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homeowner frustrated with her DIY method of clearing stubborn clog

DIY Drain Cleaning Risks: Why Quick Fixes Can Cost You More

Everyone has to deal with clogged or dirty drains at some point. This is usually seen as a minor inconvenience that can be solved with plungers, drain snakes, and some chemical drain cleaner. Sadly, DIY drain cleaning solutions can only take you so far. You may have cleared enough of a clogged drain to allow the water in your sink or bathtub to drain, but the problem could come back due to hidden issues that

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chemical drain cleaners with skull and cross bones label

Is Drain Cleaner Bad for Pipes? The Truth Every Homeowner Should Know

Yes, the unfortunate truth is that chemical drain cleaners can be bad for your pipes. The majority of these contain caustic agents or harsh acids that generate heat and cause corrosion that weakens PVC, metal and other types of plumbing. Over time, using these drain cleaners can lead to cracks, leaks and pricy repairs. Safer options for removing clogs include plungers, enzymatic cleaners, drain snakes and general maintenance. Diving into why drain cleaners are harmful

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plumber performing plumbing inspection

When Should You Get a Plumbing Inspection?

Hidden leaks, mold, and clogs will quickly escalate into major problems if not caught early. Higher water bills, extensive water and mold damage, and structural deterioration are but a few of the issues you may face. With routine inspections from an experienced plumber, you’ll catch these problems in their earliest stages so you can act fast. This is paramount to keeping your plumbing safe and efficient. More importantly, it saves money and avoids inconvenient and

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old light teal colored home built in 1950s

7 Plumbing Problems in Old Homes: Signs, Risks and Fixes

Older homes in Florida have a unique charm about them. They’re nostalgic, they have character, and you may be proud to live in such a historic structure. However, these houses often come with significant plumbing problems, many hidden. Learning about these actual and potential issues will help you protect your home as well as your personal health and bank account balance. What Are the Most Common Plumbing Problems in Old Homes? Corroded or outdated pipes

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water heater thats been affected by Tampa, FL's climate and hard water

How Seasonal Weather in Tampa Affects Your Water Heater

Benjamin Franklin Plumbing understands the unique challenges that Tampa’s climate poses to water heaters. Excessive heat during the summer will often accelerate wear, as units run more frequently. When winter rolls around, the temperature shifts can sometimes trigger pressure issues. With seasonal maintenance, it becomes much easier to keep your water heater running efficiently at all times. Quick Takeaways Humidity & Hard Water: Speeds up corrosion and sediment buildup. Seasonal Maintenance: Prevents damage and keeps

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plumber making repairs to make sure water heater is up to code

Is Your Water Heater Up to Code in Tampa?

Is your water heater up to code in Tampa? That’s an important question to ask yourself, both in relation to if it was initially installed in a legal and safe manner and if it has remained so in the time that’s passed since then. Importantly, if you’re considering getting one installed or repaired, ensure that this process involves it being kept up to code. Why is it crucial to keep a water heater up to

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drain cleaning vs drain clearing

Drain Cleaning vs. Clearing: Cost, Method & Best Choice

When people hear the terms drain clearing and drain cleaning, they often assume the two methods must be functionally the same. Clearing targets specific blockages, making it a fundamentally responsive approach. Conversely, cleaning aims to keep drains from collecting materials that cause blockages, making it a proactive approach. Keeping your home’s drains open is important. In the worst scenario, you could face water damage from backups. A clean drain also keeps noxious gases from backing

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regular drain clearing saves money

How Regular Drain Clearing Saves You Money

Few things symbolize achieving the American dream more resoundingly than owning a home. As of the writing of this article, a large proportion of the U.S. population are proud homeowners. According to the consumer financial services company Bankrate, the homeownership rate in the U.S. reached 65.6% in the second quarter of 2024. And it has been on the rise for the last couple of years. The same data from Bankrate shows that the number of

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hydro jetting vs snaking graphic

Hydro Jetting vs Snaking: Which Is Better?

Is your plumbing system giving you issues? More to the point, is it draining much slower than it should or possibly not at all? In that case, hydro jetting and snaking are a couple of options that will help clear your pipes. But which drain fix is better? The answer to that depends on a number of factors, and we’ll dive into those. What Is Snaking? Snaking involves the use of a plumbing snake, also

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Plumber hydro jetting clogged sewer line

How Long Does Hydro Jetting Take?

Clogged drains are a nasty problem to deal with. If your drains haven’t cleared up even after snaking them, hydro jetting is your next best step. Not only is it effective, it’s fast, too. Most residential jobs take just 60 to 90 minutes; the most severe clogs, and commercial jobs, take between two and four hours. Type of Job Typical Usage Pressure Level Recommended for Challenges Residential Home plumbing, drain cleaning Medium (2,000 to 4,000

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