​Is your gas line protected against lightning?    Most homes along the Grand Strand built after 1990 that have gas service used a pipe called Corrugated Stainless Steel Tubing  aka "CSST". The pipe was developed in Japan in the 1980s. It was developed as a safety improvement over rigid black iron gas pipes that often failed and started fires during earthquakes. The flexible nature of the CSST system allows it to handle seismic activity without leaking gas. It also was a great choice in new construction installations as it saved thousands of dollars in installation labor. 
   CSST features many benefits over the traditional method in its durability and practicality. CSST has a proven resistance to leaks due to far fewer connections made during installation. When black iron pipe is installed, every time the pipe changes direction, a joint needs to be fitted and checked for leaks. CSST offers flexibility and is able to be snaked through walls and around obstacles with fittings placed only at the ends of the run.
   With that being said we think it is of the utmost importance to let you know that your CSST gas pipe must be bonded to a ground rod to protect it against lighting strikes. A lightning strike to your home can cause a hole to form in the gas line. We have seen numerous holes in gas lines that were caused by lightning strikes. Thankfully none of these were catastrophic, but they very well could have been. 
WHY DIDN'T THEY BOND MY CSST PIPE DURING CONSTRUCTION? 
   Good question! It was not til years later that our local code enforcement authority required the bonding of CSST pipe. There are countless homes along the Grand Strand that remain unprotected. The bonding of CSST pipe is relatively easy but there are some precautions that should be taken: 

1) Call 811 before driving a ground rod into the ground as you could likely hit a power line or the existing gas line. 
2) The Bonding should be placed at the correct location to be effective. 
3) Be sure the wire size is correct.
4) Do not overtighten the bonding clamp. 

Here is a link to a guide that instructs you on the proper bonding of your gas line http://www.csstsafety.com/Images/CSST-Direct-Bonding-Tech-Bulletin.pdf

We sure hope that helps and you take action. If you are uncomfortable performing this yourself please don't hesitate to call us at (843) 999-0110 

Top 10 damage causing items in your homes systems.Just like your car your home needs regular maintenance. As a plumber for the past 16 years I have seen the same items over and over cause expensive damage in people's homes. Damage that could have been prevented had our warnings been taken seriously. So here is a list of the most common causes of damage in homes along the Grand Strand: 

1. Burst water heaters over 8 years old. - Typically in an attic or inside closet. There is NO plumber that can look at a water heater and tell you the condition of it. The only way to gauge the likelihood of a leak is buy its age. The serial number reveals the heater's age. 
2. Washing machine hoses - Typically black hoses. Spend the extra money and buy the stainless steel burst proof hoses. 
3. Wax seals under toilets damaging floors and ceilings below- There is no way to tell if one is "about to leak" so if you can't remember the last time they were changed or if it has been over 3 years it would be wise to change them.
4. Copper dishwasher and ice-maker supplies - These copper supplies are easily kinked and develop pinholes over time. While you may have other copper pipes in the house these are the easiest to change BEFORE there is a problem. 
5. Outdoor spigots - They burst in the winter time because they are not covered or the galvanized pipe that it is attached to corrodes.
6. Putty and seals on your shower and tub drains - Typically sealed with plumber's putty. The plumber's putty dries out and cracks and is no longer able to seal against leaks. 
7. Air Condition condensate drain - This drain needs to be  cleared out every season. When it is not cleared out the pan in your attic overflows and a damaged ceiling is the result. The best time to have this done is 2 weeks prior to starting up the AC in the spring. 
8. Pipe flashing on the roof - Your plumbing system has vents and they are sealed with a plastic flashing called a "roof boot". Over time this flashing cracks and shrinks leaving it open to rainfall. These should be inspected every 8 years. 
9. Dryer Vents - One of the leading causes of residential fires is dryer vents with too much lint in them getting clogged and igniting. These should be cleaned 2 times per year. 
10. Dishwashers - Dishwashers can cause a lot of damage because the connections made to them are typically hidden. These connections should be inspected annually by removing the bottom kick plate and inspecting the bottom with a flashlight. If you are unsure about any of the items listed feel free to give us a call at
    843-458-6681