Plumbers in Apex, NC

Apex at a glance

Apex is a Wake County town, incorporated in 1873, with a portion reaching into Chatham County. Its center is roughly 12 miles from downtown Raleigh in a straight line, and the 2020 Census counted 58,780 people. The town grew up around a railroad downtown that is still intact as the Apex Historic District, and today US 1/US 64, NC 55, NC 540 and the Apex Peakway carry most of its traffic. The houses are some of the newest in the Triangle: the median home was built in 2008, and fewer than 4% went up before 1980.

Apex asks for permits on more jobs

Replacing a water heater in Apex needs a permit even when the new unit matches the old one and goes in the same spot, and the Town says that work is for a contractor with the proper state credential, not a do-it-yourself job. Permits are also required for replacing plumbing fixtures and for swapping water or drain lines with the same size pipe. If a plumber quotes one of these jobs, expect the permit to be part of the plan.

Sprinklers and backflow

Under the Town's cross-connection rules, in effect since June 11, 2024, a lawn irrigation system must have a reduced pressure (RP) assembly set at least 12 inches above grade between the meter and the first sprinkler head. Hooking irrigation to a hose bibb is not allowed. Testable assemblies are checked at installation and every year by a tester registered with the Town, results go into the AquaResource system within 10 days, and a failed assembly has 10 days to be repaired. Lots platted after July 1, 2009 also need a separate irrigation meter.

Water quality and your service line

Apex water is moderately soft, about 1.9 grains per gallon, and is disinfected with chloramine except during a spring switch to chlorine. The 2024 report noted one monitoring violation for a lab quality-control error, which was resampled and brought back into compliance. The Town owns the public side of the service line and the owner owns the private side. Apex found no lead or galvanized lines needing replacement, and owners of homes built before 1988 can ask for a free service line inspection.

When you call, mention whether the job involves a water heater, an irrigation assembly or a fixture swap, since those are the jobs where Apex's permit and backflow rules come into play. If you ever smell gas, leave the house and call 911 or Enbridge from outside.