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toilet repair
Author Sue White Posted on

Toilet Repair Tips For Slow Flushing Problems

toilet repairA properly functioning toilet is a crucial part of any home. When it doesn’t flush correctly, it can be embarrassing and inconvenient. If you’re a handy person, you might be able to perform a DIY toilet repair. However, you need to figure out what’s causing the problem first. Here are some simple plumbing tips to help you with that.

Problems That Require Toilet Repair

Low Water Level

One common reason for a slow-flushing toilet is a low water level in the tank. If there isn’t enough water, the flush won’t have the power it needs to get rid of everything. To fix this, wait for the tank to refill completely before flushing again. You can also adjust the toilet float inside the tank to allow more water in, which will improve the flush.

Partially Clogged Drain

Sometimes, a toilet can be partially clogged, which means it still flushes but not very effectively. You can try using a plunger to clear the blockage. If that doesn’t work, you might need a drain snake or even a plumber if the blockage is tough to remove.

Mineral Build-Up

In areas with hard water, minerals like calcium and magnesium can build up in the small jet holes around the toilet bowl. This buildup can block the flow of water, leading to a weaker flush. To tackle this issue, use distilled white vinegar and a stiff-bristle toilet brush to remove the mineral buildup. Installing a water softener can also prevent this problem in the future.

toilet repairFlapper/Flush Valve Issues

The flapper and flush valve are parts inside the toilet tank that control the release of water into the bowl. If they are damaged or not functioning correctly, it can lead to reduced water flow and a slow flush. You can inspect these parts and try adjusting or repairing them. If needed, you can replace the entire flush valve assembly, which isn’t too difficult. But if the problem persists, it’s best to contact a professional plumber in Myrtle Beach.

Blocked Drain Vents

Your home’s plumbing system has vents on the roof that help release gases and maintain proper pressure in the pipes. If these vents become blocked or obstructed, it can reduce the flushing power of your toilet. Clearing these vents typically involves climbing onto the roof, which can be challenging. It’s a job best left to a professional Myrtle Beach plumber.

A slow-flushing toilet can have various causes, and it’s important to identify the root of the problem before attempting a fix. While some issues can be resolved with DIY methods, others may require the expertise of a plumber. Remember to address the problem promptly to maintain the proper functioning of your toilet.

Call Blue Ribbon Plumbing LLC now and let us fix your toilet problems and other plumbing issues.

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Blue Ribbon Plumbing LLC
Myrtle Beach, SC 29579
(843) 267-9733
https://www.blueribbonplumbingmb.com/

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

toilet
Author Sue White Posted on

Common Mistakes That Can Damage Your Toilet When Attempting to Unclog It

toilet Picture this: you flush the toilet, expecting everything to disappear smoothly, but the water starts rising instead of draining away. It’s a clogged toilet situation, and you’re in a hurry to fix it. You’re not alone!

Many homeowners find themselves in this predicament, and their attempts to unclog the toilet can sometimes lead to costly blunders. To ensure you don’t fall into this trap, let’s explore three ways you could unintentionally damage your toilet while attempting to clear the clog.

1. Misusing Drain Cleaners

Chemical drain cleaners seem like a convenient solution to unclog drains by breaking down blockages through chemical reactions. However, the heat generated during this process can result in porcelain cracks, ultimately necessitating a complete toilet replacement.

Moreover, if the drain cleaner proves ineffective and the clog persists, you’ll end up with a toilet bowl filled with harmful chemicals. Plunging in this scenario could potentially splash these toxic substances onto your skin and eyes, causing burns.

toilet Professional Myrtle Beach plumbers strongly advise steering clear of drain cleaning chemicals and instead reaching out to a skilled plumbing contractor for assistance.

2. Overzealous Plunging

When dealing with a clog, homeowners can sometimes get carried away with their plunging efforts, inadvertently causing damage. Excessive force can lead to cracks in the bowl. The key is to plunge correctly. Begin by placing the plunger in the toilet bowl, ensuring that water seals the plunger’s lips.

Gently press down, eliminating any trapped air to achieve a secure seal. With this set-up, pull up the plunger briskly. Repeat the process until the clog clears, or consider enlisting the help of a professional plumber, such as Blue Ribbon Plumbing LLC, for expert assistance.

3. Incorrect Use of Plumber’s Snake

While drain cables or plumbing snakes are effective for sink clogs, they can spell trouble for your porcelain toilet bowl. If plunging doesn’t yield results, opt for a toilet auger, also called a closet auger. This specialized plumbing snake features a protective sleeve that safeguards your toilet bowl from harm while effectively removing the obstruction.

If you’re grappling with a clogged toilet, don’t hesitate to contact Blue Ribbon Plumbing LLC. They can provide the expert guidance and assistance you need to resolve your toilet troubles without causing further damage.

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Blue Ribbon Plumbing LLC
4201 Carolina Exchange Drive Suite 202
Myrtle Beach, SC 29579
(843) 267-9733
https://www.blueribbonplumbingmb.com/

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

Author Sue White Posted on

Toilet Repair: Common Maintenance Problems

Toilet repair and maintenance issues can be a real bummer – they often require lots of money, effort, and elbow grease to fix. Plus it’s not the most pleasant experience…no one likes dealing with messy and unpleasant plumbing problems!

Toilets are a fundamental part of our lives, but even the best ones occasionally experience hiccups. Therefore, it’s important to be aware of some common maintenance issues that can arise so you know how to tackle them if they do occur.

When To Get Toilet Repair

Running Toilet

A continuously running toilet, whether it be constantly or intermittently can be an infuriating, yet all-too-familiar sound. Not only is this a nuisance to your ears, but it also wastes valuable water in the process. If simply jiggling the flapper doesn’t do the trick and put an end to its annoying serenade of output streams, then you may need to replace said flapper for lasting silence!

Bubbling Toilet

Have you ever wondered why your toilet flushes differently from others? Much like when pouring a liquid from a can, toilets require two openings to operate correctly – one for water and the other for air. This is especially necessary if there’s another appliance using or creating water nearby; otherwise, bubbles may form in the bowl or the levels of rising and falling could be erratic.

With a challenging issue like this one, it may take more than home remedies to solve the problem. Calling on an experienced professional plumber in Myrtle Beach could be your best bet in getting back up and running with all systems functioning smoothly again. Their expert tools and training make them uniquely qualified for tackling complex venting issues so you can get your system working properly once more!

Sweating Toilet

In hot, humid areas, have you ever noticed your toilet looking damp? That’s condensation caused by a lack of air conditioning– it forms on the outside and can drip down onto the floor with disastrous consequences. Don’t let this wet problem catch you off guard!

Navigating a dark bathroom in the middle of the night is already tricky enough, but if you’re dealing with condensation dripping from your toilet tank—it’s even more treacherous. If left unchecked, this water can cause serious damage to floors and other surrounding areas! Thankfully though – there’s an effective solution; installing insulation on your toilet tank prevents any annoying drips when draining. No one wants wet footprints leading straight out of their restroom after all!

Wobbly Toilet

If your toilet isn’t attached to the floor properly, it can cause detrimental consequences. Unsecured toilets lead to wax seal leaks that require extensive repairs and hefty bills! To solve this problem try tightening the bolts first; if you’re still having issues, then caulking should do the trick. If all else fails don’t sweat. Call a professional plumbing contractor for help!

Cracked Toilet Seat

Over time, the everyday wear and tear of toilet seats can cause them to weaken or crack. But don’t worry – getting a new seat is an easy fix!

Replacing your old seat may feel like a DIY nightmare. Don’t despair! A bit of lubricant can make all the difference, and with some finesse, you might even be able to break that stubborn rusted bolt- just remember to use plastic fastenings next time around so there’s no chance of rust ruining your day again.

Unless you happen to be a certified plumber, don’t take matters into your own hands when it comes to replacing an old toilet seat. Removing the wrong parts or making any other costly mistakes could make for some serious plumbing issues down the line!

Clogged Toilets

It’s the bane of everyone’s existence – a clogged toilet. While it causes its own level of frustration, an overflowing commode brings with it even more chaos: hazardous messes and potential water damage. Certainly, one time-consuming headache is best avoided!

The humble plunger is often a saving grace for clogged toilets, but even this trusty tool has its limits. For more serious blockages that refuse to budge, an extension-flanged version of the classic can help out, or you may want to try your luck with a toilet snake instead! These plumbing tools go beyond plungers and have what it takes to take down those tough jobs.

When you’ve exhausted all your home remedies for clearing a clogged toilet, it may be time to call in the experts. Make sure you enlist an experienced plumber who is equipped with the necessary tools to get that drain running again!

Call Blue Ribbon Plumbing LLC now if you need the help of an expert plumber in your area.

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Blue Ribbon Plumbing LLC
4201 Carolina Exchange Drive Suite 202
Myrtle Beach, SC 29579
(843) 267-9733
https://www.blueribbonplumbingmb.com/

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

toilet repair
Author Sue White Posted on

Toilet Repair – Ways To Remove A Clog

Toilet clogs are a problem in modern homes even with good plumbing. Although a toilet refusing to flush can be annoying, it doesn’t have to cause a huge problem or cost you a lot to fix. There are five ways to get the clog out so that you don’t have to think about toilet repair for a long time.

1. The tried and true method: Use a plunger

Although it’s not the most advanced, a plunger is still your best option for a blocked toilet. It is important to choose the right type of plunger for your job. A toilet plunger is better than a sink plunger. These plungers are cylindrical in shape and have a cylindrical sleeve that comes out the bottom. The sleeve is designed to fit into the drain hole in the toilet bowl.

2. Snake It!

Sometimes, plunging is not enough to clear clogged toilets. You may consider using a snake instead. The snake is a long, semi-rigid coil made of wire with a corkscrew tip. There are many toilet snakes available, but the best option is the closet or toilet auger. This is designed to get around the turns of a toilet bowl. Professional plumbers use variants of this tool to get the job done as efficiently as possible.

3. Get the hang of it

You don’t need a snake or an auger, but you can still get the same results by simply unwinding a wire hanger. To act as a hook, you can leave the bend of the hanger unwound. However, you might want to cover it with electrical tape or duct paper to protect the porcelain surface of your toilet. The unwound hook end of the hanger should be pushed down the drain first. Once the clog is cleared, you can work the drain back and forth until it clears. Rubber gloves are a good option to keep your hands clean. However, there is a downside to this method. It could get messy and the results are not always what you would want. Call a Myrtle Beach plumber for more consistent results.

4. Soap up

Chemical methods might be a better option than mechanical methods to remove clogs. This is the easiest way to do it. Simply pour 1/4 cup liquid dish detergent into a bowl. Allow it to sit for 15 minutes, so it can travel through the water. Then rinse the clog with very hot water, just below the boiling point. A plumber would know what to do in tight situations. Usually, a plumbing contractor would bring a set of chemicals to use for unclogging pipes and toilets.

5. Create a Clog-Clearing recipe

You can find more help for clogs in your kitchen with the tried-and-true duo of vinegar and baking soda. This can cause a fizzy reaction so you might want to drain some water from the toilet bowl if it is full to the rim. You may also need to place some towels around the base of the toilet to catch any spillover. Next, add one cup of baking soda to the bowl. Let it work for approximately half an hour. You can then flush the toilet with hot water.

Call Blue Ribbon Plumbing LLC now if you need professional toilet repair and plumbing services.

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Blue Ribbon Plumbing LLC
4201 Carolina Exchange Drive Suite 202
Myrtle Beach, SC 29579
(843) 267-9733
https://www.blueribbonplumbingmb.com/

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

toilet repair
Author Sue White Posted on

Are Flushable Wipes Safe to Flush In Your Toilet?

Do you recall the first time you used a moist wipe to replace toilet paper? You weren’t sure what to think at first. But after several trips to the toilet, you became a fan! They are not the heroes we expected them to be when we first purchased them. These wipes are labelled “flushable,” but is it really safe to flush them down the toilet?

What is the truth about flushable wipes?

You’d think that wet wipes would be safe to flush down the toilet. They are advertised as being “flushable and septic-safe.” Wrong! These wipes eventually do break down but they take longer than toilet paper to do so. Clogged pipes and blockages are more common because wet wipes don’t break down as quickly. You could be paying a lot of money for the repair of your plumbing system if you put your home at risk for severe clogs.

What causes toilet clogs?

These so-called flushable wipes can become mixed up with other items in your sewer line after they are flushed. Toilet paper, toilet cleaning pads, cotton swabs and dental floss are all common items that can cause toilet backups and clogs.

Combining these items with wet wipes can cause a blockage called “ragging”. If this happens, find your phone and search for a plumber in Myrtle Beach.

What can I do to keep my family safe?

Manufacturers offer test results that state flushable wipes have been tested safe for flushing. However, evidence supports that flushing these wipes can lead to clogged sewer lines and the need to pump septic tanks more frequently. Wipes may seem like the best invention since sliced bread but you should not use them. The only thing you can flush is toilet paper.

What to do if your toilet is clogged?

Don’t believe everything that other people say. The same applies to your beloved “flushable”, bathroom wipes, and their misleading packaging. There is an underlying problem if your home experiences frequent clogs, regardless of whether you use wet wipes.

Call Blue Ribbon Plumbing LLC now if you need a plumber to remove clogs from your toilet.

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Blue Ribbon Plumbing LLC
4201 Carolina Exchange Drive Suite 202
Myrtle Beach, SC 29579
(843) 267-9733
https://www.blueribbonplumbingmb.com/

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
Author Sue White Posted on

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.

Like our Facebook page for more great info about plumbing issues.

Blue Ribbon Plumbing LLC
4201 Carolina Exchange Drive Suite 202
Myrtle Beach, SC 29579
(843) 267-9733
https://www.blueribbonplumbingmb.com/

 

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

Toilet Repair Myrtle Beach
Author Sue White Posted on

Toilet Repair Tips From The Pros

Knowing just how to take care of a leaking toilet tank begins with knowing the root of the problem. They may be three factors for a leaking toilet tank which are:

  1. The seal in between the storage tank and the dish.
  2. The seal at the commode fill valve
  3. broken bathroom tank.

Another issue that is not truly a leakage is condensation on the commode container that trickles onto the flooring creating a mess. Be sure that you understand the basic toilet repair guide to avoid costly repairs in the future.

Toilet Repair Guide

How to tighten a toilet tank seal
A lot of toilets are constructed from two porcelain components, the toilet tank and the toilet bowl which are attached to each other. A big rubber seal is linked that keeps the water within the toilet. Two or even more screws hold the container to the toilet bowl. When tightened up, these screws press the seal to make a watertight joint. However, the screws can loosen up in time as well as the seal will begin to leak. As long as the seal remains in excellent condition, you can tighten up the screws to prevent the leakage. This toilet repair calls for a huge screwdriver and a flexible wrench.

What you can do is to shut the water off to the toilet through the water supply. Remove the toilet tank cover and drain all the water as you can.

When you see the flush shutoff which has an upright fill tube connected to it. Around the flush shutoff, there will certainly be 2 or 3 screw heads with rubber washers on them. The screws are protected in position with nuts as well as washers that are located beneath the commode container.

Then tighten the screw with an adjustable wrench and tighten each one evenly. Then fill the tank with water and check to see if it is still leaking. If it does, it may need more tightening.

Tightening up a Toilet Fill Valve
The toilet fill valve gives the water that your toilet utilizes to function. The toilet tank has an opening in below for the fill shutoff. The fill shutoff is kept in place by a huge nut as well as a rubber washing machine.

The washing machine produces a seal that prevents the water from dripping out around the opening below the storage tank. Tightening up the nut will normally do the job.

You will certainly require a set of flexible pliers for this repair work. They need to be huge for the nut at the base of the container.

What you can do is follow the first two steps like what was done in the first part. Here you turn off the main water source, remove the toilet tank cover and drain as much water as you can. Now, you can see that the toilet valve is an upright pipeline that is typically on the left side of the tank which has a float connected to it that controls when the water shuts down.

Hold the base of the flush shutoff with one hand to maintain it from rotating. Using a set of flexible pliers, tighten up the nut that is below the tank. There are 2 nuts at this place, one for the water system line and one for the commode fill shutoff. Beware not to overtighten, these are generally plastic installations. Check if there are any leaks.

Repairing a Cracked Toilet Tank
A split in a toilet that is dripping might be tough to fix. There are porcelain repair service packages offered that can be acquired. A few of them utilize a fiberglass fit together, this design would certainly require to be used within the container. Every one of them utilizes some kind of epoxy.

Purchase a porcelain repair work package. Shut off the water and also drain pipes the storage tank, by purging the bathroom.

The surface area will certainly require to be completely dry prior to the repair service can be made. Allow the storage tank to completely dry for a couple of hours. You can make use of a hair dryer to quicken the drying procedure. Follow directions carefully and allow to completely dry extensively prior to re-filling the storage tank.

If none of these steps work for you, it is time to call in Blue Ribbon Plumbing, LLC.

Blue Ribbon Plumbing LLC
Myrtle Beach, SC 29579
(843) 267-9733
www.blueribbonplumbingmb.com

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