Your Guide to Avoiding Water Damage-Related Insurance Losses
Besides significantly damaging structures, water damage can also potentially contribute to a major rise in insurance premiums. In fact, water damage is regarded as the second most frequent reason for insurance claims – next only to hail and wind damage. It is widely reported that at least one out of fifty insured properties will submit a claim about water-related damage annually.
Water damage can occur due to a variety of reasons, from plumbing leaks and sewage back-ups to burst pipes and from malfunctioning appliances to power failure. Texas and its neighboring states were of the worst sufferers of water damage problems – the region had over 500,000 claims filed after the winter storm in 2021 caused thousands of pipes to burst.
It is therefore understandable that policyholders are wary about how adequate their insurance really is. Even the best of policies come with their limitations, making it essential to understand exactly what the policy entails. Insurers are known to modify the language of the policy, which shifts more risk to policyholders in terms of time, repairs, routine maintenance and other precautions.

Here are a few ways to make sure that your water damage stays at the minimum, and that you face as little risk as possible:
Evaluate the terms and conditions of your policy
As mentioned above, insurance policies may be inadequate to cover water damage-related claims. The best thing to do is to review your policy word-by-word and clarify its implications with the insurance company. That way, if you find any discrepancies, you can immediately rectify the policy to the proper extent.
Make All Necessary Precautionary Checks
While water damage to any home is inevitable at some point, there are measures you can take to see to it that it happens later rather than sooner. Key precautionary activities include conducting a preliminary risk management to protect BPP and structures, insulating pipes (outdoor and indoor) in unheated spaces, and sealing any spaces in the area where water pipes enter structures. You can even make structural changes, such as replacing rubber hoses with ones made from braided stainless steel.
Regulate Your Heating Systems
While it might seem that heating systems have nothing to do with water damage, in reality, these two are closely related. Almost every home has a water heater, and if not maintained properly, can lead to water leakage, and eventually, damage. If your home has a conventional water heater, make sure to replace it at least once every 10 years.
Avoid Seasonal Risks
Summer and winter are very different seasons, and require you to have different lifestyles to keep up with the weather. Make sure to keep a temperature of at least 55 degrees during the cold months, and make sure to winterize and drain plumbing lines.
Utilize Automated Systems
You can install a heat monitoring system that sends alerts if the temperature in your home falls below a level. You can also have automatic water shut-off systems and leak detection systems. You can even have an antifreeze in your fire sprinkler system to maintain its efficacy. Even with the best of maintenance and automation, make sure that you conduct regular checks to see how your system is working.
The best thing to do would be to hire a qualified plumbing contractor, and have them evaluate your home’s plumbing system on a regular basis. That way, if they see any potential issues, you can get them repaired immediately. If you manage a building, make sure to conduct checks every off season, and offer detailed instructions for tenants and employees on how to respond if they spot a water leak.
The Key Steps to Restoring Your Home after Fire Damage

Inside a home or business, even a small fire can produce a different kind of damage. Not many people have extensive experience restoring a dwelling that has been damaged by fire. That is why this type of service is carried out by specialists. Attending to fire damage includes a variety of procedures.
Assessment and Sealing
The process begins with an assessment conducted by trained professionals. Homeowners receive a detailed report of the damage and what it will take for restoration. Most instances will require boarding up the windows. In some instances, a tarp will be placed over any damage in the roof to prevent any additional damage. Sealing off the structure is very important.
Water removal
Next up comes the drying portion, which includes an important element of water removal. After a fire, there is usually leftover water that has saturated the structure. Before any rebuilding can begin, this water needs to be removed. Contractors with plumbing experience prove to be particularly useful during this phase. This typically requires the removal of large puddles through the use if sump pumps.
Drying
Once all the water is removed, then comes the drying stage. No real restoration can begin until the entirety of the structure is completely dried out. And because of the toxic nature of what fire can do, the area also needs to be sanitized. This means ridding any harmful toxins that may have been produced by the fire and settled into the structure.
Smoke and Soot removal
Once these prior steps have been taken, it is important to remove that smokiness that often becomes entrenched in the remains. Leftover soot on a wall can also be unsightly. To remove smoke and soot, there are special techniques and professional equipment that needs to be utilized. This process is by no means a DIY endeavor.
Repair
Only when all these steps are completed can the repair process begin. This will also give homeowners a better idea of what can be salvaged and what has to be rebuilt from the ground up. There are instances when things like the plumbing remain intact and there are other times when only a partial remodel is necessary.
If your home is damaged by fire, contact the team at Vines Plumbing and Water Restoration. We have all the equipment, personnel and experience to provide fire damage restoration in Myrtle Beach, SC.

Warning Signs of a Sewer Line Clog
Are you concerned about the possibility that your house’s main sewer line could be blocked? A sewer line clog can be a serious problem. It will generally need to be dealt with as quickly as possible to help protect your home from harm. Here are some of the most common signs that may indicate such a clog.
MULTIPLE CLOGGED DRAINS
A single blocked drain might not turn out to be a significant issue. You may even be able to resolve the problem on your own. If you notice that multiple drains are clogged simultaneously, however, you might need to call a plumber to check your main sewer line.
WATER BACKUP
Has water begun to back up from one drain line into another? If water that you run into the sink bubbles back up in the bathtub, you might have a problem. A local plumbing company can generally inspect your home’s pipes and main lines to try to determine the source of the issue.
BUBBLING AND GURGLING
If your toilet starts gurgling every time you run your washing machine or take a shower, this could be an indication that a large clog has begun to develop in the main sewer line. Bubbling or gurgling drains could potentially indicate significant plumbing problems.
Sewer line troubles can likely be addressed by a plumber in your area. Contact Vines Plumbing at (843) 258-5677 to learn more about pipe clogs.
What to do After Water Damage Happens in Your Home
Most homeowners never anticipate having to deal with water damage, although it is more common than most people may realize. Some types of water damage are not preventable, although knowing what to do in the aftermath can be a tremendous benefit. Here is a look at what to do after sustaining water damage.
Safety first
The first priority in any situation is to ensure the safety of everyone in the home. If a pipe bursts or something else springs a serious leak, make sure the power is turned off before you start sorting through the mess. This will prevent any appliances from shorting out, shocking anyone in the home or starting a fire.
Find source of leak
It is easy to identify the source of a leak when a pipe bursts, but the source of water damage is not always easily identifiable. Some of the most severe water damage can occur from a slow leak which spans lengthy periods of time. If it is too tough to detect, contact a plumber right away.
Out with the wet
It is recommended to remove any furniture or carpets that sustained damage. A little splash of water is not going to ruin these items, but severe water damage might just make them unsalvageable.
Contact insurance company
There is always a chance that your homeowner’s insurance will cover the cost of water damage. However, it is important to not delay this process. There are steps for contacting individual insurance companies and reporting the damage Get to know that process beforehand.
Dry out
As long as there are no frigid temperatures outside, it is a good idea to air out your home. Opening up the windows and doors will help dry out the inside of your home. This process can be accelerated by bringing in fans and letting them run on high.
Consider a Remodel
Some water damage may be just too much for some patchwork to fix. If the damage occurred in the bathroom, then you could consider a bathroom remodel This option may be more intriguing if your insurance company assumes financial responsibility.
Look for other warning signs
There is no reason a little bit of water damage cannot turn into a lot. Do a once over in and out of the house. After checking all the water supplies in the house, looks outside for wet soil on the ground or any signs of rust stains as they can be strong indicators that there’s a bigger problem.
Contact Vines Plumbing for any other questions about water damage to your home.
All About Water Heaters
Water heaters are an integral part of our lives as they are one appliance that many people take for granted. There is an intricate process behind the functionality of this major household appliance and here is all you need to know about water heaters.
Energy Consumption
It is a lesser known fact among many people that water heaters are responsible for roughly 25 percent of energy use in a home. Keep in mind that water heaters are not just used for long, hot showers. They are also used in dishwashing, and laundry. The average household in the U.S. is responsible for using anywhere from 80 to 120 gallons of hot water on a daily basis.
The Lifespan
Purchasing a water heater does not mean it is going to provide you with a lifetime of service. Water heaters that are equipped with a tank average of about 10 years. Some wind up conking out around eight years while others last up to 12 years. Some of the newer, more sophisticated models may even last 15 years. Regular maintenance and frequency of use both contribute to that varying lifespan. Tankless water heaters last longer, with an average life span that is upwards of 20 years.
First Hour Rating
Water heaters are often judged by their first hour rating. This rating is located on your tank and refers to the gallons of hot water that can be produced during a unit’s first hour of operation. A couple of factors can also influence the first hour rating, such as the water pressure in your home and temperature of the incoming water.
Tank vs Tankless
Traditional water heaters feature a tank, which holds the water that will be heated. Tank water heaters come in different sizes and are powered by electric, gas or propane. Tankless water heaters heat water as needed and provide an endless supply while also taking up much less space. They are a bit pricier, but have become a popular choice.
Brands of Water Heaters
There is a wide selection of water heaters to choose from when it comes to manufacturers. Some companies specialize in electric water heaters while others focus on the tankless variety. Here is a look at some of the leading manufacturers who are the most respected names in the industry:
• Rheem
• A.O. Smith
• Bradford White
• General Electric
• Bosch
• Richmond
• Rinnai
• Noritz
For all types of water heater repair or service, contact Vines Plumbing today.
Most Frequently Asked Plumbing Questions

What is the tank on my toilet overflowing and what should I do?
This is not uncommon and it most often occurs because of a leak in your fill valve. Replacement of that fill valve is a cheap, quick fix. But it could also be due to a corroded wire that sets your water level.
What should I do if there is a water leak in my home?
The first thing you need to do is locate the shut-off valve. This should be located before any problems arise as it shuts off the main water supply. Once that is done, call a professional plumbing service so that the problem can be immediately diagnosed.
Why is my monthly water bill higher than usual?
Unless you are housing a lot more people who take long and frequent showers, there is a problem. This often means there is a leak and that could extend to the faucet, toilet, underground pipes or sprinkler system. Water bills should be relatively the same throughout the year.
Should I invest in a water softener?
This is a good investment that will improve the health of everyone in the home. Softening your water will improve the quality of skin, hair and make for cleaner, fresher laundry. It is also safer to drink than hard water because water softeners remove minerals.
How do I avoid drain clogs?
The top reason for drain clogs is a buildup of soap scum. This soap scum acts as a glue that collects some particles like hair, dirt and debris that falls into a drain. Reduce the soap scum and it will lessen the chances of a clogged drain.
What is causing my faucet to leak?
A constant or subtle drip can be the result of numerous faults. A corroded valve or a washer that is worn can both be the culprits. A broken fitting or a worn seal can also be the cause and the good part is that all of these are relatively inexpensive fixes.
Why has my water pressure dropped?
There is no universal answer, although it means there is something is amiss as water travels from the main water system all the way through to the faucets in your home. This could be caused by a variety of reasons and a plumbing professional can identify the source.
The team of trained technicians and customer associates at Vines Plumbing welcome any other plumbing questions you may have.

5 Pesky Bugs Leaky Plumbing Attracts To Your Home
You know you should fix water leaks and drips in your home to keep from wasting water and running up your bill. What you may not know is a leaky drain or dripping pipe can attract household pests.
The dripping water plus an enclosed space behind a wall or under a sink creates a bug paradise. Here’s a look at some common bugs that are attracted to high humidity or damp wood that’s caused by leaky plumbing.
BOOKLICE
You probably have booklice in your home all the time. Their numbers swell when you have a leaking pipe that causes mold to grow under a sink or on a wall because booklice love mold.
They may have gotten their name from the fact that they are often found on moldy old books. These pests contaminate your food and destroy your paper documents and books. The best way to get rid of them is to dry out your home and remove the mold.
SILVERFISH
Silverfish love humid areas. If a water leak in your home is bad enough or goes on long enough that it increases the humidity, silverfish can thrive. They’ll flourish, even if the high humidity is in an enclosed place behind your sink. Once the colony is established, they’ll spread through your home and destroy books and documents.
They can wiggle inside cardboard food boxes and contaminate your food. Silverfish love to hide in folds of paper and clothing. They’ll give you a surprise when they scurry out of a book you pick up. Repair water leaks in your home and dry out the humidity with fans or a dehumidifier to drive these pests out of your house.
ROACHES
Roaches are pests that love humid areas and water sources. If you have a drip under your kitchen sink, it probably won’t be long until roaches are attracted to the water source and dampness. Roaches invade your food supply, and they are unsanitary.
You should eradicate them quickly, but they will keep coming back until your plumbing problems are repaired and the damp wood is dried out. Once you’ve dried out your home, you may need to use insecticide to get rid of lingering roaches.
CARPENTER ANTS
Carpenter ants are drawn to wet places that are out of the way of human activity. If you have a pipe dripping behind a wall, the ants can move in without you being aware of their presence.
Carpenter ants chew on whatever wood is in your home, but they love to live in damp wood. These pests can do a lot of damage to your home when their numbers grow. They are just as destructive as termites, so you definitely want to dry out damp wood in your home and give these pests the boot.
TERMITES
Termites have a reputation for destroying houses for a good reason. These bugs are among the most destructive pests to invade your home. There are different types of termites, but one type is drawn to moist areas. In fact, these bugs build mud tunnels to travel through so their environment is always moist and humid.

If the thought of all these bugs moving into your home is creepy enough to make you want to repair your plumbing and dry out your house right away, brace yourself for even worse news: when your home develops an increase in bugs due to dampness, mold and water leaks, it changes the entire ecosystem in your house.
When you have an abundance of bugs, you’ll have an abundant food supply for other bugs that feed on them. That means you could see an increase in spiders as they move in to take advantage of the new food supply. The solution is to call Vines Plumbing to fix your leaks and repair water damage before you notice bugs so the pests won’t find your home so cozy.

Signs You Need a Drain Cleaning
If you own a home, you will likely need plumbing assistance at some point. Severe drain clogs may be one reason that you could have to call in an experienced plumber. Here are three of the top signs that indicate you may need a drain cleaning.
FOUL ODORS AROUND DRAINS
If you have noticed that unpleasant smells tend to hang around your drains or your toilet, this may be a bad sign. Sewer problems and severe clogs may both contribute to the presence of bad odors around drains. You may not know the exact cause until you enlist expert help.
VERY SLOW DRAINAGE
Are you frustrated with sinks or showers that tend to fill and drain very slowly? This is a potential indication of clogs that need to be addressed. You may be able to remedy minor problems yourself, but more severe clogs will likely require professional assistance.
SEVERAL CLOGGED DRAINS
Sometimes, you may notice that multiple pipes seem to have become blocked at the same time. This is often caused by a serious clog in your main drain line. The situation could potentially lead to backup or flooding, and needs to be dealt with by an expert as quickly as possible.
Are you in need of drain cleaning or maintenance? Contact Vines Plumbing today at (843) 258-5677 today!
Behind the Scenes of Your Plumbing Company

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.
Common Plumbing Issues in Old Homes
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.

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.
5 Most Common Unnatural Causes of Water Damage
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.

How to Tell If You Need a New Water Heater
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.
THE AGE OF YOUR WATER HEATER
Every water heater is stamped with a manufacture date on it that helps you know when your water heater was made. It is recommended that water heaters be replaced every 10 years in order to avoid the damage that a leaky or broken water heater can cause.
THE NOISE LEVEL
All water heaters make a little noise as the heating elements inside warm up the water in the tank. However, if your water heater really raises a racket, there may be an issue with the heating element or with sediment forming inside the tank, both of which may be warnings of eventual failure.
THE PERFORMANCE
Rusty water, metallic tasting water, standing water by the water heater or a complete lack of hot water altogether may mean that your water heater is broken or on its way to failure.
Paying attention to your water heater and replacing it before it fails completely can help prevent possible damage to your home. To learn more about the signs that you need a new water heater, contact Vines Plumbing at (843) 258-5677.

The Hazards of Water Damage to Your Home
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.
ASBESTOS
Asbestos growth in your home can be dangerous to you and your family. It can cause breathing problems and other lifelong side effects. Water damage may increase the presence of asbestos.
MOLD
Mold needs a damp place to grow and spread, and if your home has water damage, it provides the ideal environment for that to happen. The presence of mold in your home can cause breathing problems, allergies and other permanent side effects if left untreated.
STRUCTURAL DAMAGE
Water damage is not only bad for your health, but can also do harm to your home’s structure. Leaving water damage untreated can cause wood to rot, wallpaper to curl and flooring to bulge. It could leave a big dent in your wallet as you try to fix all the secondary problems caused by water damage.
The best thing you can do if your home ever gets water damage is to take care of it right away. If left untreated, it can really pose an expensive and dangerous threat to you and your family. Hire a professional to address your water damage issues and help you reverse the damage and fix the other issues in your home.
To learn more about the hazards of water damage, contact Vines Plumbing at (843) 258-5677.

Plumbing Tips on Saving Money
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 Plumbing & Water Restoration is here to assist you with your plumbing needs.
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.