What to Do to Help Your Plumbing in Longview, TX and to Prevent Damage

When you settle into a new home, one of the first tasks on your checklist should be to locate and familiarize yourself with the water shutoff valves. Knowing the precise locations of these valves can be a crucial step in preventing water damage to your property and mitigating potential emergencies. Here’s why it’s essential to identify and maintain your water shutoff valves: 1. Prevent Water Damage: Water shutoff valves are your first line of defense in the event of a plumbing emergency. Whether it’s a burst pipe, a leaky faucet, or a malfunctioning appliance, being able to quickly turn off the water supply can prevent extensive water damage to your home. This proactive step can save you from costly repairs and the inconvenience of dealing with water-related disasters. 2. Location Matters: Water shutoff valves are typically located in strategic areas throughout your home. You can find them under sinks in kitchens and bathrooms, as well as behind toilets. It’s important to familiarize yourself with the specific locations in your home so that you can respond swiftly in case of an emergency. 3. Ease of Operation: It’s not enough to know where these valves are; you also need to ensure they turn easily. Valves that are difficult to operate defeat their purpose in an emergency. Take the time to test each valve periodically to make sure they function smoothly. If you encounter any resistance or find that a valve is stuck, consider using a spray lubricant to loosen it and improve its operability. 4. Regular Maintenance: Checking the condition of your water shutoff valves is an essential part of home maintenance. Every few months, or at least a couple of times a year, inspect these valves to ensure they are in good repair. A routine check can identify issues like corrosion, leaks, or signs of wear and tear. Addressing these problems promptly can prevent a valve from failing when you need it most. By being proactive in locating, maintaining, and testing your water shutoff valves, you can safeguard your home from potential water-related disasters. This simple yet critical step can give you peace of mind and save you from the headache and expense of dealing with extensive water damage. In your new home, make it a priority to know where your water shutoff valves are, and keep them in good working order to protect your property and your investment. For...
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When To Call For A Water Heater Repair If You Suspect a Leak

Cold weather is on its way to East Texas and the last thing you want to have to worry about is a water heater repair.  Unfortunately, there are a number of things that can go wrong with a water heater that will require a repair or a replacement of the whole unit.  If you don’t seem to have as much hot water as you need or there’s water on the floor around your water heater, you may have a leak, which is one of the more common water heater problems.  Here are some of the reasons your water heater may be leaking and how to know if they mean you’ll need a water heater repair: Condensation If your water heater is new, it may leak for a few days after installation.  Often a new water heater sits in a warehouse for a length of time before making its way to your home.  During that time, humidity can accumulate inside the insulated lining of the tank and once the unit is connected, heated and filled with water, this humidity is released – resulting in a small puddle on your garage floor.  However, water on the floor after the first couple of days could be a sign of a problem that your installer should be notified about. Leaking Plumbing Connections Take a look at the plumbing connections on the top and bottom of the tank.  Use a dry rag or paper towel to wrap around connection points to see if water is seeping out.  If you find that it is and you feel brave enough to retighten or replace connectors, make sure you unplug the unit first and turn off the water inlet.  For most people, this kind of repair can be daunting and it can also void a warranty so proceed with caution.  Always make sure you have a plumber you trust on call in case you can’t fix the problem yourself. Leaking Pressure-Relief Valve The pressure-relief valve, or T&P valve, is a safety feature on all water tanks that allows for the release of water when the pressure gets too high inside the tank.  The T&P is almost always clearly marked on the unit, either with a stamp on the metal body of the tank reading, “T&P Valve,” or with a warning tag or both.  It’s also designed with a pipe that directs water away from the heater.  If...
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Out of Sight, Out of Mind? 5 Signs You Need Gas Leak Repair Service

Cleaning and furnishing your home may be priorities, but making sure your home does not require a gas leak repair service is imperative for your family’s safety and health. In just the last 3 years, an estimated 3 deaths and 1,000 injuries were related to gas. Since gas is invisible, you may consider the gas to be out of sight and out of your mind. Unfortunately, this belief can be very dangerous. Here are 5 common signs that you have a gas leak at home. Rotten Egg Odor A periodic foul odor in your home is normal. However, if you notice an odor that is similar to rotten eggs, it is most likely due to a slow gas leak. Utility companies add sulfur to natural gas for a reason. If a leak occurs, the sulfur creates the rotten egg smell, alerting you of the leak and ensuring you receive a gas leak repair service efficiently. Fast repair is essential since the gas and sulfur could combine with electrical sources. If this interaction takes place, there will most likely be a fire or explosion. Health Problems A slow gas leak will also affect you and your family’s health. You may not even realize these health problems are related to an exposure to gas, but they can be very dangerous. Here are a few health problems that may develop due to gas exposure: Headaches Nausea Fatigue Depression Chest Pain Breathing Difficulty Dizziness Itchy, Watery Eyes Skin Irritation Ringing In the Ears Nose Bleeds If you are suffering from one or more of the above issues, consult your doctor immediately. In addition, contact a professional to test your home for gas leaks. Dead Landscaping If gas is leaking around your home, it can affect your grass, trees, flowers, and shrubs. Gas will block the plant’s source of oxygen in the air, causing it to discolor and eventually die. If dead plants and vegetation is surrounded by green and healthy landscaping elements, you probably have a gas leak outside your home. Bubbles In Puddles You may have some standing water around your home due to a recent rain or excess moisture. This standing water should not have any movement. If you notice bubbles in the standing puddles of water, it could be due to the presence of gas. Hissing Noises A hissing sound coming from gas appliances, a gas fireplace, or near the tanks...
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Commercial Plumbing Company TX Reveals Common Leaky Faucet Causes

As a business owner, you have enough worries, and commercial plumbing in Longview, TX shouldn’t be one of them. One of the most common troubles that plague business owners are leaky faucets, whether they are slow drips or major problems that have caused flooding and damage. Either way, wasted water and the damage it can create can result in owners spending thousands of dollars. Leaky faucets are one of the plumbing problems that occur most often, and knowing why they happen may stop you from having to experience them yourself. Leaky Faucets are Often Caused by Damaged Parts The tiny drops of water escaping from your faucet may not seem like a big deal, but the truth is, those seemingly harmless drips can cost you significant amounts of money over time. One of the most common reasons for a leaky faucet is damaged parts. A steady drip is typically a sign of a worn out washer inside the tap. The seals inside are under a lot of pressure to keep the water in, and washers often become damaged as a result. With the help of commercial plumbing, you can likely have the drip resolved in no time. Water Pressure Problems Leaks that only occur during certain times of the day or when specific actions take place could indicate trouble with water pressure. Water pressure that is too high can prevent water from flowing away from a certain point, causing it to back up and leak out of another location, which is often a different faucet or overflow sink. A plumber may be able to resolve your pressure issues and stop leaks from occurring. Worn Out Cartridge Cartridge faucets feature handles that move up and down to turn the water on and off and left and right to control the temperature. These faucets will often leak when the cartridges inside of them become worn out. Fortunately, a company that provides help with commercial plumbing can replace the cartridge, which may stop the leak. Broken Plumbing Although not very common, broken pipes can sometimes cause leaky faucets. Pipes can develop cracks causing water to leak out into the area under the sink. However, if the crack causes problems with water pressure, the faucet connected to the break can leak. A plumber can inspect the pipes and replace or repair the affected parts. Birddog Plumbing Can Help Repair Leaky Faucets Birddog Plumbing,...
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Even a Small Gas Leak Can Be Dangerous to Your Health

The common assumption that if there is a gas leak in your home in Longview, TX, you will be able to smell it right away. For a large leak, this is true, but a small leak is often hard to detect with your nose and even small leaks can cause damaging effects on your health. The symptoms that can be directly related to gas inhalation include: Headaches Memory Loss Nausea Fatigue Abdominal Pain Bird Dog Plumbing can conduct an inspection of your home to detect if there are any gas leaks present. Keep the air in your home safe for those you care about. Call us today at (903)225-2272 to schedule an appointment or visit us online at www.birddogplumbingllc.com. Gas Leak Longview TXBird Dog Plumbing LLC2206 Balsam StLongview, Texas...
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Water Leak Repair Service Longview TX: Tips For Handling A Water Leak

Water leaks in your home are no joking matter, and while not every leak is going to flood your home, it’s still important that you call a water leak repair service Longview TX as soon as possible.  Over time, even small leaks can do structural damage to your home, and the longer you wait, the less likely it is that your insurance company will cover a water damage claim; they may attribute the damage to negligence on your part.  If you notice a water leak in your home, there are a few things you can do to minimize damage before help arrives:   Water Leak Repair Service Longview TX:  Call A Plumber Right Away Call your plumber first, because it’s important that he gets to your home as soon as possible to prevent catastrophic damage to your home.  If you don’t have a plumber you normally call, prepare for a plumbing emergency by going online to Yelp or Angie’s List or some other rating website to find a local plumber whose number you can keep handy.  You can also ask friends and relatives if they have a plumber they trust. Water Leak Detection Longview TX:  Shut Off The Water If you have an appliance that’s leaking or your sink or toilet are leaking, find the shut-off valve and turn the water off.  If you don’t know where the shut-off valves are, try shutting off the water supply to your home, which is located near the curb under a metal plate.  To be ready for emergencies, you can go to a hardware store and buy the tool a plumber would use to turn off the water.  You should also take the time to look around your home to locate all of your shut-off valves. Plumber Longview TX:  Turn Off The Electricity If water is leaking near an electrical outlet, leave your house so you’re not in danger of electrocution if water is also covering the floor, and turn off the electricity at your fuse or breaker box.  In addition to a plumber, you’ll also have to call an electrician to deal with damage to outlets and wires. Plumber Longview TX:  Watch For Bowed Ceilings If a pipe in your ceiling is leaking and you notice that the ceiling is bowed from the weight of the water, leave your home immediately to prevent injury from falling debris. Water Leak Detection Longview...
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