Fixing a Water Leak

Posted by on Mar 30, 2021 in Leak Repair Service Longview TX | 0 comments A leaky pipe can be a hassle, but fixing it doesn’t have to be. There are quick fixes and permanent ways to repair a water leak. We’re going to discuss the temporary forms of fixing a leak. You should call a professional plumber like Bird Dog Plumbing after using a temporary fix. We can make sure a leak doesn’t occur in your pipes again anytime soon. Here are a few tips for temporarily fixing a water leak in your plumbing system.  The Tools and Materials Here is a shortlist of tools and materials you will need for the job: Scissors All-trades slip joint pliers Nut drivers Screwdriver sets Files Tape measures Pipe putty and sealant Repair clamps Repair Methods Epoxy Putty You should use epoxy putty as a temporary seal by placing it over the location of the leak. Here are the steps for that process: Turn off the water supply that runs upstream of the leaking pipes. Drain the water from the damaged pipes and make sure the area of the leak is clean and dry.  Tear enough putty so you can cover the damaged area effectively.  Knead the putty into a pliable state so you can apply it.  Apply and cure the putty according to the product instructions.  Once it is cured, turn the water supply back on to check for any remaining leaks. Pipe Repair Kit with Tape Some pipe repair kits come with special tape for emergency leak repair. Here is how to use that a pipe repair kit: Shut off the water supply to the leaking pipes and fittings. Activate the fiberglass tape per the manufacturer’s instructions and wrap it around the leaking area.  The ease of application and flexibility of the tape makes it easy to use for leaking fittings. Another kind of tape, self-fusing silicone, can be used for low-pressure lines. Wrap it around the pipe and stretch it as you make tight overlapping passes to cover the broken area.  Patch and Clamp We recommend repair clamps for large splits or ruptures in pipes. Here is how to use repair clamps to fix your leaking pipes: Turn off the water like the other two repair methods and clean the area that needs repairs.  Use a file to smooth out any parts that could break through the neoprene rubber patch.  Apply the patch and clamp, so it evenly overlaps the broken section of...
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How to Find a Hidden Water Leak in Your Home

Posted by on Feb 4, 2020 in Leak Repair Service Longview TX, Plumber Longview TX | 0 comments  Early detection of a water leak on your property can significantly cut repair costs. In our years serving the communities in and around Longview, TX, we’ve seen too many homes experience thousands of dollars worth of damage, either because a leak went unnoticed or because a homeowner didn’t think it was a big deal. In fact, it’s always a big deal, and there are simple steps you can take to try to detect a leak if you believe you may have one. View today’s video for quick and simple tricks. Immediately contact your Longview, TX plumber if you notice the following signs of a house leak. Check your water meter. Shut off all water in your home, and watch the activity on the meter. The visible movement on the meter can indicate the size of the potential issue. Verify your usage. If a family of 4 is using more than 12000 gallons of water per month. That may indicate a potential leak somewhere in the plumbing system. Monitor your water bill. A leak often means your bill is rising without an increase in use. Make sure to compare bills from month to month. Use food coloring. Add a small amount of food coloring into your toilet tank. Wait a few minutes, and see if color flows from the tank to the bowl of the toilet. Check outside. Oftentimes, a dated irrigation system or hose can be the source of a leak. Consider calling a plumbing professional to investigate. Use common sense. Make a practice of being extra vigilant. Regularly check inside cabinets or basins for any signs of mold or leakage. If you suspect a leak or notice one or more of the following signs, contact a plumbing expert at Bird Dog Plumbing in Longview, TX. We specialize in Leak Repair and all other plumbing services. Give us a call or visit our website...
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Re-Piping Plumbing Tips from the Experts in Longview Tx

Posted by on May 11, 2019 in Leak Repair Service Longview TX, Plumber Longview TX | 0 comments Are you in need of expert plumbing tips due to issues in your home? Is your home an older structure? Are you worried about piping problems? If you think your pipes are a concern, it’s best to have an expert evaluate your plumbing system to determine how significant the problem might be. The following plumbing tips will help you to determine the best solution for your situation. Discolored Water Water that is discolored or contains sediment is a sign that you have some type of corrosion issue with your pipes. This issue requires immediate attention in order to prevent leaks in your plumbing system. Contact a reliable plumbing professional to have your pipes inspected. They may need to be replaced. Leaking Pipes Small leaks in your pipes may seem like a small problem. However, these leaks can eventually become larger; creating the potential for a flood in your home. Contact a dependable plumber to have your pipes examined. In many cases, small leaks can be repaired with welding. Lead Pipes There was a time when lead pipes were commonly used in homes however we have come to recognize that lead pipes can contaminate water and cause major health issues. If you have lead pipes in your home they should be replaced immediately. Polybutylene pipes are also a concern. This type of piping was used between the 70s and 90s. They have proven to be poor quality and have a tendency for breakage. If you have polybutylene pipes in your home, contact an expert plumbing professional to have your plumbing system investigated. You may need to have your pipes replaced. Poorly Performing Pipes Issues with water temperature, pressure and noise can be signs that your pipes need to be replaced. Corrosion and sediment can lead to a restriction in water flow; causing plumbing issues. If you are noticing any of these problems in your home, it’s time to schedule an inspection with a reliable plumbing professional. These issues are strong indicators that you may have a significant problem with the plumbing system in your home. Regardless of the issue, it’s vital to get help as soon as you notice a problem. Early detection can reduce the potential of you experiencing a much larger and more expensive problem in the future. When contacting a plumbing service be sure that their professionals are certified, experience and experts in their field. Take a...
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The Shockingly Best Gas Leak Testers to Use in Longview, Texas

Posted by on Apr 20, 2019 in Leak Repair Service Longview TX | 0 comments Gas leaks are no small issue, so what gas leak tester should you trust? You need something that is safe and easy to use. Here are the best testers: UEi Test Instruments CD100A is user-friendly and accurate with a green light indicator. BrassCraft Detector is portable offers the best bang for an affordable buck. First Alert Digital Alarm detects multiple types of gas if your home runs with more than one. Household Alarm offers natural gas detection easily in comparison to other brands. If you are unsure of gas leaks in your home, the best bet is to call in the professionals. For the best gas leak service in Longview, Texas, use Bird Dog Plumbing. Visit http://birddogplumbingllc.com/ for more info. Bird Dog Plumbing | Gas Leak Longview TX...
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5 Top Symptoms of Damaged Water Heaters in Longview TX

Posted by on Nov 10, 2018 in Leak Repair Service Longview TX, Plumber Longview TX | 0 comments One of the best conveniences of the modern world is being able to access hot water whenever you want. There was a time when it took a long time to heat water over a wood burning stove. Today, you simply turn the faucet, and you have hot water at any time of the day or night. Having become so accustomed to easy access to hot water, it can be a real nuisance when your water heater has problems. There are several vital warning signs that your water heater may need some repair. Not Enough Hot Water A telltale sign that your water heater is in disrepair is not having enough hot water. Typical water heaters have a capacity ranging between thirty and fifty gallons. As the water in the tank heats up, the minerals in the water settle as sediment on the bottom. A buildup of minerals can prevent the heat from adequately heating the water. Over time, more and more water in the tank is left unheated. If you are experiencing insufficient amounts of hot water in your home, your water heater may need some repairs. Noises Banging and popping noises are not typical sounds that come from a water heater. Mineral buildup can also cause these noises. The excess minerals can lead to the overheating which causes the tank to make these sounds. If your hot water tank is making strange noises, have a service professional inspect it. Foul Smelling Hot Water Hot water that has a foul smell is a sign of a broken water heater. The minerals in the tank can create a metallic odor which flows through the pipes and faucets. If your hot water has a strange smell, schedule an appointment with a service professional as soon as possible. Temperature and Pressure Problems Every water heater has a safety valve built-in that can release excess pressure. If this valve is not working correctly, your water heater could explode. Your temperature and pressure valves should be inspected annually to ensure that they are operating correctly. Be sure to schedule a regular maintenance inspection with a reliable service professional. Tank Leaks Leaks coming from your tank are an obvious symptom of more significant problems with your water heater. These leaks can potentially flood your whole house.  If your water heater is leaking, contact your service professional immediately. For more information on water heaters in Longview...
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Diagnose Your Toilet Leak for Repair With These Easy Tricks

Posted by on Sep 13, 2018 in Leak Repair Service Longview TX, Plumber Longview TX | 0 comments It doesn’t take much to know that your toilet is leaking. It does, however, take a little extra knowledge to diagnose it. When it comes to toilet repair, how can you diagnose a toilet leak? If the bathroom is dry, but the ceiling below it is wet, your wax seal may have broken. This sort of leak is not repairable. If the leak seems to be between the tank and bowl, fix it immediately. It may be a crack in the tank, which requires replacing parts. If it is not a crack, a thin styrofoam lining will cure the crack. Checking the supply tube is another spot that will determine a leak. For a toilet repair in Longview that you can trust, turn to Bird Dog Plumbing! Call 903-225-2272 or visit http://birddogplumbingllc.com/. Toilet Repair Longview TXBird Dog Plumbing LLC2206 Balsam StLongview, Texas...
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