FAQs In Pompton Lakes

Are there any questions you have for us about our company, our services, or plumbing in general? Take a look at some of the frequently asked questions (FAQs) we have listed below and see if we can provide some answers. If you still need assistance, feel free to contact us at your convenience.

My hot water temperature seems to be higher than it is supposed to be?

For most households, 120°F seems to be the sufficient temperature ceiling for water heaters, so newer models are usually pre-set to that temperature. Older water heaters may get hotter, so you can typically set their thermostats to Medium. Gas water heaters usually have a gas valve dial. Electric models typically have one or two thermostats hidden in panels on the storage tank. You are free to adjust the temperature at your leisure to meet your home’s unique needs. Note that hot water helps cut down on microbe growth.

Speak with a professional from Benjamin Franklin Plumbing® of Pompton Lakes for more information regarding water heater temperatures and services.

REMEMBER: Make sure the electricity to the water heater is switched off before any DIY maintenance. Exposed wires can be a severe shock risk.

Why do I hear groaning and honking noises in my plumbing system?

Many things cause strange noises, but often it is because of a lost “air cushion.” To fix this issue, go to your main valve and turn your water supply off. Next, turn on every faucet in your home. Then, turn the main valve back on and turn off all the taps. This should stop the noises!

Why are my recent water bills so high?

A primary culprit of high water bills is a leaking toilet. Open the toilet tank, and see if the water is overflowing into the middle pipe with a small tube connected to it (the overflow pipe). If this is happening, adjust the fill valve to halt the water flow about one inch from the top of the overflow tube or to a marked water line on the tank’s side. Annual maintenance by a plumbing expert will help guarantee correct toilet operation.

I need to replace my toilet. What are some recommendations?

When you need a new toilet, or any plumbing fixture for your home, we recommend purchasing a new brand-name fixture from a trusted manufacturer. If you notice cracks or fissures in the toilet bowl or tank, the operation may become faulty or inefficient after installation. Look out for deteriorating rings and signs of poor mounting as well. Also note that, due to new government standards, more modern toilets can use no more than 1.6 gallons of water per flush. You may need to get used to the change.

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

This is a very common plumbing question, and it is easy to answer. Food debris build-up is usually the reason for foul odors in the garbage disposal. To eliminate the bad smell, place lemon peels, orange peels, and ice cubes in the disposal, and run it for half a minute. Then, squirt some standard dish detergent into the running disposal. Finally, rinse the debris away by running cold water for another 30 seconds.

What is the white build-up around my showerhead and faucet?

The white build-up is just mineral deposits due to hard water. Eliminate the deposits by placing a plastic bag with a cup of vinegar in it over the showerhead and securing it with a twist-tie or tight rubber band. Leave it overnight. Then, take the plastic bag off in the morning and gently scrub the deposits right off the showerhead with an old toothbrush. In some cases, you could remove the aerators from the taps and do the same thing.

To prevent mineral deposits in the future, speak to a Benjamin Franklin Plumbing® of Pompton Lakes professional about our water conditioning and softening solutions with our H2O Harmony system!

What happens when roots puncture the drain lines?

When left unchecked, tree and shrub roots can fill a pipe with countless hair-like roots at each puncture site. These masses of roots can cause severe clogs by holding on to toilet paper, grease, and other debris in your sewer pipe. These clogs can cause reduced water flow, slow drains, and, frequently, complete pipe blockages. When roots grow and expand, they can exert considerable pressure on the pipes and cause them to break or collapse, which require immediate repairs or replacements.

Clay tile pipes are most susceptible to root intrusion and damage. PVC and concrete pipes can still become damaged by tree roots, but they are much stronger than clay. PVC is the most robust material and is not as likely to leak around pipe joints. Bring in Benjamin Franklin Plumbing® of Pompton Lakes experts to use advanced drain cameras to view and correct your drain issues properly.

Is there any water heater maintenance I should perform?

Yes! You should regularly test the pressure relief valve. Should it fail to operate, replacements are simple to perform. You should also perform annual sediments flushes for more efficient and safer use. Finally, at least every two years we recommend checking that the anode has not rusted. Our professionals are ready for your maintenance call if you need help!

Why is my water heater rumbling?

Rumbling often indicates that built-up sediment is trapping water on the bottom of the storage tank and causing it to boil. The sediment prevents the water heater from operating efficiently.

You can fix this issue by attaching a drain hose to the heater valve, and allowing the water to drain for approximately five minutes. Newer water heater models have protections in place to avoid these issues, so it may be safer and more cost-effective to replace your older model with a newer one. Contact us at at least every two years to get your membership in our Ben Franklin Society™ for unbeatable water heater maintenance all year long.

WARNING: Hot water is hazardous and should be handled and disposed of with caution. Hot water can kill your grass, crack toilet and sink basins, and cause severe burns. Make sure you turn off electricity to your water heater before draining the water into a floor drain, bathtub, or laundry tub.

My kitchen drains are partially clogged and causing water to drain slowly. What should I do?

The first thing you should do is use a plunger. If that doesn’t work, try a liquid drain opener, but be careful and follow all directions. You can also take out the trap and remove debris, but use caution because liquid drain cleaner can get caught in the trap, too. Finally, if the clog is still present, you can use a drain auger to clear out the clog beyond the trap. We recommend our unique enzyme-based drain opener, BioBen®, that will help eliminate clogs without dangerous chemicals!