Columbia is a moderate cost-of-living market — pricing guide and permit rules below.
Columbia plumbing rates: $90-$170/hr. Always get 3 written quotes and verify SC licensing at SC Contractors Board (llr.sc.gov). Sales tax on materials: 8-9%.
Columbia requires permits when work exceeds $5,000 or involves full system replacement. Your licensed contractor pulls the permit — if they ask you to pull it, that's a red flag.