What will you do when your plumbing system acts up? Will you try to fix it yourself to save on the cost of hiring a plumber? Will you fix it yourself so you don’t have to wait for a plumber? If you said yes to either question, you may want to reconsider.
Plumbers undergo years of training and apprenticeship to learn to diagnose problems and make plumbing repairs. If you don’t have the necessary training, you can make a minor mistake that causes further problems.
Hiring a plumber is the best way to ensure the problem is fixed correctly, so if your plumbing system develops any of the following issues, you should call a plumbing company.

You Don’t Have Water

You need running water to perform daily household tasks, and a lack of water is a serious problem, so you may need to hire an emergency plumber. Before you call, you should contact the water company to make sure your service hasn’t been terminated due to non-payment, and there isn’t a widespread outage. You don’t want to pay for an unnecessary service call, so checking with the water company is essential.

If everything checks out with the water company, it’s time to hire a plumber. A few issues can prevent water from entering your home, and you’ll need a licensed plumber to find the cause so they can fix it.

• A problem with the water main
• The emergency shut-off valve triggered for no reason, preventing the water flow.
• A significant clog in the waterline.
• A substantial leak in the water line.

When the plumber figures out why water isn’t entering the house, they can repair it to allow water to enter your home.

The Water Pressure Is Suddenly Reduced

Is your water pressure suddenly reduced? If so, you already know how frustrating this problem is. Poor water pressure will make simple tasks like washing your hair and doing the dishes take longer than necessary. Also, your water-based appliance needs adequate water pressure to function at peak performance. Because poor water pressure can cause problems in your home, it’s best to hire a plumbing company when the trouble starts.

If the hot water pressure is poor but the cold water pressure is fine, the problem is with your water heater. Sediment builds up in the tank, and if the unit isn’t regularly maintained, the sediment can build up and clog the unit’s waterline. A plumber can unclog the waterline, but you’ll have to replace the water heater if they can’t.

Poor hot and cold water pressure indicates an issue with the plumbing system. The plumber will check the water valve to determine if it’s blocked or closed. They’ll also check the pipes for mineral buildup, clogs, and corrosion. When the plumber identifies the cause, they can fix it to restore adequate water pressure.

Brown or Rust-Colored Water

Brown or rust-colored water indicates contamination, and drinking, showering, and cooking with contaminated water is unsafe, so you should call a plumbing company immediately.

If the hot water is discolored and the cold water runs clear, your water heater is the problem. A significant amount of sediment will accumulate in the tank if not maintained regularly. The bot water bill breaks down the sediment allowing it to contaminate the water. The plumber will try to flush the sediment, but the water heater must be replaced if they can’t.

Your water heater has a lifespan of about ten years. If the unit is ten years or older, the metal inside the tank may break down, allowing mineral deposits and metal shards to contaminate the water. This problem can’t be fixed, and the unit must be replaced.

Contaminated hot and cold water indicates a problem with the plumbing system, and a rusty, corroded pipe is the most common cause. A leak under the house can also contaminate the water. The dirt in the ground can get into a water delivery pipe, contaminating the water.

The plumber inspects the plumbing system to find and replace the damaged pipe, eliminating the contamination source, and the water will run clean and clear.

Slow or Clogged Drains

The water should flow quickly down the drain when you let it run, and you should call a plumber if the water drains slowly or fails to drain.

A slow drain indicates a minor drain clog that should be addressed immediately. If you wait to hire a plumber, the clog will get larger, eventually clogging the drain completely, preventing the water from draining.

Plumbers have the tools and skills necessary to eliminate the clog safely, allowing the water to drain quickly.

Multiple Drain Clogs

If more than one drain clogs simultaneously, it isn’t a strange coincidence and indicates a clog in the sewer line, which is a serious problem. If the clog isn’t removed quickly, it will continue to grow, and eventually, the water and waste won’t be able to pass the clog, resulting in a sewage backup in your house. A raw sewage backup is the last thing anyone wants to deal with. Not only will you have a nasty mess to clean up, but raw sewage is also hazardous and can make you sick if you don’t use safety measures while cleaning it up.

If you hire a plumber as soon as the trouble starts, they can eliminate the clog before a disaster occurs.

Call Benjamin Franklin Plumbing of Prescott

If your plumbing system acts up and you need to call a plumbing company, look no further than Benjamin Franklin Plumbing of Prescott.

Our plumbers are professionally trained, licensed, and insured. They have the knowledge and skill to handle any plumbing problem, including the difficult ones. Our plumbers take pride in their work and will fix the problem correctly the first time.

Our plumbers will arrive on time, and if they’re late, we’ll pay you $5 for every minute until they arrive. They all drive fully-stocked trucks to make most repairs on the same day, eliminating the need for a second service call.

If you need to schedule an appointment, call us today.

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Why Should You Employ a Drain Cleaning Service?

It is easy to forget about your drainage system, especially if everything operates smoothly. Most people call drain cleaning services when there is an issue with their system instead of scheduling routine cleaning services. Failing to clean your drains gives rise to stubborn blockages caused by a buildup of various materials, including grease, dirt, debris, and other waste materials.

The worst about dealing with a clogged drain is waking up to wastewater that wouldn’t drain. In this case, you may have to contact an emergency drain cleaning expert to clean and clear your system. However, cleaning your drains not only reduces the chances of a blockage but also disinfects your system and eliminates the breeding ground for illness-casing organisms.

Importance of Drain Cleaning and Clearing

Plumbers at Benjamin Franklin Plumbing of Prescott encourage customers to schedule their drain cleaning at least once a year. Flushing and unclogging your drain will help improve your drainage efficiency and more. Below are reasons to clean your drains:

Eliminate Bad Smell

Your drainage system is designed to channel wastewater and other materials to the sewer line for proper disposal. This waste comes from the kitchen, bathroom, and toilets which comprise organic matter. When left unattended, this waste produces a foul smell that interferes with the comfort of your home and poses a health risk to your household.

However, regularly cleaning your drainage helps stop the buildup and eventual breakdown of waste material. Professional drain cleaners are equipped with specialized tools to help remove blockages and chemicals for disinfecting and cleaning your drainage system. Don’t wait for an embarrassing situation to act, have your plumber schedule a cleaning routine.

Improve Efficiency

You should remain at ease knowing your drainage system is fast and efficient. Meaning you don’t have to deal with foul smells or the dangers of backflow. However, you can only achieve this through regular cleaning and preventive maintenance. Flushing a lot of water down the drain isn’t enough to say you have successfully cleaned your drainage. A drain cleaning expert will check your system for signs of slow clogging or damage and advise appropriately.

Drain cleaning is also an effective way to identify issues with your plumbing system. When everything is normal, water will not stay for long in the sink or pipe. However, if you have problems with your drainage, water may overflow or stand, something you mostly find in kitchen sinks and toilets. Cleaning the drains removes the blockage and exposes areas that need repairs to ensure your drainage system runs faster and more efficiently.

Prevent Drain Leaks

Your drainage system is like a chemistry lab with several chemicals mixing to form corrosive compounds. These chemicals come from cleaning products, preservatives, and other waste materials flushed down the drain. Without proper cleaning, you can’t get rid of the chemical buildup that will likely damage your drainage pipes.

Corroded pipes come with several problems, chiefly leaks. Leakages can occur in any section of your drainage system, going for days or weeks without visible signs. In a worst-case scenario, the leakage can cause damage to your home or invite unwanted guests, such as pests, mold, and diseases. Through a drain cleaning service, you can prevent leaks in your drainage system and extend its life cycle. This way, you don’t have to pay for expensive repairs or replace your drain pipes.

Reduced Risk of Blockage

A dirty or clogged drainage system is inevitable, especially in households with heavy use. Drain blockage is often caused by debris, mineral buildup, hairs, grease, and food particles. A slow clog doesn’t affect your drain performance during the initial stage but becomes an emergency when it’s too late. This is not the case for quick clogs that can be fixed with a plunger or a short visit by the plumber.

Cleaning your drains reveals cracks in the drainage system that let in dirt which eventually cause blockages. However, by flushing and unclogging your drainage system, you can avoid the problem and lower the chances of a serious blockage.

Saves You Money

An unchecked clogged or dirty drain can cost you money in expensive repairs and replacements. Due to chemical buildup, your drainage pipes are likely to corrode and, in worst-case scenarios, cause bursts. Regular cleaning also reduces the amount of work during cleaning and maintenance. Severe clogs often cost more to remove due to the specialized equipment needed to unclog and clean the drain.

Cleaning your drains also unearths damaged parts of your system, allowing you to make timely repairs and replacements.

How Often Should You Clean Your Drains?

Cleaning your drainage system is an integral part of your home’s maintenance service. It not only improves efficiency but also saves you money otherwise spent on frequent repairs. One challenge property owners face is deciding how often to clean their drainage systems. Experts at Benjamin Franklin Plumbing of Prescott peg this question to several factors, including the type and size of the drainage system, the number of users, and the frequency of use.

Smaller households with one to five members can manage at least once a year or on a need-to basis. However, larger households and buildings need to schedule regular drain cleaning as often as they can. No matter the household type or usage level, you must contact a reputable drain cleaning service to schedule and meet your needs.

Effective Drain Cleaning by Benjamin Franklin Plumbing of Prescott

Your drainage needs attention like the rest of your plumbing systems. It needs to work efficiently for you to enjoy effective waste disposal. Throwing a plunger or drain cleaning chemical at the problem doesn’t make it go away; in some cases, it can make it worse. It’s advisable to have a professional drain cleaning service handle your cleaning and maintenance issues for your drainage to operate optimally.

At Benjamin Franklin Plumbing of Prescott, we offer a wide range of plumbing services, including drain cleaning. Our customer-friendly staff will help assess your drainage system to give you a scope of the work. Contact us for more on our services.

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A Homeowner Checklist for Hiring a Plumbing Company

You don’t often think about your plumbing system until faced with a plumbing emergency. Finding the best plumbing company to fix the issue can be a challenge. When searching for technicians, you want someone who can do the job correctly and keep your interests in mind. In this guide, we’ll cover common plumbing issues homeowners face and what you should look for when hiring a contractor.

Common Plumbing Issues Homeowners Face

Plumbing problems are an inevitable part of homeownership. Here are some of the most frequent plumbing issues that homeowners experience:

Clogged Drains: It’s common in kitchens, bathrooms, and laundry rooms. Grease, food particles, hair, soap scum, and other debris can accumulate and obstruct water flow. A professional plumber can identify the blockage and use drain-clearing tools to remove it.

Leaky Faucets: A dripping faucet is not only annoying but also wasteful. Research shows it can waste thousands of gallons of water yearly, increasing your water bill. Worn-out washers, O-rings, or flush valve seats are often the culprit for leaky faucets.

Running Toilets: This a sign that your toilet is not flushing properly. It can be caused by a malfunctioning handle, broken flapper valves, or an improperly adjusted float. Fixing a running toilet involves replacing or adjusting these components.

Low Water Pressure: Low water pressure can hinder daily tasks like showering and washing dishes. This situation can be caused by various factors, including clogged aerators, leaking pipes, or problems with the main water supply.

Leaky Pipes: Water leaks can cause significant damage to your home and promote mold growth. Common causes of leaky pipes include corrosion, excessive water pressure, or damaged pipe joints. Regular pipe inspections can help detect leaks early and prevent extensive damage.

Water Heater Issues: Can be caused by a broken thermostat, a faulty heating element, or a malfunctioning pressure relief valve. It’s important to have a professional plumber inspect your water heater and identify the source of the problem.

Sewer System Backup: A sewer system backup can be a messy and expensive problem. Tree roots, blockages, or damaged sewer lines can cause sewage to overflow into your home.

Frozen Pipes: In colder climates, frozen pipes are a common issue that can lead to burst pipes and water damage. Insulating your pipes and maintaining a consistent indoor temperature can help prevent freezing.

Sump Pump Failure: Sump pumps help protect your home from flooding by removing excess water from basements or crawlspaces. Power outages, poor maintenance, or mechanical failures can cause sump pumps to malfunction.

Things to Consider When Hiring a Plumbing Contractor

When searching for a reliable plumbing company, consider the following factors to make an informed decision:

Qualifications and Licenses

You want to work with a company with all the necessary licenses and insurance. A reputable service provider should have general liability insurance to protect you if anything goes wrong while they’re working on your property. Check if they have a valid license too. When you work with a licensed technician, you know they’ve undergone all the necessary training and have the expertise to do the job right.

Experience and Specialization

Experience is a crucial factor to consider when hiring a plumbing contractor for any project. An experienced plumber will have dealt with many plumbing issues and likely have a proven track record of providing quality services. They’re also better placed to advise you on the best materials to source for your plumbing needs.

Besides the plumber’s experience, evaluate the areas of specialization as well. Some plumbing tasks require a specific set of skills and competence that not all plumbers have. It’s, therefore, important to research and only hire a plumbing contractor with the right credentials for your project.

Credibility and Reviews

A contractor’s reputation will always be the best check to ascertain the quality of its services, dependability, and level of professionalism. The best plumbing company will consistently give excellent service to its customers to maintain a positive reputation in the market.

It’s thus a good idea to ask for feedback from other homeowners who have hired the same plumbing contractor. Also, check online reviews on platforms such as Google and Yelp or their website before committing to their services. Go through the comments and see how client complaints were resolved. Honest, positive reviews always indicate that the contractor provides outstanding services.

Repair Guarantees and Warranties

Not all plumbing services are the same. Therefore, finding out what is covered before hiring a contractor is important. The best companies will offer guarantees and warranties for the services they provide.

A guarantee is a commitment from the contractor to rectify any issues that occur due to their negligence without additional charges. A warranty covers all parts and labor for a specified period.

A reputable plumbing service will always be willing to offer guarantees and warranties for their services since they prefer using quality materials and only employ competent and skilled professionals.

24/7 Plumbing Services

When faced with a plumbing emergency, you want a contractor who is willing and able to respond quickly. That’s because plumbing disasters happen when least expected and can potentially cause extensive damage to your home. For instance, a burst pipe or gas leak can cause serious harm to your property and family if not addressed quickly.

For these reasons and more, hiring a plumbing company provider that offers 24/7 emergency services is essential. That way, you can rest assured that your plumbing issues will be addressed within the shortest time possible, even at night or during weekends and holidays.

Pricing Transparency

Reliable plumbers will provide a clear, detailed estimate for their services. Ensure the estimate includes a breakdown of costs for labor, materials, and any additional fees. Avoid companies that give vague or overly low-priced estimates. That indicates a lack of professionalism or hidden expenses.

Don’t settle for anything less than the best! Contact Benjamin Franklin Plumbing of Prescott today and rest easy knowing all your plumbing needs and emergencies are covered by the best plumbers!

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Can’t Decide Between a Conventional Water Heater or a Tank-Type Heater? A Plumber Can Help

Do you need help deciding which water heater to install for your home? Use this article as a guide, and call a plumber if you need help with water heater installation. Our team can also help you choose the water heater size suitable for your home. We’ll take into account the number of people who will be using the water heater and how many appliances you’ll be using at the same time. If you have questions, please feel free to contact us anytime.

Age of the Water Heater

How many years have you been using the water heater? Like all the other appliances in your home, the water heater doesn’t last forever. It has a particular service life, and when it reaches its service life, you will have no option but to get it replaced. Homeowners who don’t properly maintain the water heater may buy another replacement.

If your water heater is over five years old and is no longer efficient, we suggest you consider getting a new one. When you can’t decide, you can always use a plumber to inspect your water heater. When you choose us, we’ll carefully inspect your water heater and provide you with the best solution. Our team will usually know when to get a new water heater or if it’s better to keep the old one as it will be more cost-effective.

When you’ve been calling a plumber for water heater repair more than once a year, it might be better to get a new one instead. The repair cost can add up over time, and it will be better for you to get it replaced instead of spending a lot of money on repairs again. Homeowners always prioritize saving money, and usually, getting a new unit will be the best option. Don’t worry; we’re here to help.

When it comes to the service life of the water heater, the tankless water heater wins because it can last up to 25 years, especially when the unit is properly maintained. Just follow the manufacturer’s recommendation on how to maintain the unit properly, and you should be able to maximize the efficiency of your unit. The tank-type water heater, on the other hand, only last 10 or 15 years. They will need to be also properly maintained, or it will cost you a lot of problems.

Those who don’t want to keep buying a new water heater every few years might want to consider getting a tankless water heater. The only downside to getting tankless is that it will be more expensive for you. You’ll be able to save more money when you think about all the benefits you’re getting with the tankless, though.

Which One is More Energy-Efficient?

When it comes to energy efficiency, you’ll be able to save more money when you go tankless. This is because you won’t have to keep using electricity or gas when you decide to install the tankless water heater. If you have a tank and you want to always have hot water whenever you need it, the unit has to be always on, or it’s going to take a lot of time for it to heat your water. It isn’t really the most time-saving option. Also, when the water heater is constantly heated, this also means you’re using more energy. With the tankless, the energy is only used when you turn on your showers or faucets. If you’re not using them, you’re not wasting energy as well. This makes the tankless water heater the best option for those who want to save money down the road. Just make sure you get professional installation for your water heater to ensure the unit is properly installed.

Worried About Leaks?

If you have a water heater tank, this usually means storing a huge tank somewhere in your home. We’re talking about a tank that can hold up thousands of gallons of water you can use for your daily activities. You need to be careful not to damage this tank, or it’s going to cost you a lot when it starts to leak. Those worried about leaks in their homes or flooding in the basement (if you have any) might consider going tankless instead. Without a tank to worry about, you won’t have to think about flooding in your homes or leaks.

When water leaks start to damage your property and personal belongings, you will have no choice but to get them restored or replaced. Think about how much this will cost you. You can actually avoid these problems when you switch to a tankless water heater.

You can save space when you go tankless by installing the tankless water heater on the bathroom wall. The unit is compact. You can even place them in the bathroom cabinet. Do make sure to get it professionally installed to avoid problems. Incorrect installation can also lead to many issues with your water heater, including leaks.

Water Heater Maintenance

If you have a water heater tank, you will need to drain the water heater once a year to remove the sediment buildup. When it’s not removed, it’s going to affect the efficiency of your water heater and cause a lot of problems, including leaks as well. It’s also essential to hire a professional to inspect the unit’s heating elements and ensure your water is safe. When you go tankless, you don’t have to drain a water heater tank. The tank type requires less maintenance.

Contact Benjamin Franklin Plumbing of Prescott Today

Do you need a plumber to help repair your home or business? You’ve come to the right team. Call Benjamin Franklin Plumbing of Prescott immediately, and we’ll ensure the problem is resolved immediately.

Please don’t hesitate to get in touch with us for an appointment.

See our most recent blog on this topic here.

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The Importance of Hiring a Licensed and Insured Plumbing Company

When faced with plumbing issues, such as low water pressure or leaking pipes, homeowners and business owners are often tempted to tackle the problem themselves or hire an unlicensed plumber to save some money. However, this can lead to more significant problems and increased costs in the long run. Hiring a licensed and insured plumbing company is a smart investment that can save you time, money, and headaches down the line. In this article, we will explore the importance of hiring a licensed and insured plumbing company and the benefits it provides.

The Role of Plumbers

Broken pipes, clogged drains, and sewage systems can cause extensive damage to your house if not fixed by a professional plumber. Plumbers are the first to be called by homeowners in times of crisis.

What about in cases of minor plumbing issues? Usually, the best course of action is to call a plumber while the issue is still manageable. A licensed plumber has the expertise to solve the problem and the tools necessary to fix the problem permanently.

Benefits of Hiring a Professional Plumber

Professional Plumbers Are Insured And Licensed

The urge to save money sometimes leads people to contact an unlicensed plumbing company when there’s a minor issue. At first glance, it may seem cost-effective, but incorrectly addressing a currently minor problem can lead to multiple complications.

If you hire a plumber who isn’t licensed by the state, there’s no telling if they’ll have the knowledge, experience, or training to get the job done right and up to code. Unsafe repairs can also result in personal harm and material loss. This is only one of several factors contributing to the stringent licensing requirements for plumbers.

In contrast, licensed plumbers must undergo extensive training to earn their licenses. Furthermore, they need to have the proper contractor’s insurance and pass a background check and a test administered by the state licensing board. Thus, with a licensed plumber, you can be sure you will get quality work.

Hiring a plumber who is both bonded and insured is essential. This will ensure that you and the plumber are financially covered in an accident. Liability insurance, for instance, would assist in covering costs if a plumber made a mistake that caused property damage. A bond starts where insurance stops. It’s a safety net in case your property gets damaged or stolen.

Professional Plumbers Offer a Guarantee On Their Work

Fixing a plumbing issue, such as a leaking faucet or running toilet, on your own may or may not be successful. If the problem comes back, you’ll have to repeat the process and might even have to buy new materials.

Expert plumbers offer guarantees on their services, which is just one reason to use them. Depending on the company, you may receive coverage for anywhere from 30 days to 90 days. All you have to do is phone the plumbers again if the same problem arises during the guarantee period, and they’ll fix it at no additional cost.

Hiring a Professional Plumber Can Save You Money

Most plumbing issues go undetected by homeowners because of how pipes, faucets, and other fixtures are installed. Left unattended, plumbing issues worsen in terms of inconvenience, damage, and cost.

Expert plumbers will not only fix the problems for which they have been hired, but they may also find other problems. While repairing faucets, for instance, a qualified plumber may notice a problem with the plumbing system. Professional plumbers can find and fix any leaks or other plumbing issues. They will also check the condition of the entire plumbing system to guarantee its efficiency. Not only will you receive the highest quality of service, but you will also save money by preventing minor issues from developing into major disasters.

It’s Safer To Hire a Licensed Plumbing Service

Plumbers could seriously hurt themselves if they don’t know what they’re doing. Large electricity voltages are sometimes necessary for the operation of their equipment. Most people hire inexperienced plumbers because they are inexpensive. Some homeowners may try to repair plumbing issues on their own. Professional plumbers know how to operate their machinery safely, protecting themselves and their customers.

Professional Plumbers Can Provide a Detailed Diagnosis

In the plumbing industry, experts are always learning new techniques and expanding their knowledge base. They participate in training programs to improve their skills, expand their knowledge of running a successful plumbing company, and make their clients happier.

Hiring licensed plumbers ensures that the service will be done correctly and that you will receive an accurate diagnosis of the issue. In addition, they can provide superior solutions to prevent the problem from reoccurring.

Professional Plumbers Know How To Comply With Building Codes

Plumbing work performed by a licensed plumber must comply with all applicable local, state, and federal building codes and regulations. This guarantees the job is done right and without incident. To ensure the safety of residents, adherence to building codes is mandatory.

In addition, a residence cannot be sold unless it complies with local building regulations. Every home that is put up for sale must first undergo a series of inspections, one of which is a plumbing examination. It could hurt the home’s resale value if plumbing wasn’t done according to the appropriate building codes.

Professional Plumbers Can Offer Advice

Homeowners can trust licensed plumbers’ advice because of their extensive training and competence in the field. They will identify potential problems before they become major issues and offer remedies to enhance the plumbing systems’ performance.

Furthermore, licensed plumbers can advise homeowners on energy-efficient plumbing options, which can reduce utility costs. Homeowners can save money and time by getting expert guidance from a licensed plumber before making decisions about their plumbing systems.

Ready to Invest in Peace of Mind? Contact Benjamin Franklin Plumbing of Prescott Today!

When it comes to plumbing, it’s always better to be safe than sorry. Hiring a licensed and insured plumbing company saves you time and money in the long run and ensures that the job is done right the first time. Remember, your plumbing system should not be taken lightly, so don’t risk it by hiring an unqualified plumber or attempting to fix it yourself.

At Benjamin Franklin Plumbing of Prescott, we understand the importance of quality plumbing services. Our licensed and insured plumbers have the knowledge and skills to handle any plumbing issue, big or small. From leaky faucets to full system installations, we’ve got you covered. Contact us today and experience the peace of mind of knowing your plumbing is in good hands.

See our most recent blog on this topic here.

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