Emergency Plumber in Smithfield, NC

If a pipe bursts or a drain backs up in Smithfield, close the main valve to stop the water, and if you smell gas, go outside and call 911 or Piedmont Natural Gas at 800-752-7504. Then call the number on this page to be connected with a local plumber in Smithfield.

Who do I call: the town or a plumber?

The Town of Smithfield treats its own Neuse River water at its plant on North Second Street, and a separate Smithfield South district gets water from Johnston County Utilities. Your bill shows which you're on. The town runs its own sewer collection lines, with county interceptors running through town to Johnston County's central treatment plant south of Smithfield.

If water is pouring out in the street, or a backup is affecting several homes, contact the system that serves you. If the problem is inside your home or only your house is backing up, it's a private repair, and a plumber is the right call.

Why do older Smithfield homes have more emergencies?

About 65% of homes in Smithfield were built before 1980, and the median year is 1973. That's a lot of houses with original galvanized supply pipe, cast-iron drains and shutoff valves that haven't been closed in years, especially near the Downtown Smithfield Historic District and along Market Street and Brightleaf Boulevard.

Old galvanized pipe rusts from the inside, and when it finally leaks it often fails in more than one place. Cast-iron drains crack and collect roots. And a gate valve that's been open for decades may not close when you need it. If the house valve won't turn, use the valve at the meter instead of forcing it.

Does an emergency repair need a permit?

Stopping the damage doesn't. For follow-up work, the town contracts with Johnston County Building Inspections to handle building permit inspections, and the Town Planning department issues the zoning permit first when one is required. The county office is on East Market Street in Smithfield. Your plumber can tell you if the permanent fix needs a permit.

Smithfield's backflow ordinance also requires assemblies on irrigation systems, tested yearly by a town-approved tester. If an irrigation backflow device splits in a freeze, close the irrigation shutoff and call for a repair.

Call now to be connected with a local plumber in Smithfield.

(919) 343-0841

One more local point

Smithfield's water is chloraminated (2025 average 2.82 ppm). That's normal treatment. If you notice discolored water at every tap, check with the town before assuming your plumbing is at fault; if it's only at one fixture or only on the hot side, a plumber should look.

Emergency Plumber questions in Smithfield

Every faucet in the house went dry at once. What should I check?

Ask a neighbor. If the street is out, call the Town of Smithfield or Johnston County, whichever bills you. If only your house is dry, a plumber should check the valve and service line.

Sewage is coming up through a tub or floor drain. Who do I call?

If several homes are affected, call the Town of Smithfield, which runs the collection system. If it's only your house, a plumber can clear your private line.

Will an emergency repair need a permit, and who issues it?

Smithfield contracts with Johnston County Building Inspections for permit inspections, with a town zoning permit first where needed. The plumber can tell you if one applies.

Which plumbing problems can safely wait for regular hours?

A dripping faucet or slow drain can usually wait. A burst pipe, sewage backup, leaking water heater or gas smell can't.