North Carolina has emerged from a hot, dry September that left the state with a preliminary average of 2.63 inches of rain, roughly half of normal, and the 5th-warmest September since 1895. Raleigh, the closest major reporting city to Sanford, saw only 2.17 inches, or 42% of normal, according to NC State University climate researchers. For homeowners in Sanford and Lee County, the dry spell has implications that extend well beyond brown lawns and low reservoirs: it can move the ground beneath their homes and stress the pipes buried there.
The NC State Extension Gardener Handbook notes that clayey soils can have shrink-and-swell characteristics that affect construction uses. When clay dries, it pulls away from water service lines, sewer laterals, and pipes under a slab, allowing the soil that supports those pipes to shift. The result is often subtle at first: a joint on an older sewer line separates slightly, a supply line under a slab begins to weep, or tree roots searching for moisture find a small crack in a drain line. Homeowners may notice a creeping water bill, a gurgling drain, a damp or warm patch on the floor, or the sound of running water when all fixtures are off.
Comfort First Heating and Cooling, a Sanford-based contractor that handles plumbing, heating, and cooling work, says the weeks after a long dry stretch are the cheapest time to find hidden leaks. The company's plumbing services include pipe repair and replacement, drain cleaning, slab leak repair, water heater repair and installation, tankless systems, sump pumps, gas lines, and fixture repair. "Most people think about pipes when it freezes, but a long dry month moves the ground too. Clay soil shrinks, the pipes settle with it, and a joint that held for years starts to leak where nobody can see it. Checking the meter with the water off takes five minutes and tells you whether there is a problem worth looking at before the cold weather arrives," said Adam Hagen, General Manager of Comfort First Heating and Cooling.
To help homeowners spot trouble, the company recommends several simple steps. Turn off every faucet and appliance, then check the water meter; if it still moves, water is escaping somewhere. Compare this month's water bill with the same month last year. Listen for gurgling drains or a toilet that refills on its own. Walk the floors barefoot and note any warm or damp spots on a slab. Watch the yard for a patch of green grass or soft ground above the sewer line during a dry week. Finally, locate the main shutoff valve and make sure it turns freely before winter.
These measures matter because undetected leaks can worsen as temperatures drop and soil conditions change further. A minor slab leak or separated sewer joint can lead to costly repairs, water damage, and mold if left unaddressed. For Sanford residents, the dry September is a reminder that plumbing maintenance is not just a cold-weather concern. Local plumbing service details are available on the Sanford service page, and the company's website is www.yourcomfortfirst.com.
