The City of Wilson treats water from its own reservoirs, and Wilson County water districts buy city water for many outlying areas, so few homes in and around Wilson have their own well pump. On city water, low pressure usually traces to a leak or valve; on a private well, the pump, switch or tank. Call the number on this page to be connected with a local plumber in Wilson.
Wilson water reaches past the city
Wilson Water Resources treats more than 9 million gallons a day at the Wiggins Mill and Toisnot plants, drawing from city-owned reservoirs including Buckhorn Lake, Wiggins Mill Reservoir, Lake Wilson and Toisnot Reservoir. The city also sells water to Wilson County water districts, so many outlying homes get Wilson water too. Inside city limits, private wells are few. On city water, the city owns the line from the main to the property line or meter pit, and the homeowner owns the private side. About 46% of homes in Wilson were built before 1980, so aging pipe on that private side is a common cause of low pressure.
What to do right now
- Ask a neighbor. If their water is out too, it's a city or district issue.
- Check the meter. With everything off, a moving dial means a leak on your side.
- Compare fixtures. One weak faucet is usually an aerator or cartridge.
- Check the main shutoff and pressure-reducing valve. A partly closed valve or a failed regulator can choke the whole house.
- On a private well, turn off the pump's breaker if it's running nonstop and note the gauge reading.
Symptom and likely cause
| Symptom | Likely cause |
|---|---|
| Low pressure throughout on city water | Old galvanized pipe, leak on the private side, failing valve |
| One fixture weak | Clogged aerator, cartridge or shower valve |
| No water on a private well | Pump failure, control box fault, dead pressure switch |
| Pump cycling rapidly | Waterlogged pressure tank |
| Meter turning with taps off | Hidden leak, toilet or irrigation leak |
What affects the cost
- City water repairs (leak tracing, line or valve work) versus well equipment
- For wells, whether the switch, tank, control box or pump failed
- Well depth and pump type
- Access to the private line, meter pit or wellhead
- Permits: inside the city, the Development Services Inspections Department issues permits; outside city jurisdiction, Wilson County Inspections does
Wilson's few private wells are mostly on rural parcels beyond city and district lines. On one of those, a plumber checks power and controls first, then the pressure tank, and pulls the pump only when the simpler parts check out. Some deep pulls are done with a well contractor.
Well Pump Repair questions in Wilson
I'm on public water and my pressure dropped. Could a pump be the cause?
How can I tell if my house is on a private well or public water?
Does replacing a well pump need a permit, and who issues it?
Is it better to repair a failing well pump or replace it?
More plumbing services in Wilson
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