toilet repair - Blue Ribbon Plumbing

Sue White Jun 5, 2023Feb 9, 2024

WAYS YOU CAN DAMAGE YOUR TOILET WHEN TRYING TO UNCLOG IT

So, you go, flush, and water begins to rush to clear the toilet. However, you notice that the water won’t stop rising. You find out that your toilet is clogged. You are in a rush to get rid of the clog. You are not alone!

Because of this, many homeowners are making expensive mistakes of tinkering with their plumbing system as they try to unclog their toilets incorrectly. You don’t have to be one of them. Because of that, here are three ways you can damage your toilet when trying to get rid of the clog.

Using Drain Cleaners

Many chemical drain cleaners can get rid of the clogs in your drain by breaking down the obstruction through a chemical reaction. The heat generated by the chemical reaction can lead to cracking the porcelain, which means you eventually need to have it replaced with a new one.

Additionally, in case the drain cleaner fails to work and the toilet is still clogged, you will end up with a toilet that is filled with chemicals. Plunging could splash the potentially toxic chemicals onto your eyes and your skin, which can cause burns. Plumbers recommend that you stay away from drain cleaning chemicals and just call a professional plumbing contractor right away.

Plunging Too Hard

When you are trying to dislodge anything that is clogging your toilet, several homeowners become overzealous. They plunge too hard that they wind up cracking the bowl. You need to use the right way when plunging your toilet. The first thing you need to do is to put the plunger in the toilet bowl and make sure that the water is sealing the lips of the plunger.

The next thing to do is push down gently and get rid of all the air out of the plunger so you can get a good seal. Once that is done, pull the plunger up swiftly. Repeat this process until the toilet drains. You can also call a Myrtle Beach plumber for professional help.

Using The Incorrect Plumber’s Snake

Drain cables or plumbing snakes are used to remove the clogs on sinks but they can unclog the porcelain toilet bowl. In case plunging fails to get the job done, you should go for a toilet auger, also known as a closet auger. The toilet auger is also a plumbing snake. However, it has a protective sleeve that will protect your toilet bowl from being damaged.

Call Blue Ribbon Plumbing LLC if you are having problems with your toilet.

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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

Sue White May 26, 2023Jan 17, 2024

MOST COMMON TOILET PROBLEMS AND REPAIR TIPS

You always have the option to try a DIY repair if your toilet is running, leaking, slow filling, won’t flush, or noisy, before you call a residential plumber.

First things first. Let us learn how a toilet works and then we will discuss the basic toilet repair and troubleshooting tips to fix those common problems.

How Does It work?

To give you a better understanding of how the plumbing and the toilet works, remove the tank’s lid and flush the toilet a couple of times. You will notice the following things:

The chain will lift the flapper valve, also known as the tank ball or stopper, whenever you push the handle.
The water that is inside the tank will flow through the flush valve and into the toilet bowl.
The water that came from the tank will then force the wastewater into the toilet bowl right through the trap and then to the primary drain.
When the tank is already empty, the flapper valve will then close and then the ballcock/fill valve will then refill the tank.
Once the tank is full, the float ball will close the ballcock or the fill valve.

Water On the Floor Surrounding The Toilet

In case you notice that there is water on the floor surrounding your toilet, be sure to repair the problem immediately to prevent moisture from damaging your subfloor. Begin by evaluating every connection like the fill valve mounting nut, tank bolts, as well as supply tube coupling nut. Make sure that everything is tight. If yes then you might have to change the washers.

When the weather is warm and humid and the water is leaking from the side of your tank, it might be condensation. Water getting inside the tank is commonly colder compared to the temperature of the room. Utilize the correct ventilation so as to lessen condensation. Another recommended solution is a toilet liner kit, which involves placing a foam panel inside the tank.

You should also check if the toilet tank is cracked because if it is, you have to purchase a new one. The water surrounding the base of the toilet can be due to a wax ring that doesn’t seal anymore or due to a cracked toilet base. In case the toilet is leaking all the time, then you have a problem with a cracked toilet base and it should be replaced. In case leaking takes place on or after the flush, you may have to change the wax ring.

The Toilet Will Not Flush

If the toilet is not flushing, the first thing you need to do is check the flush handle, the flush lever, the chain, and the flapper valve, as well as the connections of each part to ensure that they are all functioning. The possible causes of this plumbing problem include a handle that is too loose or too tight, a broken or bent lift arm, and a busted or out-of-adjustment connection between the lift chain as well as the lift arm.

Toilet Will Not Flush All The Way

If you notice that your toilet is not flushing all the way, you need to check three things. Check if the tank has a low water level, if there is too much slack in the lift chain if the flapper used is the correct model, and if it is correctly installed.

In case you don’t know what to do and you think you need a professional that offers toilet repair services, be sure to get in touch with a reliable plumber. But don’t just hire anyone. You need to find a Myrtle Beach plumber who is licensed and insured. He must also provide a fair price and possesses experience in toilet repair.

Call Blue Ribbon Plumbing if you need help fixing your toilet 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

Sue White Feb 13, 2023Jan 16, 2024

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

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

Sue White Dec 21, 2022Jan 16, 2024

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

Sue White Oct 12, 2022Jan 16, 2024

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.