Ken's Plumbing | Blog

“This is the last thing I need before we go on our annual vacation,” a client told me last week, upset after dealing with a burst frozen water pipe.

Yes, a plumbing emergency can strike at any time, often at the worst times. Nonetheless, plumbing emergencies are always stressful situations that leave homeowners feeling frustrated and anxious about what to do next.

While a flickering light bulb may seem minor, it can pose several hazards. Flickering lights can indicate a serious electrical problem that could lead to electrocution or house fires. So, if you have a flickering bulb, don’t wait any longer to fix it. And if you are wondering if you can use a higher-watt bulb than recommended to replace the flickering light, check out our blog here. 

When it comes to your home's plumbing system, there's more to it than just pipes hidden behind walls. Plumbing fixtures are crucial in ensuring water is delivered and disposed of efficiently. In this guide, we'll explore the basics of plumbing fixtures and why they are essential for your home.

Discover the essential steps to troubleshoot your sump pump effectively and keep your basement dry. Follow this comprehensive guide to address any issues and ensure your sump pump is in optimal working condition.

As winter's chill sets in, many homeowners find themselves grappling with a common but frustrating problem: frozen pipes. A frozen pipe can disrupt your daily life and potentially lead to costly repairs. However, with a little knowledge and some proactive measures, you can minimize the risk and quickly identify frozen pipes before they become a plumbing catastrophe. In this guide, we'll explore the telltale signs of a frozen pipe, strategies to find the culprit, and tips for preventing this issue in the first place.

When selecting a toilet for your bathroom, it’s essential to consider its functionality and style. In this blog post, we will explore common toilet styles, providing detailed insights to help you make the best decision based on form and function. Discover the perfect fit for your bathroom!

Frozen pipes are never convenient and usually end up costing you a pretty penny. While we do live in Upstate, SC and don't often experience the same weather as New York or Michigan, we have still been called out to homes in regards to a frozen pipe issue. We've also discussed what to do if your pipes burst, but let's talk about a few things you can do as a homeowner to prevent yourself from getting into this predictament in the first place. 

Pipes are a nutrient oasis for tree roots. Why? They contain oxygen, nutrients, and water, things the roots naturally seek. Vapor from the pipes escapes to the outside soil and the roots grow toward the moisture in the pipe. If it can, the root will find a crack or small hole in the pipe and then grow—which widens the hole in the pipe and makes things worse.

Once inside, the root will continue to grow which then acts as a collector of toilet paper and waste, causing blocks to the line. Eventually, the clog will completely block the flow and make a big mess as well as a costly fix.

Fortunately, there are four ways to help prevent these problems before they start. Here are tips for how to protect your plumbing from tree roots:

Spring time is here! Spring means flowers, sun, baseball, warmer temperatures as well as... spring cleaning. And guess which room is the least favorite and the most ignored? Your bathroom! Although we don’t want to associate spring with cleaning our bathrooms, once you have a method of attack, it’s really not so bad. Here are some tips on how to properly clean your bathroom:

Although our children love to explore many rooms in our homes, the bathroom is almost irresistible, especially the toilet where a kid could flush and flush for hours, watching all of that water spin down the drain. Toilets can also be good storage devices for aquatic toys—or any toys for that matter. On top of that, the bathroom is the mandatory site for potty training, making the toilet not just a recreational object that stores toys, but also part of the rite to becoming a “big kid.”  Besides that, where does all that water go?