Frequently Asked Questions

FAQs

How Do I Know If I Have a Plumbing Leak?

Monitoring Your Water Bill:
What to look for: Keep a close eye on your monthly water bill. An unexpected increase, without a corresponding rise in water use, often signals a leak.
Usage benchmarks: A family of four should generally not use more than 12,000 gallons per month. Small leaks, such as a dripping faucet, can waste about 10,000 gallons a year.
Using Your Water Meter to Confirm a Leak:
Initial Steps:

Turn off all water sources in your house, including taps, washing machines, and dishwashers.
Note the current reading on your water meter.
Checking for leaks:

After one hour of no water use, check the meter again. An increased reading indicates a leak.
Locating the leak:

Turn off the main water supply valve to your house.
Recheck the meter. No change suggests the leak is inside your home. An increase indicates a possible outdoor water line leak.
Pro Tip: Look for unusually green patches in your yard, which may point to a leaking buried water line.
Need Professional Help?
For persistent or complex plumbing issues, don’t hesitate to contact Benjamin Franklin Plumbing of Fort Worth. Call us at the numbers below to schedule an appointment. Our experts are ready to efficiently and effectively resolve your plumbing concerns!

Fort Worth Area Plumber: 817-631-4317
Arlington Area Plumber: 817-631-4317

What Does It Mean If I Have A Hot Spot On My floor?

Identifying the Cause – Hot Water Pipes and Potential Slab Leaks:

Common Reason: Warm spots can indicate hot water pipes close to the surface under a concrete slab, a common situation in many homes.

Understanding Slab Leaks:

What is a Slab Leak? A leak in the water pipes under your home’s concrete foundation.

Why is it a Concern? It can cause significant water damage, affecting your home’s structural integrity and potentially leading to mold issues.

Indications of a Slab Leak:

Warm spots on the floor suggest a possible hot water line leak under the slab.
Other signs include hearing running water when all taps are off, unexpected increases in your water bill, or damp flooring.

Risk Factors: Older plumbing or ground shifts can increase the risk of slab leaks.

Professional Assistance for Complex Plumbing Issues

Facing persistent or complex issues like warm spots on your floor? Contact Benjamin Franklin Plumbing of Fort Worth at 817-631-4317 | 817-631-4317 . Our team is equipped to handle all your plumbing needs, ensuring your home remains safe and comfortable.

What Is A Phantom flush?

Understanding Phantom Flushes:

Definition: A phantom flush occurs when a toilet seems to flush itself without being manually activated. It’s a common issue with a straightforward cause.
What’s Happening Inside: The toilet tank’s water is normally held back by a valve and a round flapper. A leaky flapper can cause water to drip into the bowl, lowering the water level in the tank and triggering the fill valve to refill the tank, mimicking a flush.

Identifying the Culprit – Leaky Flapper:

Detecting Leaks: Place a few drops of food coloring in the tank water and wait for 6-8 hours. If the bowl water changes color, you have a flapper leak.

Solving Phantom Flushes:

Initial Checks: Inspect the flapper and handle for any visible issues, such as tangled chains or obstructions.
Flapper Replacement: If the flapper appears worn, replace it with a matching model to fix the problem.

Professional Help for Persistent Plumbing Problems

For ongoing or complex plumbing issues like phantom flushes, Benjamin Franklin Plumbing of Fort Worth is at your service. Call us at 817-631-4317 | 817-631-4317 to schedule an appointment. Our skilled professionals are prepared to address all your plumbing challenges efficiently and effectively.

What Are The Biggest Insurance Claim Items for Water Damage?

Comprehensive Guide to Water Damage Covered by Home Insurance:

Pipe-Related Issues: Burst pipes, leaking plumbing, and frozen pipes can cause extensive damage, leading to significant insurance claims.
Weather-Induced Damage: Damage from rain, snow, and ice, including roof leaks and flooding, can severely impact your home’s structure and interior.
Appliance-Related Water Damage: Sudden leaks from appliances like washing machines or dishwashers can cause widespread damage.
Miscellaneous Causes: Overflows and sewer backups, though sewer backup coverage may vary.

Note on Coverage: Always review your insurance policy for specific coverage details, as some types of water damage may not be included.

Need Expert Plumbing Services?

For plumbing issues that could lead to significant water damage or for any plumbing needs, contact Benjamin Franklin Plumbing of Fort Worth. Our experienced professionals are ready to assist, ensuring your home stays safe and dry.

Fort Worth Area Plumber: 817-631-4317
Arlington Area Plumber: 817-631-4317

At Benjamin Franklin Plumbing, we understand that dealing with plumbing issues can be stressful and time-consuming.

That’s why we make a promise to you: we will be on time, or we’ll pay you! We believe that prompt service is crucial, especially when dealing with serious issues like slab leaks and gas leaks.

Our commitment to punctuality sets us apart from other plumbing services and underscores our dedication to providing superior service.

Our promise is more than just words; it’s a commitment that we live by every day. We understand that your time is valuable, and we respect that.

When you schedule a service with us, you can rest assured that our team of expert plumbers will arrive on time, ready to tackle your plumbing issues. We strive to provide our services in a timely and efficient manner, minimizing disruption to your daily routine.

But our promise goes beyond punctuality. We’re committed to providing not just a service, but peace of mind. We understand the stress and worry that plumbing issues can cause, and we aim to alleviate that.

When you choose Benjamin Franklin Plumbing, you’re choosing a service that cares about your comfort and satisfaction.

We also promise to deliver quality work. Our team uses only the best tools and materials, ensuring that our repairs are durable and long-lasting. We don’t just fix the problem; we provide solutions that prevent future recurrences.

At Benjamin Franklin Plumbing, we’re not just your plumber; we’re your trusted partner in maintaining a safe and comfortable home. So, when you’re faced with a plumbing issue, remember that we’re just a call away.

What Is The Most Common Reason For A Disposal To Jam Up?

Understanding the Root Causes:

Metal Objects: Items like silverware and bottle caps can jam the disposal’s grinding plates.
Type of Disposal and Waste Volume: Overloading the disposal or feeding it inappropriate waste can cause jams.
Inappropriate Food Waste: Hard foods, bones, and fibrous or starchy foods can impair the disposal’s functionality.

Recognizing Signs of a Jam:

Humming Without Movement: Indicates a jam if the disposal hums but doesn’t grind.
Slow Draining: Water drains more slowly than usual.
Persistent Bad Odors: Suggest trapped and decaying food particles.

Need Professional Plumbing Assistance?

If you’re dealing with disposal jams or other plumbing concerns, Benjamin Franklin Plumbing of Fort Worth is here to help. Our team is equipped to provide effective solutions for all your plumbing needs.

Fort Worth Area Plumber: 817-631-4317
Arlington Area Plumber: 817-631-4317

What Is The Most Common Reason For A Sewer Line To Stop Up?

Exploring the Root Causes of Sewer Line Blockages:

Tree Roots: A leading cause of sewer line blockages, particularly in older properties, is tree root intrusion. As trees mature, their roots may extend into sewer lines, causing significant damage and obstructions. These roots can encircle the pipes, resulting in cracks and even crushing the pipes.
Clogged Drains: Similar to smaller household drains, main sewer lines can also become clogged. Everyday items such as diapers, baby wipes, menstrual pads, tampons, and sanitary napkins are frequent contributors to these blockages.
Damaged Sewer Lines: Sewer lines can experience a variety of damages:
- Broken, Collapsed, Cracked, or Misaligned Pipes: Shifts in the soil or the impact of frozen ground can lead to these issues.
- Pipe Corrosion or Deterioration: Pipes that are older or not made from PVC can deteriorate over time, which may result in collapses and restricted flow.
- Bellied Pipe: When a section of the pipe sinks due to ground conditions, it creates a low point where waste accumulates, leading to blockages.

Professional Plumbing Services for Complex Issues

Encountering sewer line blockages can be daunting, but Benjamin Franklin Plumbing of Fort Worth is equipped to handle these challenges. For expert resolution of blockages or any other plumbing concerns, call us at 817-631-4317 | 817-631-4317. Our team of skilled professionals is committed to providing efficient and effective solutions for your plumbing needs.

What Is The Smell Coming Out Of My Garbage Disposal And How Can I Eliminate It?

Addressing Unpleasant Odors from Your Garbage Disposal:

If you’re noticing a foul odor emanating from your garbage disposal, it’s likely due to food remnants that weren’t fully processed and have started to decay. Here’s a straightforward approach to tackle this issue and freshen up your disposal:

Decaying Food: The primary source of the smell is usually food particles that have escaped grinding, becoming trapped and beginning to rot. This decay is what produces the unpleasant odor.

Cleaning with Vinegar and Baking Soda:

Pour a quarter cup of baking soda directly into the disposal unit.
Add a cup of distilled white vinegar to the disposal, on top of the baking soda.
Allow the mixture to fizz and bubble for a few minutes; this reaction helps to dislodge and break down food particles.
Turn on the cold water and activate your garbage disposal, rinsing the mixture down the drain.

Splash Guard Cleaning:

The splash guard, or the rubber flap that covers your disposal’s drain, can also be a culprit in harboring odors. It can accumulate bits of ground-up food, bacteria, and mold over time.
Use an old toothbrush and an all-purpose cleaner to thoroughly scrub under each flap of the splash guard. For tougher grime, dipping the toothbrush in baking soda can provide extra cleaning power.

By following these steps, you can effectively eliminate bad smells from your garbage disposal, ensuring it remains fresh and functional. If the odor persists or you encounter other plumbing issues, Benjamin Franklin Plumbing of Fort Worth is ready to assist. Our professional team is equipped to handle all your plumbing needs, ensuring your home stays clean and comfortable.