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Can Your Water Heater Explode?

Although the odds of this happening are relatively low, a water heater has the potential to explode. This is because heat and pressure can build inside of the tank over time due to improper installation, poor maintenance, or because it is located too close to a gas leak. How to Minimize Your Risk of a Water Heater Explosion One of the easiest ways to minimize the risk of a water heater explosion is to understand

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What are the most energy efficient water heaters?

If you’re looking for a water heater that can replace an old model or outfit your new home, you’ll be glad to know that buying a new, energy-efficient model can reduce your utility bills and lower your carbon emissions. The star of this next generation of environmentally friendly appliances is the heat pump water heater (HPWH), which uses less energy yet performs as well as a conventional water heater. How Heat Pump Water Heaters Save

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What is the best temperature setting for my water heater?

Your water heater is an essential home appliance that helps you cook, bathe, wash dishes, shower, do laundry, and more. To keep your water safe, it’s important to set your unit to the correct water temperature and make sure it’s functioning properly. Here’s what you need to know: Understanding Your Temperature Settings Whether you have an electric or gas-powered tank or tankless water heater, you’ll want to make sure it’s set to provide you with

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Pex VS Copper Piping

Out of sight often means out of mind, so homeowners rarely think about the types of pipes that ensure water circulates smoothly through their homes. It’s a matter worth exploring when you’re considering repiping or repairing. Copper and cross-linked polyethylene, or PEX, are popular choices. Which is the best choice for your project? The professionals at Benjamin Franklin Plumbing are happy to provide the facts you need to make an informed decision. Defining Copper and

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How do I know if my home needs new piping?

Your home’s pipes can serve you well for decades. Unfortunately, though, they won’t last forever. As pipes age and wear down, they can cause significant damage, especially if you choose to ignore the signs. These signs are not hard to miss if you know what to look for. Here are some ways you can tell if your home needs new piping. Frequent Plumbing Repairs If you are constantly calling in a plumber to fix an

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How often do homes need to be repiped?

This is, indeed, a question for the ages. There is an extraordinary array of reasons why a home might need to be repiped. Sometimes, it’s due to the actual materials used in the pipe. For example, copper pipes have developed a particular reputation for longevity. If you have copper pipes, it is possible that they could last up to seven decades. However, if hard water is in the mix, you may notice that the life

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Can my pipes be repaired or do I need to replace?

Replacing the pipes in your Niceville, FL home is no small project. When possible, it’s cheaper and easier to repair them. However, not all pipes are fixable. If your pipes are old, corroded, or made from unsafe materials, scheduling repiping service is the best choice. At Benjamin Franklin Plumbing, we’re sharing a few ways to know whether your pipes need repaired or replaced. Your Pipes Are More Than 40 Years Old In general, it’s best

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Why does soft water feel slimy in the shower?

If you’ve been feeling like the water in your daily shower has become a bit viscous lately, rest assured that your mind is not playing tricks on you. Chances are that you have “soft” water, and a number of factors are leading your senses to experience that slimy sort of feeling. What Is “Soft” Water Vs. “Hard” Water? Many of us have heard these descriptors a great deal, but what do they all mean? Simply

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Is the Water in Niceville Hard or Soft?

One of the best parts of living in Niceville is the fact that the city likes to communicate with its residents. Every year, the city puts out a Consumer Confidence Report to keep residents briefed on the properties of their local water. This report provides information about the source of the water in Niceville, which is the Floridian Aquifer. The water in this aquifer is sourced from a number of springs, wells, reservoirs, and other

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How often do I have to add salt to my water softener?

Your water softener requires a healthy supply of salt to continue doing its important job. The salt enables the water softener to remove minerals from the water. By doing so, it supports better-tasting tap water, reduces mineral buildup, keeps your dishes cleaner, and more. Our customers at Benjamin Franklin Plumbing often ask how frequently salt needs to be added to their water softener. Factors That Affect the Salt Supply Unfortunately, there is not a clear-cut

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