faqs
About Us
Yes. We're a licensed contractor in South Carolina (License #RBP 44524) and fully insured. All our technicians are trained professionals who follow local codes and industry standards.
We serve Charleston, Summerville, Goose Creek, North Charleston, West Ashley, Daniel Island, Hanahan, Moncks Corner, and the entire Tri-County area. If you're in the Lowcountry, we've got you covered.
Yes, we provide 24/7 emergency plumbing services throughout the Tri-County area. When disaster strikes, we answer the phone and get there fast.
We've been serving the Lowcountry for 3+ years with honest, dependable plumbing services. We're family-owned and plan to be here for many more years.
Water Systems
You should consider replacing your water heater when you notice:
- The unit is 10-12 years old (traditional tanks) or showing signs of wear
- Rust-colored water coming from hot water taps
- Strange noises like popping or rumbling
- Water pooling around the base of the unit
- Inconsistent water temperature or not enough hot water
- Rising energy bills despite normal usage
- Visible corrosion or leaks
Traditional tank water heaters should be flushed annually to remove sediment buildup. Tankless systems need annual flushing too, which is included free with Abe Plus membership. Regular maintenance extends the life of your system and keeps it running efficiently.
Tankless water heaters are great for many Lowcountry homes because they provide endless hot water, last 20+ years, save energy (up to 30% on water heating costs), and take up minimal space. They work especially well for growing families or homes with high hot water demand. We'll help you decide if tankless makes sense for your situation and budget.
Popping, banging, or rumbling sounds usually mean sediment has built up at the bottom of the tank. As water heats, it bubbles through the sediment, creating noise. This can be resolved with a flush, but if the noise is severe, it might indicate the tank is nearing the end of its life.
PIPES & PLUMBING SYSTEMS
Polybutylene pipes (often gray or white plastic pipes installed between 1978-1995) have serious problems. They're extremely susceptible to chlorine and other oxidants commonly found in municipal water supplies. These chemicals cause the pipes to degrade from the inside out, becoming brittle and developing micro-fractures that eventually burst without warning.
Cast Iron Sewer Pipes:
Cast iron was popular in older homes but has significant long-term problems:​
- Rust and corrosion from exposure to water and oxygen
- Internal surface becomes rough, trapping debris and causing clogs
- Corrosion weakens structural integrity over time
- Susceptible to tree root intrusion
- Can collapse when severely deteriorated
- Typically lasts 50-75 years before needing replacement
- Sewage backups and slow drainage are common
ABS Pipes:
While ABS (black plastic) is better than cast iron in many ways, it has issues:
- More brittle than PVC, especially in cold weather
- Can warp when exposed to high temperatures
- UV light degrades the material if exposed
- Not as chemically resistant as PVC
- Some codes don't allow it for certain applications
- Joint failures more common than with PVC
Copper pipes are generally reliable, but pinhole leaks are increasingly common due to several factors:
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Water chemistry issues:
- High pH or acidic water (pH below 7.2 or above 8)
- Soft water that's more corrosive to copper
- High mineral content causing internal pitting
- Chlorine and chloramines in water supply
Internal pitting corrosion:
- The most common cause of pinhole leaks
- Water chemistry combined with turbulence accelerates corrosion
- Creates clusters of small holes that appear randomly
Installation issues:
- Improper cutting or joining during original installation
- Contact with dissimilar metals causing galvanic corrosion
- Exposure to concrete with high sulfur content
- High water velocity creating turbulence
Age and exposure:
- Older copper pipes naturally corrode over time
- Oxygen in soil corrodes underground installations
Signs you might need whole-home or partial repiping:
- Multiple leaks in different locations
- Discolored or rust-colored water
- Low water pressure throughout the house
- Polybutylene pipes present anywhere in your home
- Frequent pinhole leaks in copper pipes
- Visible corrosion on exposed pipes
- Home built before 1970 with original plumbing
We offer camera inspections and honest assessments. Abe Plus members save $500 on repipe services.
DRAINS & CLOGS
We don't recommend chemical drain cleaners. They can:
- Damage pipes, especially older pipes
- Create toxic fumes
- Cause chemical burns if mishandled
- Only provide temporary relief
- Make the problem worse if not used properly
Never put these down drains:
- Grease, fats, or cooking oils
- Coffee grounds
- "Flushable" wipes (they're not really flushable)
- Paper towels
- Feminine hygiene products
- Cotton balls or swabs
- Medications
- Paint or chemicals
- Food scraps (unless you have a properly working disposal)
Recurring clogs usually indicate:
- Buildup of grease, hair, or soap scum
- Tree roots invading sewer lines
- Pipe slope issues preventing proper drainage
- Partial blockage downstream
- Damaged or collapsing pipes
We use camera inspections to identify the root cause and fix it permanently, not just temporarily.
Gas Plumbing
Warning signs of gas leaks:
- Rotten egg or sulfur smell (gas companies add this odor)
- Hissing or whistling sound near gas lines
- Dead vegetation near outdoor gas lines
- White cloud or dust near gas meter
- Physical symptoms: dizziness, nausea, headaches
If you smell gas:Â Evacuate immediately, don't use electronics or switches, call 911 from outside, then call us
Common causes:
- Thermocouple needs adjustment or replacement
- Drafts affecting the flame
- Clogged pilot orifice
- Gas pressure issues
- Faulty gas valve
Frequent pilot light failures should be addressed by a licensed professional.
No. Gas line work requires specialized licensing for safety reasons. Improper installation can lead to gas leaks, fires, carbon monoxide poisoning, or explosions. We're licensed (RBP 44524) to safely handle all gas plumbing work
SEWER & SEPTIC
We recommend camera inspection:
- Every 2-3 years as preventive maintenance
- When buying a home (especially older homes)
- If you're experiencing frequent backups
- If you have older pipes (cast iron, clay)
- If large trees are near your sewer line
Yes. Tree roots naturally seek water and nutrients, and sewer lines provide both. Roots can:
- Enter through tiny cracks or joints
- Grow inside pipes, causing blockages
- Apply pressure that cracks pipes
- Completely collapse older pipes
Common causes:
- Tree roots invading the line
- Grease buildup
- Flushing non-flushable items
- Collapsed or damaged pipes
- Municipal sewer line issues
- Heavy rain overwhelming the system
Camera inspection identifies the exact cause
Scheduling
For emergencies, we respond as quickly as possible—often within an hour for the Tri-County area. For scheduled service, we typically offer same-day or next-day appointments. Abe Plus members get priority scheduling.
Yes, we offer same-day service for most issues, depending on our schedule and your location. Emergency services are available 24/7.
We come prepared with fully stocked trucks for most common repairs. If we need a special part, we'll explain what's needed, give you a timeline, and often can have it the same or next day. We'll never leave you hanging.
For most jobs, yes. We need access to your plumbing and want to explain the work to you. If you can't be home, we can discuss alternative arrangements.