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 water, or are looking for a brand new water heater, Bird Dog Plumbing is here to help. Call 903-225-2272 to schedule a service appointment today! Plumbing Services LongviewBird Dog Plumbing LLC2206 Balsam StLongview, Texas...
read moreHow 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...
read moreBest 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 903-225-22762 to get help today! Clogged Drain Longview TXBird Dog Plumbing LLC2206 Balsam StLongview, Texas...
read more4 Signs Your Foundation Problems Are Caused By Leaking Pipes
Under slab, leaking pipes in Longview, TX are a major cause of foundation problems. The leaking pipes can penetrate the soil under your home causing foundation movement. The good news is that the damage to your foundation can be minimized if you are able to detect a leak early by recognizing common signs and indicators that you have a leak. Here are 4 warning signs that you have an under slab leak: Unusually high water bills...
read moreWhy You’ll Need Water Leak Repair Service for a Leak Under Your Home
A leak under your home is more than just a hassle; it can cause property damage and even health problems for residents. Although repairing kitchen sink and toilet leaks can present a challenge, perhaps the most challenging leak to fix is one that erupts underneath your home. Also called slab leaks, these potential disasters occur when plumbing supply lines or drainage pipes under the foundation break or leak. Over time, pressure causes pipes to become corroded and weak, and water begins to spill out. Fixing this type of issue is not for amateurs and seeking the help of a water leak repair service professional is typically best. Finding the Leak Before the physical signs of a leaky pipe appear, homeowners typically suspect something is wrong when they see a dramatic increase in their water bills. A costlier bill means something in your home is using more water than usual. If you aren’t aware of a reason for the extra use, chances are, you have a hidden water leak. Look for water spots in the concrete of your bottom floor. If you have another type of flooring, you may notice bubbling or warping, as well. These are all signs that water has been present long enough to cause some significant damage. You can also feel for warm spots in your floor by walking around barefoot. You might additionally hear the sound of gushing water underneath of you. If you detect either of these, it’s a safe bet you’ve found the leak. Repairing the Leak Professionals have two options when it comes to repairing leaky pipes under a home. The easiest and least expensive method is to drill a few holes in the concrete where the water is suspected so they can identify the damaged area of the pipe. A water repair specialist will then apply a sealant to the affected spot of the pipe. Once it’s dry, it should prevent additional water from escaping the pipes. Unfortunately, this isn’t an option for every pipe, particularly if it is heavily damaged. If that’s the case, another option is to replace the faulty piping. As you might imagine, this is far more invasive and costly but is sometimes the only practical method. Bird Dog Plumbing in Longview, TX, provides water leak repair service, as well as all of your plumbing needs. Learn how we can fix your home by calling 903-225-2272 or visiting https://birddogplumbingllc.com/ today! Don’t wait! Water Leak Repair Service Longview TXBird Dog Plumbing LLC2206 Balsam StLongview, Texas...
read moreWhen to Hire a Pro Plumbing Services for Remodeling
It’s the start of the home selling season, and for some homeowners, it may mean hiring Longview plumbing services for your home. For some homeowners the question, “should I remodel my bathroom on my own, or can I do it myself?” Here is a list of things you can DIY, as well as what is better for professionals to complete. Doing things on your own saves money, but not necessarily time and the finished product might not be up to your standards. Here is a list of simple things you can do on your own: Buying your own fixtures: Purchasing fixtures and appliances on your own will generally be cheaper than buying it through a contractor. Purchasing through a contractor is usually marked up due to the contractor wanting to profit off the sale of it as well, plus this gives you a chance to see the hardware in person before installation takes place. Always compare prices and product information before making a decision though. Removing the floor tiles: If your remodel is going to include a new floor, go ahead and tear up the existing floor yourself. Now if this something you are not overall comfortable with, don’t worry; plumbing services can handle it. However, this part of demolition is pretty easy and there is a low risk of causing damage to your home. Painting and tiling: Painting is generally not a significant stress, but tiling can be can very frustrating. Just like with removing the floor tiles you can defer this to a professional if you’re not comfortable installing the flooring yourself. While DIYing some of the tasks can save some money, here is a list of what not to do on your own in a bathroom remodel: The installation of fixtures: These are the things that if they go wrong, the problem can add up. The goal of the remodel is to have everything look perfect and professionally done; that is something that is near impossible to achieve without having an experienced professional installing the fixtures. Dealing with the plumbing: When it comes to the plumbing, always leave that to a professional, because if something goes wrong in this area, there’s a good chance it’s going to be a nightmare to handle. The biggest risk is having a water leak somewhere and causing water damage. When trying to sell a home, this problem will cause a delay and add unnecessary costs to the remodel. For anything that involves pipework, defer to Longview plumbing services. Overall there are few small, but important things you can do in the remodeling of a bathroom, but when it comes to the actual bulk of the remodel, save yourself the time, stress, hassle and possible money by having a professional do it. Get your bathroom looking great this selling season by contacting Bird Dog Plumbing at (903) 225-2272, or visit them online at https://birddogplumbingllc.com/. Longview Plumbing ServicesBird Dog Plumbing LLC2206 Balsam StLongview, Texas...
read moreHandle the Worst Kitchen Sink Issues Like a Professional Plumber
While kitchen sink problems can be common, they are no less irritating! If left alone, these little issues can turn huge in a short time. Some issues can be fixed yourself, while others may require a professional. What are the most common sink problems? A leaky or clogged faucet can be a DIY project or a job for a plumber. If your drain is clogged, call someone if chemical cleaner doesn’t work. Leaking drain baskets can be replaced yourself easily. A broken garbage disposal is more complicated to fix; leave it to the professionals. To fix your kitchen with the best plumber in Longview, Texas, call Bird Dog Plumbing! Learn more at https://birddogplumbingllc.com/. Plumber LongviewBird Dog Plumbing LLC2206 Balsam StLongview, Texas...
read moreHow to Discover the Quickest Water Leak Detection in Longview, Texas
You think you may have a water leak – what should you do? The first thing to do is check your meter. Call a billing department for its location. Check if your meter dial is moving. If it is, you likely have a water leak. Make sure no water is running at the time you check. If there is water running, find the shut-off valve. Call a plumber to assess and fix the damage immediately. For a plumber you can trust with water leak detection in Longview, Texas, let Bird Dog Plumbing help! Call 903-225-2272 or visit https://birddogplumbingllc.com/. Bird Dog Plumbing | Water Leak Detection Longview TX...
read moreAre You in Need of Plumbing Services? Here’s How to Tell!
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 from causing problems. When your system experiences issue, a plumber can help to get it up and running again. When you’re in need of plumbing services in the Longview, TX, area, Bird Dog Plumbing has you covered. Call (903) 225-2272 or visit https://birddogplumbingllc.com/ to learn more. Plumbing Longview TXBird Dog Plumbing LLC2206 Balsam StLongview, Texas...
read moreWhat to Do if Your Fireplace Has a Gas Leak in Longview, Texas
A fireplace can be the perfect way to end your day. If your gas fireplace is leaking, though, it can ruin your whole week. What should you do if you have a gas leak in Longview TX? Look around your fireplace to ensure that there is indeed a leak. Avoid standing near the fire or touching the pilot light to avoid explosion injuries. Call a professional right away to avoid any potential damage. Schedule inspections at least once a year to keep your fire safe. For a fireplace that truly gives you peace of mind, let Bird Dog Plumbing fist your gas leak in Longview, Texas. Call 903-225-2272 or visit https://birddogplumbingllc.com/ today! Gas Leak Longview TXBird Dog Plumbing LLC2206 Balsam StLongview, Texas...
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