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Have you ever thought about how many times a day your home’s plumbing system is used? If you have, you will see that it is used multiple times during the day. You use the plumbing system in your Arlington, TX home every time you turn on the water, flush the toilet, and use a water-based appliance. Your plumbing system is essential to perform most daily tasks; therefore, it is crucial that it always functions the way it should. If an issue occurs with the plumbing system, life in your home can be challenging.

DIY home repairs are very popular today. With the thousands of DIY videos online and all the home improvement shows on television, many homeowners attempt DIY repairs in hopes of saving money to hire a professional. While DIY projects are great for some projects, plumbing repairs should only be handled by a licensed professional. Plumbings have the knowledge and training to repair your plumbing system, which is very complex.

If you are dealing with any of the following issues in your home, it is best to hire a licensed plumber.

#1 Leaks

A few issues can cause your plumbing system to leak. Worn-out connections or shifting plumbing lines can cause a leak. In addition, clogs that remain in a drain pipe for long periods can cause the pipes to corrode, causing a leak. Finally, if the plumbing system in your Arlington, TX home is dated, the pipes can corrode over time, causing a leak.

Leaks under the kitchen and bathroom sinks are easy to detect because you will see pooling water when opening the kitchen cabinet or vanity. However, leaking pipes behind the walls, over the ceiling, or under the ground are more challenging to detect. Leaks behind the walls can create water spots on the walls and windows. Underground leaks can cause pooling water in the yard, a warm basement floor, and in severe cases, the leaking water can damage the foundation in your home. Finally, in some cases, the only visible sign is a significant increase in your water bill due to the leaking pipe.

A plumber can use leak detection equipment. Acoustic detection involves acoustic microphones to amplify noises created by leaks in pressurized pipes. In addition, they can use an underwater bubble test, bubble soap paint, and pressure and vacuum decay to find the leak’s location.

It is essential that you call a plumbing company as soon as you suspect there is a leak. Waiting to make the call will result in water damage, mold growth, and expensive water bills.

#2 Drain Clogs

One of the most common calls a plumbing company receives is for drain clogs. You can drain grease after cooking into a can rather than putting it down the sink, and you can do your best to prevent hair, soap, and other debris from going down the drain, but it will still find a way down, clogging the drain pipe.

Smaller clogs can cause the water to drain slowly, which can be annoying. When you run the water to brush your teeth or wash the dishes, the sink will fill quickly and take a while to drain. This is especially frustrating if your bathtub drain is clogged. By the time you finish taking a shower, you will be standing in several inches of water.

Many homeowners will try a liquid drain cleaner to remove the clog; however, there is no guarantee the entire clog will be removed. The drain cleaner can break up the clog enough for the water to drain freely again; however, it is only a matter of time before the size of the clog increases, and the water starts draining slowly again. Also, these products contain harsh chemicals to break up clogs, which can damage your plumbing system.

A liquid drain cleaner will be useless for large clogs if the water doesn’t drain at all. In addition, you can’t use the drain or sink until the clog has been removed.

It is best to call a licensed plumber to remove clogs in the drainpipe. A licensed plumber can send a drain camera down the pipe to determine the clog’s size and location, and this will help them determine the best way to remove the clog safely and completely.

#3 Noisy Drains

Does a drain in your Arlington, TX home make a gurgling sound when the water goes down? If so, you have a problem. It is easy to ignore the issue because you don’t need to worry as long as the water still drains. What you may not know is that there is likely a significant clog in the drain, causing the gurgling sound.

When a significant clog develops in the drainpipe, the water will need to change directions to get past the clog. The change in direction creates an air pocket, causing the gurgling sound. Ignoring the problem for too long will result in a completely clogged drain, and you won’t be able to use the sink or tub.

A plumber can remove the entire clog, quieting your drains and preventing a complete clog.

#4 Toilet Issues

Toilet issues can be frustrating, especially if you only have one bathroom in your Arlington, TX home. Toilet clogs are the most common issue and often occur when you flush too much toilet paper and waste. Toilet clogs can also happen if something is flushed that shouldn’t be flushed, such as a child’s toy or baby wipes.

You can handle the job yourself by plunging the toilet in many cases. If the clog is too large or located too far down the drainpipe, a plumber will be useless, and you will need to call a plumber.

A plumber can get far down the drainpipe and remove large clogs, so you can start using the toilet again.

A running toilet is another common problem. The toilet in your Arlington, TX home is designed to run until the tank is full, preparing for the next flush. If your toilet continues to run even after the tank is full, you have a problem. A running toilet wastes a considerable amount of water and can waste so much water that your water bill can increase by $60 a day. If you don’t have the issue repaired quickly, you will get a water bill that you cannot afford.

There are several issues that can cause your toilet to run constantly.

• The flapper is cracked or damaged.
• The refill hose is too long.
• The float height needs to be adjusted.
• The tank’s seal is beginning to fail.
• The toilet has reached its maximum lifespan.

Ignoring this issue is harmful to the environment and your bank account; therefore, it is best to call a plumber right away.

#5 Dripping Faucet

It is easy to ignore a dripping faucet. After a day or two, you won’t even notice the sound. In addition, many people believe that since the water is only dripping, they aren’t wasting much water. A dripping faucet wastes more water than you think. A faucet that drips one drop per second can waste up to 30 gallons of water a day, and 900 gallons per month, which can cause a significant increase in your water bills.

A worn washer or faulty O-ring can cause the faucet to drip. Dripping can also occur if the faucet has reached the end of its lifespan. The dripping will escalate to a constant stream if you ignore the issue, wasting more water.

A plumber can inspect the faucet to determine the best way to resolve the issue.

#6 Water Heater Issues

The water heater in your Arlington, TX home is technically an appliance; however, it is also an essential part of your home’s plumbing system. The water heater heats and stores water, so it is available when you need it. Issues with your water heater can affect your ability to use hot water and can contaminate the water. In addition, serious problems can result in a flood.

If your water heater is causing any of the following issues, it is best to call a licensed plumber right away.

• You have no hot water.
• The water isn’t getting hot enough.
• You run out of hot water frequently.
• Your hot water is discolored.
• The hot water smells like rotten eggs.
• Strange sounds are coming from the unit.
• Moisture or leaks around the water heater

It is essential to call a plumber as soon as you discover the problem because you could prevent a minor issue from escalating to something more serious, which can cost more to repair or may require a replacement.

#7 Discolored Water

When you turn on the faucet in your Arlington, TX home, it should be clear. If the water has a brownish tint, you should call a plumber. If just the hot water is discolored, the issue is with the water heater. If the hot and cold water is coming out brown, the problem is with the plumbing system. As pipes age, they can begin to rust and corrode, and the rust and corrosion can contaminate the water. Until the damaged pipe is replaced, it is best to avoid using the water because contaminated water can be harmful to your family’s health. If you must use the water, it is best to boil it first.

#8 Poor Water Pressure

Poor water pressure is a frustrating issue. Without adequate water pressure, simple daily tasks will take longer than necessary. Also, your water-based appliances rely on sufficient water pressure to function at peak performance. If just the hot water pressure is poor, you have an issue with your water heater. If the hot and cold water pressure is lacking, there is an issue with the plumbing system.

If the water pressure is reduced in just one sink or tub, there could be a clogged aerator or a clog in the water delivery line. Poor water pressure in the entire house often indicates a significant leak in the plumbing system or an issue with the main water line that delivers water to your home. A few other problems that can cause reduced water pressure include:

• Faulty pressure regulator
• Faulty water valves
• Outdated fixtures

A licensed plumber can inspect your home’s plumbing system to determine why the water pressure is reduced so they can make the necessary repair.

#9 Appliance Installation

If you recently purchased a washing machine, dishwasher, or refrigerator with an ice maker or water dispenser, it is best to have the appliance installed by a licensed plumber.

Appliances are expensive; therefore, many homeowners try to handle the installation themselves to save money. Unfortunately, this isn’t the best idea. If you make a mistake, you could damage the appliance or cause a flood. In addition, a DIY installation can void the warranty.

A plumber can install the appliance correctly without voiding the warranty.

Why Choose Benjamin Franklin Plumbing of Fort Worth?

If you have a plumbing issue and need to hire a plumber, call Benjamin Franklin Plumbing of Fort Worth. We are a full-service plumbing company, serving customers in the area for years.

Our plumbers are professionally trained, skilled and can handle any plumbing issue, whether simple or complex.

We understand that your time is valuable. Unlike most plumbing companies, we don’t schedule appointments with six to eight-hour windows. We will tell you when the plumber will arrive at your home and guarantee they will be on time. 

We have been in the plumbing industry to know that plumbing issues can arise at the most inconvenient times, which is why we offer emergency service. If you have a plumbing emergency in the middle of the night, a Sunday evening, or on Christmas day, we will be here to make the necessary repairs. We understand how much our customers rely on their plumbing systems; therefore, we are here 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

To schedule an appointment for plumbing service, give us a call today.