West Virginia American Water supplies the area from the Elk River. In 2014, a chemical spill upstream contaminated the supply and left hundreds of thousands of residents without usable tap water for days, which is why many households here keep stored water and know how to flush plumbing after an advisory. Older homes have galvanized supply and clay or cast iron laterals, and winters bring hard freezes.
Housing & construction
Hillside homes above the valley, historic homes on the East End, and older homes in the valley neighborhoods.
Plumbing services in Charleston
Sewer Line Repair in Charleston
Sloped laterals
Charleston sewer line repair →
Pipe Repair in Charleston
Crawl space freezes
Charleston pipe repair →Also common in Charleston: water heater repair, drain cleaning.
What makes Charleston plumbing different
Hillside laterals
Long, sloped laterals crack and separate.
River flooding
Valley homes face flood damage and backups.
Crawl space plumbing
Exposed pipes freeze in hard cold.
Water advisories
Flushing plumbing after advisories is a familiar routine.
Seasonal plumbing calendar for Charleston
- WinterInsulate crawl space pipes and close vents in freezes.
- Spring and summer stormsFlash floods affect valley homes and hillside drainage.
Plumbing emergency in Charleston?
- Close the main water shutoff, or the fixture valve if the problem is in one place.
- Stay away from water near outlets or the electrical panel.
- For sewage backups, stop using all drains.
- If you smell gas, leave and call the gas utility or 911 from outside.
Charleston plumbing questions
Who supplies water in Charleston, WV?
West Virginia American Water, drawing from the Elk River.
What should I do after a water advisory in Charleston?
Flush cold taps for several minutes, discard ice, replace filters as directed and follow the utility’s guidance.
Why are hillside sewer lines a problem?
Long, sloped laterals are prone to separations and offsets.
Nearby service areas
We also serve communities around Charleston, including South Charleston, Dunbar, St. Albans, Nitro, Cross Lanes.
