In a Lexington plumbing emergency, close the main valve, and if you smell gas, leave and call 911 or the City of Lexington's gas utility from outside, since the city runs its own gas system. Then call the number on this page to be connected with a local plumber in Lexington.
How Lexington is set up
Lexington is unusual among the towns around Winston-Salem: the city owns and operates its own water, sewer, electric and natural gas systems, and they reach customers well beyond city limits in Davidson County. Water comes from Lake Thom-A-Lex through two treatment plants, one dating to 1922 and the other to 1967. Wastewater goes to the city plant on Glendale Road.
Houses here are older than in most of the region. The median home was built in 1969, about 68% predate 1980 and roughly 14% predate 1940, according to Census survey figures. In places like the Erlanger Mill Village and the Lexington Residential Historic District, expect old galvanized lines, cast-iron drains and gate valves that may not close when you need them.
The city's 2025 water report says Lexington handles removal of lead pipes while residents share responsibility for home plumbing, but it doesn't spell out where the city's side of the service line ends. The city keeps a service line inventory online and at City Centre on North State Street.
Who to call for what
| What's happening | First call |
|---|---|
| Gas odor anywhere indoors | Leave, then 911 or Lexington Utilities' gas service |
| Water bubbling up in the street or at the meter | City of Lexington Water Resources |
| Several neighbors with sewage backups | City of Lexington Water Resources |
| Leak inside walls, floors or a crawl space | A local plumber |
| Only your house backing up | A local plumber |
| Water heater leaking or relief valve running | A local plumber |
Signs you shouldn't wait
- Water running from a fitting or pipe that won't stop when the fixture is off
- Gurgling and backups in more than one drain
- A stuck main valve while water is still flowing
- Rust-colored water from a heater that's also leaking
Timing and seasons
Hard freezes are rough on older Lexington houses, especially pipes on outside walls and in vented crawl spaces. If you lose water on a cold morning, assume a frozen line until proven otherwise and leave the main off while it thaws. If an emergency repair turns into a bigger replacement, the City of Lexington takes plumbing permit applications through its online Permit Portal. Ask about after-hours rates when you're connected; no arrival time is promised.
Emergency Plumber questions in Lexington
There's a gas odor near the furnace or water heater. What is the safe move?
Does an older house make plumbing emergencies more likely?
The leak looks like it's near the water meter. Is that my repair or the utility's?
Does an urgent plumbing repair here need a permit?
More plumbing services in Lexington
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