Kingman Plumbing FAQ's
Some Helpful Tips & Tricks to Save You Money
Sometimes you don’t need a plumber, sometimes it’s a simple
fix anyone can do. Hopefully our FAQ will help you decide if you need
to make a service call or not.
Why is my water so hot?
If your water is too hot or too cold, you may need to adjust the settings.
Each water heater has specific settings that determine the temperature
of your water. Generally on older model water heaters, setting the thermostat
to medium will provide you with the proper temperature. Newer models are
usually pre-set at the factory setting of 120 degrees. If your water heater
is electric, be sure to turn off the electricity before any adjustments.
Contact one of our Benjamin Franklin Plumbing® of Kingman plumbing professionals today to
discuss the perfect settings for your home.
Why does my plumbing sound like it is groaning?
Especially in an older home, plumbing pipes may creak and groan. There
are a variety of potential causes, ranging from a defective refill vale
in your toilet, a loose washer, waterlogged air chambers, or the loss
of the “air cushion.” In order to rule out a simple fix, turn
off the water supply at the main valve and then turn on all of the faucets.
Once they are turned on, go back to the main valve, turn the water supply
back on, and then go and close all of the faucets. If that does not remedy
the problem, call one of our skilled technicians today.
Why is my water bill so high?
Unfortunately, many times the cause of a higher-than-usual water bill is
a leak. And, your toilet is the typical culprit. To determine whether
there is a leak in your toilet, check the pipe called the overflow in
your toilet’s tank. If you notice water filling the overflow, simply
adjust the fill valve to fill the tank about one inch below the top of
the tube. Call one of our trained professionals today to help you save
more money on your water bill.
How often and when should I replace my toilet?
Any time your toilet is cracked, leaking, or not functioning properly,
it may be time to replace your toilet. Deteriorated rings, sealants, and
mounting may cause the toilet to malfunction and increase your water bill.
Newer toilets are limited to 1.6 gallons per flush, pursuant to law, which
is significantly less than older models. Call a knowledgeable plumbing
professional today to discuss your options when replacing your toilet.
Why does my garbage disposal smell?
Due to the copious amounts of food and drinks that are stuffed down a garbage
disposal, it is inevitable that it will eventually smell. Fortunately,
many times it can be remedied fairly easily. First, try slicing lemon,
orange, or lime peels and put them down the disposal and turn it on. Then,
run some ice cubes through the disposal. Finally, drop a small amount
of liquid dish detergent in the disposal and let it run with cool water
for about 30 seconds. If you continue to have issues with your garbage
disposal, contact one of our plumbing professionals today.
What is the white scum on my fixtures?
The white scum around your shower heads and faucets is mineral deposits.
In order to remove it, fill a plastic bag with vinegar and cover the shower
head or faucet with the bag. You can use a rubber band or twist-tie to
keep it in place overnight. Once you remove the bag, use a soft brush
like a toothbrush to scrub away any remaining deposits. If you are interested
in reducing the mineral deposits, call one of our trained plumbers to
discuss water softening and conditioning for your home, through our H2O
Harmony system.
What can I do if roots get inside my drain lines?
Unfortunately, tree and plant roots can severely damage your plumbing.
Root masses can completely fill a pipe and stop water flow in and out
of the house. Unfortunately, once they enter the pipes, the roots continue
to grow and will eventually crack the pipe, causing substantial damage.
Roots in a drain line is a problem that must be remedied by a knowledgeable
plumber. The plumbers at Benjamin Franklin Plumbing® of Kingman are able to use inline drain
cameras to diagnose and remedy your root problem.
How can I maintain my water heater?
There are a few things that you can do at home to maintain the health of
your water heater. Every 12 months, you should complete a sediment flush
of your water heater lines to keep the lines clear. It is also recommended
that you test the pressure relief valve and function of the anode regularly.
A skilled plumbing expert can also provide regular maintenance and inspection.
Why is my water heater rumbling?
Sediment in your water heater can cause a number of issues, including a
rumbling sound. Because the sediment is blocking the water, the water
heater may not be working efficiently. One quick fix may be to drain a
few gallons of water out of the bottom of your water heater in an attempt
to discard the sediment. However, be careful as the water may be exceptionally
hot. If this does not work, contact a knowledgeable plumber today. Benjamin
Franklin offers a membership service that includes yearly maintenance.
How do I unclog my sink drains?
The only constants in life are death, taxes, and clogged drains! Because
clogged drains are so common, homeowners should be knowledgeable about
the various ways to clear them. If you encounter a clogged drain, begin
by using a plunger to clear it. If that does not work, us a liquid drain
opener. Finally, try removing the trap and clearing out any debris. Remember
to steer clear of any liquid drain opener as it can be toxic. If all else
fails, you can attempt to use a drain auger to clear a clog that is beyond
the trap. Benjamin Franklin plumbers are skilled at clearing stubborn
clogs and can even use a special enzyme-based drain opener, BioBen®.
