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.

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.

Residential plumbing is a service that is not often mastered by homeowners. In most instances, plumbing problems require the expertise of a trained professional. However, that does not mean that homeowners should not try to stay informed. Here is a look at the 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.

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.