Leaks are a plumbing emergency and need to be avoided at all costs. Because if you’re not careful, you can end up paying a fortune to a plumber in Fort Worth, TX. Read this article for common questions about leaks in your plumbing. Feel free to get in touch with us if you have further questions.
Frequently Asked Questions About Leaks in Your Plumbing
Below are some of the most common questions homeowners have about their plumbing. Each of these questions has been answered by a licensed professional in your area. For clarifications, please don’t hesitate to get in touch. We’re always happy to help. Or if you need professional plumbing service for your home or business, contact Benjamin Franklin Plumbing of Fort Worth today. We are a full-service plumbing company that offers residential and commercial plumbing services.
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Why is my water bill super high?
If your water bill has suddenly skyrocketed, this can indicate leaks in your plumbing especially when you also have low water pressure. Try to do a water meter test first to check for leaks in your plumbing. Just do two separate readings and compare the results. They should be the same; otherwise, there’s a leak somewhere in your plumbing. We suggest calling a plumber in Fort Worth, TX, for leak detection. Our plumbing experts will locate the leak and fix it for you.
You might want to also check for toilet leaks as this can also waste hundreds of gallons of water when undetected. To test for leaks, just pour a few drops of food coloring into the toilet tank and wait for about 15 minutes. Check the toilet bowl after and make sure the water’s color doesn’t change. If it does change, that usually indicates a toilet leak. Call a plumber immediately so they can inspect the toilet and fix the leak. A toilet leak might seem harmless but this can waste several gallons of water, so please make sure you fix this as soon as possible.
For homeowners that want to conserve water and save money, we recommend switching to low-flow or dual-flush toilets. For installation, make sure to only hire a licensed plumber.
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Why do pipes leak?
There are so many reasons why pipes can leak. Check the reasons below and make sure you don’t commit the same mistake.
Incorrect installation – If you’re planning to replace or repair a pipe, make sure to only hire a licensed plumber in your area, to ensure correct installation. Never install it on your own because if you make a mistake, you will be coming home to a flooded basement.
Tree roots – Do you see trees near your plumbing? We suggest calling professionals so they can inspect the area. You need to be extra careful with them because the roots can easily penetrate the pipes. A small leak is enough to cause catastrophic damage that can cost you an arm and a leg. Don’t worry, there are professionals who can advise you on what to do with the trees.
High water pressure – The water pressure level in your home should be between 40 and 60 PSI. High water pressure can severely strain the pipes, causing them to break. Call a plumber if your water pressure is high so he can help you fix the problem.
Low water pressure will not lead to a leak in your plumbing but it may indicate a leak. If you have a standard water heater, sediment can also build up faster when there’s low water pressure. Call a professional if you suspect a leak in your plumbing so he can detect leaks.
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Do we really need to insulate exposed pipes?
Yes, it’s a must to protect them especially when the temperature starts dropping. If you have exposed pipes inside and outside of your home, get an insulating blanket to protect exposed pipes. If you don’t cover them, the water inside the pipes can freeze. When this happens, you won’t have water at home and this can be really inconvenient. If you suddenly run out of water during winter, this usually means the water inside the pipes is frozen. Call a plumber in Fort Worth, TX, immediately to help you thaw the frozen pipes.
Please don’t wait for the pipes to expand and burst or it will even cost you more money. You may even have to contact restoration companies to prevent mold growth.
In addition to insulating the pipes, you can also slightly open the faucet so that hot water can flow through the pipes. Try to also open the cabinet doors inside the sink so that warm air will circulate in that area.
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So what are the signs of leaks in our plumbing systems?
The obvious sign there’s a leak in your plumbing is when you see pooling water near the plumbing pipes. Other signs include seeing water spots in the walls or ceilings, low water pressure and high water bills. If you suspect a leak in your plumbing, we suggest you contact a plumber in your area, for professional leak detection. Our plumbing experts are equipped with the right tools to help us locate the leak. We can also help you resolve that on the same day.
Never ignore hidden leaks so they don’t progress into a major plumbing emergency. We suggest you call a plumber right away so he can thoroughly inspect your plumbing, diagnose the problem and provide you with the best solutions.
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Can I avoid leaks by installing a tankless water heater?
A tankless water heater doesn’t directly prevent leaks in your plumbing but it reduces the chances of coming home to a flooded basement. With a tankless unit, this means no tank in the basement. This can greatly reduce leaks. And don’t forget the other benefits of installing a tankless water heater.
With a tankless unit, you’ll only consume energy when you turn on the shower or the faucet, which means you get to save money. You can also save space because there’s no need to store a bigger tank. A tankless water heater can just be mounted on the bathroom wall. The tankless unit also lasts longer, up to 20 years, when properly maintained. The only downside is that it costs more than the standard water heater, but you do get to save money because of the energy savings.
If your old water heater is more than 7 or 10 years old, why not replace that with a tankless water heater? Talk to a plumber in Fort Worth, TX, if you’re planning to install one for your home.
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Are leak detection devices really beneficial?
Yes, they are. Leak detection devices are safety devices that prevent further damage to your plumbing. You’ll need to connect them to your mobile or tablet so that you’re alerted when the device detects a leak. These devices can also automatically shut off your water and alert you when it senses abnormalities in your home’s plumbing.
We suggest you install them near your water heater, sump pump, garbage disposal and dishwasher. For installation, make sure you hire a licensed plumber.
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What do I do when our pipes are frozen?
The first thing you need to do when you suspect the pipes might be frozen is to call a plumber in Fort Worth, TX, to help you thaw the pipes. You need to do this right away so that the pipes don’t burst and start to leak. Otherwise, it’s going to even cost you more money. Remember, leaks can also damage your home but you can avoid plumbing emergencies when you get in touch with a plumber right away.
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How do we maintain our water heater?
If you have a standard water heater, you’ll need to drain your unit to get rid of the sediment buildup in the tank. If you don’t remove them, they can accumulate in the tank and you will not have enough space for your hot water. Eventually, you’ll start to have issues with your unit, such as not having enough hot water or not having hot water at all.
Homeowners who don’t want to keep draining their water heater can consider installing a tankless water heater to save money. Talk to one of our plumbers so we can choose the right water heater size for your home.
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How do we avoid a plumbing emergency?
Below are helpful tips to prevent a costly plumbing emergency. If you have questions, feel free to get in touch with a plumber in Fort Worth, TX, today. You may contact Benjamin Franklin Plumbing of Fort Worth if you need help with any plumbing repairs, installations or maintenance.
Don’t ignore issues – One of the things you can do to avoid a costly plumbing repair is to never ignore your plumbing. For example, when your pipes make a lot of noise, call a professional immediately for an inspection as there might be other issues that need to be addressed. If you suspect a leak, get professional leak detection immediately.
Also, make sure you only hire a licensed plumber for major repairs or installations. There are risks associated with DIY plumbing or when you hire someone without a license. Repairing things on your own can lead to an even more costly repair down the road.
Maintain your plumbing appliances – Before using an appliance for the first time, make sure you know how to operate it. If you have questions, contact the manufacturer.
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Do we need to install several shut-off valves?
We recommend you install several of these and place them near the water heater, dishwasher or garbage disposal. When there’s a leak, the first thing you need to do is not call a professional but turn off the water. If the shut-off valve is in the basement, it might be difficult to turn them off especially when the basement starts to flood. Install them near your plumbing appliances to make it easier to turn them off.
Hire Licensed Professionals Only
Some homeowners would resort to hiring their neighbors that offer their services for a low price. Please don’t do this or you might end up calling another plumber to fix the issue. When it comes to major repairs and installations, hiring the most qualified person is always the best alternative. Don’t cut corners by hiring an unlicensed person, always go for fully insured and licensed professionals to avoid more problems.
By hiring a licensed professional, you have an assurance that the problem will be resolved on the same day. This is because he will work hard to ensure you’re completely satisfied with the services.
Get Routine Plumbing Inspections
You can prevent costly repairs through regular plumbing inspections. During the appointment, a licensed plumber would inspect all the important components of your plumbing system. If there are issues that need to be resolved, he will fix this on the same day. He will never leave your property unless he’s certain everything is in top shape. And this is where we come in. Get in touch with us for routine plumbing inspections and we will send someone right away.
Call Benjamin Franklin Plumbing of Fort Worth
Do you need the services of a plumber in Fort Worth, TX? We are always available to help out. Our plumbing experts have been helping homeowners and businesses for several years, making us experts for anything plumbing-related from fixing leaks to repairing broken water heaters. As an established and trusted plumbing company, one of our top priorities is to ensure all of our clients are completely happy with our services. We can achieve this only by offering top-notch service.
Call Benjamin Franklin Plumbing of Fort Worth today for an appointment.