When a pipe bursts in an Apex home, turn the main water valve off first, then switch off breakers near any wet area. A plumber can replace the split section and pressure-test the line. Call the number on this page to be connected with a local plumber in Apex.
What's different about Apex
Apex housing is among the newest in the Triangle. The median home was built in 2008 and under 4% predate 1980. The Town says it found no lead or galvanized service lines needing replacement. That means most bursts here involve plastic supply pipe, PEX or CPVC, which can still split when water freezes in an attic, garage wall or crawl space. Fittings are often the weak spot.
Town of Apex Water Resources owns and maintains the public side of the service line; the property owner owns the private side. Water coming up at the street or meter should go to the Town. Leaks inside the house are a plumber's job.
Apex is stricter than many towns on permits. Its permitting guidance says same-size water and drain line replacements need a permit, so a repair that goes beyond a quick splice may require one from Apex Building Inspections and Permitting. The plumber doing the work will know.
One more Apex detail: lawn irrigation must use a reduced pressure backflow assembly mounted at least 12 inches above grade. Because it sits above ground, it's exposed to freezing, so drain or insulate it before winter.
Pipe materials and how they fail
| Material | Common in | How it usually fails in a freeze |
|---|---|---|
| PEX | Most homes built since 2000 | Flexes but can split or pop a fitting |
| CPVC | Many 1990s and 2000s homes | Becomes brittle with age and cracks |
| Copper | Older houses and some newer ones | Bulges and splits along a seam |
| Irrigation backflow assembly | Yards with sprinklers | Body or valves crack if not drained |
Signs to look for
- Water dripping from a ceiling or light fixture
- A hissing sound in the wall with all taps closed
- Sudden pressure loss at every fixture
- A wet spot in the yard near the irrigation assembly
- A water heater or washer connection dripping in the garage
In a newer house, the leak is often at a fitting rather than a split along the pipe itself, so look closely at connections near the wet spot.
Seasonal notes
Most Apex bursts follow a hard freeze, often in pipes in attics or garages. Before winter, drain the irrigation system and backflow assembly, disconnect hoses, and keep the heat on. If you'll be away, set the thermostat in the mid-50s or higher. Bonus rooms over garages and pipes in the attic are the usual trouble spots in Apex-era construction, since they sit outside the main heated space. Opening the door between the house and a cold garage, or leaving a cabinet open on an exterior wall, can make the difference on the coldest night of the year.
Burst Pipe Repair questions in Apex
Will a burst pipe repair need a permit?
Who pays to fix a break between the water meter and the house?
How do I keep an outdoor spigot from splitting again next winter?
Water is showing up but I can't see the pipe. How is it found?
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