Knightdale's public sewer is owned and operated by Raleigh Water, but the drains in your home and the line out to the public sewer are a private plumbing job. With most homes built since 2000, clogs here usually come from what goes down the drain rather than pipe failure. Call the number on this page to be connected with a local plumber in Knightdale.
What's under Knightdale homes
Knightdale merged its water and sewer system with Raleigh, so Raleigh Water now owns and runs all public water and sewer utilities in town. Problems in the public main go to them.
The housing is mostly new. Census survey data puts the median Knightdale home at 2008, with about 74% built since 2000 and only about 6% before 1980. Neighborhoods like Knightdale Station, Mingo Creek and Planter's Walk are almost all plastic drain pipe. That pipe doesn't rust, but it can still clog from grease, food waste, wipes and hair, and new yard lines sometimes settle into a low spot that holds solids.
The handful of older homes near the railroad-era downtown are a different story, with cast-iron or clay drains that may need a camera look if clogs keep coming back.
Yours or Raleigh Water's?
| Situation | Likely location | Who to call |
|---|---|---|
| One fixture slow | Branch line inside the house | A plumber |
| All drains slow, lowest backs up | Your private line to the public sewer | A plumber |
| Neighbors also backing up | Public main | Raleigh Water |
| Manhole or street overflowing | Public main | Raleigh Water |
Signs to watch for
- A shower that drains slower each week
- Gurgling from the toilet when the tub empties
- Kitchen sink backing up after the dishwasher runs
- Water around the base of a toilet on the lowest floor
- A sewer smell that doesn't go away after running water
Timing notes
A backed-up main line is worth calling about right away, since every flush or load of laundry adds to the overflow. A single slow sink can usually wait for a regular weekday visit. If a repair is needed, building and plumbing inspections in Knightdale are handled by Wake County Permits and Inspections on behalf of the Town.
A note for owners of very new homes: builders sometimes leave debris such as grout, drywall mud or caulk in drain lines, and the first clog in a new house can come from that. If your home is only a few years old and a line backs up with no obvious cause, mention it to the plumber, who may run a camera to check for debris or a sag in the yard line.
Drain Cleaning questions in Knightdale
How can I tell whether a backup is in my pipes or the public sewer?
Can a newer house still have drain problems?
Is it safe to pour a store-bought drain opener in first?
Does drain cleaning need a permit?
More plumbing services in Knightdale
Drain Cleaning nearby
Helpful guides
Sources
Last updated: