Plumbing Tips
Straight talk from licensed plumbers, for Twin Cities homeowners.
Why Your Water Bill Goes Up In Summer (Even When Nothing Seems Wrong)
Wondering why your water bill is higher in Minneapolis this summer? Learn common causes like leaks, irrigation issues, and increased usage—and how to fix them.
4 min read
Slow Drains Now, Big Problems Later: What Your Pipes Are Trying To Tell You
Slow drains in Minneapolis–St. Paul can lead to serious plumbing issues. Learn what causes clogs and how professional drain cleaning can prevent bigger problems.
4 min read
Why Quick Plumbing Fixes Don’t Last (And What’s Really Going On Behind The Problem)
Dealing with recurring plumbing issues in Minneapolis–St. Paul? Learn why quick fixes don’t last and how professional plumbing repair can solve the root problem for good.
4 min read
What Winter May Have Done to Your Pipes: Why Spring Is the Time to Check Your Plumbing
Winter can leave hidden damage in your plumbing. Learn why a spring plumbing inspection in the Twin Cities helps catch leaks early and prevent costly repairs in Minneapolis and St. Paul.
4 min read
Spring Runoff and Your Basement: Why Drains and Sump Pumps Matter More in April
Spring runoff in the Twin Cities can overwhelm sump pumps and drains. Learn why April plumbing maintenance helps prevent basement flooding in Minneapolis, St. Paul, and surrounding areas.
4 min read
Why Your Water Tastes Different In March: What Twin Cities Homeowners Should Know About Spring Snowmelt
Spring snowmelt can change water taste and quality in the Twin Cities. Learn why Minneapolis–St. Paul homeowners notice differences in March and how filtration and softening systems help.
4 min read
After A Long Minnesota Winter, Is Your Water Heater Running Efficiently?
After a long Minnesota winter, your water heater may be working harder than it should. Learn why March is the best time for Twin Cities homeowners to schedule water heater maintenance.
4 min read
How To Choose The Right Plumbing Service In The Twin Cities: What To Look For In A Local Plumber
February plumbing maintenance helps Twin Cities homeowners prevent leaks, clogs, and winter emergencies. Learn why a professional plumbing checkup now saves money and protects your home.
4 min read
The Importance Of Regular Plumbing Maintenance: Why You Shouldn’t Skip This In February
February is the ideal time for plumbing maintenance in the Twin Cities. Learn how regular inspections help prevent winter plumbing emergencies and costly repairs before spring.
4 min read
More Than Frozen Pipes: Winter Plumbing Risks Twin Cities Homeowners Often Overlook
Winter plumbing risks go beyond frozen pipes. Learn what Twin Cities homeowners often overlook in January and how proactive plumbing service can prevent costly winter damage.
4 min read
Noticing Plumbing Issues After The Holidays? Here’s Why January Brings Them Out
Noticing plumbing problems after the holidays? Learn why January reveals hidden plumbing issues in Twin Cities homes and when professional plumbing service can prevent bigger winter problems.
4 min read
Frozen Pipe Season in Minnesota: Why December Pushes Your Plumbing to the Edge
December in the Twin Cities brings holiday excitement...and the kind of cold that can turn your plumbing into an urgent problem overnight!
4 min read
Holiday Hosting Trouble: The Plumbing Problems That Show Up When Your Home Gets Busy
When you've got a full house, your plumbing system quietly takes on extra workload that can reveal hidden issues you didn't know existed.
4 min read
Leaky Faucets & Running Toilets: Small Plumbing Fixes That Save Big Bucks in the Twin Cities
One of the easiest ways to save "big bucks" and conserve water is by tackling those seemingly minor plumbing issues like leaky faucets and running toilets. Don't let a steady drip cost you a fortune in wasted water and inflated utility bills. We'll show you how to quickly troubleshoot these common culprits, empowering you to make simple repairs and highlighting when professional intervention is the smartest move.
4 min read
Winterizing Your Plumbing: A Twin Cities Homeowner’s Guide to Preventing Frozen Pipes
Don't leave your home susceptible to freezing temperatures and costly water damage. This guide will walk you through the essential steps to ensure your outdoor plumbing is ready for winter, giving you peace of mind all season long.
4 min read
Drain Clogs No More: DIY Tips – and When to Call Your Northern Benjamin Franklin Plumber
Few household nuisances are as frustrating as a clogged drain. While some clogs might seem like a minor annoyance, they can quickly escalate into bigger problems if not addressed correctly. How do you know when it's time to put down the plunger and pick up the phone for a professional?
4 min read
Water Heater Woes: Signs Your Unit Needs Service or Replacement
Cold shower blues? Don't wait for a complete breakdown! Your water heater is trying to tell you something. We'll help translate the messages.
4 min read
Protect Your Pipes: 10 Essential Fall Plumbing Prep Tips for Your Home
As the vibrant colors of fall emerge across the Twin Cities, thoughts often turn to cozy sweaters, pumpkin spice, and preparing for the upcoming chill. But there's one crucial fall chore that can save you a world of trouble and expense: safeguarding your home's plumbing. Ignoring essential steps like disconnecting garden hoses, insulating exposed pipes, or checking for leaks now could lead to burst pipes, costly water damage, and a very unwelcome surprise when winter's icy grip takes hold. Don't wait for disaster to strike – take proactive steps this autumn to protect your pipes.
4 min read
Sump Pump Check-up: Ensuring Your Basement Stays Dry This Autumn
Your fall can quickly turn stressful if heavy rains lead to a flooded basement. For many homeowners, the silent protector against this very scenario is the sump pump. Yet, if it's not working correctly, that silent protector can become a silent liability. Before the autumn deluges arrive in full force, it's crucial to give your sump pump the attention it needs. From simple tests to clearing debris and knowing when to call in the professionals, ensuring your sump pump is ready is the key to preventing water damage and keeping your Twin Cities basement dry this season.
4 min read
How to Prevent Drain Clogs Before They Start
.entry-header Who wants to stand in dirty, ankle-deep water while they’re taking a shower? Not us! But drain clogs are insidious pests, building up slowly...
4 min read
Tank vs. Tankless Water Heaters: Which is Better?
Is keeping your home in hot water a tankless task? Here at Northern Benjamin Franklin, we hear a lot of customers asking if they should replace their tank water heater with a tankless one.
4 min read
Garbage Disposal Maintenance: 7 Summer Tips to Prevent Clogs and Odors in Your Twin Cities Home
.entry-header Summer in the Twin Cities is all about backyard grilling, family cookouts, and refreshing meals, until your kitchen sink starts smelling or your...
4 min read
Water Softeners vs. Water Filtration Systems: Which One Does Your Twin Cities Home Need?
What’s the Difference Between a Water Softener and a Water Filter? Understanding the unique roles of these systems can help you make a smarter decision for your home and your health.
4 min read
Garbage Disposal Maintenance: 7 Summer Tips to Prevent Clogs and Odors in Your Twin Cities Home
Summer in the Twin Cities is all about backyard grilling, family cookouts, and refreshing meals, until your kitchen sink starts smelling or your garbage disposal jams. A properly functioning disposal makes meal cleanup easier, but many homeowners unknowingly put the wrong items down the drain, leading to clogs, unpleasant odors, and even costly repairs.
4 min read
Stop the Drip: A Homeowner’s Guide to Leaking Pipes in the Twin Cities
Plumbing problems have a habit of showing up when you least expect them—and leaking pipes are some of the most common (and costly) culprits. For homeowners in Minneapolis, St. Paul, and the greater Twin Cities area, understanding the causes of pipe leaks and how to handle them can make a big difference in protecting your home and your wallet.
4 min read
The Ultimate Guide to Water Heaters: Types and How They Work for Twin Cities Homeowners
As a homeowner in the Twin Cities, keeping your home comfortable and efficient is a top priority. One key part of that comfort? Reliable hot water. But have you ever stopped to think about how your water heater works or which type best fits your home’s needs?
4 min read
Water Softeners vs. Water Filtration Systems: Which One Does Your Twin Cities Home Need?
If you’re a homeowner in the Minneapolis–Saint Paul area, chances are you’ve dealt with hard water, cloudy tap water, or strange tastes and smells coming from your faucet. Many families install either a water softener or a filtration system, but not everyone knows the difference or which one they actually need.
4 min read