State plumbing guide · SC
Plumbing in South Carolina
South Carolina sets statewide mandatory building codes, including a plumbing code based on the International Plumbing Code, and licenses residential plumbers through the Residential Builders Commission.
- Median home built
- 1993
- Built before 1980
- 32%
- Owner-occupied
- 72%
- Winter
- Occasional hard freezes
- General statewide rating
- Plumbing code
- IPC
- City guides
- 1
Housing figures: U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 2024 1-year (B25035, B25034).
South Carolina city plumbing guides
How to check a plumber's license in South Carolina
South Carolina's Residential Builders Commission licenses residential plumbers and residential specialty plumbing contractors; residential plumbing work over $500 requires a license. [1]
Which plumbing code applies in South Carolina
The South Carolina Building Codes Council adopted the 2021 codes, including the 2021 International Plumbing Code with South Carolina modifications, effective January 1, 2023. [2]
Seasonal problems to plan for in South Carolina
- Hurricane season
- Know your main shutoff; watch for backups after storms.
- Winter
- Hard freezes: protect exposed pipes, disconnect hoses. Frozen pipes.
How old South Carolina's homes are
Statewide, the median home was built in 1993 and 32% of homes predate 1980. Homes like that were usually built with copper or CPVC supply, plastic drains, and in some homes gray polybutylene supply pipe. The city guides below show how much that varies within the state.
South Carolina plumbing questions
How do I check a plumber's license in South Carolina?
For home plumbing, check the plumber with the SC Residential Builders Commission (LLR). Commercial plumbing contractors are licensed separately by the Contractor's Licensing Board.
Which plumbing code applies in South Carolina?
The 2021 International Plumbing Code with South Carolina modifications, mandatory statewide since January 1, 2023.
Sources (3)
- U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 2024 1-year (B25035, B25034) · checked 2026-10-01
- SC LLR, Residential Builders Commission: Residential Plumber License · checked 2026-10-01
- SC Department of Labor, Licensing and Regulation, Building Codes in Effect for South Carolina · checked 2026-10-01