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How to Turn Off Your Water in an Emergency

March 27th, 2013

Emergency Plumbing Plumbing systems today deliver fresh, clean water to Durham homes so smoothly and efficiently that most people have little reason to think about how these systems work or how to turn off a water supply in case of an emergency. Our plumbing experts at Ben Franklin Plumbing of Durham are available around the clock to help when emergency plumbing repairs are needed; however, knowing where your main shut-off valve is located and how to use it can help you prevent excessive water damage to your home and property in a situation where every second counts.

The best time to prepare for a plumbing emergency is before it happens. Follow the simple steps outlined here to learn how to locate and turn off a water supply quickly and minimize the devastation that can be caused by suddenly damaged or broken pipes inside your home.

How To Turn Off Your Home’s Main Water Supply

1. Locate the main water valve.
Locating the main water valve is often the trickiest part of the shutdown process, but it is something every homeowner should do well in advance of an emergency.

If you have municipal water, this valve is typically located on a pipe near the water meter, which is usually found around the perimeter of the house or, in colder climates, in a basement or utility closet. A ball-valve will have a short straight handle; a gate-valve has a wheel.

If you have well water, check for one of these valves on a water line near the pressure tank. If it is not there, you can shut your water supply system down by flipping the well pump switch in your home’s circuit breaker box.

2. Turn off the water.
Turn a ball-valve handle a quarter turn so that it is perpendicular to the water pipe. Turn a gate-valve wheel clockwise as far as it will go.

3. Double-check fixtures.
Open faucets in sinks, showers, and bathtubs on each level of your home to drain the pipes and check that the flow of water stops.

Now that the water is off, you can turn your attention to necessary repairs. Ben Franklin Plumbing of Durham can help solve all of your emergency plumbing problems, from leak detection to severe flooding due to broken pipes. If you are looking for an expert plumber in Durham, call 919-408-7200 for fast, professional assistance.

Common Toilet Problems and How to Fix Them

February 14th, 2013

Toilet A problem with a toilet is an extreme inconvenience for any homeowner, especially if there is only one commode in your household. There are many common toilet problems, most of which just require a simple toilet repair. As your plumber in Durham, our team at Ben Franklin Plumbing of Durham offers this expert advice on the most common toilet problems and what you can do to fix them yourself.

The Runner

A toilet with a malfunctioning flapper or float arm or a worn out washer will let the water run and run. This continuous running of the water can waste hundreds of gallons of water in just an hour or two. Replace the float arm or flapper, and if the toilet is still running, the washers on the toilet’s intake valve will need replacement.

Condensation

A warm bathroom and cold water in the tank can lead to the development of condensation on the toilet. The fix for this involves putting an insulation wrap around the inside of the toilet’s tank. You could also install a valve that allows hot water to mix with the cold water in the toilet’s tank.

Clogs

At some point in time, every homeowner will have to deal with the dreaded clogged toilet. No one ever wants to deal with this mess, especially if the clog results in an overflow. To prevent this nasty waterfall from occurring, turn the water supply off at the back of the toilet. Then place some old towels on the floor around the toilet. Use a toilet plunger or a plumbing snake to loosen a clog and flush it away.

Call the Professionals

At Ben Franklin Plumbing of Durham, we offer emergency plumbing repair for any situation, large or small. We are available 24/7/365 for any needed toilet repair or plumbing service.

Our trustworthy and dependable plumbers are licensed and certified to perform residential and commercial plumbing repairs. When you call us, you can rest assured knowing that your toilet will be fixed efficiently and effectively by our friendly professionals. To schedule an appointment with our plumber in Durham or for an emergency plumbing repair, call us today at 919-408-7200.

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Benefits of the Benjamin Franklin Plumbing Maintenance Program

November 27th, 2012

Ben Franklin Plumbing Maintenance Program One of the most overlooked maintenance issues that homeowners miss is a proper plumbing maintenance program. Ben Franklin Plumbing of Durham offers a complete maintenance program for any home or business. The maintenance program basically ensures that all of your piping and fixtures are working properly. The program also gets into the interior of your pipes and cleans out any debris that may potentially cause future damages.

We are the Durham plumbing professionals. Our maintenance program is the perfect opportunity for every home and business owner in the area to have total confidence that their water will continue to work properly every single day. We will take a detailed assessment of all of your pipes. We have the tools and equipment that is necessary to fix small and large holes in the pipes. We will also perform a full inspection of all of your appliances that require water. Our trained experts will check all of the fittings and piping to the appliance. If we do notice any problems, we will give you an affordable and competitive quote to remedy the situation.

It is imperative that you act quickly to prevent a huge problem from occurring. After we have checked everything in your structure, we will flush out your pipes to remove any extra debris. Standing water can cause health problems in the future, so we will clean everything out to make sure that your home is protected from mold and mildew.

Once we have the interior of your home properly maintained, we will move to the exterior. This is a great time for us to check out your septic system or water well. We will fix anything that needs to be repaired. This simple maintenance can be done quickly, and it is much less expensive than buying a new system or well.

We will perform every plumbing repair that your structure needs to run efficiently. Our highly trained, certified, licensed, bonded, and insured team members work together to provide the best possible experience for every customer. Call Ben Franklin Plumbing of Durham at 919-408-7200 to begin the maintenance process.

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How to Use a Drain Snake to Unclog a Drain

June 27th, 2012

Do not panic if the kitchen or bathroom drain is clogged. Ben Franklin Plumbing of Durham is ready to help you day or night with all your plumbing needs. Their skilled technicians can install plumbing, take care of your furnace, perform plumbing repair and yes, unclog toilets and drains. They offer the following advice on using a snake to unclog your drain.

First, rent a snake from a tool rental supply store. DIY stores also rent them. The snakes come in 25-ft or 50-ft lengths. Since you cannot see how far into the pipes the clog is lodged in place, rent the 50-ft snake. A plumbing snake is a long strand of coiled metal wire. At the end is a place where scoop-like parts can be attached to mechanically remove a clog. Different attachments are available. One or two should be sufficient.

Open the main drain to the house. This is located under the sink that is clogged. Place towels on the floor to catch any water. Place the end of the snake in the drain and push it in. Keep pushing in more snake to go further into the pipe. If curves are encountered, it could be difficult to push through, but keep trying.

Once the clog has been located, push and pull the snake to remove the clog. Most of the time, the clog is made up of grease, hair and other debris. Just pushing a hole in the clog is not enough. The grease can build back up and clog the drain again. Attach the scoop and send the snake back in. Rotate the snake using the handle on the holder. Do this back and forth several times to clear the line. It can take several hours to perform drain cleaning with a snake if you are not experienced.

Pull the snake out and close the drain plug. Run water in the drain to ensure it is clear. If chemical drain cleaners are used, they could dislodge more debris and grease to form another clog. When the clog is removed and the drain is clear, clean the snake before returning it to the rental center.

The best way to avoid having to use a plumbing snake is to keep grease and other debris out of the drains. Let Ben Franklin Plumbing of Durham help you maintain your drains. They are happy to help educate you on the proper care of your drains. For slow-moving drains, you may have a different problem. Call 919-408-7200 any time, day or night for drain cleaning service in Durham.

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Replacing the Toilet Flapper

June 12th, 2012

One of the biggest causes of a runny toilet is an old or damaged toilet flapper. The flapper is the rubber stopper that covers the hole and seals water in your tank. If it is corroded it can cause a lot of wasted water. Replacing the flapper can result in significant savings, and the process is very easy to do yourself. If you are wondering how to replace a toilet flapper in your home, follow these easy tips provided by Ben Franklin Plumbing of Durham.

1. The first thing you want to do is to shut off the water supply to the toilet. This is usually controlled by a valve at the back of the toilet bowl.

2. Next, flush the toilet.

3. Take the old flapper and remove it from the chain and hinges. Depending on the type of flapper you have you will either have to slide it up and over the overflow tube, or unhook its hinges from the overflow tube.

4. Write down your toilet make and manufacturer number, and take that information along with your old flapper with you to the hardware store. You want to be sure to purchase a new flapper that will fit your toilet.

5. When you have the new flapper, clean the area where the flapper sits, being sure to remove all debris and corroded material. You want to make sure you have a clean surface so that the new flapper can form a tight seal.

6. Take your new flapper and attach it to the hinges and chain. Make sure it slides over the overflow tube, and push it down until the ring reaches the bottom of the tank.

7. Turn the water back on and flush the toilet. Watch the flapper as you are doing this, to ensure that it sits correctly and forms a nice seal.

If you replace the flapper and are still having problems with your toilet, it may be time to call a professional. When it comes to plumbing repair in Durham, no one can match the level of service of Ben Franklin Plumbing of Durham. Give them a call today at 919-408-7200 to get help for all of your plumbing needs.

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Water Heater Installation in Durham NC

April 20th, 2012

The water in the Durham is typically very hard and calcium deposits from that hard water tend to build up in the bottom of traditional tank water heaters. This makes the unit less efficient over time, eventually preventing it from heating water at all. A better option is a Nortiz tankless water heater installed by the professional, punctual plumbers with Benjamin Franklin Plumbing of Durham.

Tankless water heaters have the advantage of not needing a tank to provide hot water. This means that hard water does not sit in a tank where the calcium can settle to the bottom and build up. This sediment build up can be carried through the hot water pipes and into your bath or shower. Don’t take baths in water that has been contaminated by deposits from the bottom of a traditional hot water heater tank. Tankless water heaters heat on demand and need no tank. They are more energy efficient than tank heaters because they do not have to keep a large volume of water heated over 100 degrees all the time.

A tankless water heater takes up less space, giving you more options for locating it in your home. Be ready to tell the plumber where you would like to have the tankless water heater installed. They can be mounted on a wall and should be nearest the plumbing fixture that uses the most hot water. Choosing a tankless water heater gives you back the large amount of storage space required to keep the standard tank water heater. In some homes, this could give you more attic space or another closet.

For proper water heater installation you need a Durham NC plumber you can trust to get the job done right. Here at Benjamin Franklin Plumbing of Durham we have the reliable plumbers you need for your installation. When you set an appointment for new plumbing installation or a new water heater, our plumbers are guaranteed to arrive on time or your service will be discounted.

Get piping hot water service back to your bathtubs and showers with a new water heater. Trust us to be the best plumbing company in Durham for all your plumbing repair and installation needs. Whether for a new water heater or to service an existing one, call us at Benjamin Franklin Plumbing of Durham today at 919-408-7200 to set an appointment with one of our punctual plumbers.

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Drain Cleaning from Your Durham NC Plumber

March 13th, 2012

Clogged drains are a serious problem, and you really cannot wait to have one fixed. When the shower is draining slow or the toilet will not flush right, call a local plumbing company in Durham to come out and correct the problem. Benjamin Franklin Plumbing of Durham offers 24-hour emergency services, so you can get the clogged drain taken care of faster. Rather than waiting for the clog to strike and be a nuisance, however, a better solution may be to invest in regular drain cleaning services.

Slow drains rarely strike suddenly. They are usually the result of a gradual build-up of hair, grease and debris. Problems with the main drain line can affect the kitchen sink drain initially, but over time, they will cause problems for all the drains in your home. Your Durham NC plumber has the tools necessary to find the leak and remove before it grows from a minor inconvenience into a major problem.

If you have tried drain cleaner and a certain fixture in the home is still slow to drain, the problem could be more extensive than you thought. Our experienced technicians can use a camera to inspect the drain lines for clogs, leaks or other problems. Whether the issue is a toilet drain that keeps backing up or a shower drain that constantly runs slow, our technicians can find the root of the problem and fix it permanently.

Preventing clogged drains completely is always the best course of action. Take some steps to keep your drains clear and you won’t have to call a plumber at all. Start by placing screens on bathtub drains to catch soap scum and hair. On a weekly basis, completely fill sink basins and then pull the drain, allowing the weight of the water to clear the line. Every three months, you can have your family members help you simultaneously flush all commodes and empty water basins so create a surge of water that will clear clogs. Avoid putting grease down the drains, and do not use harsh chemicals to avoid eroding pipes.

Benjamin Franklin Plumbing of Durham is available to handle all of your plumbing needs. From general maintenance to repairs and even emergency services, we can keep your pipes running and your drains working. Call us today at 919-408-7200 to learn more about our services and how we can help you.

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How to Clear Drain Clogs After the Holidays from Your Durham NC Plumber

December 29th, 2011

Most of the family has cleared out of the house and preparations are underway for New Year’s celebrations with friends. The season’s festivities undoubtedly will put a strain on your plumbing, particularly your drains. Your Durham NC drain clog experts at Benjamin Franklin Plumbing are here to help with some preventative maintenance. If the problem becomes too great then Benjamin Franklin Plumbing is the preferred plumber in the Durham area.

Water is not the only thing pouring down our pipes and drains. This is the main cause of drain clogs and being aware of what things are being put into your drains is an important part of knowing how to best proceed in clearing the clog. The kitchen sink is the most used drain in your home and anything from small food items, leftovers, cooking oils and grease, and non-food items are put into our garbage disposal or sink. Bathroom drains in the shower or toilet present a different kind of problem with anything from clumped hair, toilet paper, and anything kids might put down the drain.

For serious clogged drains, call the experts at your Durham NC plumber, Benjamin Franklin Plumbing, for professional service. For mild drain clogs, remove the stopper or strainer and remove any objects you find before pouring hot water down the drain. Usually, hot water can solve slight clogs as the heat will loosen any clumping.

If hot water does not work or if you’re dealing with a toilet drain, a plunger should be used. It is a good idea to keep a plunger in each of your toilet areas and bathrooms as you never know when you will need one. If you are comfortable with a sewer snake or auger, one of these plumbing drain cleaners should be the course of action after a plunger fails. Always call a professional plumber at Benjamin Franklin Plumbing if you are uncomfortable cleaning your own drain. Often it is best to let a professional handle it so as not to make matters worse leading to more costly plumbing repairs.

Some best practices to prevent drain clogs from happening are bullet pointed below:

Avoid dumping food, grease, and coffee grounds into your sink drain
Install sink strainers and sink stoppers in drains and consistently clean them
Run cold water in your garbage disposal while using it to chop up food
Never flush paper towels or non-toilet paper products down the toilet
Pour hot water down drains often to prevent buildup in pipes

Call Benjamin Franklin Plumbing, your Durham plumbing company, at 919-408-7200 or visit their website for more information and to schedule service.

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Durham NC Drain Clog Prevention for the Holidays

December 21st, 2011

Many large meals will be cooked over the holidays with family in town and it is important to keep in mind the strain one can put on drain pipes. Fat from cooking, oil, grease, leftover food, bone scraps, and many other thick and congealing substances will be tossed down the sink drain without a care. Your Durham NC drain cleaning experts at Benjamin Franklin Plumbing want to remind you of a few things before you scrape off your plate or dump your leftover oils into your drain pipes.

Much of the traditional holiday food menu contains fatty oils and grease. Items such as roasted chicken, pie, cookie dough, sauces and gravy, oils, butter, and steak juices have clog creating substance. Water can’t carry all of these substances down the sink drain pipes and too much of them will create a major backup.

Also, some of these oils are not environmentally friendly, aside from the danger of clogging your drain. In most cities and metropolitan areas, you can take up to 10 gallons to local landfill’s that have household and hazardous waste collection facilities. Check your local Durham NC city website to find where these landfills are located. Oils are often reused in an environmentally friendly way and recycled to make another usable product.

Your local Durham NC plumber at Benjamin Franklin Plumbing most likely has family of his own in town over the holidays. And while emergency plumbing service is offered, following these simple steps to keep your plumbing draining smoothly over the holidays can’t hurt:

Do not dump cooking oils and grease into sink drains
Food scraps should be put into a plastic trash bag
Cooking grease should be cooled and then scraped into trash bags
“Unflushables” such as baby wipes, diapers, rags, paper towels, toilet bowel cleaning pads, hygiene products and anything that will not breakup or dissolve in water should not be flushed down the toilet

Benjamin Franklin Plumbing, your Durham NC plumbing maintenance specialists, can provide you with drain cleaning service should you have trouble this holiday season. Give them at call at 614-344-4325 or visit them online to schedule plumbing service now.

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Protect Your Plumbing with Preventative Maintenance

August 10th, 2011

As one of the most important components in your home, an efficient plumbing system is essential. In order to ensure this efficiency, proper maintenance for your plumbing is an absolute must. After all, nothing is worse than a sudden breakdown or malfunction, leaving you with water damage to your home or without water entirely. For peace of mind, rely on our trained Raleigh NC plumbers at Benjamin Franklin Plumbing to provide your home with vital plumbing maintenance.

As any homeowner can attest, it is best to catch small problems before they become large ones. It is far easier to put a stop to something when it has just started, rather than when it has gone too far. With an inspection of your home and plumbing system, you can rest assured that a small leak will not grow larger, resulting in extensive and costly damage to your home.

For all your plumbing needs, it is important to count on a professional plumber to take care of them. Our professional plumbers can utilize their years of experience and knowledge of the intricacies of your system to effectively locate, diagnose, and alleviate your plumbing issue. With a professional inspection and plumbing maintenance program, however, we can catch problems before they persist, saving you the worry of a complete plumbing breakdown or having to replace your system entirely.

With any questions, comments, or to schedule an essential plumbing maintenance service today, give us a call at 919-408-7200 or visit us online today.

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Servicing the Following Zip Codes

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