You don’t have to wait for a hard freeze to experience serious plumbing problems. In fact, some of the most damaging pipe failures in Birmingham happen during mild cold spells — or even before the cold arrives — all because early warning signs were missed.
At Stephens Plumbing, we help homeowners catch issues early before they turn into expensive emergencies. If you’ve ever had to call an emergency plumber in Birmingham in the dead of winter, you know how stressful it can be. Here’s how to spot trouble before it strikes.
Warning Sign #1: Unusual Sounds in Your Plumbing
Banging, gurgling, or whistling sounds inside your walls may be more than just annoying — they can indicate air pockets, pipe movement, or pressure problems that often lead to leaks. These noises are especially common when outdoor temperatures start to shift.
Have a licensed plumber in Birmingham check for loose or uninsulated pipes before they crack under pressure.
Warning Sign #2: Slower Water Flow Than Usual
If your water pressure drops in one or more fixtures — especially in the morning or after using multiple appliances — it could be a sign of narrowing pipes, buildup, or a partial freeze starting to form. This can happen even before temperatures reach the 30s, particularly in shaded crawlspaces or exterior walls.
Stephens Plumbing offers full inspections to pinpoint the cause and prevent full-blown clogs or burst lines.
Warning Sign #3: A Musty Smell That Won’t Go Away
Don’t blame the dog or the garbage disposal too quickly. If there’s a persistent damp, earthy smell around sinks, baseboards, or walls, you might have a hidden leak that’s been slowly growing.
Our team uses advanced leak detection tools to identify trouble spots — without tearing up your home. It’s one of the most common calls we get this time of year.
Warning Sign #4: Outdoor Spigots or Hose Bibs Still Connected
This one’s more preventable than diagnostic — but if your outdoor hose is still attached in December, you could already be risking damage. Water trapped inside outdoor faucets or improperly winterized pipes can expand and crack even before a deep freeze.
We recommend disconnecting all hoses, draining outdoor lines, and having a plumber check for signs of pressure backup if you forgot to do this earlier.
Warning Sign #5: You’re Using Old or DIY Gas Lines
This one’s critical — if you’ve ever done a DIY gas appliance hookup, used flexible connections from a hardware store, or have an older home with aging lines, it’s time for a professional gas inspection.
Stephens Plumbing offers certified gas fitting services in Birmingham to make sure your lines are safe, secure, and code-compliant — especially before the holidays when demand increases.
Don’t Wait Until You Have a Burst Pipe or Gas Leak
Plumbing issues rarely show up out of nowhere. They almost always leave a trail of early signs — if you know what to look for. If any of these warning signs sound familiar, the safest move is to call Stephens Plumbing for a professional inspection before the coldest months hit.
We’re one of the most trusted plumbers in Birmingham AL, providing emergency repairs, gas fitting, water heater services, and leak detection for homeowners and businesses alike.
Full-Service Help, Right When You Need It
- Emergency plumbing available 24/7
- Leak detection and slab leak repair
- Gas line inspections and fitting
- Water heater maintenance and replacement
- Sewer and drain diagnostics
- Residential and commercial plumbing
Our team is fast, licensed, and local — and we treat your home like our own. If you need a plumber in Birmingham this December, Stephens Plumbing is ready to help.
