Tag Archive for: Household Appliances

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Solving Low Water Pressure Issues: Understanding Causes and Effective Solutions

Few things are more frustrating than turning on a faucet or stepping into the shower, only to be greeted by a weak trickle of water. Low water pressure can disrupt your daily routines and make simple tasks more time-consuming and frustrating. Fortunately, understanding the common causes of low water pressure and knowing how to address them can help restore a strong and consistent flow. In this blog post, we’ll explore the various factors that can contribute to low water pressure and provide practical solutions to resolve the issue.

Common Causes of Low Water Pressure:

  1. Clogged Pipes: Over time, mineral deposits, sediment, and debris can accumulate in pipes, restricting the flow of water. This buildup is especially common in older homes with galvanized iron pipes.
  2. Partially Closed Shut-Off Valves: Each water-using fixture in your home, such as faucets, toilets, and showers, has a shut-off valve. If these valves are not fully open, it can impede water flow and result in low water pressure.
  3. Water Leaks: Undetected leaks in your plumbing system can lead to a drop in water pressure. Leaks can occur in both visible and hidden pipes, such as those behind walls or under floors.
  4. Corrosion in Pipes: Corrosion can lead to the deterioration of pipes, reducing their internal diameter and restricting water flow. This is particularly common in older homes with metal pipes.
  5. Municipal Water Supply Issues: Sometimes, the cause of low water pressure is external to your home. Municipal water supply problems, such as water main breaks or maintenance, can impact pressure throughout your neighborhood.

Effective Solutions to Address Low Water Pressure:

  1. Check for Clogged Pipes: If you suspect that clogged pipes are causing low water pressure, consider flushing your plumbing system. This involves shutting off the main water supply, opening all faucets, and then turning the water back on to flush out any debris and sediment.
  2. Inspect Shut-Off Valves: Check all shut-off valves in your home to ensure they are fully open. If any valves are partially closed, turn them until they are fully open to allow maximum water flow.
  3. Detect and Repair Leaks: Regularly inspect your home for water leaks. Look for signs of water stains on ceilings and walls, listen for the sound of running water when no fixtures are in use, and monitor your water meter for any unusual activity. If you detect a leak, promptly repair it to restore water pressure.
  4. Address Corrosion in Pipes: If your plumbing system has metal pipes that are corroded, consider replacing them with newer materials such as copper or PEX. This can improve water flow and prevent further corrosion-related issues.
  5. Contact Your Local Water Department: If you suspect that municipal water supply issues are causing low water pressure in your area, contact your local water department for assistance. They can provide information about any ongoing problems or scheduled maintenance that might be affecting water pressure.

Conclusion: Restoring Strong Water Flow

Low water pressure can be a frustrating problem, but with the right knowledge and solutions, it can be effectively addressed. By understanding the common causes of low water pressure and taking proactive steps to resolve them, you can restore a strong and consistent flow of water in your home. Whether it’s flushing your plumbing system, inspecting shut-off valves, repairing leaks, addressing corrosion, or contacting your local water department, there are various strategies available to help you overcome low water pressure issues. By taking action to address the underlying causes, you can enjoy improved water pressure and greater convenience in your daily life. If you got any questions or need a reliable plumber, gives a call! Contact us today at (800) 259-7705!

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DIY Plumbing Repairs 101

Most homeowners will need to have some plumbing repairs done at some point. This may include fixing a leaky faucet, unclogging a drain, or replacing a toilet. While plumbers can be expensive, it’s important to know how to do some basic repairs yourself.

In this article, we will discuss some of the most common plumbing repairs that homeowners may need to have done. So if you need some plumbing repairs, it’s important to know how to do them yourself.

Here are some of the most common plumbing repairs that homeowners may need to have done:

Find Sneaky Leaks

The first step in any plumbing repair is to identify the source of the problem. If you are not sure where to begin, you should start by checking your faucets and pipes for water leaks. You can do this easily with the help of a flashlight and some basic household items, such as towels or buckets to catch leaking water.

Once you have identified the leak, turn off the water supply to stop the flow of water. This is one of the most common plumbing repairs that homeowners need to do.

If you have a leaky faucet, you may be able to fix it yourself. Here are some steps to follow:

  1. Turn off the water on the faucet.
  2. Unscrew the faucet handle and remove the valve stem.
  3. Replace the valve stem or use plumber’s tape to fix any leaks.
  4. Screw the handle back on and turn the water back on.

How can you unclog a drain?

This is another common plumbing repair that homeowners need to do. If you know how to repair a clogged drain, this can save you a lot of money in the long run.

There are a few things you can do to try to unclog it yourself. Here are some steps to follow:

  1. Pour a pot of boiling water down the drain.
  2. Use a plunger to try to unclog the drain.
  3. Use a snake to try to clear the drain.
  4. If none of these methods work, you may need to call a professional plumber to have the drain unclogged.

How can you replace a toilet?

This is another common plumbing repair that homeowners may need to do at some point. Replacing a toilet can be a difficult and expensive repair, so it’s important to know how to do it yourself. Here are some steps to follow:

  1. Turn off the water in the toilet.
  2. Flush the toilet to empty the tank.
  3. Disconnect the water supply line from the toilet.
  4. Remove the bolts that hold the toilet in place and lift it off of the floor.
  5. Clean the floor where the old toilet was, and then install the new toilet.
  6. Reconnect the water supply line and turn the water back on to test that the repair is complete.

Plumbing Repair Cost Explained

The cost of hiring a plumber can vary depending on the type of repair that needs to be done. However, it is generally more expensive to hire a plumber than to do the repairs yourself. If you are able to fix a leaky faucet, unclog a drain, or replace a toilet, you can save money.

Hiring a plumber is usually only necessary for major repairs, such as fixing a broken pipe. However, if you are not experienced in plumbing, it is always best to hire a professional. Plumbers have the tools and experience necessary to fix your plumbing problem quickly and correctly.

Conclusion

Fixing a leaky faucet, unclogging a drain, and replacing a toilet are all common plumbing repairs that homeowners may need to do at some point. While hiring a plumber can be expensive, it’s important to know how to do these repairs yourself if you’re able to. In this article, we have provided steps on how to fix them.

By following these steps, you can save yourself a lot of money and time but if you need help with any of these plumbing repairs or any major plumbing repairs, it’s important to contact a professional plumber as soon as possible.

If you need help with any type of s plumbing repairs, contact a residential plumber without delay. Contact us today at (707) 263-1629 or send us a message!

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Water Heater Service Tips You Should Know

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.

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