How to Fix a Leaky Showerhead?
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 and nut with a wrench.Pull out the existing cartridge.Make sure your replacement cartridge is the same one as the one you took out. Align it and install it with the previous steps in reverse order. Turn the water supply on and run the shower to make sure there are no leaks. If you have attempted this process and the problem persists, call Bird Dog Plumbing! We can figure out what’s wrong with your shower and fix it in no time. You’ll be back to nice, hot showers before you know...
read moreLeaky Hot Water Heater Causes
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...
read moreSpring Plumbing Problems
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 the issues mentioned above, it’s time for Bird Dog Plumbing to swing by. If you’re in the Longview, TX area, call us...
read more5 Most Common Longview, TX Plumbing questions
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 issues. What’s the Best Way to Choose a Plumber? If your plumbing problems are not an emergency, you should do a little digging before picking which plumber will work on your home. Make sure the plumber has a license to operate in the area you live in or the state. You can also consult with the Better Business Bureau to look at complaints filed against the plumber. This will help you figure out how they work with conflict and solve issues. You can also ask for references from plumbers to call previous clients and get their input. Lastly, ask for a free estimate of the job. Getting a few different estimates is normal. The figures are important but so is the quality of work. Contact Bird Dog Plumbing In Longview, TX! We hope this information answered your plumbing questions or will help prevent any potential plumbing issues. If you discover...
read moreWhat to Look for When Picking a Longview, TX Plumber
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...
read moreWater Heater Maintenance Tips
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 or water lines.Turn your water heater off two hours before you start working on it. Turning off your water allows the system to cool down, so it’s not scalding hot while working on it. You should have a helper or a dolly handy to move the old heater out and bring in the new one. They are about 150lbs each. Have your tools and supplies ready to go before you start. You can buy them at a plumbing store, hardware store, or home center. Solder copper fittings before you screw them to the tank when connecting water lines, so you don’t heat the tank trying to solder them after you screw them on. Strap the heater to the wall with special straps from a plumbing store or home center if you live in an earthquake-prone area. Your plumber will tell you if they’re required. Although this isn’t a guide to replacing your water heater,...
read moreGas Leak Detection 101
Natural gas provides heat in many forms to a home. These include heating a stove, using the dryer, or hot water. However, gas leaks can be dangerous to your home if the system is not installed correctly or maintained well. A gas leak can lead to health issues, as well as the vapors being highly flammable. Here is everything you need to know about gas leaks from the experts at Bird Dog Plumbing. Signs of a Gas Leak The first thing you should do if you suspect a gas leak is turn off the gas meter and call your gas company or authorities. One of the first signs you’d notice in a gas leak is a sulfuric smell in your home. Gas is naturally odorless, so professionals add this scent to alert you if there is a leak. Some other signs include a whistling sound, bubbles, dust, or cloudiness in standing water, visible damage to a gas line connection, or house plants that are suddenly dying. Some health concerns that could indicate gas and carbon monoxide exposure are breathing difficulties, chest pains, dizziness, headaches, eye or throat irritation, nausea, reduced appetite, mood changes, ringing in your ears, or nosebleeds. Checking for a Gas Leak Listen for a Whistling Sound If you know where the gas line is, listen to see if it might be emitting a whistling or hissing sound. A whistling sound doesn’t guarantee there is or is not a leak, but it’s a start. Check the Stove Your stove should be giving off blue flames when it’s lit. If there are red or orange flames, there is probably a leak, and you should immediately turn off the flame and call an expert like your gas company, the authorities, and a plumber. Try Soapy Water This might sound too easy, but by mixing soap with water and applying it where you suspect a leak, bubbles forming will tell you that gas is escaping. Use Gas Leak Detectors A detector is the most surefire way to know if you have a leak in your home. There are many out there, but you can pick the right one for your home with just a little research. There are also carbon monoxide detectors for this kind of issue as well. Routine maintenance and proper ventilation are the best ways to prevent gas leaks in your home. Call Bird Dog Plumbing in Longview, TX if you suspect a problem or would like us to take a look at your home! We want to keep you and your family safe from gas...
read moreHow to Avoid Holiday Plumbing Problems
The holidays are coming up fast! We know how fun it can be to have your friends and family over to celebrate the holidays. But this time of year brings plenty of potential plumbing problems along with it! You don’t want a plumbing issue to ruin your Christmas eve, do you? Here are five ways to avoid holiday plumbing problems this year. Use the Trashcan Do your best to throw all leftovers in the trash. Don’t dump them in the sink! You will end up clogging your disposal, making it impossible to clean up when Christmas dinner is over. Spread out Shower Time If you are hosting guests this holiday season, your water heater will have to work extra hard. However, your water heater can still catch up if you wait about 10-15 minutes in between each one. Never Pour Grease Down the Drain Always dispose of grease in the trash, put it in a jar, or pour it outside. The oil will build up and harden, causing your drain to clog if you pour it down the sink. This is even more important since you’ll likely be cooking large meals, which means more leftover grease. Wait to use the Dishwasher Avoid using the dishwasher at the same time you run the disposal. What you pour down the drain could back up into the dishwasher if you run these things simultaneously. Pre-Holiday Inspection One of the best ways to avoid holiday plumbing problems is by getting it inspected beforehand. Your plumber can evaluate your systems and repair them if needed before the guests arrive. Call Bird Dog Plumbing if you need an inspection or repairs done during the holiday season! We’re prepared to help you make the holidays a fun, and loving time of year with minimal issues in Longview, TX. Happy holidays from Bird Dog...
read moreHow to Avoid Inviting a Plumber for Thanksgiving
Happy Thanksgiving, everyone! We hope all of our customers have a fantastic Thanksgiving with their families! All the food that usually ends up going down the drain cause lots of plumbing issues that can ruin your holiday. Luckily, Bird Dog Plumbing is here to ensure that your Thanksgiving goes off without a hitch! Here are a few tips to help prevent any Thanksgiving plumbing problems that would lead to you inviting a Longview, TX plumber over for Thanksgiving! Common Thanksgiving Plumbing Problems Leftovers Leftovers down the drain are a no-go! With all of the guests you will have over, there’s bound to be extra leftovers. Keep all of those leftovers from going down the drain; otherwise, you are sure to get a clog. It is better to discard them in the trash or compost. If you still choose to put them down your drain, feed them in gradually. One thing you absolutely should NEVER put down the drain is cooking oils and fat. These will sit in the drain, solidify, and lead to a blockage. It would be best to use a paper towel to wipe away the oils and fats before cleaning the pan in the sink. Use the Disposal Effectively Before you start washing food off your dishes, turn on the water and the disposal. This allows a constant stream of water to run through the sink. The water will prevent food from getting stuck in the disposal and rinses it as you wash your dishes. Keep the water running a little while after you turn off the disposal as well to avoid food sitting where it’s not supposed to. Wait to shower If you are housing guests this holiday, ask them to wait 10 minutes between each shower. Hair often gets stuck in the drain, and this helps the hair move through the drawing system without more taking its place. The best way to keep hair from piling up and clogging the system is a drain strainer. It will keep most of the hair from even getting in the drain. Don’t DIY it Thanksgiving is not the time to try your hand at plumbing! With lots of guests and many things happening, you don’t need to make a plumbing problem worse too. Your best bet if you happen to have a problem is to call an expert. The Bird Dog Plumbing experts in Longview, TX are here to make sure your holiday gatherings go off without a hitch! We want your holidays to be fun and stress-free. So call us if you encounter a problem this holiday...
read moreWinter Plumbing Tips
Winter will be here in Longview, TX before you know it! So, you must make sure your plumbing is ready to handle the cold! Prepping your plumbing for the cold weather will save you the headache and costs that come with fixing problems like a burst pipe. Here are a few winter plumbing tips from the experts at Bird Dog Plumbing! Disconnect Hoses One of the first things you should do in the cold weather is disconnect your hoses! Water that is left inside will freeze and back up into the faucet. The ice in your pipes will cause the pipe to crack, which is an expensive fix that you can avoid. Simply unscrew the hose, drain it, and store it for winter. Use Technology Nowadays, there are wifi thermostats you can use in your home. These thermostats send you alerts when the temperature in your home drops a set limit. You will get a warning on your phone when the temperature gets too low. This warning is helpful because you can adjust the temperature accordingly to prevent plumbing problems. Frozen pipes are not a problem you want to have if you can help it. There are also heat cables that will do the work for you! You attach them to your pipes; they sense the temperature and crank up the heat when it gets too cold. These cables are a perfect, hassle-free way to save yourself from water damage. One thing to keep in mind is that you need an outlet nearby to plug in the cable. Seal Cracks and Holes You should inspect your home, or call an expert to do so, for holes and cracks near your cables, wires, and pipes. These will end up being entry points for cold air and potentially lead to damage. You can purchase materials to cover the cracks and holes yourself or call an expert for help! Turn Off Your Water Make sure you turn off your water if you are leaving town! Turning off your water will prevent potential plumbing problems, and save you some money. If you do turn off your water There will be less damage if your pipes do end up freezing and cracking while you are away. You should also shut off your automatic icemaker if you have one. Leaving it on will cause the motor to burn out. Protect against Cold Snaps During frigid temperatures, you should adjust your thermostat accordingly and keep it at a steady temperature. Also, keeping cabinet doors open in your kitchen will be beneficial too. When closed, the heat cannot reach the pipes in your cabinets. You can also point a space heater towards your open cabinets to further improve the circulation of heat. While this list is not exhaustive, these winter plumbing tips should help prevent damage during the winter months. Please call Bird Dog Plumbing if you experience complications or need further help! We are prepared to protect your Longview, TX home’s plumbing before winter...
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