How to Fix a Leaky Showerhead?

Posted by on Apr 27, 2021 in Plumber Longview TX | 0 comments A relaxing shower might be the best part of your day, but a leaking showerhead will probably ruin it. You don’t want that! Before calling a professional about your leaking showerhead, there are a few DIY options you can try. The leak could be caused by a problem in the showerhead or the faucet, so you can attempt to fix both before calling a plumber. Here are ways to fix the showerhead or faucet if the showerhead is leaking.  Showerhead Different shower heads can cost anywhere from $25 -$250, but the process to fix them is the same. Here are the supplies you’ll need and the steps to fix the showerhead.  Supplies TowelPlastic washerRubber O-ringPliersCrescent wrenchLarge bowlDistilled white vinegarOld toothbrushTeflon tape Steps to Stop the Shower Head Leak Shut off the water supply. There should be a way to turn off the supply to just the shower, but if you can’t, you’ll have to turn off the water for the entire house. Cover the drain and bottom of the shower with a large towel. Remove the showerhead. You can usually unscrew it with your hands, but you can use pliers and a crescent wrench to remove it from the wall if that doesn’t seem to work. If the washers or rubber O-rings look damaged, you need to replace them. If they are in good condition, rewrap the threads on the pipes with Teflon tape. Clean your showerhead. Let the detached showerhead soak in vinegar for 2 hours. Rinse the showerhead with hot water and use a toothbrush to scrub the hard-to-reach places. Then dry the shower head off. Reattach the showerhead. When you can’t turn the showerhead with your hands anymore, use the pliers and wrench to tighten it a little more. Don’t screw it on too tight if you plan to clean it frequently.  Faucet Leaks The following steps are to repair single-handle faucets.  Supplies TowelReplacement cartridgePhillips and flathead screwdriversPocket knife or awlHairdryerHandle pullerCartridge pullerAdjustable wrench Steps for Repair Shut off the water.Cover the drain and bottom of the shower with a towel.Use a small pocket knife or awl to remove the handle cap in the middle of the faucet. You should see a screw now. Remove the screw with the appropriate tool. There’s a retaining clip that looks like a small metal horseshoe on top of the cartridge. Lift it with a small screwdriver and remove the washer surrounding the middle bar.Unscrew the hex screw...
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Leaky Hot Water Heater Causes

Posted by on Apr 7, 2021 in Plumber Longview TX | 0 comments The water heater in your home is one of the most important appliances you have. When it goes out of commission or stops working as well as it usually does, you’ll most likely notice right away. One of the most common issues that arise is a water heater leak. Here are some common reasons you could have a leaky hot water heater.  The Drain Valve The drain valve is used to do exactly that, drain water from the tank. This is usually done if maintenance is being done or if you’re trying to clean out sediment. If the valve is leaking, it probably just needs to be tightened. Be sure to check that the valve fits correctly and is watertight. If you notice a problem, just replace it.  Too Much Pressure Pressure builds when water in the tank is being heated. If there’s too much, water will start to push through any cracks or loose parts of the water heater.  Leak in the Water Supply Lines The semi-rigid tubes that deliver water to the tank are common places for a leak. If you suspect a leak in the system, you should check here first because these tubes will give out well before your tank will.  Leaks in the Storage Tank Some systems come with glass-lined storage tanks which can be helpful when you need warm water on demand. The problem is these storage tanks are an extra place of risk for cracking and/or leaking.  Old Tanks Age can lead to leaks, so look for rust-colored water or leaks at the base of your tank. We know replacing the whole tank can be a pain, but waiting too long can cause a bigger leak and more expensive water damage. If you suspect you have a leaky hot water heater, but you can’t figure out where it is or if you need a replacement, call Bird Dog Plumbing...
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Spring Plumbing Problems

Posted by on Mar 15, 2021 in Plumber Longview TX | 0 comments Winter is a tough time for plumbing, but spring can be just as bad in Longview, TX with its unpredictable weather. You should be aware of the issues that could occur during springtime, so the Bird Dog plumbers in Longview, TX have created this list. Here are a few of the most common plumbing problems that occur during spring in Longview, Texas. Clogged Outdoor Drains Ideally, you would have cleaned out your gutters in or before the winter before storms hit. If you didn’t, any rain or storms that came would pack the debris tighter in your gutters. This debris causes the drains to clog and prevents the system from draining rainwater properly. Water then runs into areas where it shouldn’t, such as under the siding of your house. Some clogs are so bad a professional will need to help clear them.  Leaking Pipes Burst pipes might seem like it’s a winter-only problem when pipes freeze and break, but don’t be fooled. When pipe material shrinks in the winter, it can crack but not leak. Ice might fill the cracks, but then spring comes around, the water leaks, and you find water where it shouldn’t be. If you find leaks as the weather gets warmer, be sure to call Bird Dog Plumbing. Clogged Indoor Drains Holiday parties, hot showers, and family meals have caused your plumbing to put more effort in the past few months. This constant use leads to a build-up of scraps, grease, debris, and hair, causing clogs and slow drainage in the spring. Be sure to snake the drains or call a professional like Bird Dog Plumbing to clear your system before spring starts.  Line Obstructions Spring is rolling in, so most plants are going to start expanding their root systems. The roots of those plants split water main and sewer lines. Some issues you may see if obstructions are a problem are low water pressure and slow drainage.  Sump Pump Malfunctions You’ve likely neglected your sump pump the past few months if you have one because water could be frozen. However, as the water melts with warmer temperatures, you will need a reliable sump pump. Ensure yours is working properly before spring begins and that it has not sustained any damage during the cold months. Spring can be an amazing time of year, so don’t let plumbing problems ruin it! If you’re experiencing any of...
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5 Most Common Longview, TX Plumbing questions

Posted by on Feb 25, 2021 in Plumber Longview TX | 0 comments Plumbing can be a difficult thing to deal with. You probably have many questions, whether there’s a problem in your house already or you’re trying to educate yourself on preventative measures. However, solving any plumbing task as fast as possible can save you time and money. No matter the reason, this is the perfect place for you to start! We are going to discuss the 5 most common plumbing questions there are and the answers to them. 5 Common Plumbing Questions Why does my drain get clogged? Drains in the kitchen get clogged for multiple reasons. Pouring grease or oil is one of the main issues that block a drain. The substance hardens in the pipes and makes it more difficult or impossible for other things to pass through. Dumping food down the sink can clog it as well if the pieces are too big or your disposal isn’t very effective. In the bathrooms, oil from soap and shampoo can have the same effect as oil in the kitchen. Too much hair in a drain will cause clogs as well. Why does the toilet keep running? The most common reason a toilet keeps running is that the flap in the tank’s bottom isn’t sealing shut. Even though water might be entering the tank, some of it is still escaping through the unsealed flap. Jiggling the handle usually solves this problem because it readjusts the rubber flap so that it seals properly. Why do we run out of hot water so quickly? There are multiple reasons the hot water keeps running out, depending on your water heater’s age and type. One reason is that one of the two heating elements in a water heater has gone out. If the top element goes out, only the water in the bottom is hot. If the bottom element goes out, the water in the top is the only portion that’s heated. Another reason is the reset button has been tripped, which has caused the water heater to stop working. Typically, something is wrong is your heater resets. Is there a difference between hard and soft water? Yes, and the difference can be damaging to your home and your body. If you have discovered issues such as excessive soap consumption, pipe scaling, damaged clothing from laundry, faucet and fixture deterioration, skin problems, or undesirable taste or smell from your water, you have hard water...
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What to Look for When Picking a Longview, TX Plumber

Posted by on Feb 8, 2021 in Commercial Plumbing Longview TX, Plumber Longview TX, Plumbers Longview TX | 0 comments Choosing the right plumber for a job is a critical decision. Your plumbing system is a critical component of your home, so you must choose someone who will do the job right and not make it worse! Here are a few things to look out for when deciding on a Longview, TX plumber. How to Find the Best Longview, TX Plumber Insurance The first thing you should do when looking at commercial plumbing options is, find out if they have insurance. Insurance will protect not only you and your home but also the plumber if an injury or damage to your house occurs.  Read Reviews Besides looking at the plumbing company’s website, doing your own research and looking at online reviews can help select a residential plumber. It will help you decide who you trust to be in your home and work on your system. Amount of Time in Business Plumbing is a tough business, so the bad ones usually don’t last very long. If the plumbers you are looking at have been in business or working for a long time, they’re probably doing something right and would be a good option for you.  References A good plumber will have plenty of references for you to contact about their work. If someone is hesitant to give you a list of references to call, they most likely won’t be worth your time or money.  Licensure It is imperative that whoever you’re considering should be licensed in the profession. Some states don’t require licensing, so in that case, you should look into any formal complaints filed against the business.  If you need a Longview, TX plumber, you’ve just found the right one! We have been serving the people of Longview for over 13 years! Bird Dog Plumbing will take care of any plumbing issue you’ve got, so give us a call...
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Water Heater Maintenance Tips

Posted by on Jan 19, 2021 in Plumber Longview TX | 0 comments Water heaters can last a long time, but they will last even longer with the proper maintenance. However, some people forget these kinds of things and end up having to replace their water heaters. You can hire a Longview, TX plumbing professional like Bird Dog Plumbing or do it yourself! The decision is up to you. We recommend a professional, but here are some water heater maintenance tips to help you if you choose to do it yourself.  The water heater maintenance tips you see here apply for propane, electric, and natural gas heaters. Be sure to check that you don’t need a permit to replace your water heater. Also, have a plumber or electrical inspector check your work afterward for safety.  The Parts and Breakdown There is a surplus of tools and equipment involved with replacing a water heater. A few are a cold water shutoff valve, an overflow pipe, and insulation. A full list of what you’ll need, including these items, can be found below: Flue pipeColdwater shutoff valveDraft diverterTemperature and pressure relief valveOverflow pipeHot water outletAnti Corrosion Anode RodDip tubeElementsInsulationDrain valveThermostat or control valveBurnerThermocoupleGas supply valve When should you get a new water heater? Leaking is the lead indicator that your water heater has bit the dust and needs replacing. Leaks often appear as slow dripping or a trail of rusty water. The rusty water means the steel tank has rusted through and is beyond the point of no return. Another problem, like little or no hot water, signifies an issue in water heaters that can be fixed. Be ready for a water heater replacement if you find a drip. You should not wait until the leak gets worse. Safety Tips  You should keep plastic at least 6 inches away from the vent and tank because there is a potential buildup of heat. Be very cautious when doing a project like this because you will be working with natural gas, propane, or electricity. If you don’t feel entirely comfortable doing the work yourself, you should contact a professional like Bird Dog Plumbing. Making Your Work Faster and Easier The following are a few tips that will make your DIY replacement a faster and more manageable project.  You should measure the height of your current water heater and buy one that is the same height. This way, you won’t have to change the length of any gas...
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