When a pipe bursts in Selma, close the main water valve first, then turn off power near any water. A plumber can repair the break and check the older pipe around it. Call the number on this page to be connected with a local plumber in Selma.
Selma is a railroad town on I-95 next to Smithfield, and its housing is older: about 55% of homes predate 1980 and the median year is 1974. Galvanized steel and early copper are common in homes that age, often patched over the years. The Town runs two water systems: the main system draws from town wells, and the separate Selma-Countyline system distributes water bought from Johnston County East.
Do this first
- Close the main valve. Check the crawl space where the line enters, near the water heater, or at the meter.
- Shut off power near the water. Breakers for wet outlets and appliances.
- Drain what's left. Open a low faucet.
- Turn off the water heater. Breaker off or pilot.
- Call the Town for outside leaks. If water is coming up at the street or meter, the Town's water and sewer operations should hear about it. Published Town information doesn't say where its service line responsibility ends, so ask.
- Get photos. Before cleanup, so you have a record of the break and anything that got wet.
In an older Selma house, the main valve may be an original gate valve that's stiff or seized. Turn it firmly but don't force it; a broken valve stem makes things worse. If it won't move, the Town can close the valve at the meter.
Common signs
| Symptom | Likely cause |
|---|---|
| Rusty water with low pressure | Cracked galvanized pipe |
| Spray in the crawl space after a freeze | Freeze split |
| Water at the street or meter box | Town-side issue |
| Wet spot between meter and house | Private service line break |
| Running sound with taps closed | Hidden leak in a wall or floor |
Cost factors
- Access. Crawl space breaks are usually easier than ones in walls.
- Material. Old galvanized may need a longer replacement.
- Extent. One break or several.
- Yard line. Digging takes time.
- Permits. Selma requires Town zoning approval first, then Johnston County Building Inspections handles building permits.
- Timing. After-hours calls may cost more.
When the plumber arrives, they'll trace the water to the break, cut back to sound pipe and replace the damaged section, then reopen the water slowly and check other joints. In a house from the 1970s, a second weak spot near the first is common.
Homes outside town in 27576 may be on county water or private wells. On a well, also turn off the pump at its breaker so it stops feeding the break.
Burst Pipe Repair questions in Selma
Does an older house need repiping after one burst pipe?
How can I tell a burst pipe in my house from a water main break?
I can't find my main shutoff, or it won't turn. What now?
Why didn't the pipe start leaking until the weather warmed up?
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