9 Helpful Tips From A Certified Plumber | Florence, SC

Do you want to avoid a costly plumbing emergency and save money on your plumbing? Below are helpful tips from a plumber in Florence, SC. Read through them and feel free to contact us if you have questions.

Don’t use chemical-based drain cleaners. Some homeowners resort to using these heavily advertised cleaners to unclog a drain. While they can work, these types of cleaners are not the permanent solution to unclogging the drains. If you have older pipes at home, the chemical-based drain cleaners will likely end up damaging your pipes. Use a plunger or a drain snake to help you resolve a minor clog. For major clogs, it’s best to call a plumber in Florence, SC, for professional drain cleaning. Our team is equipped with the right tools to help us check the interior of the drain using a camera and a hydro jetter for unclogging extremely clogged drains. Call us anytime and we’ll quickly dispatch a professional to your location.
Always hire a licensed professional for major repairs and installations. It’s okay to do minor plumbing repairs as long as you have some plumbing experience. For major repairs and installations, make sure to not try DIY or you may end up paying for an even more costly repair or replacement. Get help from a plumber because these professionals are highly trained to properly carry out the job. You can trust them because they’re experienced and can get the job done right.
Always test the sump pump first. Before a coming storm, test the sump pump to ensure it actually works. To do this, simply pour a bucket of water into the sump pit, enough to activate the float switch and turn on the pump. It’s also best to get extra batteries in case the power goes out. If your sump pump is defective, call a licensed plumber to help you inspect and repair the unit. Get a new one if yours is no longer efficient or you may end up with a flooded basement.
Switch to a tankless water heater. Are you still using a conventional water heater? If saving money is one of your top goals, we highly recommend buying a tankless water heater. Compared to the standard water heater, this type of unit doesn’t have standard heat loss for it only uses energy when turning on the tap. You get to save more money with the tankless water heater. It also lasts twice as long as a standard water heater and you don’t have to store it in the basement, lowering your risk of flooding. You can just install it in your bathroom, for quick access. The only downside is the price but you actually get to save more money in the long run because of the energy savings. For installation though, make sure to only work with a licensed professional in the area.
Protect exposed pipes. One of the things you can do to avoid a catastrophic leak is to insulate the pipes when the temperature reaches below zero. If you don’t, the water inside can freeze and your pipes will only expand and burst. Expect a major repair or flooding in your home when you fail to thaw them right away. To protect the pipes, just purchase some insulating material at your local hardware or contact a plumber in your area for assistance.
Watch out for high water pressure. The water pressure in your home must be within normal levels. Low water pressure in your home indicates a leak and it’s also bad for your water as minerals can clog up the tank faster. High water pressure, on the other hand, can severely damage pipes, leading to costly repairs. A water pressure regulator can help you regulate the water pressure in your home. If it fails to do this, we suggest calling a professional for assistance.
Check for hidden leaks. It’s sometimes difficult to spot hidden leaks especially when you’re not a plumber. Thankfully, there are signs to watch out for such as water spots in the ceiling or walls, and warm floors. Watch out for any signs of mold growth too or unusual smells in your home. If you suspect something is wrong, contact a professional immediately for professional leak detection. When your bills are higher this month, consider doing a water meter test to help you test for leaks. You can also test for toilet leaks by pouring a few drops of food coloring into the toilet tank. Check the toilet bowl if it changes color because that means there’s a toilet leak. Call a professional for assistance.
Install garbage disposal. Are you having problems disposing of food waste? We suggest installing a garbage disposal. But make sure you know how to properly use it to avoid problems. For installation, only hire a licensed plumber in the area.
Buy leak detection devices. Leaks are catastrophic and they can cost you a fortune in repairs and restorations. One of the things you can do to avoid a leak is by installing leak detection devices. These devices can alert you of a possible leak and can automatically shut off the valves too, to prevent further damage. Get in touch with a plumber if you need help installing them.

Contact Benjamin Franklin Plumbing

Do you need plumbing repair or installation? Call a plumber in Florence, SC, for assistance. We’re an established plumbing company that specializes in any plumbing repairs, installations or maintenance. We can help with residential and commercial plumbing. Just contact one of our knowledgeable staff and we’ll walk you through our process. Don’t worry, our team is fully equipped. If something else comes up during the service call, we’ll do our best to resolve the issues on the same day. Rest assured, there’s no need to contact us again for another appointment. If you’re looking for a professional who can do exceptional work, that’s us. Contact Benjamin Franklin Plumbing of Florence today for an appointment.