Spokane County · Spokane–Spokane Valley metro
Plumbing help in Spokane, WA
Older PipesFrozen Pipes
Spokane pumps all its water from one of the most productive aquifers in the country, clean enough to need only chlorine. Its housing is older (about two-thirds predates 1980) and its winters are cold, so frozen pipes and aging lines lead local calls.
- Median home built
- 1961
- Built before 1980
- 67%
- Owner-occupied
- 60%
- Water hardness
- See below
- Winter
- Regular hard freezes
- Plumbing code
- UPC
The plumbing calls that come up most in Spokane
- Frozen Pipe Repair
Cold winters freeze pipes in exterior walls, crawl spaces and garages.
- Repiping
Older homes often have galvanized supply lines.
- Sewer Line Repair
Older laterals crack and let roots in.
Emergency plumbing in Spokane
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 Spokane homes, based on local conditions.
What's behind the walls of Spokane's older homes
The median home in Spokane was built in 1961, and 67% of homes predate 1980. Homes from that era were typically built with copper or galvanized supply, cast iron drains, clay or cast iron sewer laterals.
- Galvanized steel supply (1900–1960)
- Copper supply (1950–2000)
- Polybutylene (some homes) (1978–1996)
- PEX / CPVC (1995–today)
Frozen pipe risk in Spokane
Regular hard freezes · 67% of Spokane homes were built before 1980
Plumbing code and permits in Spokane
Plumbing here follows Washington's statewide Uniform Plumbing Code (2021 edition, chapter 51-56 WAC), and plumbers must be certified by the Department of Labor and Industries. [2]
Where Spokane's water comes from
All of Spokane's water comes from the Spokane Valley-Rathdrum Prairie Aquifer, an EPA-designated sole source aquifer; it's pure enough to be pumped and delivered with only chlorine added. [1]
Plumbing services for Spokane homes
Spokane plumbing questions
Where does Spokane's water come from?
Entirely from the Spokane Valley-Rathdrum Prairie Aquifer, a sole source aquifer that serves more than 500,000 people.
Is Spokane water treated?
The aquifer water is clean enough that the city only adds chlorine to keep it safe through the distribution system.
How do I prevent frozen pipes in Spokane?
Insulate exposed pipes, disconnect hoses, seal drafts and keep the heat on. See frozen pipe repair.
Who can do plumbing work in Spokane?
Plumbers certified by the Washington Department of Labor and Industries, working for a licensed plumbing contractor.
Sources (3)
- U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 2024 1-year (B25035) · checked 2026-10-01
- City of Spokane, Our Water Quality · checked 2026-10-01
- Washington State Department of Labor and Industries, Plumber Certification · checked 2026-10-01