Signs Of Frozen Pipes

The winter season brings some property maintenance concerns that every homeowner needs to know. Once the temperature drops, one common plumbing problem that could arise is a frozen water pipe. Find out why frozen pipes are dangerous and the signs that indicate you have this problem at home. Why Is It Dangerous? There are many reasons why frozen pipes is a major plumbing problem. They are not only inconvenient but they can also result in major damages to your home. Insufficient running water – the most obvious problem of a frozen pipe is that you won’t have access to running water. It can cause problems to your ability to do your daily work like taking a shower or washing the dishes. It is your responsibility to make sure that you and your family has running water. Pipes could burst – another problem that can happen when a pipe is frozen is that the affected pipe could burst. Once the water inside the pipe freezes, it will create pressure between the blockage the closed faucet that can accumulate up to a point that can lead to a burst pipe. When the pipe bursts outdoors, this can create slippery surfaces, which can be dangerous. Signs To Watch Out For? The temperature is right – North Myrtle Beach plumbing pipes will not freeze unless the temperature outside is cold enough for them to do so. Water and the pipes will not freeze if the temperature outdoors is 60 degrees Fahrenheit. However, if the temperature outside drops, you need to take precautionary measures to prevent pipes from freezing. Frost on the pipe – for pipes that can easily be seen like those below the sink, you might be able to notice frost that has built up on the pipe’s exterior. This can be your warning sign that there is a frozen pipe before you attempt to turn the faucet on. Water is not coming out of the faucet – another indication that your plumbing pipes might be frozen is if water is not coming out of the faucet. In case you turn on your faucet and only a trickle of water or nothing at all comes out, there is a good chance that the pipe that leads to the faucet is frozen. Strange smells – a probable indication of an obstructed pipe is if there is a strange odor that comes from your drain or faucet. In case the pipe is completely or partially blocked, the odor can only escape back to your home. Act Right Away Once you discover a frozen pipe or you have seen signs indicating this issue, you have to act right away and thaw the affected pipe. Depending on where the pipe is located and your skills, you can either try to thaw the pipe on your own or you can hire a plumber to get it done for you. It is a must to thaw the pipe right away since it can potentially lead to a burst pipe and lead to extensive damage to your home.

Call NMB Plumbing Pros if you are having problems with frozen pipes.

NMB Plumbing Pros North Myrtle Beach, SC 29582 (843) 353-6409 http://nmbplumbingpros.com/

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Holiday Plumbing Preparation Tips

Shopping, baking, wrapping gifts, and ensuring that you are not in the wrong side of Santa’s list for not preparing your plumbing system for the holidays. The holiday season is busy and you will even be busier if you are hosting guests. Listed below are some plumbing tips you need to keep in mind to ensure that everything goes smoothly. Garbage Disposal The garbage disposal is an important part of your plumbing system. It is often the main reason why homeowners call a plumber over. They often complain about clogs especially during Christmas and New Year’s Eve. These issues are commonly preventable. Apart from knowing what you can and cannot toss in your garbage disposal, it is also helpful to run cold water for about 1 minute after you place food in it. Hot water tends to solidify any grease that is poured down the drain by somebody you is not you (because you know better, right?) Check Your Toilet You cannot prevent this. Your toilet will be used a lot of times during the holidays. Be sure to check it. Inspect the handle, the lift, arm and chain, as well as the flapper. You can also put a polite sign to remind your guest about what they should not put in the toilet. Doing so can help save you from plumbing headaches and make sure that your guests could save face. Keep a few of your North Myrtle Beach plumbing supplies readily available, too such as a plunger and extra toilet. Install Drain Catchers If you are hosting guests and they will be spending the night over, they will surely log in some shower time. More showers mean more hair will go down the drain. You have to install drain catchers to help prevent clogs. Prepare Your Water Heater With more showers, you can also expect an increase in hot water usage. You have to encourage your guests to give some space in between shower sessions so as to provide the water heater tank with a little time to breathe and recover. Turn up the heater, the maximum should only be 120 degree Fahrenheit, while you still have guests. Finally, if you need water heater maintenance, be sure to take care of that before the celebration so you can avoid water mishaps. Main Water Valve As a homeowner, you need to know where the main water valve is located. You should also show your guests where it is so they can easily turn it off in case of an emergency. You should also consider marking the valve so your guests can easily find it. Hopefully, you do not have to use it but making sure your guests are informed about its location can also go a long way in case of a plumbing emergency.

Call NMB Plumbing Pros if you want to make sure that your plumbing system is ready for the holidays.

NMB Plumbing Pros North Myrtle Beach, SC 29582 (843) 353-6409 http://nmbplumbingpros.com/

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Simple Plumbing Tips For Beginners

Are you excited to learn how to handle simple plumbing problems that come up at home? You can save a few hundreds of dollars by fixing overflowing toilets or dripping faucets yourself. Deal with minor plumbing issues before they become large and costly concerns that only a professional plumber can solve. Listed below are six useful tips to help you fix plumbing issues once you have the right tools to get the job done. Replacing Parts In The Toilet Or Faucet Tinkering with the pipes on your shower or under the sink can result in messy problems if you commit a mistake. But, there’s very little you can do to damage them if your intention is only to replace the faucet’s cartridge or the toilet’s flapper. One of the common causes of leaks between the bowl and the toilet tank is a worn out flapper. It will only cost you a few bucks to replace it. You can check out nearby hardware or home improvement stores and you will surely find a package or kit that comes with simple instructions for replacement. Faucets these days can be fixed using the interior with a brand new cartridge. You just have to remove at least one screw. In case you notice your toilet running frequently, or perhaps your sink is dripping constantly, buy the right replacement parts and give it a go. Remove Clogs Without Using Chemicals If your drain is clearing slowly, you don’t have to buy costly chemical drain cleaners. You can unclog the drain manually using a drain snake. Simply insider the drain snake into the drain and pull it back out. Doing this repeatedly will hopefully take out the clog culprit. In case you don’t have a drain snake or want to find an alternative, you can suck out the clog using a wet/dry shop vacuum. Check Your Showerhead One of the best and easiest methods of fixing a dripping showerhead is using a thread tape. The most likely cause of this problem is loose threads. Remove the showerhead, apply the new thread tap, and reattach the showerhead to stop the drip. In case you are dealing with a clogged showerhead, soak it in a bowl filled with water and vinegar for one hour. Loosen up any mineral deposits that may have built up and causing the blockages with a small brush. Use Thread Tap Instead Of Thread Sealing Compounds Thread sealing compounds or pipe dope is prone to dripping and smearing. For many DIY projects that involve pipe threads, using a thread tape usually works well or in some cases much better. You can purchase a multipurpose tape (color white). Thicker tapes come in a pink color for water and yellow color for gas. If you are looking for easier handling, go with the thicker options. Loosen Tough Water Pipe Fittings Using Heat If you are having difficulties loosening up a pipe fitting or the trap under the sink using a wench, you should consider applying heat. You can use a small propane torch. Be sure to apply the heat for a few minutes. You should also protect nearby walls by covering them with heat resistant materials. Have A More Efficient Water Heater Make sure that your water heater’s thermostat is set properly. Consider insulating your water heater’s tank but don’t include the thermostat if you do so. If you live in a place where sediment accumulates swiftly in the lines, drain a quart of water from the tank at least every three months. You might be hesitant to deal with plumbing projects on your own, however, minor leaks and clogs can, in most cases, be fixed without calling a professional North Myrtle Beach plumber. It is always a good idea to have your plumber’s contact number on hand in case you come across a plumbing issue that you cannot fix by yourself.

Call NMB Plumbing Pros for the installation, repair, or maintenance of your plumbing system.

NMB Plumbing Pros North Myrtle Beach, SC 29582 (843) 353-6409 http://nmbplumbingpros.com/

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How Much Do Toilet Repairs Cost?

Fixing a faulty toilet immediately can make home life more pleasant. It also helps avoid causing damage to your bathroom floor or other things that are far worse. Most toilet repair can cost between $100 and $200. Valves, Flappers, and Seals Most plumbers often charge by the hour and that includes a set fee whenever the come and inspect a plumbing concern. A few common flushing problems include fill valves, malfunctioning flappers, and wax seals. These parts cost about $10 each. Several homeowners can change the fill valve or flapper on their own. Installing a new wax seal, which needs changing the toilet, is more complicated and usually needs a plumber as well as the accompanying labor cost. Clogs, Leaks, and Costs Another common problem is a clogged toilet. A plumber can dispatch a clog using a drain snake or a plunger. But, severe blockages may require the removal of the toilet. The cost is commonly determined by the level of work required and the severity of the clog. A leaking toilet can damage your floors as well as the underlying structure, so they have to be fixed immediately. Your plumber has to determine the cause and location of the leak, which oftentimes includes removing the toilet. Leaks can be caused by a lot of things like a defective gasket, wax ring, or flange. The location and severity of the leak will also affect the price of the repair. Toilet Repair or Replacement Toilet repair can save you money eventually. A constantly running fixture can lead to hundreds of gallons of water being wasted every week – and this will surely show up on your water bill. Most toilets need to be changed every 15 to 20 years. In case your toilet is nearing its end of life, getting a new one may be a more cost-effective option. In case it is leaking, you should know that there are many newer models that utilize less water and more efficient than the older models. Don’t hesitate to discuss all of your options with your hired North Myrtle Beach plumber so you can determine the best solution for your specific situation. Finding A Qualified Contractor In case you do not have a plumber you can trust, you should ask around for recommendations. You should ask your family, friends, and even your neighbors for the names of the plumbers they trust. You should also get estimates from at least three different plumbers to make sure that you find a reliable and qualified person to get the job done right at a price you can afford.

Call NMB Plumbing Pros if you need professional and affordable toilet repair services.

NMB Plumbing Pros North Myrtle Beach, SC 29582 (843) 353-6409 http://nmbplumbingpros.com/

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5 Most Common Pluming Mistakes Homeowners Make

Many people prefer doing their own plumbing work to cut costs or just because they love to tinker around their house. Although there is something to be said for carrying out one’s own plumbing task, these common mistakes can have costly results. Understanding the pitfalls of carrying out your own plumbing work, and how you can avoid them can help you take care of your home better.

Using Chemical Drain Cleaner

 For most homeowners, a liquid drain cleaner seem like it is a miracle product. All you need is just a few drops of chemicals down the drain to open the pipes and send the waste water down into the sewer. The problem is that, chemical drain cleaners can have a long term effect on galvanized plumbing. Individuals who use this product on a regular basis can cause their pipes to have leaks or become corroded. There are several ways to help you clear clogs without exposing your home’s plumbing to caustic chemicals. These alternative products are as follows:

Plumbing auger – this is a manually operated device that is comparable to a drain snake. It cleans most common drain clogs without caustic chemicals or a plumber.

Natural products – if you want to clear a slow drain, you can sprinkle baking soda, and then pour some vinegar and the leave the solution for a few hours. Once you are done, you can flush it with hot water.

In case none of this works, the next thing you have to do is call a plumbing contractor. A good plumber can get rid of the clogs in your drains without the need to use harsh chemicals that can harm your home’s plumbing system.

Forgetting To Turn The Water Off

You have to turn the water off for most of the plumbing tasks. Failing to do so before you start your plumbing repair or improvement can result in gushing pipes, a minor household flood, or even a terrible mess. You need to be familiar with your home’s plumbing system before you begin your next plumbing project. Switch off the water at the local shutoff valve. If you cannot find that, switch the water off at the water main.

Doing Unpermitted Work

Homeowners who perform major changes to their home’s plumbing without getting the right permits can devalue their house. Homes tend to sell longer or for a lesser price if they have unpermitted plumbing work.

There are some states that require North Myrtle Beach plumbing contractors to obtain the needed permits, others let homeowners get the permits themselves. Either way, you, as the homeowner, must ensure that permits are pulled every time they perform major work such as repiping or installation of a bathroom. Permits let local building officials to have oversight of home renovation projects.

This help make sure that each home improvement project in the community are done to the code. Even though getting a permit can means you have to pay money upfront, a permit can protect you from future fines while also making sure that your plumbing work is performed correctly.

Call NMB Plumbing Pros if you need professional help in dealing with your plumbing concerns or if you are planning to take on a major plumbing project.

NMB Plumbing Pros
North Myrtle Beach, SC 29582
(843) 353-6409
http://nmbplumbingpros.com/
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