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.

A water leak that keeps your wood cabinets, subfloor, or walls damp is a magnet for termites when there is a colony nearby. Termites alone are a good reason to have plumbing repairs completed as soon as you can.

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.

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) 268-2926 today!

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.