Plumbing Arlington

Plumbing Tips

Are you looking for plumbing tips? If you are, conserving water and regular plumbing maintenance will go a long way toward preventing leaks, clogged drains and the added expense of plumbing repairs. Of course, not everyone has the time to search for leaks or try DIY plumbing. If this is the case for you, give us a call for prompt and efficient resolution of problems with plumbing in Arlington or the Fort Worth region.

plumbing tips

Many sources cite that a leak of one drop per second can add up to 8,000 gallons of water wasted in a year! The following are tips to conserve water:

  • Make sure faucets are fully closed. If they continue to leak have them repaired.
  • If you suspect you have a leak but are unable to locate one, use your water meter to verify it. Choose a time when family members won’t be home to use water. Open the water meter cover and record the gauge reading inside. Two hours later read the meter again, if no change or very little is noted read it again 6-8 hours later and record the numbers. If the gauge has moved you most likely have a leak. Call our plumbing experts today to locate and repair your hidden water leak.
  • Does your toilet run when it hasn’t been flushed? Drop some food coloring into the tank, if you find color in the bowl then it is leaking.
  • Installing a low flow shower head will reduce water usage. Not everyone will like it but the water bill will be reduced.
  • If you would like to learn how Benjamin Franklin Plumbing can assist you in conserving water give us a call, our plumbers will be glad to help you. Drain Tips
    Scraping food into a drain when you don’t have a garbage disposal is asking for a clogged drain.

Follow these plumbing tips:

  • Never deposit grease or oil into your kitchen drain. Use an absorbent material to soak up oil or grease, place into a leak proof bag and dispose of in the trash. Solidified grease can simply be raked into the garbage or recycle bucket. Wipe the pan out to remove as much residue as is possible, keeping it out of drains.
  • Once a month pour one cup of baking soda down the drain, and follow with one cup of vinegar to help keep the kitchen drain open. Flush with hot water for 15 seconds when done. Provides a clean fresh scent as well!
  • Never place bones, celery, cherry pits, or other ‘stringy’ material into your garbage disposal. These items can damage blades and clog your drain.
  • Place used dental floss and hair clippings into the trash, and use strainers for bathroom sinks, showers and every drain possible, remember to empty often. A toilet that won’t flush after a heavy rain may indicate a cracked or clogged sewer line. If you have a septic tank, it will need to be professionally cleaned every 2-3 years, and once per month you need to flush a product intended to promote and maintain beneficial bacteria into the septic tank. If you have a septic tank never use bleach in the laundry or pour it down drains. It will kill the beneficial bacteria and adversely affect its ability to perform its job. Use a detergent safe for use with septic tanks to prevent field line failure.
  • Everyone in the household should know the location of your water main shut off valve. It is usually inside your water meter or close to your house. Turn it off and on once per year to keep it freed up. Keep inside the meter clean so you can access the shut off valve if located within the meter.
  • Winterize outside faucets, and repair leaky faucets before insulating. Faucets may be wrapped with insulation, and covered with a bucket or a secured garbage bag. Alternately, you can use faucet insulators on faucets, and foam insulating sleeves for exposed pipes. Heat tape is an option for the main water supply line entering your home if power failures aren’t a problem.
  • Dark spots in linoleum and discolorations on wood floors indicate a leak.
    Plumbing problems tend to get worse over time. A watchful eye and regular maintenance will prevent plumbing problems from becoming a major issue that can involve major structural damage.

Benjamin Franklin Plumbing-Fort Worth is here to help you, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. For a prompt resolution of troubles with plumbing in Arlington or the Fort Worth region, give us a call, we will be happy to help you.