Are you having issues with your pipes or water heater? Perhaps it’s time to get them repaired or completely replaced. Contact one of our plumbers in Mansfield, TX, to inspect your entire plumbing system. We’ll let you know if it’s best to get them repaired or if it’s more cost-effective to install new ones.
Below are some of the signs you need to watch out for. Please call a professional immediately for assistance.
Discolored Water
Brownish water coming out of your tap is almost always a cause for concern. It is usually a result of pipe corrosion, leaving rust as water runs through the pipes. If you don’t address the problem sooner, the mineral deposits can clog up your pipes and eventually cause a major plumbing emergency. Remember, a burst pipe can damage your home’s floor or ceiling, even jeopardizing your home’s foundation. You must avoid this like the plague or it’s going to cost you a fortune in repairs and restorations. Contact a plumber in Mansfield, TX, for an inspection. Our professionals at Benjamin Franklin Plumbing of Fort Worth can help diagnose the problem and provide you with cost-effective plumbing solutions. We can advise you if you should get your pipes repaired or get them replaced or upgraded.
Pipe Material
If you live in an old building or home, chances are your plumbing pipes are still made with iron or galvanized steel. Modern plumbing systems usually have copper, PVC, or brass installed. It’s important to know how long your plumbing pipes last to determine if it’s time to get them replaced. Copper usually lasts up to 80 years while PVC piping can last up to 45 years. While galvanized pipes can last up to 100 years, they are prone to corrosion. We advise calling a professional to inspect your pipes. We’ll let you know if it’s time to get them replaced or repaired.
For homes with lead pipes installed, we highly suggest you replace them asap. Lead is highly toxic and may even result in health issues, especially in children and older people. Contact one of our professionals today for a new pipe installation.
You Have an Old Home
How old is your home? If you moved into or bought a home that’s 60 years old or older, there is a chance that some of the pipes are exposed. Check your home’s piping for any discoloration, bumps, dimpling, flaking, or anything that looks strange. If possible, contact a plumber for an inspection. They are the best people who can help you determine when it’s time to upgrade to a new piping system.
Look for pipes that show signs of any moisture accumulation or pools of water as this is a sign of pipe corrosion. Some of the pipes may not also be sealed correctly. We recommend calling a plumber so they can advise on whether you need a complete plumbing overhaul or just good tightening. But if there is a leak, it might be time to completely upgrade your pipes.
The last thing a homeowner wants is to pay thousands of dollars in emergency plumbing repairs or home restorations. Please don’t call us only when it’s late. If you suspect there might be problems with your plumbing, contact a professional in Mansfield, TX, immediately.
Low Water Pressure
Leaks and clogs in your plumbing can affect your home’s low water pressure. But if the low water pressure is only from one tap, the problem could be the fixture. If it’s in all fixtures, consider getting a professional drain cleaning as there could just be a clog in the system. When it doesn’t correct the problem, get a professional leak detection as the leaks could be causing the low water pressure. You can also check your water bills. If it’s unusually higher, there could be a leak in your plumbing system. Contact a professional right away for an inspection.
Leaks
There are two types of leaks to watch out for: the obvious leaks which usually take the form of pooling water near your water heater or in the yard. Hidden leaks can be tricky because you don’t really know they are there. Unless you know the signs, it might be difficult to know if there are leaks in your plumbing.
Signs of hidden leaks include skyrocketing bills, low water pressure, damaged ceilings or walls, mold growth, and strange odors or wet spots in the ceilings or carpets. It’s crucial to contact a plumber immediately for professional leak detection. Our professionals can effectively diagnose the problem and help you resolve them permanently. Depending on the damage, we might ask you to either repair your plumbing or get them replaced.
Frequent Repairs
When you keep calling a plumber for repairs on your plumbing appliance or fixture, consider getting a replacement. Remember, plumbing repair costs can add up. It may be more cost-effective to get a new one instead of paying for costly repairs every time.
Should you decide to get a new appliance, only hire a licensed plumber for the installation. Some manufacturers, especially for a new water heater, may require that homeowners only get professional installation. Otherwise, your service warranty may be voided. Contact Benjamin Franklin Plumbing of Fort Worth today if you need assistance — our team of professional plumbers can install any appliance or plumbing fixture.
When to Upgrade Your Bathroom Plumbing
Dripping faucets and running toilets can significantly increase your water bills. You can waste up to 10,000 gallons of water each year when there are leaks in your plumbing. If you have dripping faucets in the bathroom, please call a professional in Mansfield, TX, immediately. If tightening doesn’t help, you may need to get them replaced.
To save water, consider installing low-flow fixtures or dual flush toilets. They have water-saving capabilities, helping you save more money in the long run. For installation, please only hire a licensed plumber in the area. Don’t attempt to install your own plumbing fixtures especially when you don’t have any plumbing experience. It’s always wiser and safer to work with professional plumbers.
Please don’t hesitate to call Benjamin Franklin Plumbing of Fort Worth. Our professionals are highly trained and experienced to install any fixture. We can also handle any repair job, big or small. Call us immediately and we will quickly dispatch a plumber to your location. We also operate 24/7 to cater to emergencies.
Is It Time to Replace Your Water Heater?
If you have a conventional water heater tank installed in your basement, make sure it’s properly maintained to avoid costly repairs and higher bills every month. Homeowners must flush the sediment buildup at least once a year so that it doesn’t affect the efficiency of their water heater. Don’t wait until it’s already too late to flush them. When the sediment builds up at the bottom of your water heater, this can eventually lead to a leak in the water heater tank when not removed right away. Simply flush the water heater to remove the build-up. If you have other concerns, contact a professional in Mansfield, TX, today.
When your water heater leaks, check if it’s coming from the pipes or the tank. You will have to get a new replacement if the leak is from the water heater tank.
If your water heater is more than 7 years old and is no longer that efficient, it might be time to get a new one. Get a new replacement as it might be more cost-effective. Call one of our plumbers, to advise you on what type of water heater to install for your home. For more savings, consider installing a tankless water heater. This highly efficient water heater only uses energy as you turn on the tap, whereas with the conventional heater, you will need to constantly turn it on. There is no energy loss with the tankless version, making it the best option for homeowners that want to save more money. For installation, please only work with a licensed professional in your area.
How to Increase Energy Efficiency in Your Plumbing
Below are some tips to help homeowners conserve energy/water and save money on their plumbing.
Install Low-Flow Toilets
Compared to traditional water fixtures, low-flow toilets or faucets are 20 percent more efficient. Low flow toilets only use about 1.3 gallons of water per flush, whereas conventional toilets use 1.6 gallons per flush, saving you more money over time. For installation, please make sure to only hire a licensed plumber.
Dual Flush Toilets
With a dual flush toilet, you have the option to use two flush buttons: a low-power flush for liquid waste and a full flush for solid waste. Installing this fixture lets you save more money in the long run than having a conventional toilet installed. Talk to us so we can help you choose the best dual flush toilets suitable for your home.
Tankless Water Heaters
As mentioned earlier, homeowners that want to save more money should consider installing a tankless water heater over conventional water heaters.
With the tankless version, you don’t need to install a tank in your basement, giving you peace of mind. There’s no need to worry about a leaky water heater tank if you have the tankless water heater mounted on your bathroom wall.
A conventional water heater can last up to 10 years and a tankless water heater can last up to 15 or 20 years. Also, there is no standby loss as you are not constantly heating the water. Buying a new unit and installing it may be more expensive than the conventional water heater but you get to save more energy in the long run.
Talk to one of our plumbers, if you need more information about tankless water heaters or when you’re ready to install one for your home.
Protect Your Pipes
During colder months, please make sure to protect your pipes. Otherwise, the water inside them can freeze. This can eventually result in leaks in your plumbing. You can save more money on costly plumbing repairs by taking care of your pipes and entire plumbing system. If you have other concerns or questions about how plumbing works, feel free to contact one of our plumbers in Mansfield, TX. We are more than happy to help!
Consider Repiping Your Home
If you are constantly having issues with your pipes, such as low water pressure or leaks, we suggest getting them replaced as soon as possible. Go with copper or PV as they are better than other piping materials. You can also get in touch with our professional plumbers for advice.
Contact Benjamin Franklin Plumbing of Fort Worth Today!
Plumbing problems can be a real nuisance and they are stressful especially when the issues cost you a lot of money. You can mostly avoid plumbing problems with proper plumbing maintenance. As a homeowner, make it a habit to periodically check your plumbing for any damage, or wear & tear. If you notice something out of the ordinary, don’t hesitate to contact a plumber in Mansfield, TX. Also, we recommend getting a professional inspection to ensure that your plumbing is still in excellent shape. During the appointment, a professional can check for any issues that may potentially become a major problem in the future. We will do our best to resolve these issues ahead of time.
If you need a licensed plumber for your home, call Benjamin Franklin Plumbing of Fort Worth today. We can help with any plumbing repairs, installations and maintenance. Our team of skilled and experienced plumbers has been helping out homeowners and businesses for several years, and we intend to continue providing exceptional services to all of our clients. Call us today for an appointment.