Plumbing guides

Plumbing Guides and Local Advice for Tacoma & Pierce County Homeowners

Plumbing problems in Tacoma and Pierce County tend to follow patterns: galvanized pipes in homes built before 1980, drain backups in wet winters, water heaters that fail quietly until the cold shower arrives. These guides are written around what we see on actual jobs across the South Sound: what is causing it, what homeowners can safely check themselves, and when calling a licensed plumber is the right move. Topics cover drains, sewers, water heaters, pipes and repiping, new construction, and bathroom fixtures, with specific context for local housing stock and water conditions.

Gray electric water heater held by two metal straps against a cinder-block wall, with copper pipes beside it and a white relief pipe running down toward the floor

Job StoriesOctober 23, 2026

Electric Water Heater on Anderson Island: A New 80-Gallon Tank

On Anderson Island, reached by the Pierce County ferry from Steilacoom, Jerry replaced an 80-gallon water heater with a new electric tank and an expansion tank. On a second visit in November he strapped it to the wall, ran its relief line to the floor drain and replaced the main shutoff.

White bathtub set into a stripped bathroom alcove against bare wood studs, with new water lines rising from the wall at its left end

Job StoriesOctober 16, 2026

Habitat for Humanity in Spanaway, Part 1: New Tubs and Showers

This summer our crews rebuilt the bathroom plumbing in homes that Tacoma/Pierce County Habitat for Humanity is renovating in Spanaway and Elk Plain. James took out an old tub in one home and an old shower in another, and Kendrick set a new tub, ran new drain and supply piping and finished the scope the next day, ready for inspection.

Gray steel gas pipe and a round blue-gray regulator mounted low on wood siding beside an outdoor equipment cabinet

Local InsightsOctober 15, 2026

Gas Line Plumber or HVAC Company? Who to Call in Pierce County

Who runs a new gas line in Pierce County, a plumber or an HVAC company? Either can, as long as the company does gas piping and pulls the permit. Here is who owns the pipe past the meter, what to do if you smell gas, and who to call before anyone digs.

Black sealed pump basin in the corner of a laundry area, with two white PVC pipes rising from its lid and a brass valve on one of them

Job StoriesOctober 8, 2026

Sewer Ejector Pump Repair in Puyallup: Easy for a Change

A homeowner in Manorwood, inside Puyallup’s city limits, called because the sewage ejector pump beside the washer was acting up. James and Dylan put a new float on the pump and replaced the kitchen garbage disposal on the same visit, and the homeowner left a five star Google review.

Wall-hung white tankless water heater in a garage with white PVC vent pipes above it and a yellow gas line, water lines and isolation valves below

Job StoriesOctober 1, 2026

Tankless Water Heater in Puyallup: Out Sunday, In by Tuesday

A South Hill home in Puyallup lost its hot water on a Sunday in August when the gas tank in the garage gave out. Aiden priced a tankless replacement on Monday and installed the Navien unit on Tuesday, reworking the gas, water, venting and condensate lines so the house has hot water that does not run out. The homeowner left a five star Google review.

Moen Flo smart water shutoff with its indicator lights on, plumbed into white PEX with brass transition fittings inside a wall opening under a kitchen sink

Job StoriesSeptember 25, 2026

Smart Water Shutoff in Tacoma: One Valve for the Whole House

The only water shutoff a homeowner on Tacoma’s south side knew about was the one at the meter. Inside, James found an old gate valve behind the kitchen cabinet, removed it and plumbed a Moen Flo smart water monitor and shutoff into the line. The house was back on water the same afternoon with no leaks.