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Do you want to save money on your plumbing? Then make sure that you don’t commit these common plumbing mistakes. Homeowners who take their plumbing for granted may end up with a hefty bill, but you can avoid this when you know how to properly care for your plumbing.

Below are some of the most common plumbing mistakes homeowners make. Avoid them at all costs to save money on your plumbing. Call a plumber in Arlington, TX, if you need more assistance.

Using Chemical Drain Cleaners

You have probably heard of these heavily advertised drain cleaners. Companies swear that they are effective in unclogging drains. While some of them may work, these types of drain cleaners are not the permanent solutions to clogged drains because they pose risks to your pipes and your family’s health. Chemical-based cleaners can eat away at your pipes, causing damage. Never use them, especially when you have older pipes at home.

To fix a minor clog, consider using a plunger but make sure you know how to do it right, or you may also cause damage. For major clogs, call an expert for professional drain cleaning. Licensed plumbers are highly skilled and experienced in efficiently and effectively cleaning your drains.

Ignoring a Problem

Do you know that plumbing emergencies don’t happen overnight? Sometimes, they occur when homeowners postpone plumbing repairs, thinking the problem would go away on their own. For example, you know that there is a sediment buildup in your water heater, yet you don’t do anything about it. Not only will this lead to higher energy bills, but you could have a flooded basement, especially when the buildup starts corroding the pipes.

When you suspect there might be a problem with your plumbing, ensure that you get help right away. Call a professional in Arlington, TX, the soonest possible time so an expert can do a proper inspection, give you a diagnosis and then recommend a permanent and cost-effective plumbing solution.

Doing Major Plumbing Repairs on Your Own

Homeowners may fix minor plumbing issues such as repairing a faucet or flushing the sediment buildup in the water heater. However, for major plumbing repairs, it’s crucial to call a professional. Licensed professionals adhere to the building codes and know how to do proper repairs and they have the right tools to help them do this.

One good example is underground pipe leaks. You can’t fix this on your own as it can be dangerous, and may even lead to more costly repairs. Always call an expert if you need major plumbing repair. A small problem might turn into a serious and costly one if you DIY your plumbing and you don’t have the proper tools.

Some homeowners may also resort to buying plumbing equipment on their own. Please, don’t do this as it’s more cost-effective to call an expert instead. Also, licensed plumbers are trained to use these tools, and you didn’t have the training for it. To avoid problems down the road, ensure that you call a plumber instead.

Installing Appliances on Your Own

You may want to save money and decide to install your dishwasher or sump pump. Even if you follow the manufacturer’s instructions, it’s still best to call an expert. Professionals have been installing appliances for years, and they know how to do it right the first time. There are risks involved when you can’t properly install an appliance. You may need frequent repairs down the road, or the appliance won’t run efficiently. You can avoid issues and costly problems by calling an expert every time.

Call Benjamin Franklin Plumbing as we have been helping out homeowners in Arlington, TX, for several years. Our experts are not only licensed but also very experienced with plumbing installations. Call us today, and we’ll quickly dispatch an expert for assistance.

Not Protecting Your Pipes During Winter

To save money on costly repairs, ensure that you stay alert, especially when the temperatures start dropping. When the pipes are not insulated and the temperature drops to below zero degrees, they can freeze and burst. If you’re not around, you could end up with a flooded home. Water leaks are one of the most common homeowners insurance claims, and it’s not always covered, especially when it’s the homeowner’s fault. As much as possible, always insulate the pipes and ensure that the water inside them is kept warm.

Other things you can do include slightly opening the faucet, so water keeps flowing. Also, open the cabinet doors, especially the ones underneath the sink. These places usually get cold, and the pipes can freeze when they’re not kept warm. Check the insulation of your basement and the attics, and protect outdoor faucets as well. For other concerns, feel free to contact a professional right away.

Hiring a Handyman Instead of a Professional Plumber

No, you don’t save money by hiring an unqualified plumber offering cheap services, repairs, and installations. If manufacturers find out you hired an unlicensed plumbing service to install the appliance, you could lose the warranty. You may also get in trouble with your homeowners’ insurance.

While some handymen are skilled at plumbing, they may not have enough experience and the right tools to get the job done right the first time. For a professional touch, make sure that you only work with a licensed plumber in your area. Call Benjamin Franklin Plumbing anytime; we work tirelessly, ensuring that all of our customers get the plumbing service they deserve. Contact us anytime for an appointment, and we are more than happy to help.

No Regular Plumbing Inspection

Homeowners need to schedule regular plumbing inspections to ensure that their system is running efficiently. During the appointment, the licensed plumber would check the entire system for any problems, and they would fix it on the same day. Benjamin Franklin Plumbing is fully equipped, which means there’s no need to schedule another appointment; we will resolve the issue on the same day.

You’re lucky if a plumber won’t find any problems with your plumbing, but you’ll also be thankful when the professional can fix a problem before it becomes a plumbing emergency. We highly recommend that you schedule regular plumbing inspections at least once a year to avoid costly repairs down the road.

Not Knowing Where the Shut Off Valves Are

Homeowners must know where these are located, as the first thing you need to do in a plumbing emergency is to turn off the water supply to prevent further damage. If possible, have several shut-off valves in your homes and make sure that all of them are easily accessible. You also need to make sure that all your family members know where these are located. Finally, if you’re doing repairs or when the pipes burst, turn them off to save money on restorations and other repairs.

Turning off the Water Heater During Winter

It can be tempting to turn off your water heater especially when you’re going away in the winter. Avoid doing this as it can only cause serious problems, especially when your pipes are not properly insulated. When the temperature starts to drop, the water inside an unprotected pipe can freeze and burst. You may end up with a flooded home after. As much as possible, warm water should flow through the pipes in the winter. You can also take extra precautions by calling a professional to install a leak detection device. These devices are a real lifesaver as they can alert you when there is a leak in the plumbing. Some models can also automatically turn off the water supply to avoid further damage. Place these devices near your water heater or washing machine.

No Proper Tools

Should you decide to do minor plumbing jobs on your own, make sure that you have the right tools. As much as possible, invest in high-quality plumbing tools and make sure that you follow the manufacturer’s instructions for using these tools.

Talk to a plumber if you want to know what plumbing tools you can purchase for your home. You may use them for fixing minor faucet repairs and other problems that don’t require the services of a plumber. Plungers, pipe wrench, pliers and plumber’s tape would be very useful for your home. But make sure that you know how to use these properly to avoid other problems.

Throwing Grease in the Drains

Grease is not good for the pipes as they can solidify and then stick to the pipes. Over time, they can clog your drains. If you want to save money on repairs, inform all family members not to throw grease or other food particles down the sink. Learn how to manage your food waste at home. If possible, call a professional in Arlington, TX, to install a garbage disposal.

No Sump Pump in the Basement

If you have a basement, make sure that you install a sump pump to avoid flooding. Water damage is one of the most common plumbing problems and a costly one, but you can prevent this when taking extra precautions.

Before a storm, check the sump pump to see if it runs efficiently. Pour a bucket of water into the sump pit and see if it will activate the float switch. The switch detects the water level, and it will turn the sump pump on and get rid of the water in the pit. To avoid problems, you also need to make sure that you have backup batteries if you suddenly lose power. Most importantly, take time to maintain the sump pump to extend its lifespan and keep it running efficiently.

Not Working with the Best Plumbers

It’s not enough to call a licensed plumber in Arlington, TX, for plumbing repairs or installations; you need to contact the best plumbers in the area. And that’s where Benjamin Franklin Plumbing comes in. We are punctual plumbers dedicated to high-quality service. Our team of experts will always make sure that the problem is permanently resolved and you are completely delighted with our service.

Not Maintaining the Plumbing

Like all the appliances in your home, it’s essential to also maintain your plumbing system to keep it in top shape. This includes your drains, toilets, pipes, plumbing appliances and fixtures. A plumber can check them during a regular inspection, but you need to periodically check them too for wear and tear. Check your water heater, dishwasher, washing machine for leaks too.

You’ll know there is a leak when your water bills suddenly skyrocket. Schedule professional leak detection if you can’t locate the link by yourself. If you’re not sure there is a leak in the plumbing, try the water meter test. Check your water meter and take note of the numbers that you see there. And then turn off your plumbing entirely and wait for about 30 minutes to an hour. Then, recheck the water meter, and you have a leak if the numbers change.

For toilet leaks, simply pour a few drops of food coloring in the toilet tank and check the toilet bowl after 15 minutes. If it changes color, then you have a toilet leak. Don’t wait and call a plumber right away.

Do You Need a Plumber Today?

If you need plumbing repairs or installations in Arlington, TX, don’t hesitate to contact Benjamin Franklin Plumbing of Fort Worth. We have been in the business for several years, and our team of professionals is committed to providing only exceptional plumbing services in the area. No job is too small or too large for us — we can handle them. Our experts can also work with any make or model of your appliance. Whether you want to install a tankless or tank-type water heater, we can help too. Call us for any plumbing repairs, installations, and maintenance, and we’ll be there on time. Contact us today for an appointment.