Ken's Plumbing | Blog

Summer is here, and with the warmer weather comes increased water use for gardening, washing cars, and filling pools. If you notice an outdoor water spigot leaking, it can quickly turn into a bigger problem, wasting water and potentially causing damage to your home’s exterior. You may be asking yourself, “Do I need a plumber to replace an outdoor spigot, or can I handle the repair myself?

How many times a day do you turn on the water at your home? Washing dishes, washing hands, taking showers, or watering the plants… Your house drainage system is constantly at work! With such heavy use, it’s no surprise that clogs and dirt buildup can become a regular nuisance.

Hurricane Helene took everyone in South Carolina’s Upstate by surprise. For many of us, it was the first time experiencing such a large-scale weather event. In fact, Hurricane Helene is now considered the most devastating hurricane in our region since Hurricane Hugo in 1989.

Tackling plumbing problems is an inherent aspect of homeownership. Whether it's a clogged drain, a leaky faucet, or a sluggish toilet, these issues, although common, can still be frustrating and disruptive. 

If you asked homeowners about their “most dreaded plumbing nightmare,” leaks would likely top the list. Dealing with a leak means fixing or replacing a faulty hose or pump and addressing the “collateral damage,” aka mold, wall, or flooring damage. 

“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.

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.

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:

Our shower habits causing damage to our plumbing is probably not the first thing that comes to mind when you turn the knob to get the shower going, but the way we get ready every morning can have a big effect on our plumbing system. So, what are those things we do that can cause unwanted trouble? Here is a list of bad shower habits that can ruin your plumbing:

As spring approaches, it's time to think about a little more than just cleaning. The season is also a good time to assess and maintain your plumbing system. Regular maintenance can help to decrease the chances of serious problems with your system and prevent costly damage and a visit from a professional. Here is your spring plumbing maintenance checklist: