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Sometimes having an issue with home plumbing can be a hassle to deal with for any homeowner. Home plumbing systems generally present the same or similar problems to all homeowners, even those from Pantego, TX. If you have a question for a plumber, rest assured that other homeowners have probably encountered the same ones. In fact, how to unclog the toilet is one of the most commonly asked questions in Google with over 70, 000 searches per month. There must be very many clogged toilets.

As the customer-oriented company we are, Benjamin Franklin Plumbing went on to identify the most common plumbing questions people in the U.S search for on the net. Better yet, we had them answered by our plumbing professionals who have years of experience in the plumbing industry. Look at the following Q&As, which address a variety of common plumbing problems answered by our plumbers.

Why is my water cloudy, and how can I fix it?

Turning on the tap and seeing water that is dusty, cloudy, or milky can be alarming. However, you should take it easy. Several factors can lead to this phenomenon happening. Some of them include:

Dirt

Tiny dust particles can find their way into your water, causing the sudden change in color. The cloudy look may be due to the particles suspended in the water. Although the water looks unhealthy, it may sometimes be drinkable and harmless.

To clear up the water, you can buy a filter and call an emergency plumber from Benjamin Franklin Plumbing of Fort Worth for help.

Sulfur

This element is usually the culprit behind a cloudy water look and sometimes a rotten egg smell. If you murky water is accompanied by an unpleasant odor, it means that hydrogen sulfide is present in the water.

Additionally, sulfur bacteria thrive in areas with little oxygen and decaying organic matter. This bacterium produces hydrogen sulfide gas, and it is dissolvable in your water. Although sulfur is not considered a threat to human health, it is still advisable to have a plumber check your water to make sure it is safe.

Bubbles

As easy as it seems, air bubbles are often responsible for foggy waters, especially in the cold season. The changes in temperature and pressure unite to create air bubbles in the water. Air bubbles are harmless and just need time to leave your water. No need for a professional plumber here.

Should I turn my water off when I go on vacation?

Many homeowners do not consider water shut off as part of their vacation preparation list. No matter which way you look at it, water systems will not be fine while you are away. Plumbers will tell you leaving the water valve on when you travel is risky.

Although nobody will be around to use the water, it does not mean that you will not face accidents such as leaks when you are away. A small leak can turn into an entire house flooding by the time you are back. If you remembered to pack all your essentials during your trip, please remember to shut off the water too.

It can be heartbreaking to receive a call from your neighbor informing you that your house has flooded. The most advisable thing to do is to shut off all the water from the main valve before you leave. Also, make sure to turn off the gas valve and electricity. Away from that, also remember to have a nice trip.

Where do I shut off the main water?

The main water shut off valve is the appliance responsible for all the water streaming through your plumbing system. Now that you know you need to shut off the water from your house as you travel, only one problem remains. Where is the main valve?

Although the main valve might vary in position from house to house, finding it should not be a piece of work. Here are some clues from our plumbers:

  • Check in the basement
  • Check near the perimeter
  • Check your home inspection report
  • Check behind the access panel
  • Locate the outdoor meter and check the nearest point of the exterior of your home.

If it is still hard to locate the main water shut off valve, contact a plumber for help.

Why is my water bill so high?

Nobody likes seeing a hike in any bill—especially not the water bills. If you are used to paying the water bills yourself, then you probably have a monthly budget for all your bills. However, this particular month the bill seems to have sharply increased. The following factors may have caused that:

Leaky taps or faucets

According to EPA, the average US household loses around 10,000 gallons of water annually through leaks. Ten percent of homes lose approximately 90 gallons or more per day. As a resident of Pantego, TX, you do not want to be in that percentage and our plumbers want to help.

Leaking Toilets

Toilets contribute to 24% of the water used daily in an average household. Now picture the damage caused if there is a leak