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Old corroded water heating element

How to Test a Water Heater Element in 8 Simple Steps

Is your home currently lacking in hot water? If so, you probably have a house full of unsanitary dishes, unwashed clothes, and unhappy people. But if your water heater isn’t heating water properly, how could you figure out what the problem is? Well, one potential solution is to test your water heater elements. A water heater element is an electric coiled rod, made of metal, that generates heat to warm water. A standard home water

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Plumber removing failing water heating element

11 Signs Your Water Heater Element Is Bad

Many homeowners don’t give much thought to their water heater elements until they go bad. In fact, many homeowners might not be exactly sure what a water heater element is! These elements are metallic devices that heat water via a process called resistance. When electricity enters an element, its inner wire resists the current. And this collision generates heat, which is then sent to the water inside the water heater. Standard home water heaters contain

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6 Causes of Ceiling Water Stains & When to Worry

As a homeowner, it’s always an unpleasant moment: gazing up at your ceiling and seeing a brown or yellow spot. It’s unsightly. It’s ominous. And it might be spreading. But what caused your ceiling stain? What can you do about it? Will it only get worse? Many homeowners assume, when they see ceiling stains, that their roof is leaking. However, other hidden moisture problems can cause these discolorations: plumbing leaks, air conditioning issues, unseen condensation,

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Home owner looking over high water bill

7 Reasons Why Your Water Bill Is So High

The average U.S. household uses roughly 30,000 gallons of water annually. Based on this usage, most homeowners pay $80 per month for their water bill. However, plumbing leaks, billing discrepancies, municipality infrastructure issues, and more can push usage and monthly costs higher. How Infrastructure and Billing Issues Are Making Water Unaffordable for Some American Households Many things are making water unaffordable for some households, and some are outside their control. Studies show that in some

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Plumber installing long last shower in Tampa, FL home

How Long Does It Take To Install a Shower?

You have dreamed of the moment you can step inside your remodeled shower. Greek mosaics line the walls, and a cascading waterfall flows from your new showerhead. Before you get too excited about your new installation, it’s important to understand the practicalities involved. At Benjamin Franklin Plumbing, we can typically complete a new shower installation in one to five days. However, customized or remodeled showers may take several days longer. If you need any tile

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Modern walk in shower type

A Complete Guide for Choosing Shower Types

Choosing the right shower goes beyond style. The bathroom’s size, its plumbing layout, your budget, and how you’ll use the shower all come into play. There are plenty of options, from tub-shower combos and corner units to walk-in showers and custom setups. Here is how to make sure you’re choosing wisely. Quick Takeaways The best choice depends on available space, preferred layout, and planned usage. Walk-in showers are great for modern aesthetics and accessibility. Tub-show

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Plumber putting finishing touching on converting tank water heater to tankless

How to Convert to a Tankless Water Heater

If you’re looking to improve your household’s energy efficiency without compromising on comfort and convenience, upgrading to a tankless water heater is a great way to accomplish your goals. Converting from a traditional tank-style water heater to a modern tankless system is possible in most homes, and the long-term energy savings associated with making this switch can be significant. These projects aren’t suitable for inexperienced amateurs, however, and require the advanced know-how of professional installers

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Gas powered tankless water heater

5 Steps to Take When Choosing a Tankless Water Heater

5 Steps to Choosing the Right Tankless Water Heater When picking a tankless water heater, calculate your household’s peak hot water demand (measured in gallons per minute [GPM]), figure out the required temperature rise based on your local groundwater temperature, choose between electric or gas power, and determine installation requirements. The correct size and fuel type will give you consistent hot water without performance issues. This helpful step-by-step guide helps you through the process and

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Food scraps going down continuous garbage disposal

Continuous vs Batch Feed Garbage Disposals

Continuous feed garbage disposals operate whenever you turn the switch on. To run a batch feed garbage disposal, you must put a stopper in place. Both types have advantages and disadvantages, and the right choice for your household will vary. This includes considering convenience, budget, safety, installation and the layout of your kitchen. This article will look at all of the different factors you should consider when choosing a garbage disposal, thoroughly explain the difference

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Non universal garbage disposal

Are Garbage Disposals Universal?

Garbage disposals are unfortunately not fully universal. Although most garbage disposal models will fit a standard opening on sinks, you’ll find that there are significant differences in the motor size, electrical requirements, mounting systems and plumbing layout. While these differences mean that not every disposal will fit your kitchen, it is possible to find the right one for your home. In this guide, we’ll walk you through the process our professional garbage disposal installers go

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