First-time homeowners are often victims of botched jobs when it comes to drain cleaning. When experiencing a clogged drain, the first thing people consider is calling a plumber. Clogged drains can happen anytime, resulting in backflows that pose a health hazard.

While calling a plumber is the best course of action, the secret is finding a reliable drain cleaning service to get the job right. A botched job leaves you open to several risks, including a damaged drainage system, and in most cases, will leave you skeptical about working with other plumbers.

Below is an overview of factors you need to consider when hiring a drain cleaning professional to ensure you get the job done right.

Factors to Consider When Hiring a Drain Cleaning Company

Drain Cleaning Tools

You can gauge a drain cleaning contractor with the tools they use to apply their trade. A plumber needs to be well-equipped to ensure they provide the best service within the shortest time possible. An ill-equipped drain cleaning company is likely to experience delays which is costly if you’re paying an hourly rate.

When hiring, explain to them the nature and scope of the job and work with them to develop possible solutions. During the discussion, you can pick up key points on the tools they need and if they have them for the job. However, to cover your bases, you should ask for verification of the supplies and tools needed for the job. You need to clear the air before you commence the project.

Drain Cleaning Methodology

Understanding the techniques used in drain cleaning is not something you can learn through a thirty-minute YouTube video; one needs a significant period to learn. However, you can read on these methodologies to grasp a few concepts that can help in your discussion with the plumber. Note that not every clog or drainage issue is solved the same way. The methodology used depends on the cause, location, and extent of the blockage.

During your interview, consult prospective drain cleaning services about different methods while asking for pointers on the best options based on the job. This move will help you gauge their understanding of various methodologies raising confidence in their service delivery.

In drain cleaning, the plumber can use hydro jetting, which uses high-powered water to break down the clog and flush it down. This method is usually effective when handling build-ups such as soap, grease, and calcium. However, if the clog is difficult, they may use chemicals to break it down or a snaking tool to remove the debris or matter causing blockage. No matter the method used, it’s best to be on the same page.

Certification and Experience

The most important factor you need to consider when hiring a drain cleaning service is their certification. For a plumber to receive certification, they’re subject to a series of tests to gauge their skill set and understanding of plumbing systems. Working with a certified professional gives you access to expert knowledge that is tried and tested.

Clogs and other drain issues are not simple fixes that can be solved using a plunger hence the need to hire an experienced professional. These professionals are equipped with the tools and techniques needed to clear your drains efficiently with little to no damage to your system.

Before hiring the plumber, you should request their license and insurance details. The insurance policy helps absolve you of financial liability in case of damage to your plumbing system or work-related injuries. Working with a certified plumber also comes in handy when you file a claim with your home insurance provider.

Cleaning Costs

Cleaning costs should influence your choice of a drain cleaning service. Before weighing your options, you need to research the average cost of drain cleaning and create a budget. Using these figures, you can compare cleaning fees for different firms to find one that is within your budget range. Keep in mind that companies have different ways to charge for their services.

Aside from the flat rate on the services, you need to ask the service provider if there are additional charges they may have. Drain cleaning is unpredictable, and there is no way to know how much the entire job may cost. However, having an estimated figure beforehand will help you organize your finances with little surprises.

Drain cleaning offers a chance to learn more about managing finances. It will teach you the value of staying within your budget when handling a project, especially when thinking of future home improvement projects.

Customer Reviews

Technology has made it easy for consumers to find information on businesses; this way, one can understand who they are working with, their mode of operation, and service delivery. The same principle applies when hiring a plumber to clean your drains.

You can find various consumer websites on which businesses, such as Benjamin Franklin Plumbing of Prescott, are listed. Here, you’ll find honest opinions about their services and relationship with previous clients. Online reviews show customer experiences giving you firsthand information on the company and allowing you to make informed decisions.

Look at multiple sites, including the firm’s website, to get unbiased information on their services and customer engagement.

Availability

Plumbing issues such as clogged drainage are not issues that are postponed. Immediately you notice signs of a blockage; you need to call a plumber. Small clogs at close intervals could be an indication of something major.

When hiring a plumber to check on your drains, you need to find one who is available on call. The plumber should also guarantee that the work will be completed on time to avoid inconveniences, allowing you to resume your schedule.

A clogged drain can be uncomfortable, especially if it affects your kitchen, toilet, and bathroom areas. However, a professional plumber can help clear the blockage effectively and efficiently. It doesn’t end with hiring a plumber; you need to get the right personnel to get satisfactory results. Contact us at Benjamin Franklin Plumbing of Prescott for more on hiring a plumber and our services.

See our most recent blog on this topic here.

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What Do You Know About Leaks in Your Plumbing? A Plumber Shares Tips On Preventing Costly Emergencies

Have you ever dealt with a catastrophic plumbing leak? How much did it cost you? No homeowner wants to ever deal with a plumbing emergency because it usually means they will have to spend a fortune on repairs or replacements. In some cases, they may need additional services especially when there’s mold involved. Read this article to learn the important things about leaks and how you can prevent this costly plumbing emergency.

Why Do Leaks Occur?

Leaks can occur when you’re not mindful or careful with your plumbing. One of the main causes of leaks is high water pressure. When it’s too high, the pipes can actually become damaged, causing them to break or burst. This is why it’s important to get a water pressure regulator to regulate your home’s water pressure levels. When the water pressure is low, we recommend you contact a plumber as well for an inspection, because that indicates a leak in your plumbing. Check your water bill to see if it has gone up. When it’s unusually higher, get professional leak detection as there’s likely something wrong with your plumbing.

A small leak can also lead to catastrophic damage when there are tree roots near your plumbing pipes. Moisture or water attracts roots and a tiny leak is enough for them to cause major damage to your plumbing. If there are trees near your area, we recommend calling professionals to help you decide what to do with them.

It’s important to winterize your plumbing because the water inside your plumbing pipes can freeze when the temperature reaches below zero. When this happens, the pipes can expand and burst. The last thing you want is a burst pipe in the basement because it will cost you a lot of money to clean the area and ensure no mold growth. It will cost more when there are damaged appliances you will need to replace. And imagine when you also have important belongings there that can’t ever be replaced. You can avoid flooding in the basement by taking care of your plumbing system.

Clogs also aren’t just a nuisance, they can lead to water damage when not addressed. The pressure in the pipes (especially older pipes) can damage them and that will lead to a catastrophic leak. Chemical-based drain cleaners are also bad news; you need to avoid them like the plague. You can get rid of a major clog through a professional drain cleaning service. Call us so we can assess the condition of your pipes using a drain camera and recommend the best solution.

If you have a water heater tank, make sure the sediment buildup is removed or it can also cause problems with your water heater including leaks. Drain the water heater for at least a month to get rid of the sediment buildup or call a plumber so he can help you flush the water heater.

Other issues that contribute to leaks in your plumbing include carelessness, neglect and postponing repairs. If you suspect problems with your plumbing, we recommend calling professionals immediately to ensure the issue is taken care of and your plumbing is in excellent shape.

How Can Homeowners Prevent Plumbing Leaks

As mentioned, it’s important for homeowners to be mindful of their plumbing systems. If there are problems, never postpone repairs. You’ll be able to avoid further damage to your plumbing when you get help right away.

If you don’t have a leak detection device yet, we recommend installing them in your home and placing them near your water heater and other major plumbing appliances. Don’t forget to connect them to your phone to ensure you’re getting alerts when there’s a possible leak in your plumbing or when there are inconsistencies with your plumbing systems. It’s also better to have shut-off valves nearby to make it easier to turn off the water in case there are leaks in your plumbing.

Do you own a basement? It’s a must to install a sump pump to prevent flooding in the basement. However, make sure the pump works by pouring water into the sump pit and checking if the device does work. Just watch it drain the water from the sum pit. If it doesn’t, call a professional for assistance.

Learn how to take care of your plumbing appliances to prevent leaks and other plumbing repairs that might cost a fortune. You can also consider switching to tankless water heaters to reduce the chances of leaks in the basement. The tankless water heater offers a lot of benefits including more savings and more space. It also lasts longer than the tank-type water heater and requires less maintenance. For installation though, hire a licensed plumber only to avoid problems associated with the incorrect installation of your unit.

Additionally, it’s important to get regular plumbing inspections so that any problem is identified. Inspections also ensure your plumbing is in excellent shape. However, do make sure you only hire the most qualified professional to get assurance of a job well done.

Most importantly, hire licensed professionals for major installations and repairs. You can’t afford to hire your DIY neighbor enthusiasts or do repairs or installations on your own. You might end up damaging your appliance or losing a service warranty. Call us if you need help and we’ll be there quickly.

Contact Benjamin Franklin Plumbing of Prescott Today

Do you need a plumber for your home or business? We are always ready to provide assistance, especially during emergencies. Our plumbing experts can assist with any plumbing issue, big or small. We can help with professional leak detection, drain cleaning, installing major appliances and taking care of repairs.

If you’re looking for the most qualified professional, call Benjamin Franklin Plumbing of Prescott today for an appointment.

See our previous blog on this topic here.

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Worried About Your Plumbing? Read These Helpful Tips From A Plumber

It’s normal to be worried about your plumbing because of the costs associated with repairs and replacements. You’ll have peace of mind if you know how to take better care of your system though. Read these helpful tips from a plumber on how to maintain the efficiency of your plumbing system and avoid expensive repairs. Contact Benjamin Franklin Plumbing of Prescott if you have questions or need help with repairs.

How to Take Better Care of Your Plumbing

The tips below can help you save money on your plumbing and avoid costly repairs. Follow the suggested tips or contact us if you have clarifications or questions:

1. Get Routine Plumbing Inspections

When was the last time you had your plumbing checked by a licensed professional? You need regular plumbing inspections to ensure your plumbing system is in excellent shape. During the appointment, the plumber would thoroughly inspect your plumbing appliances and fixtures to check for any problems that might lead to a costly repair in the future. He will make sure all issues are resolved and your plumbing system is in top shape.

Routine plumbing maintenance will give you peace of mind. With an efficient plumbing system, you don’t have to worry about leaks or other problems that will cost money.

2. Hire a Licensed Professional for Major Plumbing Installations

If you’re planning to install new plumbing appliances, please make sure you hire a licensed professional only for installation. Avoid DIY plumbing as you might damage your own appliance. Try not to hire someone unqualified as well or you could lose your manufacturer warranty. It’s always better to get a professional installation to ensure the appliance is properly installed. You can avoid costly repairs or problems associated with incorrect installation by hiring the most qualified professional to get the job done.

3. Protect Exposed Plumbing

Plumbing pipes and any outdoor plumbing must be properly insulated during winter. Without proper insulation, the water inside the plumbing pipes can actually freeze. This can lead to the pipes expanding and bursting. The only way to prevent this is by insulating the plumbing pipes properly. Make sure to also include outdoor faucets. If you’re unable to use your water during winter, this usually means it’s frozen. Call a professional immediately to help you thaw the pipes or they can burst and you’ll have to deal with a major plumbing emergency that might cost a fortune in repairs. Don’t worry, we’re just here to help. Do get in touch with us immediately so we can assist.

4. Never Use Chemical-Based Drain Cleaners

Some homeowners prefer to use shortcut methods like using heavily advertised chemical-based drain cleaners to get rid of a clog. Please avoid using this because they are bad news for your pipes. Over time, these types of cleaners can damage the pipes and cause leaks. You also need to be careful when storing them at home especially when there are children or pets in the household. Should you decide to really use them, do make sure to strictly follow the instructions on the label and never mix them with other chemicals. Also, make sure you store them away from children and household pets.

A good alternative to chemical-based drain cleaners is vinegar and baking soda solution. You can also call a plumbing expert for professional drain cleaning. We recommend you do the latter to ensure your drains are cleaned thoroughly.

5. Invest in Leak Detection Devices

An effective way to avoid leaks in your plumbing is to install a leak detection device. It’s a safety device that can alert you when it detects a possible leak in your plumbing or when it senses unusual activities in your plumbing like fluctuating temperatures. Every home should have a leak detection device connected to the owner’s phone to ensure they get alerts even when they are away from home. To a professional to know more about leak detection devices and what type of device to install for your home.

6. Protect the Water Heater

If you have a water heater, we recommend maintaining them properly. For those with a tank-type water heater, make sure you drain your unit once or twice a year to get rid of the sediment that can build up in the tank. You need to get rid of this buildup to avoid leaks and other issues with your water heater. Proper water heater maintenance doesn’t just avoid costly repairs but it can also extend the life of your unit. Additionally, we recommend hiring a plumbing expert to professionally inspect your unit and check its heating elements. You need regular inspections as well to ensure you have clean water at home.

7. Install a Sump Pump

Do you have a basement? If you do have one, consider installing a sump pump to safeguard your basement and the appliances stored there. The sump pump is another safety device that prevents costly plumbing emergencies. Make sure you install one for your home.

Get in Touch with Benjamin Franklin Plumbing of Prescott Today

Do you need a plumber to repair a plumbing appliance or fixture? Or perhaps you need help installing a major appliance? Trust that you can always depend on us when it comes to anything related to your home’s plumbing. Benjamin Franklin Plumbing of Prescott provides both residential and commercial plumbing services in the area. Our top priority is to ensure all customers are happy with our services and we can achieve this by providing excellent service at every appointment. Rest assured our team will work hard to resolve your issue permanently and on the same day. We also offer 24/7 emergency service to cater to those that require immediate assistance.

If you need a plumber now, call us today for an appointment.

See our previous blog on this topic here.

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Drain Snaking Vs. Hydro-Jetting: Common Drain Cleaning Methods Available To A Plumbing Company

Be it an overflowing sink or standing water in the shower, a clogged drain can be a nightmare for any homeowner. Some folks may opt to use chemical cleaners or plungers to unclog a drain, but these tricks offer a short-term solution. By the time you notice debris, clumps of hair, or slime coming out of your drains, you’ll wish you’d contacted a professional plumber instead.

You should ensure your water pipes are always clean to allow proper wastewater discharge from the house. Clogged pipes have serious consequences on your plumbing system. Slow draining may look like a minor issue, but the line could break if the problem isn’t addressed immediately.

Expert plumbers may use a more intense tool to snake a drain, even though this approach may not suffice in more severe cases, as it can compromise the integrity of your pipeline. A plumbing company like Benjamin Franklin Plumbing of Prescott suggests hydro-jetting as a more effective method of keeping your pipes free of dirt. The following sections discuss snaking and hydro jet drain cleaning in detail. Continue reading to know your options.

What’s Snake Drain Cleaning?

Snaking involves the plumber unspooling a long flexible cable into a drain and cranking it through the pipe so that it hooks onto the blockage and then pulling the tool out to remove the clog. Drain snakes are usually gentle on drains, making them ideal for unclogging more fragile, old pipes. However, this method is only effective for resolving small to medium-sized clogs.

Additionally, snaking is rarely just a short-term quick fix because it doesn’t thoroughly clean the inside of a drain. Grime and remaining hair can build up so quickly, meaning you’ll be dealing with the same problem once again sooner than later.

Moreover, snaking a drain may result in cracks and scratches within the pipe, which may cause more issues that will require extensive repairs or even a replacement of the entire system.

What’s Hydro-Jetting?

Hydro jetting is a more efficient and non-invasive method that utilizes highly pressurized water to clear blockages while cleaning the interior of pipes. It completely loosens and flushes out grease, scale, sand, and other buildups from your drains, restoring them to normalcy.

The high water pressure can even cut through tree roots that might have intruded your pipe and cleans the whole drain line, not just where the clog has lodged.

Hydro-Jetting Applications

The three applications for which hydro jet drain cleaning has proved to be a more cost-effective and sustainable method include residential, commercial, and municipal. Though the process may vary with each application, the same basic concept applies – blasting water under high pressure through drain and sewer lines to break away any blockage within the pipes.

• Residential
  Sinks, toilets, and tubs are the most common culprits of clogged drains in the home. Clogs in these places can be very embarrassing and frustrating. Some common causes of residential clogs are tree roots, grease blockages, and hair and food waste buildup.
• Commercial
  If you’re a business owner, having to deal with a plumbing blockage may not be what you want to start your day with. Hydro jetting clogged commercial drains is power washing for your plumbing system. Rather than digging out the pipeline, it would help if you hire a plumbing company with hydro jetting equipment. The technician will insert the hose from above to blast away the obstruction.
  
  This type of hydro-jetting is best for businesses in the food and hospitality sector. It’s powerful in unclogging expanded or fibrous food items, oils, and cooking waste that tend to stick in the pipes.
• Municipal
  Municipal sewers are vulnerable to buildups and, as a consequence, backups. Cleaning these pipes can be stressful and expensive since they’re exposed to more clogging agents than commercial and residential pipes. Ideally, the more corrosive elements and materials accumulate in a municipal sewer, the harder it is to remove them.
  
  When hydro-jetting interior blockages in municipal drains, a plumbing company employs concentrated, highly pressurized air to eject water into the clogged pipeline. Since it’s a trenchless technology, hydro-jetting is a great way to clean municipal sewer lines, as no traffic is disrupted during jetting.

3 Points to Note Regarding Hydro-Jetting

There are various reasons why a plumbing company would recommend hydro jet cleaning over traditional drain cleaning. Conventional methods won’t clear the blockage effectively, making hydro-jetting a suitable solution for residential and commercial properties. Some commonly asked questions about this method, including cost, longevity, and damage, are explained below.

• Using a Hydro-Jetter is Less Costly Overall
  A report by Forbes reveals that hydro jetting clogs in residential areas cost an average of $700. Commercial hydro-jetting services are costlier, requiring an average of $2,100, typically three times more than residential hydro-jetting.
  
  Comparably, Forbes reported that snaking a drain could see you spend an average of between $500 and $800 to clog a main sewer line. And while the initial cost is much lower than hydro-jetting, you’ll likely need this service very often. Thus, you’ll pay more for drain cleaning in the long run.
• It’s a Long-Lasting Solution
  A big bonus of hydro-jetting is that it deep-cleans your drains besides flushing out residue buildup. Including hydro jet drain cleaning in your regular plumbing maintenance schedule can significantly elongate the lifespan of your piping system.
  
  Unlike snaking, which only removes clogs without cleaning the drain’s interior, hydro-jetting eliminates the chance of another clog forming soon by washing away any remnants of the blockage inside the pipe.

Preserve Your Pipes with Benjamin Franklin Plumbing of Prescott

Steer clear of pesky plumbing clogs by contacting Benjamin Franklin Plumbing of Prescott today! We offer high-quality drain cleaning services, and our plumbers are punctual, professional, and well-equipped to deliver as expected. To book a slot, ring us now!

In a Nutshell

After reading this, you want to avoid using harmful and caustic drain cleaners to keep your pipes clean and healthy. Again, instead of picking that auger every time your toilet or tub overflows, it’s wise to contact a licensed plumber to come and diagnose the issue. There could be more than you see!

See our most recent blog on this topic here.

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What To Do During A Plumbing Emergency? Here Are Some Tips From A Plumber

Have you ever encountered a plumbing emergency? How did you deal with it? Some homeowners tend to panic because a plumbing emergency usually involves a leak in their plumbing. It’s not pretty, especially when you have to deal with other problems such as mold and money problems that involve replacing damaged appliances. So how should you react when there’s a plumbing emergency? Read this article for tips from a plumber on dealing with emergencies and how you can avoid them. For questions, please don’t hesitate to get in touch with us today.

What to Do When There Are Leaks in Your Plumbing

The first thing you need to do is not to call a professional right away but to not panic. That’s right, just stay calm and shut off your water to prevent further damage to your plumbing. The shut-off valve is a device used for turning off your water and it’s usually installed in the basement. It can be difficult (or impossible) to turn this thing off especially when your basement starts to flood, which is why we recommend you install several shut-off valves to make it quicker and easier to turn off the water.

When it’s turned off, the next step is to call your friendly and licensed plumber in the area. While waiting for him, we recommend taking pictures of the damage and cleaning the entire area. Depending on the damage, you might also need to call for restoration services to prevent mold growth. You’ll have to do this within 24 hours because mold doesn’t wait. This will cost you a lot but you can avoid this if you know how to take better care of your plumbing.

If you have homeowners insurance that covers leaks or water damage, you will need to file a claim for this to get compensated. However, keep in mind that insurance companies may not reimburse you especially when the water damage is caused by neglect of your plumbing system. For questions regarding water damage claims, contact your insurance company. If you have questions about how to avoid leaks, feel free to contact a professional today.

Tips for Avoiding Costly Plumbing Leaks

The good thing about water damage is that you can actually avoid it. Below are some tips to help you prevent plumbing leaks and avoid paying a fortune for repairs.

Cover Exposed Pipes with Insulating Material

Do you have exposed pipes in the basement or somewhere in your home? They need to be protected during the winter. You need to insulate them in freezing temperatures so that the water inside the pipes doesn’t freeze. When they are frozen, the pipes will expand and burst. This can lead to a catastrophic plumbing emergency that might cost you a fortune if you don’t call a plumber right away to thaw the pipes. To have peace of mind, just purchase an insulating blanket and cover the pipes with it. You can also turn on the faucet so that warm water can flow through the pipes and prevent them from freezing.

Get Routine Plumbing Inspections

One of the best ways to prevent plumbing emergencies is to get routine plumbing inspections. A professional would check all components of your plumbing to identify potential problems or to ensure there are no issues that need to be fixed. He will make sure everything is good to go. You need routine inspections especially when you have a commercial property. Don’t hesitate to get in touch with us if you need inspections and we’ll gladly schedule you for an appointment ASAP.

Repair Problems Right Away

An expensive mistake you can make as a homeowner is ignoring your plumbing problem. When you notice an issue with any of your plumbing appliances or fixtures, get it inspected immediately to avoid other issues that might cost you more. A professional will advise you if it’s better to keep the appliance or ditch it for a new one. If your fixture or appliance is no longer that efficient, we may recommend you consider getting a new one to save money. For installation, please make sure you only hire a licensed professional for it.

Maintain the Water Heater

For homeowners with tank-type water heaters installed in their homes, it’s highly recommended that they properly maintain their units. One of the best practices is to drain the water heater at least once a year to get rid of the sediment buildup that can affect the efficiency of the water heater. When they stay in your tank, you will start to have issues with your unit including not having enough hot water or inconsistent water temperature. It’s also important to get it professionally inspected so that a plumbing expert can check if its heating elements are still in good condition and you have clean water.

Monitor the Water Bill

Has your water bill gone up? This usually means there’s a leak in your plumbing. Check the water pressure and call a professional if the water pressure is low as that indicates a leak. You need to also be careful with high water pressure because it can damage the pipes eventually. Get a water pressure gauge to check for your home’s water pressure and a water pressure regulator to help you regulate the water pressure. For other issues with your plumbing, please get in touch with us today.

Contact Benjamin Franklin Plumbing of Prescott Today

Do you need a plumber for your home? We’re just here to help. Our plumbing experts are excellent at what they do and they never cut corners when it comes to doing installations or repairs. One of our priorities is to ensure all issues are resolved and that you’re completely happy with our services. We offer an array of plumbing services including water heater repair and installations, pipe repairs or inspections or drain cleaning.

Feel free to get in touch with us for a list of our services or call us today for an inspection. At Benjamin Franklin Plumbing of Prescott, we are always happy to help!

See our previous blog on this topic here.

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