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Do you have any questions about your plumbing system? We have compiled a few common plumbing questions homeowners ask. Kindly review each one of them and let us know if you need anything else. For further assistance, contact a plumber in Arlington, TX today.

How Do I Know If There Is a Leak in My Plumbing?

One of the things you can do is to check your water bill. If your water bill suddenly skyrockets, there could be a leak in your plumbing. Check your water heater, dishwasher, or washing machine and if there are puddles of water around them. You need to also check your plumbing fixtures for leaks and call a plumber right away so they can help you fix them.

Another way to find out there is a leak in your plumbing system is to do the toilet test. Get some food coloring and pour a few drops into the toilet tank. Wait for 30 minutes and make sure that no one is using the water. Check the toilet tank and if the water changes color, then your toilet needs to be fixed. Contact a professional right away so they can thoroughly inspect your plumbing and rule out any problem.

You can also check your water meter and take note of the numbers that you see. Wait an hour and recheck the water meter. If the numbers are the same, then you might have other issues. You have a plumbing leak when the numbers in the water meter change.

If you still can’t find any leaks, it’s best to hire a professional so they can check for any hidden leaks, and determine the exact location of the leak. As much as possible, only work with a professional as they are equipped with the right tools and equipment to help them alleviate the problem.

Do I Need to Worry About Hidden Leaks?

Yes, we always recommend that homeowners never ignore any minor plumbing problem as that could lead to a major plumbing emergency. Never take hidden leaks lightly as they can lead to major water damage in your home. Remember that leaks in your plumbing can damage the structural foundation of your home. That may cost you thousands of dollars in repairs and restorations. You can avoid this when you always contact a plumber to help you resolve whatever issue you have with your plumbing.

How Do I Prevent Frozen Pipes

When the temperature starts to drop, contact a plumber in Arlington, TX for a thorough plumbing inspection. Professional plumbers can assist with freeze-proofing your pipes and outdoor faucet.

Some of the things you can do is to buy insulation blankets for your pipes and close the doors underneath the kitchen sink. Check the insulation in your basement and the attic, and especially if you have a water heater tank.

You can prevent frozen pipes when there’s warm water flowing through the pipes so make sure that you don’t turn off your water. As much as possible, slightly open the faucet to avoid costly problems. When the water inside the pipe freezes, it can burst. And imagine how much it would cost you to repair your home or get pipe replacements. You can avoid all these when you make sure that your plumbing pipes are protected.

What Do I Do When the Pipes Have Already Burst?

First, don’t panic. The first thing you need to do is not call a plumber first but to turn off the water supply to avoid further water damage. So make sure that you know the location of the shut-off valve. As soon as the water is completely shut off, then call a plumber for help.

Do I Really Need a Licensed Plumber?

To avoid other issues down the road, then we suggest that you always hire the services of a licensed plumber in Arlington, TX. There are risks involved in hiring an unqualified person to help you with repairs or installations. A handyman may not be fully equipped and not highly experienced with certain plumbing issues or installing a plumbing appliance. As a result, the appliance will not work efficiently. You could end up with a costly repair or another installation cost. To ensure that the appliance is properly installed and the repair is done correctly, then only hire a licensed plumber in the area. Call Benjamin Franklin Plumbing as our team members are all licensed and certified. We are also fully equipped, which means there’s no need to schedule another appointment. We can take care of the issue on the same day.

Are Chemical Drain Cleaners Any Good?

We highly suggest that you avoid these heavily advertised cleaners at all costs. They don’t just damage your pipes, chemical-based cleaners also pose risks to your health. Don’t use these especially when there are children in your household as they are not the permanent solution to a clogged drain. What you can do is to use the vinegar and baking soda solution for cleaning the drains. You can also use boiling water to get rid of the little grease that’s stuck in the pipes.

The most effective way to clean the drains is to hire the services of a professional. Licensed professionals are equipped with the right tools and equipment to help them properly clean the drains. They also have drain cameras to help them determine the exact location of the clog. Better yet, schedule professional drain cleaning regularly to ensure that your drains are always clean and healthy.

What Are the Different Types of Water Heaters and Which One Should I Invest In?

There are two types of water heaters that you can install in your home: the conventional tank-type water heater and the tankless water heater.

You’ll need a bigger space for the tank-type water heater and the tank is usually placed in the basement. To extend the lifespan of your water heater and save energy, it’s important that you flush out the sediment buildup inside. You can do this once a year or frequently when there is a high concentration of hard water in your plumbing.

One of the disadvantages of installing the tank-type water heater is the energy usage. Compared to the tankless water heater, the tank type uses more energy. That is because you need to constantly turn on the tank-type water heater to get hot water. Another disadvantage is if you don’t properly maintain your water heater, you may end up with a flooded basement.

Homeowners who want to save more money and who don’t have enough space in their homes may invest in the tankless water heater. This type of water heater is designed to use less energy as you only use it when you need hot water. Also, they last longer than the tank-type heater. Tank-type water heater only lasts from 7 to 10 years. After this, you may start getting frequent issues with it. You’re also likely to get higher water bills with the tank-type water heater.

Talk to an expert in Arlington, TX if you can’t decide which one to invest in for your home. We are happy to sit with you so we can help you make an informed decision on which water heater to purchase for your home.

What Are the Signs That My Plumbing Need Repairs?

Higher Bills – this is one of the signs that there might be an issue in your plumbing. Don’t hesitate to contact a plumber so they can do a proper inspection of your plumbing system, diagnose the problem, and provide you with cost-effective solutions.

Unreliable Water Heater – If you don’t always have hot water at home or the temperature of the water suddenly changes, then you might need water heater repair. Call a plumber immediately so they can check if there is a sediment buildup in the water heater tank or if there might be other issues with your water heater. You can avoid issues with the water heater through regular plumbing inspection and when you properly maintain your system.

Water Pressure Drop – It can be stressful when there is low water pressure as it takes time to finish your chores or when showering. While it’s not ideal to have low water pressure, it’s also not a good idea when there is high water pressure as that can strain the pipes. If you don’t do something, it might lead to leaks in your plumbing and very expensive repairs.

Damp Areas in the Walls or Ceilings -Some plumbing leaks are obvious while others are invisible. You’ll only know you have a plumbing leak when your bill suddenly skyrockets or you have a plumbing emergency. If you notice damp areas in the walls, there might be some leaks in your plumbing. Contact a plumber in Arlington, TX right away so they can check the entire plumbing system.

Should I Fix a Plumbing Leak on My Own?

While you may be able to fix faucet leaks by yourself or other minor leaks, we still suggest that you hire the services of a licensed plumber. You may not properly fix a leak and that could lead to an even bigger problem. To avoid other issues down the road, contact a professional immediately.

As much as possible, don’t DIY your plumbing. DIY videos and articles can only do so much. They may be able to give you the steps needed to get the job done, but they may not have enough information should a problem come up. Always hire a professional at all times, especially for major plumbing repairs.

Can I Install My Own Dishwasher or Water Heater?

Some manufacturers would require homeowners to hire the services of a licensed plumber when it comes to installing plumbing appliances. Otherwise, you will only void the warranty. Call Benjamin Franklin Plumbing if you’re thinking about installing new plumbing appliances for your home. Our experts are highly skilled and can work with all makes and models. Let us know what you need and we’ll quickly dispatch a licensed professional your way.

Should I Invest in Energy-Efficient Appliances and Water-Saving Fixtures?

If you want to save the environment, conserve water and save money, then we recommend that you invest in them. Energy-efficient appliances and water-saving fixtures are designed to use less water, which would equate to more savings every month. Most of them are also very convenient and promote cleanliness. Also, they may last longer than their counterparts. The only downside is most of them are expensive. Talk to a plumber so we can help you make an informed decision on what appliances or fixtures to purchase for your home.

If you intend to sell your home in the future, then consider investing in them to increase the value of your home. Most homebuyers prefer a smart home as it helps with energy consumption. Speak with a plumber today for assistance.

Do I Need to Install a Sump Pump?

If you have a basement, then yes, it would be better to invest in a sump pump to prevent basement flooding. However, you do still need to test these devices to see if they really work. To test, pour a bucket of water into the sump pit, high enough that it activates the float switch. That should turn on the sump pump and remove the water in the pit. You need to also get backup batteries just in case you suddenly lose power due to powerful storms. For installation, only work with a licensed plumber in the area.

Contact Benjamin Franklin Plumbing of Fort Worth Today

If you need plumbing repairs, installations, or maintenance, get in touch with a plumber in Arlington, TX today! No job is too small or big for us, we can handle it. We also guarantee 100 percent complete satisfaction. Contact us today for an appointment.