July in Birmingham means long, hot days, family gatherings, and higher water use across the board. From watering the lawn to running extra loads of laundry and hosting weekend cookouts, your plumbing is working harder than usual. And when plumbing systems get overloaded, problems can show up fast.
If you’re dealing with strange smells, slow drains, or unexpected spikes in your water bill, it might be time to call in the professionals. Stephens Plumbing has been serving the Birmingham area for over 25 years, and summer is one of the busiest seasons for our crew. Here’s why.
Increased Water Usage Can Stress Your Plumbing System
July typically brings the highest water use of the year, which means more pressure on older pipes, water heaters, and fixtures. If you’ve noticed lower water pressure, running toilets, or leaky faucets, those small issues could be signs of a bigger problem waiting to surface.
Leaking faucets and toilets can waste thousands of gallons per year, and those costs add up quickly. Stephens Plumbing offers full diagnostic services to help homeowners identify hidden leaks, worn parts, or water heater inefficiencies. Keeping your plumbing system in top shape can save you money and prevent bigger headaches down the line.
Sewer Line Issues Are Common in Summer
You might not expect it, but summer can be a prime time for sewer problems. Higher temperatures can accelerate the breakdown of organic material, leading to unpleasant odors or even backups — especially in older Birmingham homes with aging sewer lines.
If you notice foul smells near drains, gurgling toilets, or water pooling in your yard, it may be time for a sewer inspection. Our team can pinpoint the issue with minimal disruption using modern camera inspection and trenchless repair methods.
Leak Detection is Essential Before It Gets Worse
Slab leaks and pipe leaks aren’t always obvious — especially in the summer when AC condensation or lawn irrigation can mask the signs. But small leaks left unchecked can lead to foundation issues, mold, and structural damage.
Our professional leak detection in Birmingham uses non-invasive tools to locate leaks before they cause major damage. Even if you’re not seeing clear signs, we recommend an inspection if your water bill suddenly jumps or you hear water running when no fixtures are on.
Gas Fitting Projects Are Popular in Summer
Summer is one of the best times to upgrade or install gas-powered appliances, especially for homeowners looking to improve outdoor living spaces or make their homes more energy-efficient. From new gas grills to full appliance conversions, Stephens Plumbing provides safe, licensed gas fitting services throughout Birmingham.
Whether you’re remodeling your kitchen or simply adding a feature to your backyard, it’s essential that gas lines are installed or adjusted by professionals who understand both local code and long-term safety.
Some of the most common gas fitting projects we see during the summer include:
Installing outdoor gas grills or kitchen setups
Say goodbye to propane tanks. Hard-piped gas lines offer a safer and more reliable grilling experience.Upgrading gas water heaters
Summer is an ideal time to replace older units before the demand for hot water increases in fall and winter.Connecting natural gas to fire pits or patio heaters
Great for homeowners planning late summer gatherings or looking to extend patio use into the fall.Hooking up new gas ranges or ovens during kitchen remodels
Cooking with gas is faster, more responsive, and preferred by many chefs — and summer renovations make it a great time to switch.Inspecting and repairing existing gas lines
If you smell gas or suspect a leak, Stephens Plumbing can inspect and secure your gas lines for peace of mind.
Proper installation and inspection are key for long-term safety. The U.S. Department of Energy offers additional guidelines for safe installation and use of gas appliances, and our team ensures all work meets or exceeds those standards.
Emergencies Don’t Take a Summer Break
From burst outdoor spigots to broken washing machine hoses, plumbing emergencies don’t care what season it is. That’s why Stephens Plumbing offers emergency plumbing in Birmingham — so you’re covered any time, day or night.
Whether it’s a sudden backup, flooding, or a dangerous gas leak, our licensed professionals are ready to respond quickly and get the situation under control.
The Conclusion
Stephens Plumbing is proud to serve the Birmingham community with honest advice, expert service, and a commitment to doing things right the first time. If this summer has brought new plumbing challenges — or if you simply want to prevent them — our team is here to help.
Want to know more about the state’s water quality guidelines or general plumbing codes? You can check Alabama’s drinking water safety standards for more context.
With decades of experience, affordable rates, and fast emergency response, it’s easy to see why Stephens Plumbing remains one of the most trusted plumbers in Birmingham, AL.
