In Wilson, where nearly half the homes were built before 1980, a sewer line that backs up is often older pipe with roots, cracks or a low spot. The City runs the public sewer, and the line on your property is yours to repair. Call the number on this page to be connected with a local plumber in Wilson.
The City of Wilson's Water Resources department runs the sewer collection system and treats wastewater at the Hominy Creek Water Reclamation Facility on Old Stantonsburg Road, which also treats flow from Black Creek, Lucama, Saratoga and Sims. Wilson's housing has a long history: the median home was built in 1983, about 46% predate 1980, and neighborhoods such as the Old Wilson, West Nash Street and East Wilson historic districts include early-1900s houses. Newer subdivisions are mainly in the northwest part of the city.
What to do right now
- Stop using water. Hold off on laundry, the dishwasher, showers and flushing so more wastewater doesn't back up.
- Keep people away from wastewater. Close off the area and keep children and pets out.
- Check whether neighbors have trouble too. If several houses on the street are backing up, the public main may be blocked, and that's a call for Wilson Water Resources.
- Find the cleanout. It's usually a capped pipe outside near the foundation or toward the street. Clear access to it.
- Call for a plumber. Note which fixtures backed up first and when it started.
Symptoms and what they usually mean
| Symptom | Likely cause |
|---|---|
| Several drains slow at once | Partial blockage in the main line |
| Toilet gurgles when the washer drains | Restricted flow or venting problem in the line |
| Wastewater in the lowest tub or floor drain | Full blockage downstream |
| Clog returns a few weeks after cleaning | Roots, a sag or a cracked section |
| Wet spot or odor in the yard | Broken pipe or loose joint leaking |
What affects the cost
- Depth and surface. Pipe under grass is easier to reach than pipe under a driveway or tree.
- Extent. A single joint is a smaller job than a failing run.
- Material. Older clay or cast iron may need adapters to connect new pipe.
- Method. Excavation, lining and pipe bursting price differently.
- Permits. Inside the city, the Development Services Inspections Department's Permit Desk at City Hall handles permits and water/sewer tap applications. Outside the city, Wilson County Inspections issues permits.
Wilson publishes its water service split: the City owns the line from the main to the property line or meter pit, and the customer owns the private side. The fact sheets don't show a matching sewer statement, so if the camera finds trouble near the street, check with Water Resources first.
Sewer Line Repair questions in Wilson
Where does my responsibility for the sewer pipe end and the utility's begin?
What are sewer pipes under older houses usually made of?
Who issues the permit when a sewer line repair needs one?
Wastewater is coming up through a tub or floor drain. What should I do first?
More plumbing services in Wilson
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