Plumbing System
Plumbing System | Pipe Upgrades | Plumbing | Charleston
Cracked clay lines, rusty galvanized pipes, erratic water pressure—Charleston’s historic charm can hide some not-so-charming plumbing issues. HEP’s licensed technicians specialize in thoughtful, minimally disruptive pipe upgrades that replace worn-out lines with modern materials engineered for decades of leak-free service. From Battery-age mansions to new builds on Johns Island, we protect your property’s value, improve water quality, and help you forget about pinhole leaks and surprise shutdowns.
Every project begins with a camera inspection and pressure analysis, so you see exactly what’s happening underground before we lift a single floorboard. Then we tailor solutions—copper repipes, PEX conversions, or targeted section replacements—scheduled around your life and backed by transparent pricing. When you’re ready to trade corrosion for confidence, call HEP and experience Charleston’s friendliest path to worry-free water.
FAQs
Why should I consider upgrading the pipes in my Charleston home?
Older galvanized or cast-iron pipes common in many Charleston houses can corrode, restrict water flow, and leach rust into your water supply. Upgrading to modern PEX, copper, or PVC piping improves water pressure, protects water quality, lowers the risk of leaks and water damage, and helps your plumbing meet current building codes—often boosting property value in the process.
How do I know my plumbing system needs a pipe upgrade rather than a simple repair?
Warning signs include discolored or metallic-tasting water, frequent leaks in different areas, low water pressure throughout the house, and pipes that are 40+ years old. A licensed plumber can perform a camera inspection and pressure test to assess pipe condition. If deterioration is widespread, a whole-house repipe is typically more cost-effective than repeated piecemeal repairs.
What pipe materials are best for Charleston’s climate and water conditions?
PEX is popular for its flexibility, resistance to pinhole leaks, and ability to withstand the region’s occasional temperature swings without bursting. Type L copper offers exceptional longevity and bacteriostatic properties, but it is more expensive. Schedule 40 CPVC is budget-friendly and performs well with Charleston’s municipal water chemistry. Your plumber will recommend a material based on your budget, water quality, and future remodeling plans.
How long does a whole-house pipe upgrade typically take?
A standard single-family home repipe in Charleston usually takes 2–5 days, depending on house size, accessibility of existing piping, and selected materials. Water is commonly shut off for only a few hours at a time; by planning work in stages, plumbers ensure you have at least partial water service most evenings.
Will I need to vacate my home or open walls during the upgrade?
Most homeowners remain in place while work is performed. Although drywall access holes are required to route new piping, professional plumbers keep them small and strategic, and they patch and texture the walls afterward. For slab-on-grade homes, rerouting pipes through the attic or walls avoids breaking the concrete slab, minimizing disruption.
What costs should I expect and are there local incentives in Charleston?
Whole-house pipe replacement generally ranges from $4,000 to $12,000+ in Charleston, influenced by home size, story count, and material choice. Copper is the priciest, PEX the most economical. Some insurance policies offer partial reimbursement if upgrades are done after leak-related damage. The City of Charleston provides low-interest rehabilitation loans for qualifying historic properties, and many plumbing contractors offer 0% short-term financing to spread out the expense.