Gastonia has one of the oldest housing mixes in the Charlotte region. Census data puts its median home at 1978, with about 26% built before 1960 and another 26% between 1960 and 1979. That means more galvanized supply pipe, more clay and cast iron sewer laterals, and more homes on crawl spaces than in most of the newer suburbs, and the plumbing calls follow from that.
This page covers the common problems in Gastonia homes, who to call at Two Rivers Utilities, the two-step permit process (city zoning, then county building permit), and how to check a plumber.
Common plumbing problems in Gastonia
Why do pipes freeze in older Gastonia homes?
Homes on open or poorly sealed crawl spaces leave supply lines exposed to outside air. During a hard freeze, those lines are the first to freeze and split, and the leak often appears when they thaw. Closing foundation vents during freezes, insulating exposed lines and letting a faucet on an exterior wall drip on the coldest nights all help.
Why is my water pressure dropping and my hot water rusty?
Mid-century Gastonia homes often still have galvanized steel supply pipe, which corrodes inside and narrows. Pressure drops throughout the house, hot water turns rusty and leaks start at threaded joints. See pipe repair and repiping in Gastonia.
Why does my main drain back up again after it's cleaned?
Clay sewer pipe with mortar joints lets roots in, and they regrow after cleaning. If backups return within months, a camera inspection shows whether a joint needs repair. See sewer line repair in Gastonia and drain cleaning in Gastonia.
Two Rivers Utilities or a plumber?
- City of Gastonia (Two Rivers Utilities) customers with an after-hours utility emergency: 704-866-6843.
- Account questions: the automated line at 704-866-6714 runs around the clock; the customer service office is open weekdays.
- Leaks inside the house or between the meter and the house: a plumber.
- Homes outside the city may have a different provider or a private well; check your bill.
Permits in Gastonia
Who issues plumbing permits in Gastonia?
Construction permits for Gastonia are issued by Gaston County, and the City of Gastonia says a city zoning permit comes first. City permitting office: 704-836-0010. Water heater replacements, repiping and sewer line replacement generally need a permit; the licensed plumber normally handles the application.
Hiring a plumber in Gastonia
SteadWell is a free referral service, not a plumbing company. We connect you with an independent, licensed plumber who serves Gastonia; the plumber sets the price and stands behind the work. For urgent problems, see emergency plumber in Gastonia. Nearby: Belmont, Mount Holly and Cramerton.
- Confirm the North Carolina license with the State Board of Examiners of Plumbing, Heating and Fire Sprinkler Contractors.
- In an older home, ask the plumber to identify the supply pipe and sewer material before quoting a repair.
- Get the trip fee and total price before work starts, and camera footage for any sewer recommendation.