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Serving Charleston & the Lowcountry  ·  Open 24 Hours

Downtown Charleston, SC

Plumber in Downtown Charleston

Downtown Charleston Plumbing Is Not Suburban Plumbing

Peninsula homes built before the 1960s were commonly plumbed with galvanised steel supply lines and cast iron drain lines. A great many are still running on the originals — pipe installed 60 to 70 years ago, now at or past the end of its service life.

That changes what goes wrong, and what the right fix is. It also changes what does not matter here: Charleston Water System delivers moderately soft water at roughly 3.4 grains per gallon (58.4 ppm), so scale is not the enemy downtown. Corrosion and age are.

Galvanised supply lines

Commonly fail between 40 and 60 years. Internal corrosion restricts flow, drops pressure and can leach into the water supply.

Cast iron drain lines

Typical of homes built before the 1970s and generally good for 50 to 75 years. A sewer camera inspection tells you where yours actually is.

Soft water, older pipe

At 3.4 grains per gallon the water itself is gentle. What ages is the pipe carrying it, which is why repiping rather than softening is the downtown conversation.

Our Downtown Charleston Plumbing Services

Do You Need BAR Approval to Repipe a Historic Charleston Home?

Usually, no. If your property sits in the Historic District, the Board of Architectural Review issues a Certificate of Appropriateness for exterior work — and that step comes before you can pull a building permit.

Interior work is treated differently. Bathroom upgrades, fixture replacement and repiping generally do not require BAR approval, provided the exterior appearance of the property is unchanged.

A plumbing permit is still required for new plumbing, repipes, water heaters, fixtures and gas piping, and that work must be carried out by a South Carolina licensed plumbing contractor. We handle the permitting so you are not guessing at it.

Neighbourhoods We Serve on the Peninsula

South of Broad · Harleston Village · Ansonborough · Wagener Terrace · Hampton Park · East Side · West Side · Downtown Charleston

We also work the surrounding area, including newer construction in Cainhoy and Carolina Bay, where the plumbing story is very different from the peninsula.

In Charleston, homeowners expect quality, timeliness, and professionalism — and that’s exactly what Charles Towne Plumbing delivers. Whether you’re dealing with a dripping faucet in Wagener Terrace, a cold shower on South of Broad, or need a full sewer line inspection in Harleston Village, our licensed plumbing team is here to protect your home, your time, and your peace of mind.

We proudly serve the peninsula area — including Hampton Park, West Side, East Side, Downtown Charleston, Ansonborough, and the historic South of Broad district. With deep Lowcountry roots and years of experience working in coastal homes, our plumbers arrive with the right tools, the right training, and the right attitude to get the job done right the first time.

Our Charleston Plumbing Services

Charleston homes — from historic downtown properties to newly built homes in Cainhoy and Carolina Bay — often feature a mix of aging infrastructure and modern upgrades. That’s why Charles Towne Plumbing is equipped to handle it all, with services including:

  • Tankless & traditional water heater repair and installation
  • Leak detection & water line repair (including slab leaks)
  • Drain cleaning, clog removal & sewer camera inspections
  • Sewer line repair & trenchless pipe relining (CIPP)
  • Gas line installation & replacement
  • Fixture upgrades & kitchen/bath remodeling rough-ins
  • Whole-home repiping (especially for aging copper or polybutylene systems)
  • Emergency plumbing services with fast, local response

Why Charleston Homeowners Choose Charles Towne Plumbing

We know what it takes to work in the heart of historic Charleston — from navigating narrow alleyways and tight crawlspaces to protecting antique finishes and respecting HOA and preservation guidelines. Our team delivers:

  • Prompt Arrival & Clear Communication – On-time service, honest estimates, and no-pressure solutions
  • High-End Fixture Expertise – From Rinnai to Kohler, we service premium brands and modern plumbing systems
  • Clean, Respectful Workmanship – We use drop cloths, wear shoe covers, and clean up after ourselves
  • Locally Owned & Operated – Proudly serving Charleston with Southern hospitality and integrity

Your Go-To Plumbing Company in Charleston, SC

Whether you’re located in 29401, 29403 or beyond — from Broad Street to Line Street, from Colonial Lake to the Citadel — Charles Towne Plumbing is the team locals trust for fast, courteous, and expert plumbing service

Contact us today to schedule your service, request a quote, or speak to a local plumbing expert.

Talk to a plumber who knows the peninsula