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Archive for the ‘Charlotte Plumbing Company’ Category

Save Money and Preserve Quality with Water Filtration

June 30th, 2011

Purchasing water is a popular trend these days. From the gym to the grocery store people are carrying bought plastic water bottles. A water filtration system can ease the cost and preserve the quality of water you already pay the city to use in your own home. Your Charlotte North Carolina water filtration plumbing service can install and service water treatment and softeners for your home.

Bottled water is cleaner, healthier and tastes better than tap water. House tap water often contains the taste and odor of chlorine, lead, mercury, agricultural pollutants and often local sediment. These pollutants can come from corroded plumbing systems, decay, landfill run-off or local croplands. Unfiltered house water not only affects your drinking water, but the water you use for laundry, washing your hands, and washing off in the shower. What if you could have that same clean, healthy, tasty water without having to go to the store or recycle bottles after use?

Ben Franklin Plumbing, your local Charlotte NC plumbing service, can provide a professionally installed home water filtration system. Our water filter and water softener systems will guarantee purified water throughout your home. From drinking water to faucet, shower, and laundry water; your water will be clean and healthy.

Ben Franklin Plumbing will also check the water for hardness, iron and PH levels. Treating your water efficiently is just as important as having clean water on hand. Our most valuable resource, water, should be treated as such and your Charlotte plumber is here with expertise on local water conditions and how to treat them.

Give our Charlotte NC plumbing service a call today or request service online.

Choosing the Right Bathtub for your Home

June 13th, 2011

spa tubMany homes still have regular, old style bathtubs in them sometimes dating back to the 1950’s. Often when renovation or moving into a new home, the bathroom is the first project. Ben Franklin Plumbing in Charlotte, North Carolina, can help you with that as well as choosing which type of bathtub best suits your needs.

Whirlpool

Whirlpool tubs are a top-of-the line option when it comes to making your home your own. They comes in many sizes including a luxurious 435 feet but also down to 5 feet to fit the standard tub spaces. These tubs do require professionals like Ben Franklin plumbers because often the weight of the tub itself as well as the water can be too much for a home especially located on the top floor. As the installer, our Charlotte, NC plumber will fix any weight issues you might have.

Spa Tubs

Spa Bathtubs are often a great choice if you’re looking for a less expensive version of a whirlpool. These come in more standard shapes and sizes while still offering the many amenities like the change in pressures for a relaxing massage.

Acrylic Tubs

Choosing a standard acrylic tub is sometimes a smart choice. This is probably one of the most durable types of tubs while still being slightly stylish, it is practical. This lightweight bathtub is resistant to chipping and cracking as well as inexpensive. This is usually the standard type a house comes with.

Cast Iron

Cast Iron bathtubs are the most expensive type of tub, but are well worth the extra bucks. These tubs are formed by pouring iron into a mold. Due to the material, these tubs are nearly impossible to scratch and are chemical resistant.

For all your bathtub remodeling needs contact Ben Franklin Plumbing in Charlotte

704-461-1700

Charlotte Home Buyer’s Value Guide to Plumbing

June 1st, 2011

It’s summer, and this is the most common time for home buyers to search the Charlotte real estate market. Unfortunately, many people aren’t aware of problems that may exist in a home that are not found by inspectors, especially plumbing leaks and poor plumbing systems. Before buying a home filled with plumbing repair needs, be sure to check out the various plumbing fixtures so you know what you’re getting yourself into.

In the bathroom, be sure to inspect the floor; look around the base of the toilet for water damage, and test to make sure there are no soft spots in the floor. These are signs of water leaks, typically existing. If you find black and white stains or rolled vinyl flooring, these are also clues that water leaks may have previously plagued the area or are currently a problem. Also be sure to press tiles on the wall to check for leaks and loose tiling. Before you move on, flush the toilet and make sure it works properly, not draining too slowly or causing water to leak.

To check for adequate piping and water pressure, turn on a bathtub faucet and the kitchen sink faucet. If the pressure is significantly reduced with both running, the piping may have a large amount of calcium and mineral deposits and need to be replaced. While you are in the kitchen, make sure the connections to the dishwasher and garbage disposal are tight and show no signs of leaks. Also, check within the cabinetry to assure there is no water damage, including stains, rotted corkboard, or sagging bottoms. Be sure to check the washing machine hose as well, since these can rupture and lead to extensive water damage.

The first four digits of the serial number on a water heater are the month and year of manufacture. If the water heater in the home is more than 15 years old, you’ll want to contact your local Charlotte plumbing company to replace it. You may also want to check for rust on the tank, as this is a sign of impending issues with the hot water heater. If you are unsure of problems you may find, you can get assistance with inspections from our Charlotte water heater technicians, available to help you assess the value of the plumbing system in your prospective home purchase.

 

Garbage Disposal Maintenance Tips

May 23rd, 2011

Routine maintenance on your garbage disposal is simple, quick and can keep your disposal running for an extended period of time. Use these home garbage disposal maintenance tips to help prevent odors, blockages, costly repairs, and early replacement.

Remember to run cold water during use for at least 20 seconds. Garbage disposals need water running through the pipes to flush waste and prevent stoppages.

Limit the amount of food you put in your garbage disposal at one time. Allowing too much food into the pipes, although chopped, can quickly cause them to back up. Should you encounter a clogged drain or clogged pipes, Ben Franklin Plumbing, your Charlotte NC plumber, is available for immediate plumbing service.

Avoid pouring harsh chemicals, foreign objects, coffee grounds, or bones into the garbage disposal. Also, grind small scraps of citrus peels in the garbage disposal to keep it smelling fresh.

Grinding ice cubes while running cold water in the garbage disposal will help sharpen the blades and keep it clean. Always call your local Charlotte plumbing company when routine residential plumbing maintenance is not enough.

The experts at Ben Franklin Plumbing are available 24/7 to help you with any plumbing repair or plumbing installation.

Leak Detection and Plumbing Maintenance

May 6th, 2011

Many times, water leaks aren’t noticed at first. Maybe your water bill is slowly on the rise so the difference isn’t as noticeable as a sharp change in cost, and you don’t stop to think there may be a bigger underlying issue. But a water leak left unchecked can lead to extensive structural damage to your property and expensive repairs. Slab leaks are especially problematic, causing thousands of dollars worth of damage to the home.

Leak detection services are an important part of general inspection and maintenance on sewer and water lines and can help diagnose the issue early, saving time and cost of repairs, avoiding cleanliness issues, and conserving natural resources. With leak detection procedures, a small leak can be pinpointed before it becomes a major emergency and requires extensive repairs.

If you see a consistent change in your water bills, notice a lack of water pressure, or hear running water when none of your faucets or toilets are running, you may want to consider a water line inspection for leak location. Even if you don’t see the symptoms of a water leak, a regular inspection can help spot weak points in your water lines so that repairs can be made before you begin draining money from your wallet.

Our Charlotte plumbing technicians can assist in leak detection with high end technology that pinpoints the location of the problem quickly and without destructive procedures. Once a problem is identified, we can help repair and restore your plumbing, saving you money and preserving water, a natural resource that should be protected. Your home is one of your most important investments, and leak detection helps protect that investment from losing value. Call your Charlotte area plumbers today for fast, reliable service on your schedule, and save money while also being environmentally conscious.

 

Getting Rid of Ring Around the Toilet

April 20th, 2011

Toilet MaintenanceNothing ruins the look of a well-maintained bathroom than ring around the toilet. It can be disgusting, as well as highly unsanitary.

Salt deposits cause the recurring ring around the water line of your toilet. That unpleasant brown line is the salt residue that remains after organic deposits have been flushed and the calcium and magnesium ions of hard water in the bowl starts to evaporate.

Removing the toilet ring permanently is highly unlikely, but turning your toilet bowl white again can be as simple as pouring a cup of white vinegar into your bowl once a month. When cleaning it, use soft bristles to scrub the inside of the bowl.

Ring around the toilet can be a minor problem with the proper maintenance. Feel free to call our Charlotte NC plumbers at Benjamin Franklin Plumbing for more information. Contact our Charlotte plumbing company today, or visit us online.

Water Purification with H20 Harmony

April 7th, 2011

H2O Harmony Water Purification SystemChlorine and other chemicals can play a major role in how we use our water and keeping it safe and free of bacteria. These chemicals are required for immediate safety, but they also can have an effect on drinking or bathing water.

Our Charlotte NC plumbers at Benjamin Franklin Plumbing are knowledgeable experts in water treatment and the necessary products. We are contractors for the H2O Harmony Water Purification System, one of the top water filtration and softening product lines in the nation.

The idea of water purification and filtration using the H2O Harmony Water Purification System is to offer a peace of mind. The mineral content in water has the capabilities of damaging pipes, appliances and fixtures. Using a water softener will aid in the prevention of hard water, which is water that has a high mineral content primarily of calcium and magnesium.

Contact our Charlotte plumbing company for more information on water softeners, water filtration and the H2O Harmony Water Purification System. Give us a call today, or visit us online for information.

A Plumber’s Snake for a Tough Clog

March 24th, 2011

Plumber's SnakeIn most cases, a plunger – whether it be a regular-sized plunger (for toilets) or smaller-sized plunger (for sinks) can resolve any drain clog problem you have. There are cases, however, where the plunger just isn’t enough.

This is when a plumber’s snake becomes the tool of choice. Also known as either a toilet jack or an auger – or even an electric eel – plumber’s snakes remove clogs that are too difficult for plungers to handle. They consist of a coiled metal reel that is attached to a rotating crank, which works in a corkscrew motion to break down particles and grit that can cause a clog.

The most common plumber’s snakes are operated by hand (cranking), but some are motor-operated. The more high-tech plumber’s snakes come with a small camera to help a plumbing professional diagnose a problem. Plumber’s snakes come in all sizes (length and width) and operate with the goal of breaking down excess material that can slow down water flow in your pipes.

If a plunger isn’t doing its job, try using a plumber’s snake. Our Charlotte NC plumbing professionals are experts with plumber’s snakes and can offer quality residential and commercial service to you at an affordable rate. Call our Charlotte plumbing company today, or visit us online for more information.

The Use of Greywater

March 9th, 2011

GreywaterWith gas prices currently skyrocketing, many area residents are trying to find new ways of saving money. They’re using fans rather than turning on the air conditioner. They’re keeping lights off and vampire appliances unplugged.

In dealing with water conservation, one method that may help in saving money is using greywater in a recycling effort. Greywater is the wastewater generated from bathing, washing clothes, washing dishes, etc., that can be reused for projects such as irrigation. Greywater can compose as much as 80 percent of wastewater generated from home sanitation equipment associated with a residential property.

Greywater usage can be used for toilets as well as underground irrigation systems. Greywater usage can offer a 30-percent reduction in water usage, which can save you money on your utility bill. Greywater is an excellent option, however, only if your state allows its use. Some states have not adopted the Uniform Plumbing Code, which prohibits greywater use indoors. The code simply governs the installation and inspection of plumbing systems as a means of promoting the public’s health and safety.

Greywater is an environmentally safe answer to saving money during these times of other products increasing in price. Let our Charlotte plumbing company provide you with more details on greywater, as well as water line and pipework information. Give us a call today, or visit us online.

Planning the bathroom upgrade

February 23rd, 2011

Bathroom RemodelingFor many people, bathroom remodeling is fun to discuss, especially when it is an anticipated springtime project. It’s also difficult to get a plan into motion. Today’s homeowner, particularly if he or she lives in an older home, wants a bathroom that has more of a state-of-the-art appeal to it.

The hard part, however, is actually putting the plan into fruition. A newly remodeled bathroom isn’t cheap, for starters, and the bathroom requires someone who has a mind for great ideas. Saying you want a bathroom makeover is one thing; having the necessary ideas is another.

Some renovations, for those who aren’t the bathroom brainstorming types, include a brand-new walk-in shower, a whirlpool bath, a low-flow shower head or even a new toilet. Others look for bathroom faucets and sinks that have futuristic appeal to it. Then, there are others who simply want a change in the bathroom flooring, lighting or walls. You can start the remodeling process by jotting down some of the things you don’t like about how your bathroom currently looks and take it from there.

Our Charlotte NC plumbers are more than happy to assist you with designing a new bathroom for your home. If your thought processing is stuck in neutral, we can offer excellent suggestions that will give your bathroom an instant upgrade. If you have your ideas ready, let our plumbers handle all installation and maintenance services at affordable rates.

Call our Charlotte plumbing company, or visit us online for more information on bathroom remodeling.