What 100% Plumbing Does and When to Call Them

100% Plumbing is a licensed plumber serving the Midlands and surrounding areas

100% Plumbing is a locally owned plumbing company operating in South Carolina's Midlands region, primarily around the Columbia area and nearby communities. They handle residential and commercial plumbing work, from routine repairs to new installations and emergency calls. Like any plumber you might hire, they charge for their time and materials, and you'll want to understand what they offer before calling.

The company operates during standard business hours and also takes emergency calls outside those hours—a feature that matters if a pipe bursts at midnight or your water heater fails on a weekend. Before you contact them, it helps to know what kinds of work they typically do and what information you should have ready when you call.

Key Takeaways

• 100% Plumbing serves residential and commercial customers in the Columbia area and surrounding Midlands communities.
• They handle emergency calls outside standard business hours, though emergency rates may differ from regular service calls.
• You should have your address, a description of the problem, and access to your water shut-off valve ready before calling.
• Like all plumbers, they charge for service calls, diagnostics, and materials, so ask about pricing before work begins.
• For non-emergency issues, getting an estimate from multiple plumbers helps you compare costs and understand what the work involves.

Types of work 100% Plumbing typically handles

Residential plumbing jobs include fixing leaky faucets, replacing fixtures, unclogging drains, repairing or replacing water heaters, and fixing burst pipes. They also install new plumbing for renovations and handle toilet repairs—one of the most common calls plumbers receive. If you're remodeling a bathroom or kitchen, they can run new supply lines and drain lines to code.

Commercial work covers similar repairs and installations but often involves larger systems, multiple bathrooms, or coordination with other contractors on a job site. If you own or manage a business in the area, they can handle both emergency repairs and planned maintenance.

Emergency calls—a frozen pipe, a burst line, a water heater that stops working in winter—are handled outside regular hours. Emergency service typically costs more than a standard appointment, so ask about their after-hours rates when you call.

What to have ready before you call

When you contact 100% Plumbing, have your street address and a clear description of the problem ready. "Water is leaking under the sink" is more useful than "something's wrong with my plumbing." If the issue is urgent—water actively leaking or no water coming out—say that first.

Know where your main water shut-off valve is located. If a pipe is actively leaking, you may need to shut off water before the plumber arrives, and knowing this location ahead of time saves critical minutes. Most shut-off valves are near the water meter or where the main line enters the house.

Ask about their service call fee, diagnostic fee (if separate), and whether they charge for the estimate. Some plumbers include the diagnostic fee in the final bill if you hire them; others charge it regardless. Clarifying this upfront prevents surprises on the invoice.

How to compare plumbing costs in your area

Plumbing rates vary by company, by the complexity of the job, and by whether it's an emergency call. A simple faucet repair costs far less than replacing a water heater or fixing a burst pipe behind a wall. Getting estimates from two or three plumbers in the Columbia area gives you a sense of the market rate for your specific problem.

When you call for an estimate, describe the same problem to each company in the same way. Ask whether the estimate includes labor, materials, and any service fees. Some companies quote a flat rate for common jobs like unclogging a drain; others charge hourly labor plus materials. Understanding which model they use helps you compare fairly.

The cheapest quote is not always the best choice—a plumber who rushes through work or uses low-quality parts may cost you more in the long run. Look for companies with good local reviews and clear communication about what they'll do and what it will cost.

Emergency plumbing: when to call immediately

Call a plumber right away if water is actively leaking inside your home, if you have no water pressure, if sewage is backing up, or if you smell gas near plumbing fixtures. These situations can cause damage to your home or pose safety risks. Before the plumber arrives, shut off the main water valve if you can locate it safely—this stops water from continuing to leak.

A burst pipe, a water heater that's leaking, or a toilet that won't stop running are also urgent but slightly less critical than active flooding. You still want same-day service, but you have a little time to call around and get a sense of pricing if you're not in immediate danger.

Frozen pipes are common in South Carolina winters, especially in unheated spaces like crawl spaces or exterior walls. If you suspect a frozen pipe, you can try thawing it yourself with a heat lamp or hair dryer before calling a plumber, but if you're not comfortable doing that, a plumber can handle it.

Maintenance and preventive plumbing work

Beyond emergency repairs, plumbers offer maintenance services that can prevent costly problems later. A water heater inspection or flush every few years extends its life. Drain cleaning removes buildup before it becomes a clog. Checking for small leaks catches problems while they're still cheap to fix.

If you own an older home in South Carolina, a plumber can inspect your pipes for corrosion or mineral buildup, which is common in areas with hard water. Knowing the condition of your plumbing system helps you budget for future work and avoid surprise failures.

Many plumbing companies offer seasonal maintenance packages or discounts for regular customers. Ask 100% Plumbing whether they offer any preventive service plans if you're looking to spread costs over time or get priority scheduling.

Questions to ask before hiring any plumber

Beyond 100% Plumbing, these questions apply to any plumber you're considering. Ask whether they're licensed and insured—this protects you if something goes wrong during the work. Ask for references or reviews from recent customers. Ask whether they may provide their work and for how long.

Clarify the payment terms: do they take credit cards, or cash only? Do they require a deposit for large jobs? What's their cancellation policy if you need to reschedule? Understanding these details upfront prevents friction when the bill arrives.

Ask how long they estimate the job will take. A plumber who says "I'll be there for two hours" gives you a clearer picture than one who says "I don't know yet." Realistic time estimates help you plan your day and understand whether you're paying for a quick fix or a longer project.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does a typical plumbing service call cost?

Service call fees vary by company and location, but in the Columbia area they typically range from $75 to $150 just to diagnose the problem. The actual repair cost depends on what's wrong—a simple faucet repair might be $150 to $300 total, while replacing a water heater can run $800 to $1,500 or more. Always ask for an estimate before work begins.

What should I do if a pipe bursts at night?

Shut off the main water valve immediately to stop water from leaking. Then call 100% Plumbing or another emergency plumber. Emergency calls cost more than daytime service, but a burst pipe can cause thousands of dollars in water damage if left unattended. It's worth the extra cost to stop the leak quickly.

Can I fix a leaky faucet myself, or should I call a plumber?

Simple faucet repairs—replacing a washer or cartridge—are doable for people comfortable with basic tools. However, if you're unsure or the faucet is still under warranty, calling a plumber ensures the job is done right and protects your warranty. A plumber can also diagnose whether the leak is from the faucet itself or from supply lines underneath.

How do I find my water shut-off valve?

The main shut-off valve is usually located near your water meter, often in a basement, crawl space, or outside near the foundation. It looks like a handle or knob on a pipe. If you can't find it, ask a plumber to show you during a service call. Knowing this location ahead of an emergency can save you time and water damage.

Is it worth getting multiple plumbing estimates?

Yes, especially for larger jobs like water heater replacement or major repairs. Getting two or three estimates helps you understand the range of costs and what different plumbers include in their pricing. For small repairs, one estimate may be enough, but for work over $500, comparing options is worth the time.