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plumbing
Author Sue White Posted on

TIPS TO KNOW WHEN YOU NEED TO REPLACE YOUR PLUMBING

If you have lived in your home for the last five to ten years, chances are you have an idea of how the plumbing works. But what if you just moved into a home that was built a long time ago, do you have any idea if the plumbing is still in good condition?

If you are starting to assume that it may be time to do some small upgrades or possibly a system overhaul, then it is valuable to know exactly when you need a new plumbing system.

Signs You Need New Plumbing

There is absolutely no homeowner who wants to be surprised by costly plumbing repair work. So before dealing with damaged pipes or clogged drains here are signs you need to look at.

Change in the water’s color

If your usually clear water starts to have red or rust color, then it is a sign that your pipes are old and starting to rust. If this is ignored, the pipelines will eventually break and you will find yourself needing more than just plumbing repair.

Pipe color is different

Look under your house and also examine the material from which your pipelines are made. Older homes usually have pipes made from lead, galvanized steel, or perhaps cast iron. Whereas, modern homes have pipes made of brass, copper, or PVC. If you see any one of the previous products, it is essential to have a plumbing professional come to examine them for security and to identify their lifespan. Just remember that PVC has a shorter life expectancy compared to other pipes which can last 20-25 years longer. So even if the pipes are new, it does not really mean they can last longer.

Check for pipelines that are exposed

Homes that have been built more than 60 years ago have a higher possibility that their pipes are exposed. Take a few minutes to check if this is the case. If they show signs of wear as well as age, think about having a plumbing contractor in Myrtle Beach check the whole plumbing system just to be sure.

Changes in water pressure

One strong indication of damaged plumbing, which needs replacement or repair, is low water pressure. It could also be a sign that it needs pipe or snake cleaning which helps eliminate any clogs or obstructions. This simple step could go a long way in extending the lifespan of your plumbing system.

When it comes to damaged or broken pipelines, there is no need to worry. All you need is to talk to a qualified plumber to help you resolve your plumbing problems.

Call Blue Ribbon Plumbing LLC today if you need help with your plumbing system!

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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

emergency plumber
Author Sue White Posted on

QUALITIES OF A GOOD EMERGENCY PLUMBER

We all know that in most cases, plumbing emergencies do not always happen at the most opportune time. Some encounter problems with their kitchen sink at a time when they are preparing for a dinner party at home. There are also instances when homeowners are in a hurry to leave their place for some essential appointment but then, their bathroom pipes break. If you are among those few who have the luxury of time, then you can try to fix it yourself provided that you have the skills. But, in most cases, you will require an emergency plumber to handle your plumbing problems. However, choosing a reliable plumber contractor is no easy task. You need to know the qualities of a good plumber to make sure that you hire the best one for the job.

Trustworthy – your house will be exposed to the plumber that you are going to hire. Your home is a place where you keep all of your important stuff and valuable items. Because of this, you need to be able to hire an emergency plumber who is trustworthy. Even if you are not in your house when he carries out his work, all of your personal belongings should remain untouched and intact.

Reliable – You have to know if you can count on your emergency plumber at any time of the day. You should also figure out how soon the plumbing contractor can get to your house after you requested their service. Plumbing emergencies can happen anytime and that is why you need to hire a plumbing company that is reliable enough to handle your requests immediately and at any given time, either early in the morning or late in the evening.

Preparedness – A good emergency plumber needs to be prepared to address all potential causes that may have triggered the plumbing issue. In most cases, the residential or commercial property owner usually cannot properly describe their plumbing problem over the phone so the emergency plumber in Myrtle Beach must be able to anticipate every possibility. He must be equipped with the needed plumbing equipment to make sure that they can do the job correctly and efficiently the first time around.

Highly Skilled – Don’t be afraid to ask questions because it is hard to evaluate the plumber’s skills simply by looking at their appearance. Ask if he is licensed, where he trained, how long he has been offering his service, and if he can provide referrals. Take time to check his company background. Ask him to show some proof of qualifications before work begins.

Punctuality – This is one of the most important qualities of a good plumber. The emergency plumber should be punctual because if not, waiting too long for him to arrive so your plumbing pipes can be fixed could mean more damage to your property. The emergency plumber in Myrtle Beach should respect your time and value you as a client. He should make it a point to get to your place as soon as he can.

Call Blue Ribbon Plumbing LLC if you are in need of a reliable emergency 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

commercial plumbers
Author Sue White Posted on

WHY HIRE EXPERIENCED COMMERCIAL PLUMBERS

The significance of reliable and certified commercial plumbers can never be downplayed. But oddly, several companies do so. This is somewhat understandable. Running a company means you have to take on lots of responsibilities.

You can’t be blamed if you don’t have enough time to make sure that your bathroom and plumbing system is in tip-top shape. However, you also need to be reminded that your plumbing system needs to be properly maintained on a regular basis. Provided below are some good reasons why you need to hire only the best and most reputable local commercial plumber to help you out.

Why Hire Commercial Plumbers

Reduce Stress

Business owners deal with stress all the time. They have to deal with a lot of things including their employees’ productivity and efficiency. They do their best to make their customers happy and make sure that they have enough inventory to meet the demand. Some businesses have to deal with meeting their deadlines while others have to provide high-quality services at all times. Given all that, company owners do not have a lot of free time to concentrate on plumbing problems. But when they hire the best local commercial plumber, these business owners will be able to spare themselves the inconveniences brought about by clogged sink drains or toilet problems.

Update The Plumbing System

As the owner of a company, it is very simple to forget that the plumbing system, including the fixtures, can be improved like the sinks, water heaters, toilets, and etc. However, only a certified commercial plumber with several years of experience can determine if it is time to upgrade the plumbing system.

For example, if the bathroom in your office or commercial establishment is open to the public, it may make your life a lot easier if the toilets are working properly and if it has motion detectors. A commercial plumber in Myrtle Beach knows how to install this in your bathroom. The expert may also recommend options to help you cut back on energy costs and provide you with other suggestions to improve your plumbing system.

Boost Employee Morale

Even if you have a hard-working janitorial crew, they will not be able to keep your bathroom in good condition especially when the problem requires the knowledge and abilities of an expert. But if you have a clean and fully functional bathroom, everybody will appreciate it.

Apart from that, it can even boost the morale of your employees. Additionally, it will make a good impression on your customers, who in return will most likely do business with you again. Of course, you also have to provide them with excellent products or services.

Hire Only The Best

Keep in mind that you need to check the credentials of the local commercial plumber that you are planning to hire. Doing so will help you avoid having to deal with the repercussions of being provided with mediocre service. By hiring the best plumber, you will have some sort of guarantee that an expert is taking care of your plumbing system and you can focus your attention on more-pressing business matters.

Call Blue Ribbon Plumbing LLC now if you have any problems with your plumbing system.

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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

drains
Author Sue White Posted on

Tips to Prepare Your Drains for Holidays

The holiday season can be stressful. Do not let plumbing problems add stress to your holiday season. These are some tips to ensure your drains are holiday-ready.

Tips To Prepare Your Drains For The Holidays

Use your garbage disposal as needed. Do not wait until your drains are full of food. While you are cleaning or prepping, run your garbage disposal.

Shotgun showers. Although guests may be eager to get a hot shower as soon as possible, it is important to ask others to wait at least 15 minutes so that the drains can clear.

The sink is your best friend. Don’t be too ambitious in your kitchen. Allow grease from pans to solidify before you can scrape it into a container or trash bin. This will reduce the amount of grease that runs down your kitchen drain.

You can set a trap. To put a physical barrier between your guests and whatever it is that they can put down on your drain. You can use a sink trap. Sink traps that can be removed automatically capture the food from the naughty menu and rinse it into the sink. If there’s a problem, you can always hire a plumber.

Avoid getting into a sticky situation. Make sure your showers are equipped with drain screens and hair-trapping tools to limit hair that is being sent down the shower drain.

Perform a dry run. Checking your plumbing system is ready to handle holiday drain issues can help you avoid them. Small leaks or slow drain problems can quickly become major issues when holiday drains are being tasked with large jobs. To ensure that your system is up to the task, do a pre-holiday plumbing inspection. Call a plumbing contractor if you see slow drains.

It’s best to throw it away. You shouldn’t flush things like cotton balls, baby wipes, and sanitary products down the toilet. It’s easy for guests to dispose of them by putting trash cans in every bathroom.

Take a look at the outside temperature. Frozen pipes and freezing temperatures can put a damper on a holiday party. To keep water flowing in pipes, make sure you disconnect exterior water lines.

Don’t hesitate to take the plunge. This is the perfect time to invest in a new plunger. You might consider putting one in every bathroom to allow guests to take a quick plunge without having to have embarrassing conversations.

On Auger on Blitzen. It’s not Santa’s new reindeer. An auger can be used to remove a clog near the surface. You should always have one in case of a plumbing emergency.

Although your bank account might feel empty at the end of the holiday season, your plumbing system should be able to withstand the stress.

Call Blue Ribbon Plumbing LLC now and let our team of expert plumbers make sure that your plumbing system is ready for the holiday season.

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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
Author Sue White Posted on

Common Plumbing Myths: The Truth

There are some myths that you may have believed when you were younger, such as the fact that you can flush ice down your toilet and that wearing your pajamas inside out will guarantee a snowstorm. As time passed by, you have learned the truth behind these childhood myths, but there may be some plumbing myths that you still believe now.

We have some advice for you on seven common plumbing myths.

1. Ice cubes help sharpen the blades of your garbage disposal.

False. Ice cubes are able to help you get food off of your garbage disposal blades but they won’t make them any sharper.

2. Flushable wipes are toilet friendly

False. Flushable wipes are not safe to flush. They can cause serious plumbing problems in your system.

The wipes are not like traditional toilet paper and won’t dissolve in the system. This can cause a problem with your plumbing.

3. Bricks in the toilet can help cut costs.

False. Leakage can be caused by bricks stuck to the back of your toilet. Additional flushing and leaks can increase your water bill.

4. Water heater will explode whenever they rumble.

False. Your water heater may make other sounds to indicate sediment buildup, or other problems with the heater. It is unlikely that the sound is a sign that your water heater is about to explode. However, it could be an indication that your heater needs repairs.

Call a professional plumber to inspect your water heater and determine the source of the problem. Routine maintenance can extend the life of your water heater.

5. It’s safe to take a shower or bath during a lightning storm

False. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, it is best not to shower or bathe during lightning storms. Although it is unlikely, lightning can travel through your plumbing system.

6. Hot water down the garbage disposal will break up grease

False. Although hot water can help to dissolve grease, grease that has reached the cold pipes further down your plumbing system will solidify. This grease buildup can attract other substances down the pipe. It is also why grease should never be poured down the sink.

7. Liquid drain cleaners can safely clear clogs in your plumbing system.

False. Many liquid drain cleaners contain harsh chemicals and abrasive chemicals that can damage your pipes.

Although there are natural ways to clear clogs naturally, we recommend calling a professional plumber in Myrtle Beach if you have stubborn ones. Clogs that are stubborn and won’t clear up can indicate larger plumbing problems.

Following some plumbing myths can cause serious damage to your home’s plumbing system. Get plumbing advice from experts like Blue Ribbon Plumbing LLC. We have years of experience, not myths or fables to ensure that your plumbing system is working properly.

Call Blue Ribbon Plumbing LLC now if you need the help of a plumbing contractor.

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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

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

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

touchless faucet
Author Sue White Posted on

Reasons to Install a Touchless Faucet

The new touchless faucet technology helps to conserve water, free your hands, and keep your faucet handles clean and free of germs and dirt.

What is a Touchless Faucet?

Touchless faucets eliminate the need to manually turn a handle to activate water. Motion sensors are used to turn on the water flow and then shut off the faucet. You need the help of a professional plumbing contractor to install it.

The Benefits

Here are seven reasons that touchless faucets make a great choice for your home.

Water conservation: Touchless faucets save water. According to the Environmental Protection Agency, faucets account for 15% of household water consumption. Because it automatically switches on and off, a touchless faucet can reduce this usage.

The touchless faucets are better for hygiene. Germs can still live on traditional faucet handles. Touchless faucets are less likely to spread germs or collect dirt. This means that you can wash your hands after you have finished cleaning them and you won’t touch a faucet handle that is dirty to turn off the water.

Convenient touchless faucets: Are your hands full of dishes? It’s no problem. It’s easy to use the sensors when your hands are full.

Touchless faucets are easier to clean: Traditional faucets take less time to clean because grubby hands don’t grab at knobs or levers.

Touchless faucets protect you from scalding. Touchless faucets have a temperature setting so that you are able to feel safe.

Touchless faucets allow for independence: Because the faucet is motion-activated, anyone who has mobility problems or struggles with grip and hand issues can use it without assistance.

Pre-set flow is a feature of touchless faucets. There is no wasted water when a faucet is opened to its full capacity. This automatic feature helps conserve water.

What do I need to install a touchless faucet?

Some faucets can be powered by batteries, while others are plug-in. You will need an outlet to power the plug-in model.

Your touchless faucet would not work if there was a power cut unless it has a battery backup.

Our plumbers can answer all your questions regarding hands-free faucets, and help you choose the best one for you.

Call Blue Ribbon Plumbing LLC now if you’re ready to make the switch to touchless faucets for your home.

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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

hot water heater
Author Sue White Posted on

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

Hot water heater
Author Sue White Posted on

Why Is My Water Taking Too Long To Heat?

Nobody wants to wait when it comes to hot water in the house. There are things you can do if your hot water isn’t heating up quickly. Here are some hot water heater tips you need to know.

Hot Water Heater Tips

5 Reasons Your Waiting For Hot Water 

Distance: Hot water will take longer to reach your desired location if it is farther from the shower or faucet where it should flow.

Low volume restrictor: A low volume restrictor can be installed on fixtures like your shower to delay water delivery.

End of Service Life: A failing hot water heater is a heater that has reached the end of its service life. They can fail quickly or be less efficient at heating water. Blue Ribbon Plumbing LLC is a professional plumber who can inspect and repair your water heater. They will also determine whether it’s time to replace it.

Sediment buildup. When dissolved minerals like calcium and magnesium settle on the tank’s bottom, it can cause a blockage of heat transfer. The tank won’t be able to produce hot water as fast as it once could due to a thick crust of sediment that blocks heat transfer. A plumbing contractor can flush the hot water heater and remove sediment to improve performance and efficiency.

A small water heater: You may have installed a heater years ago, when there were only two of you living in the house. Your family may have grown over the years and your water heater might not be able to keep up with your needs. You might be able to solve your problem by upgrading to a bigger unit.

How Long Will It Take To Get Hot Water?

Storage water heaters have a specific recovery time. This time is how long it takes for hot water to be delivered again from the tank after it has been used up. There are factors that can have an impact on the recovery time:

Tank size: Larger tanks will have longer recovery time.

Rating for the first hour: The faster the FHR is, the quicker the water heater will recover.

Type of fuel: It takes twice as long for electric water heaters to heat up than gas models.

Temperature rise: It takes more time to heat cold water than warm water.

It takes an average 80-gallon gas heater approximately an hour to recover.

HOW DO I GET HOT WATER FASTER?

Hot Water Recirculation Systems

Hot water recirculation systems can help reduce water waste while you wait for the water to heat up at the tap. Recirculating systems:

Water moves faster from the hot water heater to your desired tap

You can recirculate your water back to the heater, and keep hot water close by the faucets.

It is activated by a thermostat or a timer

You can mount the recirculation system near your faucet, or attach it to your water heater. Attached to the water heater, this version includes a pump and timer to circulate hot water.

Install a tankless water heater

Another option is a tankless water heater, which can provide hot water on demand. Tankless water heaters provide an unlimited supply of hot water. They don’t require tanks to heat or store water. Instead, the water is heated by heating elements and passed through them.

This results in instant hot water access and lower heating costs. The tank doesn’t heat unused water.

There are point-of-use and whole-house tankless water heating units as well as tankless water heaters. These units can be mounted in a closet or sink cabinet and provide hot water for individual faucets. These units are an excellent option for homes where a hot water heater is not sufficient.

Learn if a tankless water heating system is right for you.

It is vital to choose an efficient water heater system that will also provide hot water. Water heaters can make up as much as 25% of homes’ energy consumption. Blue Ribbon Plumbing LLC will help you find the right water heater for your needs.

RESTORE YOUR HOT WATER SUPPLY IN YOUR HOME RIGHT NOW!

Blue Ribbon Plumbing LLC offers a wide range of water heater services. Our plumbers are available to help you with any water heater repair or tune-up.

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

hot water heater
Author Sue White Posted on

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

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