Blog

Photo By Carla Bullock at Shutterstock

Some homeowners prefer to have a laundry room not just for convenience but to be organized. Your home will look tidier with a laundry area — no more dirty clothes in the kitchen or the living room. Read these tips if you’re planning to set up your laundry room. We have also included tips on caring for your washing machine and how to prevent flooding in the laundry area. If you need more help, please contact a plumber in Arlington, TX.

How to Get Started

You need an experienced plumber to help you set up your laundry room. It’s not just enough to buy a washing machine — you need to install them in a good area and then work on the draining system and the water supply.

Some homeowners may decide to install their washing machines and dryer. While this can be done, we highly recommend that you contact a plumber just to ensure the appliance is installed correctly and you won’t encounter problems in the long run.

Try to avoid hiring a handyperson to install the washing machine as they may not have enough experience. It’s a lot safer to call a professional for assistance.

What Type of Washing Machine Should You Purchase?

If you’re looking for a washer that makes it convenient for you to load and unload your clothing, then consider going with the top loaders. With this type of washer, there’s no need to keep bending to load the laundry. It’s excellent for older people or those with joint issues. Another advantage of investing in a top loader is that you can easily add more clothing to each cycle. It would not be easy to do that when you have a front loader installed in your laundry room.

Are you looking to buy a top loader? Contact one of our plumbers at Arlington, TX, to help you make an informed decision on what make and model to purchase for your laundry room.

What features are you looking for in a washer?

When it comes to a washer that can clean better, we recommend that you go with high-efficiency top-loaders as they can clean better. Front-loaders are gentler on clothes, though and they are excellent for your pillows or blankets.

Front-loaders will be the ideal choice if you’re looking for a washer with a water-saving feature. Compared to the top loaders, this type of washer use less water. However, please make sure that you only work with licensed plumbers for the installation. Poor installation can lead to numerous issues such as inefficiency problems and frequent repairs. To avoid issues down the road, please get in touch with Benjamin Franklin Plumbing.

Cost of Washing Machines

Because front loaders are more energy-efficient, they tend to be more expensive than the top loaders. However, you may be able to save money in the long run as they use less water.

If you prefer a quieter washing machine, we also recommend that you go with front loaders. They are also excellent when it comes to dealing with mold. Do you need more information about washing machines? Please don’t hesitate to reach out to us. Our team of licensed plumbers in Arlington, TX, are highly knowledgeable about washers. We can help you make an informed decision on what washing machine to purchase for your laundry room.

How to Maintain Your Washing Machine

A typical washing machine should last 10- 12 years. To extend the lifespan of your washer, please make sure that you regularly maintain them. Regular maintenance also ensures that your unit is in excellent shape. Follow the manufacturer’s instruction on how to properly maintain your unit, or read our tips below:

Check the Washing Machine Hoses

Homeowners must periodically check the washing machine hoses from time to time to make sure that they are not damaged. Otherwise, you may end up in a flooded laundry room. If your washer still has rubber hoses, we recommend that you replace that with stainless steel braided hoses as they are less susceptible to damage. For installation of new hoses, please contact a licensed plumber in Arlington, TX.

Don’t Overload Your Washing Machine

Read the manual before using a new washing machine for the first time. You need to find out how many clothes the washer can carry to avoid overloading it. It’s essential not to overload the appliance or your clothes will not be properly cleaned. You’ll only end up running another cycle and that will cost you more detergent and more money. Also, your washing machine will only work harder. That will shorten its lifespan and may even lead to costly repairs down the road. If you need further assistance with your washing machine, please don’t hesitate to contact one of our plumbers.

Use the Correct Detergent

Remember, energy-efficient washers use a different detergent compared to a conventional washing machine. Ensure that you’re aware of the type of detergent you need to purchase for your washer. Otherwise, your unit may not perform at its best. It could also lead to inefficiency problems or costly repairs.

Besides buying the right detergent, it’s also important that you use just enough detergent to clean your clothes. Avoid putting too much detergent as that may leave residue on your clothing.

Regularly Clean the Washer

Apart from the regular cleaning that you need to do, we also recommend deep cleaning your washing machine. Why? Over time, the appliance will start to lose its efficiency and it may no longer be able to properly clean your clothes due to scaling. You can effectively resolve the problem by deep cleaning your unit. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions on how to properly deep clean it. If you need assistance, please reach out to a plumber in Arlington, TX.

Leave the Door Open

Please don’t close the door right after washing the clothes to prevent smells from coming from your washing machine. Instead, let the air dry the interior of your washer and close it only when everything has dried.

You need to also clean the gasket with vinegar and water and it should be done every month.

Clean the Filters

If your washer has a filter, then ensure that you clean it to remove the buildup of dirt or debris in the filters. Otherwise, the dirt may stay in the water and into your clothes. Also, dirt buildup can affect the efficiency of your washer. It will only work harder and consume more energy. To avoid higher bills, clean the filter and the washing machine itself. For further assistance, please don’t hesitate to contact a plumber.

Use the Washing Machine Properly

Keep in mind that a washing machine is an investment. Some models cost a lot of money, which is why it’s crucial that you use them properly and regularly maintain them. Also, never use the washing machine unless you’re certain about how to use it. If you have questions, you can always contact the manufacturer or a plumber in the area. Most importantly, only work with a licensed professional for the installation or you may lose the warranty of your washing machine.

Should You Invest in a Smart Washing Machine?

Are you planning to sell your home in the future? Then you may want to consider investing in a smart laundry room as that may increase the value of your home. Below are the features of smart laundry:

Remote Access

Are you too tired to go to your laundry room to start the washing machine? If you have a smart washer, it’s easier to connect that to your device so that you can remotely access it. That’s right, you can run the washing machine using your mobile phone. It’s ideal for homeowners who prioritize convenience. In addition, you can also connect your smart washer to Google Assistant or Alexa. That means you can operate it via voice command.

Notifications

When we’re so busy, it’s not surprising to forget a few things including our laundry. With a smart washer, you don’t need to worry about forgetting to take out your laundry ever again. As soon as the cycle is complete, the smart washer will notify your phone telling you that the cycle is finished.

How to Prevent Flooding in the Laundry Area

Water damage is a serious problem as it can ruin your home’s foundation. Thankfully, there are ways to prevent flooding and below are our helpful tips:

Hire Licensed Plumbers

When it comes to major installations, always hire qualified plumbers. Never cut corners as you may end up with a flooded laundry room. Working with professionals in Arlington, TX, ensures that you’re getting exceptional service. You also have the assurance that your appliance will be correctly installed and will be in top shape.

If you need a professional to help you install a new washer, contact Benjamin Franklin Plumbing today! Our team of plumbers is highly experienced with any washer. We can get the job done on time and assure you of excellent service on every appointment.

Install Leak Detection Devices

To prevent further water damage, we suggest that you install leak detection devices in your laundry area. These devices can detect water and will alert you immediately. Some models can also automatically shut off the water main to prevent further damage to the area. If you’re planning to install a leak detection system, please contact a plumber today.

Schedule Routine Maintenance

Besides the regular cleaning that you need to do as a homeowner, it’s best to schedule a professional inspection with a plumber in the area. Our team can thoroughly inspect your laundry room and ensure that all problems are addressed. In addition, you can prevent costly water damage and repairs with a regular plumbing inspection.

Set Up the Laundry Room Correctly

The reason why we ask homeowners to contact a licensed plumber is not only to help them properly install the appliance but to also make sure that the supply lines are working to avoid leaks and there are no issues in the laundry room that may lead to a major plumbing emergency in the future.

Install a Strainer in the Sink

Please make sure that you have a strainer installed in the laundry room sink to prevent drain clogs. This tool can catch hair, debris, and other dirt that may eventually cause a clog in your plumbing system. If there are clogs, please never use chemical-based drain cleaners as they are not the permanent solution. They can also damage your pipes eventually. Call a plumber for a professional drain cleaning instead.

Turn off Water if You’re Not Using the Washing Machine

After using the washing machine, make it a habit to turn off the supply hoses to avoid leaks. You may also consider upgrading to auto-shutoff connector hoses. These types of hoses can sense excess water and automatically shut off. The feature comes in handy as it can prevent flooding in the basement.

Install an Advanced Water Shutoff Valve

If you have an upstairs laundry room, we highly recommend that you buy a state-of-the-art shutoff valve to eliminate the risk of flooding in the laundry room and the other bedrooms. Intelligent valves allow water to flow only when the device senses that the washing machine is running. Otherwise, it automatically shuts off the water supply.

Contact Benjamin Franklin Plumbing of Fort Worth

Are you installing a new washing machine in your laundry room? Then get in touch with us today! We have licensed and experienced professionals that can help! Call us at your earliest convenience, and we’ll dispatch a plumber in Arlington, TX, right away. So call us today for an appointment.