Common Causes for Black Specks in Water & How to Fix Them

Water is vital to any household, as it helps you take a shower and wash the dishes, among others. But if you’ve observed black specks in your home’s water, then something must have gone awry. And while you may be rushing to deal with this problem, it’s important that you first understand why it’s happening before you can effectively address the issue. This is because if you take matters into your own hands, you could actually make the problem worse than it is!

To help you out with this, we’ve prepared an article discussing the common causes for black specks in water and the best ways to fix them.

Reasons for Black Specks in Water

Before we can address the problem, we first have to get to the root of it. Here are three common reasons for black specks in water:

  1. Rubber disintegration: The black specks might originate from decaying rubber material in your plumbing. Rubber is usually found in the gaskets and washers, and they are present in many things around your house, from your faucets to hoses. While these rubber parts are quite sturdy, they tend to disintegrate over time due to wear and tear.
  2. Corroded plumbing: Another reason for black specks is corroded plumbing. Older homes are the most susceptible to this issue as plumbing gets worn down over time. The black specks may be bits of the corroded pipes flowing through your home’s water supply. This situation is then aggravated by the fact that the plumbing systems in older homes may not have been updated and are still using lead pipes. This can lead to lead contaminating the water supply, which will cause serious health issues if left unchecked.
  3. Corroded water heater: This is the obvious culprit if the black specks only appear when you’re using hot water. Now, this can either be corroded hot water lines or a corroded water heater tank. Like corroded plumbing, older properties are the most vulnerable to this issue. If your water heater tank is over 15 years old, then it’s likely that this is what’s causing the black specks in your water.

How to Get Rid of Black Specks in Water

Remedying this issue can be simple or complicated depending on the cause. If the cause for the specks is disintegrating rubber, then all you have to do is to unscrew the faucet and replace the rubber gaskets or washers.

Corroded pipes and water heaters are where things get a little tricky. In the case of corrosion, your home may need to completely overhaul your plumbing system. This is especially true if the lead has entered your water supply. Now, there is no DIY solution to this, and it would be wise to call in professional plumbers in Mendocino County, CA, to help replace corroded pipes so that you don’t make any costly mistakes!

Conclusion

Black specks in the water are a clear sign that something has gone wrong with your home’s plumbing system. This shouldn’t be ignored as it could cause potential harm to your home and the people who live in it. We hope this article proves to be helpful when it comes to remedying issues related to black specks in your water supply.

If you have black specks in your water and are in need of new plumbing installations in Mendocino County, CA, give Benjamin Franklin Plumbing a call today. Our team of experts is committed to providing you with effective, clean, and safe solutions that will help you avoid costly damage done to your pipes or the stress of putting potentially harmful chemicals into your water supply!

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Do Plumbers Install Dishwashers: Here’s What You Should Know

So, you just bought a new dishwasher, and you do not know how to install them. The first thing that comes to mind is to seek help from professional contractors, so you went and called the plumbers for help. 

Now it got you thinking: did you just call the plumbers for a dishwasher installation concern? Is it actually a concern, or should you have just tried to work on it yourself? Before you think of anything else, know that what you did is totally fine! Plumbers do help out in installing dishwashers at home—in fact, it’s best if you rely on them to do so then attempt to DIY it. 

Plumbers Install Fixtures Too

Asking for the plumber’s service is better than figuring it out by yourself. Although DIY methods would work for some, it is not something to perform when there are indoor plumbing concerns. 

Here are some of the valid reasons for calling the plumber’s help:

  1. They know the codes that should be followed in your area that you probably do not about. Most installations occurring inside the house need to follow specific safety rules and regulations that most homeowners are not familiar with. However, all home contractors know about them and strictly follow them to ensure that your house is safe at all times.
  2. Improper installation could result in much bigger problems later. For example, a dishwasher that does not work correctly could end up doing water damage. That means wasting a lot of water and letting your house suffer in the process!
  3. They could guarantee error-free performance for your dishwasher. Avoid feeling frustrated over a malfunctioning appliance. Getting the help of a professional installer from the start would mean a smoother experience for you.
  4. Avoid expensive repairs or penalties later. A correctly installed appliance from the start would not bring you any problems later. Otherwise, you might spend some more on repairing a broken dishwasher or replacing it with a new one. 

If you try to sell the house, and the home inspector discovered that your dishwasher is problematically installed, you need to perform necessary repairs too before selling the house. At the end of the day, it would still be your responsibility.

Here Is How Plumbers Work and Why They Can Help You

Plumbers do not simply put the dishwasher in place and then make it function. A lot of tests happen inside the house. First, they would check your water supply line, and then they also test the power voltage of your old washer. These steps help them determine the kind of setup that your house previously had. If they notice any connection repairs needed, they will handle that as well to remove any potential problems later. These steps also ensure the safety of your household.

They also carefully take off the old dishwasher’s connection without creating unnecessary water spills or leaks around the house. Once everything is cleared, that is the only time that they install the dishwasher to where it should be.

In short, the plumber makes sure that your electrical cables, drains, and dishwasher supply lines work well together and are properly connected to ensure the quality service of your home appliance. 

Conclusion

DIY methods exist for some work around the house, but they are not meant for everything. Make sure to rely on an expert when it involves electrical or plumbing systems. Besides a guaranteed better service, you get to avoid future headaches and expenses! The next time you have any other concerns related to water lines, do not hesitate to contact your local plumbers for help.

For your plumbing installation needs in Lakeport, CA, Benjamin Franklin Plumbing has got what you need! We are your local 24/7 emergency service provider. Whether you need bathroom or kitchen fixtures installed, our plumbing experts are always ready to help. Call us at (707)-263-1629 to book a service.  

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4 Common Toilet Problems and How to Fix Them

If you take the time to look around your home, there is likely no fixture as reliable and trustworthy as your toilet. It’s always there when you need it, and it always works as it should. That is, until one day, it just doesn’t work like it used to. Something as simple as a leak is impossible to ignore and can cause a lot of problems. If you’re not sure what’s causing the leak or how to fix a toilet, here’s a simple guide for you.

Damaged Flipper

Your toilet works by storing water in a tank, which is then released when you flush it. Whenever you flush, a little thing called a flapper serves as the door that lifts open to allow the water to flow out and into the toilet. Over time, this flapper can either warp, crack, or break, resulting in a leak. 

This can be hard to detect immediately, and plumbers even refer to it as a silent leak. However, an easy fix for a damaged flapper is to replace it with a new one. It’s relatively cheap, and you can replace it yourself with a toilet repair kit.

Cracked Supply Line

Water flows into the toilet’s tank through a cold-water supply line. When it is working properly, the line is a closed system, preventing air from seeping in and water from seeping out. As with other components, this can also crack or be damaged over time. When that happens, you’ll notice a puddle of water always forms on the floor around your toilet.

A tiny crack is fine, but if left on its own, it could cause some serious flooding in your bathroom. Switch off your water supply in the meantime while you call plumbing services for help.

Damaged Tank

As mentioned before, your toilet holds clean water inside a tank that will be used when you flush. If you start to see water on the floor around your toilet, a damaged tank could be a likely cause. 

As a temporary solution, you can apply putty or sealants on the crack or hole on the tank to stop the water from leaking out. However, it may not hold for long. Still, the best solution here is to install a new toilet. If you have a two-piece toilet, you can usually just buy a new tank rather than replacing the entire toilet.

Damaged Bowl

A damaged boil will almost always result in a leak. Since your bowl is designed to always hold water, any holes or cracks will likely drain the water directly on your bathroom floor. A crack in heavily used porcelain or ceramic ware will not be fully sealed with putty or glue. This is a serious problem as you run the risk of spilling wastewater on your floor. As a rule of thumb, any structural damage like a crack on your toilet warrants a new replacement.

Conclusion

Toilet leaks are an uncommon problem to have, but they can cause a lot of headaches to you and your family when they happen. Even if the issues are small, they can quickly add up and result in costly repairs if you just leave them be. For any plumbing-related issue, it’s always best to call your local plumber to fix it for you.

Whether it’s a leaky faucet or a cracked water line, Benjamin Franklin Plumbing is here to help. We’re just a phone call away whenever you need emergency plumbing services in Mendocino County. Our team of professional plumbing experts is reliable, skilled, and always ready to help. Call our 24/7 hotline for any plumbing emergencies.

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A Household’s Guide to P-Traps and Plumbing: What You Must Know

Many households like yours believe that plumbing is simple once you learn about the basics, like fixing a dripping faucet. However, you must know more about them. One of the most important pipes is the p-trap, the component that drains wastewater from sinks, showers, and washing machines. If you don’t know how to maintain and fix it, you can expect many problems. As such, use this article as your guide to learning more about p-traps and what every household should do to avoid inconveniences. 

How Does a P-Trap Work?

Besides draining the wastewater, your p-trap ensures freshwater can be conveniently accessed. In fact, all the harmful substances, like the fumes and gases, are eliminated because of the drain’s p-trap. This step is crucial to make certain you have safe water for your household’s intended use. Because of the importance of this component in home plumbing, it’s designed in a particular way that regulates the steady water flow. 

The P-trap’s structure is combined with two 90-degree joints with an overflow pipe fixed horizontally, giving it the P shape. One joint exits the sink’s drain, joining another through a water seal system to go through the overflow pipeline. This seamless design may seem airtight, but you have to note that the sealant weakens over time due to clogged remnants in the p-trap. Thus, it’s important to get it serviced, inspected, and replaced by a qualified plumber. 

Why Should P-Traps Be Fixed and Inspected by Experienced Plumbers? 

Without a well-functioning p-trap, you can expect water draining and flowing inconsistencies in your home plumbing system, affecting your convenient use. It can even be dangerous because exposure to wastewater may make you and your family sick. 

Additionally, the State of California plumber code recognizes the amount of technical work and attention to detail required to fix a p-trap. Hence, they require each to have an open-drain line that goes to the drain-waste-vent system to eliminate liquid and gas waste. Therefore, if you feel there’s a problem, contact emergency plumbing services in California right away. 

What Are the Common Household Issues for P-Traps? 

Besides debris-up in the sealant, take note of the following household p-trap problems to watch out for: 

  1. Dry p-traps: Your home has a dry p-trap when it loses the water seal. As a result, it allows sewer gases to re-enter your plumbing system, contaminating your water supply. 
  1. Smelly p-traps: When your p-tap accumulates plenty of gas and liquid waste, it backs up and flows into the house. It lingers in the pipelines, causing gases like nitrogen, methane, hydrogen sulfide, and carbon monoxide to affect your freshwater supply. In effect, you can end up with a disease-ridden home when you clean with your water and drink it for your daily consumption. Thus, if you smell a foul odor from your pipes, seek emergency plumbing services immediately to unclog your drain and fix the problem. 
  1. Leaking p-traps: P-trap leakage begins small then can lead to clogged drains, especially if not installed properly. Outdated plumbing can also be the main cause, so you need the help of an experienced plumber to recommend you the best solution. 

Conclusion 

P-traps are an essential part of household water systems, and you should take proper care of them. Being ignorant about them can also affect your quality of life. Fortunately, you now have a better understanding of what you need to know about them, especially during emergencies. Thus, consider getting your plumbing repaired or inspected today to prevent worse issues. 

Are you in need of professional home plumbing services in Mendocino County, California? Consult with us at Benjamin Franklin Plumbing. We are your dedicated team of licensed plumbers, providing you with reliable installations, repairs, and other solutions for your utmost convenience. If you have any emergency plumbing issues you would like to bring up, don’t hesitate to contact our 24/7 staff at 707-263-1629.

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4 Telltale Signs Your Plumbing Needs a Serious Upgrade

For most people, the plumbing system isn’t exactly a priority whenever they plan on doing a renovation project. It’s almost always about a new set of cabinets, maybe a glass shower enclosure, or new flooring, but it’s never about upgrading the plumbing. Whenever you neglect your plumbing, pipes suffer from the elements and start to corrode. Over time, leaks begin to pop up out of nowhere. Before these problems turn into a disaster, you should look for these telltale signs that you need to call plumbing services for an upgrade.

Water Discoloration

Discolored water is a serious concern, especially if you’re living in a highly urbanized area. Seeing brown or dark water means that your pipes are probably starting to corrode, leaving rust as the water runs through them. If left untreated, mineral deposits will begin to build up and clog the pipes. Eventually, those pipes will start to leak and finally burst because of all the pressure! You better call a highly qualified plumbing technician as soon as you see signs of murky, discolored water.

Dripping Faucets and Showerheads

A dripping faucet doesn’t seem that alarming at first, but it can cause some headaches and can even drive up your water bill if you don’t know how to fix a leaky faucet. Usually, taps start to leak because the washer or gasket inside has become too worn out that it’s beyond repair.

If your showerhead is leaking, the showerhead’s connection with the pipe stem is probably just loose and can be easily fixed. However, if tightening doesn’t solve the issue, then rust or degradation must be keeping it from tightening enough. When this happens, it’s probably time to replace your showerhead.

Low Water Pressure

Having low water pressure could be caused by a lot of factors. One common reason is the municipal water supply probably reduced the pressure because of repairs. But beyond that, there might be a clogged or leaking pipe that’s causing the pressure to weaken. Be wary of leaking pipes because it can cause wood to rot and encourage mold growth. The easiest fix is to first try using a drain cleaner and see if there are any changes in the water pressure. Otherwise, it’s time to call the local plumbing company.

Mold or Mildew

Undetected leaks are almost a guarantee that mold and mildew will start to grow out of the affected area. Mold concentrations typically occur in bathrooms or even in a leaky faucet near your garden shed. Wherever the leak is, you’re sure to find mold starting to grow out of it! 

Mold can be a difficult thing to address and should be handled by a professional mold remediation specialist. As for the leaky pipes, if you’re still unable to locate the source of the leak, then you should probably call a plumber before the problem gets worse.

Conclusion

These signs are perfect indicators of a plumbing system that needs a serious upgrade or even a complete replacement. Whether they’re leaking faucets or discolored water, you should find time to have the problem fixed as soon as you can. Of course, the easiest way to fix any plumbing issue is to call an experienced professional.

Benjamin Franklin Plumbing is your friendly neighborhood plumbing company ready to serve our clients in Lake and Mendocino counties. We provide emergency drain cleaning, repairs, and plumbing installation services in a quick and efficient manner. Trust our team to be punctual and professional at all times. Contact us for emergency services!

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3 Noises Your Water Heater Makes and What They Mean

Water heaters are the most overworked mechanical equipment in any household as they constantly provide heated water to all your plumbing fixtures on demand. Without one, you’ll be stuck manually heating water to maintain your home’s comfort when showering, bathing, or even washing the dishes. 

Despite the integral role a water heater plays for homeowners, it’s easy to neglect its needs and forget to give this workhorse the tender love and care it deserves. Once the water heater starts to show its weariness, it’ll start to make noises to get your attention. 

However, different sounds have their own meaning, and ensuring what you hear doesn’t get lost in translation is crucial if you want to avoid a catastrophic and costly plumbing crisis. If you ever notice your water heater producing odd sounds, the list below should clue you in on what they could possibly mean for you: 

1. Popping or Rumbling Sounds 

When you notice something “popping” inside your water heater, then it likely means there is too much limescale build-up at the bottom of the tank. This is made from hardened mineral deposits and sediment gathered at the bottom, resulting in excess gunk that traps steam bubbles underneath.

Once the bubbles burst, you’ll hear popping sounds. It may seem harmless at first, but keep in mind that letting the minerals turn into limescale can eventually take a toll on your water heater. Once the popping noises transform into loud rumbles, then it means the sediment build-up is at its limit. 

2. Sizzling or Crackling Sounds 

A water heater should only produce humming sounds, but once something starts to sizzle, then it may indicate another problem related to sediment build-up. This can clog the drain valve or trap the lower heating element underneath all the mineral residue, causing your unit to be unable to produce heated water. 

3. Screeching Sounds 

Nothing sounds scarier than a screech, and the ear-splitting noise deserves as much alarm when it’s coming from your water heater since it’s trying to say that it’s suffering from a water flow restriction. Many factors can clog the valve, but no matter the root, blocked valves can prevent water from flowing to your pipes properly. 

The Bottom Line: Decoding What Your Water Heater Is Saying by Listening to Its Noises

Your water heater may make noises to try and tell you it’s struggling, but there are specific sounds that may clue you in on the root of the problem. Keep your eyes open and tune in to your water heater’s needs – it may be asking you to call professional plumbers before the problem worsens. 

Do You Need Emergency Plumbing Services in Mendocino County, California?

If you need help fixing plumbing emergencies, it’s best to keep calm and put licensed, bonded, and insured plumbers on speed dial! Benjamin Franklin Plumbing has some of the best emergency plumbing services covering all of Lake & Mendocino Counties, so get in touch with us today at (707)-263-1629 to see how we can flush your problems down the drain round-the-clock! 

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3 Signs of When You Should Call a Plumber ASAP: Our Guide

Compared to the different parts of your home that you’ll need to deal with sooner or later, your plumbing is the system that you shouldn’t even think about trying a DIY fix on. This is especially true if you do not have the experience or knowledge to do a proper job.

While it may seem like a simple leak or an annoying drip from your faucet may seem like a minor fix, not all plumbing problems are solvable with a beginner’s hands-on solution. Even though you’ve been told that you can inspect your water meter valve, unclog your food disposal, and clean your bathroom showerhead by yourself, the truth is that there are many other problems best left in the hands of a professional.

As you continue to delve into the idea of taking care of your plumbing, you might also be wondering about when you should actually call for a plumber’s help. This brings us to today’s topic: When should you call in the services of a plumber?

Signs and instances to watch out for

Suppose you’ve heard different plumbing horror stories before. In that case, the chances are that you’re very familiar with just how much you don’t want such an issue happening, especially when it’s a problem that can be avoided. Thankfully, you can avoid giving yourself a headache and your home a bigger problem because there are a few signs that act as alarms for when it’s time to call in Benjamin Franklin Plumbing’s experts: 

Sign #1: Your water’s suddenly weak 

Often associated with most reasons for plumber’s visits, weak water supplies and streams out of nowhere shouldn’t be overlooked because they signal a bigger problem at hand. When you deal with a weakened stream of water, it’s important to seek help ASAP because this could signal the start of many other problems you want no part of:

  • Broken, cracked, or malfunctioning pipes
  • Problems in the main regulating parts of a plumbing system 
  • Potential contaminants arising from pre-existing problems that also cause weakened water supplies

Sign #2: There’s a rapid cut-off in your water supply

Not to be confused with the previous sign, a rapid cut-off of a water supply is an even greater cause for concern because it’s linked to a bigger issue that can get ugly quickly. 

Generally, a sudden drop and cut-off allude to a water line burst which—although uncommon—can cause major problems like sudden flooding at home. Once you realize that you have a burst water line, it’s important to switch your cut-off valves on and call an expert immediately because things can get disastrous when not controlled at the first moment! 

Sign #3: Your exits are beginning to smell like sewage


Whether it’s from your bathroom faucet, kitchen sink, garden hose, or shower drainage, having a smell of drainage coming out of your plumbing system’s exits is never a good sign.

Generally, sewage smells coming from various plumbing exits indicate a growing problem in your home’s pipes that boil down to filters needing replacement or broken components in a system. While a stench of a sewer isn’t necessarily something akin to a ticking time bomb, it’s important to call an expert plumber right away to solve your smelly problem before it takes over your life! 

Conclusion

Although it may seem complicated at first, knowing when to call a plumber is a critical feat of awareness that any homeowner can hone by considering the right pointers. Once you start watching out for the three signs mentioned above, you can help ensure that you won’t inadvertently aggravate any growing problems in your plumbing system throughout your lifetime! 

Benjamin Franklin Plumbing provides professional emergency plumbing services in California. If you’ve got a leaky faucet at home that won’t stop causing problems, get in touch with us today so that we can get everything sorted out!

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Spring Cleaning Your Sewer Lines: Important Reasons You Should

Spring is almost here, and you’re probably getting ready to do some spring cleaning! Besides clearing clutter from your home, you also might want to do some spring cleaning on your pipes and sewers. 

Your sewer line is a crucial aspect of your home that is responsible for wastewater removal. If it becomes blocked, wastewater will revert back to your home—and that’s nasty!

Spring is an excellent time to clean sewer lines because most people spend their time indoors. In turn, there’s a higher usage of tubs, toilets, etc. Not yet convinced? Here are the reasons sewer spring cleaning is a good idea: 

Get Rid of Food Waste and Grease

Sewer lines don’t just take care of your toilets, but they deal with everything that’s being flushed out of your home, including dishwater. If you notice your kitchen sink draining slowly or not at all, then there’s a problem. 

Unfortunately, a lot of homeowners still drain oil from cooking and other stuff down the kitchen sink, which isn’t advisable. Your kitchen sinks should not be used to pour away any types of oil and food particles because they can block the sewer from flushing out everything. Spring cleaning your sewer lines can help address this problem. 

Resolve Nasty Odors

If you notice a funky smell coming from a drain or bad odors around the outside of your house, then it’s likely you have sewer issues. As spring draws to a close, rainwater and heat from the sun can make odors smell even more. Therefore, now is the best time to have a professional plumbing company inspect your sewer lines and plumbing system. 

Address Water Coming Up

An obvious sign it’s time to clean your sewer lines is when water starts to rise out of the drains instead of flowing down. This is when the sewer line backs up into the lowest drain in your house, which means if you could flush a toilet, your tub could start flooding with water. When you notice this happening, it’s time to call a plumber. 

Get Rid of Slow Drains

When there’s a blockage in your pipes, you could experience slow drains and even hear a gurgle. This happens when there’s a slow flow of water and air tries to escape the blockage, resulting in the gurgling sound. You could even see bubbles or debris push up out of the drain. If you notice this, then it’s time for sewer lines spring cleaning! 

Conclusion

If you’re about to do some spring cleaning in your home, do your sewer pipes as well. Now is the best time to do a thorough cleaning to ensure that your home is in its best condition. Even if you don’t notice any of these issues in your home, it’s an excellent idea to have a plumber inspect your plumbing system. That way, any issues will be caught early before they turn into a huge problem. Indeed, you don’t want to deal with sewer line problems because they could turn nasty! 

Spring cleaning your sewer lines can also help resolve any of the issues listed above. So, what are you waiting for? 

Call Benjamin Franklin Plumbing for sewer cleaning services in California. We ensure your plumbing system is in good working condition by addressing plumbing problems and doing regular maintenance.

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Everything You Need to Know About Unclogging Drains

Drain clogging often happens when debris and foreign objects get stuck in drain pipes. It may also be a buildup of residue that makes a pipe impassable. Some homeowners do not always check their drains regularly; thus, the clogging worsens over time. This is when you need to get reliable drain cleaning services to solve the issue. If you wait too long, your pipes might burst, crack, leak, and result in immensely costly repairs.

Common Causes of Drain Clogging

Here are some of the typical causes of a clogged drain:

– Hair (it binds with sticky substances like )grease

– Food waste

– Soap (some traditional soaps contains fat and oil)

– Mineral buildup

– Dirt and mud

– Accumulation of toilet paper

– Small objects

– Tree roots that may cause leaks and cracks in the pipes

Some of these items can be removed using a drain cleaner available in your local hardware store. However, when a drain has been clogged for a long time, you should contact an expert who can provide the right solutions.

What to Do With Unclogged Drains?

One thing that homeowners dread is when the water in their drain does not go down. That means something might be wrong. When it comes to clogged drains, it is crucial to understand your best options.

When your drains at home are clogged, you can do the following :

1. You can use boiling water to dissolve fats and other organic matter in the sink. However, this is not applicable if you have PVC pipes.

2. Use the plunger method to remove the clog. Choose a cup-shaped plunger and check it regularly to avoid further accumulation.

3. Use baking soda and vinegar. A mixture of these two can be used as an effective way to remove clogs from the drain.

4. Have local plumbers enact regular drain maintenance to ensure that it will not result in other problems.

5. Dispose of or put left-over foods in a compost pit so that you can use them for other purposes.

There are other ways on how to unclog a drain at your home. However, it is still best to work with the experts.

Conclusion

As the adage goes: prevention is always better than cure. It is better to avoid clogging your drains than paying to fix them; it is also less expensive. It is vital to practice good habits to prevent clogged drains.

Scrape the dishes to remove food waste before washing them. Doing so will get rid of the food waste trapped in the drains. Make sure to remove hair and other debris. Practice proper garbage disposal in the kitchen, bathroom, and other areas of the house. You can also have regular maintenance of the drains by pouring hot water on them every week.

No matter how excellent your appliances are, there are still instances when your drains will clog. When you do not pay proper attention to your plumbing, this can result in bigger problems and large expenses. 

For excellent plumbing services, it is recommended to choose a company that is quick and reliable. You can rely on our competent team at Benjamin Franklin Plumbing. Call us now at (707)-263-1629!

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5 Warning Signs You Have Water Leaks at Home: Our Guide

There is nothing more alarming, inconvenient, and disruptive than having water leaks at home. The chances are that you have a leaky faucet, a dripping pipe, or a loose water heater. When confronted with these problems, you would be considering fixing them by yourself or hiring a local plumber. However, what can be even more problematic is when not everyone at home notices the water leaks. In fact, leaving these leaks unidentified and unattended for long periods can escalate into serious property damage, mold infestation, sickness, and high water bills. For this reason, it’s essential to be on the lookout for water leaks before they get worse.

In this article, we will share five warning signs that you have water leaks at home:

1. High water bills

As a responsible homeowner, you must always check your monthly water bill expenses. After months and years of staying on the property, you should already have an idea of how much the whole household is consuming water. If you suddenly notice a high water bill without any valid reason, you may be experiencing hidden water leaks. As such, be sure to monitor your water consumption and call a plumbing inspection service to get to the bottom of it!

2. Low water pressure level

There is nothing more annoying than having low water pressure levels when you want to wash the dishes or take a shower. If this is constantly happening with an unexplainable drop in water pressure, your property may already have some water leaks. In such cases, it is best to call Benjamin Franklin Plumbing’s experts to come over and have a look at your pipes. There could be a minor issue with your system, or it could be affecting other houses as well.

3. Water spots on your walls

Some warning signs you have water leaks at home are those water spots on your walls. They may come from your ceiling, run through the walls, seep into the floors, and settle in your basement. Without you knowing, your residential property might already have some internal structural damages. As soon as you see some stains on the walls, especially after heavy rainfall, be sure to have them checked for potential water leaks immediately!

4. Musty odor and foul smell

Foul odors coming from different parts of your home typically indicate a potential water leak. These smells may be caused by mold growth and infestation due to excessive moisture in the area. They may also come from your plumbing pipes that are leaking stinky wastewater. Not only will they cause some damages to your property, but they will also compromise the whole household’s health. As such, never ignore these musty smells, and you should locate the source and fix it as soon as possible.

5. Running water meters

When you want to check for potential water leaks, an excellent idea would be to check your water meter. All it takes is to shut your main water and all other water fixtures and appliances and check your water meter after two hours to see if it has changed. If it changed, you might have some water leaks at home. Be sure to track their source and call our experts to remedy the situation right away!

Conclusion

At this point, you now know the five warning signs of water leaks you must be wary of—high water bills, low water pressure level, water spots on your walls, musty smells, and running water meters. If you notice one or some of these, be sure to call the experts for plumbing inspection and repair immediately so that the leaks won’t cause major damages. Ultimately, you must protect your home and your family by keeping your property free of any water leak!

Are you wary of potential water leaks at home? Let our emergency plumbers in California assist you! We provide plumbing services from plumbing installations to plumbing repairs to water installations. Get in touch with us today to see how we can help!

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