All plumbing, just like a home itself, needs repairing with age.

As water pipes age they become weaker and the chance of a crack is greater, leaving you as a homeowner with the uncertainty of how much damage even a small leak could cause.

Today, water is still mostly transported in metallic pipes or systems, especially in older homes.  Homes with these galvanized iron water supply lines eventually clog with deposits, or become brittle and prone to fractures. With these pipes, the simpler the iron, the greater the risk of corrosion resulting in lower water pressure.

Pipes can corrode because of age or even by wear and tear from natural elements like a mixture of soil and water. The combination of the two will wear against the exterior of the pipes eventually making its way into the pipe itself. This not only leaves the pipe weakened but can also affect both your water supply and your wallet if the pipes crack and burst. The easiest way to check for corrosion with Iron is in the form of rust.

Another thing that could affect your water pipes is water pressure.

Weakened pipes can cause low water pressure, but a problem within your water pump could actually have the opposite effect, building too much pressure in your pipes causing them to rupture.

So take the proper precautions to make sure that your pipes are clog free, crack free and at a well-balanced water pressure. Working at a fast and efficient pace, we will make sure your pipes are properly working. If you need a replacement we will make sure to install high quality pipes, checking that the joints are tight and sealed properly. So make sure to have regular checks by your trusted plumber, Benjamin Franklin Plumbing who in the case of an emergency will make repairs, clean ups and restoration easy and stress free.

Water damage is one of the most common and costly disasters affecting U.S. residences and Benjamin Franklin Plumbing, The Punctual Plumber is on a mission to teach homeowners what they need to know about getting their homes vacation ready. Avoiding water damage is possible with the right preparation. As more Arizonans’ take to the road and the sky this vacation season my goal is for every homeowner to come back to their home and plumbing exactly how they left it – in working condition. Cracks in pipes as small as 1/8-inch can release up 250 gallons of water per day. According to the National Flood Insurance Program a 1,000 square foot home with just one inch of standing water will cost the resident more than $10,000 in damages. The cost doubles to $20,000 in damages with six inches of standing water.    In fact, according to theChubb Insurance Corporation 37% of all homeowners claim they have experienced losses due to water damage.  The Insurance Information Institute has said these homeowners and renters accounts for billions of dollars in losses annually. It’s imperative to check the plumbing around the home before leaving for vacation. If they aren’t careful homeowners can return from their vacation to their very own exotic plumbing adventure.  There are several simple proactive things each homeowner can do to prepare and protect their homes for vacation.  Here are my top 10 plumbing tips before leaving for a weekend getaway or a six month excursion: Linda Stanfield showing ABC 15 Smart Family how to use the main shut off valve. Turn off the main valve to the plumbing system. Make sure the valve is properly working before walking away.  There will still be water in the system, but no new water will enter into the system while you’re gone. Only turn it off if nothing around your home needs water, such as pool fills or pumps that need water while you’re away. If homeowners can’t turn off the main valve: shut off individual valves under your sinks, behind the toilets, at the Reverse Osmosis unit, behind the refrigerator and behind the washing machine. Only turn off the valves that are in good working order. Even if the main shut off valve was used, be sure no valves or supply lines are wet or leaking before leaving by checking under each sink and toilet in the home. If there is plumbing behind the refrigerator, pull it out. Check to make sure nothing is wet or corroded behind the refrigerator. Look around both the homes water heater and softener for wetness and leaks. Each has their own shut off valves that can be used to lessen the chance of water damage. If the water heater is in good condition, turn the thermostat to vacation on a gas heater. On an electric heater turn the breaker off at the main electrical breaker box. This will avoid wasting energy for heating water while away. Add water to all drains, and BioBen, before leaving to keep them wet and will help avoid returning to odors. Walk around the outside of the home make sure nothing is leaking outside before leaving. Homes with drinking water systems, especially older systems, need to be careful of any cracks in the line. Cracks turn into breaks. Breaks are often the culprit causing water damage in many homes. Some systems can be turned off individually at the valve under the sink to lessen the possibility water damage. If the homeowner is going to be away for an extended period of time, ask a neighbor to stop in and walk around the home to check that nothing has broken or continues to run while away. I know these tips are fairly common, but I also know that if they’re not followed they can cause serious damage and cost upwards of $5,000. When they are followed these simple tips will protect homes and provide the owners with a little extra peace of mind while away. For more information about Benjamin Franklin, The Punctual Plumber   please visit: http://www.benfranklinplumbingaz.com/ or call 602-485-1111. Follow these tips to avoid returning from vacation to water damage.

Looking for some Do It Yourself Projects for around the house this weekend?

You might find some inspiration here. Below are some modern twists on plumbing equipment made into furniture, decorations and even jewelry.

Here is an easy fixer-upper. Trying to make your kitchen cabinets more accessible? Try adding handles. Whether you are looking for a particular color scheme or are thinking of trying a modern take on your kitchen; start with small accents like these pipes. Not only will they make your kitchen one of a kind, but also some accents are even more affordable than other traditional store bought handles. Best part of these pipes – no repair necessary!

If you are looking for modern but simplistic shelving with a touch of rustic – you might have just found it. Although this is a do it yourself, make sure that the piping and wooden slats are properly planted to the ground and wall before putting storing anything too heavy on them.

Wanting an ultramodern bedroom set?

How clean is your plumbing… Clean enough to eat off of? This is a great simple table that shows your pipes are definitely clean enough and strong enough to eat off of. Might even remind you to call up your local plumber to make sure your real pipes look this good! 

Reading the Daily Plumber? Well we don’t have a book out yet… but here is a great idea for a modern bookshelf!

Talk about Modern— This is a Do It Yourself Lighting Project to the Extreme, taking old plumbing fixtures and routing a light through them – into the hand blown glass.

But then again, you could always just stick with candles…

Does your home need something bright and funky to spruce up the décor? For a few dollars at your local hardware store you could buy a few pieces of PVC pipes, and after painting them, turn them into one of a kind flower vases.

Today’s artists are constantly coming up with new ideas and methods for turning everyday items into wearable art. Here are two easy examples of Do It Yourself Jewelry that is sure to be easy, affordable and one of a kind. We’d love to see your DIY plumbing inspired decor! Share a picture with us on our Facebook page so everyone can admire your work!

– Enjoy this weeks Do-It-Yourselfs!

Take a second to think about how many plastic bottles you may have used this week. How many do you think you’ve used this year? Now out of all of those bottles.. how many did you recycle?

The United States alone consumes over billions of bottles each year. This video is from 2005 — where the US had consumed an estimated 30 billion water bottles.. and only 12 percent of them were recycled. The numbers have only gotten increasingly worse despite many recycling campaigns nation wide.

[youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OZbTXDkrD1o&feature=youtu.be[/youtube]

So make sure if you are going to drink from a plastic bottle to go one extra step when you’re done with the bottle and recycle it! Or you could always consider reusable bottles and save both your own time and money — not to mention planet earth!

Using re-usable plastic bottles or metal bottles for those who want to stay away from plastic all together is the better solution all around. For a usually cheap one time payment, you can find a bottle that you can take with you on the go and refill for free any where. With a range in sizes, colors and options there is a perfect bottle for everyone, even the humanitarians who would like recycled bottles or bottles that give back to charities. Some options are insulated, keeping your water cold and fresh, some even come with a built in filter.

Here are our Top Suggestions:

• Intak by Thermos Beverage Bottle, 24-ounce ($11)

If you are an athlete or just looking for an easy bottle to open on the go then this is the bottle for you!

“A plastic lid covers the top and pops open with the press of a button, making it easy to use with one hand. A rotating intake meter even helps you count how many times you’ve refilled your bottle each day.”

• Product Architects Inc. Polar Bottle, 20-ounce ($11) or 24-ounce ($12)

Although these aren’t the most fashion forward bottles, their lightweight, spill-proof capabilities definitely makes up for it.

“They’re easy to grab, thanks to contoured grips and a plastic loop around the bottle top makes them easy to carry.”

• FuelBelt 22-ounce Bottle ($4)

Are you looking for something you can easily store anywhere? If these bottles small size doesn’t sell you then their price surly will.

These small bottles, sold in sets of two or four, are made from polyethylene, a plastic that is manufactured without BPA.

You can buy the bottles and a belt that they can connect to. The belts, sold separately ($32 to $45), hold from two to six bottles — enough to keep you hydrated during the lengthiest walk.

• Britta Bottle – 10 dollars

How about filtered drinking water to go?

“Now you can get great-tasting water on the go, without the cost and waste of bottled water. Just reach for the reusable, BPA-free Brita® Bottle, available in blue and green. It filters ordinary tap water as you drink and reduces chlorine taste and odor¹ to make tap water taste clean and refreshing.”

This 20 oz. reusable bottle contains a filter that not only provides you with safe drinking water on the go, but also can replace the use of over 150 plastic bottles. The bottle itself is also recyclable .

Humanitarian Water Bottles

• The Mosaic Project

“The Mosaic Project embodies the most important work to be done today. Too often we burden our youth with the responsibility of fixing our mistakes. The Mosaic Project empowers children to create peace now, build communities across differences, and break down stereotyping, prejudice, and discrimination.”

http://brettdennen.net/mosaic-project/

http://mosaicproject.org/

“The Mosaic Project® works towards a peaceful future by reaching children in their formative years. Our principal program is a unique outdoor school in which we unite 4th and 5th graders of diverse backgrounds, provide them with essential skills to thrive in an increasingly diverse society, and empower them to strive for peace. We create a microcosm of the diverse, inclusive, just world we want to see and show our young students that peace is possible. Unlike any other organization of which we are aware, The Mosaic Project profoundly reaches children in elementary school before prejudice becomes entrenched. Over the last 10 years, we have served over 5,600 4th and 5th graders in our Outdoor School. In addition we have served over 900 high-school and college students through our Youth Leadership Project, over 11,000 students through our In-School Project and over 1,000 adults through our professional development trainings. Our participants have been profoundly affected by our programs.”

• Klean Kanteen

Looking to support an array of causes?

Try Klean Kanteen and support some of their official partners: The Breast Cancer Fund, Green Mountain Energy Company, Healthy Child Healthy World and NatureBridge.

http://www.kleankanteen.com/friends/friends.php

“Every social change, every movement, every step toward a better tomorrow takes shape when people come together and work toward a common goal. Together we are able to accomplish far more than we ever could on our own.”

Klean Kanteen® is also a member of Green America and 1% For The Planet, donating a minimum of 1% of our gross annual sales to the environmental conservation and education efforts of nonprofit organizations including our official partners and other organizations such the Environmental Working Group, Natural Resources Defense Council and Surfrider Foundation.

• Charity Water – The Thermos Hydration Bottle.

How about supporting a company who will provide clean and safe drinking water for people in developing countries for every water bottle you chose?

“Our friends at Thermos created and donated this educational Thermos Hydration Bottle. Each bottle provides clean, safe drinking water for two people and has facts about the water issue.”

Thermax® double wall vacuum insulation keeps contents cold for up to 12 hours. The BPA-free unbreakable stainless steel interior and exterior. The push button lid with pop-up straw also makes this bottle very easy to use!

In our current generation, we appreciate being able to take things on the go. Cheap and convenient is the motto most of our society lives by. That motto combined with the heat of summer means you’re going to want to stay hydrated as quick and easy as possible… Which usually means grabbing a water bottle.

Well there is nothing wrong with wanting to take your water on the go, in the form of a water bottle, just make sure you are making the right choice with what bottle you choose.

Most people choose to buy a package of plastic water bottles at a grocery store, seeing only the overall price and amount of bottles you get for that low price, instead of realizing that not only is it costing you more in the long run but it is also costing your planet more.

Watch this quick video on the story of bottled water, you may be surprised with what it really means when you buy that 24-pack of water filled plastic at the grocery store or a quick bottle from a vending machine.

[youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Se12y9hSOM0[/youtube]

We have come up with a few alternatives to help you still get your water on the go….

Other Ideas are Filters – Here are our Top Suggestions:

1) Reverse Osmosis Drinking Water & Ice System- Which can produce tens of gallons of delicious quality water daily at a low cost and convenience of no handling of water jugs and heavy boxes.

2) Simple Harmony Drinking Water- Which produces delicious quality water with no waste discharge.

3) Whole House Filter- Which removes chlorine and other contaminants throughout the entire home water system.

These three things could be occurring because of a few problems with the source of water that affects your laundry and cleaning not the actual cleaning machines themselves.

We have talked about what Chlorine and Hardness are, and how they affect your quality of water but do you know how the quality of your water damages your plumbing system?

Damaged Pipes Due to Chlorine attacking pipes	Leaking Faucets Due to Hardness corroding seals
Scale Buildup Due to Hardness clinging to pipes	Leaky Toilet Due to Chlorine attacking rubber gaskets

These are a few steps that will help you determine what kind of water treatment would be best for you, before you get something that is really not right for your needs.

• Check with your city and find the report for the water coming to your home, Dr. Oz has a link by zip code to your local report.
• Review that call your city or the safe drinking water hotline 1-800-426-4791 with any questions or concerns you see.
• Test your own water in your home, we have local testing agencies that can do this for you, if you need to find them contact us for their information.

H20 Harmony water filtration systems offer a solution for laundry and cleaning water quality.

Soft Harmony: Is a whole-house water softener that takes hardness out

Switching to a Whole-House water system will give you:

• Shiny, virtually streak-free glasses and dishes

• Clear, fresh, great tasting water

• Improved odor

• Brighter, whiter laundry

• Shiny fixtures

• Spot-free shower & bath

• Improved life of household appliances

• Will lessen household cleaning time & will use less energy= saving you money!

So what are you waiting for?

Call Benjamin Franklin Plumbing today at 602-903-1762

And schedule your service appointment!