Got a question about plumbing? Check out these frequently asked questions by homeowners and use these as a guide to help you resolve plumbing issues and save money. If you have other questions, feel free to get professional plumbing service in Mansfield, TX.
1. How Do You Avoid a Costly Plumbing Emergency?
You can prevent expensive plumbing repairs by getting a regular plumbing inspection. While you’re expected to also periodically check for leaks or any wear & tear on your plumbing, getting a professional plumbing service avoids more problems. During the inspection, a licensed plumber will check all the components of your plumbing system to identify issues that need to be addressed ASAP. Should there be problems, our plumbers will try to resolve that on the same day.
Plumbing inspections can identify problems a homeowner may not notice, such as hidden leaks in your plumbing. It also ensures that your plumbing system is in excellent shape, giving you peace of mind. A plumber may also recommend you get new fixtures or appliances especially when yours are no longer efficient.
You need to also get professional plumbing service if you can’t resolve minor plumbing issues. High water pressure is one example. If you don’t address this problem, the high water pressure can severely strain the pipes and lead to plumbing leaks. You can either purchase a water pressure regulator to correct the problem or get a professional plumbing service so that a plumber can check it first.
Slow drains, high water bills, and running toilets are issues that need professional plumbing services. Get in touch with Benjamin Franklin Plumbing of Fort Worth today so we can thoroughly inspect your plumbing system and resolve any plumbing problems you may have.
2. How Do I Save Money on My Plumbing?
Here are a few tips to help you save big bucks on your plumbing:
Install water-saving devices – High-efficiency faucets and dual flush toilets are water-saving devices that can save you more money in the long run. Compared to a regular faucet, the low-flow units let you save four percent while low-flow showerheads dispense 1.5 gallons of water per minute compared to 2.5 gallons with a regular showerhead. Dual flush toilets also use less water, saving you more money. The savings can add up over time. For installation, make sure to get a professional plumbing service in Mansfield, TX, to ensure proper installation of these devices.
Switch to tankless water heaters – Are you still using a conventional water heater for your home? Constantly heating your water isn’t the most energy-efficient option for saving money on your water heater. A tankless water heater doesn’t have heat loss as you only use energy when turning on the tap or the shower. It means you get to save more money. Tankless water heaters also last longer and you don’t have to worry about leaks. If you want to know more about tankless water heaters, please don’t hesitate to get a professional plumbing service in your area.
Fix water leaks – There are two types of plumbing leaks: the obvious ones such as pooling water near the water heater, pipes or toilet; and the hidden leaks. You will have to be careful with the hidden leaks as these are usually the ones that will cost you more money down the road. The common signs of a hidden leak in your plumbing are water spots in the wall or ceiling and high water bills. If you suspect a leak, get plumbing service in Mansfield, TX, immediately for professional leak detection.
Replace inefficient appliances – If your washing machine, dishwasher or water heater is beyond its service life, we recommend getting new energy-efficient appliances to save money on your plumbing. Feel free to get professional plumbing service, so that our plumbers can help you make an informed decision on which brands of appliances to invest in for your home.
Get regular plumbing inspection – As mentioned, you can avoid costly plumbing repairs with a regular plumbing inspection. This lets you save money on repairs and replacements. We do still recommend that you only work with a licensed plumber in Mansfield, TX, for inspections. Avoid hiring unlicensed plumbers to avoid more issues down the road. Plumbers that are not certified to perform plumbing inspections are usually not equipped with the right tools and are also not insured. When they get injured on the job, you will have to pay for their medical expenses. You can avoid paying more when you only work with a licensed plumber in your area.
Monitor your water bills – High water bills usually indicate a problem with your plumbing. You can check for leaks by doing a water meter test. Simply turn off your faucet and shower and check the water meter. Take note of the figures you see in the meter and check it again after 30 minutes. Make sure no one is using the water while doing this. Compare the second reading with the first one — there is a leak in your plumbing when the readings are different. We recommend getting a professional plumbing service immediately for an inspection.
Get professional drain cleaning – Slow drains are usually the first sign of a major drain clog. And drain clogs are associated with other plumbing problems such as water leaks, pest infestation, smelly kitchens, etc. You can avoid paying for more repairs when you get professional drain cleaning.
3. Should I Insulate the Pipes in the Winter?
Yes, it’s highly recommended to protect the pipes during winter or when the temperature reaches below zero. When it’s freezing and the exposed plumbing pipes are not protected, the water inside them can freeze, leading to pipes expanding and bursting. If you don’t address the problem, this can lead to a major plumbing leak that will cost you money in repairs and replacements.
In addition to getting an insulating blanket for the pipes, you can also try to slightly open the faucets so that warm water can flow through the pipes and prevent the water from freezing. For other questions, please don’t hesitate to get plumbing services in Mansfield, TX.
4. Why Do I Need to Hire a Licensed Plumber?
Licensed plumbers have the right training and experience to tackle any plumbing problem, big or small. Whether you’re having issues with your water main or the toilet, the plumber can fix that. Also, licensed plumbers are familiar with and adhere to the building codes, and are certified to work in your area. Working with an unlicensed plumber that doesn’t follow codes could cost you more money down the road.
Certified plumbers are also equipped with the right tools and equipment, and always prioritize your safety first. They are insured, which means you don’t have to worry if there are accidents as the insurance can take care of that. Most importantly, licensed plumbers can get the job done right the first time and even offer guarantees. You don’t get a guarantee by working with an unlicensed plumber. So if they don’t do a good job, you will have to pay another plumber to resolve the problem.
5. Why Shouldn’t I Use Chemical-Based Drain Cleaners?
Heavily advertised chemical-based drain cleaners may help unclog a drain but they are not the permanent solution. These types of cleaners contain harmful chemicals that are not only bad for the pipes but may injure you as well if you’re not careful. Should you decide to really use chemical-based drain cleaners, make sure that you don’t have old plumbing (as old pipes will likely leak) and you follow the instructions on the label.
Better yet, get a professional drain cleaning service in Mansfield, TX, to help you properly clean your drains. Our plumbers at Benjamin Franklin Plumbing of Fort Worth are equipped with the right tools and equipment to help us professionally clean drains.
6. Should I DIY Plumbing?
While it’s okay to do some minor plumbing repairs on your own such as fixing the faucet or the showerhead, it’s always best to get a professional plumbing service, especially when you don’t have any plumbing experience. Don’t do major installations on your own, either. Always contact a licensed plumber when you’re planning to get a water heater replacement or new plumbing pipes.
Our plumbers at Benjamin Franklin Plumbing of Fort Worth are trained and experienced to install any type of plumbing appliance including water heaters, washing machines or water filtration systems. Contact us anytime and we will quickly dispatch a plumber to your home or office.
7. What Are the Signs I Need Water Main Repair?
The water main connects to your home’s plumbing and any damage to it can lead to costly repairs and replacements. Signs to watch out for include:
Recurring clogs- Drain clogs smell and is very unsanitary. To clean your drains, use vinegar or baking soda solution, or simply pour hot water down the drain. Doing this should resolve minor drain clogs. If you keep having clogged drains despite being very careful with what you put down the drain, the problem could be the water main. We suggest getting a professional to perform a thorough inspection of your plumbing.
Noisy plumbing fixtures – It’s normal to hear noises coming from the washing machine or garbage disposal. The pipes may also make noise but they shouldn’t be very loud. If they are distracting you, we suggest getting a professional plumbing service for an inspection. When you’re sure the problems aren’t the pipes, there could be an issue with your water main. Our plumbers can help you fix this — we’ll do a thorough inspection of your water main to ensure it’s not damaged. Don’t worry, we’ll fix any issue as well.
Cracks in home’s foundation – If you suspect an issue with your home’s foundation, make sure to get professional plumbing service immediately. Don’t wait until it’s too late, get help right away. If there are trees near your home and there’s a small leak in the water main, this could result in catastrophic damage too if not addressed. Call a plumber to permanently resolve the issue.
8. What Do I Do When the Pipes Leak?
Don’t panic. Instead, calmly turn off the water source to prevent further damage to your home. Get rid of the water and get professional plumbing service immediately. Don’t wait for 24 hours as mold can form right away. You don’t want to deal with mold because they aren’t only harmful to your health but can also significantly damage your home. You can avoid pipe leaks by protecting your pipes, getting professional drain cleaning, and regulating the water pressure.
9. Should I Install a Sump Pump?
Consider getting a sump pump if you have a basement and you live in an area prone to getting storms. Installing a sump pump lets you avoid flooding in the basement. For installation, make sure to get a professional plumbing service to ensure the device is properly installed.
Test the sump pump first before using. Pour about a bucket of water into the sump pit, just enough to turn on the float switch. It should begin to drain the water from the sump pit. If it doesn’t drain, get a professional plumbing service right away. Also, it’s best to get spare batteries in case the power goes out.
10. Do I Need a Garbage Disposal?
Garbage disposals let you manage food waste better. The size depends on how many people live in your home and the kind of food you prepare. Get a bigger horsepower if you constantly cook your meals at home. Feel free to get professional plumbing service so that our plumbers can help you decide what type of garbage disposal to install for your home.
Contact Benjamin Franklin Plumbing of Fort Worth
Do you need plumbing service in Mansfield, TX? Please don’t hesitate to get in touch with us. Our plumbers are trained, experienced and fully equipped. We can help with any plumbing repairs, installations or maintenance. We can also help with professional drain cleaning and leak detection. Call Benjamin Franklin Plumbing of Fort Worth today for an inspection.