FAQ

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Plumbing FAQ in Greenville

We Have the Answer to All Your Plumbing Questions

Your plumbing is such a complex system that it can be hard to determine exactly if you need a professional plumber to help you or not. Sometimes, the little things we notice as odd turns out to be normal, other times, they are signs of bigger problems. Because we know that you want to make sure of the problem first before you call us, Benjamin Franklin Plumbing® of Greenville has put together this informative page where we gather the most frequent questions we hear from past customers. We’re hoping that the answers to these questions not only help you decide on what to do next but also help you have a safer and more efficient plumbing system.

If you don’t see the answer to your questions here, please don’t hesitate to reach out to our Greenville plumbers at (800) 259-7705.

Why is there a rumbling sound coming from my water heater?

What you’re hearing is probably sediment buildup inside your water tank. This usually happens when you have hard water, meaning your water has a high mineral content such as lime and calcium. You may try flushing the water heater yourself or if you find the task a bit complicated for you, know that you can rely on Benjamin Franklin Plumbing to do it for you.

What should I do if the temperature of my hot water is always higher than I need?

First, check the set temperature on the thermostat. Manufacturers usually preset the thermostat at 120°F, which is said to be the temperature most people are comfortable with. If the thermostat is set higher than this, you can just adjust the temperature to your desired setting. However, if the thermostat is not responding, it’s time to call on a professional to help you repair or replace the thermostat.

Is there anything I can do to maintain my water heater?

There are some simple steps that you can do to help increase the efficiency of your water heater and potentially lengthen its lifespan. One is checking the pressure-relief valve. To do this, first, turn off the water heater. Place a bucket below the discharge pipe and turn the trip lever on the valve to release pressure. There should be a hissing noise as some of the water and vapor exit. If this does not happen, drain the tank and replace the valve.

Another simple maintenance you can do is regularly flushing the tank. As before, make sure to turn off the water heater first. Connect a garden hose to the tank valve and point the end of the hose in a direction where it’s okay for scalding water to flow. Open the drain valve and empty the tank to remove as much of the sediment as possible.

If the above maintenance work sounds a bit complicated for you, keep in mind that our Greenville plumbers can provide you with the water heater maintenance you need. It is recommended by the manufacturer that you have the T&P inspected or replaced by a licensed professional once every three years.

What happens when roots get inside the drain lines?

Because tree roots thrive in a moist environment, they can grow exponentially inside your drain lines, causing clogs or cracks to your pipes. Tree roots are some of the most difficult clogs that can happen to your sewer lines. Fortunately, Benjamin Franklin Plumbing provides hydro jetting services to completely clear your pipes of persistent tree roots. Our drain line cleaning with hydro jetting comes with a three-year stoppage-free guarantee for your peace of mind.

How do I get rid of the foul odor coming from my garbage disposal?

Food debris stuck on the blades of your garbage disposal can leave an unpleasant smell throughout your kitchen. However, this is not a cause for panic. There are several ways to deodorize your garbage disposal, and one of them is by putting some ice cubes down the disposal and grinding them. This trick not only neutralizes the odor, but it can also sharpen the blades of the garbage disposal. If you want your garbage disposal smelling fresh, you may also grind small pieces of lemon and orange down the disposal.

What factors should I consider when getting a new toilet?

Whether you’re replacing an old, damaged toilet or upgrading to match a remodel, you may soon discover that there is a wide selection of toilet types on the market today. From low-flow toilets to heated seats and other smart features, we can assure you that there’s a toilet that’s right for your specific needs and your budget.

Below are some factors to consider:

Floor space
Toilet height
Types of flush control
Water efficiency options
Ease of cleaning
Seating options
Other advanced features and technology

If you’re overwhelmed with your choices, allow our professional Greenville plumbers to help you find the right toilet that best fits your lifestyle. We are in partnership with some of the most trusted toilet manufacturers and have the expertise to install any type of toilets correctly and cost-effectively.

What could be the cause of the sudden increase in my water bill?

If there is no change in your water consumption but your water bills are skyrocketing, you may have a leak in your home. To confirm this, we recommend that you check all plumbing fixtures at home for signs of a leak. You may also try turning off the water in your home and observe your water meter. If the water meter continues to run even if the water valve is off, call Benjamin Franklin Plumbing immediately for fast, efficient water leak detection and repair.

There’s a loud, groaning or honking noise coming from the plumbing. What is it?

Loud, strange noises from your plumbing are some of the most common calls we get from customers. There are many possible causes of these noises including a defective refill valve or ballcock in a toilet, a loose washer in the faucet or shut-off valve, and waterlogged air chambers. It can help if you can pinpoint the exact area of the noise. You may also call our expert team for a thorough inspection of your plumbing system to find the exact cause of the noise and recommend options for repair.

What do you recommend for a kitchen sink that is slow-draining?

Depending on the type of clog, there are many ways to clear a slow-draining sink. One is by pouring half a cup of baking soda followed by half a cup of vinegar and hot water. If you don’t like the smell of vinegar, you may also let sit a cup of baking soda and half a cup of salt for a few hours in the drain then follow with hot water. If these two methods don’t do the trick, you may also try using a plunger to unclog your drain. Whatever you do, refrain from using liquid drain cleaners down the drain. While effective, these liquids contain harsh chemicals that can cause damage to your pipes in the long run. Keep in mind that you can also rely on our Greenville plumbers for safe, efficient drain cleaning services.

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Customer Reviews

4.8 (857 reviews)

nicole schmidt

Sam was our technician and did a great job. He came out during a stressful situation with a failing water heater and no hot water, and even though it was late, he was professional, patient, and thorough. He explained our options clearly and made sure everything was installed safely. We really appreciated his hard work and the peace of mind he provided. The service was more expensive than expected, but given the late hour and prompt emergency response, we understood the higher cost.

Dan Perkins

Eric was friendly and professional. He provided a clear overview of charges before work commenced that were reasonable along with potential service costs beyond inspection should the need for them arise. I have used Benjamin Franklin Plumbing previously and once again they have exceeded my expectations with their personnel from appointment set up, confirmation checks, and service visits. Highly recommend!

Justine Mullinnix

Great company. Very professional technicians. We had Eric come out to our home. He is very knowledgeable and patient in explaining the issues we had with our plumbing. He took care of everything on site and did great work. I really appreciate the fast response and care that they provided for our home. Thanks for everything!

Adam Schroeder

I had a clogged drain in my sink/washing machine line. I originally called mr rooter to fix it. After my 2 hour appointment window came and went I had to call them. The operator had no idea why they hadn't shown. As soon as I hung up the plumber called and acted like he was super busy but that he could leave right then and head my way. An hour later he showed up. Made a bunch of excuses and made me feel like i was stupid. It was obvious he had forgotten my appointment and he didn't want to do the job. Then he gave me a quote of $418 but he kinda urged me to think it over. I told him id call someone else. I called Ben Franklin the next day. They didn't have an appointment for that day that worked for my schedule so we set it up for the next day between 3 and 5. When I got home at 230 Angel Cortez was already at my house. He wasn't impatient or trying to rush me. Instead he was hanging out and organizing his truck. He said he could wait if I needed to settle in after work or he could jump right on it. I told him I was ready when he was. He looked inside and then under my house and explained everything without making me feel like an idiot. He cleared my clogged drain in about 10 minutes and explained why the old pipes were clogging. He charged me about $25 less than mr rooter tried to even with his $69 service call. He was extremely professional and knowledgeable with 18 years of plumbing experience. While he was under my house he notice an hvac exhaust vent line that wasn't connected and was worried for my families safety due to carbon monoxide. He duct taped it and explained that it was actually broken and needed to be replaced. He really went above and beyond. Angel is a great asset to the company and I'll definitely contact him again if I need a great plumber

Melissa Pereyo

Scheduling my appointment was easy and I received helpful information on my provider’s arrival time. Kevin was very patient in explaining in detail the services they could provide and what my home could benefit from. He laid out the estimate and costs with no pressure but an honest evaluation of what was needed. Very pleased with my experience!