Plumbing Services in Winston-Salem, NC: Hiring Guide

Choose the scope before comparing quotes

Tell the plumber which fixtures you use, where you see water and when the problem started. Describe earlier repairs and whether the problem affects one fixture or several. Ask the company whether it handles your specific task: fixture repair, leak investigation, drain clearing, service-line repair or water-heater work.

Request separate prices for diagnosis and the proposed repair. Ask about the visit charge, emergency surcharge, parts, disposal, access work and restoration of walls or landscaping. Agree on how the plumber will seek your approval if the diagnosis changes. Compare written scopes rather than a single total.

For a replacement fixture or heater, give the plumber the existing model information and photographs of the connections and surrounding space. Ask for the proposed model, installation scope, warranty terms and permit responsibility in writing. The supplied city guidance does not establish typical local repair prices, so obtain job-specific estimates. [4]

Call the utility before arranging sewer-backup work

For a backup at a home connected to public sewer, call CityLink at 311 or 336-727-8000. WSFC Utilities says its staff will investigate and clean accessible portions of the home’s service line within the public right-of-way at no charge. Staff may also clean and repair a courtesy cleanout at the edge of that right-of-way if they deem it necessary. [1]

You may still need a private plumber. The utility’s guidance says the homeowner must hire one if its stated cleanout conditions indicate private work is needed or staff cannot find a cleanout. For work under this policy, the plumber must clear the service line through the right-of-way or easement to the sewer main, rather than stop at the cleanout. [1]

Ask how the plumber will document the blockage location and any damage. The policy requires camera inspection after clearing and submission of evidence of right-of-way damage to a utility Field Operations Supervisor. The utility says it will not reimburse that camera inspection if there is no damage within the right-of-way. Clarify the camera charge before authorizing it. [1]

Prepare for a leak investigation

Check the billing period and usage before booking an investigation solely because the bill increased. WSFC Utilities bills residential accounts about every 60 days and recommends comparing usage with the same period last year. Note changes such as irrigation, guests or a hose left running, along with dripping faucets, a running toilet or moisture near the heater. [2]

For a toilet that starts and stops running, the utility suggests putting a few drops of food coloring in the tank. Color appearing in the bowl after a few minutes indicates a leaking tank valve. For a wet patch in the yard or suspected concealed leak, contact CityLink to request an investigation. Do not open the meter box: the utility restricts access to staff, licensed plumbers and utility contractors. [2]

Ask the plumber to identify the repaired leak on the invoice and include your property address. After investigation and repair, the utility may adjust the three highest bills associated with an eligible leak. Without a plumber’s receipt, field investigators must verify the repairs before the utility considers an adjustment. Irrigation-system leaks do not qualify. [2]

Assign permits and inspections before installation

Ask the plumber to confirm whether your exact scope needs a permit and who will arrange inspections. The Inspections Division says licensed contractors can obtain plumbing permits through BuildIT and schedule inspections through their contractor accounts. Property owners can call 336-727-2624 for help. The office does not accept walk-in customers or paper permit applications. [4]

Request the permit number when applicable and agree on who will provide the inspection outcome. If you take over unfinished work, ask about the existing permit before authorizing a restart. The city requires a new permit when the previous one expires before required inspections are complete; work may resume only after the city issues the new permit. [4]

Separate plumbing repair from backup cleanup

Ask for separate scopes for clearing or repairing the line, installing a backwater valve and cleaning sewage damage. You choose and hire the cleanup contractor. WSFC Utilities does not hire or endorse that contractor for you. Keep photographs of damaged belongings and itemized cleanup and repair invoices bearing your name and address. [3]

The Good Neighbor Policy offers conditional assistance for qualifying sewer-main backups. Eligibility includes a first mainline-blockage occurrence at the property, no existing backwater valve and other account, insurance and use conditions. Before payment, the owner must pay a licensed plumber to install a backwater valve and sign a release. Ask CityLink and your insurer about eligibility before budgeting around reimbursement. [3]

Local billing and permit-refund timeframes

Choose your next call

Your hiring checklist

1. Record the symptoms, affected fixtures and start date; take photographs where safe.
2. For a public-sewer backup, phone CityLink before cleanup and keep the incident details.
3. Ask whether the company handles your exact repair and request its license details and insurance documentation.
4. Get diagnosis charges, repair scope, exclusions and additional-work approval terms in writing.
5. For sewer work, clarify clearing distance, camera charges and utility documentation.
6. Confirm any permit and inspection responsibilities before authorizing installation.
7. Keep itemized invoices, repair photographs and any inspection records.

Frequently Asked Questions

Should I call a plumber or CityLink for a sewer backup?

For a home connected to public sewer, call CityLink at 311 or 336-727-8000 before cleanup. Utility staff investigate and may provide right-of-way assistance. You may also need a plumber for private-line work. [1]

Will the utility reimburse a sewer camera inspection?

Do not assume reimbursement. The utility’s plumber guidance requires evidence of damage within the public right-of-way and says it will not reimburse the camera inspection if no such damage exists. Ask the plumber to explain the charge and documentation. [1]

Can I get a water-bill adjustment after fixing a leak?

Possibly, subject to investigation, repair and utility restrictions. Keep the plumber’s receipt. Without it, investigators must verify repairs before the utility considers an adjustment. Irrigation-system leaks are ineligible. [2]

How do I arrange a plumbing permit?

Licensed contractors can obtain plumbing permits through BuildIT. Property owners should call the Permit Office at 336-727-2624 for assistance. Ask the plumber to confirm the requirements for your exact job and include responsibility in the quote. [4]