How to Prevent Your Pipes from Bursting (Video)

Posted by on Feb 24, 2020 in Plumber Longview TX, Plumbers Longview TX, Water Heater Installation Longview TX, Water Leak Repair Service Longview TX | 0 comments  Pipes and cold temperatures don’t mix. Cold temperatures pose a significant risk to the integrity of water lines and the consequences of a burst pipe can be financially devastating. Safeguarding your pipes, particularly in unheated areas like basements and attics, is crucial to avoid costly property damage. To ensure the safety and longevity of your plumbing system in the face of freezing weather, consider implementing the following strategies. 1. Explore Your Pipe Insulation Options: Investing in pipe insulation can be surprisingly affordable, with prices starting at just 50 cents per linear foot at your local hardware store. This small expense can provide invaluable protection against freezing temperatures. 2. Keep Garage Doors Closed: Preventing the cold from infiltrating your garage is essential in safeguarding your water supply lines, which may run through this space. By keeping your garage doors closed, you create an additional barrier against the chill. 3. Open Kitchen and Bathroom Cabinet Doors: Allowing warm air to circulate around your plumbing by keeping cabinet doors open in these areas can be a simple yet effective method of protection. This helps maintain a more consistent temperature in those spaces and mitigates the risk of frozen pipes. 4. Let Cold Water Drip from a Faucet: All it takes is a tiny, constant trickle of cold water from a faucet to prevent your pipes from freezing solid. This continuous flow keeps water moving and lowers the chances of a damaging freeze. 5. Maintain a Steady Thermostat Setting: While turning down the thermostat at night might save a few dollars on your energy bill, it’s advisable to keep it at a fixed temperature during cold spells. This ensures that your home’s interior remains warm enough to protect your water lines. 6. Consider Long-Term Insulation: To provide lasting protection for your water pipes, consider adding insulation to your attics, basements, and crawl spaces. Adequate insulation helps maintain a consistent temperature, reducing the risk of pipes freezing. If you find yourself facing frozen or burst pipes, it’s important to act swiftly. Turn on the affected faucet and apply heat until the water pressure is fully restored. Remember that the effort and expenses required for preventive measures are a small price to pay compared to the potential cost of extensive pipe repairs and property damage. Protecting your pipes is an investment in the longevity and safety of your home. For more information on protecting...
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How to Test for a Gas Leak

Posted by on Feb 13, 2020 in Gas Leak Longview TX, Gas Leak Repair Service Longview TX | 0 comments Natural gas is one of the safest, most efficient, and useful sources of available energy. More than half of US households use natural gas daily to perform a variety of important tasks. That said, an improperly installed or maintained gas line can be extremely hazardous if left untreated. Gas leaks are not something to put off or take lightly. Allowing a gas leak to linger can make your home dangerously toxic, potentially flammable, and in the worst of cases, result in an explosion. If you suspect you have a gas leak in your home, turn off the pilot light or gas meter immediately. Then, contact a professional. Bird Dog Plumbing in Longview, TX has help hundreds of homeowners track down and repair gas leaks before those leaks had the opportunity to cause real damage. While gas leak repair should always be left to the professionals, for your safety and the safety of others, you should systematically review the following list which highlights the most common indications of a potentially dangerous leak: Hissing or Whistling Sound: Listen for subtle noise near the gas pipe, while remaining completely still and quiet. This may indicate a leak. However, be careful when pinpointing the exact source of the sound. It can be difficult to rely exclusively on this sound when determining whether or not a leak exists. Potent Oder: Even though gas is naturally odorless, suppliers add a potent rotten egg odor to alert occupants of a potentially dangerous leak. Smelling an overwhelming scent similar to rotten eggs or sulfur in your home can indicate the presence of a leak. Visible Gas line Damage: If your gas line or connection is visible, try to locate a point where the hose may have broken or worn down enough to cause a leak. Change in Flame Color: A gas stove burner should generally produce a blue flame that indicates enough oxygen in the air for the gas to combust. An orange or red flame, even after the stove is lit, can be problematic. Trouble With Indoor Plants: If indoor plants are struggling to grow, continually wilting or dying, a gas leak may be the culprit. Any of these common signs of a gas leak requires the immediate support of a professional that can work to safely resolve the issue. Never take chances when it comes to a gas leak. For more information on gas line repairs,...
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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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Pros and Cons of a Gas Pool Heater

Posted by on Jan 6, 2020 in Plumber Longview TX, Plumbers Longview TX, Water Heater Installation Longview TX, Water Heater Installer Longview TX | 0 comments In-ground pools are an amazingly convenient and beneficial investment, as long as they are well functioning and usable. A natural gas-powered heater is one of the most common and potentially profitable pool features worth investigating. The water temperature of your pool can significantly drop during the winter months, or even cold evenings. Unless you are keen on swimming in brisk water, a heater may be worth investigating. Like any major investment, installing an in-ground gas-powered pool heater certainly presents a range of pros and cons that you should be fully aware of before making a decision. Rapid Heating: Natural gas pool heaters are significantly more powerful than electric or solar pump heaters. If you want your pool to heat up as quickly as possible, natural-gas heaters are the best and most efficient option. Rapid heating is especially handy if you don’t use your pool regularly. Not to mention the freedom it allows when welcoming guests or throwing an unplanned pool party, independent of weather and climate conditions. Purchase Price: Purchasing and installing a natural gas-powered pool heater can be less expensive than competing electric, solar, or heat pumps. That said, gas heaters come in a wide variety of sizes and models that can cost anywhere from $900 to $2500. Electric and solar pumps can reach much higher prices, running anywhere from $2000 to $4000. Be that as it may, depending on the use, operational costs linked with gas-powered pumps can make them less cost-effective in the long run. Energy Cost: It’s essential to assess and consider all costs, including the price of running a gas-powered heater compared to other industry alternatives. Natural gas heaters are generally more expensive to operate, however, this depends on the fluctuating market price of electricity, compared to gas at the moment. Solar heat is certainly the most energy-efficient option, next to heat pumps which, utilize existing warm air to heat the water. Lifespan: Natural gas heaters are durable, however, in the long run, they tend to accumulate more wear and tear than other heating options. They typically last five or more years, requiring some minor maintenance along the way. That said, the lifespan of a gas heater depends on average use, weather conditions, and the desired temperature of the water inside your pool. Heat pumps and electric pumps tend to last 8-10 years, while solar can last up to 20 years in comparison. Hopefully,...
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Must Haves for Every Outdoor Kitchen in Longview, TX

Posted by on Dec 5, 2019 in Home Renovation, Plumber Longview TX, Plumbers Longview TX | 0 comments  The outdoor kitchen has surged in popularity, offering homeowners a unique and functional way to enhance their outdoor living spaces. However, the process of planning and designing an outdoor kitchen can be quite daunting due to the multitude of options available. From selecting the right appliances to optimizing the layout, here are some tips and tricks to help you create the perfect outdoor kitchen that meets your needs and complements your outdoor space. One of the first steps in creating your outdoor kitchen is to carefully plan the different zones within it. Divide the space into zones such as cold areas (prep and storage), hot areas (grilling and cooking), wet areas (sinks and countertops), and dry areas (dining and seating). These zones should flow harmoniously and be positioned considering potential exposure to the elements. It’s essential to choose materials and equipment that can withstand outdoor conditions, as outdoor kitchens are subject to weather fluctuations. Additionally, ensure that the layout provides easy access to essential utilities like gas, water, and electrical hookups. The aesthetic design of your outdoor kitchen should be in harmony with your home’s architecture and the surrounding landscape. Opt for a design that complements your property’s style, whether it’s modern, rustic, or traditional. Aim for a functional and connected layout, avoiding isolation between the cooking, lounging, and serving areas. A seamless flow between these zones ensures a more enjoyable and efficient outdoor cooking and entertaining experience. If your budget allows, consider installing heaters, shade structures, and rain shelters to create a comfortable environment year-round. For those who enjoy outdoor entertainment, plan for additional features like speakers or a multimedia system. This will enhance the overall experience, making your outdoor kitchen a hub for family gatherings and social events. The use of lighting is also crucial in an outdoor kitchen. Strategically placed lighting can create an inviting ambiance, improve safety, and allow you to continue cooking and socializing after sunset. Lastly, always keep in mind that your project should reflect your personal preferences and needs. Understanding your unique requirements, budget limitations, and the right equipment will ensure that your outdoor kitchen becomes a functional and enjoyable addition to your home. By carefully considering these tips and tricks, you’ll be well on your way to creating the perfect outdoor kitchen that suits your lifestyle and elevates your outdoor living space. For more information or a plumbing estimate, contact...
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