Jefferson County · Birmingham metro
Plumbing help in Birmingham, AL
Older PipesFreeze Risk
Birmingham's hilly older neighborhoods have a lot of mid-century housing: about 70% predates 1980. Clay soils, big trees, heavy storms and aging sewer laterals shape local plumbing, with water drawn from the Cahaba River and Lake Purdy.
- Median home built
- 1964
- Built before 1980
- 70%
- Owner-occupied
- 47%
- Water hardness
- See below
- Winter
- Occasional hard freezes
- Plumbing code
- State code
The plumbing calls that come up most in Birmingham
- Sewer Line Repair
Tree roots and clay soils damage older laterals.
- Sewer Backup
Heavy storms overwhelm sewers in low areas.
- Repiping
Mid-century homes often have galvanized supply lines.
What's behind the walls of Birmingham's older homes
The median home in Birmingham was built in 1964, and 70% of homes predate 1980. Homes from that era were typically built with copper or galvanized supply, cast iron drains, clay or cast iron sewer laterals.
- Galvanized steel supply (1900–1960)
- Copper supply (1950–2000)
- Polybutylene (some homes) (1978–1996)
- PEX / CPVC (1995–today)
Emergency plumbing in Birmingham
Call (833) 878-1592Shut off your main water supply if it's safe to do so. The emergencies below are listed most likely first for Birmingham homes, based on local conditions.
Plumbing code and permits in Birmingham
Plumbers in Birmingham must be certified by the Alabama Plumbers and Gas Fitters Examining Board. [2]
Where Birmingham's water comes from
Birmingham's water is drawn from sources including the Cahaba River and Lake Purdy, treated at plants such as the Shades Mountain Filter Plant. [1]
When Birmingham gets a hard freeze
Occasional hard freezes · 70% of Birmingham homes were built before 1980
Heavy rain and storms
Plumbing services for Birmingham homes
Birmingham plumbing questions
Where does Birmingham's water come from?
Sources including the Cahaba River and Lake Purdy, treated at plants such as the Shades Mountain Filter Plant.
How do I check a Birmingham plumber?
Verify the certification with the Alabama Plumbers and Gas Fitters Examining Board.
Why do Birmingham sewer lines clog with roots?
Older clay laterals and large trees are a common combination. Roots enter at the joints and grow.
Do Birmingham pipes freeze?
Occasionally. Hard freezes are infrequent, but when they come they catch crawl-space and exterior-wall pipes. Insulate exposed lines and drip faucets on the coldest nights.
What should I do if storms back sewage into my basement?
Stop using water, keep people away from the sewage and call a plumber. A backwater valve can prevent repeats. See sewer backup.
Sources (3)
- U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 2024 1-year (B25035) · checked 2026-10-01
- Birmingham Water Works (Central Alabama Water), Your Water · checked 2026-10-01
- Alabama Plumbers and Gas Fitters Examining Board · checked 2026-10-01