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.