When discussing piping in water systems, many do-it-yourselfers are suggested to use polyvinyl chloride (PVC) or chlorinated polyvinyl chloride (CPVC) piping. While that’s a reliable option, others much rather choose to depend on copper piping.

The best option? It’s your call. All three have their advantages and benefits. It all just depends on you.

PVC pipes are very hard to damage, fairly close to indestructible, in fact. PVC pipes are made from a plastic-vinyl conglomerate, so rusting is nonexistent. PVC pipes are used in a lot of earthquake areas, so you know they will be dependable.

A lot of professionals will say PVCs are generally used for cold-water lines. CPVC pipes can be used for both hot and cold lines, a true advantage if you choose to go that route. CPVC pipes are more environmentally friendly than PVCs and have been known to withstand pressure ratings of 180 degrees.

Copper piping may be considered old-school, but it still is a winner to many professionals. Because of its durability and resistance to weather, copper piping offers a warranty that can last a lifetime, assuming installation is done correctly. Copper piping may be a little more expensive, but in the long run, it could be the more realistic choice. Some professions feel copper piping may add to a home’s resale value, which is never a bad thing.

If you have additional questions about selecting a water system pipe, contact our professionals at our Charlotte NC plumbing company.

Have you ever noticed a constant hissing noise coming from your toilet? If so, you may have a leaky toilet and higher water utility bills on your hands. You may use the following steps – courtesy of the Alliance for Water Efficiency – to troubleshoot the problem:

• Remove the tank lid to inspect the flushing system. Is the water level higher than 1 inch below the overflow tube? It shouldn’t be. Most likely, water is leaking through the overflow tube into the drain. Depending on the cause of the problem, it may be corrected by adjusting the water level, replacing the float or replacing the refill valve assembly.

• The leak may be caused by a worn or non-functioning flapper. This can be diagnosed using a test where a dye tablet is placed into the toilet’s water tank. If the color of the dye begins to appear in the toilet bowl, the source of the leak is the flapper. Toilet flapper replacement is a simple and easy process.

If you are experiencing difficulty in troubleshooting or fixing your toilet leak problem, contact a qualified Charlotte NC plumbing company. If your toilet is leaking at the base or through a crack in the bowl, you may have an advanced problem on your hands; a toilet reset or toilet replacement may be required.

Your old garbage disposal unit in on the fritz again, and it’s beyond repair this time. Living without the convenience of a garbage disposal can be trying; however, don’t jump into this purchase too quickly. Take time to match the system exactly to your needs – a qualified Charlotte NC plumber can help you with this.

For one, consider how much horsepower you really need. If you’re single or have a small family and don’t rely too heavily on your garbage disposal, a 1⁄3 horsepower unit may work for you. If you’re dealing with a large family or you just tend to stuff a lot of waste down your garbage disposal, then you should look at ½-1 horsepower units.

The amount of space available under your sink may also play an important part in your garbage disposal replacement decision. A small area, for instance, will dictate a compact model. If space isn’t limited, then you have more choices. For example, if your kitchen has stainless steel appliances, you could get a stainless steel garbage disposal to match. Advanced features available on higher-end models include sound reduction, multiple grinding settings and automatic jam correction.

Benjamin Franklin Plumbing of Charlotte is available to assist you with any questions you may have regarding garbage disposals and garbage disposal installation.