Frequently Asked Questions
The questions we get asked most, answered properly. If yours is not here, call us — we will give you a straight answer on the phone whether or not it turns into a job.
What areas does Open Water Plumbing serve?
We serve Charlotte and South Charlotte NC, Union County — Waxhaw, Marvin, Weddington, Wesley Chapel, Indian Trail, Monroe and Matthews — plus Ballantyne, Pineville, and across the state line in Fort Mill, Tega Cay, Indian Land, Rock Hill, Lake Wylie and Clover SC. We are based in Fort Mill and licensed in both Carolinas.
Is Open Water Plumbing licensed and insured?
Yes — NC licence 34920 and SC licence RBP44457, with general liability and workers' compensation cover. We hold both state licences deliberately, because North Carolina and South Carolina license plumbing contractors separately and plenty of companies can only work one side of the line.
Do you charge for estimates?
No. Estimates are free, and you get a flat written price to approve before any work starts. There is no hourly meter running while we diagnose.
Do you offer emergency service?
Yes, around the clock. After-hours and weekend work carries a call-out rate which we tell you on the phone before we dispatch — nothing is added afterwards. If your problem can honestly wait for a normal appointment, we will say so, because that is cheaper for you.
What signs mean I should call a plumber?
Low water pressure, slow or repeatedly clogged drains, water stains or damp patches, a sudden jump in your water bill, banging or gurgling pipes, or a foul smell from drains. Any of those is worth a call before it becomes a repair.
How soon can you get to me?
Same day in most cases, and we hold emergency slots open every day. When you call we give you a real arrival window rather than a vague one. Fort Mill, Tega Cay and Pineville get our fastest response because they are closest to the shop.
Do you offer financing?
Yes, through Wisetack. Instant decision, soft credit check to see your options, no hidden fees and no compounding interest. It is quoted alongside the total so you can compare properly.
Is your work guaranteed?
Yes — a written workmanship guarantee on every job. If our installation fails, we come back and fix it at no charge. Equipment is covered by its manufacturer warranty, and we register those in your name at installation.
Do you pull permits?
On every job that needs one, in both states. We pull it, schedule the inspections and hand you the sign-off. That paperwork is what a future buyer's home inspector will ask about, so it is worth having.
Do you work on both residential and commercial properties?
Both. Residential repairs, remodels and custom builds; commercial maintenance, backflow testing and tenant upfits. Same licence, same team, different scheduling — commercial work is usually done outside trading hours.
What's the difference between a tankless and a traditional water heater?
A tankless unit heats water on demand instead of storing and reheating it, which means endless hot water, a fraction of the space and roughly twice the lifespan. It costs more to install — usually a larger gas line and a different vent. Which is right depends on your peak demand and how long you are staying, not on which is newer.
Will you install a fixture I bought myself?
Yes. Send us the model numbers first so we can confirm it fits your existing rough-in before anything is unboxed — rough-in dimensions vary more than people expect, particularly in older homes.
Still have a question?
Call us and ask. We give straight answers on the phone whether or not it turns into a job.