FAQs

How Do I Know If My Toilet Leaks?

Your toilet is the most common source of leaks in your home, so if your water bill is unusually high, check there first.

• Listen for noises. Minor leaks can sound like hissing, and more serious leaks may sound like running water.
• Remove the tank lid and observe the fill and flush valves. If you see water flowing into the overflow tube, you have a faulty fill valve, and if you observe that water does not reach the top of the tube, the flush valve may be the culprit.
• If neither valve is causing the leak, check the chain and flapper. Sometimes the chain connecting the flush handle to the flapper gets tangled, and sometimes a worn flapper allows seepage.

Should you replace worn parts and still experience leakage, the problem may be your tank, in which case, you should consult a plumber.

What Should I Do if I Have a Major Leak in My Home?

A major leak can wreak havoc and may be a sign of a burst pipe. If this should happen, follow these steps:

1. Shut off the water main. If you cannot locate the water main, shut of the water supply at the meter.
2. Immediately call a plumber. The sooner professional help arrives, the more likely the problem will be resolved quickly.
3. Stay clear of electrical appliances and outlets. Since water conducts electricity, use extreme caution to avoid serious injury.
4. Get in touch with your insurance company as soon as possible. Many homeowners’ policies cover water damage.

Leaking water is often easily repaired by professionals, but quick action on your part is necessary to help ensure minimal damage to your home and belongings.

Why Is My Tub Draining So Slowly?

If the water in your tub is flowing slowly or pooling, you probably have a clogged drain. To fix the problem on your own, try using hot water, a plunger or a snake to remove the clog. You can also use various drain-cleaning products, such as “Bio Ben,” our all-natural and biodegradable solution. If you have trouble clearing the clog on your own, or simply don’t have time to tackle the task, you can always turn to professional assistance for fixing a tub drain.

Should I Try Cleaning The Bathroom With Vinegar And Baking Soda?

If you are concerned about using harsh chemicals, you can clean your bathroom using only vinegar and baking soda. That combination, however, is not effective for clearing slow or clogged drains. If you are looking for organic cleaning products, we carry Bio Ben, an all-natural biodegradable cleaner that you can use safely in any drain in your home. Bio Ben is a safe, effective and environmentally responsible product that keeps your drains functioning properly.

How Do You Fix a Clogged Bathroom Sink?

For a clogged bathroom sink, see if you can access the trap (the u-shaped bend) beneath the sink. In most cases, you can unscrew the trap and pull out the clog by hand. Be sure to have a bucket handy to catch the water that will spill out of the trap. If you can’t get to the trap, try using a plastic drain snake to fish the clog out. Other options include using a plunger to break up the clog or pouring boiling water, baking soda and vinegar down the drain. If none of those methods work, or if you don’t have time to unclog the sink yourself, call a professional plumber.

How Do I Fix a Clogged Bathtub Drain?

As a simple fix for a clogged bathtub, pour hot water slowly down the drain, let it stand for 10 minutes and then try using a plunger to break up the clog. If that doesn’t work, try to disassemble the drain cover and use a snake or a homemade clog remover. When you need extra help unclogging your bathtub drain, call us. Our experts can fix your drain quickly and effectively, and can also provide you with Bio Ben, our eco-friendly drain-cleaning product, for future use.

How Do You Clean a Kitchen Sink Drain?

To fix a dirty or clogged drain, you could buy a special drain-cleaning chemical and follow the instructions on the bottle. A cheaper and more eco-friendly option, however, involves products you probably already own: baking soda, vinegar and water. First, pour a pot of boiling water down the drain or garbage disposal to melt grease and loosen up any clogs. Next, pour in half a cup of baking soda, followed by a cup of vinegar. When combined, the baking soda and vinegar will react to produce bubbles that break up clogs or any other obstructions. You can contain the reaction with a drain cap, if you have one handy. After a few minutes, pour another pot of boiling water down the sink to flush everything out.

How Do I Fix a Dripping Sink?

Whenever you’re working on a plumbing issue, start by turning off the water from the main valve. As a first step to fix your dripping sink, remove the faucet handle from the stem. Check the O-ring and washer inside the seat to see if they need to be replaced. If you need new parts, bring the old ones to the hardware store to ensure you buy the right kind and size. Reassemble the faucet and check to see if the leak has stopped. If the sink still drips, call us for faucet repair or replacement.

Do You Have Any Tips For Fixing a Leaky Shower?

Before you start working on a leaky shower, turn off the water supply from the main valve. Next, use a small pocketknife to take off the handle cap, and then remove the cartridge, using a cartridge puller if necessary. Bring the old cartridge with you to the hardware store to make sure that you buy the correct model as a replacement. Install the new cartridge, replace the handle cap and reassemble any other parts your removed during the repair. If you need any additional help with your shower or you are dealing with a plumbing emergency, give us a call.

How Do You Detect a Toilet Leak?

Many clues can indicate a leaking toilet. If you notice odd sounds or dripping water, have to hold the handle down to get the toilet to drain completely, or have to jiggle the handle to stop the water from running, you might have a leak. You can confirm a suspected leak by sprinkling talcum powder into the toilet bowl and watching to see if water runs into the bowl even when the toilet isn’t in use. You can also detect a leak by adding powdered drink mix or food coloring to the tank and waiting thirty minutes. If the color shows up anywhere else, such as in the bowl or around the pipes, then you have a toilet leak.

How Do You Know If You Have a Water Leak?

Many signs can indicate a leak, including water damage, dripping noises, abnormally low water pressure or an abnormally high water bill. If you suspect a water leak, shut off all the water in your house and check the water meter. If the needle on the meter is moving even when you aren’t using water, then you have a leak. Note the position of the needle and come back in 10 minutes—if the needle has moved in that time, you have a slow leak. You should call a professional to help you find and fix the issue.

What Should I Do if I Have a Major Leak in My Home?

A major leak can wreak havoc and may be a sign of a burst pipe. If this should happen, follow these steps:

1. Shut off the water main. If you cannot locate the water main, shut of the water supply at the meter.
2. Immediately call a plumber. The sooner professional help arrives, the more likely the problem will be resolved quickly.
3. Stay clear of electrical appliances and outlets. Since water conducts electricity, use extreme caution to avoid serious injury.
4. Get in touch with your insurance company as soon as possible. Many homeowners’ policies cover water damage.

Leaking water is often easily repaired by professionals, but quick action on your part is necessary to help ensure minimal damage to your home and belongings.

How Can I Find The Source of a Leak That is Not Apparent?

Not all water leaks are easily observed, but that does not mean they cannot be located. Before you call a plumber, follow these steps:

• Observe the toilet tank for overflow or suspicious sounds.
• Check the water tank for discharge from the pressure relief valve or hissing sounds.
• Shut off the water main and see if the meter valve is still moving. If it is, scan for evidence of a leak, such as mud or patches of grass that are longer or greener than the rest of the yard.

If you are able to find the source of the leak, you can save a lot of time and money, but in many cases you will still need to call a plumber to make the repair.

How Do I Fix a Faucet Leak?

Leaky faucets are like money down the drain. Luckily, the process to fix them is usually simple.

1. Determine the type of faucet. Does it require washers or cartridges? If you cannot tell, a web search can often solve the mystery.
2. Turn off the water from below. Usually, the cut off can be found in plain sight.
3. Remove the handle to access the washer or cartridge. If you are unsure of the tools or necessary procedures, locate your faucet’s manual online for explicit instructions.
4. Remove the old washer or cartridge and replace it with a new one.
5. Replace the handle, turn the water back on and test the faucet.

Most faucets are designed for easy repairs, but if you run into trouble, or if the leak continues, enlist the services of a plumber.

How Do Plumbers Find Leaks?

p>If your water bill is unexpectedly high you may have a leak somewhere; to find it you need to think like a plumber.

Step 1: Check the toilet

Leaking toilets are the most common cause of water loss. Check the overflow tube. If water is pouring into it, replace the tube.

Step 2: Examine the Water Heater

If the toilet is not the culprit, you may have a leaky water heater. Check for leakage from the relief valve line protruding from the top or side of the tank.

Step 3: Test the Water Main

Turn off the water main, find the meter box outside and check the reading. If the dial still moves, your leak is probably in the main.

Step 4: Call a Plumber

While some of these leaks are easily repaired, some, like the water main, will almost certainly require the expert assistance of a plumber.

Which Water Filtration System is the Best?

There are many different kinds of water filtration systems, and the best one for each circumstance can vary greatly. Brands, sizes, shapes, and types of filtration mechanisms can be very different from system to system. An under the sink reverse osmosis filtering system might work really well for one home but not for another. Factors such as the layout of your kitchen, whether you have an icemaker, and the amount of water you use can all play a big part in determining what filter works best. If you want to install a water filtration system, then be sure to contact a professional to talk about all of your options. When you do decide on a system, then your best option is to have an experienced plumber do the installing.

How Many Types of Water Heaters are Available in Today’s Market?

There are a wide variety of water heaters on the market today, in many different shapes, sizes and brands. Some water heaters are tankless, meaning that water is heated as soon as it passes through the heater, while conventional heaters use a large tank to store hot water. A hybrid water heater can combine the two styles. Heaters also differ depending on what they use to heat the water—some use electricity, some use natural gas, and some even use the power of the sun. Each kind of water heater has different features, different benefits, different needs, and a different price, so it’s best to do your research and then talk with a professional about which water heater is best for your home and family.

Why Don’t I Have Hot Water?

Many different issues can cause your home to lose hot water. If you use a gas water heater, the solution might be as simple as re-igniting the pilot light. For more complex problems, you might need to repair or replace your hot water heater. At Benjamin Franklin Plumbing, we can take care of all your hot water heater needs. If you need a new unit, we offer a range of options, including conventional, tankless and hybrid water heaters. Give us a call today if you need professional assistance to fix the hot water heater issues in your home.

How Do I Turn On a Gas Water Heater?

If your hot water valves are dispersing cold water, you might need to re-ignite the pilot light on your gas water heater. To reset the pilot light, turn the gas regulator valve to the “off” position. After waiting a few minutes, turn the knob to the “pilot” position and then press down and hold to establish a flow of gas. Depending on your water heater model, you will then either push an ignition button or light the pilot manually. After lighting the pilot, hold down the regulator knob for 60 seconds, and then turn it to the “on” position.