3 HUGE Reasons Why You Should Choose A Licensed Plumber

Charles K.

When you have a plumbing crisis in your home- whether that’s a clogged pipe or a major leak- it’s crucial to hire a licensed plumber. You may be tempted to hire a handyman or ask for help from a family member or friend. While they may be willing to help, we’re talking about a major component of your home and the wrong equipment or lack of experience could end up escalating the issue and costing you money. Our licensed plumbers have the right experience, tools, and equipment to complete almost any plumbing services in and surrounding communities. We’re not trying to hate on your handyman or cousin, we’re only trying to point out the necessity for a professional to handle something as serious as the plumbing system in your home. Here are 5 reasons why you should go with a licensed All City Plumbers plumber instead of a handyman:

1. Qualification and Knowledge

Being a plumber requires a license and/or certain certifications through the Alabama Plumbers and Gas Fitters Examining Board and sometimes even locally. Training requirements vary from state to state, but you can be sure of one thing- a certified plumber is more qualified than an unlicensed plumber. Additionally, they’ve spent hours and hours working as apprentices to learn the best (and right) practices.

Alabama has 3 different plumbing certifications- apprentice, journeyman, and master. Getting a Journeyman certification requires 2 years of being an apprentice under a Journeyman or Master Plumber. And a Master Plumber must be a Journeyman plumber for at least a year to be able to take the test.

In addition, licensed plumbers undergo ongoing training to stay up-to-date with the newest products and technologies, unlike your friend or family member. They’re also aware of building codes and will make sure all plumbing work carried out on your property is in accordance with state and county regulations. So it’s clear to see that a licensed plumber has been properly tested, trained, and prepared for any plumbing problem.

2. Legal Permission

A plumbing license certifies that the plumber is properly educated and trained, and it also certifies that they are legally allowed to provide plumbing services. Here in Alabama, you must be licensed to perform any type of plumbing work. If you hire a handyman or your uncle, it’s not necessarily illegal, but if you come across a company that’s not licensed, you need to ask yourself if it is worth the risk to hire them if they couldn’t pass the requirements to get their license.

3. Insurance

This one is so so important- an unlicensed plumber, plumbing company, or your friend who likes plumbing stuff, will be uninsured. “Uninsured” equals “liability” — you’ll be liable to pay medical bills and lost wages if they get injured while working on your property. Similarly, if something happens to your plumbing system or home due to the uninsured party. Hopefully you have good coverage… On the other hand, licensed plumbers are insured and carry liability coverage so you won’t have to worry about anything, should something happen to your property or to the contractor. Typically, licensure requires a minimum general liability insurance for plumbing contractors. It’s always okay to ask for proof of insurance before work begins.

Trust Our Licensed Team for Plumbing Services in Birmingham, AL

Since whoever you’ve hired for plumbing work will take care of the important parts of your home- pipes, water heaters, toilets, and drains- you can’t ignore the importance of hiring a good, licensed company. The benefits of hiring a licensed plumber over an unlicensed one are clear. When making the important decision on who to hire, consider licensure and insurance first! You’ll be glad you did!

So go ahead and give us a call at 855-266-7682 for any of your residential or commercial plumbing needs, because you already know you can trust our licensed and insured team at All City Plumbers.

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Bathroom Water Hammer Explained and How to Stop the Loud Banging?

by Hadi Masood • 30 January 2026

Unpack bathroom water hammer—causes like sudden valve closures and high pressure—and learn proven fixes like arrestors and PRVs for silent pipes.

What Makes Showers Suddenly Run Cold and How to Prevent It?

by Hadi Masood • 30 January 2026

Nothing disrupts a morning routine like a shower turning icy midstream, leaving you shivering and frustrated. This common issue stems from imbalances in your home's plumbing and heating systems, often triggered by everyday usage patterns or overlooked maintenance. Understanding the root causes empowers homeowners to diagnose problems swiftly and implement lasting fixes. This guide delves into the mechanics behind sudden temperature drops, explores diagnostic techniques, and outlines prevention strategies to keep your showers consistently warm. Common Causes of Sudden Cold Showers Sudden cold water in showers typically arises from water heater malfunctions or plumbing disruptions. Sediment buildup in tank-style heaters insulates the burner or element, causing inconsistent heating—over time, minerals from hard water accumulate at the bottom, reducing efficiency and leading to temperature fluctuations during peak demand. Similarly, a failing dip tube in the heater fails to direct cold incoming water to the top for proper mixing, so hot water depletes faster than it replenishes. High demand elsewhere in the home exacerbates this; simultaneous use of washing machines, dishwashers, or multiple faucets dilutes hot water supply. Pressure imbalances from clogged aerators or faulty mixing valves can also shift temperatures abruptly. In larger households, undersized heaters struggle with back-to-back usage, mimicking a sudden cold blast. Diagnosing Water Heater Problems Start diagnosis by checking the water heater's thermostat setting—most should hover between 120 and 140 degrees Fahrenheit for safety and performance. Listen for unusual noises like popping or rumbling, hallmarks of sediment; if present, a professional flush resolves it. Test the heating element in electric models with a multimeter for continuity, or inspect the gas burner for a weak blue flame indicating dirty components. Expansion tanks play a crucial role here—they mount on the cold water inlet to absorb thermal expansion pressure, preventing relief valve drips that signal overpressure and potential cold surges. Without one, especially in closed-loop systems, heaters cycle inefficiently, dropping output temperatures. Monitor the pressure relief valve; frequent activation points to expansion issues. For tankless units, error codes on the display often pinpoint flow sensors or igniters as culprits. Identifying Plumbing and Pipe Issues Plumbing beyond the heater often hides the problem. Reverse flow from check valves or backflow preventers can introduce cold water into hot lines, especially if sediment clogs them. Undersized pipes struggle with volume, causing pressure drops that chill the stream. Air locks from recent repairs trap bubbles, disrupting flow until purged by running all hot taps sequentially. Leaky fixtures upstream siphon hot water unnoticed, leading to sudden cools. Inspect for hidden corrosion in galvanized pipes, which narrows passages over time. All City Plumbers emphasize tracing lines with a pipe camera for blockages invisible to the eye, revealing scale or debris that starves the showerhead. The Impact of Water Pressure Fluctuations Pressure swings directly affect shower temperature consistency. Municipal supply variations, like nighttime boosts or peak-hour drops, strain home systems. Faulty pressure regulators fail to stabilize incoming force, overwhelming the heater. Clogged showerheads or aerators restrict hot flow while cold rushes in unchecked. In multi-story homes, gravity amplifies upper-floor issues, where thinner pipes can't maintain velocity. Install a whole-house pressure gauge to baseline readings—ideal is 50-80 PSI. Fluctuations beyond this trigger mixing valve failures, designed to blend water but prone to wear. Step-by-Step Fixes for Cold Showers Addressing the issue begins with simple resets. Flush the water heater by attaching a hose to the drain valve and running it until clear, refilling slowly to avoid air pockets. Clean aerators by soaking in vinegar overnight, then reinstall for restored balance. Insulate exposed pipes with foam sleeves to minimize heat loss in unheated spaces. For persistent problems, replace the dip tube or upgrade to a higher-capacity heater. Adding or servicing expansion tanks restores pressure equilibrium. Test post-fix by timing recovery—hot water should resume within 30 seconds of demand spikes. Preventive Maintenance Strategies Prevention hinges on routine care. Annually flush tank heaters and descale tankless ones to banish sediment. Set programmable schedules to avoid simultaneous high-demand usage, staggering laundry and showers. Install low-flow fixtures that ease heater load without sacrificing pressure. Prepare your plumbing before vacations by shutting off the water main, draining lines, and setting the heater to pilot mode—this averts stagnant water growth and pressure builds during absence. Water softeners combat mineral buildup in hard-water areas, extending system life. Upgrading for Long-Term Reliability Consider modern solutions like on-demand tankless heaters, which heat water instantly without standby losses, eliminating cold-start woes. Hybrid heat pump models offer efficiency gains up to 300 percent. Whole-home recirculation pumps deliver instant hot water, minimizing waste and temperature dips. Smart thermostats monitor usage patterns, adjusting preemptively. Pair with pressure-balancing shower valves that auto-compensate for fluctuations, ensuring steady warmth. Conclusion Sudden cold showers disrupt more than comfort—they signal underlying issues that, if ignored, escalate to costly repairs. By pinpointing causes from heater sediment to pressure imbalances and embracing proactive maintenance, you safeguard reliable performance year-round. Implementing these strategies not only restores blissfully warm showers but also boosts energy efficiency and system longevity for peace of mind.