Maintenance Tips and When to Call Your Local Water Heater Installer

If your water heater is not working properly, it may be time to contact a water heater installer in the Longview TX area. Leaking water or low heat levels are just some of the reasons you may need to have your water heater repaired or replaced. While proper maintenance of your appliance will extend its life, over time, you will need to make repairs or have a brand new heater installed. The life expectancy of a typical water heater is between eight and twelve years. The life span varies based on the design of the appliance, the installation process, the adherence to a maintenance schedule and the quality of water used. Water Heater Maintenance Tips Most water heaters today are produced with little or no maintenance requirements. However, there are several maintenance tips that could help in prolonging the life of your appliance. Drain your water heater every six months to remove any sediment that could be collecting in the tank and causing corrosion. This step will prolong the life of the heater and increase its efficiency. Decrease your water heater-thermometer temperature level to below 120 degrees F. This will lower the possibility of damage to your tank from overheating. Water Heater Replacement Tips If you have a heater that is over ten years old and is experiencing some problems such as leaks at the tank base or trouble reaching hot temperatures, you probably need to think about having it replaced. When it comes time to replace your water heater, you can choose to install an appliance similar to the current one you own. However, there are newer upgraded water heaters that offer features that will increase efficiency and lower utility costs. When you go out in search of a new water heater, consider the following features: The number of gallons the tank holds. The most common tanks have a capacity between 40 and 50 gallons. The recovery rate of the appliance which indicates the number of gallons of water that the heater will heat within an hour. The physical dimensions of the heater including the width and height, to ensure that the water heater will fit properly into the space you have allocated for it. The energy efficiency ratings that detail an estimated cost of operating the unit per year. This information is usually displayed on a sticker placed on the side of the unit. Before you begin...
read more

Fixing Freezing Water Pipes With the Right Plumbing Company

Not all frozen water pipes burst, but when one does you want to be able to act quickly and call in the right Longview plumbing company to help minimize the damages. If your faucets won’t flow and your toilets won’t refill following a flush, that’s a good sign your pipes are frozen. If you encounter frozen but still intact water pipes: Turn off the water supply Use a space heater or hair dryer to thaw the frozen section of pipe If the pipe has already burst, Turn off the water supply Call a plumber Begin to dry out the area as much as possible to prevent mold & mildew Bird Dog Plumbing can help you recover quickly from problems resulting from frozen pipes. Call us today at (903)225-2272 or visit us online at https://birddogplumbingllc.com/. Longview Plumbing CompanyBird Dog Plumbing LLC2206 Balsam StLongview, Texas...
read more

5 Advantages of Making the Switch to Tankless Water Heaters

The modern home buyer is often looking for energy efficiency and since water heating is one of the top energy expenses, the trend is flowing towards tankless water heaters in Longview, TX. Having a tankless water heater can reduce one’s energy bill significantly, but here are 5 other advantages to having a tankless system installed: Operates only when there is demand for hot water Never runs out of hot water Longer life expectancy of unit Compact size Safety features If you’re ready to make the switch toward energy efficiency, call Bird Dog Plumbing at (903)225-2272 to schedule an appointment. Or visit us online at www.birddogplumbingllc.com. Water Heaters Longview TXBird Dog Plumbing LLC2206 Balsam StLongview, Texas...
read more

What to Do Before Water Heater Installation in Longview, TX

When you need a new hot water heater, there are some steps you can take before the plumber arrives to save time for everyone involved. The first thing you need to do is locate the water shut off valve. Once you have turned off the main water valves, grab a bucket then drain the water line leading to the hot water tank. Once the water is shut off and drained from the line, locate the gas line valve and then shut off the gas to the unit (if you have a gas tank). Once the gas and water are shut off, the plumber can work more efficiently and quickly. Call Bird Dog Plumbing for the best water heater installation in Longview, TX. Water Heater Installation Longview TXBird Dog Plumbing LLC2206 Balsam StLongview, Texas...
read more

What You Should Know About Dealing With A Gas Leak In Your Home

If you have natural gas coming into your home to run appliances like your water heater, stove or furnace, you may have to deal with a gas leak at some point.  A natural gas leak is dangerous for two reasons; the first is that it is highly combustible and the second is that it can lead to asphyxia and death through the release of carbon monoxide into your home.  For these reasons, it’s important for you to know how to identify a gas leak and what to do about it if you have one. Signs Of A Gas Leak You will likely smell a distinctive rotten egg odor.  The smell comes from a chemical called mercaptan and it is added by natural gas suppliers to make it easy for homeowners to know if there is a leak.  There may also be some signs you can see like a white cloud, mist or fog inside your home, bubbles in standing water, blowing dust or dead or dying houseplants.  If the leak is large enough, you may even hear roaring, hissing or whistling. If You Suspect You Have A Gas Leak If you smell gas, you must leave your home immediately (taking pets, too) and call 911 and your gas supplier.  You must take care not to light a match, turn any appliances on or off, use a telephone or cell phone inside your home, ring the doorbell, turn on a flashlight or start your car inside the garage. Gas Safety Rules To Follow At Home Here are some things you can do to ensure that you don’t have a problem with the natural gas in your home: Never use a gas oven to heat your home. Never move or attempt to repair gas appliances yourself. Don’t step on or place anything on top of gas lines connected to appliances. Keep combustibles, like fuel and paint, away from gas appliances. Don’t let children play with gas appliances. Have your heating and venting system checked regularly for blockages. Don’t enclose your gas meter.   Protect Yourself From Carbon Monoxide If your natural gas appliances stop working correctly, carbon monoxide can be produced.  Unlike natural gas, carbon monoxide is odorless and also colorless, and it can be deadly in large enough quantities.  The most important thing you can do to protect yourself from this poisonous gas is to install carbon monoxide detectors in...
read more