Water Service Upgrade
Lead service lines are a health hazard. The EPA and CDC recommend removal. We help you understand your options, select the right material for Charleston's water chemistry, and route modern lines through historic walls without gutting the house.
Why water service matters
The water service line is the connection from the municipal water main (usually in the street) to your home's pressure system. In many Charleston homes built before 1970, this line is lead—a soft metal used because it's easy to work with and, at the time, thought to be safe.
Lead in drinking water is a proven health hazard, particularly for children and pregnant women. The EPA Lead and Copper Rule requires water systems to minimize lead. Most Charleston residents with lead service lines should consider replacement.
In addition to lead, galvanized steel lines from the 1940s–1970s corrode internally and restrict flow. Copper lines from the 1970s–2000s are good but can develop pinhole leaks in Charleston's soft, slightly acidic water.
Material options for Charleston
| Material | Lifespan | Cost | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Copper (Type K) | 50–70 years | $$ | Reliable; vulnerable to pinhole in soft water; good for traditional feel |
| PEX | 40–50 years | $ | Flexible, easy to route, modern but not visible in historic homes |
| Ductile Iron | 75–100 years | $$ | Durable; heavier than copper; good for long-term durability |
For most Charleston properties, we recommend PEX for interior lines (hidden in walls or crawl spaces) and copper or ductile iron for exposed runs (basement, mechanical spaces) where durability and appearance matter.
Routing through historic walls
The challenge in historic retrofit is routing a new water line from the street to your home's pressure tanks or supply manifold without tearing apart 200 years of walls, plaster, and finishes.
Our approach:
- Use existing chases — old drain lines, bell wires, or structural gaps that can accommodate the new line without new wall cuts
- Route through crawl spaces — if your home has a basement, most of the run can be concealed underneath
- Minimal exterior work — we enter the home at the foundation perimeter, using existing penetrations where possible
- Paint matching — if new exterior work is visible, we coordinate finishes with your architect
Every home is different. We survey your specific layout during the initial visit and show you how we'd route the new line with minimal disruption.
Do I have lead?
If your home was built before 1950, assume the water service line is lead unless documented otherwise. Charleston's older homes (pre-1900s) almost certainly have lead service lines. A simple water test from the South Carolina Department of Health and Environmental Control costs ~$20 and tells you if lead is present in your water.
Cost & timeline
Lead service line replacement: $3,500–$8,500 depending on the length of the line from street to home, the material chosen, and routing complexity. A 100-foot line with difficult routing costs more than a 50-foot line with straightforward access.
Timeline: 2–4 weeks from survey to completion, including city permit coordination and any required ARB notice (most water service work is interior and doesn't need ARB approval).