Jefferson County · Bessemer, AL
Plumbers in Bessemer, AL
Bessemer is in Jefferson County, Alabama. About 75,000 people live in the 3 ZIP codes we cover here, in roughly 33,000 homes, 80% of them single-family detached houses. The biggest share of the housing was built between 1960 and 1979 (29%), and that age decides most of what goes wrong with the plumbing.
- Same-day service when a plumber is available
- 3 ZIP codes covered
ZIP codes we cover in Bessemer
35020, 35022, 35023
Bessemer homes and their plumbing
Here is how Bessemer's homes break down by year built, based on Census estimates for the covered ZIP codes: before 1940 11%, 1940–1959 19%, 1960–1979 29%, 1980–1999 18%, 2000 or later 23%. With that many older homes, original galvanized supply pipe and cast iron or clay drains are still common, so leaks, rust and root intrusion come up often.
| Year built | Share of homes |
|---|---|
| Before 1940 | 11% |
| 1940–1959 | 19% |
| 1960–1979 | 29% |
| 1980–1999 | 18% |
| 2000 or later | 23% |
Share of housing units in the covered ZIP codes. Census ACS 2023 5-year estimates.
- Residents in covered ZIPs
- 74,518
- Housing units
- 32,744
- Single-family detached
- 80%
- Owner-occupied
- 72%
- Heated with utility gas
- 51%
- Heated with electricity
- 46%
What goes wrong in Bessemer homes
Pre-1960 homes: galvanized pipe and cast iron
30% of homes in Bessemer's covered ZIP codes were built before 1960. Houses that old often still have galvanized steel supply lines that rust closed from the inside, and cast iron or clay sewer pipe that cracks and lets roots in. Weak pressure at upstairs fixtures, brown water after a shutoff and slow drains are the usual clues. Typical fixes are whole-house repiping and a sewer camera inspection.
1960s and 70s homes reaching end of life
29% of the housing here dates from 1960 to 1979. Original copper supply lines in those homes are now 45 to 65 years old, and cast iron drains of that age scale up inside and crack. Seized shutoff valves, pinhole leaks and recurring main-line clogs are common calls. A camera inspection shows the condition of the sewer line before anyone digs.
Natural gas in most homes
51% of occupied homes here heat with utility gas, so gas water heaters, ranges and dryers are common. That means gas line extensions for new appliances, flexible connector replacements and venting checks when a water heater is swapped. If you smell gas, leave first and call the gas utility from outside. See gas line repair.
Common calls in Bessemer
- Whole-House Repiping in Bessemer, AL
- Sewer Camera Inspection
- Gas Line Repair
- Water Heater Replacement
- Drain Cleaning
- Main Water Line Repair
- Sewer Line Repair
Also available in Bessemer: emergency plumbing and every plumbing service.
Bessemer at a glance
- County
- Jefferson County
- ZIP codes
- 35020, 35022, 35023
Bessemer plumbing FAQ
How old are the homes in Bessemer?
In the ZIP codes we cover around Bessemer, Census estimates put 30% of homes as built before 1960, 29% from 1960 to 1979, 18% from 1980 to 1999 and 23% in 2000 or later. The largest group is 1960–1979 (29%).
Who licenses plumbers in Bessemer, AL?
The Alabama Plumbers and Gas Fitters Examining Board licenses plumbers and gas fitters, and its online search shows a license's status.
Are water heaters in Bessemer usually gas or electric?
Census data for the area show 51% of homes heating with utility gas, 46% with electricity. Water heaters often use the same fuel as the home's heat, so utility gas is the most common here, but check the label on your tank before you shop for a replacement.
Guides for Bessemer homeowners
Nearby areas
Also covered nearby: McCalla (6 mi), Mc Calla (6 mi), Adger (7 mi), Fairfield (8 mi), Helena (8 mi), Pleasant Grove (8 mi), Hoover (10 mi), Mulga (12 mi).
Housing, heating and population figures are US Census Bureau American Community Survey 2023 5-year estimates for the ZIP code areas we cover in Bessemer, so they may include neighboring communities that share those ZIP codes.
Need a plumber in Bessemer?
Same-day service when a plumber is available. One call connects you with a licensed plumber who serves your ZIP.