If a pipe breaks or a drain backs up in Selma, close the main valve right away. If you smell gas, get outside and call 911 or Piedmont Natural Gas at 800-752-7504. Then call the number on this page to be connected with a local plumber in Selma.
About Selma
Selma has two water systems. The main town system runs on Selma's own wells and uses chlorine, not chloramine. A smaller Selma-Countyline system distributes water bought from Johnston County East. The town maintains 19 sewer lift stations, and wastewater travels through the county interceptor to Johnston County's central plant. More than half of Selma's homes were built before 1980, with a median year of 1974, so original valves and drain lines are common in neighborhoods near the depot and the downtown and West Selma historic districts.
What to do now
- If there's a gas smell, leave the house first and make the call from outside.
- Close the main valve. If an old valve won't turn, use the one at the meter.
- Switch off an electric water heater at the breaker, from a dry spot.
- Stop using sinks, toilets and appliances if drains are backing up.
- Check whether neighbors are affected; if they are, call the Town of Selma.
- Take pictures of the damage.
Symptom table
| Symptom | Likely cause |
|---|---|
| Water you hear running under the floor | Broken pipe in the crawl space |
| Rusty water from one fixture | Corroding galvanized pipe |
| Sewage in a tub or floor drain | Main drain blockage or cracked cast-iron line |
| Several homes backing up during heavy rain | Public sewer or lift station problem |
| Valve spins but water keeps running | Broken gate valve stem |
| Puddle under the water heater | Tank, drain valve or relief valve |
What affects the cost
- Time of the call: nights, weekends and holidays usually cost more
- Older pipe that has to be replaced in longer sections once it's opened up
- Crawl space access and plaster walls
- Whether the job takes a permit: Selma requires zoning approval from the town before Johnston County Building Inspections issues permits
Not sure which Selma system you're on? The bill shows it. Water problems at the street go to the town for either one; anything inside the house is a plumber's call.
The Countyline system's 2025 report listed a disinfection byproduct (TTHM) result above the limit; that's a water system matter covered in the town's annual report, not a plumbing repair. Ask about after-hours rates when you're connected. No arrival time is promised.
Emergency Plumber questions in Selma
Sewage is coming up through a tub or floor drain. Who do I call?
Where should I look for the main water shutoff, and what if it's stuck?
Will an emergency repair need a permit, and who issues it?
Every faucet in the house went dry at once. What should I check?
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