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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Signs Your Sewer Line is Clogged

Posted by on Jul 16, 2019 in Clogged Drain Longview TX, Plumbers Longview TX | 0 comments The main sewer line is a crucial part of any home plumbing system. All of the home’s wastewater exits through the main sewer line, so it’s vitally important that it functions well.  Understanding how to avoid a clogged main sewer line and resolve an issue if it occurs can prevent unwanted damage and expensive out-of-pocket repairs. A clogged main sewer line is usually triggered by tree root infiltration, flushing the debris down the toilet or pouring grease down the drain. Avoid treating your toilet like a trash can at all costs, paying attention to what enters into the main sewage system. If there is a serious issue associated with the main sewer line in your home you will notice:  Multiple Drains are backed up.  One of the most evident signs of a clogged mainline is backups in other smaller fixtures within the home. A home sewage system is like a tree, with multiple branches or lines feeding into the main trunk. When a clog occurs in the main trunk, the water draining from smaller lines has nowhere to go but back up. Water Overflows into different plumbing fixtures.  In the event of a main sewer line clog, water will begin to backup and surface in other plumbing fixtures in the home. All of the excess water moves to the lowest point in the home, so to catch the issue before it poses a serious problem, regularly check the drains in the basement and lower floors for irregularities. If you’re unsure of a real issue, try flushing the toilet or using the bathroom sink, paying close attention to any potential rise in the water level, bubbles, or gurgling noises. Drainage in sewer clean out.  The sewer clean out is marked by a circular plastic or concrete lid labeled clean out. Once you find the cap open it up and verify the status of the water flow. If the water is standing still, it most likely means you have a main sewer line clog. If you’ve determined that you have a threatening main sewer line clog, turn off your main water valve which is usually located in a basement crawlspace, close to the water heater or in the garage. The next step should be to contact a plumbing professional to clean the clog main line and resolve the issue as soon as possible. For the best and most effective plumbing services...
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How to Discover the Quickest Water Leak Detection in Longview, Texas

Posted by on Apr 17, 2018 in Leak Repair Service Longview TX, Plumbers Longview TX | 0 comments 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...
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3 Tips for Preventing Freezing Pipes and Needing Water Heater Installation

Posted by on Dec 19, 2017 in Plumbers Longview TX, Water Heater Installation Longview TX | 0 comments Frozen pipes decrease your water supply, cause expensive leaks, and can even lead to an entirely new water heater installation in severe cases. Since the winter season is approaching quickly, you will need to learn how to prevent these plumbing problems. Here are a few ways to protect your plumbing from the freezing temperatures that can lead to costly leaks and repairs. Heat Your Home You may think that heating your home is only necessary for your family’s comfort, but ensuring your home remains warm is also important for your plumbing lines as temperatures begin to drop. Heating your home, even when you are not there, will reduce the risk of frozen pipes. Of course, you do not need to run the heat at the highest temperatures possible. For the best protection without going overboard, make sure to set your thermostat to at least 50 degrees or higher. Let Faucets Drip Water will build up in your faucets over time. In the spring, summer, and fall, when temperatures are warmer, this build-up creates pressure that does not pose many issues. However, in the winter when temperatures are lower, the water in your pipes may freeze, causing enormous pressure that can lead to pipes bursting. Frozen pipes and bursting pipes will cause you to experience water leaks in faucets, pipes, and your water heater. This pressure can also cause your water heater to rupture, increasing the risk of water damage on the floors and walls of your home. In most instances, this requires extensive cleanup of the water damage and a new water heater installation. Allowing your faucets to drip slightly when temperatures are at and below freezing temperatures will prevent pressure and frozen pipes. Insulate Pipes There are many ways you can insulate your plumbing lines. To get started, invest in a few rolls of electrical heating tape. Wrap exposed, easily-accessible pipes with this tape before the winter season arrives. In other areas of your home where pipes are more challenging to reach, such as in the basement or attic, invest in a foam rubber or fiberglass sleeves to cover these pipes. Or, consider having the walls and doors in these areas insulated with spray foam or traditional batt insulation. Adding insulation may require some time and energy, but it will be a worthwhile investment for protecting your home and plumbing lines. To learn more about preventing frozen pipes and reducing your...
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