Frozen Pipe Solutions from Your Reliable Longview Plumber

Posted by on Dec 11, 2018 in Plumber Longview TX | 0 comments It’s a wintry day, and your faucets aren’t working. Chances are your pipes are frozen. This situation can be dire, mainly if your pipes burst. If you find yourself in these circumstances, the following steps will help to reduce the potential of needing expensive repairs to solve the problem. Turn On Your Faucets Check every faucet in your home and check to see whether the water is running through them. Keep all of the problem faucets open to reduce the water pressure leading to them. Frozen water inside a pipe will expand. This expansion can force the pipeline to burst. When the pipes begin to thaw, the force of the running water will help in the melting any ice within them. When the water is running freely, turn the faucet to a slow drip, particularly if the pipes are running through exterior walls of your home. This extra step will prevent them from re-freezing. Warm Your Interior Space Increase the air temperature in the rooms where the pipes are frozen. Open all of the cupboard doors to allow the warm air to circulate around the pipes. Be careful to keep any electric heaters away from the pipes to prevent the potential for electrocution. Warm Your Pipes Touch the pipes in question to look for any particular frozen areas. If necessary use a hair dryer to warm your pipes. Be careful using an electric device around water. Heat the entire pipe, evenly moving the heat from the dryer around the plumbing. Do not use any heating devices that have a flame as these could damage your plumbing or cause a fire. Check for Plumbing Leaks Once the water in your pipes has thawed and begun to flow freely, check for any leaks in your plumbing. If you find a leak, shut off the main valve and contact your plumber. You should also contact your insurance company as soon as possible. Take photographs of the damage to your home. Frozen Pipe Prevention The best way to keep your pipes from freezing is to maintain a consistent interior air temperature above 55 degrees Fahrenheit. If you leave your home for any length of time during the cold months, consider installing a smart thermostat that you can manage while you are away. If that is not possible, have a friend or family member check on your home while you are gone. Ensure that you have...
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Plumbing Services Tips to Lower Hot Water Bills This Summer

Posted by on Aug 10, 2018 in Plumber Longview TX | 0 comments There are many ways to save energy during the summer season. One of the quickest and easiest solutions, at no cost to you, is to lower the temperature of the water heater in your home.  Homeowners spend almost twenty percent of home energy usage on heating water. This expense is because the water heater not only heats the water but it keeps the water at a specific setting so that you can have access to hot water whenever you want it. Since most people are not looking to take hot baths or showers when the weather is warm, there is no need to keep the water heater setting as high as you might during colder months of the year. You can change your water heater settings to reflect your needs during the hot summer months. The amount of money you can save on your hot water bills will depend on several factors including the type of water heater you own, the size of the tank, and the amount of hot water you and your family use on a typical day. Generally speaking, you can lower your hot water bills by about 5% by reducing your temperature setting ten degrees. Changing your water heater settings is a relatively simple job. Water heaters come with a temperature dial. To lower the temperature on your heater, turn the dial down. To determine how much you want to reduce the heat, check the hot water from the tap that is furthest away from your heater. Fill a glass with water from the hot water tap. Be sure to give the faucet enough time to run until the water is at its highest temperature level. You can use a thermometer to measure the exact temperature of the water. Based on the temperature level, you can then decide how much you want to lower the setting. It will take about a full day for the reduction in water temperature to fully adjust. Remember, the heater keeps the tank hot, and the water inside it will already be at the higher temperature. It will take some time for the water in the tank cool to the new temperature. Bird Dog Plumbing understands that some people feel uncomfortable trying to adjust water heater settings and may need help to get the job done. Whether you are looking to save on your water heating bills, have problems with hot...
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Are You in Need of Plumbing Services? Here’s How to Tell!

Posted by on Apr 3, 2018 in Clogged Drain Longview TX, Leak Repair Service Longview TX, Plumber Longview TX | 0 comments A well-working plumbing system is something homeowners typically take for granted. Unless a problem presents itself, the intricate layout of pipes is often never considered. But when trouble occurs, you realize just how crucial it is to have a reliable professional plumber available to take care of the job. Fortunately, a plumber can come to your rescue in a variety of circumstances. In some cases, it may not be so easy to determine if a plumber is the person to call when your emergency comes. Knowing which services a plumber can provide is beneficial when you need help in a hurry. Leaks Sometimes you don’t fully understand the power of water until your home’s pipes spring a leak. A large amount of water can make its way through even the smallest of cracks or holes. And before you know it, a small stream of water can turn into a massive flood, if the situation is handled improperly. Plumbers will examine your plumbing system, including the pipes and joints, and determine where the problem is. They may either replace the pipes or repair the issue. Another area that people don’t always realize is a plumber’s area of expertise is with gas lines. If you suspect a gas leak or smell gas, leave the premises immediately and call a plumber. Clogs When your sink doesn’t drain, or your toilet won’t flush, you’re in need of a plumber’s help. Reaching for products that contain potentially dangerous chemicals and pouring them down your drain not only exposes you to harsh and caustic materials, but they can also cause damage to your plumbing system. Instead, a plumber can use tools and techniques to resolve stubborn clogs.  Drain plungers are often a useful tool in combating the battle of the clog, or the plumber may need to remove and clean some of the sink’s pipes to eliminate the debris. If a clogged toilet is plaguing your home, a plumber can use a drain auger or another tool to remove the source of the problem. Since toilet problems are unpleasant and can be quite complicated, consulting a plumber is ideal and common in this type of situation. Septic Problems Just about every homeowner’s worst fear is experiencing problems with their septic system. Sewer backups and septic damage are messy, unsanitary and expensive. Hiring a plumber to remove sludge and material from the tank can prevent it...
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3 Steps to Take Before Calling a Water Leak Repair Service

Posted by on Jul 25, 2017 in Leak Repair Service Longview TX, Plumber Longview TX | 0 comments Determining if you have a water leak can be tricky, but by locating the leak you can expedite the fix by calling a water leak repair service in Longview, TX. The best way to determine if you have a leak in your plumbing system is by first checking your water meter. Here are the 3 steps to use your water meter to check for leaks:  Assure no water is being used inside or outside your home.  Check to see if the leak indicator is moving. If it’s moving, you probably have a leak.  Alternatively, take a meter reading, wait for 1 to 2 hours, take another reading to see if it changes. If you see a change, you have a leak. Let the specialists at Bird Dog Plumbing help minimize the damage from an unrepaired water leak. Call us today at (903)225-2272 or visit us online at http://birddogplumbingllc.com/. Water Leak Repair Service Longview TXBird Dog Plumbing LLC2206 Balsam StLongview, Texas...
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What to Find Out About Your Longview Plumbing Company

Posted by on May 16, 2017 in Plumber Longview TX | 0 comments When you need a plumber, it usually means that you have an immediate need for help. However, before you call the first plumber you see online, there are things to know. Ask the plumber if they are licensed since plumbing is an important part of your family’s health. Make sure they have proof of the licensing. Ask about their insurance, specifically workman’s comp, because if they don’t and their employee gets hurt on your property, you may be liable. The plumber should also carry liability insurance to cover any damage to your home. Read reviews of the plumber you’re considering to learn about their work quality, and if they are responsive to calls and/or voicemail messages. Know that you’re calling the right Longview plumbing company by contacting Bird Dog Plumbing. Longview Plumbing CompanyBird Dog Plumbing LLC2206 Balsam StLongview, Texas...
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