Plumber and Sewer Service for Ballard
Ballard is just north of Magnolia across the Ship Canal, about 2.1 miles from our base on W Bertona St, straight-line.
Two Ballards show up in the housing data. Central Ballard (98107) has been heavily rebuilt; nearly half its housing units date from 2000 or later. North Ballard, Loyal Heights and Crown Hill (98117) are among the oldest areas we serve: 60% of homes were built before 1960.
Ballard is about 2.1 miles from our Magnolia base (straight line) · ZIP 98107 / 98117
Ballard housing by the numbers
ZIP 98107 has a median year built of 1995, with 47.2% of units built in 2000 or later. ZIP 98117 has a median of 1950, with 60.3% built before 1960 and 36.3% before 1940.
| ZIP | Area | Median year built | Built before 1940 | Built before 1960 | Built 2000 or later | Housing units |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 98107 | Ballard | 1995 | 17.6% | 26% | 47.2% | 16,938 |
| 98117 | North Ballard / Loyal Heights / Crown Hill | 1950 | 36.3% | 60.3% | 18.8% | 15,725 |
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 2020–2024 5-year estimates, tables B25034 & B25035.
Townhomes, lot splits and the existing side sewer
Where an older house is replaced by townhomes, or a lot adds units, the side sewer becomes a code question. Seattle's side sewer code limits reusing an existing side sewer for new or converted units unless it's shown to be sound, by a certified test or by rehabilitation. A sewer serving two or more units has a 6-inch minimum size (SMC 21.16.240; SPU).
Townhome rows can share a side sewer. SPU explains that owners share maintenance and repair responsibility from the point where their pipes join, and that a recorded easement or joint-use agreement may set the terms (SPU).
Older homes in north Ballard, Sunset Hill and Loyal Heights
In pre-1960 houses, the side sewer defects SPU describes are the ones to look for: roots at unsealed joints in older concrete and clay pipe, exposed aggregate in concrete pipe, sags and offset joints (SPU). SPU recommends inspecting at least every 8–10 years, or every 2–3 years with large trees nearby (SPU).
Recurring main-line clogs in these homes are worth a camera inspection after the line is cleared. It shows whether you’re looking at maintenance cleaning or a repair.
Fewer slide areas, but storms still matter
Compared with Magnolia and Queen Anne, our ECA map query found far fewer mapped known-slide features around Ballard, though the maps still show steep-slope areas in parts of the neighborhood. The more common Ballard problem is winter storms: SPU notes heavy rain can overload sewers, and any blockage in a side sewer raises the risk of a backup (SDCI ECA code; SPU).
Reaching Ballard
Ballard is across the Ship Canal from Magnolia, reached over the Ballard Bridge from Interbay. If you’re in Sunset Hill, Loyal Heights, Whittier Heights or Crown Hill, call 206-593-3737 with your address and we’ll talk through scheduling.
Parts of Ballard we cover
Central Ballard, Sunset Hill, Loyal Heights, Whittier Heights, West Woodland, Adams, and Crown Hill.
Plumbing and sewer services in Ballard
- Sewer Repair: from pre-1940 bungalows in 98117 to newer 98107 townhomes
- Side Sewer Repair & Replacement: converting a lot to more units can trigger SMC 21.16.240 testing or rehab of an existing side sewer
- Trenchless Sewer Repair
- Sewer Camera Inspection: especially for 98117 homes, 60% built before 1960
- Drain Cleaning: from bungalow main lines to townhome stacks
- Hydro Jetting: grease-prone kitchen lines in multifamily and mixed-use buildings
- Water Heater Repair: townhome and condo units with tight closets
- Water Heater Replacement: tight spaces and venting limits in townhomes, which affect heat-pump units too
- Leak Repair: from bungalows to newer construction
- Emergency Plumbing: sewer backups and burst pipes
Ballard plumbing questions
Can a new townhome use the old house’s side sewer?
Only under conditions. Seattle’s side sewer code (SMC 21.16.240) limits reusing an existing side sewer for new or converted units unless it’s shown to be sound by a certified test, or rehabilitated. A sewer serving two or more units needs at least a 6-inch pipe.
How old are the homes in north Ballard?
Census estimates for ZIP 98117 put the median year built at 1950, with about 60% of housing units built before 1960.
Our townhomes share a side sewer. Who fixes it?
SPU says owners share responsibility for the shared section, from where the pipes join to the main. Check for a recorded easement or joint-use agreement.
Nearby neighborhoods
Need a plumber in Ballard?
Call 206-593-3737, or send us a request online and we’ll get back to you.