Even with the best care and upkeep, every homeowner will have to deal with plumbing issues at some point. But finding a reliable plumbing company in Metro Charleston is more challenging than you might think. That's where our plumbers in cityname, state, come in. We at Delk Plumbing are committed to providing our clients with the highest quality craftsmanship, the most reliable service, cost-conscious pricing, and long-lasting solutions. Whether you need help fixing a minor issue like a clogged toilet or you're looking at major water heater repair, we're here to serve you with excellence.
Since 1978, residents and business owners have had a trustworthy source for resolving a wide array of plumbing issues with the friendly folks at Delk Plumbing. We're proud to have built a reputation for exceptional customer service and dependable workmanship for residential and commercial customers.
We go to great lengths to understand our customers' unique needs. You can rest assured that our friendly technicians will arrive on time, work diligently to resolve your issues, and always treat you with respect and kindness. Whether you need help with routine upkeep or want to upgrade your home with new appliances, our staff is by your side.
When you boil it down to the basics, our goal is to treat you the same way we'd like to be treated: with respect, honesty, and top-notch service from experienced plumbing professionals. Delk Plumbing offers a full range of plumbing solutions for your home or business, including:
At Delk Plumbing, we take your plumbing needs seriously. Our licensed, insured technicians strive to get the job done right the first time, no questions asked.
Did you know that the average South Carolina homeowner uses around 100 gallons of water every day? It's logical to think that something may go wrong with that amount of water in constant use. Considering many homeowners wait until the last minute to address their plumbing problems, that's especially true.
Unfortunately, it's common for homeowners to misdiagnose or misunderstand the plumbing issues they're facing. And if they can provide a solution, it's only a short-term fix. Even then, making one wrong move could make the problem worse. That's why having a trustworthy team of plumbers in cityname, state, to rely on is crucial.
When it comes to plumbing for your home, Delk Plumbing provides a long list of services, from drain cleaning and hydrojetting to sump pump repair and water heater services. Is your toilet so clogged that you need to hire a professional? Do you think you might have a leak? At Delk Plumbing, we're here to address all of your residential plumbing needs, small or large. Need a water softener service? We can help with that too!
Whether you have an annoying leak or a more serious plumbing emergency, our team of experts is here to serve you with expertise and efficiency. That way, you can go about your day without being disrupted.
Some of the most requested plumbing services we offer include:
"When is it time to call a plumber near me?"
In terms of commonly-asked questions, this is a big one. Most people would like to think they'd know when they have a plumbing issue at home. In reality, plumbing problems can be pretty tricky to diagnose without the help of a professional. Many serious plumbing problems aren't easy to spot without a sharp eye and experience.
If you're unsure whether you need to call a plumber, consider these common signs that it's time to call Delk Plumbing:
With enough time, every shower and sink becomes susceptible to slow drainage caused by soap scum, hair, and other debris. These problems are typically easy to fix with regular upkeep and cleaning. However, if all the pipes in your home are draining slowly, your main sewer line may be clogged. If your home has a clogged sewer line, it can quickly become a nightmare. Call Plumb Pro ASAP, as clogged or blocked sewer lines are emergency-level problems.
Any spots are ugly when they stand out on your ceilings or walls. But if you see brown spots, you could have a leak in your attic space or elsewhere in your home. Water leaks are terrible all around, both from a repair standpoint and a health standpoint. You wouldn't want your family breathing in mold spores, after all. If you see spots forming on your walls or ceilings, call Delk Plumbing ASAP. Waiting too long could mean more expensive repairs and renovations.
Few things are as frustrating as taking a shower with low water pressure. If the water coming out of your shower head is unreasonably low, it could be a sign that you have serious pipe clogs. Delk Plumbing can help shed light on your low water pressure problem and take care of the problem quickly and efficiently.
When was the last time you checked the plumbing under your sinks or in your basement? If it's been more than a few months, make it a point to do so soon. Inspecting your home's water pipes for signs of discoloration is a must-do. Call a reliable plumbing company like Delk Plumbing soon if you notice strange colors on your home's piping. You could save yourself costly repairs and a whole boatload of headaches.
Delk Plumbing Pro Tip: Look for white or green stains near the joints and seams of your copper water pipes. If you notice such spots, your pipes may be corroding from a leak. Cast-iron pipes and galvanized steel that have red patches are most likely full of rust and are likely to burst.
Apart from flushing, your toilet should be pretty quiet. However, if you hear burbling noises at random times during the day, you might have a plumbing problem. Noticeable gurgles from your toilet might mean that your vent stack is obstructed. You could also have a severe sewer line block. Either way, this type of issue is best handled by a trustworthy plumbing company like Delk Plumbing.
Your water heater is a central part of your everyday life. From bathing and cooking to cleaning and washing, you need hot water in your home. But when your water heater is on the fritz, it can cause a long list of problems that snowball out of control quickly.
Fortunately, our plumbers in Summerville, SC have the tools and knowledge to ensure your family doesn't go without hot water. Whether you need a quick water heater repair for a small problem or you need a full replacement unit, Delk Plumbing is here to help.
With the right maintenance and care, your home's hot water heater should last a long time. In general, a well-kempt water heater should last more than ten years. Like all things, however, nothing lasts forever. With time, your water heater will get to a point where it will need heavy maintenance or even replacement before your life is interrupted.
At Delk Plumbing, our team of experts can help repair or replace your home's water heater - whichever is best for your budget and your situation.
Is your family complaining that the hot water is out? Have you heard strange noises coming out of your water heater? If so, your water heater may be compromised. Here are a few of the most common signs you need to call Delk Plumbing for water heater repair services:
Your water heater is designed to give you hot water any time. That's why it has gallons of hot water inside. But if you notice your water going from hot to cold quickly without using the cold water, call Delk Plumbing. Your water heater is probably in need of repair.
When you get water out of the tap, it should be clear and colorless. If it's grey, brown, or rust-colored, chances are your water heater is to blame. Contaminated water is a big health issue, so be absolutely sure you don't drink it. Instead, call Delk Plumbing. Our team will be out to your house ASAP to help resolve the issue.
When you use your hot or cold water, you expect it to be hot or cold, not lukewarm or freezing. If you notice irregular water temperatures in your home, it should be a red flag. Call Delk Plumbing for a thorough, efficient water heater inspection.
While older water heaters will buzz occasionally, loud knocking and banging are not common for any water heater. If you hear unusual sounds from your water tank, it's time to call our team of plumbers in Summerville, SC. Our specialists will inspect your system and provide detailed repair and replacement options for you to consider.
The drains in your home have one function - to keep materials and debris from entering your plumbing system, so your pipes and sewer lines don't clog. Unfortunately, even the most pristine drains will develop some blockages with time. When that happens, it's vital to call drain cleaning experts like Delk Plumbing to solve your problem. Otherwise, a small clog could spiral into a costly scenario you never expected.
Delk Plumbing has dealt with every kind of drain issue you can think of, from clogged toilets and sinks to stopped-up laundry and shower drains. Unlike some plumbing companies in South Carolina, we have the proper tools and experience to solve your drain problem on time, and at a price you can afford. Whether you have a minor clog that needs a simple hand snake solution or a complex issue that necessitates hydrojetting, we've got your back.
Our plumbers in Summerville, SC, start with a meticulous inspection to diagnose your drainage issue. Once we know the extent of your problem, we'll explain the issue to you in easy-to-understand terms. We'll then explain the various ways we can remediate your drain clog, along with pricing and project ETA.
Our clients rely on us for a number of drain cleaning services, including:
As Summerville's top choice for plumbing services since 1978, we've learned a thing or two about drain cleaning over the years. To keep yourself educated and up-to-date, here are answers to some of the most common questions we're asked:
Q:How many times per year should I have my drains cleared?
A:That all depends on what's going down your drains and how often they're used. If you have a large family, leftover grease from food and hair from showers will cause clogs quickly. In this scenario, you should clear your drains often. If you live alone and don't use your kitchen or laundry drains often, you shouldn't have to clear them as frequently as a large family.
Q:More than one of my drains is moving slowly. What's happening?
A:When two or more drains are moving slowly, you may have a main sewer line problem. These clogs are often caused by wet wipes, tree roots, and kitchen grease.
Q:How do you clean clogged drains?
A:That depends on the type of drain that's clogged. You can clean sink drains with simple household items like vinegar and baking soda. Other drains, like bathtub drains, are best cleaned with a zip stick to remove hairballs. If you're unsure how to clean a clogged drain, it's always best to rely on professional plumbers like Delk Plumbing. Don't make the situation worse than it already is!
Did your brand new gas range just arrive, and you need help installing it? Is something wrong with your gas line, and you need it repaired? Delk Plumbing isn't only a full-service plumbing company - we also specialize in gas line installation and repair.
As a general rule, if it involves gas of any kind, it's best handled by licensed, trained, insured professionals. One minor slip-up can be catastrophic when it comes to gas line installation and repairs. To ensure your family stays safe, Delk Plumbing is ready to serve all of your gas line needs, so you know your home is protected without question.
From broilers and gas grills to ranges and gas stoves, our gas line experts are here to provide you with peace of mind.
Delk Plumbing Notice: Do not ever try to install gas lines on your own. Always contact a qualified professional who can follow the strict regulations South Carolina dictates.
Delk Plumbing offers several gas line services, including:
When you need a residential plumber you can trust, nobody is more qualified to serve you than Delk Plumbing. With quick response times, years of experience, and stellar customer service, we can handle any plumbing job, large or small.
Unlike other plumbing companies in Summerville, we aim to exceed expectations with transparent pricing that is easy on your wallet. No sketchy fine print. No awkward upsells. Only reasonable rates and the highest quality plumbing services in town.
Whether you need a simple leak inspection or a complicated sump pump replacement, we're here to help. Contact our office today so we can learn more about how we can serve you.
Appointment For Plumbing Services
NORTH CHARLESTON — High school basketball games in December do not carry the weight that region games in January do, but piling up wins and having success does wonders for a team’s confidence.Summerville’s boys team expects to contend for the Class AAAAA state championship this season. So coach David Long is pushing his players to perform at a high level as they develop the right chemistry.The Green Wave improved to 13-1 on the season with a 70-53 win over Cape Fear Academy of North Carolina in Friday’s ...
NORTH CHARLESTON — High school basketball games in December do not carry the weight that region games in January do, but piling up wins and having success does wonders for a team’s confidence.
Summerville’s boys team expects to contend for the Class AAAAA state championship this season. So coach David Long is pushing his players to perform at a high level as they develop the right chemistry.
The Green Wave improved to 13-1 on the season with a 70-53 win over Cape Fear Academy of North Carolina in Friday’s day two action at the Lowcountry Roundball Showcase.
“These games this week are big for us,” Long said. “We have been able to pull together as a team and we’ve been getting it done, but now to be at full strength we get a chance to see what we can be. Having Yannick back is such a plus because of all the things he can do.”
Summerville was without star wing Yannick Smith for several games early on as he played deep into the football season and missed time on the court due to the Shrine Bowl all-star game. Smith paced Summerville with 15 points in Friday’s win.
Summerville won 25 games last year but lost to Goose Creek in the third-round of the Class AAAAA Lower State playoffs.
Joining Smith, the All-Lowcountry football player of the year, as a starter is junior guard Melvin Teal, also a returning all-state performer. Smith is averaging 19.3 points per game this season, while Teal is averaging 18.3 points, 7.1 rebounds and 4.3 assists per game.
“Everyone knows what Yannick can do and the level he plays at every night,” Long said. “Mel does things that effects winning way beyond the stats.”
Stepping into starting roles this season are Nasir Smith, Warren Nelson and KJ Brown. Long also likes his team’s depth and is using this week’s games to settle into a solid and consistent rotation.
Smith added 12 points and Teal scored nine in Friday’s win. Nelson chipped in eight points.
“We are still trying to figure out the right rotation with our depth,” Long said. “We are playing a lot of guys and that cures a lot of ills when guys know they can contribute. It’s been a roller coaster and the schedule has gotten a lot tougher. We’re coming together pretty well but we just have to focus on today. Teams get in trouble when they look ahead.”
Summervillle’s biggest non-region game of the season will take place on Tuesday when the Green Wave hosts No. 1 ranked Lexington in what should be a playoff-level showcase.
Long says Lexington will test his team in ways no other team has to this point. He says the focus remains improving, especially on defense.
“It’s definitely defense,” Long said. “We are athletic and sometimes we can get away with not being very disciplined. We have to clean up some rotations and assignments. We came out today and did a good job. We are capable of playing good defense but we have to work at it.”
The Lowcountry Roundball showcase features 17 teams at the North Charleston Athletic Center from Dec. 27-30. The event includes seven area high schools, including Summerville, Porter-Gaud, Goose Creek, First Baptist, Lucy Beckham, James Island and Northwood Academy.
The 13th annual Carolina Invitational tournament features 148 teams from several states playing at 14 local high school venues. The field includes varsity boys and girls teams as well as some junior varsity boys and girls teams.
Play began on Dec. 28 with games running all day for three consecutive days. Local sites include Ashley Ridge, Bishop England, Cane Bay, Burke, Cathedral, First Baptist, Fort Dorchester, James Island, Oceanside Collegiate, Palmetto Christian, Philip Simmons, Porter-Gaud, Stratford and Summerville.
Also, Burke is hosting the Modie Risher Classic from Dec. 28-30, named after the former Bulldogs coach. Six schools from across the state of South Carolina and teams from Pennsylvania and Georgia are participating in this year’s classic, including Byrnes, Ben Lippen, Colleton County, Eau Claire and Burke.
SUMMERVILLE, S.C. (WCBD) – Residents at a Summerville senior living community are having to make other arrangements to find a new home during the holiday season.Damien Rend’s mother lives at the Retreat at Summerville – he said she was recently given a letter stating that she will have to leave the property because it is being sold.Rend told News 2 that he’s not so much concerned about the fact that the property was sold, but it’s the timing of what is happening that has bothered him the most....
SUMMERVILLE, S.C. (WCBD) – Residents at a Summerville senior living community are having to make other arrangements to find a new home during the holiday season.
Damien Rend’s mother lives at the Retreat at Summerville – he said she was recently given a letter stating that she will have to leave the property because it is being sold.
Rend told News 2 that he’s not so much concerned about the fact that the property was sold, but it’s the timing of what is happening that has bothered him the most.
“My mom is in her late 70s. She unfortunately has reached a stage in life where she can no longer self-manage,” he said. “And so early in 2023, we reached out to move her into The Retreat at Summerville.”
Rend said he has been very happy with her care there. Then came the end of November.
“In a letter dated November 29 we were given a notice, presumably from Phoenix, the senior living facility that owns The Retreat at Summerville,” he said.
That letter stated the property was being sold and that all residents would have to be out by January 5.
Rend says it is not easy to find a facility like this, and it is even more difficult to have to do that during the holidays.
The notice said residents will be given a $500 credit on their bill, and prorated fees based on the day the resident moves out.
“You throw somebody like that that level of uncertainty — that’s just morally unconscionable. In my opinion, it may be the legal thing to do but it’s certainly morally unconscionable.”
He said if they had even known a few months ago, residents wouldn’t have to be going through this over the holidays.
Phoenix Senior Living, the company that runs the facility, sent News 2 a statement:
“The owner of the Retreat of Summerville made the difficult decision to sell the community and notified us that the buyer does not plan to operate it as a senior living community. We realize this transition profoundly impacts our residents and their families, especially during the holiday season. The health and safety of our residents is our top priority. As the manager of this community, we provided the proper notification of the owner’s decision to our current residents and local and state agencies. Additionally, we partnered with local senior living communities to assist families with finding alternative placements. We are committed to ensuring a smooth transition and will continue to provide all needed care services until all residents are successfully relocated.”
Construction has begun on Marlowe Summerville, a 278-unit rental complex on a 27.9-acre site in Summerville.It is the first foray into South Carolina for The Resmark Companies, a Los Angeles-based real estate investment management company, which is partnering with Greystar Real Estate Partners, a Charleston-headquartered investment and development company with offices across the country and on four...
Construction has begun on Marlowe Summerville, a 278-unit rental complex on a 27.9-acre site in Summerville.
It is the first foray into South Carolina for The Resmark Companies, a Los Angeles-based real estate investment management company, which is partnering with Greystar Real Estate Partners, a Charleston-headquartered investment and development company with offices across the country and on four continents.
Marlowe is a Greystar brand marketed as “suburban luxury living.” The Summerville project on N. Main Street and College Park Road is the first Marlowe brand in the state, according to a news release.
“We are excited to make our first investment in the Charleston MSA with Greystar, a long-term and trusted partner,” Ziv Cohen, chief investment officer of Resmark, said in the news release. “Having worked together for a decade, we recognize that Greystar brings rigorous attention to design, quality and detail that results in great consumer response and community acceptance.”
Pre-leasing at Marlowe Summerville is expected to begin next fall, according to Stephen O’Neil, senior vice president for investments at Resmark. The community will offer amenities including a clubhouse equipped with a fitness center and co-working spaces, resort-style pool, grilling stations, pickleball courts, dog park and outdoor dog wash, as well as a grand central amenity lawn with shuffleboard, cornhole and a community garden.
O’Neil said in the release that Resmark was drawn to the site because of “Summerville’s location as a top-tier suburban market near Charleston, its attractive demographics, access to commuting routes and rapidly expanding employer base are all factors that underscore a strong outlook for multifamily development.”
The company also pointed to the site’s proximity to Camp Hall 10 miles away, a 7,000-acre commerce park that has attracted nearly $5 billion in investment and projected to create as many as 1,500 jobs for workers who will need a place to live, the release said.
Related article: Work begins on newest Camp Hall industrial building in Ridgeville
“Summerville is a highly desirable submarket twenty miles northwest of downtown Charleston that is attracting young professionals and families drawn to its quality of life and historic charm,” Ben Liebetrau, managing director of development for Greystar Development and Construction Services. “As we are headquartered in Charleston, we are extremely pleased to bring Greystar’s Marlowe brand to our backyard.”
Of the 278 rental homes, 263 will be constructed in 10 separate three-story walk-up garden-style buildings. Fifteen two-story townhomes, each with a fenced yard and attached garage, will be located in two separate buildings. Ranging in size from 560 square feet to 2,114 square feet, the project unit mix will include 16 studios, 127 one-bedrooms, 118 two-bedrooms and 17 three-bedrooms, the release stated. Each unit will offer features such as granite countertops, wood-like luxury vinyl flooring and stainless-steel appliances.
Resmark is a real estate investment manager that provides capital to homebuilders, land developers and multifamily developers across the country.
SUMMERVILLE — With Ricky Waring retiring, the mayoral seat in this growing community 20 miles north of Charleston is up for grabs.The candidates: Dickie Miler, a Summerville native and real estate broker; Russ Touchberry, another Summerville native and current town councilman; and Vickie Fagan, who relocated from Staten Island more than a ...
SUMMERVILLE — With Ricky Waring retiring, the mayoral seat in this growing community 20 miles north of Charleston is up for grabs.
The candidates: Dickie Miler, a Summerville native and real estate broker; Russ Touchberry, another Summerville native and current town councilman; and Vickie Fagan, who relocated from Staten Island more than a decade ago.
The Post and Courier spoke with the mayoral candidates about some of the big issues and concerns residents have in Summerville.
Miler said the property at 500 N. Main St., which has become a hot-button issue over the past few months, should be preserved. He has been a vocal opponent of the redevelopment of the property but said if there is redevelopment it should be strategic, sensible and promote enough economic vitality to warrant any changes made.
Touchberry hopes to preserve the old hospital as well, acknowledging it’s an important property. He also said its redevelopment can benefit the town and if done right could be a model for how other properties can be remade.
“We’ve lost the look and feel of Summerville on that side of the railroad tracks all the way to I-26,” Touchberry said. “This is an opportunity for us to have this reinvestment and reestablish our brand, which is what made us so special to begin with.”
Fagan also wants the property to be preserved but believes it can be repurposed as is. With all the available parking, the space could be used for emergency personnel, she said.
Miler said he supports a strategic approach to Summerville’s growth and would want to annex all he could on the periphery to protect the town’s border from neighboring cities like North Charleston and Goose Creek, which are also growing quickly.
“If we annex things on the outside, then we can control how we develop on the inside,” Miler said. “When and if we have to move and grow, we do it the way we want to do it, bringing the developer we want to bring in, have the neighborhood designed the way we want it.”
Touchberry pointed out that Summerville’s municipal boundaries are irregular but could be fixed by aligning the town’s comprehensive plan with the plans of Berkeley and Dorchester counties, and making sure all zoning standards line up as well. He added that if the town doesn’t have a strategic annexation plan, Summerville could easily be encircled by other municipalities.
Fagan said she’d like to assemble a task force for growth management and include voices from elected officials, civic groups and businesses. She said she values input from everyone and paying attention to how growth is affecting people in different areas can help the town come up with a plan as a united front.
Miler said he would want to incorporate more public transportation and improve sidewalks and bike paths so people can get around without a car.
“Building more roads is not always the answer,” Miler said.
He added he would be willing to reduce the median for some roads and even remove parking spots — like the parallel parking spots on Main Street at Hutchinson Square — so traffic isn’t as backed up.
Touchberry has been advocating for infrastructure improvements, such as sidewalk repairs, but one of his biggest priorities is finding a way to connect the Berlin G. Myers Parkway to Interstate 26 without the need to use, or cross, Main Street. He said he’s working with the Berkeley-Charleston-Dorchester Council of Governments, as well as Berkeley County and the town, to study that corridor and identify solutions.
Touchberry added that the town missed an opportunity in having the Lowcountry Rapid Transit stop in Summerville; the furthest it is planned to go for now is Ladson. He said he’s ready to fight to make sure the second phase is completed, so the workforce in Summerville can use it to get to Charleston and reduce commute time.
SUMMERVILLE, S.C. (WCSC) - Newly obtained documents show dozens of complaints have been filed in recent years against a Summerville youth treatment facility, alleging there are bugs, abuse, dangerously low staffing levels, violent fights and blood and vomit smeared throughout the building.Mary Wilcox’s grandson spent time in that facility, Palmetto Summerville Behavioral Health, earlier this year.“Terror” is how she describes her feelings about the residential facility, which is for children and teens ages 7-1...
SUMMERVILLE, S.C. (WCSC) - Newly obtained documents show dozens of complaints have been filed in recent years against a Summerville youth treatment facility, alleging there are bugs, abuse, dangerously low staffing levels, violent fights and blood and vomit smeared throughout the building.
Mary Wilcox’s grandson spent time in that facility, Palmetto Summerville Behavioral Health, earlier this year.
“Terror” is how she describes her feelings about the residential facility, which is for children and teens ages 7-18 with emotional and behavioral issues.
Her 13-year-old grandson was admitted to the youth residential treatment facility earlier this year.
For weeks, he stayed locked behind the doors of the facility; for weeks he recounted the horror and violence to his grandmother; and for weeks, Wilcox said she fought to get him out.
“[He] was abused in ways that most parents would say would be the worst thing to happen to their child,” Wilcox says.
During phone calls with his grandmother and an in-person visit, he detailed vicious fights, sexual assaults and abuse.
“He was struggling to deal with what was going on, and he attempted to escape,” Wilcox said. “He was handled by a staff member who slammed his head into a chain link fence causing a gash, causing blood to drop down his face.”
Her grandson’s story is not the first troubling one that has been shared. Nearly 200 pages of documents obtained through a Freedom of Information Act request for complaints against the facility in the past few years detail allegations of what some say erupts in the hallways and common areas and what hides, tucked away in patients’ rooms.
The dozens of complaints filed describe alleged bug infestations, inadequate staffing, filthy conditions, overmedicating and a prison-like environment.
One complaint says a staff member attacked a patient.
“On the video, it was observed that a staff member placing [redacted] into a choke hold and then it is observed on camera that same staff member punching [redacted] six times once [redacted] is taken down to the ground,” the complaint states.
Another states a patient was so heavily medicated they fainted. In a different complaint, an employee is accused of grabbing a patient by the shirt, pulling them down and kneeing them in the face.
“It does not surprise me at all,” Wilcox says. “My grandson communicated similar conditions to me. It is very alarming that this happened to my grandson; it’s alarming that children are in the facility still.”
One complaint alleges the facility frequently only has one nurse on duty with 60 patients and was so short-staffed they couldn’t provide proper treatment.
Another states there have been “numerous human rights violations” and claims patients are refused medical treatment and prescriptions.
“Supervisors explicitly tell staff to ‘treat them like prisoners because they are here for punishment’ rather than treating the patients with compassion as they go through treatment,” the complaint states.
Another complaint describes cockroaches and ants crawling around and blood and vomit smeared inside.
“[Palmetto Summerville] should be investigated,” Wilcox says. “They need to be checked out. They need to be monitored, and they need to be held accountable.”
The State Department of Health and Environmental Control is the agency responsible for investigating complaints against health facilities like Palmetto Summerville. It can also penalize them.
“When there is noncompliance with the licensing standards, the facility must submit an acceptable written plan of correction to DHEC that must be signed by the administrator and returned by the date specified on the report of inspection/investigation,” an email from DHEC states. “When DHEC determines that a facility is in violation of any statutory provision, rule, or regulation relating to the operation or maintenance of such facility, DHEC, upon proper notice to the licensee, may impose a monetary penalty, and deny, suspend, or revoke licenses.”
Last month, DHEC investigated two complaints against Palmetto Summerville, but no violations were cited, according to officials. In August, however, the facility was fined $19,000 for nine violations.
“DHEC executed a consent order with the facility in August after it was determined that it was appropriate to impose a civil monetary penalty for violations of Regulation 61-103,” the email from DHEC states.
Some of those violations, documents show, include failing to have a registered nurse immediately accessible by phone and available within 30 minutes, failing to notify DHEC of a serious accident or incident within 24 hours, failing to make sure residents were free from harm and failing to make sure medications were available for administration.
“[Patients] are further traumatized,” Wilcox says. “They are further placed into a downward spiral by being in these facilities.”
That downward spiral and that trauma, she says, prevent any effective treatment for the children who spend time at Palmetto Summerville and similar facilities.
Some studies show that could be right.
One study shows there’s not enough research to know if the interventions — therapy, activities and treatments — inside these facilities are effective or an effective use of money.
“We also don’t know a lot about what the, what treatments they’re actually getting because we don’t necessarily see the day-to-day life of these kids in these facilities,” Roderick Rose, an associate professor at the University of Maryland Baltimore and researcher in the study, says.
A common trend in the facilities: Medication. One study shows about 90 percent of stays at facilities analyzed included an antipsychotic medication, even though only 3 percent of patients were diagnosed with a psychotic disorder.
“You also see just a lot of medicating children,” Rose says.
For her grandson, Wilcox believes the best treatment has been being back home. He’s in school and playing basketball and is doing better. The trauma from the facility still lingers, however, and Wilcox says she prays other children can get the help they need outside of the gates of Palmetto Summerville.
“I am so very grateful that he is one child that escaped being in the situation he was in long,” she says. “Other children, as well, to be rescued, which is a most appropriate word. They need to be rescued from these facilities.”
Norman Bradley, the director of risk management and performance improvement for Palmetto Summerville Behavioral Health released this statement:
Due to HIPAA patient privacy laws, we cannot offer comment on specific patients or their care.
Palmetto Summerville Behavioral Health takes all allegations of abuse seriously and completes full investigations as warranted. Any and all allegations required to be reported to the Department of Health and Environmental Control have been done, and necessary action plans have been implemented to address the issues raised. Recent site visits by DHEC have been positive and have resulted in no findings.
Palmetto Summerville Behavioral Health is a residential treatment facility for girls and boys ages 7 to 18, in need of a highly structured, therapeutic environment. Our patient satisfaction scores reflect the care that is delivered by our compassionate and dedicated team.
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