Plumbing Service Basics And Helpful Tips For Homeowners | Mansfield, TX
Homeowners can avoid costly plumbing repairs and emergencies if they know how plumbing works and how to care for their plumbing system. This article will talk about the basics and some effective tips to help you save more money and avoid unnecessary expenses. For other issues, please get a professional plumbing service in Mansfield, TX, so that a licensed plumber can help.
Tips:
Locate the Shut-off Valves
One of the things a homeowner must know is the location of the shut-off valves. These devices are turned off when there’s a risk of flooding or when you need to perform plumbing repairs. During a plumbing emergency, you need to shut off water flow to your plumbing fixtures to prevent further damage. If possible, consider installing shut-off valves near your water heater, dishwasher, and washing machine to turn off the water flow quickly. Please make sure they are easily accessible and inform all your family members where the shut-off valves are located.
If you need assistance with installation, please get a professional plumbing service in Mansfield, TX. Our plumbers at Benjamin Franklin are highly experienced with plumbing installations and repairs. We’re also available 24/7 to accommodate all plumbing emergencies.
Schedule Regular Plumbing Maintenance
As a homeowner, it’s your responsibility to ensure that your plumbing is in excellent shape. While you can always periodically check your water heaters and plumbing fixtures for any sign of wear and tear or leaks, it’s always best to get professional plumbing service. During the inspection, the plumber will thoroughly inspect your plumbing pipes, water heater, sewage, and plumbing fixtures for any potential problem that may cost you a fortune in repairs. He will let you know if there are issues that need to be addressed right away.
Regular plumbing inspections are necessary to prevent major plumbing emergencies that can cause serious water damage. Remember, it can be very expensive to repair the pipes or replace the water heater but you can prevent this by getting regular plumbing maintenance.
Also, please make sure that you only work with a licensed plumber for plumbing inspections. Our plumbers at Benjamin Franklin Plumbing are fully equipped so there’s no need to schedule another appointment when a problem comes up. Rest assured, we’ll go the extra mile to ensure that the problem is taken care of within the day.
Check Your Plumbing Periodically
As mentioned, you need to also inspect all of your plumbing appliances and fixtures for any issues. And if you suspect there might be problems with your plumbing, please don’t postpone repairs — get a plumbing service in Mansfield, TX, immediately for assistance.
We recommend that you keep a checklist of the items that you need to inspect. Make sure that you check the items below:
Toilets – Try pouring a few drops of food coloring into the toilet tank and check the toilet bowl after 15 minutes. There is a toilet leak when the water in the toilet bowl changes colors.
Sump pumps – Pour a bucket of water into the sump pit. The water should be enough to turn on the float switch and the pump. If it doesn’t work, please get a professional plumbing service in your area.
Shut-off valves – It’s important to test this to ensure that the device works. Simply turn it off and check if it stops the water flow. Contact a plumbing service if it doesn’t work.
Bathroom and kitchen fixtures – Check them for any signs of wear & tear or leaks. Make sure that you also include your outdoor plumbing for this. Get professional plumbing service if you need assistance.
Pipes – If you have old copper pipes, get a plumbing service so that a professional plumber can evaluate if it’s better to get pipe replacement. Should you decide to install new pipes, we highly recommend that you consider PEX piping.
Garbage disposal – Please make sure that you know how to properly maintain your garbage disposal. Clean them regularly to prevent unpleasant smells in the kitchen. Break down large food particles first before putting them in the garbage disposal.
Sinks – When cleaning the sink, please don’t use chemical-based drain cleaners as they are harmful and can also damage the pipes. Use vinegar and baking soda solution instead. You may also pour about a gallon of hot water into the sink to get rid of small particles stuck in the pipes.
In addition, if your water bills have suddenly skyrocketed, there is likely a leak in your plumbing. You can check for leaks by doing a water meter test. Turn off all taps and showers and check the reading in the water meter. Please take note of the numbers and make sure that no one else uses the bathroom and kitchen. Check back after 30 minutes and compare the second reading with the first. If it changes, then there is likely a leak in your plumbing system. We suggest that you get a professional plumbing service in Mansfield, TX, so that a plumber can find the leak.
Install Leak Detection Systems
Are you worried about flooding in your home? You need to make sure that your plumbing system is in excellent shape to prevent flooding. Flush out the sediment buildup in the water heater tank as that can eventually lead to leaks. Frozen pipes can also expand and burst. If you want to be alerted of a potential leak in your plumbing, consider getting a professional plumbing service to help you install leak detection devices. Install these devices near your water heater, dishwasher, garbage disposal, and washing machine.
Flush Out the Sediment Build-up in the Water Heater Tank
Are you still using a traditional water heater tank? Please make sure that you flush out the mineral buildup in the tank at least once a year or more if there is a high level of hard water in your plumbing. You need to do this or you’ll only end up paying more for your utility bills.
You can also consider switching to tankless water heaters if you want to save more money. There is no standby heat loss with the tankless water heater as you’re only heating the water as needed. Also, you don’t have to worry about leaks in the basement if there is no water heater tank. You don’t need a bigger space as you can just mount the tankless water heater to your bathroom wall. Compared to a regular water heater, they last twice as long. The only downside though is that tankless water heaters are more expensive than the conventional water heater. However, you do get to save money in the long run. Are you thinking of installing one for your home? Please get a professional plumbing service for assistance.
Hire a Licensed Plumber
When it comes to repairs, installations, and plumbing maintenance, please make sure that you only work with a licensed plumber in Mansfield, TX. With a professional plumbing service, rest assured that you’re getting high-quality service on every appointment.
Signs You Have a Plumbing Problem
If there are issues with your plumbing, please get professional plumbing service asap to avoid costly plumbing emergencies. Below are the warning signs you need to watch out for:
Low Water Pressure
Low water pressure usually indicates a leak in your plumbing system. Please get a professional plumbing service for leak detection. Our plumbers have state-of-the-art tools that help us find the exact location of the leak. Before calling a plumber though, please ensure that low water pressure applies to all of your plumbing fixtures. If it’s just in one tap, the problem is most likely in the fixture.
Some leaks are also obvious as you may see a pool of water in the water heater or the dishwasher. Watch out for hidden leaks as this can turn into a nasty and costly plumbing emergency. Check for mold growth and water spots in the ceiling or walls. Then get a professional plumbing service immediately so that a plumber can thoroughly inspect your plumbing.
High Water Pressure
You may think it’s okay to have high water pressure but remember that you’ll be wasting hundreds of gallons of water if the water pressure is too high. Also, high water pressure can severely strain the pipes — it will eventually end up with pipes leaking. To prevent flooding in your home, get a water pressure gauge to help you regulate the water pressure in your home. If you still have other issues, please contact a plumber at Benjamin Franklin Plumbing today.
Clogged Drains
Slow drains are usually the first sign of a major drain clog. Please never ignore it to avoid issues associated with clogged drains such as pest infestation and water damage. We suggest that you get professional drain cleaning to resolve the problem. Also, never pour grease or oil down the drain as that could also lead to a drain clog.
Smelly drains are another issue that you shouldn’t ignore. You will only attract pests and rodents in your home if you don’t address this issue. Please get a professional plumbing service in Mansfield, TX, so a plumber can properly clean your drains.
Frozen Pipes
When the temperature reaches below zero, please ensure that your plumbing pipes are insulated. Otherwise, the water inside them can freeze. Your pipes will expand and burst. You can avoid flooding in your home by properly protecting your pipes during winter. If you have older pipes, you can also consider replacing them with PEX piping, to avoid frozen pipes.
Rusty Water
Yellow or brown water coming out from the tap could be corrosion in the pipes. Sediment buildup in the water heater tank may also result in having discolored water. Please make sure that you get a professional plumbing service so that a plumber can thoroughly inspect your plumbing and remedy the problem.
Sewage Backup
When the water backs up in the bathtub, sink, or toilet, then there is a problem with your plumbing. Contact a licensed plumber immediately for an inspection. They can help you find the root cause of the problem and offer permanent solutions.
Wobbly Toilet
When the toilet wobbles, you may need to tighten the bolts to remedy the problem. If the problem persists, then consider calling a licensed plumber for help. If you still have the conventional toilet installed, consider replacing it with a low-flow or dual-flush toilet to save water and money.
Gurgling Sounds
Noises from the pipes could indicate a clog in your plumbing. It’s best to contact a licensed plumber for an inspection. Our plumbers can give you the correct diagnosis and offer cost-effective solutions.
Flooding
This is a plumbing emergency that needs to be attended to right away. The first thing you need to do is shut off the water flow and contact a licensed plumber near you. While waiting for the plumber, clean the area and take some pictures. Depending on the cause, you may be able to get some help from your homeowner’s insurance.
To prevent flooding in the basement, then consider installing sump pumps. Make sure that you also get spare batteries if there is a power interruption.
No Hot Water
If your water heater is more than 10 years old and is no longer that efficient, we suggest that you consider getting a new water heater. Inefficient water heaters will only cost you more money down the road. You can save more by installing tankless water heaters for your home. For installation, do make sure to only hire a licensed plumber.
Contact Benjamin Franklin Plumbing of Fort Worth
Do you need professional plumbing service in Mansfield, TX? Please don’t hesitate to get in touch with Benjamin Franklin Plumbing of Fort Worth. We are open 24/7 to cater to your emergency needs. As an established plumbing company, rest assured that our plumbers are licensed and highly experienced. We can get the job done right the first time. Contact us today for an appointment.
