Need a plumber in Charleston? On the peninsula, historic houses have old pipe and streets flood at high tide, while newer homes in West Ashley and on the islands bring crawl space leaks and water heater replacements. Call Same Day Plumber any time to reach a South Carolina-licensed plumber.
Need a Plumber in Charleston Today?
When you call, say whether you're on the peninsula or in a newer area like West Ashley or Daniel Island, and whether the street is flooded. You'll be connected to an independent plumbing company covering Charleston, including Harleston Village, Wagener Terrace, Johns Island and Daniel Island. Ask for the arrival window and any service fee before they come out.
Emergency Plumbing Services in Charleston
3 situations account for many urgent calls in Charleston. Each has a first step to take while you wait.
- Drains backing up during flooding or a very high tide: stop using water until it recedes. See sewer backup.
- Pipe leaking under a raised house: close the main shutoff and look underneath, where the pipes are exposed.
- Water heater flooded or leaking: turn off the power or gas and leave it off until it has been inspected.
For any of these, an emergency plumber can often come out to Charleston the same day, including nights and weekends. If you smell gas, leave the building first and call the gas utility or 911 from outside.
24/7 Plumbing Services in Charleston
- Emergency PlumbingBurst pipes, flooding, sewage backups and loss of water, any hour.
- Drain CleaningClogged sinks, tubs, toilets and main sewer lines.
- Water Heater Repair & ReplacementNo hot water, leaking tanks, tank and tankless repair or replacement.
- Leak Detection & RepairHidden, slab and pipe leaks found and fixed before they cause damage.
- Sewer Line RepairCamera inspection, sewer repair and trenchless replacement.
- Pipe Repair & RepipingBurst, frozen and corroded pipes repaired or replaced.
- Toilet RepairRunning, clogged, leaking and broken toilets repaired or replaced.
- Faucet & Fixture RepairFaucets, garbage disposals and shower valves.
- Sump Pump RepairSump pump repair, replacement and battery backups.
- Gas Line RepairGas leak repair and appliance hookups by licensed plumbers.
- Water Softeners & FiltrationWater softeners, whole-house filtration and well pumps.
- Commercial Plumbing & BackflowCommercial plumbing service and backflow testing.
Common Plumbing Problems in Charleston Homes
Charleston Water System reports average hardness of about 58 ppm, or 3.4 grains per gallon, and describes its water as moderately soft.
The city's median home was built in 1995, a figure that blends 18th and 19th-century houses downtown with large newer areas on James Island, Johns Island and Daniel Island. Plumbing permits come from the City of Charleston's Permit Center.
When Charleston Streets Flood
- If the street is under water, hold off on laundry, dishwashers and long showers until it drains.
- Ask a plumber about a backwater valve if your lowest drain has backed up in a storm or king tide.
- Have a flooded water heater inspected before turning it back on.
- A backup in dry weather at low tide points to your own line. See sewer backup.
Plumbing Under a Raised Charleston House
Many Charleston houses sit on piers or tall foundations, with supply and drain lines running in the open underneath. That makes leaks easier to reach, and also leaves the pipe exposed to damp, salty air and the occasional freeze. Look under the house a few times a year for drips and corroded fittings, and wrap exposed pipe before a cold night. See leak detection.
Old Pipe Downtown
Historic houses on the peninsula often have a mix of old cast iron, galvanized and newer pipe.
What Affects Plumbing Costs in Charleston
No plumber can quote a firm price before seeing the problem. These are the things that move the cost of plumbing work in Charleston.
- Historic houses. Mixed old pipe and tight access add labor.
- Flood conditions. Wet crawl spaces and corroded fittings slow the work.
- Finding the problem. Leak locating and camera inspections are separate steps, but they keep the repair itself small.
- Time of day. Many companies charge an after-hours, weekend or holiday fee.
- Permits. When a job needs one, it comes from City of Charleston Permit Center, and the plumber usually pulls it.
- Ask for the arrival fee before the plumber heads out, and for the repair price in writing before work starts.
How to Find a Licensed Plumber in Charleston
These checks take a few minutes and prevent most bad experiences, whichever Charleston plumber you end up hiring.
Check the South Carolina License
Residential plumbers in South Carolina are licensed by the state. Before any work starts at your Charleston home, ask for the license number and look it up with the South Carolina Residential Builders Commission.
Charleston Permits and the State Plumbing License
The City of Charleston takes plumbing permit applications online. Its plumbing application lists a water heater as a work type and notes that it also needs an electrical or gas permit, depending on the fuel. In South Carolina, residential plumbers are licensed through the Residential Builders Commission, and a license is required for residential plumbing work over $500.
What to Ask on the Phone
- What is the arrival window?
- Is there a service, trip or after-hours fee?
- For an emergency, will you stop the damage first and quote the permanent repair before starting it?
- What is your license number?
Plumbers in Cities Near Charleston
FAQs About Plumbers in Charleston
Is Charleston water hard?
No. Charleston Water System reports an average of about 58 ppm, or 3.4 grains per gallon, and describes the water as moderately soft.
How quickly can I get a plumber in Charleston?
Often the same day, including nights and weekends, but it depends on demand and where in Charleston you are. The plumber gives you an arrival window when you call. During a citywide event such as a hard freeze or major storm, waits are longer, so shut off the water and limit the damage while you wait.
Find a Same-Day Plumber in Charleston, SC
If you have flood and tide backups, old pipe downtown or another plumbing problem in Charleston, call now. You'll be connected to a licensed plumber who works in your area, and you'll know the arrival window and any fee before they head out.