Plumbers in
Reading, PA
20 plumbers listed in Reading
Licensed plumbers in Reading handle everything from routine repairs and fixture installations to complex repiping and sewer line work. Whether you have an emergency leak or planning a bathroom renovation, Reading plumbers can help.
Plumbers in Reading at a glance
- 20 plumbers are listed in Reading, PA on Ratedeed.
- 17 of the 20 listings shown here include a phone number you can call directly.
- Listings cover 10 ZIP codes in and around Reading, including 19601, 19602, 19604, 19605, 19606, 19607.
Plumbers elsewhere in Pennsylvania: Pittsburgh (101), Philadelphia (76), Erie (24), Bethlehem (15), West Chester (13), Allentown (12)
Homes and plumbers in Reading: the local numbers
Housing in Reading
- Reading has about 36,032 homes (housing units).
- The typical (median) home was built in 1939 or earlier, at least 26 years older than the Pennsylvania median of 1965.
- 90% of homes were built before 1980 and 75% before 1960; 2% were built in 2010 or later.
- The median value of an owner-occupied home is $121,300.
- 41% of occupied homes are owner-occupied and 59% are rented.
- 12% of homes are single-family detached houses.
- The most common heating fuel is natural gas from a utility (54% of homes), followed by electricity (28%).
- The median home has 5.6 rooms.
- Median gross rent is $1,067 a month.
- That makes Reading's housing among the older stock in the country: the typical U.S. home was built in 1980.
- Home values run 52% below the Pennsylvania median of $254,500.
- Most occupied homes here are rented (59%), so tenants should get their landlord's approval before hiring anyone for repairs or alterations.
- Heating oil is far more common here than nationally: 14% of homes use it, against 4% across the U.S.
- Apartments, condos and attached homes make up most of the housing: only 12% of homes are detached houses, so many jobs involve building rules, shared walls or a condo board.
Older homes like the 90% of Reading homes built before 1980 were commonly plumbed with galvanized steel supply pipes and cast-iron drains, which corrode with age, so repiping and drain-line replacement are common jobs in older housing.
With most Reading homes on natural gas (54%), gas water heaters are common; replacing one involves venting and gas-connection work that is usually permitted and inspected.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, American Community Survey 2020–2024 5-year estimates (Reading, PA).
Plumbers workforce in the Reading, PA area
- Median hourly wage
- $29.99
- People employed
- 360
- In the Reading, PA metro area, plumbers, pipefitters, and steamfitters earned a median of $29.99 an hour ($62,370 a year) in May 2025, and the middle 80% earned $22.31–$48.92.
- About 360 people work in this occupation in the metro area.
- That is a lower share of local jobs than the national average (location quotient 0.70).
- These are what workers earn, not what plumbers charge: a contractor's hourly rate also covers insurance, licensing, vehicles, overhead and profit.
Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, May 2025 (Plumbers, Pipefitters, and Steamfitters).
Climate in Reading and what it means for plumbers
- The average temperature in Reading is 53°F; summer afternoons average 83°F and winter nights 24°F.
- It gets about 43 inches of precipitation a year.
- There are about 110 nights a year at or below freezing and about 15 days at 90°F or hotter.
- It is a heating-dominated climate: about 5,390 heating degree days a year against 895 cooling degree days.
With about 110 freezing nights a year, pipes in exterior walls, crawl spaces, garages and attics can freeze: insulate them, disconnect hoses in the fall, and know where the main water shut-off is.
Source: NOAA National Centers for Environmental Information, U.S. Climate Normals 1991–2020, Reading Spaatz Field station USW00014712 (3.3 km from the city centre).
Top Plumbers in Reading
Listings include contact details and service areas. Check licensing with your state board before hiring.
More plumbers elsewhere in Pennsylvania
Listed in other Pennsylvania cities, not in Reading.
Licensing and consumer protection in Pennsylvania
Pennsylvania does not license plumbers at the state level. Check that any plumber you hire is insured and registered where your city requires it, before you sign a contract or pay a deposit.
Who regulates this trade
No state licence for plumbers in Pennsylvania
Some cities and counties license plumbers; check with your municipality.
Insurance and workers' compensation
Registration required with the PA Attorney General under HICPA for contractors performing over $5,000 in home improvement work annually. Mandatory minimum of $50,000 in personal injury and property damage liability insurance.
Mechanic's lien protection
Pennsylvania mechanics liens for residential projects require a written notice of intent to file a lien sent to the homeowner at least 30 days before filing. The lien itself must be filed within 6 months of the last work performed. Residential property liens require a preliminary notice and cannot be filed on owner-occupied single-family residences unless the homeowner signed a contract specifically allowing it. Always review contracts carefully and collect lien waivers at each payment milestone.
What catches homeowners out in Pennsylvania
Pennsylvania's Home Improvement Consumer Protection Act (HICPA, 73 P.S. § 517.1 et seq.) requires any contractor performing home improvements exceeding $5,000 per year to register with the PA Attorney General and maintain at least $50,000 in liability insurance. The law strictly regulates contracts, requiring clear start and end dates, total cost, specifications, and a 3-day right of rescission. Unregistered contractors cannot legally enforce home improvement contracts in PA courts. Philadelphia and Pittsburgh enforce additional municipal trade certifications.
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about hiring contractors
How much do plumbers earn in the Reading area?
In the Reading, PA metro area, plumbers, pipefitters, and steamfitters earned a median of $29.99 an hour ($62,370 a year) in May 2025, and the middle 80% earned $22.31–$48.92. About 360 people work in this occupation in the metro area. That is a lower share of local jobs than the national average (location quotient 0.70). These are what workers earn, not what plumbers charge: a contractor's hourly rate also covers insurance, licensing, vehicles, overhead and profit. Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, May 2025.
How old are homes in Reading?
The typical home in Reading was built in 1939 or earlier, and 90% of homes were built before 1980. The median owner-occupied home is worth $121,300. Older homes like the 90% of Reading homes built before 1980 were commonly plumbed with galvanized steel supply pipes and cast-iron drains, which corrode with age, so repiping and drain-line replacement are common jobs in older housing. Source: U.S. Census Bureau, American Community Survey 2020–2024 5-year estimates.
What should I know about Reading's climate before hiring plumbers?
With about 110 freezing nights a year, pipes in exterior walls, crawl spaces, garages and attics can freeze: insulate them, disconnect hoses in the fall, and know where the main water shut-off is. The average temperature in Reading is 53°F; summer afternoons average 83°F and winter nights 24°F. It gets about 43 inches of precipitation a year. Source: NOAA National Centers for Environmental Information, U.S. Climate Normals 1991–2020.
How much does a plumber charge per hour in Reading?
Plumbing services in Reading typically cost $75–$150 per hour. Emergency calls usually carry a premium. Always request a written estimate before work begins.
Do plumbers in Reading offer emergency services?
Yes, many plumbers serving Reading offer 24/7 emergency services for issues like burst pipes, severe leaks, and sewer backups. Emergency response times in Reading typically range from 30 minutes to 2 hours depending on the provider and time of day. Expect to pay a premium for after-hours, weekend, and holiday emergency calls.
How do I find a licensed plumber near Reading?
To find a licensed plumber in Reading, check that they hold a valid PA plumbing license and carry adequate insurance. On Ratedeed, you can browse plumbers serving Reading, view credentials, and compare free quotes to find the right fit.
What's the average cost to fix a leaking pipe in Reading?
Fixing a leaking pipe in Reading typically costs $150–$450 for accessible pipes, while hidden leaks behind walls or slabs can cost $600–$2,500+ depending on detection and restoration requirements.
Do plumbers in PA need to be licensed?
Yes, in Pennsylvania, plumbers must hold a valid state-issued license to perform most plumbing work. This includes installing, repairing, and replacing pipes, fixtures, and water heaters. Always verify a plumber's license before hiring them in Reading. Where a contractor has provided license details, they appear on their profile; always confirm with the state board before hiring.
How quickly can a plumber respond to an emergency in Reading?
Most licensed plumbers in Reading offer emergency response within 30 minutes to 2 hours for urgent issues like burst pipes, gas leaks, or sewer backups. Contact your local water utility for major water main issues. Keep a list of emergency plumbers on hand to minimize damage from unexpected plumbing failures.
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