Kannapolis was built as a textile mill town, and many original mill-village houses are still lived in. Census data shows about 30% of homes built before 1960, one of the highest shares in the region, alongside 41% built since 2000. Older homes have had decades of partial repairs, so it's common to find galvanized, copper and plastic pipe joined together, with cast iron or clay drains under the house.
Common plumbing problems in Kannapolis
Why does my older Kannapolis home keep springing leaks?
Decades of partial updates leave many older homes with three or four pipe materials joined together, and the joints between materials are where leaks tend to start. Fixing one joint doesn't address the rest; a plumber can tell you whether a repipe makes more sense. See pipe repair in Kannapolis.
Should I get a plumbing inspection before buying an older home?
Yes. A plumber can identify pipe materials, test shutoffs and pressure, and camera the sewer lateral. Clay and cast iron laterals in older neighborhoods are prone to roots and cracking. See plumbing inspection.
How do I keep pipes from freezing in a small older house?
Small homes on open crawl spaces are the most likely to freeze. Foam insulation on exposed runs, closed foundation vents during hard freezes and a dripping faucet on the coldest nights prevent most freeze calls.
City of Kannapolis utility or a plumber?
- City of Kannapolis water service, billing and meter questions: the Customer Service Center at 704-920-4399, weekdays 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. For after-hours water or sewer emergencies, check the number on your bill.
- Leaks inside the house or between the meter and the house: a plumber.
Permits in Kannapolis
Most of Kannapolis is in Cabarrus County, whose Building and Inspections Department handles permits and inspections for Kannapolis along with Concord, Harrisburg and Mount Pleasant (704-920-2128). A portion of the city lies in Rowan County. North Carolina law requires a permit before installing, extending or making general repairs to a plumbing system; the licensed plumber normally pulls it.
Hiring a plumber in Kannapolis
SteadWell is a free referral service, not a plumbing company. We connect you with an independent, licensed plumber who serves Kannapolis. For urgent problems, see emergency plumber in Kannapolis. Nearby: Concord and Harrisburg.
- Confirm the North Carolina license with the State Board of Examiners of Plumbing, Heating and Fire Sprinkler Contractors.
- Ask the plumber to list the pipe materials they find and which ones they recommend replacing.
- Get camera footage for any sewer recommendation.