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Posts Tagged ‘Plumbing Tips’

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.

Proper Plumbing Maintenance, Take Care or Your Pipes.

July 31st, 2010

If we don’t take care of our plumbing, it won’t take care of us.  A little upkeep will lengthen the life of your plumbing

Plumbing Repairs In Lewisville

Plumbing Repairs In Charlotte

system saving you lots of money in the end.  This article is designed to encourage you with instituting proper maintenance of your plumbing system.

Our society has slightly grown away from proper upkeep of our homes, personal items, appliances and more.  Some are more focused on aggressively advancing in the workplace or improving our bodies.  It can be seen by the lack of lawn maintenance, care for our appliances and even automobiles.  We are constantly on the go yielding a don’t have time response for the various things on our plate demanding our attention.  Several problems we encounter in life are simply due to us not paying attention.  It reminds me of Fred Sanford.  His sitcom from time to time would show him putting his bills back in the mailbox.  He did this to ignore dealing with the issue.  How many times do we do that mentally?  The only problem with that mindset is this, what we don’t deal with, will eventually deal with us.  Our homes, appliances and automobiles even our plumbing systems in our homes suffer as a result.

I’ve heard countless stories of individuals encountering problems with plumbing due to lack of proper maintenance.  A simple drain clog can often be remedied quickly if caught early.  However this small problem not handled can escalate to a much bigger problem.  Sometimes a clog is already a symptom of a much bigger problem, but if we don’t stop to investigate the issue by contacting a professional Charlotte plumber, we risk the possibility of spending more money in the end.  At the first sight of water draining slow contact your plumber.  Leaks are another issue.  A simple leak in the kitchen sink sometimes goes on for months before addressing it.  The same can be said for a running toilet.  The only problem with this is we are wasting gallons of water in the process and also wasting our money.  There are always symptoms to plumbing problems.  Don’t ignore the symptoms, but rather take heed and contact a skilled plumber.

Your monitoring is a sign of preventative maintenance.  You can also avoid discarding improper things in your toilet and garbage disposal.  Make certain you don’t allow even tiny food particles to go down your kitchen sink.  Monitor the hair left in the sink, shower and tub.  Keep a watch out for these things will help you lengthen the life of your plumbing system.  I also recommend purchasing a maintenance agreement through your Charlotte plumbing company.  Your preventative maintenance along with their periodic care will save you money.

Brought to you by Charlotte Plumbers, Ben Franklin Plumbing

Tankless Water Heaters Benefits

July 1st, 2010

Have you ever thought about getting a tankless water heater, based off a plumber’s recommendation? Tankless water heaters are definitely something you should be looking into.

Tankless water heaters, sometimes known as instantaneous, continuous flow, inline water heaters, are the perfect alternative to conventional tank heaters.

Tankless water heaters heat water on demand or instantly rather than keeping hot water in reserve like conventional tank heaters. Tankless water heaters use less energy than tank heaters which in turns means lower energy bills for you.

Tankless water heaters can be operated electrically or with natural gas or propane. Gas tankless water heaters can heat more water faster while electric tankless water heaters need access to a lot of electric power to rapidly heat water.

Tankless water heaters are very efficient when it comes to energy conservative. Tankless water heaters have efficiency ratings at nearly 99%.

Most tankless water heaters supply hot water for the whole house including appliances. The tankless water heaters that supply hot water for the whole house are largest of the tankless water heaters. Point-of- use tankless water heaters are smaller units and can be placed under sinks or other easy access areas.

Point-of-use tankless water heater units provide hot water for a specific outlet versus the whole house. Point-of-use tankless water heaters are located right where the water is being used and save more energy than centrally installed tankless water heaters, but are usually used in combination with a central water heater because of their small tank size.

Generally speaking, tankless water heaters are good choices because they don’t take up much space and can be hidden out of site. So, you won’t have to worry about people looking at it.

Here are a few reasons why you should look into tankless water heaters…

  • Unlimited hot water- As water is heated while passing through the system an unlimited supply of hot water is available with a tankless water heater however, this can also be a disadvantage as running out of hot water self-limits use while a tankless heater has no such limit.
  • Size- Tankless water heaters can be mounted under a sink, in an easy access area, or anywhere else you think would be a good location. Because there is no tank, the places of where it can go are virtually endless.
  • Water damage is minimized-Tankless water heaters have no tanks to store water, so there are no chances of water damage do to a leak or hole in the tank. There are still risks of water damage from faulty parts such as improper piping or bad fittings.
  • Longevity-Tankless water heaters haven no tanks meaning tankless water heaters will outlast the conventional water heater twice as many years because corrosion is due to standing water in the tank. The corrosion on the tankless water heater will be on the pipes or around the fittings vs. the tank.
  • Environmentally Friendly- Tankless heaters are designed to only use gas and water when they are being used.  Therefore, you are not wasting resources to heat the water in a conventional water heater.

How to replace a Kitchen sink sprayer

June 4th, 2010

A very helpful addition to any sink is the kitchen sink sprayer that is normally found on the side of the faucet assembly. This sprayer hose can be removed from its housing and used to spray down larger items in the sink. There are times when this very versatile piece of equipment will cease to work correctly. When this happens you can easily replace it with a new kitchen sink sprayer. It may seem complicated at first glance, but anyone with basic DIY skills will be able to do this quick repair.

Tools and Materials Needed:

  • Plumbers wrench
  • New kitchen sink sprayer
  • Plumbers tape

Step 1 – Shut Off Water

Crawl underneath the cabinet where the sink is located and turn off both of the water supply valves. There will be one for the hot water, as well as one for the cold water. Once the water is shut off you should turn both the hot and cold water to drain out the water that is left in the lines. Press the kitchen sink sprayer to get rid of the water that is still in that line.

Step 2 – Remove Sink Sprayer Head

Lift up the kitchen sink sprayer and turn the head counterclockwise to remove the head of the sprinkler. Unscrew this until it comes off and place it to the side. Make sure to collect any gaskets that are also there.

Step 3 – Remove Sprayer Hose

Using a plumber’s wrench, or an open sided adjustable set of pliers, loosen the fitting that holds the hose onto the faucet assembly. You will be able to find this enough by looking for the hose itself and following it back to the faucet. Unscrew the fitting being careful not to damage the threads. Pull out the hose and set it to the side.

Step 4 – Place Tape on Threads

Before you start to install the new kitchen sink sprayer you will need apply some plumber’s tape to the threads of the new sprayer. Just wrap this tape around a few times and press into the threads.

Step 5 – Install New Sprayer

Move back underneath the kitchen sink cabinet and place the hose onto the fitting where you removed the old one from. Make sure the rubber gasket is also in place. Screw the thread into the fitting with your hand to make sure you do not ruin the threads. Once you get it snug with your hand, you can give it a few more turns with the pliers.

Step 6 – Set on Sink

Wind the hose up through the hole in at the top of the sink and pull it until you can get a good hold of it. Take the sprinkler head and screw it onto the hose body. Once you have the head onto the hose you can let it set into the sprinkler hose seat.

Step 7 – Turn on Water

You can now turn on both the hot and the cold water valves. As they are coming on, check the hose fitting to see if it is leaking. If it is you can give it another quarter turn. This should stop the leak. Check the hose to see if it is working and you are finished.