Important Factors to Consider When Hiring a Plumber

As a homeowner, there is a good chance that you will need professional plumbing services at some point. For instance, you might need to install a new plumbing component or even repair a broken one. While some plumbing jobs may seem simple, the truth is that most plumbing problems are more complex than they seem. Therefore, no matter how much you like getting your hands dirty and solving problems yourself, you should never overlook the value of professional plumbing services. Unfortunately, if you do not have a good plumber already, finding a good one is not always easy. This is because there are very many of them who are not reliable and competent enough to be trusted with something as sensitive and valuable as your plumbing system. Therefore, when shopping for a professional plumbing contractor, you have to do your due diligence to minimize the risk of trusting an incompetent person. But what exactly should you do to identify a good plumbing service provider? Below is a rundown of the most important factors you should consider as you shop for a professional plumbing contractor.

Are They Licensed

Plumbing is a regulated trade in most places. This is usually meant to protect people and buildings against the dangers of substandard plumbing solutions. To this end, local authorities require plumbing service providers to undergo years of formal training, acquire some experience, and pass some tests before they can get licensed to offer their services legally. Therefore, although not all licensed plumbing contractors are worthy of your attention, all good plumbing contractors must be duly licensed. If you pick an unlicensed plumbing contractor, you will risk receiving substandard plumbing solutions, which might not only cause damage to your plumbing infrastructure but also put your home and family in grave danger. As such, before you can decide to trust a given plumbing contractor with your plumbing system, you must ascertain if they are duly licensed. If a given plumbing contractor is hesitant to show you their license and you have reason to believe that they may not be duly licensed, you should not risk hiring them.

Are They Insured

Some plumbing jobs can be quite dangerous, and they can put even the most experienced plumbing contractor at risk of sustaining severe physical injuries. For example, if your water heater has malfunctioned, repairing it could put your plumbing service provider at risk of sustaining severe burns or electrical injuries. Similarly, if the job involves accessing an overhead tank, it might put the plumbing contractor at risk of falling and getting seriously hurt. Unfortunately, you might risk getting held liable for such accidents if a plumbing contractor gets hurt while working in your house. Fortunately, a good plumbing contractor should protect you against such risks. They do this by getting insured. If your plumber is properly insured, you will not have to worry about the financial burden associated with the injuries they might sustain while working in your house since their insurance should cover them. Therefore, as you shop for a professional plumbing service provider, insurance is one of the most important factors to consider. If the plumbing contractor you are about to hire is uninsured, trusting them to work in your house is going to be too risky, and you should not do it.

How Experienced Are They

Plumbing is quite a technical job, and therefore, having the above-mentioned credentials does not make one a good plumber. Indeed, plumbing service providers seem to get better at their work with experience. As such, the more experienced a plumbing contractor is, the better they are likely to be at handling a wide variety of residential plumbing situations. In any case, if a plumber has been in the business for more than a few years, it will be much easier for you to find the information you need to determine if they are credible enough to be trusted with your plumbing infrastructure. On the other hand, an inexperienced plumbing contractor may not be conversant with some plumbing situations, meaning that they may fail to resolve all your plumbing issues decisively, meaning they might fail to meet your expectations. Therefore, before you can settle for a particular plumbing contractor, you must find out how experienced they are. If the plumbing service provider you are about to hire has not been in the business for more than a few years, you should avoid spending your time and money on them since they may be incompetent and unreliable.

Do They Offer Warranties

In some cases, plumbing issues can be quite complex, and therefore, you can never be sure that even a seemingly good plumbing contractor will resolve them decisively. In other words, there is a good chance that even a plumbing contractor with a solid track record may fail to meet your expectation, meaning that it might be necessary for you to spend more money on the same plumbing issues after a few days or weeks. The good news is that reliable plumbing contractors will be willing to put their own money on the line by giving you a warranty for the services offered. A warranty will give you the right to get the job redone for free should the issue at hand reoccur within a specified time. Therefore, before you can sign the papers allowing a given plumbing contractor to start working on your plumbing system, you need to find out if they are willing to offer you a warranty. If the answer is negative, you should not trust them with your plumbing system.

The Takeaway

As you can see, it is apparent that you need to be careful when shopping for a plumbing service provider to minimize the risk of settling for an unreliable person. If you are looking for a dependable residential plumbing contractor near you, Benjamin Franklin Plumbing of Florence is an excellent choice. We have been handling plumbing problems for many years, and you can trust us to handle any plumbing situation with diligence. Call us to learn more about our services.

See our most recent blog on this topic here.

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Plumber Tip: Switch to Tankless Water Heaters

How old is your water heater? Like the rest of the appliances in your home, a water heater will need to be replaced at some point. For a conventional water heater, it can last up to 10 or even 15 years when maintained properly while a tankless water heater can last 20 to 25 years. However, your water heaters will tend to become less efficient every year or when it’s not properly maintained. That means you’ll have to get a new one. Call a plumber in your area if you’re planning to replace your old water heater and our team will recommend the right one for you. We think it’s better to switch to tankless water heaters as they offer more benefits. Read this article to learn the benefits of tankless water heaters. Feel free to get in touch if you have questions.

Benefits of Tankless Water Heaters

A conventional water heater is more affordable than a tankless unit but the latter has more benefits. Below are the benefits of installing a tankless unit.

Energy Efficient

One of your goals as a homeowner is to save money on your plumbing, and you can do this by investing in energy-efficient appliances. An appliance with an Energy Star label means it passed all energy-related tests which means it will consume less energy compared to its counterparts.

A tankless water heater is called an on-demand water heater for it only uses energy when there’s a demand for water. So when you’re not turning on the faucet or the shower, that means no energy is wasted. With a tank-type water heater, you’ll need to keep them turned on or it’s going to take forever to heat the water. You never have to keep the water heater always plugged in when you go tankless, which means there’s no standby heat loss, making it one of the most energy-efficient options.

We do recommend that you get professional installation for the unit to ensure it works efficiently. Hire a licensed plumber only, preferably someone who has also installed different brands of tankless water heaters. Make sure he’s fully equipped and insured for your peace of mind.

Our team at Benjamin Franklin Plumbing can install all types of water heaters, including tankless water heaters. We’re also familiar with most brands. Rest assured, we will correctly install your unit. Also, our plumbing experts are equipped with the right tools to ensure the correct installation. We also offer 100% complete satisfaction which is good for up to two years. If we do make mistakes, our team will happily fix it for you at no additional cost.

Lasts Longer

As mentioned, a tankless water heater can last twice as long as a standard water heater. This means you can skip buying another water heater every few years or so and pay for the installation of a new unit. Just make sure you maintain the tankless water heater to ensure it lasts longer and to avoid costly repairs. Don’t worry though because a tankless water heater doesn’t require a lot of maintenance compared to the standard water heater.

If you have a tank, you’ll need to drain the water content to get rid of sediment buildup that can affect the efficiency of your unit. You need to do this at least once a year or twice when there are high levels of hard water in your plumbing or when there’s low water pressure. Failure to drain the water heater of the sediment buildup can also lead to leaks in your plumbing, and this is the last thing that you want. Additional maintenance also includes hiring a licensed plumber to inspect the heating elements of your water heater and ensure your water is still clean. You don’t have to do all this with the tankless water heater.

You Can Save Space

If you have children and other family members at home, this means you’ll have to purchase a bigger water heater tank. This means that you need to have a bigger space for this. You don’t have to worry about not having enough space because you can just install the water heater tank in the bathroom wall. That’s right, the unit is actually compact, unlike the tank, which can be really huge, depending on its size.

Peace of Mind

Some homeowners don’t want to install a huge water tank in the basement because of the problems it can cause. Imagine when the unit starts to leak water; this can damage the foundation of your home, and you may end up buying costly replacements. With a tankless water heater, you won’t have to worry about a leaky water heater tank in the basement. You do need to invest in a sump pump if you have a basement though and if you live in flood-prone areas. The sump pump can safeguard the appliances stored in the basement and protect your home from water damage. The tankless water heater, on the other hand, reduces the chances of leaks. It’s recommended, especially if you want to lessen utility bills.

Saves Money

Are you planning to save money? Because there’s no standby heat loss with the tankless water heater, this means that you get to have lower energy bills, which means more savings for you. If your top priority is to save more money, getting a tankless water heater is indeed more beneficial. You can even increase the value of your home if you’re planning to sell. Talk to us if you’re getting a new unit so we can recommend the right one for you.

Contact Benjamin Franklin Plumbing of Florence Today

If you’re looking for a plumber to install a new water heater, we recommend getting the tankless unit. It might be a little expensive compared to the standard unit, but because of the energy savings, you get to also save money in the long run.

Call Benjamin Franklin Plumbing of Florence today for an appointment so that our team can help you install your new water heater.

See our previous post on this topic here.

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Signs You Need To Call A Plumber For Faucet Aerator Cleaning

Have you ever noticed that the water from your faucet is weak or sprays in random directions? These are signs that your faucet aerator may need cleaning. The aerator is a small mesh screen at the end of your faucet that helps to add air into the water stream, which improves water flow and pressure. However, these small holes can become clogged with mineral deposits, sediment, and debris over time, causing the water to flow poorly. If you’re experiencing any of the signs below, it’s time to call a plumber to clean your aerator.

Reduced Water Pressure

Reduced water pressure is one of the primary indicators that your faucet aerator needs cleaning. If the water flow from your faucet is not as strong as it used to be, the aerator has likely accumulated mineral deposits and debris, obstructing the water flow. When this happens, the aerator will need to be descaled and cleaned thoroughly. While it may sound simple, cleaning the aerator can be difficult and time-consuming. If you are experiencing reduced water pressure, it is best to call a professional plumber to clean your faucet aerator.

Uneven Spraying

If your faucet is spraying in all directions or you notice uneven spray patterns, your aerator may require cleaning. This occurs when the mesh screen of the aerator has become clogged with minerals and debris over time, which causes the water to spray at different angles.

Uneven spraying not only affects the aesthetics of your sink, but it can also waste water and increase your overall utility bill. By simply cleaning your aerator, you can restore the balance and efficiency of your faucet. So, next time you notice uneven spraying, don’t ignore it – call a plumbing professional to clean your faucet’s aerator.

Unpleasant Taste & Odor

Have you ever noticed an unpleasant taste or odor from tap water? Before calling the water company or buying a filter, check your faucet aerator. The aerator may have become compromised due to mineral buildup and sediment, which can affect the taste and smell of your faucet water. This is why it’s important to clean your faucet’s aerator regularly. Cleaning your aerator occasionally ensures that your water stays crisp, clean, and refreshing every time you turn on the faucet.

Rusty Water

Reddish or brownish-colored water from your faucet can indicate rust or corrosion. While this may not necessarily mean that your aerator needs cleaning, rusty water can signify that mineral deposits are starting to build up in the pipes and aerator. If you notice rusty water coming from your faucet, it is best to call a plumber so they can inspect the aerator and the pipes for any mineral buildup. They can recommend the best action to clear out the deposits and get your faucet back in working condition if any is found.

Leakage Around The Faucet

Do you ever notice water leaking around your faucet and wonder what could be causing it? One potential culprit is a dirty faucet aerator. When mineral deposits and debris accumulate in the aerator, it can cause the seal to break down over time. This can lead to water leakage around your faucet, so cleaning your aerator regularly is important. To ensure that your faucet remains sealed tightly, call a plumbing professional so they can clean your aerator thoroughly and replace any worn or broken parts.

Weird Noises

A noisy faucet can indicate your aerator is clogged with debris and minerals. This can cause the water to gurgle or “sputter” when it comes out of the faucet and may even produce strange noises. If you ever hear your faucet making strange noises, call a plumbing expert to inspect and clean your faucet aerator. They will be able to assess the problem and determine what needs to be done to restore your faucet to normal operation without the weird or gurgling noises you may be experiencing.

Sediment or Debris in Water

When you turn on the faucet to get a glass of water, the last thing you expect is to find bits of sediment or debris floating around. Unfortunately, if you do, it’s a clear sign that your faucet aerator needs cleaning. The deposits and sediment can accumulate in the aerator, leading to bits of debris in your water. Call a professional plumber to clean the aerator thoroughly to ensure your faucet remains clean. This will help to keep your faucet water clear and free of debris. You might also want to consider replacing the aerator. This is because sediments and deposits may indicate that the aerator has become worn or damaged and needs to be replaced.

Visible Buildup

Another sign that your aerator needs cleaning is visible buildup. If you notice calcium deposits, limestone, or rust around the faucet, this may indicate that your aerator needs a good cleaning. When these buildups accumulate and harden around the faucet, it can affect how water flows through the aerator and make it more difficult to get a steady stream of water. Call a plumbing expert to clean the buildup to ensure your faucet remains in optimal working condition.

A clean aerator provides smooth water flow and improved water pressure. You can avoid clogged aerators and other related problems by cleaning your aerator regularly. The good news is that a plumbing expert can easily and quickly clean most aerators. Look for signs of clogged or dirty aerators, and contact a plumbing expert if you ever encounter any issues. With regular maintenance, you can ensure your faucet stays in great shape for many years to come.

Call Us Today!

Call Benjamin Franklin Plumbing of Florence today if you notice any of the abovementioned signs! Our experienced technicians can help you with all your plumbing needs and ensure that your faucet aerator is always in great condition. Call us today and let us take care of all your plumbing needs and get your faucet in top shape.

See our most recent blog on this topic here.

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Let a Plumber Help You Maintain Your Aging Plumbing System

Any plumbing system can develop a clog or leak regardless of whether it was just installed or installed 50 years ago. However, an older plumbing system tends to need more attention to ensure it functions properly. Benjamin Franklin Plumbing of Florence offers plumbing services for the region. We specialize in plumbing maintenance, repair, and related solutions. If you have an older home with an aging plumbing system, it’s important to inspect it more frequently and, ideally, to prevent problems before they occur. Let a plumbing professional from our team help you get as much longevity from your old pipes as possible. Preventative maintenance reduces plumbing system downtime and repair costs.

Professional Plumbing System Inspections

If you have an aging plumbing system, schedule an inspection with an experienced plumber. During the inspection, your plumbing pro will reacquaint you and your household with where the main water and fixture valves are located so that if a major leak develops, you can quickly shut off the water. Plumbing inspections can provide you with important information you need to know about your plumbing system.

Of course, our plumber will also be looking for signs of serious problems, such as corrosion or small leaks. With an inspection, you’ll be able to find out about your plumbing system’s condition, helping you determine what upgrades or repairs are top priorities if any are needed. Depending on the condition of your plumbing system, you may want to schedule an inspection yearly or every other year.

Check Water Quality

The quality of your water is important. Consider letting a plumbing professional check it. Corrosion of your water line can affect the taste and quality of your water. A rusty hot water heater tank can also impact your water supply. If you notice water that comes from your faucet has an orange tinge, there’s probably a corrosion or rust problem. When you know the quality of your water, you can determine if any changes need to be made to improve it.

Water Heater Checks

Speaking of water heater tanks, you should invite a plumbing professional to check yours. It’s important to have your tank cleaned and drained periodically over the course of its life. The minerals in the water, especially if you have a hard water problem, will settle in the water tank. This sediment can build up and impact your appliance’s operation. Too much sediment can actually cause your water heater to fail. With routine water heater maintenance, you can support its longevity.

Secure and Adjust Plumbing System Parts

Do you ever hear clanging noises when using your plumbing system? This is a common problem among older plumbing systems. The straps and harnesses that secure pipes to walls and ceilings can loosen or wear out. The clanging generally comes from pipes when water flows through them, causing them to vibrate and clang against walls, flooring, and ceilings.

The clanging noise might be annoying but think of it as an alert. All that clanging around can lose the seams of the pipe or damage the pipe in some way, making it vulnerable to leaks and breaks. Our plumber can secure any pipes that are clanging around. They can also check hoses and valves, tightening them to help prevent them from leaking. Simple maintenance steps like this will help you keep your plumbing system well-maintained.

Fix Leaking or Malfunctioning Faucets

Faucets can wear out much faster than other parts of your plumbing system, but many small problems can be easily repaired. For instance, if your shower head is leaking or appears to spray water, it’s possible that the problem is fixable. For instance, sediment caught in the faucet’s aerator can blog the flow of water, causing that spraying you sometimes see. Unscrewing the aerator and cleaning it often removes sediment problems. Faucet leaks can sometimes be fixed with tightening. When you let our plumbing pro examine your faucets, you can determine if repairs or a replacement is needed.

Clean Drains

Professional drain cleaning can prevent a lot of headaches for households. Although some people wait to have their drains cleaned until there’s a clog, other customers prevent clogs with periodic drain cleaning. Clogs are bad news for a couple of reasons. First, they stop you from using an essential plumbing fixture like a toilet, tub, or kitchen sink until you have the clog removed.

Secondly, clogs put a lot of pressure on pipes, and that’s definitely not something you want if your pipes are aging and already vulnerable to leaks. With periodic drain cleaning, you can ensure that any debris buildup in your drain system is sent packing before it can develop into a clog. If you’ve experienced frequent clogs, talk to a plumber from our team about our drain cleaning service.

Leak Detection

Since older homes are prone to the development of plumbing system leaks, it’s important to check for leaks frequently. During an inspection, our plumbing technician will search for signs of leaks, but you’ll want to conduct your own checks too. If you hear dripping noises or notice unexpected increases in your water bill, there may be a leak. It’s essential to fix leaks as soon as possible. They can lead to serious water damage. We can fix the leak, but sometimes pipe replacement is necessary.

The state of your plumbing system is dynamic; that is, it will change over time. An older plumbing system that begins to suffer from leaks and corrosion may need to be replaced sooner than later. For big jobs like this, you need a plumbing company you can trust. We’re known for our integrity and fair pricing, not to mention our experience and expertise.

Contact Benjamin Franklin Plumbing of Florence for a plumbing system inspection or if you experience any problems or want to schedule plumbing system maintenance.

We look forward to helping you maintain your plumbing system with our complete lineup of professional plumbing services.

Be sure to read our previous blog on the topic here.

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What Type of Water Heater Should You Install? Here Are Helpful Tips From a Plumber

Are you planning to get a water heater replacement? Read this article for tips on what type of water heater to install for your home and why you should only hire a licensed plumber in the area to ensure your unit is correctly installed. If you have questions or clarifications please don’t hesitate to get in touch with us anytime. Our team is always happy to help.

How Does a Conventional Water Heater Work

If you’re planning to install a standard water heater, you’ll need to have a bigger space for this as you will likely store a huge tank. The size depends on how many people will be using the water. The bigger your family, the bigger the water heater tank you’ll get. Otherwise, you might not have enough hot water.

When it comes to energy efficiency, the conventional water heater might not be the best because of the standard heat loss. There is a need to keep turning on the unit to keep the water hot. Otherwise, it’s going to take forever to heat the water again when you turn it off. So when it comes to saving money with your utility bills, investing in a standard water heater might not be a good idea.

Because you’re storing a huge tank, there’s also the risk of leaks. Imagine when the water heater tank suddenly breaks and there are appliances stored near the unit. You might end up buying costly replacements which will cost you even more money. You might be able to remove this risk by investing in a tankless water heater for your home.

When it comes to the service life, the tank-type water heater can last up to 10 years or perhaps 15 if you know how to properly maintain the unit. Water heater maintenance usually involves draining the water heater tank at least once a year. When you don’t drain the water heater, the sediment can accumulate inside the tank, leading to more damage. Sediment can also build up faster when there’s low water pressure in your home or you have hard water in your plumbing. This means you will have to drain the water heater more than once a year. In addition to draining the water heater tank, it’s also recommended to hire a licensed professional to carefully inspect your water heater. The plumber would need to check the unit’s heating elements to ensure they’re still working. He will also make sure the water isn’t contaminated.

Compared to the tankless water heater, the tank type is more affordable. It might be a good option if you’re planning to save money. Talk to us though so we can recommend the right option for you. And for installation, it’s a must to hire a professional for it to ensure the unit will be properly installed.

Should We Go For Tankless Water Heaters?

If your top priority is to save money on your plumbing, investing in a tankless water heater might be a good idea. The tankless unit is called an on-demand water heater which means you use energy only by using the shower or the faucet. When the tap is turned off, this means you’re also not using energy. This makes the tankless water heater the most energy-efficient. Although they cost more than the tank-type water heater, you do get to save money because you can conserve energy. You’ll get lesser bills every month and you don’t have to purchase a new water heater every 10 years because the tankless water heater can last 20 or even 25 years. It does need to be properly maintained as well but its maintenance isn’t as complex as the standard water heater.

You also don’t need to have a bigger space when you invest in the tankless water heater. That’s right, no need to have a bigger space in the basement. The tankless water heater can be installed inside the bathroom, either on the bathroom wall or stored inside a cabinet. It does still need professional installation to avoid problems associated with incorrect installation.

Additionally, you will never have to worry about not having enough hot water when you switch to the tankless unit. Just make sure you purchase the right flow rate. Don’t worry, our team can actually determine the right flow rate for your household. Let us know if you’re planning to switch so we can send a plumber over to your location.

You also lessen your chances of having to encounter leaks in the basement. In the absence of a water heater tank, there’s no need to think about major plumbing emergencies caused by your water heater tank. Just do make sure you take off your plumbing to avoid other issues such as pipe leaks or clogs.

When to Get a Water Heater Replacement

If you have an old water heater tank that’s more than 10 years old and is no longer that efficient, or when you’re planning to sell your home, we suggest you consider buying a water replacement. When uncertain, you can always talk to us so we can inspect your unit and advise you on what to do next. We might ask you to get a new one especially when your unit is no longer efficient or you keep calling a professional to get it repaired.

Switch to the tankless unit if you want an energy-efficient home. Trust us, you’ll be able to conserve more energy and save more money. Call us for the installation as well.

Call Benjamin Franklin Plumbing of Florence Today

If you’re looking for a plumber that can permanently fix plumbing problems and correctly install your water heater, call Benjamin Franklin Plumbing of Florence right away. Our team is always ready to assist. We also offer 24/7 emergency services to cater to those that need immediate service.

Get in touch with us today for an appointment.