Madison County · Huntsville, AL
Plumbers in Huntsville, AL
Huntsville is in Madison County, Alabama. About 215,000 people live in the 12 ZIP codes we cover here, in roughly 101,000 homes, 64% of them single-family detached houses. The biggest share of the housing was built between 1960 and 1979 (33%), and that age decides most of what goes wrong with the plumbing.
- Same-day service when a plumber is available
- 12 ZIP codes covered
ZIP codes we cover in Huntsville
35801, 35802, 35803, 35804, 35805, 35806, 35808, 35810, 35811, 35816, 35824, 35896
Huntsville homes and their plumbing
Here is how Huntsville's homes break down by year built, based on Census estimates for the covered ZIP codes: before 1940 3%, 1940–1959 10%, 1960–1979 33%, 1980–1999 28%, 2000 or later 26%. Most homes are old enough that original pipe, valves and water heaters are wearing out, but young enough that full repipes are a case-by-case call.
| Year built | Share of homes |
|---|---|
| Before 1940 | 3% |
| 1940–1959 | 10% |
| 1960–1979 | 33% |
| 1980–1999 | 28% |
| 2000 or later | 26% |
Share of housing units in the covered ZIP codes. Census ACS 2023 5-year estimates.
- Residents in covered ZIPs
- 214,900
- Housing units
- 100,810
- Single-family detached
- 64%
- Owner-occupied
- 59%
- Heated with utility gas
- 24%
- Heated with electricity
- 74%
What goes wrong in Huntsville homes
1960s and 70s homes reaching end of life
33% 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.
Mostly electric homes
74% of occupied homes here heat with electricity, and electric tank water heaters are the norm. Failed elements and thermostats are repairable, but tanks that leak need replacement. Heat pump water heaters are an efficient replacement where there's space and airflow.
1980s and 90s construction and polybutylene
28% of homes were built between 1980 and 1999. Polybutylene supply pipe was installed widely in US homes from about 1978 to 1995, so houses from these years are worth checking for gray plastic pipe stamped PB2110, usually visible at the water heater or under sinks. Insurers and buyers often ask about it. See polybutylene replacement.
Common calls in Huntsville
- Sewer Camera Inspection
- Water Heater Replacement
- Polybutylene Pipe Replacement
- Drain Cleaning
- Main Water Line Repair
- Sewer Line Repair
Also available in Huntsville: emergency plumbing and every plumbing service.
Huntsville at a glance
- County
- Madison County
- ZIP codes
- 35801, 35802, 35803, 35804, 35805, 35806, 35808, 35810, 35811, 35816, 35824, 35896
Huntsville plumbing FAQ
How old are the homes in Huntsville?
In the ZIP codes we cover around Huntsville, Census estimates put 13% of homes as built before 1960, 33% from 1960 to 1979, 28% from 1980 to 1999 and 26% in 2000 or later. The largest group is 1960–1979 (33%).
Who licenses plumbers in Huntsville, 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 Huntsville usually gas or electric?
Census data for the area show 24% of homes heating with utility gas, 74% with electricity. Water heaters often use the same fuel as the home's heat, so electricity is the most common here, but check the label on your tank before you shop for a replacement.
Guides for Huntsville homeowners
Nearby areas
Also covered nearby: Brownsboro (0 mi), Normal (0 mi), Madison (7 mi), Harvest (13 mi), Meridianville (13 mi), Owens Cross Roads (13 mi), Toney (13 mi), Gurley (15 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 Huntsville, so they may include neighboring communities that share those ZIP codes.
Need a plumber in Huntsville?
Same-day service when a plumber is available. One call connects you with a licensed plumber who serves your ZIP.