Top Plumbing and Leaking Tips for the Autumn Months in Longview TX

It may seem hard to believe, but the autumn months are just around the corner. As the cooler weather approaches, it’s a good idea to take care of some plumbing maintenance tasks to prevent as many plumbing issues as possible during the fall season. Garden Hose Storage It’s time to put your garden hoses away until next spring. Be sure to drain your hoses before you store them in your garage. First, disconnect the hose from the outdoor faucet. Once the disconnection is complete, empty any remaining water out of it. Water left in the hose can freeze over the winter causing cracks and holes in the hose material. Wind the hose up neatly and store it in your garage. Hose Bibb Disconnection You may be wondering what a hose bibb does. This device is the outside spigot that allows water to run into your garden hose. It is important to turn the bibb off properly to avoid any leaking problems that may arise from freezing temperatures over the winter. Be sure to turn the bibb in a clockwise motion until the water flow is completely shut off. Sewer System Inspection During the autumn months, your sewer system can become overworked. The excess precipitation during the fall can cause problems around your sewer line. Make sure no way standing water can create a problem in your yard. Comprehensive Water Heater Maintenance You can extend the life of the water heater in your home by simply scheduling an annual maintenance checkup. The lifespan of most water heaters is between eight and twelve years. However, you can increase the lifespan by having your heater flushed regularly. A flush of your water heater can help you save money on your monthly utility bills by making the heater work more efficiently. Schedule a water heater maintenance inspection and maintenance appointment with a reputable plumbing company in your area. Sump Pump Inspection Prolonged periods of rain and wind tend to take place during the autumn months. This type of weather can force your sump pump to work harder. Be sure to have your sump pump inspected by a professional to ensure that it is well-maintained and operating correctly. The last thing you’ll want during the colder months is to have your sump pump to stop working and end up with a basement full of water. For more information on plumbing and leaking problems in...
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Time for Toilet Repair or Replacement in Longview, Texas?

It can be a big decision to replace a toilet. How do you know when it is time for a repair or a replacement? Fixing multiple parts of your toilet means you may need a new one entirely. If your toilet is running a lot, it’s repairable. Having the same recurring problems can be fixed with a new investment. If it is clogged, a professional can help to dislodge any blockages. A crack in the porcelain can be dangerous, and that toilet needs replacing. If the tank is leaking, a repair will fix this issue. Additionally, a newer and more efficient toilet can help counteract high water bills. For the best toilet repair in Longview, Texas, call Bird Dog Plumbing! Learn more at 903-225-2272. Toilet Repair Longview TXBird Dog Plumbing LLC2206 Balsam StLongview, Texas...
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Plumbing Services Tips to Lower Hot Water Bills This Summer

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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How to Solve those Summertime Leaking Pipes in Longview, Texas

Summer should be a time of play, not of plumbing. By taking a little action now, you can save your time and energy for having fun and relaxing. What situations can you help to prevent? Clogged pipes. When coming inside, brush off any extra sand or gravel. Pets should be groomed regularly as well to reduce animal hair shedding. Broken garbage disposal. Compost or throw your food away, especially fibrous foods that get stuck in disposals. Damaged sprinklers. Make sure to mow around sprinklers and keep pets away. Surprise damage. Before traveling or in case of emergency, always have on call a plumber you know and trust. For professionals to help you with leaking pipes in Longview, Texas, let Bird Dog Plumbing keep your house in top shape! Call today at 903-225-2272.   Bird Dog Plumbing | Leaking Pipes Longview TX...
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Best Tips to Fix a Clogged Drain in Your Shower or Bath

A variety of factors can cause a clogged drain, with the most common being soap residue and hair accumulation. While a clogged drain may seem like an enormous plumbing problem to solve, you can take care of it yourself by following a few simple steps. Boiling Water First, check to see if your clogged drain is in a metal or PVC pipe. If it’s a metal pipe, go ahead with this solution. For a PVC pipe, move on to the other solutions below. You can quickly remove the clog in your drain using boiled water. Be careful while pouring the boiling water to prevent any burns. Fill your kettle with water and allow it to boil for one minute. Unplug your kettle (if it’s an electric kettle) and slowly pour the hot water directly into your clogged drain. A slow pour will enable the hot water to break up the clog. Baking Soda and Vinegar This solution uses the chemical reaction of combining baking soda and vinegar to remove the clog from your drain. Put a third of a cup of baking soda into a container. Add a third of a cup of vinegar to the baking soda. Once the mixture begins to make a fizzing sound pour it into the drain. Allow the mixture to sit in the pipe for about an hour. Finally, turn on the hot water faucet and allow the tap to run for a minute or so to flush the clog out of the drain. Snakes You won’t need a real snake for this solution, but rather a snake tool that can make its way to the clogged area of your drain. You can create a snake tool using a wire coat hanger or purchase one from your local hardware store. Begin by using a screwdriver to remove the cover of the shower drain. Next put on a pair of rubber gloves to protect your hands from anything you may pull out of the drain. Force the snake tool down into the drain to remove any accumulated hair and soap residue. Pull the snake tool back out of the drain. If necessary follow up this solution with boiling water or the baking soda vinegar mixture depending on the type of plumbing you have in your shower. Finally, replace the shower drain cover. If you are experiencing clogged drain issues in Longview TX, contact Bird Dog Plumbing at...
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