Your home’s plumbing system works behind the scenes to consistently keep your home safe and sanitary. Yet, there will be times when you need some help maintaining that system. Having a professional to call on that you know and trust is a good idea, even if everything seems to be operating properly today. Get to know a local provider, check out their credentials, and find out what services they offer. That way, when you need help, you have someone to call for immediate support. How can these professionals help you?

Remodeling and Updates

It is a good idea to call on a professional whenever you are planning any type of bathroom or kitchen remodeling. Even if you plan to just replace the drains and water lines there with new ones without moving them, it helps to have a professional who can inspect them, ensure they are placed properly, and ensure proper seals are in place. Otherwise, you may end up with numerous concerns (including hidden leads behind your new tile or under your countertop).

If you plan to move items, such as moving the location of your sink or adding a water line for your wet bar, it’s best to have a professional handle this. Not only does this ensure the work is done properly, but it also ensures the work is done up to the local building code.

Drain Cleaning

Another important plumbing service is drain cleaning. Your drains move a lot of debris, water, grease, and grim through them each day. As that happens, some of the material attaches to the interior lining of the pipes, and as that happens, it becomes very difficult for the drain to continue to allow water to move through because the sides are built up, and the pathway is narrowed.

Drain cleaning can help to alleviate this problem. The professionals will use it to blast through any material built up on the edges of the pipes and remove any blockages in the way. That is done through a highly pressurized stream of water. It is best to have this done every few years as a type of preventative measure or call on a team to have it done if there is any slowing of your drains right now.

Keeping Your Water Heater in Check

Your home’s water heater helps with hot showers but also with ensuring you can safely wash your hands and dishes. It should be inspected and maintained on an annual basis or more often, depending on if there are any concerns. If you notice your hot water is inconsistent or there is any type of moisture under the tank, that could mean you need to call in a plumber for repairs.

Also, note that if you have an older water heater, you may notice it is no longer as efficient as it should be. When that occurs, your energy bills increase. It may be a good time to speak to your technician about replacing it with a more efficient model or even a tankless water heater.

Filtration Systems

Consider the addition of a water filtration system for your home. A whole-home or localized filter helps remove many of the minerals and other contaminants in your water. Even if you live in an area that has a good water treatment center, there are still small components making their way through the water supply that you may be drinking.

If you are unsure if you need to install a water filtration system, ask your local plumbing service to complete a test on the water itself. This will provide you with insight into what’s really in it, allowing you to make a decision based on your specific needs.

Water Faucet and Leak Repair

Do you have a water faucet that drips often? Perhaps you have a leak that is obvious and causing damage to your home’s drywall or flooring. Other times, you may have a faucet that does not seem to operate properly, with the water not coming out as quickly as it used to. You can turn to a professional plumber for help.

They can help you with cleaning out mineral deposits that could be causing a blockage or replacing gaskets that could be causing that drip. If there are any water leaks in your home from any of the water lines or drains, this is a critical time to call a plumbing service. They will help you find where the leak is and repair it while also offering insight into how to restore the damage leaks can cause.

Sump Pumps

Many homes have a sump pump, which is a device that works to move water from around the exterior of your home to the sewer lines, preventing it from getting into your home. Sump pumps can fail over time, especially if they are not maintained as they should be over time. However, your plumber can inspect, repair, or replace them as often as needed to keep your system operating at its best.

If you notice that your sump pump is running loud or it is not turning on at all, that is a good indication that you should consider calling in a plumber. If your basement has flooded and you have a sump pump, that also means it may be time to have the system inspected for any damage or failures that may be occurring.

A Trusted Plumbing Team Is Always a Solid Investment

Find a plumber you can trust to help you maintain your home’s water lines and sewers. At Benjamin Franklin Plumbing of Florence, our team of trusted professionals is just a phone call away. If you need emergency service or repairs, reach out to us right away. We can also schedule all of the plumbing maintenance needed to keep your home operating at its best and your water moving through with ease. Give us a call today to learn how we can help you.

See our most recent blog on this topic here.

Find out our service area here.

Photo By Davizro at istock

The Worst Residential Plumbing Issues and How a Professional Plumbing Service Can Help

Modern plumbing technologies have made modern residential plumbing systems extremely reliable and durable. However, this does not mean that your plumbing system is indestructible. Even with proper use, your plumbing system can develop problems that might negatively affect its performance and put your home and family in danger. Considering the importance and sensitivity of your plumbing system, most plumbing issues you will face in your house will most likely need to be addressed urgently. Whether it is a blocked toilet or a malfunctioned water heater, failure to get it fixed on time will cause serious inconveniences. However, you should not be tempted to fix them on your own, no matter how much you enjoy solving problems on your own. Instead, you need to have a professional plumbing service provider you can call any time you have a plumbing problem in your house. But what are some of the most serious plumbing issues you might face in your house? Below is a rundown of the worst residential plumbing situations and how a professional plumbing contractor can help you tackle them.

A Burst Water Pipe

There are many issues that can cause a water pipe to burst. For instance, if there is a tree growing near a pipe, its roots might coil themselves around the pipe and crush it. Besides, if the ground is shifting for some reason, the pipes running through it might get damaged and burst. But whatever the cause might be, a burst water pipe can cause several serious problems in your house. For instance, it might effectively cut off the water supply to your home or cause a severe drop in water pressure. Besides, the water flowing through your pipes is usually under high pressure, and when a pipe bursts, it will spill a lot of water within a short time. In addition to causing flooding in your house, this might lead to higher utility bills. Therefore, when you have a burst water pipe in your home, you need to make a quick call to your plumbing service provider. Professional plumbers understand the seriousness of this problem, and they will swiftly respond to your call and ensure that issue is fixed quickly and decisively.

A Sewer Backup

The sewer is where all the wastewater from your house goes. When there is a sewer backup, the wastewater will flow back toward your home instead of going away from your house. Although you may never get to see the signs of a sewer backup, you will be alerted by its smell. However, the foul odor is not the worst effect of a sewer backup. Indeed, if the issue is not addressed promptly, it might expose your family to dangerous pathogens that could cause serious illnesses. Therefore, when you have a sewer backup, you need to ensure that the issue is fixed immediately. However, you need to remember that DIY sewer repairs may be illegal, and unless you are a professional plumbing contractor, repairing a sewer problem on your own is not something you should be tempted to try. Instead, you will need to make a quick call to your professional plumbing contractor to get the issue resolved correctly. Professionals will come with the right tools to get to the bottom of the issue without putting your sewer line at risk of getting damaged.

A Blocked Toilet

A blocked toilet is one of the most frustrating plumbing issues you can face as a homeowner. A toilet can get blocked by materials such as paper and flushable wipes. When a toilet is blocked, flushing it will not clean it as expected. Instead, the wastewater will fill up the toilet bowl and spill over to the bathroom floor. Unfortunately, this will make your bathroom unsanitary and unusable. However, you should never be tempted to unblock the toilet using sharp objects like wires. This is because you might end up damaging the toilet. Therefore, when you notice that your toilet is blocked, you should make a call to your professional plumbing service provider to get the issue addressed in a way that does not put your plumbing infrastructure at risk of getting severely damaged.

Frozen Water Pipes

In winter, temperatures can plummet, putting the water flowing through your water pipes at risk of freezing up. Unfortunately, since water seems to expand as it freezes, a frozen pipe may be at risk of cracking, Besides, frozen pipes might effectively cut off the supply of water to the various outlets. Unfortunately, waiting for the frozen water to thaw may not be an option since it might take too long. The good news is that professional plumbing contractors have effective methods they rely on to solve the problem quickly. In addition to restoring the flow of water through your pipes, professional plumbers might help you improve the insulation of your pipes to prevent the issue from reoccurring in the future.

Broken Water Heater

If you have ever taken your daily showers or tried to do your dishes with icy water, you can agree with us that the water heater is one of the most important components of your plumbing system. This appliance is always doing the hard work behind the scenes to ensure that you have an uninterrupted supply of hot water in your house. Therefore, when it breaks down, it can cause serious inconveniences in your home. Some plumbing issues might also pose serious safety hazards in your house. But whatever your water heater problem might be, you can count on a professional plumbing service provider to accurately diagnose it and ensure it is addressed properly.

The Bottom Line

If you are looking for a professional plumber to help you handle any of the above plumbing issues in your house, Benjamin Franklin Plumbing of Florence is an excellent choice. Feel free to get in touch with us today to learn more about our company and service.

See our most recent blog on this topic here.

Photo By posteriori at istock

10 Things Our Plumbing Company Can Do for You

Most people know they can call a plumber then they have a leak, clog, or broken pipe, but that’s not all that certified plumbing professionals can do. Benjamin Franklin Plumbing of Florence features a wide range of plumbing solutions that you might not realize we offer. We offer a broad range of plumbing services. If you need any of the following maintenance, repair, or installation services, you can rely on us.

Water Treatment

Whether you have hard water and need a water softener or want to filter your water for enhanced purity and taste, you can rely on our plumbing company for our professional water treatment services. Talk to us about installing a whole house water filtration system and end your use of bottled water. Let us help you find the ideal water filtration system for your household’s needs.

Drain Cleaning

Professional drain cleaning is an important plumbing maintenance task. Over time, your drains can become caked with grease and other clog-forming debris. This debris can cause bad odors, slow drains, and stubborn drain clogs. Clogs can actually damage your pipes, leaving them increasingly vulnerable to the development of leaks. Let our plumbing company clean your drains annually to help you reduce the risk of clogs and icky debris buildup in your drain system.

Gas Lines

Did you know our plumbing pros repair, replace, and maintain gas pipes? If you’re thinking of installing a new outdoor kitchen and need a gas line installed or you want us to check for gas leaks in your home, you can count on our trained plumbers for service. Leaky gas pipes are dangerous. If you notice that a gas pipe is damaged or you smell gas, it’s crucial to get professional repair service right away.

Tree Roots

Tree roots are a notorious cause of sewer line clogs. If your home experiences sewer water backing up, you likely have a sewer line clog. These clogs can be horribly messy and frustrating. Until the clog is clear, the plumbing system is completely unusable. All the drains in your home connect to the sewer line, which transports all the wastewater from your house to the city sewer system. Many of these clogs are caused because tree roots get into the drain system, growing until they cause a blockage. Let our plumbing pros clear the blockage and cut those tree roots out of your drain pipe. We also tackle sewer line repairs.

Garbage Disposals

Garbage disposals can be very convenient, but they have a reputation for breaking down. Our plumbing company features garbage disposal services. We can repair and install these appliances. Never try to fix a garbage disposal on your own or you could risk damaging it further. We have the know-how and proper tools for the job.

Pumps

Sump pumps or water pumps–we handle just about any pump at your home. If you need sump pump repair or installation, you can call us. Our plumbers can also inspect your pumps to make sure they’re working properly. It’s never fun to find out your sump pump isn’t working during a week of heavy rain. If you need to have your sump pump replaced, our plumbers can help. Improper installation can damage this unit, preventing it from working as it should.

Water Heaters

Water heaters are an important part of your home’s plumbing system. We maintain, repair, install, and replace water heaters. If you haven’t had your water heater tank flushed in a wall, you can contact us to drain and clean it. Sediment buildup in the tank can reduce the longevity of your appliance. When it comes time to replace an aging water heater, consult with us. We can help you find an energy-efficient model that meets your household’s hot water needs.

Sprinkler Systems

Is your underground sprinkler system not working? Our plumbing company handles outdoor plumbing, including sprinkler system repairs. Underground sprinkler systems can easily become damaged over time. Animals can damage parts and components can wear out. If you have a sprinkler issue, let one of our plumbing pros troubleshoot the problem and make the necessary repair.

Hot Tubs

Hot tubs offer relaxation and fun–until they stop working. Whether you have an indoor or outdoor hot tub, you can count on our plumbers to maintain and repair it. With professional service, you can support the longevity of your tub. We also maintain and install outdoor showers as well as indoor tubs and showers. If you’re thinking about renovating your bathroom or installing a hot tub near your patio, contact us for an estimate.

Emergency Service

Plumbing problems can be major, and when one occurs, you need a plumber you can call for fast service. That’s why we offer emergency plumbing services. Some plumbing problems simply can’t wait until the next business day. Gas pipe problems, sewer line backups, ruptured pipes–if you have these types of emergencies, you can call us for emergency plumbing service.

Of course, we also handle all the basics you’d expect a leading plumbing professional service offer. We perform leak detection, plumbing system inspections, pipe repair, repiping, and more. Our plumbers are certified, highly trained, experienced, and known throughout the region for their expertise. No plumbing job is too big or too small for us. We can help you maintain your plumbing system, keeping it in functioning condition from one year to the next.

Call Benjamin Franklin Plumbing of Florence if you need any plumbing services or maintenance solutions like those outlined here.

We serve customers throughout the region. Get to know our guarantees and commitment to outstanding workmanship. As a local company, we take pride in treating our customers like neighbors.

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

Photo By bgblue at istock

How to Find the Right Plumbing Service for Your Needs: A Guide for First-Timers

Are you a first-timer in Florence looking for a reliable plumbing service provider? Plumbing issues can be stressful, but finding the right service provider can ease the burden. Unfortunately, there are so many plumbers marketing themselves, and to separate the wheat from the chaff, there are things you need to consider before hiring. By thoroughly vetting a plumbing company before committing to them, you’ll help ensure that you get quality service.

Benjamin Franklin Plumbing of Florence is a licensed, insured, and bonded service provider with expert plumbers to resolve all your plumbing issues. Our expert plumbers have extensive training and knowledge to answer your questions and find the most effective solution for any plumbing problem.

How to Find the Perfect Plumbing Contractor

Consider the following when hiring a service provider:

Length of Time in Business

New start-up companies face the challenge of “Not Being in Business for long” to have the right expertise and plumbers to handle different Plumbing repairs. Although the trade might have been a good learner and apprenticed for a recognized plumber, still they’re not experienced in handling different kinds of plumbing situations. Or don’t have adequate business experience to provide excellent customer service and warranties.

Therefore, choose a plumbing company with many years of experience. The longer a plumbing contractor has been in business, the more likely they are to have encountered similar plumbing problems and developed effective solutions.

Check for Licensing and Insurance

Before engaging the services of a plumbing contractor, it’s vital to check if they’re appropriately licensed and insured. Licensing requirements vary by state and city, but you must ensure that the plumbing company you choose follows local regulations. Additionally, a reputable company should have liability insurance in case of accidents or damages to your property, as an uninsured technician can charge you if they get hurt while working at your home.

Have a Good Website

A well-designed and informative website signifies a professional and reliable business in today’s digital age. A website can offer valuable information about the company’s services, pricing, availability, and credentials. It also provides a platform for customers to leave reviews and share their experiences with others. This openness and transparency build trust and confidence with potential clients.

Check Their References

Don’t hesitate to ask plumbing companies for references from their previous customers. Contact them to get an idea of what to expect from the company. A reputable plumbing service should be able to give you several references. Moreover, friends and family are also vital resources to leverage. They can tell you about their credibility and offer in-depth details on their overall experience. However, don’t stop at just getting references; check if the company has positive reviews/ testimonials online.

Customer Service

Excellent customer service is a hallmark of a trustworthy plumbing company. Pay attention to how they communicate with you, whether they respond promptly to your queries, and if they seem genuinely interested in helping you with your plumbing needs. How they handle the initial call is how a company will most likely handle the job from beginning to end. A good plumbing contractor should be available to provide services whenever needed.

Location of the Company

A plumber’s location can play a critical role in their response time and efficient service. A far-away company may not respond quickly to urgent plumbing issues, leading to potential damage and inconvenience. Additionally, a company in a different service area may be unable to offer the same competitive pricing as a local company due to travel expenses. Therefore, choosing a plumbing company in your region is highly advisable.

Ask about Emergency Responses

Plumbing emergencies can happen anytime, and having a contractor that can respond to these situations quickly is essential. So ask about their emergency response time, availability, and policy on after-hours callouts. A reliable plumbing service with a well-coordinated emergency response plan demonstrates their commitment to customer service and satisfaction, making them an excellent choice.

Find Out What Services They Offer

In the same vein, it’s worth choosing a contractor that offers a wide range of services. For example, if you hire a plumber that only works on fixing clogged sinks today, you’ll have to start a whole new search for a plumbing contractor the next time you need your toilet repaired. A full-service plumbing company that handles all kinds of plumbing jobs, from installations to repairs and maintenance, eliminates the need for extensive searches, saving time and money.

Most contractors have a list of services that they provide. Make sure to ask for it to see how comprehensive it is. If your home has any unique plumbing problem, like very old pipes or high mineral content in your water, you should ask if they’re experienced with such unique issues.

Inquire about pricing

As no two homes are the same, no two plumbing tasks are alike. That’s why most service providers provide pricing by quote only rather than simply listing out prices. Therefore, getting as many quotes as possible is crucial since they vary widely. When evaluating the quotes, discuss what they cover and if additional charges exist. Customer reviews can also provide insight into whether a service frequently presents customers with a higher price at the end of the job.

Recap-Finding the Right Company for Your Needs

These are just a few things you should consider when selecting a plumbing service. To ensure that your home and appliances remain in good condition, you should use the services of a reliable plumbing contractor. The right plumber for you should be well-equipped to handle all your plumbing needs and offer excellent customer service and competitive pricing. Researching and asking the right questions can help you find a reliable company that meets all your requirements.

If you’re looking for a plumbing company in Florence that meets all the requirements above, call Benjamin Franklin Plumbing of Florence or visit our Website here.

See our most recent blog on this topic here.

Photo By standret at istock

Pipe Corrosion? Call Our Plumbing Service

Pipe corrosion is a serious problem for aging pipes, even for plumbing systems that have PVC, because many such systems still rely on some metal parts. Corrosion tends to look different on different materials, but it’s never something you want to see. Our plumbers are certified and experienced. They can advise you about what to do if your pipes have corrosion. In fact, customers can rely on us for all of their plumbing needs, including drain cleaning and leak detection. Benjamin Franklin Plumbing of Florence can address all of your plumbing needs.

What Is Pipe Corrosion?

Corrosion is an oxidative and electrochemical process that can occur inside and outside of pipes when they are exposed to oxidative or corrosive elements. There are different types of corrosion depending on the types of plumbing materials present. Corrosion can include pitting, uniform corrosion, galvanic corrosion, and crevice corrosion.

As you might imagine, no type of corrosion is good for your plumbing system, but as time passes, all pipe materials are conducive to corrosion. As your plumbing system ages, it can become more susceptible to corrosion.

What Causes Corrosion?

Your pipes can become corroded for various reasons. These causes include:

• Electrochemical: electrochemical causes are among the most common causes of corrosion of metal pipes. As metals lose their electrons to oxidative substances in water and air, they can develop corrosion. A well-known example of oxidation and corrosion is the Statue of Liberty. The statue was not always green; oxidation led to its discoloration.
• Minerals and Sediment: sediment can cause pitting. Although sediment flowing through your pipe may be tiny, it can still impact your pipes over the course of time. Dirt, sand, and other sediment can build up in the pipes, causing them wear and tear. These contaminants can also affect the pH of water, which can result in further corrosive effects.
• Chemical drain cleaners: using chemical drain cleaners can cause pipe corrosion, especially if used frequently or if left to sit in pipes. These drain cleaners don’t always clear the clog they’re meant to. That means that corrosive chemicals are just sitting in the pipe where they can damage its surface.
• Force of water: the powerful velocity of the water can cause wear and tear on pipes. With increased wear and tear, pipes are vulnerable to further deterioration and corrosion. Our plumbing service can help by identifying the pipes that are most at risk.

How Does Corrosion Affect Your Pipes?

Corrosion can take a negative toll on your pipes. In time, it can lead to the total failure of pipes and the overall plumbing system. Corrosion will also cause the discoloration of pipes. Although copper pipes may appear brown, green, or even blue, other materials can appear stained because of corrosion. Corrosion will cause materials to leech into the water, impacting its quality and taste. When your pipes are corroded, expect leaks that range from pinhole size to large ruptures.

Is It Possible to Prevent Pipe Corrosion?

Your plumbing system isn’t designed to last forever. However, there may be ways you can enhance its longevity, and our plumbing service can help. While you can’t avoid corrosion, you may be able to slow the inevitable process down.

• Keep pipes away from electrical wiring: improper grounding or surges can cause electrochemical reactions that lead to corrosion. To reduce this likelihood, keep wiring away from your plumbing system.
• Reduce hot water: hot water can speed up corrosion, so by reducing the temperature of your hot water, you can slow the process of corrosion down.
• Reduce the velocity of water: reduce the speed that water flows through your plumbing system. Higher velocity can damage pipes.

Treat Corrosion

If your pipes are corroded or you suspect the forces of corrosion are at work, you can rely on our plumbing service for help. There are some steps we can take to slow down the process of corrosion. Repiping isn’t always necessary, especially when corrosion is caught early. Epoxy repair may stop corrosion and prevent it from increasing for a period of time.

On the other hand, if your plumbing system’s pipes are heavily corroded and severely damaged, repiping might be the ideal solution. Your plumbing system is an asset, a crucial system of your home. Don’t entrust it to just any plumbing service. We have experience with corrosion repairs and pipe replacement. If you do opt for repiping, be sure to consult with our plumbing pros.

Treat Leaks

When corrosion becomes a serious problem, it can result in leaks. Leaks aren’t always due to corrosion. A pipe can become damaged for numerous reasons. Frozen pipes, of course, aren’t a problem in South Carolina, but they can cause pipe damage elsewhere. Clogs can also cause pipe ruptures.

It’s important to treat leaks quickly. Small leaks can develop into large ones. Pinhole leaks, often caused by corrosion, can quickly become large leaks. Let our plumbers repair them or any other leaks that present themselves. We can also advise you about leak prevention. Routine inspections and clog prevention can help you keep your plumbing system well-maintained.

If you notice any problems with your plumbing system, including signs of corrosion or leaks, be sure to contact us right away. The sooner we can attend to plumbing issues, the sooner we can prevent them from becoming worse.

Contact us to learn more about our corrosion prevention and repair solutions.

Remember that our plumbers are certified plumbing professionals. We can attend to all of your plumbing needs, from inspection to repair. We have a reputation for our expertise, friendly customer service, and fair pricing. Call Benjamin Franklin Plumbing of Florence to schedule a service appointment or to learn more about our high-quality plumbing solutions.

Be sure to see our next blog on the topic here.

Photo By Irin Fierce at Shutterstock