• FAQs •
1. What should I do if I smell gas?
Open your windows, leave your house and call your local fire/emergency number.
2. My water heater is leaking. How do I shut off water to it?
A shut off valve should be located at the top of the water heater. If not, shut off the main water supply to the house.
3. My pipes are making a "knocking" sound. Can this be repaired?
Knocking pipes can be repaired under most circumstances. A J. Valente Plumbing technician can look at what is causing the pipe to knock and make a recommendation on how to properly repair the situation.
4. What if I need to go out during my appointment window? Will you call me before you come?
In the event that you need us to customize a time-frame for your appointment to minimize any personal scheduling conflicts, our office will be happy to accommodate any reasonable request.
5. Can I schedule an appointment on a Saturday?
Saturday appointments are available on a limited basis and fill up fast. If this is the only time that works for you, we suggest that you call as far in advance as possible since these appointments book early.
6. My pipes are frozen, what should I do?
Never try to thaw a pipe with an open flame or torch. J. Valente Plumbing has specialized equipment for the sole purpose of thawing frozen pipes. Frozen pipe calls receive special priority and are handled before any other non-emergency service call
7. What should I do if a pipe bursts?
Homeowners should know where the main shut off to their water supply is located. In the event a pipe bursts, we recommend you turn off the closest shut off valve or your main water shut off valve until a professional can arrive.
8. I keep running out of hot water, should I install a larger water heater?
There are as many types of water heaters available as there are reasons why you may be running out of hot water. Before installing a larger heater, let a J. Valente Plumbing technician analyze your water usage and inform you of the options available
9. What happens when roots get inside drain lines?
If left undisturbed, roots from shrubs and trees will completely fill a pipe with multiple hair-like root masses at each point of entry. These root masses quickly become clogged with toilet tissue, grease and other debris flowing from your home to the main sewer, resulting in reduced flow, slow running drains and in most cases a complete blockage. Once roots have entered the pipe, they continue to grow and expand, exerting considerable pressure at the crack or joint. This increased pressure often breaks the pipe and may result in total collapse, which requires repair or replacement. Some pipe materials are more susceptible to root intrusion than others. Clay tile pipe is easily penetrated and damaged by tree roots. Concrete pipe and PVC pipe may also allow root intrusion, but to a lesser extent than clay pipe. PVC pipe usually has fewer joints and the tightly fitted joints are less likely to leak as a result of settlement around the pipe. Allow Benjamin Franklin Plumbing to use state-of-the-art inline drain cameras to view and record your drain problems with roots.
10. What is the recommendation for replacing a toilet in my home?
When considering any new fixture for your home, we recommend that you choose a fixture made by one of the major manufacturers. If cracks or fissures are present in the tank or bowl, this can impede the operation of the fixture. Poor mounting and deteriorating rings and seals can affect the operation as well. Keep in mind that many of the new toilets conform to new government standards that require they use no more than 1.6 gallons per flush. If you are replacing an older model, this may take getting used to.