Lakewood, WA

The typical problems of aging pipes are compounded in Lakewood by three unique local factors. Our service approach is built around mitigating these high-risk scenarios.

A. Water Quality & The JBLM Impact: Addressing PFAS

The health and safety of Lakewood's water supply are paramount. A major and ongoing challenge is the presence of Per- and Poly-fluoroalkyl Substances (PFAS) detected in some of the local groundwater wells.

• The Source: The PFAS chemicals originate primarily from historical use of firefighting foam (AFFF) at nearby Joint Base Lewis-McChord (JBLM), which has contaminated local groundwater sources.
• The Utility Response: The Lakewood Water District (LWD) has taken proactive steps, including taking contaminated wells offline, drilling new wells, and constructing advanced filtration systems to manage the issue.
• The Homeowner Risk: While the LWD is working diligently, many residents remain concerned about long-term water quality. Furthermore, service lines—the pipe running from the main line to your home—can be old and prone to contamination risks.
  Our Solution: Custom Water Filtration and Testing. We provide certified water quality testing to give you peace of mind. For the ultimate safeguard, we install comprehensive, whole-house water filtration systems and specialized reverse osmosis units designed to treat the specific contaminants found in the Lakewood area, ensuring your family has access to the cleanest possible drinking water. Learn more about our solutions on our Water Quality & Treatment page.

B. Legacy Infrastructure & Pipe Corrosion

Lakewood boasts a substantial inventory of older homes, many built mid-century, which means their original plumbing systems are well past their expected lifespan.

• Corroding Water Lines: Much of the plumbing installed before the 1960s—including the city’s old Asbestos Cement (AC) water mains and many residential service lines—are prone to rust, corrosion, and internal mineral buildup. This leads to common home issues like sudden drops in water pressure, discolored or rusty water, and frequent, catastrophic leaks.
  Our Solution: Whole-House Repiping. If your home suffers from chronic low pressure or multiple leaks, the most permanent solution is a whole-house repipe. We replace old, failing galvanized steel or lead pipes with modern, highly durable PEX or copper lines, immediately restoring pressure and water clarity.
• Vulnerable Sewer Laterals: The pipes connecting your home to the municipal sewer line—known as the sewer lateral—are the homeowner’s sole responsibility in Lakewood. These lines, often made of brittle clay or cast iron, are susceptible to failure.
  • Tree Root Intrusion: Homes near large, mature trees often experience severe blockages as tree roots seek out the joints of old sewer pipes for water and nutrients.
  • Structural Failures: Soil shifting and the sheer age of the pipes lead to cracks, breaks, and pipe "bellies" (sags where waste accumulates).
• Our Solution: Trenchless Sewer Repair. We specialize in minimizing disruption. Our Trenchless Sewer Repair methods, like pipe lining and pipe bursting, allow us to replace or rehabilitate your broken sewer lateral without excavating your entire yard, driveway, or landscape—providing a permanent, root-proof solution faster and cleaner than traditional digging.

C. Lakefront Living: Septic Systems and Environmental Compliance

For properties surrounding American Lake and Steilacoom Lake, as well as other rural areas of Lakewood, private septic systems remain a vital necessity. Environmental stewardship is critical here, making regular maintenance mandatory.

• Mandatory Inspections: Pierce County health regulations require regular maintenance and evaluation for all on-site sewage systems (OSS). Conventional gravity systems must be evaluated by a licensed professional at least every three years, while most other advanced systems require a yearly inspection.

High Groundwater Risk: The close proximity to the lakes and high water table can increase the risk of septic system flooding or pump failure, which can lead to contamination of the groundwater and nearby surface water.
Our Solution: Certified Septic Services. Our technicians are licensed Operation & Maintenance (O&M) Specialists for the region. We provide routine Septic System Pumping & Inspections to ensure compliance, system longevity, and environmental safety. We also offer emergency repairs for pumps and drain fields, especially crucial during high water events.