The 5 Most Common Plumbing Repairs

Thomas S.

Do you ever find yourself wondering if other people have the same “bad luck” with their faucets, showers, and toilets that you do? Surely you’re not the only one right? Right! We all have plumbing issues, and if you’re a homeowner, it’s handy to know a quick fix.

When you have a sudden plumbing issue or finally get tired of the same problem over and over again, you can try to fix it yourself or call All City Plumbers, your 24-hour emergency plumbing contractors right here in Birmingham, AL.

We’ve been serving and servicing families like yours for years, so what are the most common plumbing repairs we’ve seen? And what should you do if these issues come up at your house?

Fixing a running toilet

This is not too bad of a plumbing issue to have because it’s a common one with a simple, mess-free repair that you’ll most likely be able to do yourself. Toilets have a system inside the tank that’s responsible for stopping and starting the flow of water when it’s time to flush. Over time, these parts can wear down or even break. Sometimes, they’re merely stuck or jammed. So before you give us a call or go buy a new toilet, take the lid off of the tank behind the bowl and check the chain to see if it got caught. Adjust any problems you see, and see if that resolves the problem. Don’t forget to turn off the water to your toilet using the shutoff valve under the bowl if you plan on working on the inside of the tank.

If you need to replace the flapper valve system, you can find them at pretty much any home improvement store. Just make sure to take the old one with you and write down your toilet brand so you can try to get the closest match. The replacement process may only take 15 minutes or so! If you run into any problems though, you know who to call !

Correcting leaky faucets

Leaking = losing money (and no one wants that). If the faucet in your kitchen or bathroom is leaking, it needs to be stopped as soon as possible so you don’t keep losing water and money on your water bill. If you don’t have time or have somewhere to be, give us a call and we’ll be happy to come fix it for you.

Usually, a leaking faucet means something isn’t sealed correctly or has come loose. You can try removing the end of the head of the faucet (if possible) and check to see if the seal is still intact or needs to be replaced. If that’s not the problem, check the pipes under the sink to see if there’s a loose joint in the pipes. When in doubt, give us a call !

Unclogging drains

We’ve all been there…the tub starts filling up while you’re showering or the sink won’t drain all the way. There’s most likely a clogged pipe. There, of course, are several ways to handle this. You can go with the safest, but the grossest option and try to fish out the wad of hair or gunk causing the backup. You can use a drain snake or even an unraveled clothes hanger to accomplish this. Another successful option is to use drain chemicals, however, keep in mind that they can cause damage to your pipes over time with regular use. If clogged drains are a recurring problem, contact us so we can help you get to the bottom of the issue. A good way to avoid clogged drains is to use drain screens. Read more about clogged drains in a previous blog post here .

Repairing a leaky water heater

When dealing with larger appliances like water heaters, it’s best to leave it to the professionals. This isn’t a repair you’ll want to tackle yourself without some training or education. If you notice a drop in water temperature or a total lack of hot water, don’t put it off, go ahead and call us so we can go ahead and get it fixed for you so you can go back to enjoying a hot shower or washing your clothes in the right temperature.

If you have a significant leak that’s starting to cause damage or flood an area of your house, we are your 24-hour emergency plumbing contractors and we’re here for you in Birmingham, AL, and surrounding areas, so contact us at any time!

When do you have to call All City Plumbers?

Some issues are too dangerous or complicated to tackle alone. Allow us to handle the following tasks for your safety and the integrity of your home:

Installation of new pipes or equipment
Water heater problems
Septic tank connection leaks (the parts between your house and the tank)
Sewer line leaks

If you’re dealing with any of the above issues, are struggling with a DIY repair, or need 24-hour emergency plumbing contractors in Birmingham, AL, contact 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.