When a pipe bursts or a drain overflows in Princeton, close the main valve first, and if there's any gas smell, leave the house and call 911 or Piedmont Natural Gas from outside. Then call the number on this page to be connected with a local plumber in Princeton.
Princeton at a glance
Princeton is a small eastern Johnston County town on US 70 between Selma and Goldsboro. The town runs its own water system and its own wastewater plant, which discharges to the Little River and treats about 275,000 gallons a day. USDA funding is paying for an expansion of that plant, and the town says the state has lifted its sewer moratorium. A backup affecting several homes is a matter for the town.
About 57% of Princeton's homes were built before 1980, with a median year of 1977. Plumbing that old often includes galvanized supply pipe, cast-iron drains and valves that haven't moved in years. Outside town in the 27569 ZIP, homes may be on Johnston County water or private wells.
We didn't find a source naming Princeton's permit office. Johnston County Inspections in Smithfield is the likely office; the plumber or Town Hall can confirm.
Emergency now or next business day?
| Call now | Can usually wait |
|---|---|
| Burst or spraying pipe | Dripping faucet |
| Sewage coming up a drain | One slow sink |
| Water heater leaking from the tank | Water heater that's slow to reheat |
| No water at all | Low pressure at one fixture |
| Gas odor (leave and call 911 or Piedmont at 800-752-7504) | Running toilet you can shut off |
Signs of trouble in older homes
- Brown or rusty water from one fixture, which can point to corroded pipe
- A main valve that turns but doesn't stop the flow
- Water stains spreading under a bathroom
- Gurgling drains before a backup
Timing notes
Older houses with crawl spaces are most at risk during hard freezes, so drip faucets on outside walls on the coldest nights and keep crawl-space vents closed in winter. After heavy rain, watch for slow drains across the house, which can signal a problem in the main line.
Once you're connected, you'll be talking with an independent plumber who works in Princeton and nearby eastern Johnston County. Give the address, explain what you see and whether you got the water off, and ask about the after-hours rate before anyone heads out. We can't promise how soon someone will arrive; that depends on the hour and local demand.
Emergency Plumber questions in Princeton
Sewage is coming up through a tub or floor drain. Who do I call?
Where should I look for the main water shutoff, and what if it's stuck?
Will an emergency repair need a permit, and who issues it?
My pipes froze overnight. How do I keep them from bursting?
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