Smith's Do It Best — Hardware and Plumbing Supplies in South Carolina

What Smith's Do It Best carries for plumbing projects

Smith's Do It Best is a locally-owned hardware store chain across South Carolina that stocks plumbing fixtures, tools, and materials for both small repairs and larger projects. The stores carry common items like faucets, pipe fittings, valves, water heaters, and drain supplies, along with the hand tools and power equipment you need to install or repair them. Each location also stocks seasonal inventory — winterization supplies in fall, outdoor water system parts in spring — and can often special-order items not on the shelf.

The advantage of a regional chain like Smith's over big-box retailers is that staff tend to know the local building codes and common plumbing problems in their area. If you walk in with a broken fitting or a question about what size pipe you need, the person behind the counter can usually answer without sending you to three different aisles. Many locations also offer in-store key cutting, tool rental, and paint mixing, which can save a trip elsewhere.

Key Takeaways

• Smith's Do It Best locations across South Carolina stock standard plumbing fixtures, fittings, valves, and hand tools for repairs and installations.
• Staff at local Smith's stores often know regional building codes and can advise on common plumbing issues without requiring a special order.
• Many Smith's locations offer tool rental, which is useful for one-time projects where buying equipment would be wasteful.
• Bring the old part or take a photo if you are unsure what size or type of fitting you need — staff can match it on the spot.

Finding your nearest Smith's Do It Best location

Smith's Do It Best operates stores throughout South Carolina, with locations in the Lowcountry, Midlands, and Upstate regions. The easiest way to find the store nearest you is to visit the Do It Best corporate website and use their store locator tool, which shows addresses, phone numbers, and hours. You can also call ahead to confirm they have a specific item in stock before making the drive, which saves time if you need something less common.

Hours vary by location — most are open six days a week, with reduced Sunday hours or closed Sundays depending on the store. Calling ahead is especially useful during busy seasons like spring and early summer, when plumbing supplies move quickly and special orders may take longer.

What to bring when you shop for plumbing parts

If you are replacing a fitting, valve, or faucet, bring the old part with you or take a clear photo showing the size markings and connection type. Plumbing parts come in standard sizes — 1/2 inch, 3/4 inch, 1 inch — and the wrong size will not fit. Staff can match your old part to the replacement in seconds if you have it in hand.

For faucet repairs, bring the faucet model number if you have it, or a photo of the whole faucet including any visible branding. For water heater work, know whether your unit is gas or electric and its approximate age or capacity. These details help staff point you to the right replacement parts or suggest whether repair is still practical.

Tool rental and equipment options

Many Smith's Do It Best locations rent tools for short-term projects — pipe threaders, drain augers, and other specialized equipment that most homeowners use only once. Rental rates are typically charged by the day or half-day, and you can reserve tools by phone to ensure they are available when you need them. This option is much cheaper than buying equipment you will use for a single job.

Ask about rental policies when you call, since terms vary slightly by location. Some stores require a deposit, and rental periods may be limited during peak seasons. If you are tackling a larger plumbing project, renting can cut your total cost significantly.

When to call ahead versus walking in

Walk in for common items — washers, basic fittings, standard faucet cartridges, pipe tape, and hand tools. These are almost always in stock and staff can help you find them quickly. Call ahead if you need a specific brand, an unusual size, a water heater, or anything you are unsure about. A five-minute phone call can save you a wasted trip if the item is not in stock.

During spring and summer, plumbing supplies move fast and special orders can take a week or more. If you are planning a project during peak season, order early. Winter is usually slower, so special orders may arrive faster and shelves are better stocked with less common items.

Comparing Smith's to other plumbing supply options in South Carolina

Smith's Do It Best competes with national chains like Home Depot and Lowe's, as well as dedicated plumbing supply houses in larger cities. National chains have more locations and longer hours, but staff knowledge varies widely. Dedicated plumbing suppliers often have deeper inventory and more specialized products, but fewer locations and higher prices. Smith's sits in the middle — local enough that staff know your area, large enough to stock most common items, and prices competitive with national chains.

If you are a contractor or doing frequent plumbing work, ask about a commercial account at Smith's. Some locations offer contractor discounts and faster ordering for regular customers. For one-time homeowner repairs, Smith's is usually your fastest and most convenient option.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need to know the exact size of my pipe before I go to Smith's?

No. Bring the old fitting or take a photo, and staff can match it. If you cannot do either, measure the outside diameter of your pipe with a ruler and note whether it is copper, PVC, or galvanized steel. Staff can identify the size and thread type from that information.

Can Smith's special order a water heater or other large item?

Yes. Call your local store with the model number or specifications, and they can order it. Delivery and installation are usually handled separately — ask whether the store offers installation or can recommend a licensed plumber in your area.

What if I do not know what part I need to fix my problem?

Describe the problem to staff — a leaking faucet, a slow drain, water pooling under the sink — and bring photos if you can. They can often diagnose the issue and tell you what parts or tools you need. If the problem is complex, they may recommend calling a plumber instead.

Are Smith's Do It Best prices the same at every location?

Prices are generally consistent across Smith's locations, but regional sales and promotions may vary. Call ahead if you are comparing prices on a large purchase, or ask about current sales when you visit.

Can I return plumbing supplies if I buy the wrong size?

Return policies vary by location. Most Smith's stores accept returns of unused, unopened items within a set period — usually 30 days — with a receipt. Call your local store to confirm their specific policy before you buy.