In Smithfield, about 65% of homes were built before 1980, so a leaking water line is often older pipe giving out. A plumber can find the leak on the buried line and repair that spot or replace the run to the house. Call the number on this page to be connected with a local plumber in Smithfield.
Is my Smithfield water line likely to be old pipe?
There's a good chance. The median Smithfield home was built in 1973 and about two-thirds predate 1980. Houses around the Downtown Smithfield Historic District and along Market Street and Brightleaf Boulevard can still have galvanized steel or early copper service lines. Galvanized pipe corrodes from the inside, slowly cutting flow and then leaking at its threaded joints. If your pressure has been fading for years, or the water runs rusty when you first open a tap, the line itself may be the cause even before a wet spot appears.
Who supplies my water, and who do I call about the meter?
The Town of Smithfield treats its own Neuse River water at its plant on North Second Street. A separate district, Smithfield South, gets its water from Johnston County Utilities instead. Outlying 27577 homes may be on county water or private wells. Check your bill to see who supplies you, and contact that utility first if the leak is in the street or at the meter. The Town's 2025 water quality report notes that its required lead service line notifications went out in March 2026; if you received one, contact the Town about what it says for your address.
Should I patch it or replace the whole line?
With old galvanized pipe, a patch often just moves the next leak a few feet down the line. When the pipe is corroded, has failed more than once or is choking flow, replacing it from the meter to the house is usually the more lasting fix. A single leak on sound copper or plastic pipe is a different story, and a repair is often enough. The plumber should show you the exposed pipe so you can see its condition for yourself. If water is running hard before anyone arrives, close the main valve at the house; because 811 doesn't mark private lines, the plumber traces yours on site.
Permits in Smithfield
Johnston County Building Inspections is contracted to handle building permit inspections for the Town of Smithfield, and the Town's Planning department issues a zoning permit first where one is needed. The plumber doing the work can sort out both steps.
Water Line Repair questions in Smithfield
When is replacing the whole line smarter than fixing one leak?
Is a permit needed to repair or replace a water service line?
How can I find out what my service line is made of?
Where should I shut the water off if the line breaks?
More plumbing services in Smithfield
Water Line Repair nearby
Sources
Last updated: