Charlotte has about 399,000 homes, and the plumbing problems depend heavily on which ones. Census data puts 10% of the city's housing before 1960 and another 17% between 1960 and 1979, concentrated in the inner-ring neighborhoods, while 43% has been built since 2000. Older homes bring clay and cast iron sewer laterals under mature trees, galvanized supply pipe and crawl-space freezes. Newer homes bring attic water heaters, builder-grade fixtures and the occasional construction defect.
About half of Charlotte's homes are rented, so this page also covers who calls the plumber in a rental. It explains the most common calls, how to tell a Charlotte Water problem from a private repair, how permits work, and what to ask before you hire. For a specific job, the Charlotte service pages below go deeper.
The most common plumbing calls in Charlotte
Why does my sewer line keep backing up?
In older neighborhoods, roots from mature trees grow into clay and cast iron sewer laterals at the joints, and they regrow after cleaning. If a backup returns within months, a camera inspection shows what needs repair. See sewer line repair in Charlotte.
Why did my pipes burst after a cold snap?
Many Charlotte homes sit on vented crawl spaces, and supply lines near foundation vents freeze when temperatures stay below freezing overnight. The leak often appears when the pipe thaws. Close the main shutoff and call. See what to do when a pipe bursts.
Is my water heater worth repairing?
A failed part on a tank that isn't leaking usually is; a leaking tank or an old heater needing an expensive part usually isn't. See water heater repair and water heater replacement in Charlotte.
How do I find a hidden leak?
Turn off every fixture and watch the water meter. If it still moves, there's a leak somewhere. See leak detection in Charlotte.
Charlotte Water or a plumber in Charlotte?
- Water coming up in the street, a leaking meter box, a main break or sewage overflowing from a manhole: Charlotte Water at 311 or 704-336-7600, 24 hours a day.
- Leaks inside the house or between the meter and the house: a plumber. Charlotte Water directs customers to a plumber for private-side leaks.
- Smell of gas: leave first, then call Piedmont Natural Gas at 800-752-7504 or 911 from outside.
- Sewage backing up in several houses on the street: Charlotte Water first.
Permits in Charlotte
Do I need a permit for plumbing work in Charlotte?
Mecklenburg County Code Enforcement issues plumbing permits in Charlotte. Water heater replacement, repiping and sewer line replacement need one; simple repairs and like-for-like fixture swaps usually don't. Licensed plumbers normally pull the permit.
Renting in Charlotte
If you rent, call your landlord or property manager before hiring a plumber; the lease usually says who arranges repairs. In an emergency, close the shutoff first if you can find it, then call. Landlords can ask the plumber for written findings and photos.
How to choose a plumber in Charlotte
SteadWell is a free referral service, not a plumbing company. We connect you with an independent, licensed plumber who serves Charlotte; that plumber sets the price and stands behind the work. For urgent problems, see emergency plumber in Charlotte.
- Confirm the North Carolina license with the State Board of Examiners of Plumbing, Heating and Fire Sprinkler Contractors.
- Ask about the trip or diagnostic fee and whether it's applied to the repair.
- Get the total price before work starts.
- For sewer work, ask to see the camera footage.
- For a water heater, ask whether the quote includes the permit, haul-away and code-required parts.