bathroom

Bathroom Plumbing Myths And Hacks

You believed your parents when they told you that if you swallowed gum, it can stay in your stomach for seven years and that you need to wait at least an hour after eating before going swimming. Here are some bathroom plumbing myths that you need to forget and useful bathroom cleaning tips you can follow.

Bathroom Plumbing Myths

These myths about the bathroom are worth looking into:

Toilet water drains in a different way depending on where you are located in the world.

False. The flow of toilet water from the bowl depends more on how the jets spray than it does on whether you’re in the northern or Southern hemisphere.

This myth is based on the Coriolis effect. It refers to the way that Earth’s constant, counterclockwise rotation affects the trajectory of moving objects. However, the Earth doesn’t spin fast enough to have any effect on your toilet water. The Australians’ toilet water doesn’t spin in the opposite direction to ours.

There’s a chance you could find a snake in your toilet

True. Although it is extremely rare, snakes have been reported to have entered toilets. They will always seek out dark places to hide and food sources. Although snakes can get into homes through broken sewer pipes, it is very unlikely that they will be found in your toilet.

Flushable wipes are safe for your plumbing

False. For baby wipes, cleaning wipes, and adult bathroom wipes, pre-moistened wipes are common. Although the packaging says they can be flushed down the toilet, plumbing contractors warn that these wipes could cause serious backups in your sewage line.

Plumbing Tips: How To Clean Your Bathroom

These are some amazing bathroom hacks you should try!

Clean Your Toilet Brush

How many of us use a toilet brush to clean our toilets and then slip the brush back into the holder? Yuck!

To rinse the brush, run clean water over it. Then close the lid and cover the handle with a towel to allow it to drip into the toilet bowl.

To keep your toilet brush clean, you can add white vinegar and water to the holder.

Keep Your Shower Clean

Next time you take a bath, look at the showerhead. It’s probably not as clean and tidy as it should be.

In a microwave, heat white vinegar and a few teaspoons of dish soap. To get rid of the grimy buildup, pour it into a spray bottle.

Dryer sheets are more than just for laundry. Dryer sheets do double duty when you add water. They can be used to remove soap scum from your tub or shower or to restore the shine of chrome fixtures.

Keep Your Bathroom Plumbing in Optimal Condition

You can do simple things to keep your bathroom clean, but you should call an expert if there is a problem with the plumbing.

Our plumbers know how to use the most effective tools to solve your bathroom problems immediately. Call now.

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How to deal with a hot water heater that leaks

There is always the possibility that your water heater might leak. The good news is that most water heater leaks are small and can be fixed quickly.

The best part?

To make the process even simpler, there are several things you can do prior to calling a plumber.

WHY DOES MY WATER HEATER BREAK?

Water heater leaks are most commonly caused by:

Broken drain valves can cause water to leak from the bottom of your tank. You can easily fix them by replacing the damaged drain valve.

Corrosion: The buildup of sediment can cause cracking and corrosion in the tank’s bottom. It’s time to replace your water heater when this happens.

Leakage can be caused by loose water line connections. The problem can be corrected by replacing or tightening the worn water lines.

Broken pressure/temperature valves: These valves, as their name implies, monitor and regulate water heaters’ temperature and pressure. They can break and cause water leakage from the tank’s sides.

Water heater leaks can be caused by many other factors. A professional plumber in Myrtle Beach is the best way to find out what is causing your water heater to leak.

WHAT TO DO IF YOU FIND A WATER HEATER LEAK?

These are the steps to fix water heater leaks:

If you discover a hot water leak, you must immediately cut off the power. Turn off the power source that is causing the hot water leakage

Locate your gas water heater thermostat. There should be a small knob with three settings: OFF, ON, and PILOT. To turn off the gas, switch it to OFF/PILOT. This will make the heater safe for use.

Electric water heater: Look at your breaker panel for the breaker marked “water heater”. To turn off the unit’s power, switch it off.

Turn off the water supply. Locate the cold water connection to the heater and turn it off. The line should have a valve. Turn it to the right until the valve closes. This will shut off the water supply and allow you to move on to the next stage.

Drain your water tank: This is essential if you have a tank water heater. This is also the most difficult step. Drain your water heater tank

Attach a garden hose or a drain valve to the bottom of your water heater.

Then, run the hose to a sump pit or floor drain.

Once the hose is in place, you can open the valve. On older hot water heaters this might look like an ordinary tap; on newer systems, there’s a drain stem that accepts a screwdriver.

NOTE: If you open the drain valve, the water may not flow properly or stop flowing. This is due to a vacuum inside the water heater.

Open any hot water tap in your house to break the vacuum. This will allow air to enter the tank, allowing it to drain faster. The whole tank should drain within an hour after you have established a good flow.

Call Blue Ribbon Plumbing LLC now if you’re looking for a reliable plumber to help you with your water heater problems.

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Blue Ribbon Plumbing LLC
4201 Carolina Exchange Drive Suite 202
Myrtle Beach, SC 29579
(843) 267-9733

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Serving all of Horry County including Myrtle Beach, North Myrtle Beach, Little River, Murrells Inlet/Garden City, Surfside Beach, Carolina Forest/Forestbrook, Conway/Aynor

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Plumbing Upgrades To increase The Value Of Your Home

You might consider painting your home or improving the landscaping before you put it up for sale. You might be surprised to learn that there are seven essential plumbing improvements you can make to your home in order for it to increase its selling price.

Before you invite potential buyers to your home, here are some plumbing upgrades that you might want to make.

1. CONSIDER REPLACING SINGLE VANITIES WHICH ARE HELD WITH A DOUBLE VANITY SINK

Most cases could be diverted to another sink. This is a great upgrade. Who does not want to cut down on the time it takes to use the bathroom?

2. CHANGE WORN OUT FAUCETS

It is easy to see if your faucets are leaking or not fitting properly and this can cause damage to your home. You can change faucets with newer styles to update your bathroom.

3. MAKE ECO-FRIENDLY UPDATE

When looking for a home to buy, buyers are thinking about sustainability. Consider energy-wasting items in your home.

  • Replace an old toilet with a low flow version
  • Consider whether a tankless water heater is a good choice.
  • Switch to water-saving faucets and shower heads
  • Listing your home can show how eco-friendly and efficient it is.

4. FIX PIPE LAKES

A home inspection is a good idea if you are looking to sell an older house and have experienced leaking pipes in the past. A professional plumber can inspect your pipes and help you plan ahead for the inspection.

Potential buyers may walk away if your plumbing system fails to pass inspection. It is a smart idea to assess your pipes’ health and repair them if they aren’t in good enough condition to prevent you from selling.

5. UPGRADE KITCHEN APPLIANCES

Old appliances are the worst thing for a kitchen. Older homes can feel more modern with a new dishwasher or garbage disposal.

6. CONTACT YOUR WATER HEATER TO SEE IF IT IS LIVING UP TO ITS LIFE SPAN

Water heaters can last up to 12 year. A water heater at the beginning of its life cycle will be appreciated by both buyers and inspectors.

Before you put your house up for sale, have a professional plumber inspect the water heater’s service records and make any necessary repairs. It might be more cost-efficient to install a new water heater in order to attract offers that match or exceed your asking price.

7. FLUSH YOUR DRAINS

Although you may have removed the cobwebs from one corner of the room’s wall, a potential buyer might be scared if they see a sink that isn’t draining or a basin with a ring of water in it.

If they aren’t, call a plumber to have them checked.

Contact a Pro For A Home Plumbing Upgrade

Do not let a great home sale get canceled because of poor plumbing. Trust only the expert plumbing contractors in Myrtle Beach such as Blue Ribbon Plumbing LLC and let our team deal with your plumbing issues.

Blue Ribbon Plumbing LLC can help you get the best possible offer on your home if you are preparing to sell it. Call us now.

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Blue Ribbon Plumbing LLC
4201 Carolina Exchange Drive Suite 202
Myrtle Beach, SC 29579
(843) 267-9733

Home – Myrtle Beach Plumber

Serving all of Horry County including Myrtle Beach, North Myrtle Beach, Little River, Murrells Inlet/Garden City, Surfside Beach, Carolina Forest/Forestbrook, Conway/Aynor

plumbing

When you rent, who pays the plumber?

Are you putting off fixing a plumbing issue because your landlord might make you pay? It’s easy to put off reporting the problem because most plumbers charge $45-$200 an hour. It’s a costly error to delay a repair.

You risk water damage to your apartment if you don’t act quickly. It’s not only unnecessary, but also dangerous. Most cases, plumbing repairs are the responsibility of your landlord.

Who pays the plumber? Is it me or the Landlord?

This question can be answered in one simple way: In most cases, plumbing repairs in Myrtle Beach are the responsibility of your landlord. We’ll discuss the instances where you might be charged. Let’s begin with the responsibilities of the landlord.

Law requires that landlords provide living conditions. Because of differences in building codes between states, “habitable conditions” may be defined differently depending on where you live. All landlords must ensure that their tenants have safe, secure, and pest-free housing, regardless of where they live. These minimum standards are generally found in most states.

Plumbing

It must be able to handle sewage and have functioning plumbing.

HVAC

It is crucial to maintain indoor temperatures by maintaining proper heating and cooling. The landlord must ensure that the HVAC system is working properly and in compliance with local building codes.

Electricity

An electrical problem can be very serious and could cause electrical shock or even fire. All electrical systems should be up to code.

Structural Integrity

Tenants have the right to housing that is structurally sound, meaning that it must be:

Weatherproof

No broken doors or windows. Safe walkways, stairways, and entryways

Cleanliness

You, as a tenant, have the right to a clean and pest-free unit. The landlord must ensure that the exterior of the property is free from debris and provide waste disposal facilities.

What to do if you have a plumbing problem while renting?

Plumbing problems can sometimes be unavoidable. First, minimize the damage to your unit. You may have to shut off the water supply to the fixture depending on the problem.

Next, report the problem to your landlord immediately using the process they have outlined. You might be asked to call the maintenance number, fill out a paper form, or submit an online request. Please provide as much information as possible when reporting the problem. This will allow the plumber to be more prepared to fix the problem once they arrive.

Keep track of the date and time you reported the problem. Property managers are allowed to respond within 30 days in most states. Most landlords will respond quickly to your request. You may have to take further steps to resolve the issue if your landlord does not respond quickly. If you have to take further actions, it is worth taking detailed notes.

Why am I being charged for repairs?

Your landlord is responsible for any plumbing repairs, as we said earlier. But, this doesn’t mean you are immune from liability for any damage you caused by negligence or intentional. If that happens, the landlord may send you the repair bill.

What should I do if my landlord won’t take care of my plumbing problem?

There are several options available to you if your landlord refuses repairs. The severity of the problem and the length of time you have been dealing with it will determine which option you choose.

You should avoid confrontation and start by being less confrontational. You run the risk of causing tension in your relationship with your landlord by taking more severe action.

Mediation

An impartial third party can help you get your landlord to fix your plumbing problem. Tenants have a number of options for mediation that are free or very low-cost. The mediator would contact your landlord to schedule a meet to talk about the issue and reach a solution. Mediation should be your first step towards resolving the matter.

Report code violations

If mediation fails to resolve the issue, you might need to report your landlord to the local housing authority. If there are any violations, the housing authority will investigate and contact the landlord.

Repair and Deduct

State law may allow you to hire a plumber to repair your property and subtract the cost from the rent. This repair and deduction option may not be applicable in all cases. This strategy can only be used for problems that impact the unit’s habitability. You can’t repair or deduct minor problems or normal wear and tear. This strategy could lead to you being evicted if you use it for unneeded items.

This strategy can only be used if you follow the state laws. You must send a written notice to your landlord explaining the problem. You must include a cost estimate along with a deadline for them to respond. The notice should state that if the landlord fails to respond within the given deadline, you will withhold the rent.

Rent withhold

State law allows you to withhold rent in order to pressure the landlord to resolve the matter. During the withholding period, you may have to pay rent into an account. This shows that you have faith in your ability to pay rent on time and not just for a quick buck.

Lawsuit

If all else fails, you might need to file legal action against your landlord. You should follow the guidelines of your state for filing a lawsuit. The issue must be documented. You must also be able show the steps taken to resolve the issue before you initiate legal action.

Common Plumbing Problems and How To Avoid Them

Avoiding plumbing problems is the best way to avoid having to worry about them later. There are some things that you can do to reduce the likelihood of problems.

Toilets and Drains that are Clogged

Clogged drains are caused by something blocking the flow of water. Foreign objects can block the drain or toilet. Avoid putting non-biodegradable objects in the toilet to prevent blockages. To prevent clogs, you should install hair catchers at the sink and in your shower drains.

Running Toilet

Running toilets indicate a problem in the inner workings. Sometimes, the fill tube or flapper valve malfunctions and water is constantly running in the toilet. You don’t have to call a licensed plumber in order to fix this problem. This problem can be fixed by you. Adjust the float to make sure the flapper valve closes correctly. This problem can be prevented, but awareness is the best way to prevent it. You should notify your landlord immediately if your toilet is running longer than usual.

Leaky Faucets

Leakage at the faucet is often caused by damage to the handle seal. Broken seals are normal wear and tear. You can prolong the life of your faucet by being careful when you turn it on and off.

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4201 Carolina Exchange Drive Suite 202
Myrtle Beach, SC 29579
(843) 267-9733

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Serving all of Horry County including Myrtle Beach, North Myrtle Beach, Little River, Murrells Inlet/Garden City, Surfside Beach, Carolina Forest/Forestbrook, Conway/Aynor

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Plumbing Preventative Maintenance Checklist

Preventive maintenance is better than cure. In the plumbing industry, homeowners can save money on expensive repairs and lower utility bills by taking preventative measures. These are seven simple preventive maintenance steps for your plumbing system.

Preventive Maintenance For Your Plumbing System

1. PREVENTION OF THE POTTY

Even though your toilets are visited every day, you don’t often take the tank cover off to inspect the components.

It is a good idea to inspect the supply, fill, flush, and flush values, as well as the supply lines for corrosion and function. The cost of wasted water can make leaky toilets costly, even though they may seem subtle.

2. DON’T GET HEATED OVER YOUR WATER HEATER

Have you ever felt cold behind your water heater? Your water heater might have accumulated sediment that makes it less efficient.

To improve the performance and life span of your home’s heater, it is essential to drain and flush the water heater annually.

A water heater’s shutoff valve and piping should be inspected annually to detect any potential problems. If you notice any issues, get in touch with a plumbing contractor right away.

3. CHECK FOR SLOW DRAINS

Slow drains could be an indicator of larger problems. How is the drainage of your shower, tub, and sinks?

You can flush your drains with vinegar and hot water if they are slow moving. If your drains still appear slow, it could be a blockage.

Broken pipes and other problems can result from trying to remove a clog with chemicals or force. To prevent clogs from forming, clear drain P-traps beneath your sink.

4. FIX LEAKY FAUCETS AND SHOWERHEADS

Fixing a leaky faucet or showerhead is a great way to save money and protect the environment. According to the Environmental Protection Agency, a household can lose 180 gallons of water each week due to leaks.

Make sure your faucet handles aren’t leaking when you turn off water. Also, check for leaks below the sink and dripping from the showerheads. All of these signs could indicate a corroded or worn washer or an eroded O-ring.

5. SIGNS OF THE YEAR

If they aren’t prepared for colder temperatures, outdoor spigots, pools lines and sprinkler systems can cause a halt to your plumbing.

You should add outdoor fixtures to your preventative plumbing maintenance list. Turn off outdoor water supply and insulate them before it gets too cold. Before your landscaping goes dormant, you may need to complete a sprinkler winterization.

6. UNDER PRESSURE

Make sure to check your water pressure gauge. It should not be set at a level that is too high. This will cause excessive pressure on your plumbing system.

To maintain your pressure under control, make sure your regulator works properly.

7. MISSING CAULK

Because it creates a waterproof barrier between your flooring and walls, caulking in bathrooms is essential. Caulk that is missing can let moisture and water seep through your floorboard, and behind your walls, and create the perfect environment for mold growth.

Check for any missing or damaged caulk around the tub, sink, and shower. Do-it-yourself caulking guns and tubes make it easy to repair and replace.

While plumbing emergencies can be difficult to ignore, preventative maintenance is simple to do. You can save money by creating a preventative maintenance plan for your home.

Blue Ribbon Plumbing LLC can offer preventative maintenance services for your home’s pipes. Our professionals are available to respond immediately to any issue discovered during a plumbing inspection. Call us now.

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Myrtle Beach, SC 29579
(843) 267-9733

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Plumbing Tip: Reasons Why Toilets Leak At The Base

Is there any water around your toilet’s base? This is a bad sign. This is a sign that your toilet has a leak, most likely at the base. Don’t let your bathroom turn into an indoor swimming pool! Instead, grab your trusted plumbing tools and get to work fixing the leak.

Plumbing Tips

Loose Tee Bolts

Are you familiar with plastic caps that are placed around the toilet’s base? These caps cover the tee bolts that hold your toilet in its place. If these bolts become loose or damaged, toilet leaks can occur. Start by repositioning your toilet so that it is level and centered. Next, tighten the bolts. You can return to the store if the bolts are not tightening properly or continue spinning freely.

Damaged Wax Ring

Although you’ve checked the condition of your tee bolts, and tightened them, your toilet still leaks at the base. Most likely, the wax ring is to blame. It will need to be replaced.

Go to the Shop – Get a wax ring for your toilet. Take a photo of your toilet’s base to show the pro at the store so they can help you locate a replacement.

Prep the Toilet: Turn off the water supply to your toilet by turning the water valve behind the toilet off. To get rid of as much sitting water as possible, flush the toilet. You can then remove the nut that holds the fill valve in place. Then, use a small bucket to collect any water left. Finally, drain any remaining water from the toilet’s base by dipping it in for a few seconds.

Take out the Toilet & Old Wax Ring – Unscrew the water supply line to the toilet. Also, remove the tee bolts and floor tiles. Now the toilet can be lifted from its original position. Place the toilet on its side, and start removing the wax ring. Before installing the new wax rings, make sure to remove all dried-on wax residue and any leftover residue.

Install the New Wax ring – Place your newly purchased wax ring over the flange. Make sure the tee bolts are in place. Place the new wax ring on your toilet and reposition it in its original position.

Install Your Toilet – Place the toilet in the correct position. Then, use your body weight to press the wax ring into the toilet to make a new seal. Make sure the toilet is properly leveled and centered before you tighten the tee bolts. Turn the valve on and reconnect the water line. To check for water leaks, inspect the toilet carefully.

Leakage in the toilet can lead to mold growth and increase water bills. It is important to fix any leak immediately. To ensure that your toilet repairs are done correctly, call your local plumber in Myrtle Beach.

Call Blue Ribbon Plumbing LLC and let us help you with all your plumbing problems.

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4201 Carolina Exchange Drive Suite 202
Myrtle Beach, SC 29579
(843) 267-9733

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Serving all of Horry County including Myrtle Beach, North Myrtle Beach, Little River, Murrells Inlet/Garden City, Surfside Beach, Carolina Forest/Forestbrook, Conway/Aynor

Backflow Testing And Repairs

Facts About Backflow Testing and Repair

It would be so disgusting to discover that the water from the sink contains traces of chemicals, human waste, and gases. It is devastating to discover that water that was once safe for drinking is now a threat to the health and well-being of all those living in the house. When this happens, you need an expert offering backflow testing and repair services.

This is the essence of a plumbing backflow. Now, drinking water may not be as clean. It is important to use backflow testing and repair in Myrtle Beach to avoid the health hazards associated with drinking contaminated water.

This article will inform homeowners about the health hazards associated with a backflow. This article will help homeowners learn how to prevent a backflow and what to do in the event of one.

Backflow Testing and Repair Tips

A plumbing backflow situation can pose health risks

It is important to be aware of the dangers associated with a backflow and how it can occur before you dive into what they mean for your health. Backflow is when fluid reverses its flow direction. This is because plumbing systems are interconnected, and contaminated water can flow back to the house. This is one of the many health hazards of a backflow.

Backflow from the city water supply can cause problems as additional chemicals and waste can leach into the water.

Backflow testing that is not done can expose you to many health risks, including the following:

  • Drinking water can be contaminated by chemicals and waste.
  • When you wash your hands or take a shower, chemicals in the water can cause skin to burn.
  • Potential fire hazards can be created by propane gas and other gases entering the water mains.
  • Water supply can be contaminated by bacteria and germs that can spread diseases.

How to Prevent Backflow

A change in pressure is the most common cause of backflow. Backflow is when the downstream pressure of non potable water (not safe to drink) exceeds the pressure at the main water source. A plumber in Myrtle Beach will inspect the relief and gate valves of the plumbing system to determine if there is backflow.

To check for irregularities or changes in water flow, they will close the water valves. Backflow prevention devices can be installed for homeowners if they suspect that there has been backflow. The device is installed on the home’s water pipes, and it forces water to flow in only one direction.

What to do if Backflow occurs

The bathroom and kitchen are the most vulnerable to backflow. These rooms have a lot of plumbing devices, including faucets, showerheads and garbage disposals.

They are therefore susceptible to backflow because they have many cross-connections that transport water. Backflow can be prevented by homeowners turning off water to their homes immediately.

Backflow is a serious plumbing emergency. A professional in plumbing in Myrtle Beach should be called immediately to test the water supply and find a solution.

Call Blue Ribbon Plumbing LLC now and let us take care of all your plumbing problems.

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Blue Ribbon Plumbing LLC
4201 Carolina Exchange Drive Suite 202
Myrtle Beach, SC 29579
(843) 267-9733

Home – Myrtle Beach Plumber

Serving all of Horry County including Myrtle Beach, North Myrtle Beach, Little River, Murrells Inlet/Garden City, Surfside Beach, Carolina Forest/Forestbrook, Conway/Aynor