Blog

What is the Best Way to Clean Your Drains?

Keeping your drains clean is important for preventing clogs and keeping your plumbing running smoothly. Regular maintenance helps you avoid backups and extends the life of your pipes. You know how annoying it is when your sink starts gurgling or draining super slow? Yeah, nobody wants that drama. But here’s the good news – you don’t need to be a plumbing wizard to keep things flowing smoothly. First, it’s important to understand the risks of

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How Long Does a Water Heater Last In Lakeland?

Understandably, many homeowners in Lakeland are concerned about the life expectancy of their water heater. This component ranks among the most important parts of any residential plumbing system. While traditional water heaters tend to last around 10 years or so, tankless units have a life expectancy of up to 20 years. However, keep in mind that several factors can impact a water heater’s actual longevity. What Influences a Water Heater’s Lifespan? Maintenance If you want

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What is the difference between tank and tankless water heaters?

Both tank and tankless water heaters provide the same main benefit of providing you with hot water. A big difference is in the way they do this. Learn more about this and some of the other differences between tankless and traditional tank hot water heaters. Tank Water Heaters A traditional hot water heater consists of a storage tank that holds the water. When you turn your faucet setting to hot, the heating element inside the

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What Size of Water Heater Do I Need for My Home?

When you buy a new water heater for your home, it is important to choose a unit that is the right size. One that is too large may use unnecessary energy, and a unit that is too small can leave you with showers that turn cold. This guide will cover common types of water heaters and teach you how to determine the right size for your specific needs. Storage Tank Water Heater This is the

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Can a water heater explode?

Your water heater brings you comfort and convenience every day, whether you’re enjoying a hot bath, washing your dishes, or laundering your clothes. Water heaters are sturdy appliances, but they don’t last forever, and they must be maintained properly to be safe and reliable. Homeowners who take basic care of these appliances usually have little to worry about, yet it’s important to check periodically to ensure they are working without issue; otherwise, disaster may strike.

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What are the most energy efficient water heaters?

When it’s time to purchase a new water heater in Lakeland, FL, it’s vital to develop an understanding of the pros and cons of the various styles. That way, you can weigh them against each other to determine what type is the most energy efficient, along with what style is the most affordable. To help you sort through all the information, Benjamin Franklin Plumbing presents this guide to water heaters! What Types of Water Heaters

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What Is the Best Temperature Setting for My Water Heater?

Did you know that the temperature setting you choose for your water heater impacts its longevity, efficiency and other factors? If you are like most Lakeland residents, you probably wonder what temperature to choose. The U.S. Department of Energy recommends 120 degrees Fahrenheit in most cases. This is usually ideal for energy efficiency, comfort and safety. This guide will explain why this is an ideal temperature and address concerns about using other temperatures. Understanding the

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Pex vs. Copper Piping

The plumbing that extends throughout your home must be reliable and long-lasting. Plumbing leaks can damage your floors, walls and ceilings, so you need to make sure that your pipes can withstand decades of use without costly repairs. When it comes to your hot and cold-water pipes, your two primary choices are copper pipes or PEX, which is a cross-linked polyethylene product. Each type of pipe has its benefits and drawbacks that you should know

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How Do I Know If My Home Needs New Piping?

Some plumbing pipes are rated to last for several decades. However, certain factors can cause them to wear out sooner than expected. Corrosion, clogging, soil shifting, and high water pressure can all lead to premature failure. Here are some of the key signs that your home needs new piping. Recurrent Plumbing Leaks In some instances, a plumbing leak can be isolated to just one area of the home. Your plumber may be able to fix

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How Often Does a Home Need New Pipes?

With adequate maintenance, a pipe can last anywhere from 20 years to almost a century before it needs to be replaced. However, depending on its condition, you may need to replace it long before it reaches the end of its useful life. Let’s take a look at a few variables to consider when determining if your home needs new pipes. Are the Pipes Showing Signs of Damage? A damaged pipe can cause water leaks and

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