In 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.

With 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.

For 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.

At Ben Franklin Plumbing in Charlotte, NC; we specialize in unclogging drains. A clogged drain is the most common type of plumbing malady. There are several types of clogs for several types of drains. Often, plunging is not enough.

Over time, you may notice your shower drain is slowing to a crawl. Suddenly, you find yourself ankle deep in water. This is a common occurrence for many Charlotte homes. You may find yourself reaching for the plunger first, however, the drain clog is likely too stubborn for simple plunging. A shower drain is often caked with hair and soap.

Then there are drain clogs in your sink. Your sink drain takes a beating. Food particles, grease, and everything else you throw at it accumulate; and you’re stuck with a stubborn drain clog. When these elements form their synergistic clog; there is little hope that simple plunging will remedy the issue at hand.

Your toilet is the site of the most dreaded clogs in known history. Various hygiene products or a child’s toy cause clogs that eventually overflow and damage your flooring. A dollar store plunger is never going to break this beast of a clog!

Your solution to all of these problems is the Charlotte Plumbers at Ben Franklin. We provide expert drain cleaning services with camera inspection. Our master plumbers will schedule regular drain maintenance for every drain in your home; so you will never have to face a clogged drain again. We use Drainvision to detect any potential clog or leak.

Call the professional plumbers at Ben Franklin of Charlotte, NC today for all of your drain clogs! (704) 461-1700

If you’ve noticed a sudden spike in your Charlotte home water bill, you may have a hidden water leak. Water leaks are not always apparent, a pipe burst can occur under your foundation or in the walls. Some of these leaks are notoriously difficult to pinpoint. Your Charlotte plumbing company has made a quick checklist, so you can diagnose a hidden water leak.

The Toilet

A toilet leak can run through a considerable amount of water in a short time. The quickest way to determine a leak in your toilet tank is to apply a little food coloring to the tank. While it may not be an easy fix, your Charlotte plumber is there for you.

Here are the steps:

1. Remove the lid from the tank

2. Apply four to five drops of food coloring

3. Wait 10 to 20 minutes

4. Observe the water color in the bowl

If you see the water in the bowl has changed color; you have a leak. Call our expert plumbers, and we will provide plumbing service that is punctual and affordable.

The Meter

While this method may be a little more challenging for a beginner; it should be no issue at all for a seasoned do-it-yourself person. Just follow a few simple steps, and you are well on your way to pinpointing the source of your leak.

1. Find and close your water shut-off valve

2. Locate the water meter

3. Determine if the meter is running

If you have closed the water shut-off valve and the meter is running, you have an underground water leak. If the meter does not move, the water lines in your home are leaking. Call our Charlotte plumbing company, and we will employ the latest in leak detection equipment. (704) 461-1700