Mobile Home Utility Hookups 101 for Sumter, SC Residents
Your Complete Guide to Water, Sewer, Electric, Gas & Internet Connections | Faith Mobile Home Solutions
Table of Contents
Introduction
Connecting utilities to your mobile home is a crucial step in making it livable. In Sumter, SC, each service—water, sewer, electric, gas, and internet—has its own providers, codes, and costs. This guide breaks down what you need to know, offering clear steps, local contacts, and tips to streamline your hookups.
1. Water Hookup
Sumter’s water services are provided by Sumter City-County Utilities. To connect:
- Contact: (803) 436‑2600 or visit sumtercountysc.gov/utilities.
- Requirements: Backflow prevention device, meter installation, trench from main to home.
- Inspection: Schedule meter and line inspection after trenching.
2. Sewer Connection
Sewer hookup follows shortly after water. Key points:
- Provider: Same as water—you can bundle applications.
- Materials: PVC sewer line, cleanout, and grinder pump if on a low lot.
- Permit: Required for sewer tap; inspection prior to backfill.
3. Electric Service
Electricity in Sumter is served by Dominion Energy SC:
- Contact: (866) 366‑4357 or dominionenergy.com.
- Setup: Underground or overhead line, meter base, service disconnect box.
- Licensed electrician must install meter base and panel; schedule NRTL inspection.
4. Gas Connection
If you’re on natural gas, Palmetto Utilities is your provider:
- Contact: (803) 435‑7800.
- Line: Steel or polyethylene gas main, pressure test required.
- Appliances: Certified gas plumber must connect stove or furnace.
5. Internet & Cable
For internet and TV, popular options include Spectrum and AT&T:
- Spectrum: (855) 243‑8892 ● Cable modem installation.
- AT&T Fiber/DSL: (800) 288‑2020 ● ONT or DSL modem setup.
- DIY wiring: Use RG6 coax for cable, Cat5e/Cat6 for ethernet runs.
6. Step-by-Step Process
- Plan utilities layout before placement.
- Trench for water, sewer, and electric lines.
- Set up meter bases and pressure tests.
- Connect lines to home and backfill trenches.
- Schedule all inspections: water, sewer, electric, gas.
- Activate services and verify meter readings.
7. Permits & Regulations
Sumter County requires permits for water, sewer, and building trades:
- Building Permit: $150–$300 depending on scope.
- Plumbing/Electrical Permits: $50–$200 each.
- Gas Permit: $75–$150.
Visit Sumter County Planning & Development or call (803) 436‑2885 for permit applications.
8. Costs & Fees
| Service | Typical Fee | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Water Tap | $500–$1,000 | Includes meter & installation |
| Sewer Tap | $300–$800 | Gravity or grinder pump |
| Electric Service | $200–$600 | Meter base & hookup labor |
| Gas Hookup | $400–$900 | Line installation & test |
| Internet/Cable | $50–$150 | One-time installation fee |
9. DIY vs. Professional
Minor trenching and cable wiring can be DIY, but code requires licensed pros for:
- Meter base & panel installation
- Pressure testing plumbing & gas lines
- Final electrical and gas hookups
10. Maintenance Tips
- Inspect hoses and lines annually for leaks.
- Keep meter areas free of debris for easy reading.
- Test backflow preventers and grinder pumps yearly.
- Reset GFCI outlets every quarter.
11. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. How long does it take to get water connected?
Generally 2–4 weeks from application to activation, depending on inspection scheduling.
2. Can I use a contractor from another county?
Yes, but they must be licensed and registered with Sumter County.
3. Do septic systems differ?
If on septic, you’ll need Health Department approval instead of sewer tap.
4. What’s a grinder pump?
An electrical pump grinding waste for uphill sewer lines; required in low-elevation lots.
5. Are utility deposits refundable?
Yes, typically refundable after 12 months of on-time payments.
6. Can I drill my own well?
Well drilling requires a licensed well driller and Health Department permit.
7. What if I need propane instead of natural gas?
Propane requires certified tank installation and licensed gas fitter hookup.
8. Do I need flood insurance?
Consider it if in a flood zone; check FEMA flood maps for your lot.
9. Are cable lines overhead or underground?
Both options exist; underground requires conduit and a permit.
10. How to avoid frozen pipes?
Insulate exposed pipes and keep a minimal heat setting in winter.
11. Who maintains the water meter?
Sumter Utilities maintains the meter and reads usage monthly.
12. Can I combine electric and water applications?
Yes, you can submit bundled applications to the county to save time.
13. What inspections are required?
Water line, sewer line, electrical rough-in, gas pressure test, and final occupancy.
14. Is backflow prevention mandatory?
Yes—required on all mobile home water hookups to protect public supply.
15. How deep should utility trenches be?
Water and sewer: 18–24" below frost line; electric and gas: per code, usually 24".
16. What’s the average monthly utility cost?
Averages: Water $30–$50, Sewer $25–$40, Electric $100–$150, Gas $20–$60.
17. How do I read my water meter?
Record the digits on the face, subtract previous reading for usage.
18. Can I move the meter location?
Relocation requires county approval and additional trenching/permit fees.
19. What if service lines freeze?
Thaw with heat tape or warm water; contact utility if the main line freezes.
20. Are solar generators allowed?
Yes, for backup power—coordinate with electric provider for interconnect.
21. How to detect a gas leak?
Smell rotten eggs, use a gas detector, or call the gas company immediately.
22. What’s a GFCI outlet?
A Ground-Fault Circuit Interrupter protects from electrical shock near water.
23. Can I install a sprinkler system?
Yes—requires a separate water meter and backflow preventer for irrigation.
24. Do utility lines have warranty?
Utility companies warranty their equipment; homeowner responsible for on-site lines.
25. Where to report service outages?
Contact Sumter SC Utilities or Dominion Energy’s outage hotline directly.
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