How to Prevent Your Pipes from Bursting (Video)

Posted by Longview TX Plumber 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...
read more

Pros and Cons of a Gas Pool Heater

Posted by Longview TX Plumber 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,...
read more

Must Haves for Every Outdoor Kitchen in Longview, TX

Posted by Longview TX Plumber 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...
read more

Is It Better to Have One or Two Sinks in the Bathroom?

Posted by Longview TX Plumber 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...
read more

The Advantages of Having a Laundry Room Sink

Posted by Longview TX Plumber 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...
read more