Over half of Selma's homes predate 1980, so shower valve repairs here often involve older two- or three-handle valves that need rebuilding or replacing. Newer homes usually need a cartridge. Call the number on this page to be connected with a local plumber in Selma.
Selma's homes and water
Selma is a railroad town on I-95 next to Smithfield. Per Census survey data, its median home was built in 1974 and about 55.4% predate 1980, with older housing concentrated in the Downtown Selma and West Selma historic districts. Compression valves with separate hot and cold handles are common in those homes, and many lack pressure balancing.
Selma's main water system runs on the town's own wells and uses chlorine, not chloramine, according to the 2025 water quality report. A separate Selma-Countyline system distributes surface water bought from Johnston County East, also with chlorine. Hardness isn't reported. Well water can carry minerals or fine sediment, so a plumber will look for deposits on the cartridge or stems.
The supply pipes in older Selma homes may be as old as the valve. When a plumber opens a wall to replace a valve, they'll check the connections behind it and may recommend replacing a short run of corroded pipe while the wall is open. That avoids a second trip and a second patch later.
What to do now
- Shut off the main if the shower won't close.
- Don't crank on a stuck handle. Older stems can strip or snap.
- Check for water damage. Look under the bathroom and behind the shower wall.
- Count the handles and look for a brand. That tells the plumber whether to bring stems or cartridges.
- Call to be connected. Mention the home's age and which water system you're on, if you know.
Signs and likely causes
| Sign | Probable cause |
|---|---|
| Drip after shutoff | Hardened washer or pitted seat |
| Hot surge on a flush | Valve with no pressure balancing |
| Gritty, stiff handle | Mineral or sediment deposits |
| Handle turns past its stop | Worn or stripped stem |
| Ceiling stain below | Leak at the valve or its pipes |
What affects the price
- Rebuilding with stems and washers versus replacing the valve
- Finding parts for an older brand
- Opening plaster or tile without an access panel
- Replacing corroded pipe at the valve
For a valve replacement, the first step is zoning approval from the Town of Selma, then Johnston County Building Inspections; the plumber can confirm what's needed.
Shower Valve Repair questions in Selma
Can an older two- or three-handle shower valve be rebuilt?
Is the disinfectant in my town's water hard on shower valve seals?
Can sediment from well water or water main work jam a shower valve?
Why does the shower turn scalding or icy when a toilet flushes?
More plumbing services in Selma
Shower Valve Repair nearby
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