Plumber in Columbia, SC

Columbia’s Most Common Plumbing Issues — And How We Fix Them

Columbia’s housing stock is one of the most diverse in South Carolina — from historic 1930s-era bungalows in Shandon and Rosewood, to 1950s ranch homes in Forest Acres, to newer construction across Northeast Columbia. That mix means we see nearly every type of plumbing issue: failing galvanized and cast iron pipes in the older neighborhoods, slab leaks in the newer slab-on-grade builds, and tree root intrusion across the board.

Slab leaks and underground line breaks

The expansive clay soil across the Midlands swells when it rains and contracts in dry periods — a cycle that puts constant stress on water and sewer lines buried under your home. Pinhole leaks and cracked fittings can go unnoticed for months until you notice an unexplained spike in your water bill, warm spots on the floor, or the sound of running water when no fixtures are in use. Our licensed plumbers use electronic leak detection and camera inspection to find the exact problem location, so repairs are targeted instead of tearing up your whole slab or yard.

Tree root intrusion in sewer lines

The massive oaks that line the streets of Shandon, Cottontown, and Forest Acres produce some of the most aggressive tree roots in the Midlands. Those roots love finding their way into joints on older clay and cast iron sewer lines. Repeated backups, gurgling drains, slow flushes, or sewage odors in the yard are all warning signs. We clear roots with professional augers or, for severe cases, hydro jetting, and can run a camera to recommend a spot repair if the pipe is damaged.

Water heater failures

Most residential water heaters last 8-12 years, and the older Columbia neighborhoods have many water heaters that are well past their expected lifespan. Sediment buildup from the Midlands’ moderately hard water shortens that lifespan further, especially on units located in unconditioned garages or attics. We service and install tank and tankless water heaters across all the major brands — Rheem, A.O. Smith, Bradford White, Rinnai, and Navien. If your unit is over 10 years old and making popping or knocking sounds, call us to assess whether it’s worth repairing or if replacement is the smarter investment.

Plumbing Services for Columbia Homeowners

Whether you’re in a 1930s Shandon bungalow, a Forest Acres ranch, a Five Points rental, or a new build off Farrow Road, we handle every residential plumbing need:

• Water heater repair, replacement, and tankless installation
• Drain cleaning and clog removal — kitchens, bathrooms, tubs, main sewer lines
• Faucet, pipe, and fixture repair and replacement
• Toilet repair, rebuild, and water-efficient toilet installation
• Garbage disposal installation and repair
• Water line and sewer line repair and replacement
• Pipe camera inspection and electronic leak detection

Why Columbia Families Choose Conner Plumbing

We’re a locally owned plumbing company serving Columbia and the broader Midlands region. Founded in 2016, Conner Plumbing is built on three simple promises: licensed and insured technicians, honest upfront pricing, and treating every customer like family. We’ve earned a 4.9-star rating on Google from nearly 300 customers and are a Nextdoor Neighborhood Favorite in six Midlands neighborhoods.

When you call Conner Plumbing, you talk to someone local who knows Columbia — not a national call center. We answer phones during business hours and respond to messages submitted through the form on this page the same business day.

Neighborhoods We Serve in Columbia

We cover Columbia city limits and the surrounding metro area, including Forest Acres, Shandon, Five Points, Earlewood, Rosewood, Cottontown, Heathwood, and Northeast Columbia.