Plumbing and Sewer Service in Fremont

Fremont’s housing, by era

The median year built in 98103 is 1970, but that average hides a split. About a third of units are pre-war and 27.8% date from 2000 or later, much of it townhomes and apartments. Plumbing in the older houses and the newer buildings looks very different.

Source: U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 2020–2024 5-year estimates, tables B25034 & B25035.

Pre-war houses: what to check

• The side sewer. SPU says older concrete and clay pipes without watertight joints are especially at risk for roots, and exposed aggregate is a common, critical defect in concrete pipe (SPU). Scope it before buying, and every 8–10 years after (SPU).
• Supply piping. Older houses may still have galvanized steel supply lines, which corrode from the inside and lose pressure. See leak and pipe repair.
• Cast iron drains. Original cast iron stacks and horizontal runs can crack or rust through.
• Water heater location and venting. Basement water heaters vented into old chimneys may need venting work at replacement, and replacements now need a Public Health permit (Public Health).

Trees and side sewers

Roots are one of the most common side sewer problems SPU describes. SPU also points out that a tree's roots can extend up to twice its height, so removing a tree usually won't fix a root problem; regular scoping and cleaning, or a repair that seals the joints, will (SPU). Owners are responsible for roots up to and within the connection to the City main.

Newer townhomes and apartments

In newer buildings, calls are mostly about water heaters, fixture leaks, and kitchen or bath drain clogs. If several townhomes share a side sewer, SPU’s shared-responsibility rule applies from where the pipes join. Check for a recorded easement or joint-use agreement before any repair.

Reaching Fremont

Fremont is a short drive from Magnolia across the Ship Canal. Call 206-593-3737 with your address and a short description of the problem to book.

Parts of Fremont we cover

Fremont, the Fremont hillside up toward Phinney Ridge, and the Fremont–Wallingford border near Stone Way N.

Plumbing and sewer services in Fremont

• Sewer Repair: a third of 98103 housing predates 1940
• Side Sewer Repair & Replacement: shared side sewers are worth checking on older narrow lots
• Trenchless Sewer Repair
• Sewer Camera Inspection: 34.7% of 98103 housing units were built before 1940
• Drain Cleaning: kitchen and main-line clogs in pre-war homes
• Hydro Jetting: root maintenance for older 98103 side sewers
• Water Heater Repair: gas and electric tanks in older 98103 homes
• Water Heater Replacement: basement replacements in pre-war homes
• Leak Repair: galvanized and cast iron in pre-war houses
• Emergency Plumbing: backups and leaks in 98103 homes

Nearby neighborhoods

• Ballard
• Queen Anne
• Interbay
• Magnolia (home base)

All neighborhoods we serve