How to Make the Most of a Small Bathroom

Posted by on Oct 29, 2019 in Plumber Longview TX | 0 comments  Small and  poorly located bathrooms can be painfully difficult to design and use.  Choosing functional and appealing bathroom features in a small space is vital. Here at Bird Dog Plumbing in Longview, TX, we have over 15 years of experience. At times, restrictive building codes and guidelines can derail your plans. Despite the challenges, installing a small bathroom, when needed, is a great investment. The following renovation tips will help you bypass frustrating roadblocks and challenges along the way. Install a corner or trough sink. This will ease the flow of traffic in and out. Choose to install a shower curtain. This will help to save what space you have to use inside the bathroom. Mount the vanity. This will help the bathroom appear larger and free up floor space. Use large scale patterns. These patterns make the bathroom look large and spacious. Skip the shower door. Consider installing a shower curtain or a glass panel to free up space. Expand the mirror. Having a large mirror creates space for more than one person. Mount the towel bar. Install a towel bar on the wall or glass shower panel. Install a vanity with storage shelves. Vanity storage helps the bathroom stay neat and tidy. For more information on plumbing or bathroom renovations. Contact Bird Dog Plumbing in Longview, TX...
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The Advantages of Having a Laundry Room Sink

Posted by on Oct 14, 2019 in Plumber Longview TX, Plumbers Longview TX | 0 comments s a homeowner, it’s common to assess the value and utility of different features within your home. The bulk of homes include or accommodate installing features like washers, dryers, bathtubs, and showers. When it comes to the laundry room, however, the advantage of installing a utility sink depends on your personal preferences and particular situation. At Bird Dog Plumbing in Longview, TX, we’ve seen all kinds. For some people, installing a utility sink in the laundry room is a no-brainer. However, many others are unaware of the potential benefits that adding a utility sink can offer.   If you plan to renovate or upgrade the laundry room in your Longview, TX home, consider the following advantages of adding a utility sink before you begin the project.  Trapping Lint and Hair. The ability to drain your washing machine directly into the laundry room sink helps to filter out hair, fabric, and lint. Laundry sinks may be equipped with wide sink strainers which are designed to catch hair and lint that otherwise accumulate in the sewer line, potentially creating flow issues. If adding a laundry sink to your home in Longview, a professional plumber can advise on whether a wide sink strainer is recommended for your system. Pre-soaking & Hand-Washing. A laundry room sink affords a space to soak particularly stained or dirty clothes that require special attention and care. It additionally provides a convenient location to hand-wash delicate clothing items. Using buckets of water, small sinks, or bathtubs can be a painfully time-consuming alternative compared to a utility sink. Washing Pets. Many pet owners know that bathing their pets in the bathtub can be a difficult and messy task. Washing your pet in the bathroom often requires not only cleaning your pet but the bathroom area as a whole. The difference with a laundry room sink is it doesn’t need to be spotless all the time. It can quickly be wiped down and cleaned when needed.  Houseplant Care. Houseplants often require frequent watering and cleaning, the same way they would outdoors. The laundry room sink is an ideal space to temporarily store, water, and care for your indoor plants. In a utility sink, you don’t need to worry about plant debris or dirt, like you would when using the bathtub to water plants.  DIY projects. At-home art and DIY projects like dying or bleaching clothes can be unpredictably messy and damaging. Even...
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5 Benefits of Whirlpool Tubs

Posted by on Sep 17, 2019 in Plumber Longview TX | 0 comments In the quest for personal relaxation and well-being, the luxury of a whirlpool bathtub can be a game-changer. If you’ve never experienced the soothing embrace of warm, bubbling water at the end of a long day, you’re missing out on a rejuvenating experience that can significantly impact your life. Let’s explore the many advantages of installing a whirlpool tub in your home, as it offers not only physical comfort but also mental and emotional relief. 1. At-Home Massages: One of the most delightful aspects of having a whirlpool tub is the ability to indulge in an at-home massage whenever you desire. The gentle yet invigorating water jets provide a soothing and therapeutic experience, effectively relieving muscle tension and promoting relaxation. 2. Spacious Comfort: Unlike traditional bathtubs, whirlpool tubs are designed with ample room to accommodate an adult comfortably. You can stretch out and soak in luxurious splendor, leaving behind the cramped confines of regular bathtubs. 3. Stress Reduction: Life’s daily stressors can take a toll on your well-being. A whirlpool tub offers a private sanctuary where you can escape from the hustle and bustle, allowing you to de-stress, unwind, and regain your mental equilibrium. 4. Muscle Relief: The water jet system in a whirlpool tub is an excellent way to alleviate sore and tense muscles. The pulsating water streams effectively target areas of discomfort, providing relief and enhancing overall comfort. 5. Improved Circulation: The warm water and the massaging action of the jets stimulate blood circulation and enhance oxygen flow throughout your body. This not only promotes relaxation but also contributes to better health. 6. Detoxification: Soaking in a hot detox bath in your whirlpool tub can help eliminate toxins from your body. The combination of warm water and hydrotherapy can aid in flushing out harmful chemicals, leaving you feeling refreshed and rejuvenated. 7. Enhanced Sanitation: Public spas and shared facilities can harbor bacteria and germs. Having your personal whirlpool tub ensures a higher level of sanitation, as you are the sole user of the tub. This provides peace of mind and a cleaner, healthier bathing experience. 8. Privacy and Personalization: Your whirlpool tub is your personal oasis, and you can enjoy it exactly as you like. Whether you prefer a tranquil soak, a therapeutic massage, or a romantic retreat, the privacy of your own bathroom allows you to tailor the experience to your desires. Incorporating a whirlpool tub...
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The Do’s and Don’ts of a Bathroom Remodel

Posted by on Sep 3, 2019 in Plumber Longview TX, Plumbers Longview TX | 0 comments A professionally remodeled bathroom can be a luxurious addition to any home. The process, however, can be painstakingly expensive and timely if done incorrectly.  When the time comes to start a dream bathroom remodel, make sure to contact the experts at Bird Dog Plumbing in Longview, TX. Until that time, consider the following Do’s and Don’ts of bathroom renovations: Have a Realistic Budget. The bathroom is a significant and frequently used space, so before planning a major renovation, establish a budget. Establish a firm and mutual understanding of the costs associated with installing items like a new shower or toilet. In certain cases, establish a budget for unexpected repairs and potentially unnoticed water damage. An experienced Bird Dog plumbing specialist will do their best to explore the area and provide an accurate quote or estimation of the associated costs. Choose the right toilet. If you haven’t already, familiarize yourself with the different brands and models of toilets. There are plenty of different brands and toilet types which offer different levels of water consumption and performance. Some of the best residential toilet brands on the market include TOTO, Kohler, and American Standard. After deciding on a suitable brand and model of toilet, consider its placement. It’s never a bad idea to partially conceal the fixture behind a half wall or piece of furniture. Decide on the best surfaces for space. Carefully ponder your choice of tile, countertop, sink, and flooring. Consider the price, color, size, and durability of the material, whether that be marble, granite, quartz, porcelain, or natural stone. Decide on the most sensible material that best suits your interests and needs. Don’t skimp on the shower. The shower is an essential part of the bathroom space. Depending on the size of the area, determine the right number and style of showerheads you want to install. Try your best to align the fixture finish to the color or style of the bathroom as a whole. The decisions you make here will be significant and long-lasting, so go all out. Think about water efficiency. In recent years, toilets, showerheads, and sinks have all become increasingly water-efficient. To save money in the long run, research and install the best low-flow appliances. Replacing older, inefficient toilets, showerheads, and sinks can save thousands of gallons of water and more than hundreds of dollars per year. Of course, this is not a complete list....
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Small but Impactful Upgrades for Your Kitchen in Longview, TX

Posted by on Aug 13, 2019 in Plumber Longview TX, Plumbers Longview TX | 0 comments Your idea of a dream kitchen may be more attainable than you think. In reality, sometimes you can make the most significant impact on a room from small changes to freshen up the space, without the headache and cost associated with a complete remodel. The following modest projects can significantly increase the appeal and value of your home’s kitchen while keeping your wallet intact. From beginning to end, these simple projects should take anywhere from a few hours to a weekend to complete. Install Under Cabinet Lighting Usually, most kitchens come equipped with overhead lighting. Installing under-cabinet lighting is a small, but beneficial investment both aesthetically and financially. Under-cabinet light helps brighten the kitchen counter workspace while cutting costs associated with illuminating the whole room. They provided uniform well-distributed light that adds style and eliminates shadows at the same time. Don’t be afraid to shop around and find the most suitable lights for your cabinets. Switch out the Kitchen Hardware Switching out the hardware in your kitchen is extremely simple and cost-effective. Installing new cabinet handles and knobs can significantly enhance the look of your kitchen while only taking up at least, a couple of hours of your time. There is nothing better than clean hardware. Change the Cabinet Color If you feel your current cabinets are dull and outdated, a simple color change can make all the world of difference. Create a stunning new look by introducing a neutral color or wood stain, to deepen and enrich the definition and shape of your cabinets. This project is extremely time and cost-effective, considering the possible outcome and difference it may make. Install a New Kitchen Sink The sink is an important element of the space, which, over time, can become worn and dirty. Replacing the sink can drastically change the overall appeal and brighten up the kitchen as you would never imagine. Remember, whenever making updates that may affect the plumbing in your kitchen, work with a licensed and experienced plumber like Bird Dog Plumbing in Longview, TX. We can assess your current kitchen plumbing and consult with your on the necessary modifications or upgrades to make your remodel project come off without a hitch. Update or Add a Tile Backsplash Installing or updating a tile backsplash can be an opportunity to add invigorating textures, colors, and designs which completely transform the kitchen space. This very DIY-friendly project has...
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8 Tips for Buying a New Toilet

Posted by on Jul 22, 2019 in Plumber Longview TX, Plumbers Longview TX | 0 comments The bathroom toilet is one of the most important items in the home. It’s imperative your toilet is functional, cost-effective, and fitting, among other things. Purchasing a new one is not always as simple and stress-free as it seems. In fact, it can be a complicated process with a range of different variables to consider.  To find the best and most suitable toilet for you and your family. Consider the following rules of thumb.  1. Compare flush ratings. Compare “flush performance” across different models and brands to ensure efficiency. 2. Search for rebates on high-efficiency models. Special rebates can significantly reduce water consumption and annual costs out of your pocket. 3. Invest in a pressure assist toilet.  If a clean bowl and reduced water consumption are a priority, this is something to consider. 4. Make cleaning easier with a wall-hung toilet. This means fewer nooks and crannies to clean. 5. Consider height. Remember a higher bowl can be more comfortable for tall people, but harder for kids and shorter people to use. 6. Measure before you buy.  Measure the rough-in or distance from the hold-down bolts to the wall. This will determine what model and size of toilets are best suited for your home. 7. Beware of bigger bowls. Take account of the extra 2 inches on elongated bowls. A slightly bigger bowl can present possible issues when opening and closing drawers or doors. 8. Conserve water with a dual flush toilet. A dual flush toilet uses about 25% less water but is usually more expensive and limited when it comes to style and color.  For additional information or expert advice on toilet features like flushing mechanisms, sizes, shapes, water-saving efficiency, noise, comfort, and clean-ability, contact a Bird Dog plumbing professional in Longview, TX today. Call 903-225-2272 or get in touch online at...
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