plumbing contractor Myrtle Beach - Blue Ribbon Plumbing

Sue White Dec 15, 2022Jan 16, 2024

BUSTING THE MOST COMMON PLUMBING MYTHS

We may never know where it all started but the fact remains that a rumor, whether it is a “she said” or “he said” story can easily make a plumbing misconception a plumbing reality.

Provided below are some of the most common plumbing myths and the reality behind all of them according to professional plumbers.

Water Heater Is About To Explode

You are in your living room just sitting around and relaxing on a quiet evening when suddenly your water heater starts. You hear a loud banging and rumbling sound. A lot of homeowners who encounter this are often afraid, thinking that their water heater will explode.

The reality is that the sound you are hearing is caused by sediment that has accumulated in the tank. It is made of loose minerals, the majority of which is calcium, from hard water. It goes to the spot where the heating element is found and that is at the bottom of the tank. Once the burner is switched on for water heating purposes, the sediment hinders the heat from properly rising and the expansion of the bubbles created is the cause of the noise.

A Leaky Faucet Is Not A Problem

Numerous homeowners consider a leaky faucet as just a drip and do not need fixing. Always remember that leaks are a big deal. It can cause you a lot of cash and negatively affects the environment. The Environmental Protection Agency said that 1 trillion gallons of water are wasted annually because of household leaks. That is equal to the total amount of water used by more than 11 million homes every year.

A single leaky faucet can result in higher water bills as well as water shortages in other parts of the country. Another thing to consider is that a leak can wear out the faucet and stain the fixtures, which means you may have to spend more cash on Myrtle Beach plumbing repairs or plumbing replacements. If you notice any sign of leaks, be sure to have it fixed as soon as you can.

Other Plumbing Lore

Many people believe that ice cubes can sharpen the blades of a garbage disposal unit. This is not true. However, the ice cubes can clean the blades. If you notice that your sink is beginning to smell, you can use ice cubes to get rid of the stench. There are also those who believe that dropping lemon peels down the disposal unit will give it a nice scent. Although this may be true, lemon peels can clog the drain and lead to expensive repairs by a plumbing contractor from Blue Ribbon Plumbing. As an alternative, you can try pouring white vinegar into the drain. It has natural cleansing properties and it will clean up your disposal without having to worry about clogs.

A few homeowners believe that putting a brick at the rear of the toilet tank will help save water. Always remember that bricks deteriorate as time passes by and may cause other problems. Your intention of saving water can backfire and too much water is displaced, therefore, requiring you to flush twice.

Call Blue Ribbon Plumbing LLC if you have plumbing concerns.

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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 Oct 7, 2022Jan 16, 2024

Hot Water Heater Leaking? Here are the Best Times to Call a Plumber

Hot water heaters are one of the most important household appliances. It should be checked regularly to ensure there aren’t any problems. A minor hot water heater leak can cause damage to your floors, walls and personal property.

Regular inspection of your hot water heater is important to avoid any serious issues in the future. Here are steps you can take to repair your hot water heater before it causes damage and expensive repairs.

Find the origin of the leak

The first step in repairing a hot water heater leak is to identify the source of the problem. Below are the most common causes of water heater leaks:

Broken Drain Valves

Most of the water heater drain valves could be made out of plastic, brass, or composite material. Plastic is the most expensive option but it is also the most susceptible to bursting and leaks. Composite and brass are more durable and can withstand higher temperatures.

Corrosion

Although water heaters are designed to resist corrosion to some degree, eventually water heaters will be more susceptible to corrosion as it ages. Water heater leaks can be caused by corroded tanks.

Connectivity to the water main

Leaks could also occur in the tubes that bring cold water to your hot-water heater, and those that carry hot water out to your sink and shower. The valve must be replaced if it is damaged. Otherwise, the fittings on the pipes can be tightened.

Broken Temperature/Pressure Valves

This horizontal lever is the water heater component. It is located at the tank’s top at the water outlet joint. The expansion of water causes steam to be released. Temperature and pressure valves allow excess water and steam to escape from the hot water heater, preventing it from exploding. It is usually easy to replace a leaking pressure or temperature valve.

Here are some steps you can take if you find a hot water heater leaks

Once you have examined the origin of the leak and determined the reasons for it, you need to decide whether to repair it or buy a new water heater. While some hot water heater leaks can be fixed quickly and without the need for a plumber, others may require more time and money.

Water heaters naturally produce natural condensation. If the hot water tank is damaged or rusty, the heater might not be worth saving.

It is possible that your hot water heater leaks from the temperature relief valve. If this is the case, it should be tightened. It is important to tighten the valve securely, but not over-fasten. Lift the lever to check if the T&V valve is operating. Water should be emitted from the vent pipe that runs down the side of the hot water heater. You can also tighten loose connections to the water lines with a wrench. The tubing could be loose, which can be easily repaired.

If the pressure or drain valve breaks, these can be replaced cheaply. To prevent further damage from hot temperatures, it is safer to replace a leaky plastic valve.

These fixes are easy to do yourself and not too expensive. However, corrosion can require a more complicated repair. Repairs to hot water tanks or valves that have suffered from corrosion or rust will require the services of a plumbing contractor in Myrtle Beach.

If your water heater is severely damaged, it is best to have it checked by professionals from Blue Ribbon Plumbing LLC. Leaking or heavily corroded water heaters are not problems that you can ignore. Repair or replacement is almost always necessary for such damages.

Schedule water heater repair

You should never take lightly a leaking hot water heater. Hot water heater leaks can cause serious damage to your hot-water tank and lead to mold-growing fungi. Sometimes, the water can seep through walls or under floors and reach unseen areas.

It is best to call a professional plumber or attempt a DIY repair on your leaking water heater as soon as possible. If you see signs of corrosion or rust, it is time to call a plumber. Rust can cause serious damage and will require a complete water tank replacement. An experienced plumbing contractor in Myrtle Beach will be able to inspect your hot water heater to determine if you need to replace it.

Are you concerned that your hot water heater is leaking? Call Blue Ribbon Plumbing LLC now if you need the help of a professional plumber.

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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 Oct 3, 2022Jan 16, 2024

How To Deal With A Hot Water Heater That Leaks

If you take care of your hot water heater, electric or gas, they will last between 8 and 12 years.

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.

Reasons For A Broken Hot Water Heater

Hot water heater leaks are most commonly due to the following:

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

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. Contacting a professional like Blue Ribbon Plumbing LLC is the best way to find out what’s causing your leaky water heater and how to fix it.

WHAT TO DO IF A WATER HEATER ELECTRIC LEAK IS FOUND

According to expert plumbing contractors, here are the steps to take if your 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.

Shut off the water. Locate the cold water line that leads 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.

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 could open up the valve. For an older hot water heater, this may appear like a standard 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.

After the water heater has been drained, call a plumber to get a hot water heater repair service. We will quickly locate the source of the leakage and fix it.

Call Blue Ribbon Plumbing LLC now if you need help in fixing your hot water heater or other plumbing problems.

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

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 Sep 22, 2022Jan 16, 2024

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.