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Many water heater manufacturers set the default temperature of their units at 120°F. For most households, this is just the right temperature. For an older model water heater, we recommend setting the thermostat to medium. Gas models have a dial on their gas valve while electric models typically have thermostats concealed behind panels. While you can set your temperature wherever you like, it’s important to remember that hot water helps to reduce bacteria in your home’s pipes. Note that it is important to turn off power to a water heater before adjusting it to reduce the risk of electric shock. If you have any more questions about the temperature of your water, contact Benjamin Franklin Plumbing® of Birmingham today!
Rumbling sounds from a water heater could be a sign that it has a buildup of sediment. When water becomes trapped in this sediment, it can boil and cause a rumbling sound. Sediment causes a water heater to be inefficient because heat is not properly transferring within the tank.
To fix this, try draining water from the bottom of your tank. This can be done by attaching a hose to the tank’s lower valve. Allow the water to drain for five minutes and be cautious as it could be hot. Dispose of hot water into a drain and avoid dumping it on your lawn as it will kill your grass.
In many instances of sediment build-up, it might be best to replace your unit. Modern water heaters have features which prevent sediment buildup, so they are a lasting and reliable option over older heaters with sediment. Benjamin Franklin Plumbing® of Birmingham offers maintenance plans to ensure your water heater lasts as long as possible.
You should test your unit’s pressure relief valve regularly. Additionally, owners should flush out sediment from their heater about once a year. Finally, have an expert from Benjamin Franklin Plumbing® of Birmingham check your heater’s anode each year. Anodes prevent water heaters from rusting and are a crucial component for your unit’s longevity.
Yes. Roots from shrubs and trees and fill a pipe with roots. These roots cause clogs as debris becomes caught on them. Signs of pipes with root problems include reduced flow, slow running drains, or complete blockage.
Additionally, roots can crack pipes and cause them to collapse. Pipes made from clay are particularly susceptible to root damage. Concrete and PVC pipes are also vulnerable to roots. However, PVC pipe has fewer joints, so it is less likely to leak because of roots. If you suspect you are having root issues with your pipes, Benjamin Franklin Plumbing® of Birmingham is equipped to diagnose the problem quickly.
This is caused by a buildup of mineral deposits. One solution for removing deposits is filling a bag with vinegar, attaching it to your showerhead or faucet, and letting it sit overnight. In the morning, remove the bag and scrub the deposits with a toothbrush. Then, call Benjamin Franklin Plumbing® of Birmingham to discuss water softeners or the H2O Harmony system for the prevention of mineral buildup.
Your garbage disposal smells bad because it has a buildup of food debris. To help improve the smell, place ice cubes and citrus peels in the disposal. Let it run for about 30 seconds and then add a small amount of liquid dish detergent while the disposal is still running. Then, run cold water through the disposal for about 30 seconds to rinse it.
Benjamin Franklin Plumbing® of Birmingham recommends choosing a toilet produced by one of the major manufacturers. A toilet needs replacing if it has cracks or fissures in the tank or bowl. Additionally, it’s important to install a new toilet correctly. Improper mounting and seals can keep a toilet from working correctly.
New toilets are mandated by the government to use no more than 1.6 gallons of water with each flush, so your new toilet may use less water than you are used to.
Leaks are a common cause of high water bills. First, ensure that your toilet is not leaking by checking the water level in its tank. If water is leaking into the overflow pipe, adjust the fill valve so the water level is approximately one inch below the pipe’s opening. If your toilet is functioning properly, you may have a leak in a pipe in your plumbing system. For a quick diagnosis, call us as soon as possible.
You might have lost the “air cushion” in your plumbing system. To get this back, turn off your home’s water at the main valve. Then, turn on all the faucets in your home and turn the water back on. Shut off all faucets, and the problem should be fixed. Benjamin Franklin Plumbing® of Birmingham is ready to help you with this problem if you cannot remedy it yourself!
They could be clogged. First, try using a plunger on them. If this does not work, a liquid drain opener may help the issue. Finally, remove the trap to clean out any debris clogging the pipe. For deep clogs, tools are available to remove them. Benjamin Franklin Plumbing® of Birmingham is prepared to help you remove tough clogs quickly, including with treatment with our BioBen® enzyme-based drain opener.
Dana Hetzel
So glad we went with Benjamin Franklin for the latest plumbing work we needed done in our home. I couldn’t be happier with the work Eric Lovelady and Jo did. They installed a new water heater and pump and changed out the shut off valves. They were so polite and professional. Eric was upfront with the work, pricing and timeline to complete the work. He took the time to explain different options (and he was so patient when he had explain something to my husband and then again to me). When installing every thing him and Jo did their due diligence to make sure it was working properly, that I knew how everything worked and how to adjust the water temperature or shut off the water valves if I ever needed too. The pressure coming into our home was 20…. The pump he installed was smaller and quieter than was we had previously installed 3 years ago by another plumber and the water pressure in the house is now AMAZING! Someone can shower, wash the dishes, do a load of laundry and have the outside hose running ALL at the SAME time with consistent pressure. As a mom of 3 toddlers, I did appreciate that whenever they came into the house (majority of the work was done down in the basement/garage) they wore shoes covers and they left their work area nice and tidy. The Benjamin Franklin warranties on their work and equipment was also reassuring to us that they stand by their work and if anything would go wrong they would come back and check it out and make it right. If you’re looking for a plumber, I’d highly recommend using Benjamin Franklin and make sure to ask for ERIC!
Jennifer Parker
Benjamin Franklin Plumbing was fantastic! They came out with 25 hours notice and immediately found the issue and fixed the pipe same day. They were thoughtful and thorough in their response and even sent pics of the issue (before and after). I would highly recommend them for plumbing issues
Lawerence Smith
Michael was awesome, he arrived on time. He assessed what was required to complete his task. He had all but one part to complete his tasks. He acquired the parts and installed all parts to complete his task. Here photos before and afterwards.GREAT JOB MR . MICHAEL. Thank you for your support and service to your profession.
Toy Morgan
Eric and Jo were great. Friendly and great customer service. Provided a lot of great information and explained what they were doing in a way that someone who doesn’t know about plumbing would understand. Plumbing troubles can get expensive but peace of mind is priceless. Lifelong customer thanks to these two!
Alan Camp
Eric and Joe did a great job and resolved the problem on the first visit. Water pressure in the house is now ideal, even when running multiple fixtures simultaneously. They had to dig out the box in order to access a valve they needed to replace, and when they were finished, you could not tell this had happened. Thanks for a job well done!
Benjamin Franklin Plumbing® of Birmingham
2615 Pelham Parkway