Jefferson County · Birmingham, AL
Plumbers in Birmingham, AL
Birmingham is in Jefferson County, Alabama. About 496,000 people live in the 61 ZIP codes we cover here, in roughly 236,000 homes, 63% 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
- 61 ZIP codes covered
ZIP codes we cover in Birmingham
35201, 35202, 35203, 35204, 35205, 35206, 35207, 35208, 35209, 35210, 35211, 35212, 35213, 35214, 35215, 35216, 35217, 35219, 35220, 35221, 35222, 35223, 35224, 35226, 35228, 35229, 35231, 35232, 35233, 35234, 35235, 35236, 35237, 35238, 35242, 35243, 35244, 35246, 35249, 35253, 35254, 35255, 35259, 35260, 35261, 35266, 35270, 35282, 35283, 35285, 35287, 35288, 35290, 35291, 35292, 35293, 35294, 35295, 35296, 35297, 35298
Birmingham homes and their plumbing
Here is how Birmingham's homes break down by year built, based on Census estimates for the covered ZIP codes: before 1940 9%, 1940–1959 17%, 1960–1979 29%, 1980–1999 24%, 2000 or later 20%. 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 | 9% |
| 1940–1959 | 17% |
| 1960–1979 | 29% |
| 1980–1999 | 24% |
| 2000 or later | 20% |
Share of housing units in the covered ZIP codes. Census ACS 2023 5-year estimates.
- Residents in covered ZIPs
- 495,688
- Housing units
- 236,055
- Single-family detached
- 63%
- Owner-occupied
- 59%
- Heated with utility gas
- 50%
- Heated with electricity
- 47%
What goes wrong in Birmingham homes
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.
Pre-1960 homes: galvanized pipe and cast iron
27% of homes in Birmingham'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.
Natural gas in most homes
50% 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 Birmingham
- Sewer Camera Inspection
- Whole-House Repiping
- Gas Line Repair
- Water Heater Replacement
- Drain Cleaning
- Main Water Line Repair
- Sewer Line Repair
Also available in Birmingham: emergency plumbing and every plumbing service.
Birmingham at a glance
- County
- Jefferson County
- ZIP codes
- 35201, 35202, 35203, 35204, 35205, 35206, 35207, 35208, 35209, 35210, 35211, 35212, 35213, 35214, 35215, 35216, 35217, 35219, 35220, 35221, 35222, 35223, 35224, 35226, 35228, 35229, 35231, 35232, 35233, 35234, 35235, 35236, 35237, 35238, 35242, 35243, 35244, 35246, 35249, 35253, 35254, 35255, 35259, 35260, 35261, 35266, 35270, 35282, 35283, 35285, 35287, 35288, 35290, 35291, 35292, 35293, 35294, 35295, 35296, 35297, 35298
Birmingham plumbing FAQ
How old are the homes in Birmingham?
In the ZIP codes we cover around Birmingham, Census estimates put 27% of homes as built before 1960, 29% from 1960 to 1979, 24% from 1980 to 1999 and 20% in 2000 or later. The largest group is 1960–1979 (29%).
Who licenses plumbers in Birmingham, 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 Birmingham usually gas or electric?
Census data for the area show 50% of homes heating with utility gas, 47% 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 Birmingham homeowners
Nearby areas
Also covered nearby: Dolomite (0 mi), Fultondale (6 mi), Alton (8 mi), Fairfield (8 mi), Brookside (10 mi), Gardendale (10 mi), Mulga (10 mi), New Castle (10 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 Birmingham, so they may include neighboring communities that share those ZIP codes.
Need a plumber in Birmingham?
Same-day service when a plumber is available. One call connects you with a licensed plumber who serves your ZIP.