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RTS Plumbing: What to Know Before You Call

By Constance Obi · Culture & Recreation Writer

RTS Plumbing is a Charleston-based residential and commercial plumbing contractor

RTS Plumbing operates in the Charleston area and handles both routine maintenance and emergency plumbing work. The company serves homeowners and businesses with services including leak repair, drain cleaning, water heater installation, and fixture replacement. They are locally owned and work on older Charleston homes as well as newer construction.

Like most plumbing contractors in South Carolina, RTS operates on a service-call model: you contact them with a problem, they send a technician to diagnose it, and you receive a quote before work begins. Understanding how they work, what to expect on a service call, and how their pricing compares to other local options will help you decide whether they are the right fit for your situation.

Key Takeaways

  • RTS Plumbing is a Charleston-area contractor serving residential and commercial customers with repair, maintenance, and installation work.
  • Most plumbing contractors in South Carolina charge a service call fee to diagnose the problem, which may or may not be credited toward the final bill depending on the company's policy.
  • Emergency calls (nights, weekends, holidays) typically cost more than daytime appointments, and that surcharge varies by contractor.
  • Getting quotes from at least two or three local plumbers before committing to major work like water heater replacement or sewer line repair is standard practice.
  • Asking whether a contractor is licensed, insured, and bonded protects you if something goes wrong during the job.

How to contact RTS Plumbing and schedule a service call

To reach RTS Plumbing, you will need their phone number or website. Most Charleston-area plumbing contractors accept calls during business hours and offer emergency lines for after-hours problems. When you call, have ready the location of the problem (kitchen, bathroom, basement), what you have noticed (water pooling, slow drain, no hot water), and whether the issue is affecting your ability to use water or creating a safety concern.

Scheduling typically happens over the phone. The dispatcher will ask when you are available and whether the problem is urgent. If you need same-day service, expect to pay an emergency fee on top of the service call charge. For non-urgent issues, you may have more flexibility with appointment times and lower costs.

Service call fees and what they cover

Most plumbing contractors in South Carolina charge a service call fee to come out and diagnose the problem. This fee ranges widely depending on the company and the time of day—daytime calls are typically less expensive than evening or weekend calls. Some contractors credit the service fee toward the final bill if you hire them to do the work; others do not.

Before the technician leaves, you should receive a written estimate for any repairs or replacements they recommend. This estimate should include the cost of labor, materials, and any additional fees. You are not obligated to accept the estimate on the spot; it is reasonable to ask for time to think about it or to get a second opinion from another contractor.

Common plumbing problems RTS and other local contractors handle

Residential plumbing work in Charleston often involves older homes with cast iron or galvanized pipes that corrode over time. Slow drains, leaks under sinks, running toilets, and water heater failures are routine calls. Contractors also handle fixture upgrades, new bathroom installations, and preventive maintenance like drain cleaning.

Commercial work may include grease trap cleaning, backflow prevention testing, and larger-scale repairs. If you own a business or rental property, ask whether the contractor has experience with commercial systems, as the work can differ significantly from residential plumbing.

Licensing, insurance, and bonding in South Carolina

South Carolina requires plumbers to be licensed through the Department of Labor, Licensing and Regulation. A licensed plumber has passed an exam and meets continuing education requirements. Before hiring any contractor, including RTS, ask to see their license number and verify it on the state website if you want confirmation.

Insurance and bonding are separate from licensing. General liability insurance protects you if the contractor damages your property during the job. A performance bond guarantees that the work will be completed as promised. Not all contractors carry both, but asking about them is a reasonable part of your decision-making process.

Getting multiple quotes for major work

For expensive jobs—water heater replacement, sewer line repair, whole-house re-piping—it is standard practice to get quotes from at least two or three contractors. This gives you a sense of the market rate and helps you spot outliers. A quote that is significantly lower than others may indicate the contractor is cutting corners; one that is much higher may mean they are overcharging.

When comparing quotes, make sure each one covers the same scope of work. One contractor might include removal and disposal of the old water heater; another might charge extra for that. Reading the fine print prevents surprises when the bill arrives.

What to expect during and after a plumbing repair

A typical service call involves the technician arriving at your scheduled time, locating the problem, explaining what they found, and discussing options with you. If you have approved the work, they will proceed. Repairs can take anywhere from 30 minutes to several hours depending on the complexity. The technician should clean up after themselves and explain how to use any new fixtures or systems they installed.

After the work is done, you will receive an invoice showing what was done, the cost of labor and materials, and any fees. Many contractors offer a warranty on their work—typically 30 days to one year depending on the type of repair. Ask about the warranty before work begins so you know what is covered if something fails shortly after the repair.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does a plumbing service call cost in Charleston?

Service call fees vary by contractor and time of day. Daytime calls typically range from $75 to $150, while emergency calls (nights, weekends, holidays) may cost $150 to $300 or more. Some contractors credit the service fee toward the final bill if you hire them; others do not. Ask about this when you call.

What should I do if I have a plumbing emergency on a weekend?

Most Charleston plumbing contractors offer emergency lines for after-hours calls. You will pay an emergency surcharge on top of the regular service fee. If the problem is not life-threatening or creating immediate water damage, you may save money by waiting until business hours to call. For active leaks or no water, calling immediately is the safer choice.

How do I know if a plumber is licensed in South Carolina?

Ask the contractor for their license number and verify it through the South Carolina Department of Labor, Licensing and Regulation website. A licensed plumber has passed an exam and meets state requirements. Licensing does not may provide quality, but it does confirm the contractor has met a baseline standard.

Can I negotiate the price of a plumbing repair?

Labor rates are usually fixed, but you can sometimes negotiate on materials or the scope of work. For example, you might ask whether a temporary repair is possible while you save for a permanent fix. Getting multiple quotes also gives you leverage—if another contractor quoted lower, you can ask whether the first contractor can match it.

What warranty should I expect on plumbing work?

Warranties vary by contractor and type of work. Most offer 30 days to one year on labor and materials. Ask about the warranty before work begins and get it in writing. If something fails within the warranty period, the contractor should fix it at no additional cost.