How Do I Clean My Garbage Disposal

Posted by on Mar 11, 2020 in Plumber Longview TX | 0 comments Few things are less inviting in the kitchen than a stinky garbage disposal. Despite the fact that most of us them every day, garbage disposals are easy to overlook when it comes to basic home cleaning. Doing dishes is not fun as it is, but doing them when your disposal stinks makes it ten times worse. Fortunately, getting rid of that odor coming from your garbage disposal is not a difficult task. Here are a few tips from the expert Longview, TX plumbers at Bird Dog Plumbing to make this task as easy as possible. Remember, before you start cleaning or put your hands anywhere near the garbage disposal, remember to unplug it, or turn off the disposal’s breaker.    Clean the visible portion of the garbage disposal Using some dish soap and a brush, clean the areas around the disposal, such as the joint where the disposal meets the sink. This area is particularly susceptible to food getting trapped, making it a haven for mold to grow.   Clean under the baffle The rubber baffle at the bottom of your sink is a prime location for food particles to get stuck in the folds. Using a brush be sure to scrub this area.   Clean the grinding chamber Use a soapy sponge or brush, scrub around the grinding chamber where food particles could be stuck in the grinder or the walls of the chamber. Make sure you are rinsing the sponge and sink and continue this process until the sponge comes up clean from the disposal. Here are a few more things you can do which require that the disposal be running, so remember, hands out!   Citrus Using citrus fruits such as lemons, limes, or oranges is a really effective way to give your disposal a fresh scent. Simply throwing the peels, or the entire fruit (chopped into wedges) into the disposal does wonders. The oils that come out of the peel coat the disposal and help keep the disposal fresh for an extended period of time. Interestingly, the rough peels actually help pull gunk off the blades and walls.   Ice and rock salt Ice and rock salt are great for scraping food and waste of the inside of the pipes and blades. The best way to keep your disposal clean is the easiest of all. Routinely flush your disposal with water after each use. This...
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How to Prevent Your Pipes from Bursting (Video)

Posted by on Feb 24, 2020 in Plumber Longview TX, Plumbers Longview TX, Water Heater Installation Longview TX, Water Leak Repair Service Longview TX | 0 comments  Pipes and cold temperatures don’t mix. Cold temperatures pose a significant risk to the integrity of water lines and the consequences of a burst pipe can be financially devastating. Safeguarding your pipes, particularly in unheated areas like basements and attics, is crucial to avoid costly property damage. To ensure the safety and longevity of your plumbing system in the face of freezing weather, consider implementing the following strategies. 1. Explore Your Pipe Insulation Options: Investing in pipe insulation can be surprisingly affordable, with prices starting at just 50 cents per linear foot at your local hardware store. This small expense can provide invaluable protection against freezing temperatures. 2. Keep Garage Doors Closed: Preventing the cold from infiltrating your garage is essential in safeguarding your water supply lines, which may run through this space. By keeping your garage doors closed, you create an additional barrier against the chill. 3. Open Kitchen and Bathroom Cabinet Doors: Allowing warm air to circulate around your plumbing by keeping cabinet doors open in these areas can be a simple yet effective method of protection. This helps maintain a more consistent temperature in those spaces and mitigates the risk of frozen pipes. 4. Let Cold Water Drip from a Faucet: All it takes is a tiny, constant trickle of cold water from a faucet to prevent your pipes from freezing solid. This continuous flow keeps water moving and lowers the chances of a damaging freeze. 5. Maintain a Steady Thermostat Setting: While turning down the thermostat at night might save a few dollars on your energy bill, it’s advisable to keep it at a fixed temperature during cold spells. This ensures that your home’s interior remains warm enough to protect your water lines. 6. Consider Long-Term Insulation: To provide lasting protection for your water pipes, consider adding insulation to your attics, basements, and crawl spaces. Adequate insulation helps maintain a consistent temperature, reducing the risk of pipes freezing. If you find yourself facing frozen or burst pipes, it’s important to act swiftly. Turn on the affected faucet and apply heat until the water pressure is fully restored. Remember that the effort and expenses required for preventive measures are a small price to pay compared to the potential cost of extensive pipe repairs and property damage. Protecting your pipes is an investment in the longevity and safety of your home. For more information on protecting...
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How to Find a Hidden Water Leak in Your Home

Posted by on Feb 4, 2020 in Leak Repair Service Longview TX, Plumber Longview TX | 0 comments  Early detection of a water leak on your property can significantly cut repair costs. In our years serving the communities in and around Longview, TX, we’ve seen too many homes experience thousands of dollars worth of damage, either because a leak went unnoticed or because a homeowner didn’t think it was a big deal. In fact, it’s always a big deal, and there are simple steps you can take to try to detect a leak if you believe you may have one. View today’s video for quick and simple tricks. Immediately contact your Longview, TX plumber if you notice the following signs of a house leak. Check your water meter. Shut off all water in your home, and watch the activity on the meter. The visible movement on the meter can indicate the size of the potential issue. Verify your usage. If a family of 4 is using more than 12000 gallons of water per month. That may indicate a potential leak somewhere in the plumbing system. Monitor your water bill. A leak often means your bill is rising without an increase in use. Make sure to compare bills from month to month. Use food coloring. Add a small amount of food coloring into your toilet tank. Wait a few minutes, and see if color flows from the tank to the bowl of the toilet. Check outside. Oftentimes, a dated irrigation system or hose can be the source of a leak. Consider calling a plumbing professional to investigate. Use common sense. Make a practice of being extra vigilant. Regularly check inside cabinets or basins for any signs of mold or leakage. If you suspect a leak or notice one or more of the following signs, contact a plumbing expert at Bird Dog Plumbing in Longview, TX. We specialize in Leak Repair and all other plumbing services. Give us a call or visit our website...
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Pros and Cons of a Gas Pool Heater

Posted by on Jan 6, 2020 in Plumber Longview TX, Plumbers Longview TX, Water Heater Installation Longview TX, Water Heater Installer Longview TX | 0 comments In-ground pools are an amazingly convenient and beneficial investment, as long as they are well functioning and usable. A natural gas-powered heater is one of the most common and potentially profitable pool features worth investigating. The water temperature of your pool can significantly drop during the winter months, or even cold evenings. Unless you are keen on swimming in brisk water, a heater may be worth investigating. Like any major investment, installing an in-ground gas-powered pool heater certainly presents a range of pros and cons that you should be fully aware of before making a decision. Rapid Heating: Natural gas pool heaters are significantly more powerful than electric or solar pump heaters. If you want your pool to heat up as quickly as possible, natural-gas heaters are the best and most efficient option. Rapid heating is especially handy if you don’t use your pool regularly. Not to mention the freedom it allows when welcoming guests or throwing an unplanned pool party, independent of weather and climate conditions. Purchase Price: Purchasing and installing a natural gas-powered pool heater can be less expensive than competing electric, solar, or heat pumps. That said, gas heaters come in a wide variety of sizes and models that can cost anywhere from $900 to $2500. Electric and solar pumps can reach much higher prices, running anywhere from $2000 to $4000. Be that as it may, depending on the use, operational costs linked with gas-powered pumps can make them less cost-effective in the long run. Energy Cost: It’s essential to assess and consider all costs, including the price of running a gas-powered heater compared to other industry alternatives. Natural gas heaters are generally more expensive to operate, however, this depends on the fluctuating market price of electricity, compared to gas at the moment. Solar heat is certainly the most energy-efficient option, next to heat pumps which, utilize existing warm air to heat the water. Lifespan: Natural gas heaters are durable, however, in the long run, they tend to accumulate more wear and tear than other heating options. They typically last five or more years, requiring some minor maintenance along the way. That said, the lifespan of a gas heater depends on average use, weather conditions, and the desired temperature of the water inside your pool. Heat pumps and electric pumps tend to last 8-10 years, while solar can last up to 20 years in comparison. Hopefully,...
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Must Haves for Every Outdoor Kitchen in Longview, TX

Posted by on Dec 5, 2019 in Home Renovation, Plumber Longview TX, Plumbers Longview TX | 0 comments  The outdoor kitchen has surged in popularity, offering homeowners a unique and functional way to enhance their outdoor living spaces. However, the process of planning and designing an outdoor kitchen can be quite daunting due to the multitude of options available. From selecting the right appliances to optimizing the layout, here are some tips and tricks to help you create the perfect outdoor kitchen that meets your needs and complements your outdoor space. One of the first steps in creating your outdoor kitchen is to carefully plan the different zones within it. Divide the space into zones such as cold areas (prep and storage), hot areas (grilling and cooking), wet areas (sinks and countertops), and dry areas (dining and seating). These zones should flow harmoniously and be positioned considering potential exposure to the elements. It’s essential to choose materials and equipment that can withstand outdoor conditions, as outdoor kitchens are subject to weather fluctuations. Additionally, ensure that the layout provides easy access to essential utilities like gas, water, and electrical hookups. The aesthetic design of your outdoor kitchen should be in harmony with your home’s architecture and the surrounding landscape. Opt for a design that complements your property’s style, whether it’s modern, rustic, or traditional. Aim for a functional and connected layout, avoiding isolation between the cooking, lounging, and serving areas. A seamless flow between these zones ensures a more enjoyable and efficient outdoor cooking and entertaining experience. If your budget allows, consider installing heaters, shade structures, and rain shelters to create a comfortable environment year-round. For those who enjoy outdoor entertainment, plan for additional features like speakers or a multimedia system. This will enhance the overall experience, making your outdoor kitchen a hub for family gatherings and social events. The use of lighting is also crucial in an outdoor kitchen. Strategically placed lighting can create an inviting ambiance, improve safety, and allow you to continue cooking and socializing after sunset. Lastly, always keep in mind that your project should reflect your personal preferences and needs. Understanding your unique requirements, budget limitations, and the right equipment will ensure that your outdoor kitchen becomes a functional and enjoyable addition to your home. By carefully considering these tips and tricks, you’ll be well on your way to creating the perfect outdoor kitchen that suits your lifestyle and elevates your outdoor living space. For more information or a plumbing estimate, contact...
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Is It Better to Have One or Two Sinks in the Bathroom?

Posted by on Nov 20, 2019 in Home Renovation, Plumber Longview TX, Plumbers Longview TX | 0 comments Whether you are designing a new bathroom from the ground up or remodeling an existing space, it’s essential to consider what style and size of vanity best fit your needs. With an expansive array of available vanity designs, it can be difficult to determine the most suitable and affordable option for you. The key to installing the most functional and visually appealing centerpiece in your bathroom often depends on your preference of sink style, and the amount of storage space/countertop surface area you need. With that in mind, the following guide should help to highlight the important pros and cons to consider when installing a bathroom vanity. With more than 13 years of professional plumbing experience, the Bird Dog Plumbing experts know a thing or two about bathroom remodels. A single sink bathroom vanity includes a cabinet and sink, normally extending anywhere from 16 to 70 inches in length. Single vanity sinks come in both freestanding and mounted styles. They are normally easier to install, fit nicely in small bathrooms, and provide ample storage space. On top of that, installing a single sink and faucet lowers the overall cost of the project. On the other hand, installing a single vanity limits the amount of available sink and counter space for more than one person. Sharing a master bathroom sink can be awkward and bothersome for all parties, even with enough storage space underneath. A double bathroom vanity includes two sinks installed into one larger cabinet. Having two sinks means that more than one person is capable of using the bathroom at the same time. The ability to use your sink and counter space whenever you want is hugely beneficial, especially during busy hours in the morning and at night. Not to mention, two sinks, more counter space, and cabinet storage significantly help to eliminate overall bathroom clutter. On the other hand, a double vanity may increase the price of remodeling and take up more physical space, which may make the bathroom feel cramped and small. Before you make a final decision, keep the following things in mind. Scale: Just because your bathroom space allows you to install a double vanity doesn’t mean it’s the best choice. Make sure to choose a vanity that will complement the bathroom layout, not overwhelm and crowd the space. Remember to leave enough room to move around with ease. Cost: Be sure to establish...
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