Leak Detection in Sanford, NC

Who do I call about a leak near the street?

Since July 1, 2024, Sanford's water and wastewater have been run by TriRiver Water, the utility that replaced City of Sanford Public Utilities. TriRiver's customer service is at 919-775-8215. Its public pages don't spell out where the utility's part of a service line ends and the owner's begins, so if water is pooling at the meter or in the street, call TriRiver first. If the leak is clearly between the meter and the house, or inside, that's generally a private repair for a plumber.

TriRiver is also running a lead service line identification effort, with a neighborhood status lookup on its website. That can tell you what the utility has on record for your line.

Are Sanford's older homes more prone to leaks?

Sanford, the Lee County seat and longtime "Brick Capital of the USA," has an older housing stock than the Wake County suburbs. The median home was built in 1985, and about 44% predate 1980. Homes in the historic districts, such as Downtown Sanford and Rosemount-McIver Park, may still have galvanized steel or early copper lines and original valves. Those corrode and leak at joints over time. Newer homes are more likely to leak at fittings, appliance hoses and water heater connections.

How is a hidden leak actually found?

The plumber starts by confirming water is being lost, usually with a meter test with everything off. Next comes isolation: closing valves to test the house plumbing, irrigation and individual branches separately. Moisture meters and thermal imaging help with leaks behind walls and under floors. For buried lines or slabs, acoustic equipment listens for the sound of escaping water so the repair opening lands in the right place.

A few simple checks first can save time: do a dye test on each toilet, look under sinks and behind the washer, and note any musty smells or soft floors.

A local note

Permits for Sanford, Broadway and the rest of Lee County go through the City of Sanford / Lee County Inspections Division's online portal. If a leak repair grows into repiping or a new service line, the plumber can tell you whether a permit is needed.