Choosing a licensed plumber in South Carolina: license, permit and price

The license

In South Carolina, residential plumbing work over $500 requires a license from the Residential Builders Commission at the SC Department of Labor, Licensing and Regulation (LLR). Commercial plumbing work over $10,000 is licensed by the Contractor's Licensing Board. Check either on the LLR license lookup before you hire. The licensing board is the South Carolina Residential Builders Commission (SC Department of Labor, Licensing and Regulation), 110 Centerview Drive, Columbia, 803-896-4696.

• Residential license lookup: search by the person's or company's name, or by license number.
• Commercial contractor lookup for larger jobs.
• Ask for proof of liability insurance, and workers' compensation if the company has employees.

Permits in Newberry County

In unincorporated Newberry County, the county building department (1512 Martin Street, Newberry, 803-321-2662) issues permits under the 2021 International Residential and Plumbing Codes, and the permit fee doubles if work starts without one. Inside the City of Newberry and the towns, ask the city or town. Water heater replacements, new gas lines and repiping commonly need a permit, and a licensed plumber should know when to pull one.

Getting a price

• For work that can wait, get two or three written estimates for the same scope.
• Ask whether the price includes the permit, haul-away, and any drywall or floor repair.
• Pay by card or check, not cash, and do not pay in full before the work is done.

Red flags

• Door-to-door offers, especially from out-of-state trucks.
• Large cash deposits, or pressure to sign today.
• No license number, or one that does not match the name in LLR's lookup.
• Offers to "handle your insurance claim," or to have you sign over your insurance payment.

The FTC warns that scammers follow weather emergencies, and the CFPB suggests getting everything in writing and checking licenses before any contractor starts.

Find one

Our directory lists plumbing and well contractors that serve Newberry County, with the address and phone each one publishes. We do not rank or endorse them; check the license yourself.