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Posts Tagged ‘Plumbing Tips’

A DIY Guide to Installing a New Showerhead

July 24th, 2012

Rather than contend with a low drizzle of water from your shower, install a new head. Showerheads are available in a wide range of styles including water conserving or massaging jets. If you have an existing shower, replacing the head is a simple project that you can do on a weekend afternoon in under an hour. Should you need to install new plumbing behind your shower, that is a more difficult task, best suited to a professional bathroom remodeling service in Charlotte like ours at Benjamin Franklin Plumbing of Charlotte.

The process for installing a showerhead is simple enough for even a novice DIY project. All you need to do is unscrew the old showerhead. If it refuses to come off, make sure you are turning the head counterclockwise. Should you still be unable to remove it, use pliers with the ends covered in duct tape to get a better grip on the end of the showerhead.

Once the old showerhead is off, clean the threads on the exposed pipe and wrap them with teflon tape. This will help to prevent leaks after you install the new showerhead. Screw the new head onto the end of the pipe, turning it in a clockwise direction until it is tight. Turn on the shower and check for any leaks around the new showerhead. Yes, the installation really is that simple. You don’t even need to shut off the water to the house because the taps for the shower control the water flow to the showerhead, and those will be turned off anyway.

While replacing your showerhead is a simple project, not every plumbing project around the house is. If you need assistance with installing a new shower or any other type of plumbing installation in your home, call us at Benjamin Franklin Plumbing of Charlotte at 704-461-1700. You can also schedule a service online.

Shower Repair and Installation from Benjamin Franklin Plumbing in Charlotte, NC

April 17th, 2012

Nothing gets the day started quite like an invigorating, warm and luxurious shower. A stimulating shower can start any day off on the right foot, or a relaxing shower can take the edge off after a long day at work. Oftentimes, though, your shower can be less than ideal, whether the result of a clogged shower head or a backed-up shower drain. Whenever an issue like this one occurs in your shower, the Charlotte NC plumbers at Benjamin Franklin Plumbing can see to it that it is taken care of in a timely and efficient manner.

No matter what is wrong with your shower, our shower repair professionals can ensure that the issue is alleviated as soon as possible, allowing you to enjoy a perfect shower once again. Clogged shower heads, nagging leaks, and stopped-up shower drains can negatively affect your shower, turning a place of relaxation into a source of irritation. Even if your shower is not boasting the proper water pressure that you would like, our plumbing technicians are experts when it comes to all things water pressure. Our plumbers can also effectively install and maintain your water heater, ensuring that your shower is always as warm as you would like. Our plumbing professionals are the best in the business at efficiently alleviating any issue in your shower system, allowing you to enjoy a soothing shower again in no time.

Your shower should always be source of solace from the day to day, not a source of stress. With the proper shower installation and repair from the Charlotte NC plumbing experts at Benjamin Franklin Plumbing, you can be guaranteed your shower will always offer a place of comfort. To schedule an appointment, give us a call at 704-461-1700 or contact us online today.

Garbage Disposal Installation and Maintenance from Benjamin Franklin Plumbing

February 24th, 2012

As one of the most important features in your sink, your garbage disposal requires essential maintenance to ensure it is always flowing freely. Without proper installation and maintenance, your disposal can quickly back up and cause you a major hassle. Even if you’re looking to upgrade your existing disposal to a newer model, or add one to make your life a little easier, the prompt, professional Charlotte NC plumbers at Benjamin Franklin Plumbing can accomplish this task for you.

Like many things in our residential plumbing systems, garbage disposals require critical maintenance services in order to operate at peak performance levels. It is a sad truth, however, that often garbage disposal maintenance takes a backseat to the large plumbing fixtures in our homes, such as toilets and showers. Without proper maintenance for your disposal, it can quickly malfunction, leaving you in the lurch, unsure of what steps to take next. Our trained and experienced plumbers can ensure your disposal is operating at the highest performance levels, allowing you and your family to rest easy when it comes to removing excess food waste. Our professional plumbers can also provide you with easy, at-home maintenance tips to ensure your garbage disposal is always functioning at the highest level possible.

For all your garbage disposal needs in Charlotte and the surrounding area, Benjamin Franklin Plumbing is here to help. For additional information regarding garbage disposal maintenance or to schedule a service, give us a call at 704-461-1700 or contact us online today.

Pipe Break Repair from Benjamin Franklin Plumbing in Charlotte, NC

January 18th, 2012

Of all the problems that can occur within your plumbing system, pipe breaks are some of the most severe. Pipe breaks can grow from small drips to larger leaks rapidly, which is why it is essential they be handled in a timely and efficient manner. They can often come without warning and at the most inopportune times. This is where the Charlotte NC plumbers with Benjamin Franklin Plumbing come in to provide your home with the best quality plumbing services today.

During the winter months here in North Carolina, your pipes can freeze very easily. As any homeowner that has gone through this can attest, frozen pipes are something many of us never want to have to deal with. Frozen pipes can break extremely easily, which can pose you with a very large problem in your plumbing system. Pipe breaks can cause toxic mildew in your home, rust your cabinets or wood flooring, and destroy your prized possessions through excessive water damage. Our prompt plumbing professionals can make sure this common problem does not occur to you. And with a free evaluation on all your plumbing issues, you have nothing to lose.

For all your plumbing issues in Charlotte and the surrounding area, Benjamin Franklin Plumbing is here to help. For additional information regarding pipe breaks, give us a call at 704-461-1700 or contact us online today.

Clearing Clogged Drains in Charlotte, NC

August 26th, 2011

Charlotte NC drain cleaningThere are many problems that can occur with your plumbing that put a stop to your everyday activities. A clogged kitchen sink or backed up bathtub is just one of these common occurrences.  A slow-draining sink can prove a major inconvenience in your home, and is not a problem to be put off for another day. Rely on a professional plumbing company to get your drain back to flowing freely in no time, meaning you’ll never have to be without proper plumbing. Our Charlotte NC plumbers at Benjamin Franklin Plumbing can clear your clogged drains, ensuring peak performance for your plumbing system today.

While there are many things that can clog your plumbing system, there is only one company to count on when it comes to clearing them. Using the latest technological advancements in drain cleaning, we can get your drain back to working order in no time. Clogged drains can become worse over time, often due to material buildup that continues to collect, so it is essential that you alleviate these issues as soon as they start. Our plumbing experts rely on various methods of drain cleaning, and we can diagnose the root of your clogging concern and devise the best plan for clearing it.

Oftentimes, the cause of these clogs can be material buildup, be it excess food and grease in your kitchen sink or hair and soap scum buildup in your shower drain. However, sometimes the issue is much larger, like a tree root growing into you sewer system causing a massive backup. This can be an emergency plumbing situation, which is why we are fully outfitted to handle such a situation and offer 24 hour emergency service.

When it comes to dealing with drain clogs in your home, do not hesitate to trust a plumbing professional to take care of this inconvenience today. With any comments, questions, or to schedule a drain cleaning service today, give us a call at 704-461-1700 or contact us online today.

Protect Your Plumbing with Preventative Maintenance

August 10th, 2011

Charlotte NC plumberAs one of the most important components in your home, an efficient plumbing system is essential. In order to ensure this efficiency, proper maintenance for your plumbing is an absolute must. After all, nothing is worse than a sudden breakdown or malfunction, leaving you with water damage to your home or without water entirely. For peace of mind, rely on our trained Charlotte NC plumbers at Benjamin Franklin Plumbing to provide your home with vital plumbing maintenance.

As any homeowner can attest, it is best to catch small problems before they become large ones. It is far easier to put a stop to something when it has just started, rather than when it has gone too far. With an inspection of your home and plumbing system, you can rest assured that a small leak will not grow larger, resulting in extensive and costly damage to your home.

For all your plumbing needs, it is important to count on a professional plumber to take care of them. Our professional plumbers can utilize their years of experience and knowledge of the intricacies of your system to effectively locate, diagnose, and alleviate your plumbing issue. With a professional inspection and plumbing maintenance program, however, we can catch problems before they persist, saving you the worry of a complete plumbing breakdown or having to replace your system entirely.

With any questions, comments, or to schedule an essential plumbing maintenance service today, give us a call at 704-461-1700 or visit us online today.

Getting Rid of “Muddy Water”

January 27th, 2011

Water DiscolorationMuddy water” coming from your faucet is probably the last thing you want to see when you’re thirsty. It probably isn’t something you want to see when you’re ready to take a shower, as well.

The colored water – whether it is brown, red or a combination of both – is rust, and the color actually stems from tap water mixing with various chemical oxidations of rust. Water discoloration can be a common issue in the average home, but it is not harmful to the body.

If discoloration is caused by rusty pipes, a pipe replacement may be in order. This, however, may be a last resort, as the problem may be resolved with some basic do-it-yourself tips. First, turn off the faucet distributing the muddy water. Then, go to your main faucet, and run water in a clear container to where you can examine the water.

If your water in the container is clear, you may be looking at an issue with your pipes. If your water in the container is muddy, this could be a problem for your local water department. This may be an inconvenience while they shut off the water valves in the neighborhood, but it also may be good for your finances, as you won’t have to pay for an outrageous plumbing bill.

Before jumping to conclusions about water discoloration, check with your neighbors first. If they’re having similar issues, this may be an assignment for the water department. If the problem is isolated, our Charlotte NC plumbers are available to help you with all of your plumbing needs. Call our Charlotte plumbing company today, or call us online for details.

Handling Common Plumbing Mishaps

January 19th, 2011

Avoid Plumbing MishapsLet’s be honest with ourselves: Plumbing appliances and fixtures will wear down around the house.

Plumbing repairs can make a homeowner moan and groan, but regular maintenance will keep your fixtures and pipes in excellent standing, which in turn can help in keeping the resale value of your home above market price. Your home is an investment and should be treated as such, and all investments deserve proper maintenance.

It’s a good idea to have a professional plumber inspect your home for potentially hazardous problems before they become major, high-dollar repairs. There are several common problems that every home, old or new, seems to have. Be on the lookout for the following mishaps:

Clogs: A clogged toilet can be fixed with a plunger or a plumber’s snake. A clogged drain can be fixed with liquid drain cleaner (Drano, for example). If these don’t work, there could be something severe that will need the service of a licensed plumber.

Gas leaks: These can be extremely dangerous. If you smell gas, leave the facility immediately, and then call an emergency plumber. Gas leaks, in addition to being harmful, also can be detrimental to your neighbors and your surroundings.

Bad pipes: If a pipe cracks or bursts, make sure you find the main water valve and shut your water off. The last thing you want is to have a broken pipe and water flooding.

Frozen pipes: This may be a two-month or three-month ordeal, depending on the climate, but winter temperatures can make life miserable if a pipe bursts because of freezing. To avoid frozen pipes, let your faucets drip a small stream of water to maintain the flow.

Make sure you and your family members are ready for these common plumbing mishaps. You never know when they can happen, but it’s always good to be prepared for them. Feel free to contact our expert Charlotte NC plumbers for additional information. Call us today, or contact us online.

Slab Leak Tips for New Homeowners

January 13th, 2011

Slab Leak DetectionNew homeowners should know and understand that leaks of any kind can be a hassle. Slab leaks, if left untreated, can make a new homeowner want to consider returning to living in rental properties. They’re that much of a headache.

A slab leak, by definition, is a leak that occurs beneath a water line. A slab leak can cause issues where a home can lose gallons of water, and a homeowner can spend thousands of dollars if left untreated. Slab leaks can sneak up on new homeowners, as many don’t know how to detect them.

Fortunately, there are symptoms for budding slab leak problems. Our expert plumbers in Charlotte NC want you to be prepared and, most importantly, want you to be leak-free. Check out the following indications to look for with a possible slab leak.

  • Wetness and warmness: If you’re noticing damp spots on your floor, this may be an early detection of a slab leak. These damp spots also may be accompanied with warm spots.
  • Keep an eye on the bill: You know how much you normally pay for the water bill. That number rarely escalates significantly. If you start to notice a higher bill, you may have a slab leak.
  • Running water (or so it seems): When you think you left water running somewhere, but all of your faucets are off, chances are, you may have a slab leak issue. The sounds of constantly running faucets or toilets can be a sure-fire symptoms of a slab leak.

Let our Charlotte plumbing company serve you, as our technicians are experts in slab leak detection and repair, in addition to other plumbing services. Call us today for more information, or contact us online.

Soften Your Hard Water

January 4th, 2011

Water SoftenerWhile hard water generally is not harmful to your health, it can be harmful to your plumbing system. The high mineral content (primarily calcium and magnesium) that hard water can possess can affect how water tastes (it’s supposed to be tasteless), how many spots end up on dishes and how less colorful your clothes can look after going through the wash cycle.

If you find white spots on your silverware after washing and drying, or if you find stains on your glass plates or cups, chances are it’s because of hard water. If these things occur and you can’t get a solid lather from your bath soap when showering, it’s almost a given that you have hard water. Again, it’s not harmful to your health, but the mineral content could cause breakdowns in your pipes, boilers, water heaters or anything else that water comes to and from.

Perhaps the best way to eliminating hard water is to invest in a water softener, which will reduce the minerals that can make water hard. A water softener replaces calcium and magnesium ions with sodium and potassium by way of a resin. There are several types of water softeners – some include an offsite, a manual, an automatic and a semi-automatic – and they can range in price from $500 to $2,000, depending on your personal selection.

Maintenance on water softeners is basic, as most water softeners last for many years. Water-efficient models also are available for purchase as a means to conserve money.

If you think you have hard water, now may be a good time to contact our expert Charlotte plumbers. We can provide all information needed on the perfect water softener for your home or office. Call us today, or contact us online for more information.