Author: Kevin

There is a lot that goes on behind the scenes of your plumbing company, much of which is unknown to regular customers. There is a lot that goes into the day-to-day operations in the world of plumbing and here is a look at some of the scenes that are not as widely publicized.

A simple formula

Plumbing may seem complex, but it basically relies on pressure and gravity. Plumbing basically operates in two fashions. It either pushes water out or brings it in. Pressure moves water through piping and that water is cold, which explains why water heaters are needed. Most plumbing problems are a result of water leaving the home, which essentially abides by the laws of gravity. However, impediments and ruptures along the way are two primary reasons a plumber is needed.

It’s risky business

Plumbers are at risk on the job every day. Since there is a not so glamorous side of the job that deals with human waste, plumbers are always at risk of getting sick and most plumbers have a story or two to tell about that very subject. Plumbers continually find themselves at risk of contracting hepatitis, E Coli and parasites among other illnesses.

Constant on-the-job learning

The art of plumbing is constantly being upgraded, prompting plumbers to learn and adapt to new innovations. Modern plumbing has introduced a variety of new products that were not around when most plumbers underwent their initial training. That means reputable plumbers continually have become accustomed to new fixtures, appliances and other industry-related products.

People are not as defenseless as they think

When it comes to plumbing, most people just hand over responsibility to the professionals. However, every homeowner can make an effort to maintain their plumbing. For example, defending against leaks can be accomplished in three simple steps: adjust water pressure between 55 and 75 psi, learn how to shut off your main water supply, and install flow sensors as they can detect any leaks in the plumbing.

A modern convenience

Most people have little idea of what happens after they flush their toilet and leave the bathroom. It is actually a detailed process that begins by sending waste through a pipe that connects to another exit pipe which leads to the local sewage system. This ends up at the local treatment plant where it is filtered and divided into sledge, scum and wastewater. That leads to multiple treatment phases for the wastewater where bacteria is removed and more filtering takes place until the water is deemed safe to be released into a nearby source.

Vibes Plumbing is ready to put our expertise to work for you by providing expert plumbing service in Myrtle Beach, SC and the surrounding communities.

Ah the charm of a vintage house. From the colorful stained-glass windows to the wainscoting, and from the crown molds to the arched doorways – I doubt there is anyone who hasn’t dreamt of living in them and basking in some of that old world magic. It is no wonder therefore that such homes are in such high demand and are often on the higher end of the price spectrum.

All that being said, vintage homes do come with their unique set of challenges – mostly surrounding maintenance. As these homes were build decades ago (to the minimum), they are almost always in need of some or the other kind of maintenance. From damp walls to drafty windows, and from tattered roofs to crumbling vents – the number of construction-related problems in such homes tend to be many.

One of the biggest problems in this context is plumbing. Vintage homes tend to have plumbing systems that were built with products that have either passed their usefulness, or are soon about to – making getting repairs a tricky situation. If you are on your way to buying a vintage home, here are some common plumbing issues you should definitely know about.

Galvanized Steel Pipes

If the home you’re eyeing was built before 1960, it is very likely that the plumbing was built using galvanized pipes. Made from steel and coated with zinc, these pipes were very useful, and offered the best alternative to copper and lead pipes. However, the zinc coating comes with its own life expectancy, and once corroded, leads to the water coming into contact with the steel surface directly, leading to corrosion. This can give rise to all sorts of issues like water discoloration, a drop in water pressure, narrowing of the pipe inner diameter due to rust formation, leaks, and finally, pipe failure.

The best way to avoid this is by replacing the pipe system from the get-go. Materials like PEX tubing and copper piping are both quick-to-install, and can withstand all types of weather and situation. You can either opt for a partial replacement or a full one, depending on your budget and needs.

Sagging Sewer Pipes

Water flow in sewer lines is determined by gravity. So, if a section of the sewer pipe sags (also known as “bellying”) it leads to sediment clogs and sewage backups. While such problems usually occur due to inadequate planning and installation, the wear and tear of time also plays a major role.

The good news here is that such problems can be solved fast, provided repairs are made in time. If left to fester, bellied sewage pipes may lead to a major leakage that could damage the construction and even contaminate the water system.

Worn Out Vents, Valves and Drains

The interconnected system of vents, valves and drains can differ vastly, depending on the era in which your vintage home was built. For instance, some older homes have no vent systems, while others might not have ones that actually function. Secondly, clogged and broken drains lead to sweage odors, and an eventual build-up of toxic material. Last but not the least, old and aging valves lead to issues in the proper flow of water to dishwashers, sinks, and toilets. In worse cases, they may also compromise the ability to shut off your water in case you face an emergency.
The best way to prevent this is to have your plumbers carefully inspect the system, then replace the minimum possible vents, drains and valves. Besides preventing potential health hazards, this will also help you to preserve water and reduce your monthly bills.

Intruding Tree Roots

When a home ages, so does the foliage that surrounds it. As charming as old trees look, they often grow large roots underground, which tend to interfere with the sewage line. Once roots find their way inside these, they end up growing further and expand all through the pipe. Combined with food debris and other waste in your sewage, this can lead to a potentially large and complicated blockage.

If the tree has an aggressive root growth, it is best to contact your plumber, and have ‘rehabilitate’ the underground pipes with the help of trenchless pipe relining techniques. This will prevent trees from getting harmed while also preserving the quality of your plumbing.

There are similar issues that frequently cause water leaks inside a home. While this can be an inconvenience, there are plenty of people who incur various types of water damage on a regular basis. There could be a variety of reasons for this occurrence and here is a look at the 5 most common causes of water damage in a home.

Leaking roof

Roofs are only meant to last a certain number of years. Add in the fact that the wear and tear of Mother Nature is constant and there is a greater chance that a roof will eventually spring a leak. There is also flashing, roof penetrations and an underlayment that could all break down. Even a leak inside your house can be the result of a roofing problem that is not directly above it Having your roof checked regularly is a good defense.

Old water heater

Most water heaters are only built to last about 10 years. However, when they are starting to wither, there are no tell-tale signs. Eventually, the water heater starts to leak and sometimes that can come in bunches. Keep an eye on the age of your water heater and don’t wait until it exceeds its lifespan to get a new one.

Busted pipe

Pipes can steer to wear down over the course of time and that could result in a sudden burst. This also has no preliminary warning signs, although it can cause quite a mess. A plumbing professional can identify older pipes that may be more prone to bursting. Pipes that freeze during the winter months could also burst and create a lot of problems.

Leaking or overflowing toilet

A clogged toilet will overflow and immediately send water streaming throughout your home. However, it does not have to be instantaneous as slowly leaking water can be equally as damaging. This is a common problem and when there are even subtle signs of toilet issues, it is wise to have a plumber take a look.

Household clogs

The purpose of all the drains in a home is to promote water outtake. If there is a clog, then water could back up and this could even be the reason a pipe bursts. Clogs left untreated will keep excess water inside the home and when that water cannot be released, it has to go somewhere. That means it is bound to cause damage inside the home.

Water heater is a key to the smooth operation of your home because without it, there are no warm showers, clean dishes or freshly washed laundry. But it can be tricky to know when it is time to replace your water heater. These three things may indicate when it is time for a new water heater.

Your home is a lifelong investment and you want to do everything you can to maintain its value. Unfortunately, if your home is ever subjected to water damage, it could decrease its value and come with other costly hazards.

Whether you are concerned about your water bill or you simply care about the environment, you might be looking for ways to conserve water each month. Even when you make small changes to your daily routine, the savings can be tremendous.

Beyond the basics of cutting back on baths and turning the water off when you are brushing your teeth, you have other options. These tips will get you started on your quest to save money and water.

Save Money in the Bathroom

Most things you do in the bathroom may lead to water use, but there are several things you can do to prevent wasting water.

First, always fix plumbing issues soon after they appear. Leaking faucets waste money and could cost you more money than having a plumber come in. You might also consider changing plumbing fixtures. Aerated faucets and low-flow toilets are great choices for conserving water. Plus, new toilets tend to use less water than their older counterparts. Dual-flush toilets also help conserve water. Lastly, avoid disposing of unnecessary materials in the toilet. This uses many more gallons of water than is necessary and could lead to a clog in your pipes.
Of course, you may not be able to make big changes in your bathroom right now. Until you can, consider limiting shower time to only the essential amount.

Save Money in the Laundry Room

Laundry is a major source of water use, but it does not have to be. These tips help you save water when you are washing your clothes.
To start, use cold water to wash your dark clothes. Not only does this help your clothes keep their color, but it also saves both water and energy.
Did you know that some clothing does not need to be washed as often as others? Jeans are one of them. You may only need to wash your jeans every four to six wears, saving you money on your next load of laundry.
Next time you go to wash your clothes, use these tips in mind along with the advice that washing a full load is your goal if you want to be most efficient.

Save Money Outside

How much time do you spend watering the lawn and maintaining a garden? Doing this more efficiently can save money and water.
First, rethink your yard’s irrigation or sprinkler system. Talk to the professional you hire about how you can make improvements to ensure that the yard is efficiently watered.
Want to water your yard less? Adjust your mower height so that it is at about two inches. Tall grass actually provides more shade for the root, allowing moisture to stick around. You can also opt for drought-resistant plants next time you are landscaping.
When you are efficient with your landscaping and watering routine, you can easily save more money outside the home. Your water bill will thank you for this.

Save Money in the Kitchen

From washing dishes to boiling water, your kitchen gets a lot of water action. Fortunately, there are a few ways you can save money in the kitchen. Sometimes water can serve two purposes. Instead of dumping water from cooking down the drain, use it to water your plants. You can do this with ice cubes that have fallen on the floor too. You can also attach your steamer full of vegetables to something you are already boiling, like potatoes or noodles.

Then, wash your dishes in stages rather than running the water the entire time. Use one side of the sink for scrubbing and the other side for rinsing all the dishes at the same time. Dishwashers actually have the potential to use less water than washing dishes by hand, and this is something to keep in mind next time you shop.

Finally, simply be mindful that every drop of water is important. Taking care of your plumbing is one way to do that. Vines Restoration Plumbing HVAC is here to assist you with your plumbing needs.

There are a lot of misconceptions about plumbing that lead homeowners to create more trouble than necessary. It is important to know which popular plumbing myths are simply myths and not based on anything factual. Here is a closer look at the biggest plumbing myths.

Myth: You can safely pour grease down a drain after mixing it with hot water

It does not matter what form of grease you put down the drain because it is eventually going to congeal. That heightens the change of a clog. Hot, or boiling, water might appear to liquefy grease, but there is no way to safely put grease down your drain. Always dispose of your grease by other means.

Myth: Flushable wipes are Flushable

The only manufactured product intended to be flushed in toilets is toilet paper. Any kind of wipes should be disposed of in other ways. Baby wipes are also not meant to be flushed down a toilet as this is a major reason for household clogs.

Myth: Water heaters that make noise need to be replaced

A water heater that has a bit of rattling going on is not a reason for immediate replacement. That is normally just a sign of sediment buildup inside the water heater. This can be fixed with some simple maintenance and does not require the purchase of a new unit.

Myth: Liquid drain cleaners should be regularly used

While a liquid drain cleaner may be successful in breaking up a clog, regular use of this product can cause more damage than good. That is because the chemicals used in liquid drain cleaners will start to produce corrosion. This will steadily diminish the integrity of your drain lines over the long haul.

Myth: A Leaky faucet is not an issue

A faucet that is leaking is symptomatic of a bigger problem. That problem may not be a super expensive one, but it is still a problem. A leaking faucet is just like a leak in a ceiling in that it is evidence of another problem that should be attended to right away.

Myth: Preventative maintenance is not necessary

There are so many potential problems that can affect your plumbing if they are not addressed early on. It is wise for homeowners to invest in regular plumbing maintenance because the major problems that start out as minor ones can be very expensive to fix.

Most times, a plumbing problem will occur without any prior notice. And many times, it will come as an immediate inconvenience that requires immediate action. The good news is that you don’t need to be a professional plumber to apply an emergency solution that can hold things over until professional help arrives.

Pipe burst

When a pipe bursts, water just keeps gushing out of the opening. The only way to stop that water from flowing right away is to shut off the water. You can do that by finding the shutoff valve and turning it off. Once the water is off, you can turn on the cold water in various fixtures to drain the remaining water and then wait for help to arrive.

Faucet problems

There could be an instance when water does not stop flowing or begins spraying awkwardly from a faucet within your home. This does not require shutting off the entire water supply to the home. Underneath the sink, there are a pair of shutoff valves, one designated for hot and one for cold. Turning them clockwise will do the trick and if they are tough to turn, use a pair of pliers.

Pipe Freezes

A frozen pipe during the winter months could eventually burst. The first response is to shut off the main water supply. You can then take additional measures by trying to thaw the pipe, but do not expose a direct flame to the pipe. Instead, use hot water bottles to gradually reduce the chill.

No hot water

When you realize your home is not producing any hot water, the first place for inspection is the hot water heater. If it is a gas-operated water heater, shut the gas off Also, look for signs of a leak. Also, double check to ensure you paid your monthly water bill.

Multiple drain clogs

When you are experiencing more than one clog at a time, it is usually the sign of a larger problem that can be costly to fix. If there is an unpleasant odor accompanying those clogs, it usually indicates that your sewer system is backed up. Contact a specialist if this occurs.

Water is too hot

There could be an occasion when the hot water comes out scalding. This could be a very dangerous situation and generally means that there is an issue with your water heater temperature setting. If you are unaware how to adjust the setting, contact a professional right away.

In the event of a plumbing emergency, contact the team at Vines Plumbing for a fast and affordable solution.

As a consumer, there are lots of options to choose from when a service is needed. That applies to the plumbing industry as there is no shortage of local and national plumbing companies spread throughout the United States. Examining the benefits of each one often provides a logical answer.

Customer benefits

A national plumbing company does not have to rely on regular customers. Their brand is usually enough to bring them business. But a local plumbing company depends on quality customer service for its survival. For that reason, a local plumbing company will always take additional steps because it needs local customers to support its business.

More vested

Local plumbing contractors have more vested in their projects as they can be used as referrals or turn into repeat business. These are also the businesses that pay taxes in the local community, which really binds them to their work. These local contractors may also see their clients on a regular basis, which means their reputations are at stake during each job.

Similarly, a local plumbing company has more vested in your project than just seeing it completed. If the contractor’s work meets or exceeds your expectations, then you can become a positive referral, resulting in even more local business for the contractor. Local home improvement contractors often live in the same community as the homes they remodel and can’t afford to disappoint their neighbors. Plus, they pay taxes and have a commercial interest in your community’s success.

Word of mouth

National plumbing companies have plenty of marketing funds to advertise. Their company does not have to rely on word of mouth, whereas local plumbers do. One unsatisfied customer could quickly balloon to many because of word of mouth. This is why quality is a must for local plumbing contractors. They know that and are often more accessible, flexible and outgoing to their clients.

A connection to the community

Local plumbing companies make up the fabric of a community. Since the people who run these businesses are also consumers in that same area, there is typically an extra attention to detail. That is because there is a name to go along with the face. Local plumbers can relate to their customers because they share the same community. That connection adds value.

Lay of the land

Local plumbers know the ins and outs better than a national company because of their experience. This can also lead to advice on how to maintain your plumbing, as well as insight on common plumbing problems specific to that area.

Vines Plumbing is ready to step in and be that local plumbing company you can trust.

Dear Friends,

It seems like coronavirus is all anyone can talk about — and that’s for good reason.

This virus is sweeping the globe, and has been classified as a pandemic…

Which means it’s a serious health condition that’s spreading at above-average rates, all across the world.

Now, I believe we SHOULD take coronavirus very seriously…

And I want you to know, you can take some basic steps to keep yourself and your loved ones healthy during these uncertain times.

Here’s what I recommend you do:

1. Know Your Risk

Early research out of China shows the people who are most at risk are older folks, as well as people with underlying medical conditions, like diabetes, heart disease, or respiratory issues.

So, if you fall into one of these categories, make sure you are taking EXTRA precautions during this time. Try to stay 6 feet away from other people, and practice “social distancing” as much as possible.

That means staying out of crowded public places, like malls or movie theatres… and staying at your own home as much as possible to reduce your risk.

What can you do?

2. Keep Things Clean

Clean, clean, clean! Now, you DON’T have to run out and stock up on hand sanitizer — but you SHOULD be frequently washing your hands with soap and warm water, for at least 20 seconds.

Keep your hands away from your face, mouth, and eyes to help stop the virus from entering your body.

And be sure to wipe down surfaces you touch frequently, like doorknobs, keyboards, light switches, and even your cell phone. You can use products like bleach and Lysol. If you are really concerned you can have Vines use a fogger in your home or business using a green product.

If you ARE out of your home for any reason, please avoid touching “high-touch” areas, like elevator buttons or stair railings. If you MUST touch them, use a tissue, a sleeve, or something else to put a “barrier” between your body and the surface.

And then wash your hands as soon as you’re able!

If I sound like a broken record, it’s because washing your hands is the #1 thing you can do to prevent the spread of germs. It’s THAT important!

3. What If You Get Sick?

Typical symptoms of coronavirus include coughing, fever, and shortness of breath… and these signs can show up anywhere from 2–14 days after you’re exposed.

This is another reason why it’s important to stay away from other people who may be infected — they could be sick without knowing it.

If you start to feel sick, call your doctor and let them know as soon as you can — but please, don’t drive to their office unannounced. Most of us have specific instructions from our County Health Department about where to send our patients for testing.

Be sure to follow your doctor’s orders — many people will be able to recover at home in about 2 weeks’ time.

4. Try To Keep Things Normal

It can be scary to stay at home for a long period of time… and it’s normal to feel anxious or unsure of what you can do. This is a great time to read you bible and listen to sermons online.

So, try to keep things normal as much as possible. Instead of having friends over for dinner, call them up on FaceTime and “get together” digitally. You don’t have to completely give up social connection… it just needs to look a little different for now.

If you normally take a walk after dinner, go take a walk after dinner! You can stick to your normal routine as much as possible — just try to keep at least 6 feet between you and other people. If you’re taking a walk around the block, it shouldn’t be too hard.

Yes, I’m going to do MY best to keep the same routine, too! I might even teach Stacey how to fish !!

Be careful out there, and take care of yourself. I’ll do my beat to keep you posted and remember if your in a bind Call VINES !!!