Running Toilets… A problem that may appear at any time!

Have you been hearing your toilet making sounds and acting as a rogue toilet?

Fsssssssshhhhh!

If your toilet won’t stop filling up or it fills up recurrently without being flushed, don’t worry; there’s a big possibility the problem may be just inside your toilet tank.

Follow these steps to learn how to fix a running toilet. Even if you’re not very “handy” you may be able to fix it. The key is in having the right tools, the right parts, the ability to read, and lots of patience. In the event you feel you need help, you can contact our friendly and professional Benjamin Franklin Plumbers. 

Please follow these 6 easy steps:

1. Remove the Lid on the top of your toilet tank:

This will help you to identify the source of the problem.

To figure out which part of the toilet is leaking see the image below:

A: Handle
B: Rubber flapper: Blocks the tank water from descending into the bowl. It is connected to the toilet flush lever above.
C: Pump which refills the tank after it empties.
D: Float which raises and lowers with the water level to tell the pump when to go and stop.
E: Overflow tube, what sets the high water level in the tank.

2. Turn off the water connecting to the toilet by tightening the silver knob on the   wall behind the toilet:

http://www.apartmenttherapy.com/how-to-fix-a-running-toilet-common-causes-easy-diy-fixes-200209

             

      3.  Check the connection between the handle and the rubber flapper: 

         

    Check the connection between the flush lever and the rubber flapper it's attached to. The chain must be short but if it is extra-long, you just need to move the clip down to replace it for one shorter.

4. Check the rubber flapper:

It could be that the flapper is not seating properly. Over time, the flapper can bend or break at the hinge, and start to leak, to check this, take a close look to the flapper and check if there are any vertical lines of discoloration, if's so, and this should be replaced. To switch it out, simply disconnect the old one from the chain and attach the new one.

Sometimes you can tweak the hinge on the valve to get it to seat properly.

      

If the flapper doesn’t leak and the water still runs, inspect the stopper valve.

https://www.plumbingsupply.com/tototoiletparts-ultramax.html

      

5. Check the Overflow tube: 

If the trouble with the running toilet, pressing down the flapper doesn’t work, the cause might be the overflow tube; which drains excess water when the tank fills too high. If you see that the fill tube is under water, cut it back so that the tube clears the water level.

6. Check the Float Position:

The traditional float is a big ball at the end of a rod that controls the valve that fills the tank after a flush.  if the tank isn’t filling up as much as needed to flush properly, make sure the float isn’t leaking.  If it is, it’ll need replacing.

It may also happen, that the float is bent, the simplest way to  fix this is bending the rod connecting the float to the pump so that the float is lower and it will signal the pump to turn off sooner. If the arm won't bend, then it might be time to call Benjamin Franklin the Plumber.

http://www.apartmenttherapy.com/how-to-fix-a-running-toilet-common-causes-easy-diy-fixes-200209

Next time you hear the sound of a leaky toilet, go in the bathroom and start checking your tank and see if you can identify an easy fix, there is a good chance you can do it on our own, but just in case there is a bigger problem or simply just can’t solve on your own, it may be time to make the call to Benjamin Franklin as soon as possible.

Our experts will help you assess your best options and help you make the right choice. We offer you an in-depth review of products and repair techniques so that you can make informed decisions on your plumbing needs. Benjamin Franklin Plumbing, home to the best Treasure Coast and North Palm Beach plumbing services, is ready for any of your plumbing needs!

We hope you enjoy this complimentary #PlumbingTip from your friendly neighborhood plumber.  www.benfranklinplumber.com

Resources: 

http://www.apartmenttherapy.com/how-to-fix-a-running-toilet-common-causes-easy-diy-fixes-200209

http://www.bobvila.com/articles/how-to-fix-a-running-toilet/#.VvLfOOIrLmg

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How to Choose a Plumbing Company

Selecting the right plumbing company can take the stress and frustration out of your repair needs.

• License - Ask that they provide you with a State License number or a copy of the license.

• Check for Proof of Insurance – For your own protection, check for both workman’s compensation and general liability.

• Business Stability – Find out how long the companies been in business and how long they have been at the present location.

When looking for a reliable plumbing company, you cannot simply rely on hourly rates. While some will charge according to “time and material” other companies will charge a “flat rate”. When you get an estimate from a company, be sure to ask what will be included in the scope of work.

Make sure you have it in writing!

Remember, the company quoting a low rate may not necessarily be the right company for you. Some companies will quote low prices to secure the job and then add on additional fees at the end of the job. Make sure you are quoting apples for apples.

Most warranties will range from 90 days to one year from the average plumbing company. The better quality plumbing companies that offer annual maintenance memberships will often provide warranties from 2 – 10 years depending on the products and services selected.

Do your homework - Read customer reviews!

Research places like the Better Business Bureau, Google, YP.com, Angie’s List, Yelp or Facebook. If you are researching a large company or a franchise make sure you are looking at the local reviews. This is a good way to measure what type of service that you should expect form the local business.

We recommend you visit Benjamin Franklin Plumbing’s website www.benfranklinplumber.com and click on the button that says “Click to see our reviews”. You will be able to see what their customers are saying about the service they provide.

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Tips to conserve water

It’s not a secret that our planet is running out of water, consequently it gets more expensive by the day. Most responsible people want to keep and conserve water, but we still need to use it in our daily activities; so here are some tips that you can put in practice to conserve water and save money:

The use of chemicals:

• Don't use too many detergents, bleach or chemicals. This could kill the natural bacteria in your septic system.
• Try to use soaps and detergents that are biodegradable.

Sprinklers:

• When using sprinklers in summer time, buy a spring-loaded timer, that will avoid the excessive water loading of your grass and control it in case you forget to shut it down.

Water pressure:

• When your water pressure is over 60 pounds per square inch, it will damage your plumbing system and will also increase your consumption. If you find out that your water pressure in your street is exceeding 60 pounds, you can install a pressure reducing valve that will limit the water pressure within your home.

Water leaks:

• Check for undetected water leaks reviewing your water meter during a period of time when you are not using water, take notes of the meter reading and check it 8 to 10 hours later. If the meter has moved, it means you should correct the issue.
• The consumption of a leaky toilet in your house is more than 40% of all the usage. Call a plumber for advice, you may have to install a new toilet flapper and fill valve.
• A faucet leaking that drips once per second can actually drop more than 8 gallons per day, which adds to 3,000 gallons per year. Always check your faucet.

Showers:

• When you replace an old shower head you can save up to 7.5 gallons of water per minute without taking away full spray action at low or high water pressures. Also, don’t forget to shut off the shower when you are not using it!

There are many things you can do to conserve water, put in practice these simple actions and you will see that your water bills will reflect your efforts. 

If you need us to check your home in order to detect any situations that could be wasting water, please contact us:

Benjamin Franklin Plumbing - Contact

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Common toilet problems we've all experienced – here's how to fix them!

At any point, anybody can come across a sudden toilet problem. A lot of these problems are common and can be remedied. Here are some common toilet problems one may experience and how to fix them.

Water on floor – This may be caused by a leak. To fix this, check all connections to locate the leak. It may also be caused by a cracked tank, which means it will have to be replaced to remedy the problem. Also, water on the floor may be caused by a faulty wax ring that should be replaced. Flusher too weak - This could be a result of hard water deposits in the toilet. An easy way to fix this is with wooden sticks, but it will be more effective to use an acid wash. However, acid wash is dangerous and it should be kept away from eyes, skin, clothes, floor, and basically everything but the toilet. Also, it cannot be used if there is a septic system unless you disassemble the toilet. Toilet clogs – If a toilet is clogged, use a plunger in the bowl, making sure that there is enough water. Move the plunger up and down to remove the clog so the toilet will flush normally. Dropping bowl water level – This may be caused by a siphoning of water from the bowl due to a partial clog. To determine if this is the problem, empty the bowl of water and check if there is a clog using a flashlight and mirror. If there is no clog, there may be a crack in the bowl which can only be remedied by replacing the cracked bowl. Stuck toilet handle – This could be a result of a buildup of lime on the mounting nut. This can be fixed by simply cleaning the mounting nut with vinegar. Slow-filling toilet – A slow-filling toilet could be caused by the water supply not being properly open. To remedy this, make sure the valve is open and that all its parts are functional and clean. Toilet doesn’t flush all the way – Check to see if there is too much slack in the lift chain. If there is, lessen the slack. If this isn’t the problem, it could be a low water level in the tank or an improperly installed flapper. Check the water level to see if this is the problem. Also, make sure the flapper is properly installed if this is the problem.

Visit our website at: http://www.benfranklinplumber.com/ 

Email us at: info@benfranklinplumber.com 

Our phone numbers are listed below for your convenience:

ST. LUCIE (772) 236-6080

MARTIN (772) 214-3848

PALM BEACH (561) 316-9007

INDIAN RIVER (772) 617-0370

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Plumbing Maintenance Tips for your Home

Sometimes, you may come across some basic plumbing problems. It’s best that you’re prepared for these situations. Here are some basic plumbing maintenance tips for your home for you to keep in mind.

In general:

Make sure to watch for any water leaks.
Don’t wait to repair any problems you have. Get it done quickly.
Know how to shut off appliances.
Know where shut off valve is in case of plumbing overflows.
Know how to deal with minor problems.

For the bathroom:

Run hot water down the drain to keep it free flowing.
Use strainers to make sure that hair and soap hips don’t go down the drain.
Clean strainers often.
Don’t flush things down the toilet and instead keep a wastebasket nearby.

For the kitchen:

Be careful of what you put in the garbage disposal.
After using the garbage disposal, run water down the drain to clear waste.
Don’t pour grease down the drain.
Clean the garbage disposer by grinding ice and lemon or orange in it to remove odors.
   
For the laundry room:

Use stainless steel braided hoses instead of rubber hoses.
Check pipes for leaks.
Make sure to have a strainer on your laundry hose and drains
Use a flood alarm to warn of leaks or overflows.        


Keep these tips in mind at all times. They can help you prevent major plumbing problems or deal with minor ones. And if you ever come across a plumbing problem you can’t handle, Benjamin Franklin is always here to help you.  

Call Benjamin Franklin Plumbing for a free water heater consultation:
St Lucie          (772) 236-6080
Martin             (772) 214-38-48
Palm Beach    (561) 316-9007

Indian River    (772) 617-0370

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5 STEPS TO UNCLOG YOUR SINK

5 STEPS TO UNCLOG YOUR SINK

Do you have kitchen or bathroom sink that drains slowly or is completely stopped up? The worst part occurs when the dirty un-sanitized water with chunks of food floods your sink.  When this happens you are left with a nasty ring around the sink, and you find yourself having to clean the sink after cleaning the dishes.

I´m going to share with you 5 steps to unclog your sink.

Step 1

 Partially fill your sink with water, then star plunging vigorously work the plunger up and down several times before quickly pulling of the drain opening. Be careful when plunging, it’s easy to slip and hurt yourself. If it’s a double bowl kitchen sink, place a wet rag into one drain opening while you plunged the other one. If it’s a bath sink, stuff the rag into the over flow hole. I both cases the rag helps deliver the pressure directly to the clog.

 

Step 2

If plunging did not solve your problem. Remove the sink´s trap under the sink with a pipe wrench. The large threaded coupling on PVC plastic traps can often be unscrew by hand. Empty the water from the trap into a bucket. Then, make sure the trap is not clogged.

 

Step 3

This steps requires the use of a cable auger. You´ll need to remove the horizontal trap arm that protrudes from the stub out in the wall. Feed the cable into the stub out until you feel resistance. Pull out 18 inches of cable, then tighten the lock screw. Crank the handle in a clock wise direction and push forward at the same time to drive the cable further into the pipe. While using the auger, it’s important that you wear goggles and gloves. Be firm and careful. It’s very easy to severely injure your arm while cranking it.

Step 4

Pull out another 18 inches of cable and repeat the process until your break through the blockage. If the cable bogs down or catches on something. Turn the crank counter-clock wise and pull back on the auger. Once the cable is clear, crank and push forward again.

 

Step 5

Retrieve the cable and replace the trap arm and trap. Don’t be to forceful or you make crack the pipes if there made from PVC. Turn on the hot water faucet to see if the sinks drains properly. Debris from the busted clog sometimes settles into a lose blockage. Partially fill your sink once more with hot water and use your plunger to clear that extra debris. Follow up with more hot water those are the 5 steps to clearing a clog sink you may need to do this one a year. Once a sink a sink begins clogging the problem will usually resurface. Please do not be tempted to use those daring cleaners from the store… Many of them have harsh chemicals that eat the inside of the pipes, eventually causing leaks.

 

If you encounter any troubles when unclogging your sinks we are standing by to help. 

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4 Steps to Unclog the Toilet

4 Steps to Unclog the Toilet

Welcome to our blog, this is Ben from Benjamin Franklin Plumbing.

It’s happened to everyone… “a stopped up toilet”. It’s very easy for   a simple clog to become a very big problem; especially if that toilet overflows leaving you with a big mess and in some cases with water damages. Today, I’m going to share with you the four steps to unclog a toilet before it becomes a significant issue.

Step 1

Toilet clogs almost always occur at the top of the tight up-curving trap that’s part of the fixture. In some cases a plunger can provide enough power to clear that obstruction. When using the plunger make sure you make a tight seal on the hole in your toiled bowl. Vigorously work the plunger up and down before quickly pulling it off

 Step 2

If the plunging does not work you will need a closet auger. Place the auger end into the bowl with its bent tip aiming up. Hold the tool shaft steady as your crank and push down on the handle. You will feel the cable snake its way up into the trap. While using the auger, it’s important that you wear goggles and gloves to protect your face and hands. It’s very easy to severely injure your arm while cranking it, so be careful when using the auger.

Step 3

Continue cranking until you’ve dispensed the entire cable (about 3 feet).  Retrieve the cable by simultaneously cranking and pulling up

Step 4

Flush the toilet to clear up the drainpipe. If it’s still a little sluggish run the auger threw twice more. Once up the left side and then again on the right side. This three prone detract will clear any matter clean to the side of the traps. If you encounter any troubles when unclogging your toilet, our professional plumbers are standing by to help. They will even share with you, how to keep that toilet permanently clear. You can always count on receiving 100 percent satisfaction with Benjamin Franklin pluming. We guarantee if there is any delay, it's you we pay.

Visit our website at: http://www.benfranklinplumber.com/ or email us at: info@benfranklinplumber.com - Our phone numbers are listed below for your convenience:

ST. LUCIE (772) 236-6080 / MARTIN (772) 214-3848 / PALM BEACH (561) 316-9007 / INDIAN RIVER (772) 617-0370

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