How Does Boiling Water Affect Your Plumbing

It’s midnight, and you’re planning for Thanksgiving dinner the next day. The last thing you need is an unexpected clog.

If your sink, shower drain, or toilet becomes clogged, how you respond will determine whether your holiday meal is a success or flop. While most homeowners already know that over-the-counter drain cleaners can be dangerous for their sinks, drains, and plumbing fixtures, boiling water can be just as risky.

Overly hot water can damage major components in your plumbing system, which is why it’s so important to get professional drain cleaning services if you have a problem.

What Does Boiling Water Do to Your Sink?

The impact of hot water on your drain depends on the type of pipe and if any clogs are present. For example, iron can withstand a significantly higher temperature than PVC pipes. The following list includes the most common pipe materials and the maximum temperature they can safely handle.

• Iron: 1,410 degrees Celsius
• Copper: 1,083 degrees Celsius
• Galvanized Steel: 200 degrees Celsius
• PEX: 93 degrees Celsius
• CPVC: 94 degrees Celsius
• PVC: 60 degrees Celsius

If you use boiling water, it can eventually damage PEX, CPVC, and PVC pipes. Considering that most homes use PEX, PVC, and CPVC with sinks, using boiling water is a dangerous decision for the safety of your plumbing system.

Additionally, it’s important to remember that the impact of scalding water can be worse if there is a clog present. Normally, hot water quickly leaves your home through the pipes, minimizing the harm caused by high temperatures. If there is a clog, this hot water remains stuck in one spot. In turn, this can cause additional damage. Sometimes, the hot water can even push the clog deeper into the pipe, making it harder to remove.

While PVC pipes are able to manage some heat, boiling water is simply too hot. If you continue to pour this level of heat into your pipes, it can weaken and melt the joints in your PVC pipes. Eventually, you’ll need to hire a plumber to diagnose and repair these melted joints.

Finally, hot water can also damage the sink itself. A porcelain sink can potentially crack if water is excessively hot. If you pour boiling water down a porcelain toilet, it can melt the wax seal around the toilet and even cause the toilet’s porcelain to break.

What Unclogs a Drain?

Many common home remedies, like hot water and baking soda, aren’t safe for unclogging your drain. For instance, one traditional fix is to blend vinegar and baking soda because of how much it fizzes. Unfortunately, this chemical reaction can end up moving the clog deeper into the pipe and rarely clears it.

To unclog your pipes, consider one of the following remedies. For deep, troublesome clogs, reach out to our experienced plumbers for a professional inspection.

1. Plungers

For most homeowners, a plunger is the first line of defense for clogs. In addition to toilet plungers, there are specialized plungers designed for sinks. An accordion-style plunger is especially useful for removing clogs in your sink.

2. Drain Snakes

Drain snakes are ideal for clogs that are located near the surface. Designed with plastic teeth, these clog removers work well for shower drains and bathroom sinks. However, drain snakes aren’t ideal for kitchen sinks and toilets.

3. Auger

For stubborn, persistent clogs, a drain auger is a good solution. There are multiple auger styles, and they have to be used properly. You never want to force an auger because it can end up getting stuck. Because of this, the best option is to generally schedule a professional plumbing appointment to ensure the clog is dealt with properly.

Get Help With Your Plumbing Disasters

We all want clean and healthy drains in our homes When dealing with a major plumbing issue, don’t rely on do-it-yourself solutions. At Benjamin Franklin Plumbing, we can help with all of your drain cleaning, clearing, and unclogging. From tankless water heaters to faucet repair, our talented staff can handle your large and small plumbing disasters. If there’s any delay, it’s YOU we pay!

How Often Should A Drainage System Be Cleaned?

Regularly cleaning your drains is an essential component of maintaining a healthy household environment for your family. Over time, your home’s plumbing system may accumulate a buildup of substances like soap scum, hair, grease and food particles.

This buildup can lead to various plumbing problems, including blockages, slow drainage and damage to your pipes. By taking the time to regularly inspect your drainpipes, you can prevent such headaches and maintain a clean and healthy drain.

The Importance of Keeping Your Drainpipes Clean

A clogged kitchen or bathroom sink is not just an annoyance but can also become a health hazard. Some of the issues a clogged sink can cause include:

• Health problems – Stagnant water and a grimy buildup can create the perfect host environment for bacteria and mold growth. This growth can worsen respiratory issues and lead to serious infections.
• Structural damage – Water that is backing up from a clogged drain can cause wood rot and the deterioration of ceilings and walls, compromising your home’s structural integrity.
• Pests – Clogs can create a moist environment and harbor food sources that attract pests like roaches, rodents and even mosquitoes.

Clogged drains are one of the most common plumbing issues homeowners will face. By taking good care of your plumbing and performing regular maintenance, you can prevent minor drainage issues from becoming major ones.

How To Maintain Clean and Clear Pipes

Conducting preventative maintenance on your drain and pipe system is simple and easy. Here are a few simple tips you can use to maintain a healthy drain system in your home.

Inspect Your Pipes Regularly

By inspecting your pipes regularly, you can quickly catch minor issues before they grow bigger. Take the stopper out of your sink and use a flashlight to check for any blockages near the opening. You can also conduct a more in-depth inspection using a drain camera. These cameras can be inserted into your drain and allow you to see if they are clear or if there are obstructions further down the system. While inspecting your pipes, you can also check for corrosion, which may lead to weakened or burst pipes.

Consider Using a Drain Guard

A drain guard can protect your plumbing system and prevent debris and other matter from building up and causing clogs. They can also help you maintain a cleaner (and less smelly) drain. Drain guards are usually made of rubber and can be purchased at most grocery shops or hardware stores. They are a simple yet effective way to keep your pipes clean and protected.

Losen Buildup With Hot Water

If you notice that your sink is draining too slowly, you likely have a clog on your hands. You can lose this buildup by pouring Hot water down the drain. The heated water will help dissolve and break down blockages, making them much easier to dislodge. However, it’s important to note that boiling water can cause damage to porcelain or PVC pipes, so avoid this method if your pipes are made of these materials.

Install a Garbage Disposal

If you don’t have a garbage disposal installed on your kitchen sink, you may want to invest in one. A garbage disposal may help prevent some sink clogs by breaking down your food waste before it enters your drain pipes. Do not overload your garbage disposal, and avoid putting non-food items down your drain since this can cause damage. While garbage disposals can prevent some clogs, they are not a substitute for efficient plumbing.

Never Put Large Items in Your Drain

Although it may be tempting to pour your coffee grounds or oil into the sink, these habits can cause damage over time. The best way to dispose of large items is in the trash can. If you need to strain fat or oil, pour it into a plastic container that can be thrown into the trash when you’re done.

The Issue With Commercial Drain Cleaners

Although there are several chemical cleaners available that claim to be safe and effective for clogs, they can still damage your house’s plumbing lines and may not effectively get the job done. These drain cleaners usually contain harsh chemicals like hydrochloric acid. This substance can damage your plumbing pipes from the inside out and ruin your fixture’s finish. If you use commercial-strength drain cleaners often, you may end up with damaged or collapsed pipes, which can be expensive to repair.

When You Should Call for Professional Drain Cleaning Services

While preventative maintenance is an efficient way to keep your drains healthy and in working order, there are times when you may need to skip the DIY methods and call a plumber. Here are a few situations when you may be better off calling the professionals.

• If you are not confident that DIY methods will solve your problem.
• You suspect a large, foreign object is stuck down your drain.
• You notice slow drainage from all your sinks throughout your home.
• There are strong, foul odors emanating from all your drains.

Scheduling professional drain inspection and cleaning services is essential to help maintain the health of your home’s plumbing lines. Ideally, you should schedule a professional cleaning at least once per year to extend the life of your plumbing and keep your drains clean and healthy.

Protect Your Home’s Plumbing With Professional Plumbing Services From Miami Benjamin Franklin Plumbing

We understand that household plumbing emergencies can happen at any time of day, which is why our team takes pride in going above and beyond our customers’ expectations to ensure satisfaction. Whether you have a plumbing emergency in the middle of the night or are just looking for routine cleaning services, our team of fully licensed professional plumbers is ready to address your needs. Call Miami Benjamin Franklin Plumbing today for professional plumbing services you can count on. Remember, if there’s any delay, it’s YOU we pay!

Hot water. We all need it, we all use it every day, but most of us don’t think much about how we get it. As it turns out, that could be a serious missed opportunity for anyone still relying on traditional water heater systems.

Many Floridians have reaped the rewards of upgrading their homes with  tankless water heaters, but is it a good move for you? We’ve got every angle covered to help you make the right decision.

Do the Math: Upfront Cost vs. Long-Term Savings

Wait, don’t leave! We know math can be intimidating, but we promise it’s worth running the numbers on this one. First, the bad news. When shopping for a new water heater, you’ll have to open your wallet a bit wider to purchase a tankless system. Since they’re more complicated and advanced than storage tank units, it’s no surprise they also command a correspondingly higher price.

Sticker shock aside, going tankless is rarely a bad investment. As long as it’s in your budget to pay a bit more at the start, you should be well-positioned to reap the rewards for years to come. To understand why, we need to take a brief detour and talk about what makes tankless systems so unique.

The Science of Standby Heat Loss

In conventional water heaters, large volumes of hot water — usually between 40 and 80 gallons — are stored in an insulated tank and served up as needed. Since you might turn on the tap at any time, the water must constantly be kept at an appropriately toasty temperature. Are you seeing the problem? Even the best-insulated tanks can’t defy the laws of physics, so all that hot water is bound to cool down eventually. That means it has to all be heated up again — wash, rinse, repeat. The energy it takes to do this is known as standby heat loss, and it can add up to a pile of wasted money.

For reasons that should be obvious, tankless water heaters don’t have this problem. Instead of storing and preheating water, tankless systems heat it instantaneously as it flows through the unit. This effectively means you only pay to heat the water you use, which is why these systems are also known as demand-type water heaters. So, how much can this approach actually cut your utility costs? While real-world results depend on many factors, the U.S. Department of Energy estimates average savings of at least $44 to $108 per year.

Keep On Saving With a Longer Service Life

What’s better than saving a bunch of money on your energy bills this year? Watching those savings keep adding up for years to come! Provided they’re taken care of properly, modern tankless water heaters generally have a service life of at least 15 to 20 years. Some high-end models are engineered to last even longer. Even assuming a modest savings of $50 per year, that’s an extra $1,000 in your pocket over the expected lifespan of the unit!

What’s more, a longer service life means a lot more time between costly system replacements. Tank-style water heaters, by comparison, are highly susceptible to corrosion, sediment buildup and other forms of wear and tear. They rarely last more than a decade without losing efficiency or storage capacity, and they may need more frequent servicing and repairs.

How Much Hot Water Do You Need?

Traditional water heaters can store a lot of hot water, but anyone who’s ever owned one knows firsthand what happens when they run out. If you’re lucky, maybe you turn on the tap to wash your hands and have to settle for scrubbing without warm water. If you’re less fortunate, well, there’s nothing like a blast of ice-cold spray to ruin a long and relaxing shower.

Meanwhile, since tankless systems heat water in real time as it’s being used, they can never abruptly run out — at least in theory. In practice, of course, things aren’t quite so simple. All water heaters have limitations, which is why the best option for your home comes down to how you and your family use hot water.

Meeting the Demand: Volume vs. Duration

Accurately determining household water heating demand is a key step in picking out a new water heater. It’s also a confusing and convoluted process that involves dealing with flow rates, temperature rise and all sorts of other variables. In other words, it’s a job best left to your local plumbing experts. For now, let’s just put the calculators away and stick to the basics.

While tankless water heaters can technically pump out hot water indefinitely, they’re only designed to heat a certain amount of water at a time. For example, a small tankless unit may only be able to supply 3 GPM (gallons per minute) at maximum capacity — about enough to use a shower and a single faucet simultaneously. Any additional demand, like turning on a dishwasher or another faucet, could push more water through the heating element than it can handle.

With that in mind, it’s important to consider the demands your family’s daily routines place on your water heater. If there always seem to be multiple fixtures running at once throughout the house, a traditional water heater with a large storage capacity may be a better option. If you normally turn on just a few fixtures at a time, however, an appropriately sized demand-type heater should ensure you never run out of hot water again.

What Is Convenience Worth to You?

Another variable to factor into your decision is something that’s admittedly harder to quantify: convenience. On-demand systems offer several quality-of-life improvements over storage-type water heaters, saving time and solving a number of potential issues. Whether these perks are of value to you is a matter of personal preference, but they’re certainly worth taking into account. For instance:

• No waiting for water to heat up
• No running out of hot water unexpectedly
• No bulky storage tank taking up space
• No risk of damaging leaks or ruptures
• Less upkeep and fewer repairs

Tankless water heaters may not be for everyone, but there’s a reason so many Floridians have already made the switch. Will you be next? Dial up the pros at Benjamin Franklin Plumbing to take advantage of top-notch tankless water heater services in Miami, FL and surrounding communities, and remember — we’re on time or you don’t pay a dime!

Rather than store many gallons of water in a tank and keep it perpetually at a preset temperature, a tankless water heater  supplies hot water only when needed.

How Does This Happen?

When the hot water tap is turned on, cold water begins to flow through a heat exchanger, which activates a heating element that rapidly heats the water. The temperature is set by a control unit so you get the desired temperature of hot water.

What Is A Heat Exchanger?

A heat exchanger is either tubes or coils inside the tankless, and they’re heated by the heating element. This provides hot water.

How Much Hot Water Can A Tankless Supply?

Common perception is that a tankless can provide an endless supply of hot water, and to a degree, this is true.

However, an endless supply of hot water depends on several factors, including:

• The total number of appliances that could simultaneously use hot water
• The number of people that reside in the home
• The location of the tankless
• Flow rate in gallons per minute, or GPM
• Temperature rise
• Functional power supply

To achieve the fabled “endless supply of hot water,” your tankless must be adequately sized for your household and the demands that can simultaneously be placed on the unit. It also needs to be sized according to the location, the flow rate, and the GPM available.

These measurements are determined by the maximum demand that may be placed on the unit at any give time. Although it’s tempting to get the biggest unit available, that’s counterproductive because a unit that’s too large for your needs won’t provide the best service and you may run out of hot water. It can also be more expensive to operate so you won’t save any money and your unit may need replaced sooner than if it was correctly sized.

Are Tankless Water Heaters Only Electric?

Tankless water heaters are available to suit most applications, including electric, solar, gas, and propane. If you have any questions, we’ll be happy to answer them.

Why Is A Tankless Better?

Although some homeowners prefer a traditional water heater, the trend is toward more energy-efficient and user-friendly appliances. These factors make a tankless water ideal for many.

When properly installed and sized, a tankless water heater can ensure that you don’t run out of hot water, even during peak usage time. If you’re in the Miami, Florida area, you’re fortunate to be close to Benjamin Franklin Plumbing, one of the best in the area. Our motto is “We’re on time or you don’t pay a dime” and we have an excellent reputation in the area.

Can I Install A Tankless Myself?

We don’t recommend installing a tankless water heater as a DIY project for several reasons. Unless you’re a plumber by trade, you may not be aware of all that’s required. For instance, Miami requires a permit and inspections when installing a water heater and not obtaining them can be costly, as well as illegal. If not properly sized and installed, you may run out of hot water.

Why Call A Professional For Installation?

A professional can determine the size tankless water heater you need, which is one of the most important aspects of installing a tankless. We’ll determine the best installation location and the best type of tankless for your needs so that you’re happy with your new water heater.

Our trucks have a small warehouse of common supplies so that we can get the job done right the first time. We won’t need to run to the local hardware store for parts like a homeowner might.

We live by our motto, “We’re on time or you don’t pay a dime,” so you know if you schedule an appointment, we’ll be there on time and we’ll do the job right the first time.

Need A Tankless Water Heater Installed?

If you’ve decided that a tankless water heater is in your future, call us today to schedule a consultation. We’ve been in the plumbing business for a very long time and we’d love to help you upgrade your water heater.

All our technicians and plumbers are fully vetted, so you can be comfortable having them in your home. After your installation, we’ll provide tips on maintaining your unit so that it provides the best possible service for the longest time possible. Although tankless water heaters are almost maintenance-free, Miami’s water can leave sediment or mineral buildup in the unit, and Florida’s sometimes turbulent weather might cause damage to the unit.

We recommend annual inspections to ensure the best function possible and keep your water heater running its best. Contact us today to schedule an appointment or you can schedule online at your convenience.

Fixing damaged sewer pipes is never fun, but it’s necessary to protect the value and safety of your property. A failing sewer pipe can cause major problems like foul odors, blocked drains, and sinkholes.

Damaged sewer pipes can also leak hazardous materials into the ground and attract unwanted pests. Ignoring the problem will make it worse, so you must take action to correct it.

A traditional sewer line repair involves excavating the damaged pipe and replacing it with a new one, which can destroy your landscaping in the process. Once the repair is complete, you’ll need to restore the area and dispose of the old pipe. Fortunately, a technique called trenchless sewer repair lets you fix your sewer line with less disruption.

What Is Trenchless Sewer Repair?

Trenchless sewer repair is a convenient and efficient alternative to traditional sewer line repair. This technique involves minimal digging, and it works by sealing off the damaged line from the inside, often by creating a “pipe within a pipe.” Plumbers access the pipe at ground level, which eliminates the need for heavy excavating equipment, reduces damage to your landscaping, and saves time and labor. It also helps to prevent problems for about 50 years into the future.

When plumbers use no- or low-dig methods to fix your sewer line, they typically start the process by using a video camera to inspect the sewer pipes. Once they decide how to proceed, the actual repair takes place underground. Depending on the type of sewer pipes you have and the nature and extent of their damage, plumbers may apply different repair methods, including:

Cured-in-Place Pipe Lining (CIPP)

Cured-in-place pipe (CIPP) lining involves using a specialized winch tool to insert a thin, flexible, resin-infused liner into the damaged sewer pipe and then inflating it to create a pipe within a pipe. As the liner’s epoxy hardens, it creates a watertight seal, and the old sewer line becomes a support for the new pipe.

The new liner is jointless, corrosion-resistant, and thin enough to preserve the pipe’s capacity, which can improve the flow of material through the sewer line. Contractors can make sewer line repairs by accessing the pipe near the building’s foundation or at a point on the street without disturbing the pavement or landscaping. The repair typically takes several hours to complete.

Slip Lining

Slip lining involves pulling a plastic slip liner into a damaged sewer pipe to seal the leak. The slip liner is less flexible and more pipe-like than a CIPP liner, so it may also take up more space within the original sewer pipe, which can restrict the flow of material that can flow through. Plumbers typically use slip lining on large heavily corroded or otherwise badly damaged sewer pipes. They may have to do some minor digging to access the damaged sewer line before they install the liner. The repair usually takes under a day to complete.

Spray Lining

Spray lining is a technique that plumbers use to seal sewer pipes with polymer or epoxy. It’s a suitable fix for pipes that have minor cracks or damage.

First, the plumber must drain the sewer pipes. Once the pipe is dry, they insert a sprayer into the pipe and deposit a thick epoxy coating on its interior surface.

This process permanently seals leaks and cracks in the pipe. If the plumber can access the sewer line directly, no digging is required. The epoxy cures in a few hours, so the repair typically takes less than a day to finish.

Benefits of a No-Dig Trenchless Sewer Repair

If you’re looking to repair a damaged sewer line, a no-dig fix can save you from hassle. Benefits of trenchless sewer repair include:

Minimal Damage to Property

No- or low-dig trenchless sewer repair is less likely to disturb your lawn, plants, soil, driveway, or sidewalk. When contractors must dig into the ground to install the liner, they will make small holes at the sewer pipe’s entry and exit points to minimize damage. This tactic can significantly reduce the amount of time, money, and effort it will take to restore the landscape.

Quick Turnaround

Trenchless sewer repair involves little to no downtime. When contractors can avoid digging your damaged sewer pipes out of the ground, the repair usually takes a few hours.

Cost-Effective and Permanent Repair

Trenchless sewer repair requires less labor and heavy equipment than traditional pipe repair. In some situations, trenchless sewer repair is the less expensive option. At the very least, choosing a no-dig solution means it should cost little to no money to restore your landscaping, garden, or pavement.

For the Best Trenchless Sewer Repair, Call Miami Benjamin Franklin Plumbing!

If you’re having problems with your sewer pipes, trenchless sewer repair can help keep your plumbing functioning well in the long term. Miami Benjamin Franklin Plumbing provides high-quality sewer services that help you protect your property value. To learn more about our repair options, call us today. Remember—if there’s any delay, it’s YOU we pay!

Because it’s located underground, it’s easy to forget about your plumbing and sewage lines. If you have a cracked sewer pipe, you’ll quickly realize that something is leaking.

Once the sewer line cracks, it can lead to moisture damage, costly repairs, and mold.  By being proactive about plumbing maintenance and repairs, you can prevent this type of issue from happening.

What Type of Damage Can Happen Because of a Cracked Sewer Pipe?

While a cracked sewer pipe can cause many different side effects, the extent of those symptoms will largely depend on how severe the crack is. One of our plumbers can quickly come to your property to find the location of the leak. Then, we’ll repair the damage as quickly as possible.

Over time, sewer line damage can end up causing some of the following problems. This damage will only get worse if it remains unrepaired, so reach out to our team right away for professional help with your repairs.

Health Problems

Untreated sewage is full of bacteria and viruses. If any of the sewage gets in your eyes, open wounds, or mouth, it can make you sick. You may not even realize that some sewage particles have gotten onto your hands and clothing, which makes it even more likely that they’ll end up causing a serious illness.

In fact, sewer lines can also release methane and other gases. If these gases are allowed to build up in small spaces, they can be deadly. Methane causes the smell of rotten eggs, so call for professional help as soon as you notice any unusual scents.

Mold Issues

You never want your walls or floors to remain wet for extended periods of time. If no one realizes that your sewer line is cracked, moisture can seep out and lead to major mold growth.

Foul Odors

One of the most obvious signs of a sewage problem is the odor. It’s a good idea to repair cracked lines right away. Otherwise, the smell can be difficult to get rid of.

Moisture Damage

Besides causing mold and mildew, moisture can cause severe damage to your foundation, walls, carpets, and belongings. You can also see signs of water damage in your yard. Often, a broken water pipe or sewer line will cause pools of water or incredibly green patches of grass.

Costly Repairs

By being proactive about your sewer repairs, you can end up saving money in the long run. Over time, the cracked line can become worse and lead to other problems that are expensive to repair. Additionally, water damage, foul odors, and other side effects can be costly if they aren’t dealt with.

What Causes Cracked Sewer Pipes?

There are many different reasons why a crack can develop in your sewer line. Like the rest of your home’s plumbing, sewer lines have a limited lifespan. As they start getting older, these types of issues are more common.

• Foundation Settling: Over time, the soil around your home starts to shift. This can cause added movement and pressure on your pipes. Eventually, your pipes may crack.
• Corrosion: Cast iron and similar materials are known for corroding in the presence of water. Eventually, chemical reactions with waste and water can cause your pipes to break apart.
• Tree Roots: Tree roots naturally like to grow toward water. Eventually, these invasive roots can push into the pipes. Besides causing holes in the pipe, this can also cause blockages.
• Blockages: If something blocks your sewer line, it can cause pressure to build up. In turn, this can make a hole or crack develop. Then, continued pressure will cause the crack to open up even more.
• Aging Pipes: Even the best quality of lines will not last forever. Degrading material will eventually break down and cause a hole. It’s hard to predict when this will happen, so it’s a good idea to get routine plumbing maintenance to check on the health of aging sewer lines.

What To Do If You Have a Cracked Sewer Line

If you believe that you may have a cracked sewer line, don’t panic. There are a few important steps you can take to ensure your home isn’t damaged by a sudden influx of sewage.

• Stop Using Water: First, you need to completely stop using water. You don’t want to overload your sewer lines even more than they already are. Until you know what is going on with your sewer lines, you want to avoid worsening the hole or crack.
• Investigate the Source of the Problem: Next, investigate the issue. When you call a plumber, you’ll need to describe the symptoms you’re experiencing. For instance, there may be a foul odor, unusually green grass, or a puddle in your yard.
• Call for Professional Help: A sewage leak is a major plumbing emergency. Left untreated, it can harm your family’s health and lead to extensive repairs. Once you notice the leak, call one of our plumbers to get professional help.

How Serious Is a Sewer Line Crack Under My Home?

If the sewer line under your home or in your yard develops a crack, it can lead to significant consequences. It can damage your foundation and contribute to shifting soil under your home. The moisture involved can severely harm your walls, building structure, and flooring.

More importantly, a cracked line can impact the health and well-being of your family. Besides releasing bacteria and viruses into and around your home, your sewage line can also harm your indoor air quality because of the moisture and mold damage it causes.

Get Help With Your Sewer-Related Problems

At Benjamin Franklin Plumbing, we prioritize our customers’ needs. When you’re dealing with a cracked sewer pipe, you can’t afford to be kept waiting. If there’s any delay, it’s YOU we pay! To learn more about our sewage and plumbing services, give us a call today.

Hey there, Miami, FL homeowner! So you’re thinking about changing a faucet to save a few bucks? That’s a reasonable thought, and many homeowners are great at DIY projects. Be real: DIY projects can be tempting, especially when you’re trying to save money and skip those plumbing bills. But sometimes, it’s not really worth tackling on your own.

The question is simple: should you handle changing a faucet and other simple plumbing chores yourself or call in a Service Minds Benjamin Franklin plumbing professional?

Do You Need to Hire a Miami, FL Plumber?

There’s definitely something satisfying about fixing things yourself. You save on labor costs, and hey, you might learn something useful! But there is one catch. Sometimes, plumbing isn’t quite as straightforward as those YouTube videos make it look. One wrong move and suddenly that “money-saving” DIY plumbing project turns into a costly nightmare. With that being said, there are a few plumbing fixes do make great DIY projects.

• Dripping Faucets: Replacing a worn-out washer or cartridge is usually straightforward.
• Leaking Pipes: Temporary fixes like pipe tape or epoxy putty can buy you time before a professional repair.
• Running Toilets: Adjusting the float or replacing the flapper can solve this common issue.

Even with these smaller tasks, mistakes can lead to significant expenses. For example, over-tightening connections can crack parts, causing leaks. It’s best to proceed carefully, and if you’re unsure about replacing a faucet at all, seek the help of the pros at Ben Franklin.

Why Call a Benjamin Franklin Plumber?

Ben Franklin plumbers bring more to the table than just fixing what’s broken right now. Of course, they will fix it right, and that’s a huge plus! But there is more! A Miami, FL, plumbing professional is like having personal doctors for your pipes. They spot underlying issues you might miss and can prevent bigger headaches down the road. Sure, they charge, but think of it as insurance against future problems.

Why Call a Service Minds Ben Franklin Plumber?

If you’re unsure whether to call for a plumbing professional in Miami, FL, take some time to think about the benefits of working with a professional who has invaluable plumbing expertise.

Hiring a Service Minds professional offers you benefits like:

• Long-Term Solutions: Professionals address underlying issues to avoid recurring problems.
• Knowledge and Tools: Ben Franklin plumbers diagnose and repair problems quickly and accurately.
• System-Wide Insight: What appears to be a small issue might signal larger plumbing concerns.
• Right Faucet Parts: A plumber will know which faucet fits your sink style. Mismatched parts can cause even more problems later.

Hiring a Service Minds Ben Franklin plumbing pro may cost more upfront, but it saves you from repeated fixes and ongoing, expensive repair costs.

Could you change the faucet yourself? Maybe. Should you? Well, that depends on your skills and comfort level. If you’re confident and it’s a straightforward job, go for it! But if you’re feeling unsure or the job seems tricky, there’s no shame in calling a Benjamin Franklin plumber in Miami, FL. Sometimes, the smartest DIY decision is deciding not to DIY at all.

Remember, a good plumber isn’t just fixing a problem – they’re giving you peace of mind. And honestly? That’s worth quite a bit.

Ever wondered if you can just grab any faucet off the shelf and stick it on your sink? Well, it’s not quite that simple! Let’s break down everything you need to know about matching faucets to sinks, because trust me, getting it wrong can be a real headache. We’ll walk you through what you need to know to match faucets to sinks. If you are uncomfortable with any of the steps to install a faucet, reach out to the pros at Service Minds Benjamin Franklin in Miami, FL.

Understanding Sink Configurations

Ready make changing the faucet a DIY project? First things first: What kind of sink are you working with? In bathrooms, you’ll typically see two main types. There’s the drop-in sink – you know, the kind that sits on top of your counter with that little lip around the edge. Then there’s the undermount sink, which hangs underneath your counter for that sleek, modern look. Why does this matter? Well, it affects where your faucet will actually get installed. Recognizing your sink type helps narrow down your faucet options, making the replacement process much smoother.

Counting Faucet Holes

Now, here’s the really important part – counting holes! Your sink probably has either one or three holes drilled into it. If you’ve got separate hot and cold handles, you’re looking at three holes (one for each handle and one for the spout in the middle). Pretty straightforward, right?

But wait, there’s more! The spacing between these holes is super important. If they’re spread out six inches or more, you’ll need what’s called a “widespread” faucet. Less than six inches? You’re in “centerset” territory. Getting these measurements right is crucial – nobody wants to bring home a fancy new faucet only to find out it won’t fit!

Ben Franklin Plumbing Pro Tip: sometimes sinks are sneaky and hide extra holes under decorative plates. Before you go shopping, grab a flashlight and take a peek underneath your sink. You might discover more options than you thought you had!

Removing an Existing Faucet

Start by shutting off the water supply. Use the shut-off valves located under the sink, or turn off the main water line if necessary. After that, open the faucet to drain any remaining water from the lines.

Tools and Process

Here’s how to detach the faucet:

• Use a basin wrench to loosen the nuts securing the water lines.
• If the nuts are stuck, apply penetrating oil and let it sit for a few minutes to help loosen them.
• Unscrew the larger nuts holding the faucet in place.

Detaching the Faucet

If the faucet is stuck, gently pry it loose using a putty knife. Once it’s removed, count the sink holes and measure the spacing. This step ensures you get a compatible replacement faucet.

Workarounds for Mismatched Configurations

Now, what if your dream faucet doesn’t quite match your sink’s setup? Don’t worry! There are some clever workarounds. You can use a baseplate to cover up extra holes, or go for a bridge faucet that might work better with your configuration. You’ve got options!

Final Steps and Shopping Tips

When you’re ready to shop, here’s what I recommend: take pictures of your sink and bring your measurements with you. It’ll make the whole process so much easier. And don’t forget to check those package labels – they’ll tell you exactly what kind of sink setup the faucet works with.

Bottom line? You can’t just mix and match any faucet with any sink, but with a little planning and the right measurements, you can definitely find one that works perfectly. Take your time, do your homework, and you’ll end up with a faucet that not only fits like a glove but looks fantastic too! If you are unsure about matching faucets to sinks, call the pros at Benjamin Franklin Plumbing!

Hey there Miami, FL homeowners! Ever wondered whether you need to call a plumber fto unclog a drain that is stubborn? Let’s talk about what you can try to unclof a drain on your own and when it’s time to bring in the professionals at Service Minds Ben Franklin!

Avoid Corrosive Drain Cleaners

First things first – put down that chemical drain cleaner! I know it’s tempting to reach for the heavy-duty stuff, but those harsh chemicals can actually do more harm than good. They might fix the clog temporarily, but they’re basically eating away at your pipes over time. Plus, who wants toxic fumes in their house? Not to mention what those chemicals do to our environment.

Alternative Methods for Clearing Minor Clogs

Here’s the good news: you can try some safer DIY methods to unclog a drain first. One of my favorite tricks is the good old baking soda and vinegar combo. It’s like a science experiment in your drain! Just pour half a cup of baking soda down there, follow it with half a cup of white vinegar, cover the drain (this is important!), and let it fizz away for about 15-20 minutes. Finish it off with some hot water, and voilà – you might just have solved your problem!

If that doesn’t do the trick, you could try a plumbing snake – you can pick one up at any hardware store. They’re pretty handy tools that can break up clogs physically. And don’t forget about your trusty plunger! It’s not just for toilets – you can use it on sinks and tubs too.

When to Call a Plumbing Pro at Ben Franklin

But let’s be real – sometimes these DIY fixes just won’t cut it. When should you wave the white flag and call a Service Minds Benjamin Franklin plumber? Well, if you’ve tried everything and that clog just won’t budge, it’s probably time.

Here’s something to watch out for: if your drains keep clogging over and over, that’s usually a red flag. It could mean there’s something bigger going on, like:

• Stuff that’s really stuck in there (think hair, grease, and all sorts of lovely debris).
• A broken pipe somewhere in the system.
• Issues with your sewer connection (yikes!).

If your DIY efforts don’t clear the clog, it’s time to call a Benjamin Franklin plumber in Miami, FL.  Professionals have specialized tools, like powerful commercial-grade snakes, that can reach deeper into pipes and clear more stubborn blockages. These tools are more effective than anything available at the hardware store and are less likely to damage your pipes.

Plumbers also use pressurized air to break up tough clogs. This method forces the blockage out using air pressure, which is ideal for serious clogs that won’t budge. If home remedies fail, a plumber can provide a thorough solution.

Sewer Backup Issues

Speaking of sewers – if you notice multiple drains backing up at once or smell something funky, don’t wait around. That could be a sewer backup, and trust me, that’s not something you want to DIY. It’s a health hazard and needs professional attention ASAP.

In some cases, heavy rainfall can cause temporary backups in municipal sewer systems, but if backups continue, there’s likely an issue with your plumbing that needs professional attention from a Service Minds plumbing expert.

Problems with Septic Systems

And for my friends with septic systems – keep an eye on your yard. If it’s staying wet or you’re noticing bad smells, especially after laundry day or a long shower, your septic system might be crying out for help.

Bottom line? While you can definitely unclog a drain on your own with safe, simple methods, don’t be a hero if things seem serious. Sometimes calling a Service Minds Benjamin Franklin plumbing pro in Miami, FL isn’t just the easier choice – it’s the smarter one too. Better to deal with a small problem now than a huge headache later, right?

Remember, whether it’s a simple clog or something more complicated, there’s no shame in calling for backup to unclog a drain. That’s what we plumbers are here for! (And trust me, we’ve seen it all, so don’t be embarrassed about whatever’s causing that clog!)