A plumbing maintenance plan is worth it for older homes and homes with past leaks. It puts a plumber in your home on a regular schedule to check pipes, drains, fixtures and the water heater. Quality Service Company does this work for homes in Florence, SC and across the Pee Dee.
The goal is simple. Find the small drip, the stuck valve or the tired water heater before it puts water on the floor.
What does a plumbing maintenance visit check?
Every plan is a little different. A good plumbing check usually covers these things:
- Shutoff valves. Does the main shutoff turn? Do the valves under sinks and toilets close all the way?
- Supply lines. Hoses to sinks, toilets and the washer get checked for bulges, rust or drips.
- Water heater. The plumber checks the relief valve, looks for rust or water at the base, and checks for sediment in the tank.
- Drains. The plumber looks for slow sinks, tubs and showers, and listens for gurgling.
- Toilets. The plumber checks for running water, rocking bases and leaks at the floor.
- Water pressure. Pressure that’s too high strains pipes. Pressure that’s too low can point to a hidden problem.
- Exposed pipes. The plumber checks outdoor spigots and pipes in the crawlspace, attic or outside walls.
Your plumber tells you what they found and why it matters, in plain words. If something needs a repair, you get the price before any work starts.
To see what each plan covers, visit our memberships page. You can also read more about plumbing maintenance in Florence.
Why do older Florence homes benefit most?
Florence has a lot of older houses. Census figures for 2020 to 2024 put the city’s median build year at 1983. In the city, 46.7% of homes were built before 1980.
Nearby towns have even older homes. Darlington’s median home was built in 1967, and 68.7% of its homes were built before 1980. The median build year is 1975 in Timmonsville and 1978 in Hartsville.
Pipes, valves and water heaters wear out with time. Older homes may still have galvanized steel supply lines or cast-iron drains. A plumber can tell you what your home has and how it’s holding up.
How does Pee Dee cold weather affect your pipes?
Our winters are short, but they are real. In a normal year, Florence sees about 40 nights at freezing or below.
Some winters hit hard. In December 2022, the City of Florence lost at least 20 million gallons of water. It followed a water main break on Christmas Day and leaks in homes, businesses and sprinkler systems.
The winter of 2025–26 brought seven nights at 20 degrees or colder. The low was 8 degrees on February 2, 2026.
A maintenance visit is a good time to get ready. Your plumber can point out exposed pipes that need insulation. Before a hard freeze, take these steps:
- Disconnect garden hoses and cover outdoor spigots.
- Let faucets on outside walls drip.
- Open cabinet doors under sinks so warm air reaches the pipes.
- Know where your main shutoff is, and make sure it turns.
- Keep the heat on, even if you’re away.
What about storms and flooding?
Heavy rain can push water back up a low drain. For flood-prone homes, SC Emergency Management lists sewer check valves and raising the water heater.
Storms can affect city water too. During Debby in August 2024, the City of Florence shut its water plant because of river flooding. Low pressure and a boil advisory followed.
After any flood, call before you use a water heater or drain that sat in water.
How do you know a water heater needs attention?
Your water heater works every day, so it should get a regular look. Watch for these signs:
- Rust-colored hot water
- Rumbling or popping sounds from the tank
- Water or rust at the base
- Hot water that runs out faster than it used to
- Lukewarm water when you haven’t changed the setting
Some of these signs mean a simple fix. Others mean the tank is near the end of its life. Your plumber will explain which one you have and give you options. We’re an authorized Rheem dealer for water heaters.
Is a plan better than calling when something breaks?
A plan isn’t right for every home. If your house is newer and you’ve had no trouble, a check now and then may be enough.
A plan makes more sense if your home is older or you’ve had leaks before. It also helps when someone at home can’t go without water. That might be a parent who needs the bathroom close by, or a new baby with bottles to wash.
We’ll tell you which choice fits your home, with no pressure either way.
What signs mean you shouldn’t wait for a checkup?
- Your water bill climbs, but your use hasn’t changed.
- You hear running water when every tap is off.
- You see damp spots or stains on walls, floors or ceilings.
- You feel a warm spot on the floor.
- Several drains slow down at once, or you smell sewer gas.
- Water pools around the water heater.
These can point to a hidden leak or a drain line problem. Read about leak detection and repair to see how a plumber tracks down hidden water.
We have 24/7 dispatch for plumbing. If water is spreading, shut off the main and call (843) 920-2004.
Common questions
How often should a home’s plumbing be checked?
How often depends on the age and history of your home. Newer homes with no past trouble can go longer between checks. Older homes, homes with past leaks and homes with an aging water heater do better on a regular schedule. A plumber can look at your system and suggest a schedule that fits it.
What plumbing maintenance can I do myself?
Homeowners can handle the basics of plumbing care between visits. Learn where your main shutoff is, and test that it turns. Look under sinks for drips, watch your water bill, and disconnect hoses before a freeze. Leave relief valve testing, gas water heater work and drain line problems to a plumber.
What happens if the plumber finds a problem?
If a plumber finds a problem, they show it to you and explain why it matters. You’ll hear your options, from a simple repair to a replacement. You’ll also get the price before any work starts. You decide what to do and when.
Quality Service Company has served Florence and the Pee Dee since 2003. Want a plumber to look over your home? Call (843) 920-2004 or book online.