.
How do I winterize outdoor plumbing in Reno?
Disconnect hoses, drain irrigation lines, protect backflow devices and insulate exposed pipes before the first hard freeze.
Why does my Reno water hardness change in summer?
TMWA blends in more well water during summer demand, and well water is harder than treated river water.
Sources (3)
- U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 2024 1-year (B25035) · checked 2026-10-01
- Truckee Meadows Water Authority, Water Quality · checked 2026-10-01
- Nevada State Contractors Board · checked 2026-10-01