More than half of Selma homes were built before 1980, so hidden leaks often trace to aging supply pipe, worn valves or crawl space plumbing. A plumber can test the system and locate the leak before walls or floors get opened. Call the number on this page to be connected with a local plumber in Selma.
Selma's homes and water systems
Selma is a railroad town on I-95 next to Smithfield, and its housing leans older: the median home was built in 1974, and about 55% predate 1980. Galvanized and early copper supply lines, original valves and crawl space plumbing are common, and all of them leak with age.
Selma actually has two water systems. The main town system runs on Selma's own groundwater wells and uses chlorine disinfection. A separate Selma-Countyline system distributes water bought from Johnston County East. The town doesn't describe which streets are on which system, and it doesn't publish where its responsibility for a service line ends, so call the town about leaks at the meter. Many older Selma houses sit over crawl spaces, where a drip can soak the soil and framing for months before anything shows indoors, so an unexplained musty smell is worth taking seriously.
What to do now
- Find the main shutoff and close it if water is spreading. Older valves can be stiff, so turn slowly.
- Check the meter with all fixtures off for 20 to 30 minutes.
- Dye test each toilet to rule out a silent flapper leak.
- Look under sinks and around the water heater for drips or corrosion.
- Inspect the crawl space if it's safe, looking for wet soil or dripping pipe.
Symptoms and likely causes
| Symptom | Likely cause |
|---|---|
| Steadily rising bill | Toilet leak or slow hidden pipe leak |
| Rust-tinted water at one tap | Corroding galvanized pipe on that line |
| Soft floor near a bathroom | Leaking supply or drain connection below |
| Puddles under the house | Failed joint or valve in the crawl space |
| Low pressure throughout | Service line leak or rust buildup |
What affects the cost
- How the leak is hidden and how easy it is to reach
- Pipe condition, since old galvanized may need a run replaced
- Valves or fittings that need replacing while the water's off
- Whether you fix it on the same visit
For permitted repairs, Selma requires town zoning approval first, then Johnston County Building Inspections. Homes outside town in the 27576 ZIP may be on a different water source, so mention yours when you call.
Leak Detection questions in Selma
Do older homes have more hidden leaks?
Can low water pressure be a sign of a leak?
Does a higher water bill always mean there's a leak?
Can a plumber find a gas leak?
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