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What Size Water Heater Do I Need for My Home?

If your home needs a new water heater, it’s a great time to reevaluate your household’s needs. Sizing a water heater properly isn’t necessarily complicated. However, it can vary based on the type of water heater you’ll be installing. We help Melbourne, FL residents pick the right water heaters on a daily basis using some simple information about their household usage here at Benjamin Franklin Plumbing. Here’s how to decide the size of the water

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Can a Water Heater Explode?

While it doesn’t happen frequently, water heaters have been known to explode if they aren’t cared for properly. A lack of maintenance and faulty components can increase the odds that this problem will occur. Thankfully, this issue only occurs under specific circumstances, and there are common signs you can look out for. What Can Cause a Water Heater To Explode? There are two key factors required for an explosion to take place. If the internal

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What Are the Most Energy-Efficient Water Heaters?

Is your hot water heater on the blink? Do you notice that the hot water for your household runs out during peak usage times? If so, a new water heater may better serve your needs. As you plan a replacement, consider installing an energy-efficient model to save energy and lower your utility costs. Heating water accounts for approximately 18% of an average U.S. family’s energy consumption. With today’s attention on energy efficiency, hot water heater

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What Is the Best Temperature Setting for My Water Heater?

When it comes to water heater temperatures, there is a fine balance between safety and comfort. While everyone loves a warm, steamy shower, it is important to remember that children and the elderly are at a higher risk of scalding. Before you change the temperature setting on your water heater, there are a few important factors you should keep in mind. What To Consider When Setting Your Water Heater’s Temperature To make sure your water

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Pex VS Copper Piping

When it comes to your house, there are few choices you will make that are more important than piping. In a way, it’s as if your pipes will serve as the lifeblood of your home, so you really want to make sure you’re picking pipes that will be able to stick with you for the long haul. No matter what type of pipes you choose, chances are that this will be one of the larger

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How do I know if my home needs new piping?

There are a lot of big and important decisions that homeowners have to make from time to time, one of which is whether to install new piping. You might find yourself having to make this decision if you’re experiencing a lot of plumbing problems, like multiple leaks, tree root intrusions, or frequent clogs and backups. But adding new pipes isn’t always the best choice. Some plumbing problems benefit more from repairs rather than replacements. Letting

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How often do homes need to be repiped?

If you have plumbing problems that seem to persist or worsen, you may be wondering if it’s time to replace your pipes. If you live in an older home, you may also be thinking about whether your pipes are reaching the end of their lifespan. Many factors, including the age, type, and condition of your pipes, as well as the water quality in your area and your usage patterns, impact how often a home needs

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Can My Pipes Be Repaired or Do I Need To Replace Them?

Few things can rival the feeling of accomplishment that comes with owning a home. That’s the overarching consensus of over 66% of American homeowners. And they share this sentiment for several reasons. According to the National Association of Realtors, a trusted trade association for real estate professionals, homeowners benefit from appreciation, equity, tax benefits, predictable monthly payments, and stability, none of which come with renting. There are, however, some drawbacks to owning a home. Homeowners,

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Why Does Soft Water Feel Slimy in the Shower?

Many homeowners around Melbourne, FL have water softeners installed to treat hard water. This is a great way to protect pipes against the mineral buildup and damage caused by hard water. Installing a water softener can also protect your skin, hair, and clothes against the harsh effects of hard water. However, the strange phenomenon of slimy water causes some homeowners to wonder if their water is still okay. It can be strange to suddenly realize

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Is the Water in Melbourne, FL Hard or Soft?

If you’ve noticed that the water in Melbourne, Florida, has a distinctive taste and feel, you may have wondered if it’s hard or soft. In fact, Melbourne’s water contains high levels of dissolved calcium and magnesium that make it “hard” and different from “soft” water that has a lower concentration of these minerals. Hard water can be tough on your plumbing, appliances, skin, and hair. It stops soap from lathering, leads to scale buildup in

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