Faucet Repair in Spencer, NC

Spencer's homes and water

Spencer grew up around the Southern Railway's Spencer Shops, now the NC Transportation Museum. The median home was built in 1950, about 76% predate 1980 and about a third predate 1940. Water and sewer come from Salisbury-Rowan Utilities, which disinfects with chlorine rather than chloramine and adds zinc orthophosphate for corrosion control; its service line inventory found no lead or galvanized lines needing replacement. SRU maintains the line up to the meter, and the owner is responsible from the meter into the house. In homes this old, faucets have often been swapped more than once, and the piping and valves behind them can be a mix of eras.

What to do now

1. Try the stops gently. Old valves in Spencer homes can break if forced. If they don't turn easily, close the main instead.
2. Know where the main is. In many older houses it's in the crawl space or near the meter.
3. Look at the faucet style. Two separate handles that screw down usually mean a compression faucet.
4. Check for corrosion. Green or white crust at connections suggests the supplies may need replacing too.
5. Catch the leak. Put a bowl or towel under it until the plumber arrives.

Symptoms and likely causes

What affects the cost

• Parts availability. Many older faucets have no parts made today, so replacement may be the only option.
• Seat repair. Some compression seats can be replaced or dressed; others can't.
• Old supply piping. Corroded fittings near the faucet may need to be updated at the same time.
• Thermal expansion. SRU has added check valves to new meters since 1988 and recommends an expansion tank where one is added. Installing one can protect faucets and the water heater.

Larger plumbing work in Spencer is permitted through Rowan County Building Inspections.