Plumbing Repairs

General Plumbing Repairs in Charleston, SC

When something goes wrong with your plumbing, you don’t need a sales pitch. You need someone who shows up when they say they will and gives you an honest answer about what it’ll take to fix it.

That’s what Pineapple Plumbing was built for. Co-owners Austin Holcomb and Austin Webb started this company because they believed Charleston homeowners deserve better. With a combined 22 years of hands-on plumbing experience, they bring the kind of expertise that only comes from years inside Charleston-area homes. Austin Holcomb, a U.S. Marine veteran who’s called the Lowcountry home since he was two, brings over eight years in the trade and the discipline that means no shortcuts. Austin Webb, born and raised in Summerville, has spent more than 14 years perfecting his craft and treats every customer’s home like it belongs to someone he grew up with.

Whether it’s a dripping faucet in a 1920s downtown bungalow or a running toilet in a new Daniel Island townhome, we handle every repair with the same care, because that’s what neighbors do.

We proudly serve Charleston, Mount Pleasant, Summerville, West Ashley, North Charleston, James Island, Johns Island, Goose Creek, Hanahan, and surrounding Lowcountry communities.

Why Plumbing Repairs in Charleston Require Local Know-How

Not every plumber understands what’s behind the walls of a Charleston home. The Lowcountry presents plumbing challenges you won’t find in most other markets, and that context matters when diagnosing problems and recommending solutions.

  • Older pipe materials still in service. Many homes built before the 1960s, especially in the Historic District, West Ashley, and parts of James Island, were plumbed with galvanized steel or cast iron. These materials corrode from the inside out over decades, causing restricted water flow, discolored water, and recurring leaks. Some pre-1986 homes may still have lead solder in copper joints. If your home has original pipes and you’re noticing low water pressure or rust-colored water, it’s worth having those lines inspected rather than just patching individual leaks.
  • Salt air accelerates metal corrosion. Salt-laden humidity eats away at exposed plumbing components, outdoor hose bibs, and metal supply lines. We see this regularly in homes on James Island, Sullivan’s Island, and Mount Pleasant, fixtures that should last 15 to 20 years wearing out in half that time.
  • Tree root intrusion. Charleston’s live oaks and mature landscaping are beautiful, but their roots seek out moisture in aging sewer and drain lines. Clay and cast iron pipes are especially vulnerable. We’ve pulled roots out of sewer lines in neighborhoods across West Ashley and downtown Charleston where homeowners had no idea the problem was developing underground.
  • Humidity and condensation. Our humid summers cause condensation on cold water pipes, especially in crawl spaces. Over time, that moisture leads to corrosion, mold, and wood rot around your plumbing, problems that are much cheaper to prevent than to fix.
  • Storm season and drainage. Charleston sits at low elevation on a coastal plain, and heavy rains can overwhelm drainage systems. Some older downtown homes still have combined sewer and stormwater connections that back up during major storms. Understanding your home’s drainage design helps us recommend the right preventive measures.

Common Plumbing Repairs We Handle

We get calls for these issues every week from homeowners across the Charleston area. Most are straightforward when handled early, but all of them can become expensive problems if ignored.

  • Leaking and dripping faucets. A faucet that drips once per second wastes roughly 3,000 gallons per year. Beyond the water bill, that constant moisture damages countertops, cabinets, and the connections beneath your sink. We repair and replace all faucet types compression, ball, cartridge, and ceramic disc, and can help you choose a replacement if yours has reached the end of its life.
  • Running and leaking toilets. A running toilet can waste 200 gallons or more per day. Most of the time, the fix is a worn flapper, a faulty fill valve, or a misadjusted float, repairs that take less than an hour. If the toilet is cracked at the base or rocking on the floor, that’s a different conversation, and we’ll walk you through your options honestly.
  • Slow or clogged drains. Kitchen sinks clog from grease buildup. Bathroom drains accumulate hair and soap residue. Floor drains in crawl spaces can back up from sediment or root intrusion. We clear drains mechanically rather than relying on chemical solutions, which can damage older pipes. If clogs keep recurring, we’ll recommend a camera inspection to find out what’s actually going on.
  • Water pressure problems. Low pressure throughout the house often points to corroded supply lines, a failing pressure regulator, or municipal supply issues. Low pressure at a single fixture usually means a clogged aerator or a partially closed valve. We diagnose the cause before recommending a fix.
  • Pipe leaks and minor pipe repairs. Pinhole leaks in copper lines, corroded galvanized joints, and failed connections under sinks and behind walls are among our most common calls. We locate the leak, assess the surrounding pipe, and repair or replace the affected section. If we see signs the issue is systemic, multiple leaks, widespread corrosion, discolored water, we’ll let you know it may be time to discuss repiping.
  • Water heater issues. Sediment buildup, faulty heating elements, failing thermostats, and anode rod corrosion are common water heater repairs here. Charleston’s moderately soft water (around 3.5 grains per gallon) is gentler than hard-water areas, but sediment still accumulates and shortens equipment life if the tank isn’t flushed periodically.
  • Fixture and valve replacements. Shut-off valves under sinks and behind toilets seize up or leak after years of disuse. Outdoor hose bibs corrode faster near the coast. These are small repairs that prevent big problems.

How We Decide Whether to Repair or Replace

One of the most common questions we hear is, “Should I fix this or just replace it?” We believe in giving you a straight answer, not the answer that generates the biggest invoice.

Here’s the general framework we use:

Repair makes sense when the problem is isolated, the surrounding plumbing is in good condition, and the repair will realistically last several more years. A single leaking joint in an otherwise sound copper line is a perfect example.

Replacement makes sense when the fixture or pipe has reached the end of its functional life, when repair costs approach 50 percent or more of replacement cost, or when the existing material poses a health or safety concern. A galvanized steel supply line with internal corrosion and repeated leaks is a better candidate for replacement than another patch.

We explain our reasoning, show you what we’re seeing, and let you make the call. No pressure, no upsell. If a $12 part solves the problem, that’s what we’ll recommend.

What to Expect When You Call Us

Here’s how we make the process as easy as possible:

You’ll talk to a real person who schedules your visit at a time that works for you. Your plumber arrives on time, introduces himself, and puts on shoe covers before entering your home. We diagnose the issue, explain what we find in plain language, and provide a clear price before any work begins. We clean up after ourselves, and if you have questions after we leave, we’re a phone call away.

No mystery fees, no surprise charges, no pushy recommendations. Just honest plumbing work from people who live and work right here in the Lowcountry.

Get Free Consultations

Other Services

Explore our trusted plumbing services for reliable solutions across Charleston and the Lowcountry.

Customer Support

Have a plumbing question or need service? Our friendly team is ready to help with honest advice and reliable solutions.
Call Center

+1 843-739-7438

Email Support

info@pineappleplumbingchs.com

Office Hours

Monday – Friday

07:30 AM – 08:30 PM

Saturday - Sunday

09:00 AM – 04:00 PM

Emergency Service - Available 24/7
Common Questions

Common Questions Charleston Homeowners Ask Us

How do I know if a plumbing issue is urgent or can wait?
We serve Charleston and the surrounding Lowcountry, including North Charleston, Summerville, Mount Pleasant, West Ashley, James Island, Johns Island, Daniel Island, Goose Creek, Hanahan, Ladson, and nearby communities. If you're not sure whether we reach your area, just call. We'll let you know right away.
Yes. Pineapple Plumbing is fully licensed in South Carolina (SC License #XXXXX) and carries both general liability and workers' compensation insurance. We're happy to provide documentation before any job.
Look for these warning signs: rust-colored or discolored water when you first turn on a faucet, low water pressure that has gradually worsened over time, visible corrosion or green patina on exposed pipes in your crawl space or basement, and recurring leaks in different areas of the house. If your home was built before 1970 and hasn't had any plumbing updates, there's a reasonable chance it still has galvanized steel or cast iron drain lines that are nearing the end of their useful life.
If you have an active leak causing water damage, yes, locate your main water shut off valve and turn it off. In Charleston, the main shut off is typically near the front of the house where the water line enters from the street or inside the crawl space. For non emergency repairs, you can leave the water on. Just let us know what's happening when you call, and we'll tell you exactly what to do.
Do I need a licensed plumber for small repairs, or can I handle them myself?
You can handle basics like plunging a clogged toilet, replacing a showerhead, or cleaning faucet aerators. However, anything involving supply line connections, gas lines, water heater components, or drain lines inside walls is best left to a licensed professional. In South Carolina, plumbing work must meet state and local code requirements, and improperly done repairs can cause water damage, void your insurance, or create safety hazards.
For most Charleston homes, a professional inspection every one to two years is a smart investment. Homes built before 1980, properties with mature trees near sewer lines, and houses in flood-prone areas benefit from annual checks. A thorough inspection covers visible pipes, water pressure, the water heater, drain performance, and signs of leaks or corrosion in the crawl space. Catching problems early is always less expensive than dealing with an emergency.
We handle a wide range of residential plumbing repairs, including leaking pipes, dripping faucets, running toilets, low water pressure, damaged shut off valves, water line leaks, garbage disposal issues, fixture repairs, and more. Whether it's a small repair or a larger plumbing problem, our experienced team will diagnose the issue, explain your options, and recommend the most practical solution for your home.
Absolutely. Many homes throughout Charleston, West Ashley, James Island, and surrounding neighborhoods have older plumbing systems that require specialized knowledge and careful repairs. We understand the challenges of aging pipes, outdated fixtures, and older plumbing materials, allowing us to recommend repairs that fit both the home and the homeowner's long-term needs.
Book an Appointment

Schedule Your Repair Today

If something doesn’t feel right with your plumbing, don’t wait for it to get worse. Call Pineapple Plumbing or [contact us online] to schedule a visit. We’ll tell you what we find and help you decide the best path forward — no pressure, no runaround.

Testimonial

Customer Experiences That Inspire Confidence