Water Leak Detectors: Why You Need Them
Your house is probably your most valuable asset. It’s where you have quality family time, friendly get-togethers, and holiday gatherings! Whether you rent or own your home, Bird Dog Plumbing knows you value the time you spend in your house and the money you put into it. Water damage from leaks should not be a problem you have to deal with. Here are a few ways that investment in water leak detectors could benefit you. Water Usage It’s difficult to determine how much water is being wasted by your leak. However, there are a few factors that you need to consider. These include the number of leaks in the house, where they are occurring, and how often or severely they leak. We can break down an example for you. Let’s say there are two faucets in your house dripping ten times per minute. That math adds up to about 30,000 drips per day. You’re probably thinking, “Those are just drops of water, how much could it really be?” Those 30,000 drips all year equal to about 700 gallons of water wasted each year! Imagine how that’s affecting your water bill. What is a Water Leak Detector? A water leak detector is a device, possibly connected to your wifi, that lets you know if you have a leaky pipe or a freezing pipe. It will notify you of the problem before it gets out of control. This device might seem useless right now if you don’t have any leaks you are aware of. However, when you lose those 700 gallons of water in a year, you’ll wish you had invested in one. It is a low cost compared to water damage from flooding or a burst pipe. The maintenance and installation are minimal as well. How Do Water Leak Detectors work? Certain devices are built to send a notification to your phone if a problem is detected. The detector might also have an alarm built into it to ring throughout your household. The device might also have the ability to set up a neighbor notification or service person notification if you are on vacation or somewhere without wifi. It is best to place these water leak detectors near where a leak could occur, such as the base of your toilet, around your washer, or near your water heater. The bottom level of your house is ideal but upstairs works too. What you don’t know can’t hurt you, right? Well, not in this case. It is best to be aware of water leaks so you can tackle the problem right away and avoid more expensive costs. Bird Dog Plumbing in Longview, TX can help you choose the right detector or fix any existing leaks! Just give us a call; we would love to help you lower that pesky water...
read more7 Common Commercial Plumbing Problems
The traffic coming in and out of a commercial building can make your business more susceptible to plumbing problems. Here are some to look out for! Common Longview, TX Commercial Plumbing Problems Toilet Clogs Commercial toilets are made to endure more damage than regular toilets. However, clogs can still occur because of frequent use. Using a plunger might fix the clog once or twice, but not always. If you can’t fix it on your own, it’s best to call a professional to come to take a look. Faucet Leaks A faucet leak in a large setting can drive your water bill through the ceiling! One leaky faucet may not be a huge deal, but in an office building, if there is one, there is probably another. Sewage backup Sewage backup is a serious problem. It can cause an unpleasant odor outside of the sewage system, too. You’ll definitely want to get a professional’s help because there are many ways they can detect a backup and fix it. Water heater problems The best way to keep water heater problems away is to get them inspected regularly. Their frequent use in business settings causes them to wear down faster. So inspections every so often can keep your hot water in tip-top shape. Broken toilets With the frequent use in a busy building, toilets break down quicker than household toilets. If you notice a broken piece, contact a professional plumber! Fixing them yourself could lead to more damage. Silent leaks Be on the lookout for unusual spikes bumps on the wall or floor. These could indicate silent leaks, and you’ll want to get a plumber as fast as possible. The longer these leaks last, the more damage they’ll do. Drain clogs Often, people drop pieces of paper towels or food down commercial drains or the break room sink. This can cause a drain clog in your system. This might seem like a small issue, but it might not look good to your customers. If you notice any problems like these in your Longview, TX commercial building, call Bird Dog Plumbing...
read more9 Fall Plumbing Tips
Maintaining your plumbing is essential year-round, but it is even more important in the fall with freezing temperatures around the corner. Bird Dog Plumbing wants to ensure that your plumbing system is prepared this fall. This article will give you all the tips you need to be ready when the cold hits! Fall Plumbing Tips Disconnect your water hose outside. This can prevent damage to the interior pipes or even pipe bursts.Inspect your outdoor and indoor faucets as well as your plumbing for leaks and drips. Be sure to get them fixed before the winter comes to prevent further damage and expensive fixes!Make sure your hot water heater is up to date and working well with an inspection by us! This is especially important since that heater will probably be working much harder than usual during these next few months.Know your home! Find the main water valve and make sure everyone in the house knows where it is. This could prevent an uncontrollable flood in your home if a pipe were to burst.Clean the gutters! Right now, it may not seem important, but when the brutal winter hits and the debris freezes in the gutter, water might be unable to drain, which can lead to more significant, more expensive problems. Insulation is important! After checking for water leaks, inspect your home further to make sure your pipes are adequately insulated. If you’re having trouble, give us a call, and we can steer you in the right direction!Cover your outdoor faucets. This can be done with styrofoam or designated hose covers. The benefit of this is keeping your pipes from getting cold from the outside, further protecting them from the extreme temperatures. Drain your water heater! Draining your water heater prevents the build-up of sediment and rust, which in turn, will improve the efficiency and lifespan of your heater. That sounds like a lot of nice, hot showers to me! If you don’t know how to drain your heater, we can help! Just give us a call. Do you have a sump pump? If you do, it’s probably in your basement. Make sure it’s working by pouring a bucket of water in it to see if it turns on and starts pumping the water out. If it does not do that, make an appointment with Bird Dog Plumbing so we can fix it! Take Care of Your Longview, TX Plumbing! Often, we don’t think about the “health” of our plumbing until something goes wrong, but even more often, the problems can be prevented with simple tasks such as unscrewing a water hose or scheduling an inspection. It’s still hot in Longview, Texas, but the fall temperatures will be here before you know it, so it’s best to get prepared now! Whether it be damages or preparation, Bird Dog Plumbing can help...
read moreWhen Should I Replace My Toilet?
Not everyone knows when their toilet should be replaced. That’s why we’ve thought of a few tell-tale signs that yours needs replacing, as well as why you should not wait to replace your toilet. Signs you Need to Replace Your Toilet Age – The first sign that you should consider a replacement is the age of your toilet. The fixture itself will last for many many years, but the plumbing will not. If your toilet is more than 25 years old, consider a replacement. Puddling – Another indicator is puddling around the base of the toilet. This usually means there is a crack in the tank that you can search for yourself, but if you do not find one, call Bird Dog Plumbing, and we can inspect it for you because there may be a hairline crack that you cannot see with the naked eye. Furthermore, the location of the crack could mean two different things: you need a repair or a replacement. Bird Dog Plumbing can help you with both!Always Running – Does your toilet run all of the time? Though this might not need an immediate replacement, the idea should be in the back of your mind. It could be a simple fix or a bigger issue that could require a replacement, so maybe consider calling a plumber to check it out.Clogged All the Time – Is your toilet clogged more often than not? Sometimes, kids get excited and want to flush random things. We get it! However, if the clogging is not due to human error, this could be another indicator that yours has bitten the dust, depending on the cause, and you might need a replacement. Will not Flush – If your toilet absolutely does not flush, you need a replacement! Nobody has the time of day to try to revive a dead one. Call a plumber for assistance!Wobbling – Another indicator could be if your toilet wobbles. Maybe the screws and bolts are just loose, and in that case, a plumber can tighten those and be on their way. However, if it’s wobbling due to foundation issues, the toilet could be leaking and causing water damage, which means you could use a replacement. Need the Experts? Hopefully, now you can evaluate the condition of your toilet at one time or another and decide whether a replacement is necessary. Better yet, give Bird Dog Plumbing a call and we can help you! A malfunctioning toilet can cost a fortune in repairs or you could end up with a plumbing disaster such as flooding. We don’t want that! Don’t wait too long for a new structure. Be on the lookout for these signs, and contact Bird Dog Plumbing with questions, concerns, or to schedule a replacement if you’re around the Longview, Texas...
read moreWhen Should I Call an Emergency Plumber?
Sometimes, a small water leak under your sink quickly escalates into a huge problem, leading to thousands of dollars in water damage. It is always smart to make sure a plumbing problem is not a problem you can fix yourself, but sometimes you need the pros. Not every issue can wait until regular working hours, and there are times that you need an emergency plumber. Calling an emergency plumber can get expensive, but it is cheaper than dealing with extensive water damage. The important thing is to know when you need an emergency plumber, or if you have an issue that can wait until the next day or after the weekend. Here are a few of the common problems that Bird Dog Plumbing thinks qualify as emergencies. Call an Emergency Plumber when this Happens Sewer Backup When a sewer line backs up, it creates a severe health hazard for you and your family. The mix of fumes, odors, and pathogens creates a dangerous indoor environment. A sewer line backup also prevents you from using the sink, toilet, or shower. For all of these reasons, your sewer line backing up is 100% an emergency. Burst Pipe The most common cause of a burst pipe is the water freezing and expanding in the pipe. The frozen water blocking the pipe will cut off your water, and eventually, lead to it bursting. Burst pipes lead to severe water damage very quickly. As soon as the pipe bursts, the absolute first thing you need to do is shut off the water. Once that is done, call in a plumber immediately. Toilet Overflow Overflowing toilets are not only concerning because of damage the water will cause but also for the potential health hazards. There is always the possibility that the water is contaminated. If you can’t find the clog and clear it immediately, call an emergency plumber. No Hot Water If you turn on your shower or the sink, and the water will not warm up at all, there is something wrong. Usually, this points to something being wrong with your water heater. Water heater issues do not typically constitute an emergency, but there is always the risk of an older one leaking. Like most other problems on this list, leaks will lead to water damage. Anything That Causes Flooding If there is a plumbing problem in your home that has begun flooding your home, call an emergency plumber IMMEDIATELY. Extensive flooding will not only damage your flooring, furniture, and other personal belongings but, eventually even the structure of your home. Serious plumbing problems can be a very intense experience for your family. Luckily, if you live in the greater Longview, TX area, Bird Dog Plumbing LLC is here. We have been assisting homeowners with all their plumbing needs for over 13 years. From appliance installation to repiping your home, we have you covered. For more information on who we are or to schedule a service, please contact us...
read moreWater Heater Maintenance Tips
Your water heater is easily one of the most important appliances in your home. Water heaters are also expensive, so you must make sure yours is maintained correctly to increase its efficiency & longevity. So, here are a few water heater maintenance tips that Bird Dog Plumbing LLC thinks every Longview, TX homeowner should know. Water Heater Maintenance Tips Know What Kind of Water Heater You Have – Knowing what type of water heater is essential. It will make it easier for you to maintain it, and be extra helpful if a plumber needs to take a look at it. Inspect the Pressure Valve – Water heaters can explode if the pressure valve does not work correctly. It needs regular inspections, and if it is not working correctly, it must be replaced. Adjust the Temperature – Lowering the temperature on your water heater increases the longevity of its heating component. It also lowers energy costs!Clean Out the Sediment – Too much sediment in your water heater will dramatically decrease its longevity. If you suspect there is sediment build up in your radiator, you need to clear it. Maintain the Location – Make sure there are about two feet of clearance around your water heater. This clearance ensures that there is ample space for maintenance, and makes damage less likely. With these tips in mind, you should be able to increase your water heater’s longevity and efficiency. However, when you do need the pros, Bird Dog Plumbing LLC is here. We can install, repair, or replace water heaters of every type. We have been ensuring that Longview, Texas homeowners have the hot water whenever they need it for 13 years. If you need us to come out and take a look at a plumbing issue, give us a call...
read moreHow Does a Plumber’s Snake Work?
Everyone gets a drain-clog from time to time, and usually, they are not challenging to clear. Typically, you use some Drain-O or a plunger, and it’s okay, but sometimes that isn’t enough! That is where a plumber’s snake comes in. If you have a terrible drain-clog, a plumber’s snake should be the thing that you try before calling us in! So, what exactly is a plumber’s snake? What is a Plumber’s Snake? A plumber’s snake, also known as a drain auger, is a long, slender metal coil with what looks like an uncoiled spring at the end. When uncoiled all the way, a plumber’s snake can be nearly 50 feet in length. It is a tool that you put down the drain to clear a severe blockage. However, there is the risk that a plumber’s snake can damage your pipes. If you misuse it, it can wear down the inside walls of the pipes and even cause leaks. So, knowing how they work is incredibly important. How Do Plumber’s Snakes Work? Put on some safety equipment – Make sure you put on some rubber gloves, goggles, and some clothes that you do not mind getting dirty. The gloves and goggles are especially important if you used any sort of chemical drain cleaner before. Start inserting the plumber’s snake – When you do this, be sure to do it slowly. Inserting the auger end too fast or with too much force can damage the drain and pipes. While you only have to go a few inches into the pipe, it sometimes takes a few tries. Start Cranking – As you crank the handle, the snake will uncoil and extend deeper down the pipe. Rotate it at a consistent pace. Once you feel like you are hitting something, you have found the obstruction.Get ready to remove the obstruction – After you feel like you are hitting something, crank the auger a little further so that it either breaks up the clog or grabs ahold of it. However, if you hear scraping sounds, that means that the auger is hitting the pipe. Make sure you readjust if this happens, or you could risk damaging the pipe.Remove the Snake & Obstruction – At this point, you should have the obstruction either caught in the auger or broken up. Begin cranking the handle the opposite direction to coil the drain snake back up. Usually, this will pull the obstruction out. Check the Clog – If you have disassembled a part of the drainage system, be sure to put it back together, then check the clog. If the sink, toilet, or tub is not draining, repeat the process. However, snaking your drains too much can damage the pipes. So, after a few times, you should probably call in the experts. The Experts The Bird Dog Plumbing experts have been helping Longview, TX homeowners for over 13 years. If you have a tough drain clog, I guarantee we will get rid of it for you. Whatever, your plumbing needs, Bird Dog Plumbing is here. Give us a call...
read moreHow to Find a Hidden Water Leak Inside A Wall
Water damage in your home is one of the most expensive repairs that a homeowner can tackle. The repairs can easily cost thousands of dollars, and the scary part is, you might not even know there is damage until it is too late! Causes of the issue like floods, sewage backup, or burst pipes are apparent to the naked eye, but others are harder to see until they have already caused a significant amount of damage. The most common culprit that Bird Dog Plumbing sees in Longview, Texas, is, by far, a hidden water leak inside the walls. Water Leaks Inside Walls There are a few things that cause water leaks inside your walls: Burst pipes are one of the most common causes of leaks inside of walls. These generally occur within exterior walls, during the wintertime. Remember to drip your faucets when it is below freezing!The older the pipes are, the more susceptible pipes become to damage. On top of that, houses that are at least 50 or 60 years old generally do not have pipes that are made from a durable material like modern dwellings do. If you are in a home that is more than 20 years old, make sure you keep an eye on your plumbing system and consider getting the house repiped. Weak plumbing is much more susceptible to leaks. If the plumbing system is not installed correctly or made up of inferior parts, the weight of the house makes it much more vulnerable to damage. Over time, all that weight will cause the pipes to crumble. No matter the cause, it is VITAL that you know how to spot the signs early. The longer the pipes leaks, the more money you will be forced to spend on repairs. Over time, the leaks rot the studs in the wall. Rotting studs cause structural damage to your home, on top of the water damage to the flooring, insulation, and walls. Signs of Damage Spotting the signs of damage sooner rather than later makes the difference between $1000 in repairs and $10,000 in repairs. Even though the leaks happen inside the walls, the issues are evident relatively quickly if you know where to look. Staining – Stains on your sheetrock or drywall are a tell-tale sign that there is a leak. Stains that continue to grow are a pretty good indication that there is a leak in that wall. Mold – Typically, mold grows in places with extra moisture. So, if you see mold on your walls, ceilings, or baseboards, it is safe to assume there is water where there should not be water. Mold is a severe problem and can be a health hazard, so if you see it, make sure you find what is causing it ASAP. Odor – When materials like wood, sheetrock, or drywall absorb water, they give off a musty odor. If you walk by a wall and smell something bad, make sure you investigate. Water absorbing on the studs in the wall will cause SERIOUS structural damage. Eventually, the boards will completely rot and break. Warped walls or floors – Water in sheetrock will damage it over time, and give it a warped appearance. The same goes for floors. If you notice the floorboards near your walls appear bent or...
read moreWhen Should You Replace Your Water Heater?
Knowing the correct time to replace your water heater is something every Longview homeowner needs to know. Water heater failures are one of the most expensive incidents that a homeowner can pay for. In fact, the water damage that results from a water heater failure can cost an average of $4,444 to repair. However, these costly repairs are avoidable. If you know the signs to look for you will know when to replace your water heater before it is too late. Signs Your Water Heater Is Getting Old: Age – In general, most water heaters in East Texas last about 6-12 years. Your water heater may seem like it is working after that 12 years, however, it is much more likely to break and cause more damage. Another way that you can tell your water heater is getting a little bit too old is if it is no longer producing hot water at adequate levels.Rusty Water – Discolored water is one of the most clear-cut signs that something is wrong with your plumbing system. Figuring out where the rust is coming from is vital for the health of your household. If you see rust around the water inlet or pressure valves there is a good chance the rusty water is because of an issue with your water heater. It can be assumed that rust around the water inlet or pressure valves means there is also rust inside the tank. If not found soon enough, the rust can eventually eat through the tank and cause expensive leaks. Noise – The louder your water heater gets, the closer it is to a major issue. Typically, sediment buildup is the cause of a noisy water heater. The sediment forms as water is heated and then reheated in the tank. The sediment not only causes a loud rumbling sound but makes it take longer for your water to heat up. The longer it takes for your water to heat up, the more brittle the metal tank becomes, which increases the likelihood of cracks forming Signs Your Water Heater NEEDS Replacement Leaks – If your water heater is leaking, it needs to be replaced right away. As your water heater ages, the likelihood of you finding water around your heater increases greatly. The older the water heater, the longer it will take to adequately heat your water supply. This extra time causes the metal walls of your heater to grow brittle and become more prone to cracking. If you do not spot a leak and replace the tank quickly enough, these leaks will grow, causing serious damage to the surrounding areas of your home.Water Heater Not Heating – Your water heater is easily one of the top two or three most important appliances in your household. So when it stops working or does not work efficiently enough, this is a significant reason for concern. Hopefully, this list will help you understand the importance of keeping up with the age and condition of your water heater. It is incredibly important to keep an eye on your water heater and investigate if you suspect any issues. If you think something is wrong with your water heater or think it’s time for a new one, please give Bird Dog Plumbing a call! Not only do we specialize...
read more4 Most Common Summer Plumbing Problems
Spending time with family and friends in the summer truly makes it one of the best times of the year! However, for all the fun that Summer brings, it can also bring plenty of plumbing problems. We have seen many summers since we have been in business in Longview, and here are some of the summer plumbing issues to keep in mind. 4 Common Summer Plumbing Problems Clogged Toilets – Clogged toilets can happen at any time of the year, but in summer, your toilets deal with much more usage. With kids home all summer, guests in town for a summer experience in Longview, it is essential to remind everyone to use toilet paper wisely and remember to flush after every visit.Clogged Garbage Disposals – Like toilets, garbage disposals see tons of extra use in the summer. With all the fun family cookouts and pool days, there is always a lot of leftover food, and some of it finds its way into the garbage disposal. Washing Machine Problems- You’ve probably noticed a trend at this point. The extra loads that washing machines have to handle in the summer can take a toll! All that additional work puts lots of strain on the hoses and can cause them to break. Broken hoses lead to extensive, expensive water damage. One solution is to replace your washing machine hoses if they look worn, preferably with stainless steel versions. Slow-Draining Showers – Shower drains can get clogged up by all the sand and dirt that our bodies pick up from the lake and beach in the summertime! The easiest way to prevent this is to make sure you rinse off outside before getting into the shower. Contact Bird Dog Plumbing in Longview, TX Make sure that you keep an eye on your plumbing this summer! Major plumbing issues can put a frustrating halt to your summer plans. Luckily, many of the problems we mentioned are preventable. We understand that things do happen, so when they do, we are here to help! Our team of plumbers in Longview will be there to get everything working the way it is supposed to. For more information on Bird Dog Plumbing, or if you need us to come out and take a look at your plumbing issue, contact us...
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