Myrtle Beach plumbing - Blue Ribbon Plumbing

Sue White Oct 23, 2023May 5, 2024

Simple Tips For Winter-Ready Myrtle Beach Plumbing

Myrtle Beach plumbing issues can be a hassle, especially when they happen unexpectedly.

As the seasons change, your Myrtle Beach plumbing can face some challenges. Even if we don’t get much snow here, it can still get pretty cold in the winter. Taking a few steps now can save you trouble later on.

Here are six straightforward tips to help you get your Myrtle Beach plumbing ready for the winter season.

Winter Plumbing Preparation Tips

Keep Pipes Warm

When it gets really cold, water in your pipes can freeze, causing them to burst. Burst pipes can lead to floods and damage to your home. To prevent this, you can insulate exposed pipes with foam sleeves. These are like cozy blankets for your pipes. You can buy them at a hardware store. Just cut them to the right size, wrap them around your pipes, and secure them with duct tape if needed.

Fix Leaks Quickly

Now is the time to check for leaks in your faucets. Look around your bathrooms, kitchen, and utility room. If you see any drips or puddles, it’s essential to get them fixed right away. Contact a Myrtle Beach plumber to help you with repairs. This way, your plumbing will be in good shape when winter arrives.

Drain Your Water Heater

If you have hard water, sediment can build up in your water heater, leading to rust inside. Rusty water isn’t great for cooking, drinking, or bathing. If your water heater is old or showing signs of rust, consider getting a new one before winter arrives.

Disconnect Outdoor Hoses

Unless it’s summer, it’s a good idea to disconnect your garden hose, roll it up, and store it away. Leaving a hose connected outside during winter can cause the water inside it to freeze, expand, and damage your faucets and pipes. Following this simple tip can save you from costly plumbing repairs.

Shut Off and Drain Outdoor Valves

If you have a shut-off valve inside that leads to outdoor faucets, close it and drain the water from the outdoor lines. Water left in the lines can freeze and cause significant damage.

Maintain Your Sump Pump

Before the cold weather sets in, check and clean your sump pump and the pit where it sits. Extreme cold can make your pump freeze and stop working. A malfunctioning sump pump can lead to basement flooding, which is more likely during winter. Checking and cleaning your pump now can help you avoid costly cleanup and repair later on.

If you need professional help getting your plumbing ready for winter, consider reaching out to a reliable plumber from Blue Ribbon Plumbing LLC. They can ensure your Myrtle Beach plumbing is in top shape for the colder months.

Call Blue Ribbon Plumbing LLC now. Our team will make sure that your Myrtle Beach plumbing system is prepared for the winter season.

Like our Facebook page for more great info about services.

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

Sue White Aug 21, 2023Aug 21, 2023

Plumbing Solutions for Homes with Concrete Slab Foundations

Have you noticed damp patches on your floor? Are cracks in your foundation shedding tears? Or an unexpected surge in your water bill? These might be indicators of a plumbing leak, especially if you reside in a home with a concrete slab foundation.

Plumbing issues can be particularly tricky when your pipes are concealed beneath a concrete slab, adding extra complexity and cost to the plumbing repair job.

Don’t fret, though. There are efficient and less intrusive ways to address plumbing problems in slab foundation homes without resorting to breaking through the solid concrete base.

Understanding Concrete Slab Foundations

A concrete slab foundation involves pouring a mixture of gravel, sand, cement, and water into a mold, which then solidifies. Homes with such foundations rest upon this robust concrete block, with no basement or crawlspace underneath. Consequently, the plumbing system is tucked away beneath the slab foundation.

The plumbing lines encased within the concrete slab foundation, also known as under-slab plumbing, may consist of materials like cast iron, galvanized steel, or copper, which are susceptible to wear and tear over time. As a result, these pipes might deteriorate and begin to leak.

During the construction of a slab foundation, pipes are laid within a layer of gravel or sand beneath the slab, making them difficult to access. Modifying plumbing configurations under the slab is no easy task once they’re in place.

In more modern homes, a moisture barrier is often present to shield the concrete slab. Many localities began requiring these barriers as damp concrete slabs cannot naturally dry themselves (the home covers the surface where moisture would usually evaporate), potentially leading to structural issues. If your home predates the 1980s, it might lack this moisture barrier.

Signs of Plumbing Problems in Slab Foundations

What are the telltale signs that there’s a leak in the pipe underneath the concrete slab foundation?

Water stains on the floor
Soft spots on the floor
Temperature variations on the floor
Unexpected spikes in your water bill
Reduced water pressure
Unpleasant odors
Visible damage to the foundation
Water pooling or depressions in your yard

Cracks in your home’s walls

A cracked pipe beneath the slab can lead to wet patches on your floor due to the porous nature of concrete. If you suddenly find your socks damp from mysterious moisture while walking around your house, it’s likely a Myrtle Beach plumbing issue within the concrete slab foundation.

Foul odors may arise from mold growth or a breach in the sewer line, and the infiltration of water can cause landscape damage under your yard. Foundation shifts resulting from leaks in the plumbing beneath the slab can lead to cracks in your walls.

It’s crucial to take action! Neglecting signs of leaks or broken pipes under the slab can lead to costly foundation repairs. Water seepage through the foundation can foster mold, mildew, and pests under your flooring, potentially compromising your cherished home.

Plumbing Challenges for Concrete Slab Foundations

If your home does have pipes concealed under the concrete slab foundation, certain factors could put them at risk of damage:

Age, particularly with older pipes made of copper, cast iron, or galvanized steel

Intrusion from tree roots
Shifting within the foundation or the surrounding ground
Adjustments or repairs to the foundation

Solving Plumbing Woes in Concrete Slab Foundations

If your plumbing resides beneath a concrete slab foundation, rerouting the pipes around the slab is one of the smartest ways to tackle the issue without going through the ordeal twice.

Repairing pipes and addressing plumbing concerns within a concrete slab foundation can be intricate, messy, and time-consuming, involving equipment like jackhammers, concrete saws, or drilling into the foundation. While the project is feasible, be prepared to cover the labor costs.

A professional plumber can identify the leaky section and relocate your pipes to a more accessible area behind walls or ceilings if you opt for rerouting. If the leak is below your yard, options like trenchless repair might be available.

Need a Plumber for Pipe Repairs?

Do you suspect a hidden pipe leak within your concrete slab foundation? Waste no time and get in touch with a licensed plumbing expert immediately to address the issue with your slab plumbing. Your home’s foundation will thank you for it!

Call Blue Ribbon Plumbing LLC now and let our team fix your plumbing problems.

Like our Facebook page for more great info about services.

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 Apr 3, 2023Jan 16, 2024

How To Avoid Costly Plumbing Issues

Homeowners can have a lot of trouble with their plumbing. Plumbing problems can lead to stress and inconvenience from clogged drains to leaky faucets. With a few simple tips, you can maintain your plumbing system and save money on costly repairs. These are five important plumbing tips every homeowner should know.

1. Do not pour grease down the toilet

Although it may seem simple to get rid of grease, it can lead to serious plumbing problems. Grease can build up in pipes and cause clogs that can prove difficult to clear. Instead, put grease in a container and throw it away.

2. Drain strainer

A drain strainer can be a simple device to prevent blockages in your shower and sink drains. It traps hair, soap scum and other debris that could cause damage to your drain. To keep your drain strainer working efficiently, you should clean it regularly.

3. Leaks should be fixed immediately

A small leak can lead to water loss and higher bills. If left untreated, it can cause serious damage to your house. Don’t wait to fix a leak if you see it. You should immediately call a plumber to fix the leak.

4. Find the exact location of your shutoff valve

It is important to locate your shut-off valve in case of an emergency. This valve will shut off your water supply, protecting you from further damage due to leaks or burst pipes. It is important that all household members know the location of the shut-off valve.

5. Regular plumbing maintenance should be scheduled

Regular maintenance of your plumbing can prevent major plumbing issues from happening. To keep your plumbing system in top shape, a plumber will inspect your pipes and check for any leaks. To keep your plumbing system in good condition, schedule a plumbing maintenance appointment at minimum once per year.

These simple tips will help you avoid expensive repairs and maintain your plumbing system. If you have any questions about your plumbing system, don’t hesitate to call a professional plumber in Myrtle Beach.