No one wants to think about their plumbing until there’s a problem. But by then, it’s often too late. Benjamin Franklin Plumbing offers some tips on how to keep your plumbing in top shape all year long, so you can avoid those pesky (and expensive) repairs.

1. Check your water pressure regularly

If you don’t have a water pressure gauge, you can use your sink’s sprayer to test the pressure. Turn on the faucet all the way and see how high the water pressure goes. If it exceeds 80 pounds per square inch (psi), you may have a problem. High water pressure can damage pipes and fixtures, so it’s best to have a plumber check it out.

2. Inspect your pipes for leaks and corrosion

It’s important to inspect your pipes for leaks and corrosion regularly. A little bit of corrosion can cause big problems, and a leak can quickly turn into a flood. If you notice any signs of corrosion or leaks, call a plumber right away.

3. Flush your drains regularly to prevent clogs

One of the best ways to prevent plumbing problems is to flush your drains regularly. This means pouring a pot of boiling water down your drains once a week. Not only will this help to keep your drains clear, but it will also help to disinfect them.

4. Use strainers in your sinks and showers to catch hair and other debris

One of the best ways to prevent plumbing problems is to use strainers in your sinks and showers. This will help to catch hair and other debris before it can clog your drains. It’s important to clean out your strainers regularly, so they continue to be effective.

5. Be careful what you flush

The only things that should be flushed down your toilet are human waste and toilet paper. Flushing anything else, such as feminine hygiene products, diapers, or even flushable wipes, can cause problems. These items can clog your pipes and lead to costly repairs.

6. Inspect your water heater for signs of wear and tear

Water heaters are a necessary part of every home, but they can also be a major source of problems if not properly maintained. It’s important to inspect your water heater for signs of wear and tear, such as leaks, corrosion, or even just rust. If you notice any of these problems, call a plumber right away.

7. Check the age of your water heater

The average lifespan of a water heater is about 10 years. If your water heater is approaching this age, it’s time to start thinking about replacing it. A new water heater can be a big investment, but it will save you money in the long run by avoiding costly repairs.

8. Have a plumber check your plumbing system regularly

It’s a good idea to have a plumber check your plumbing system regularly, especially if you notice any signs of wear and tear. A plumber can identify potential problems and fix them before they cause any damage. Benjamin Franklin Plumbing offers comprehensive plumbing services, so you can rest assured that your system is in good hands.

Conclusion

Prevention is key when it comes to plumbing problems, by following these simple tips, you can avoid many of the most common plumbing problems and keep your plumbing in top shape all year long. If your problem is difficult to manage, Benjamin Franklin Plumbing is always here to help – with 24/7 emergency services, we’ll be there when you need us most, and you can rest assured that we will get the job done right the first time. Call us today to schedule an appointment at (800) 259-7705 or send us a message!

The essential concept of the natural gas distribution system is that gas flows from higher to lower pressure. The pressure in a pipeline is expressed in pounds per square inch. The natural gas flows from the well into “gathering” lines, which look like branches on a tree, growing larger as they come closer to the central collecting point.

Who Is in Charge of Installing Natural Gas Lines?

Because they have the necessary training and certification, a professional plumber should install the gas line. They are careful not to use rusted pipelines, inappropriate materials, or loose fittings to avoid gas leaks. Before beginning the gas line installation, the contractor must apply for the necessary permissions based on a visual examination of your property. 

Pros of Natural Gas Lines:

1.Affordability

Pipelines assure the safety of natural gas for all areas, from major cities to rural farms. Once a pipeline is in place, transportation costs are significantly decreased compared to trains, trucks, and ships. Pipelines may also traverse obstacles more quickly than trucks or trains. They can readily cross rivers and steep terrain to get to rural regions.

2. Dependable

Natural gas will not be slowed by traffic or shipping issues; once a pipeline is operational, it will continue to flow for decades. Considering that many of the pipes in use today were built between the 1920s and 1960s, they are still in good condition.

3. More Environmental-Friendly Compared to Fossil Fuels

Natural gas consumption is increasing, which aids in the fight against climate change by decreasing carbon dioxide emissions. While gas production in the United States has increased by 37% since 1990, greenhouse gas emissions have decreased by 17%. According to the Environmental Protection Agency, natural gas is also preferable to coal since it does not emit ash or other particles. The pipelines that transport natural gas across the United States ensure that the resource reaches homes and businesses with no truck, rail, or ship emissions.

4. A More Secure Option

Gas cylinders can catch fire and rupture if not handled properly, resulting in a torrent of disasters. You may turn off your natural gas connection from a safe distance with natural gas. If you are remodeling your home, you may prevent gas leaks by shutting off the supply until the job is completed. During installation, the plumber will instruct you on managing the gas if a leak is suspected.

Cons of Natural Gas Lines:

1. Natural Gas Is an Exhaustible Resource

Although it’s a non-renewable source, it may nevertheless play an essential part in our planet’s long-term sustainability. Natural gas may be used to its advantage as a “greener” alternative to oil and coal until renewable energy dominates the global energy mix.

2. Storage

While natural gas is more straightforward to store than gasoline, its volume is four times gasoline, requiring natural gas producers to invest more in storage.

3. Natural Gas Produces Carbon Dioxide

This is by far the most significant drawback of natural gas. At the end of this piece, we’ll go through how you may offset your natural gas consumption with carbon offsets in a sustainable way.

4. Natural Gas Can Be Difficult to Use

To use natural gas, all of its components must be removed (excluding methane). This produces various byproducts, including hydrocarbons (ethane, propane, and so on), sulfur, water vapor, carbon dioxide, and even helium and nitrogen.

Conclusion

If you’re constructing a new home or considering converting to gas as your primary source of heat and appliances, you must call a plumbing firm that is skilled and experienced in the installation of gas pipes.

Benjamin Franklin Plumbing provides professional natural gas installation and other plumbing services in Ukiah, Lakeport, Clearlake, Willits, and Middletown, CA. If you’ve got a natural gas line that needs installation, maintenance, or cleaning, get in touch with us today!

Septic tanks are a significant part of plumbing systems, particularly to homes that are not connected to the sewers in Hidden Valley. Septic tanks are in charge of processing all the wastewater a household generates. When your septic system malfunctions, your sewage discharge has nowhere to go and returns to your home, untreated and unsafe.

Septic tank failure, however, is a dangerous issue to tackle. You will need to hire an expert plumber to fix the problem for you. To know when to call for help for septic tank failures in the first place, we have put together the four most common septic tank problems below:

1. A Lack of Maintenance

Your septic system works by directing all your wastewater into a septic tank. Heavy impurities separate from the water inside the tank and settle to the bottom as sludge. Oil and grease, which are light contaminants, float to the surface of the wastewater as scum. After the sludge and scum have separated, the septic tank pumps the water into the drain field. The scum and sludge remain contained within the tank, preventing contamination of the groundwater.

Some of the sludge and scum in the tank naturally decompose over time, but not all of it. You can remove built-up sludge and scum by pumping out your septic tank at least once every three years. If you don’t, the scum and sludge inside the tank will continue to build up, taking too much space or perhaps beginning to drain into the soil with the treated water.

2. Excessive Use of Water

Septic tanks have a limited capacity. They can only handle a specific amount of wastewater at any given time.

Your septic tank is built to handle a specified flow rate of water, depending on the size of your home. It should discharge wastewater at the same rate or quicker. However, it cannot do that if it has taken on a lot of water. When this happens, the tank fills up before it can be emptied. Because the sewage cannot enter the full tank, it must be disposed of elsewhere. This usually leads back to you, either through your pipes or onto your lawn.

If your septic tank cannot handle your water usage, it is most likely because it is not fit for your needs. It is also possible that outside drainage or runoff flooded the septic tank, which overloaded the system.

3. Damage or Leaks

Several factors can harm septic systems. If any of the four essential components of a septic system (the pipe connecting your home to the septic tank, the tank, the drain field, and the surrounding soil) are damaged, the system could be jeopardized. Varied types of damage have various effects on the septic system. Damage that appears small at first can often progress to something more serious over time.

Tree roots are one of the most common causes of septic system failure. Tree roots can dislocate or puncture pipelines and break into the tank itself as they grow. Even if roots do not cause direct harm to the pipe or tank, they might obstruct drain lines. 

Crushing components and compacting soil, paving, or driving on the drain field can also cause major damage to the septic system.

4. Improper Septic Tank Installation

Septic systems must be buried in a specific type of soil at a specified depth. If the drain field soil is overly wet, it will not be able to properly treat sewage before discharging it. Sewage will instead reach groundwater while it is still tainted.

Your drain field will not be able to absorb all of the sewage if there isn’t enough soil beneath the bottom of the drain field trench (vertical separation distance). Every other system component must be carefully installed. The drain line or distribution box may not work properly if it’s not level. 

In conclusion

These are just four of the most common reasons for septic tank failure. There are many more you must watch out for, which is why you need the help of an expert plumber. Just like any component in the home, your septic system needs assessment and maintenance to prevent serious problems from arising. 

If you’re concerned that your septic system wasn’t installed properly, hire a licensed plumber from Benjamin Franklin Plumbing! It is critical to be as proactive as possible to avoid septic tank failures. If your septic tank fails, however, you can trust our experts to fix them. Give us a call to hire our plumbing services in Hidden Valley, California!

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!

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.

And When to Call a Professional Plumber

Most of us would love to save money whenever we can.  When it comes to plumbing, however, it’s generally better to call in the professional; especially when you may be in over your head or you just don’t have the time.

Some of the smaller plumbing jobs, however, can be done at home without the risk of causing a massive flood.  Here are 5 plumbing tips that you can use in order to get the plumbing job done.  When it comes time, however, Benjamin Franklin Plumbing is here to serve all of your Lake and Mendocino County plumbing needs.

Know how to Keep Sewer Lines Clear of Root Issues

If you live in a house that’s over 40 years old, your sewer lines are prone to tree root damage.  As the trees mature, their roots go deeper and seek out water.  What’s the wettest area around your house?  Probably that aging pipe that is transporting all the wastewater to the city sewer!  Fortunately, there are no tools required to keep this line clean.  There are a few different brands of root killer which you can flush down the toilet.  This foaming compound enters into the pipes and grabs on to the tree roots that are creeping through the pipes.  It kills the ends, and creates a bond so the roots won’t grow back any time soon.

Why most DIY Sewer lines will require a professional plumber

Root killer is a preventative measure though.  If you haven’t been keeping those pipes clear, you will need someone to clean out the sewer pipes first so that everything can function just how it’s supposed to.

Know how to Replace a Shower Head

Tired of your old shower head?  Or do you have one that dumps out far too much water and you want something to help keep utility costs down?  Replacing a shower head is one of the simpler plumbing jobs you can do.  Using an adjustable wrench, simply unscrew the old fixture, clean the threads, wrap with plumbing tape, and screw the new fixture back on.

Why a professional plumber is a better option to replace a shower head

When you’re working with the pipes there is always the chance that you could do some damage.  Even though it’s a simple job, you may want to have a professional plumber come by to ensure it all goes smoothly.

Know how to Stop a Constantly Running Toilet

A toilet that won’t stop running is pretty annoying.  But do you know how much water you’re wasting?  Your running toilet could be draining thousands of gallons of water each month; costing you hundreds of dollars per year.  The repair is often little more than a minor adjustment on the components.

Take the back off the toilet tank.  Most running toilet problems are due to a damaged or warped flapper.  Turn the water off to the toilet, and then flush to clear the water from the tank.  Remove the old flapper and install a new one.  But what if it’s not the flapper?  If the toilet is leaking through the overflow, simply adjust the float just turn the float adjustment so that the water stops about 1 inch below the overflow tube.

Too many trips to the hardware store can save you a lot of time if you hire a professional plumber

Toilets aren’t actually as complicated as we often think they are.  But they can be overwhelming if you don’t know quite what to look for.  Combine that with multiple trips to the hardware store because there are so many different parts means a plumber can save you a lot of time when stopping a running toilet.

Know how to Turn off the Water to the House

Many houses are getting older, and so are the pipes.  Those pipes will eventually wear out and fail.  What do you do if one breaks and water is shooting into the house?  First, turn the water off!  After that, call the punctual plumber to get the problem taken care of.

Near where the water comes into the house, there will be a water meter and a water shut-off valve.  Most are a quarter turn ball valves.  When the handle is in-line with the water pipe, the water is on; when the handle is perpendicular to the water pipe, the water is off.

If you find it hard locating the main water pipe shut off you will be better off calling a plumber

Prevent as much damage as possible by killing the water to the house quickly.

Know how to Clear Out a Slow Shower Drain

One of the worst feelings in the world is to be taking a shower and the water starts to pool up around your feet.  That slow drain is generally caused by hair going down the drain and getting stuck.  The clog is worsened when soap latches onto the hair creating a big gunk of a mess.

There’s no need to rip the whole drain apart.  Instead, grab a zip it drain cleaning too and push it into the drain.  The “teeth” will slip into the drain easily, and grab the hair on the way back out.  The mess that was slowing your drain is cleared out in just a couple of minutes.  Note: not for the faint of heart!  The gunk pulled from the drain can be pretty gross.

That hairball you pull out might solve the issue… but the issue might be further down the pipes.  In order to really get things cleaned up, a plumber will have to come and “snake” out the drain.  That’s where we can help.

 

Call a Plumber if You’re Not Comfortable

These 5 DIY plumbing tips aren’t the most difficult tasks, but what if it’s a bigger project you want to take on?  Whenever you tackle a DIY plumbing project you have to keep a few things in mind.  First, do you know how to do the entire project the right way?  If not, find a plumber near you.  Second, will you be able to do the job without messing anything else?  If not, a plumber can.  Third, do you have time to tackle the project?  Most of us are busy, if you don’t have time, your local plumber will save you the headache.

Benjamin Franklin Plumbing serves Lakeport, CA and the surrounding areas.  We offer emergency plumbing services for all of Mendocino County and parts of Lake County.  Give us a call at 707-263-1629 to schedule your service.

It can be tempting to handle some of the repairs around your house on your own to help you save money. However, in the long run, this isn’t going to save you much, primarily because most people don’t have the expertise and knowledge required to complete some of the most complex repairs, let alone some of the simpler ones. This is why it’s often best to work with the professionals. A professional plumber can ultimately save you money on your water heater repairs, ensuring you have an operational water heater at all times.

Lower Your Energy Bills

One of the biggest complaints homeowners have is how much their utility bills are. Both electric and gas water heaters will come with a rating that indicates how much energy they use when they are operating at peak efficiency. Over time, these units will begin to operate less efficiently, which will cause the unit to begin using more energy than it previously did. This is why it’s important to pay close attention to your energy bills. If you begin to see your bills rise, you will need to determine which appliance is the cause. One of the best ways to do this is to call on the professionals to conduct an inspection of your water heater. They will be able to identify any problem that may exist and then resolve it quickly so you can experience lower utility bills again.

Reduce Your Water Bill

Did you realize if your hot water heater requires repairs, it could actually be wasting water? This typically happens if the water heater springs a leak. While it would seem like you would be able to easily identify the presence of a leak, sometimes the location of the issue or its severity can impact whether you will notice water pooling around your water heater. If you don’t notice a problem, you will be wasting water without giving it another thought. Professional water heater repair will ensure these leaks are handled quickly and efficiently. In addition to leaks, there are other reasons an inefficient water heater increases your water bills. Think about your habits when you use your faucets and want hot water. If you’re like most people, you have to run the water until the hot water reaches the taps. If your hot water heater is struggling, this will take longer, causing you to use more water and thus increase your bills.

Prevent Further Damage

Perhaps one of the biggest reasons to turn to the professionals for your water heater repairs is because they have the experience necessary to complete the repairs properly the first time around. Many people mistakenly think they can diagnose and correct any problems their water heater may have. After all, there are many tutorials online that show you what to do and how to do it. Unfortunately, these are often difficult to follow and things aren’t as easy as they may appear to be. If you don’t perform a repair correctly, you will ultimately do more damage to your water heater, which will require you to either hire professionals to redo your incorrect repairs or replace your water heater entirely. Completing any repairs in their earliest stages will ensure no further damage is done and you are able to continue using your current water heater without worrying about needing a replacement in the near future.

Save on Parts

It isn’t always easy to diagnose the problem when it comes to your water heater. If you misdiagnose the issue, buy the wrong parts and spend the time replacing them, only to find the problem persists, you have not only wasted your own time, but you have wasted your money and will need to pay even more to either buy the right parts or hire the professionals to make sure the problem is properly managed. Not only will you save money knowing the professionals have purchased the correct parts for the job, but in many cases, plumbers have access to discounted parts and will pass those savings along to you. This can also make for a much cheaper repair than doing it yourself, even if you do have to pay the labor costs.

Prolong Its Lifespan

In most cases, water heater repair is often significantly cheaper than replacing the entire unit. While you will need to replace it at some point in the future, hiring the professionals to repair any problems you encounter will keep you from having to pay for a replacement long before it is due. This is why it’s important to request regular inspections to identify minor problems before they become more serious issues. Unfortunately, many serious issues will require a full replacement to ensure it is properly fixed. However, if you make these repairs when they are still small, you will be able to save money by keeping your water heater operational for a longer period of time.

As a homeowner, it’s important to find as many ways as possible to reduce your regular bills and keep your budget under control. With all of the appliances in your home, it’s critical to make sure they all operate efficiently. Unfortunately, there are some homeowners who feel they can save themselves money by performing repairs on their own. However, when it comes to something as complex as your water heater, it is often best to hire the professionals to complete the work for you. Few people have the experience and knowledge to perform plumbing repairs, which means they may waste their money buying the wrong parts. Hiring professional plumbers can be a great way to reduce the risk you will waste money performing repairs that aren’t necessary, as well as reducing your energy and water bills, prolonging the lifespan of your water heater to put off replacement as long as possible and preventing further damage due to incorrect repairs. The goal is to make sure your water heater is operating as efficiently as it was designed to so you can enjoy the hot water you need on a daily basis.

Benjamin Franklin Plumbing serves Mendo Lake, CA and surrounding areas. We have technicians trained to repair, install, and tune-up water heaters of all makes and models. Give us a call at (707)-263-1629 or visit us online at Benjaminfranklinplumbingmendolake.com.

*We have 24/7 emergency services available in Lake & Mendocino Counties

Toll Free: (877)-236-1776.

Small plumbing problems can often be fixed with a bit of knowledge. However, people sometimes overestimate their abilities, and some end up performing tasks that are better left to professionals. Here are a few reasons to consider hiring a plumber if you’re in need of plumbing repairs.

Save Time

Repair work has a tendency to take more time than anticipated, and a task you predict might only take an hour or two can quickly occupy a day or more. When you hire a plumber, you can avoid wasting hours of time on a task that a professional can complete quickly. Calculate how much your time is worth compared to how much a professional charges; it’s often well worth the money spent.

Making the Problem Worse

Too often, people trying to fix a problem end up making it worse. In some situations, a problem that would take a professional minutes to fix can turn into a much larger, and more expensive, project due to damage caused by fault repair work. Hiring a professional comes with a guarantee, so consider the cost of mistakes before performing plumbing work yourself.

Hidden Damage

In addition to providing repair work, a plumber will also look for signs of damage. Leaks can wreak havoc on your home by causing mold and rot, and this damage can occur from even the smallest of leaks. Perform repair work without proper training increases the likelihood of causing this type of damage dramatically, so long-term damage needs to be considered when you perform your own plumbing repair work.

Legal Considerations

Rules vary, but most areas require that certain plumbing work only be performed by a licensed professional. In some places, even seemingly minor work must be done by a professional plumber, and failing to have the work certified can cause major issues, especially if an inspector notices the discrepancy. In some situations, agencies might even demand the work be redone by a plumber, negating the benefit of do-it-yourself work to begin with.

General-purpose repair skills are useful, and they can save money if used properly. Some tasks, including plumbing and electrical work, require expertise, and choosing to stretch your skills might lead to disastrous results. Be cautious when it comes to plumbing, as small mistakes are easy to make and costly to fix.

Benjamin Franklin Plumbing is headquartered in Lakeport, California, and we offer services throughout all of Mendocino County and parts of Lake County. We offer 24/7 repairs, and our installation services help you get new dishwashers, water heaters, and other equipment up and running quickly and safely.

The water heater is probably one of the most widely used – yet under appreciated – common household appliances. The average person will take for granted the privilege of having instantaneous hot water delivered throughout their plumbing system.

Power: Gas or Electric?

Where their power and energy come from has both pros and cons. Gas units cost more to install up-front than electric. However, within the first 1-3 years, they likely will make up the difference in cost-of-use by being less of a burden on your utility bills. Electric models are cheaper up front and better for the environment, but over time they cost more to operate.

How Do I Know My Water Heater Is Properly Functioning?

Simply put, if there is no hot water coming out of your faucet, it is likely a faulty unit – but it can be more complicated than that. Your water may seem warm, but just not hot enough. American families, on average, keep their hot water temperature somewhere between 125 and 135 degrees Fahrenheit which is very hot to the touch.

Noises are also a good indicator that it is not functioning properly. Over time, sediment can build up inside of the unit, causing it to bang, creek, clank, and knock. Another sign of strange noises can be an indication that the heating element may be burning out.

Age is also a factor. On average, these appliances are sold with a warranty of anywhere from 5 to 10 years. After this time, the manufacturer does not guarantee the product will still work. If your water heater is 5-10 years old, it may be beneficial to have an expert come out and ensure everything is still running fine. It’s better to take action before getting stuck in a cold shower while trying to get ready for work!

When In Doubt, Check The Water!

The water itself can also be a good indicator – aside from just the temperature of it – the way it looks and smells will also give you an idea of whether or not everything is functioning properly. Cloudy or murky water is a bad sign. The smell of rust or iron is also not so good. If your water looks or smells not like water should, you should have a specialist come out as soon as possible.

Whether you are looking to fix your current heater, purchase a new one, or simply get reassurance that your current one is running fine, we encourage you to contact a specialist in your area who has been professionally trained to take on any issues that may arise.

Benjamin Franklin Plumbing serves Mendo Lake, CA and surrounding areas. We have technicians trained to repair, install, and tune-up water heaters of all makes and models. Give us a call at (707)-263-1629 or visit us online at Benjaminfranklinplumbingmendolake.com.

*We have 24/7 emergency services available in Lake & Mendocino Counties

Toll Free: (877)-236-1776.

A home plumbing system has a variety of components. Each of these components has to be in peak condition in order for this system to run efficiently. Just like any other part of a home, eventually, your plumbing system will begin to show signs of wear. In some cases, worn out components can lead to plumbing emergencies. When these emergencies occur, the first thing you need to do is call in a reputable and experienced plumber. Read below to find out about some of the most common plumbing emergencies you may experience in your home.

Leaking Water Heaters Can Be Very Problematic

Getting a hot shower is something most people do to wake up in the morning. In order for you to get the hot water needed for this morning ritual, your water heater will have to function properly. As time goes by, your water heater’s tank may start to rust. If this rust makes its way through the tank, it will cause water to spill in the floors of your home. Instead of dealing with the water damage this can cause, you should call in a plumber as soon as these leaks are detected. The plumbing professional will be able to install a new water heater in a hurry.

Broken Plumbing Pipes

The plumbing pipes in a home perform a very specific and important function. If one of these pipes breaks or cracks, it can lead to an excessive amount of water being dumped into your home. The best thing you can do when experiencing plumbing pipe damage is to cut off the main water supply to your home. After this is done, you will have to call in a plumber to replace the damaged pipe.

Plumbing problems? Call us today and find out how we can help or visit our website at Benjaminfranklinplumbingmendolake.com.