The Benjamin Franklin Plumbing Team from Florida’s Treasure Coast is Ready for the “Fix a Leak” Week Event!

Do you know what the "Fix a Leak Week project" is? 

It’s an annual event hosted by the EPA to chase down household leaks. This project will take place March 20 through 26, 2017, and it’s the ideal opportunity to hunt down the drips inside and outside your home. Household leaks can waste more than 1 trillion gallons of water annually nationwide, so be prepare to chase those leaks at home and save valuable water and money all year long.

The main purpose of this event is to teach you and your family how to find and fix household leaks. What you can expect from this event? From WaterSense demonstrations, family fun runs to leak detection contests and insights about how to be handy around the house when addressing these issues.

There are common types of leaks found in the home, such as worn toilet flappers, dripping faucets, and other leaking valves. These types of leaks are often easily correctable, requiring only a few tools and hardware that can pay for themselves in water savings.

First, you need to determine whether you're wasting water, the next step will be identifying the source of the leak. Here are some recommendations to follow carefully to identify if your home is addressing any leaks.

• Check your water meter before and after a two-hour period when no water is being used. If the meter changes at all, you probably have a leak.

• Look at your water usage periodically, such as January or February months. If a family of four exceeds 12,000 gallons per month, there are serious leaks.

• Add some drops of food coloring in the toilet tank, if any color shows up in the bowl after 10 minutes, you have a leak.

• Examine faucet gaskets and pipe fittings for any water on the outside of the pipe to check for surface leaks.

• The Regional Water Providers Consortium has a video on detecting household leaks that you may find helpful.

Toilets 

Flappers are inexpensive rubber parts that can build up minerals or decay over time, and that is one of the most common reason toilets will leak. Replacing them can be a quick and easy fix for your water woes. To fix this leak, consult your local hardware store, or licensed plumber.

Bring the old flapper to the hardware store for comparison to make sure you buy a new flapper that fits your toilet model. You can also check the owner's manual, if you have it, or the manufacturer's website for the appropriate replacement part number for the flapper.

Faucet

Old and worn faucet washers and gaskets frequently cause leaks in faucets. Many tutorials are available online for how to fix a wide variety of faucets. Here are a couple of examples:

• The Do-It-Yourself Network has a handy reference on faucet repairs

•  YouTube has numerous video tutorials on how to fix a dripping faucet 

Showerheads

Some leaky showerheads can be fixed by making sure there is a tight connection between the showerhead and the pipe stem and by using pipe tape to secure it. Pipe tape, also called Teflon tape, is available at most hardware stores, is easy to apply, and can help tame unruly leaks. For more complicated valve leaks in showers that drip when not in use, contact an experienced handyperson or licensed plumber.

     Outdoors

     If you have an in–ground irrigation system, check it each spring before use to make sure it wasn’t damaged. Or hire an irrigation professional certified to inspect it for you. They will not only help you detect and correct leaks in the system, but also maximize its efficiency.

     Finally, check your garden hose for leaks at its connection to the spigot. If it leaks while you run your hose, replace the nylon or rubber hose washer, and ensure a tight connection to the spigot using pipe tape and a wrench.

     Have you done all that you can to try to eliminate leaks from your home but still can't nip that drip in the bud?

     If you've already determined you have leaks and you find these step-by-step solutions aren't enough to stop them, it might be time to replace your leaking fixtures. If you consult with a plumbing professional, and look for the WaterSense label when considering a new toilet, faucet, or showerhead, you could increase your home's water efficiency.

     Our professional team and our highly skilled plumbers are expertly trained and experienced to exceed your expectations. For your Treasure Coast and North Palm Beach emergency plumbing needs contact our emergency plumbers, Benjamin Franklin Plumbing. 

   We are available 24 hours, 7 days a week to solve all your plumbing issues at your convenience. you can also visit us online at: http://www.benfranklinplumber.com/wp/leakdetections   for all your plumbing needs.

ST. LUCIE (772) 236-6080

MARTIN (772) 214-3848

PALM BEACH(561) 316-9007

INDIAN RIVER (772) 617-0370

Read More

Learning how to Inspect the Plumbing at Home

When buying a new home, it is wise to have the entire structure inspected, including the plumbing before you close the deal.

You can also inspect the plumbing system yourself if you know what to look for. However never take everything at face value, especially when it comes to a major purchase like a home. 

How to do your own plumbing Inspection?

If buying a property schedule an appointment with the owner or the real estate agent that is showing the home, and come prepared. Be sure to wear clothing that you don't mind getting dirty and bring a good flashlight with you.

Don't feel pressured not to fully inspect the home many potential buyers are cautious to "ruffle any feathers", especially if they have fallen in love with the property. A reputable seller or agent will not mind you pushing your nose around (unless they have something to hide) and would naturally want to disclose the accuracy of the home's state of repair or disrepair. 

           Let's take a look at how you can inspect the home you are interested in:

Locate the Water Meter and check if the shut off valve to the home's water supply is in working properly. If the home is equipped with good water, the shut off valve will be located inside the home, usually under the kitchen sink but is often found elsewhere. When you shut the water off using the shut off valve, there should be no water coming out when you turn the taps on in the kitchen, bathrooms, or other areas.

Find out if there are any Lead Pipes in the home. Homes that were built prior to 1986 often have lead or galvanized plumbing. Lead, as you know, no matter how useful, is an environmental toxin (note the need for unleaded gasoline and paint in homes that is not lead based). If you have children, you may not want to live in a home that has lead pipes.

Determine the size of the water pipes in the home and around the home - they will help to determine the water pressure that you'll have. For water pressure to be adequate, the lines should be ¾" to one inch directly from the main water source for the home. The pipes themselves should be at least a ½" in diameter to provide adequate flow.

Inspect the home's Hot Water Heater. You will be looking to see if it is big enough to accommodate your needs (a family of four should have at least a 40 gallon tank), where it is located, and the water heater's age. Check to see if there is a buildup of mineral deposits in the tank, if possible. Mineral deposits can settle on the tank's bottom, leaving less room for water - which will mean that less water will be heated and available for use. Also, corrosion of the tank's elements can cause the tank to have a short life. If the water heater is old or you see obvious signs of corrosion, request that a new one be installed.

Make sure that the plumbing throughout the home is prepared for freezing weather by having pipes wrapped. (For cold weather zones) The vents throughout the home should be the type that can be closed off in the winter time during periods of intense cold. For homes with wells, the well should be protected in some fashion from bitter cold as well.

Determine the type of Sewage System the home has, whether waste goes to a municipal sewer system, or if there is a septic tank installed. If the home has a septic tank, find out where it is installed on the property, how much the tank holds, and where the lines to the septic tank are located.

Ideally, you want a map with the paperwork that comes with your home that shows where the Tank and all lines to the tank are located. Also, ask the owner or seller when the tank was last emptied or serviced. Look for signs of seepage around the area where the tank is located, or for standing water or noticeable odors - all of which are signs of a problem with the septic. Septic tanks can be very expensive to replace or repair - so if there is a problem, demand that it is fixed prior to closing the deal.

Inside the Home

Inside the home, check the Kitchen Faucets and bathroom faucets for leaks or drips. Check underneath sinks to check for leaking pipes. Flush the toilet in each bathroom. They should empty and then refill correctly. Turn on the shower in the room farthest from the home's water source. Check the temperature of the water and the water pressure.

While many homes come with a home warranty that will cover the various systems within the home for a specific period, you can still be out of pocket if the plumbing system is in disrepair and your home becomes damaged as a result.

If you are a bit handy and have the time to do repair work yourself, you can also use the results from your home plumbing inspection to negotiate a lower price on the home to accommodate for the supplies and labor involved in correcting any problem points.

However, we invite you to become part of The Ben Franklin Society of the Treasure Coast and North Palm Beach, as a member you receive a professional safety inspection, leak check and water heater tune-up for your plumbing system annually, breakdown-free guarantee and premier client rewards. You also get a 15% discount on repairs and replacements.

Our professional team and our highly skilled plumbers are expertly trained and experienced to exceed your expectations. For your Treasure Coast and North Palm Beach emergency plumbing needs contact our emergency plumbers, Ben Franklin Plumbing. We are available 24 hours, 7 days a week to solve all your plumbing problems at your convenience. you can also visit us online at: http://www.benfranklinplumber.com/wp/maintenance-service-plans/ for all your plumbing needs.

ST. LUCIE (772) 236-6080

MARTIN (772) 214-3848

PALM BEACH (561) 316-9007

INDIAN RIVER (772) 617-0370

Read More

Ways to Prevent a Plumbing Catastrophe during Christmas

During Christmas, everything seems to change, family reunions, hosting friends at home, meeting new neighbors, preparation of food, endless possibilities that you and your home is expose to a different routine. Based on that challenging season we considered this article very useful to help you to prevent a plumbing catastrophe, specially during Christmas time.

Its plumbing safe to try on your own, correct? Even when there are many simple DIY plumbing projects, more complex projects needs the help of an expert, because it’s a job that people spend years and years learning how to do well as plumbers. Becoming a master plumber takes 8 years, in fact. That’s as much as a doctor. So, when it comes to dealing with plumbing emergencies, prevention is the name of the game. Follow this common ways to prevent a plumbing catastrophe at home:

1. Know where your main water shutoff valve is and if it works

It is important to know where your main water shutoff valve is. If any plumbing problems arise, this will allow you to quickly stop the incoming flow of water into your house. It is also a great thing to know about if you will be doing any minor DIY work. 

2. Check plumbing fixtures

Regularly checking your toilets, tubs, sinks, valves and other fixtures will help to ensure problems aren’t being discovered the wet way. Every 2-3 months, making a lap around your house inspecting your fixtures for any damage. Check the place where the fixture meets the drain. If anything looks wrong or broken, get some professional help.

3. Freeze-proof your pipes

Even Thought winter in Florida is no that aggressive, it’s important to recognize that your plumbing also needs to be fitted for the change of the weather. On unusually cold days, cabinets containing plumbing should be left open toward the heated room, and rooms with exterior plumbing should be kept no colder than 60 degrees Fahrenheit.

4. Only use matching components

If you need to replace a connector or a pipe fitting, you should always make sure you are using matching components. Size and materials are both important. We see a lot of damage done by people connecting the wrong types of pipes in attempted DIY work. Because a break in this fixture, for instance, could leave you up a certain creek 

5. Test your sump pump

Sump pump systems keep pesky ground water from seeping into your house through the basement. Every 3-4 months, test your sump pump system by pouring enough water into the pit to trip the float and make the pump run. The pump should remove the water. If it doesn’t, make sure it’s plugged in and connected to electricity. If it properly plugged in and still doesn’t work, then call the experts.

6. Call a professional, Call Benjamin Franklin

As we mentioned there is a follow up steps that could be made in order to prevent a catastrophe, however plumbing is not really a DIY activity. Attempting to “learn by doing” with the stuff under your house and in your walls, could damage both your house and your walls. In situations where you are unsure, call a professional to have their advice.

We recommend our professional team; our highly skilled plumbers are expertly trained and experienced to exceed your expectations. Plumbing emergencies can happen at any time day or night, so you can’t afford to wait for normal business hours to call a repair technician. 

For your Treasure Coast and North Palm Beach emergency plumbing contact Ben Franklin Plumbing emergency line. We are available 24 hours, 7 days a week to solve all your plumbing problems at your convenience.

Wishing you a safe and Happy Holidays! 

EMERGENCY SERVICE: (877) 236-1776

ST. LUCIE: (772) 236-6080

MARTIN: (772) 214-3848

PALM BEACH: (561) 316-9007

INDIAN RIVER: (772) 617-0370

Read More

DID YOU KNOW THE DAY AFTER THANKSGIVING IS ALSO THE BUSIEST DAY FOR PLUMBERS?

One of the busiest day of the year for plumbers is the day after Thanksgiving, wondering why? Simple, with the preparation for Thanksgiving meal there’s a lot that can go down your drain and disposal. Small portions of food as well as the extra use of your drain and disposal among others, puts more pressure on plumbing systems. For that reason, the day after Thanksgiving we are prepared to receive tons of phone calls looking for our services. 

In some cases, trying to complete a huge plumbing project using DIY procedures can actually be very dangerous. You might be handy, and it’s possible you know your way around a faucet and a drain at home but, when it comes to plumbing problems, there are some things that are simply better left to a professional.

A recent survey by Benjamin Franklin Plumbing found that the majority of homeowners try to fix plumbing problems themselves rather than calling a certified plumber. Here is a list of simple tips you can consider during this season to avoid many plumbing issues:

• Follow a regular check out on your plumbing fixtures

Following a regular check out on your plumbing system to see is everything is working accurate will save you time and money, so go around the house and look carefully if anything of the following issues are happening: Dripping faucets, running toilet, leaky pipes, slow or clogged drains and low water pressure.

• Consider a preventative maintenance if not sure if your plumbing system is accurate 

If water drains slowly in your showers or sinks, and it’s been a while since you’ve had a plumbing inspection, now may be a good time to call a trusted plumbing professional. They can spot potential trouble areas. They can also help winterize your plumbing system for the colder weather to come. Cold temperatures can put more stress on your pipes, drains, outdoor hose bibs and water heaters

• Use substantial amount of water 

A common mistake many people make is not using enough water with the disposal. Run water for more than just a few seconds when using the disposal. The water keeps the food moving through the drain and helps flush it out.

• The trash can or compost pile is best

Fats, bones and vegetable peels can clog drains and damage the disposal. We recommended to have a handy trash where you can put them as the extra use of your disposal puts more pressure on the plumbing systems. When fats and grease cool, put them into a disposable container also and throw it in the trash. If you have a compost pile, that’s a good place for peels.  Anything that you can hold in your hand and throw it out instead, is better to keep safe the plumbing system.

Plumbing emergencies can happen at any time day or night, so you can’t afford to wait for normal business hours to call a repair technician. For your Treasure Coast and North Palm Beach emergency plumbing needs contact our emergency plumbers from Ben Franklin Plumbing at (877) 236 -1776. 

We are available 24 hours, 7 days a week to solve all your plumbing issues at your convenience, and lets the spirit of Christmas begins safe and enjoyable! 

Read More

How Water Supply Plumbing System Works at Home

Water travels under pressure through a system of pipes to your home. The water company uses a water meter to measure how much water you use. This meter is often buried in a housing with a removable lid, located in front of the house, near the street.

A shutoff valve is located on each side of the water meter; the one closest to your house will locked off all the water to your home and property. The main shutoff valve is often located on each side of the water meter. The one on the street side is the water company’s valve, the one used to shut off the system when the company wants to work on or change your meter. 

The other one controls water that flows to your house. When you turn it off your main shutoff valve will stop all water flowing through your water supply system, both indoors and outdoors.

An easy way to look for a shutoff valve in cold states may be inside the basement or crawlspace, its regularly located where the meter reader can be checked it monthly without any disturbing process. 

Do you know how to read the amount of water you spent monthly?

The water company distributes water to the meter through a large pipe called a main, which often parallels the street. The water meter measures the amount of water that flows to your house. Dials or a digital figure on the meter record how many cubic feet of water travel through the meter.

The company meter reader records the numbers each month, and the company computes the difference between last month’s and this month’s readings to calculate your bill. Reading a digital meter is easy, just like reading a car’s odometer. To read a dial-type meter, record the smallest of the two numbers near the tip of each indicator.

The Gate valve is another important part of the system, its used as the main shutoff valve, is designed to be used either completely open or closed. As you open the valve, a tapered wedge retracts from the water channel into the valve’s body, allowing water to flow. When closed, the wedge creates a seal. Other valves control the flow of water through parts of your supply system. A valve near the house may shut off all water indoors; another may control all garden water.

If you feel interested about this subject, you might also check the video The Evolution of Plumbing - Geographic History

For another concern about your Water Supply System Contact Benjamin Franklin Plumbing the experts in the Treasure Coasts and Palm City Area at (877) 236 -1776. 

Remember we are here to check and fix any water plumbing emergency you have, our full-service plumbers are ready to address all types of standard plumbing repairs such as leaky faucets, toilet repairs, sinks, showers, among others. You can also visit us at: http://www.benfranklinplumber.com/  

Read More

Understanding The Drain - Waste - Vent System at Home (DWV)

The Drain-Waste-Vent (DWV) pipes carry waste and water out of the house without gasses or tinkles.

The main piece of a DWV system is the stack, normally a pipe 3 or 4 inches in diameter that runs straight up through the roof. Water travels sliding through the stacks to the main drain line, which leads to the municipal sewage system or to a septic system. 

In older homes the main drain may be made of clay pipe or other porous material. Tree roots sometimes work their way into the main line, causing wastewater to back up into the house. If that is the case the solution is to call a company that specializes in auguring main lines. Drain stacks in older homes are often made of cast iron, which rusts through after 80 years actually the new homes instead use plastic pipe for stacks and branch drains.

Drainpipes must be leaned generally about 1/4 inch per foot, so water can run freely through them. Codes require special fittings that make sweeping, rather than abrupt, turns so waste does not get stocked in the pipes. Drainpipes often have cleanouts these are some places where a plug can be temporarily removed so the pipes can be equipped to clear a clog.ssage. Vent pipes also carry odors out of the house.

There are some other drainpipes:

• Secondary stack: A 2 or 3 inches in diameter pipe that serves a branch of the system.
• Branch Drainpipes: Smaller diameter pipes, normally 1-1/2 or 2 inches that carry water from specific fixture to a stack.

Another aspect to consider from the DWV system is the vent pipes those allow water to flow smoothly without gurgling. Normally Vent pipes extend from the drainpipes up through the roof to provide that passage. Vent pipes also carry odors out of the house.

The drainpipe for each plumbing fixture must be connected to a vent that supplies the pipe with air from the outside however in some cases the drainpipe is connected directly to a main or secondary stack pipe, which travels straight up through the roof.

Plumbing codes strictly recommend where vent pipes can connect to the stack and how far they should travel. In most cases a damp section of a pipe frequently the part that carries wastewater cannot be used as a vent, even if it is usually dry.

If your drainpipes gurgle when you run water in a sink or flush a toilet, call a professional plumber for an inspection. A vent may be stopped up and need clearing. Or the plumbing may be incorrect, and you may need a new vent line.

Never install or replace a DWV pipe without consulting a building inspector. These pipes must be installed according to precise specifications.

For more information about your DWV contact Benjamin Franklin Plumbing. The specialist’s plumber in the Treasure Coasts and Palm City Area 772-236-6080

Visit us also at http://www.benfranklinplumber.com/ to learn more about us and our services.

Read More

What to do if your Water Heater is Leaking?

A water heater leak may seem like just a minor issue, but if you don’t get this problem fixed in a short time, a water heater failure can cause a significant flood in your house. This can also lead to weighty repair bills, and cause mold to sprout, which can be hazardous to your health as well as lead to even more damage to your property.

Hot water heaters, whether gas or electric, will last you about 10 – 12 years (depending on how good you take care if it). Even so, there’s always a chance your water heater could leak.

Water heaters will typically leak from one of two places. Depending on where the leak is located, you may or may not need a new water heater.  Take a few minutes to determine where the leak is actually coming from, and you may be able to fix the leak yourself with little or no cost. 

Where to Start?

Step 1: The first thing you have to do before starting work on the water heater, is to turn off the power and the gas, and shut off the water to the heater to avoid possible shock or burns.

Step 2: When you have completed the previous steps, you have to drain the water tank. To do this, you have to let the water flow through a hose until the tank is empty. The water should run outdoors, or to a large bucket (it’s not recommended that you empty the water inside of your house).

*Caution: Remember that the water exiting the water heater will be very hot!

Step 3: Identify the leak’s location:  Sometimes the location of the leak is obvious, but a pool of water can also show up some distance from where the leak occurs.  Once you experience a leak from your water heater, there are two places where the leak may come from:

1. The drain valve also called (Temperature & Pressure Relief Valve), which is the spigot at the bottom of the tank that drains the water.

2. The water heater’s tank: The leak may even be at the top of the water heater, and simply running down through the body of the heater before escaping at a lower level. Water heaters have limited life spans; it’s possible that your tank has become corroded. 

If there is a puddle close to your water heater, condensation could be an explanation too. Condensation occurs when most of the water inside the tank is cold, so the cold tank, reacting with the warmer air inside the home, causes condensation. The water then drips off the tank and onto the floor, which gives the false appearance of a leaking tank. 

Step 4: Repairing or replacing the tank: As stated above, water heater leaks can be a serious problem, so take action quickly! 

If the leak comes from the drain valve, you have to make sure that the bottom valve is fully closed by turning the valve control clockwise. If this does not solve the problem, there could be another problem that requires a professional plumber to repair.

Replacement valves for hot water heaters are available at most hardware stores, and can be replaced using only a wrench. Turn the existing valve counter clockwise to remove it. Wrap the threads of the replacement drain valve with plumber’s tape, and then screw the new valve into the opening until it is hand tight.

If the water heater is leaking from the tank itself, you certainly have to contact a licensed plumber to replace it, because there is no way to repair a leaking tank. The inside of the tank eventually corrodes from mineral deposits and from the constant strain of heating and cooling. 

If you choose to replace your water heater yourself, you will need to properly dispose of the old unit, but either way, the best advice is to call a professional plumber. 

How to Extend the Life of Your Hot Water Heater

To avoid these kinds of problems, which can happen to all of us, the following practices can help extend the life of your hot water tank, as well as keep it operating at its maximum efficiency.

• Drain the tank yearly.

• Replace the anode rod that is inside the tank every 6 months or so.

Any time your hot water heater’s tank begins leaking, the safest thing to do is call a professional plumber who can assess the problem and determine if you need to replace your water heater. Do you live in the Treasure Coast Area?

Benjamin Franklin Plumbing of the Treasure Coast and Palm City can repair or replace your water heater, and help you choose a new one that’s right for your family’s needs.

Be sure and check out the current rebates for tankless water heaters.

Contact us here:

ST. LUCIE (772) 236-6080.

MARTIN (772) 214-3848.

PALM BEACH (561) 316-9007.

INDIAN RIVER (772) 617-0370

Read More