Although summer isn’t quite over just yet, there’s only a few weeks left until Labor Day weekend. The climate change from summer to fall can be a difficult change for many, especially when we’re all so used to the Texas heat. Don’t be unprepared for the temperature to drop, call Rodger’s Plumbing today to set up a time to ensure your pipelines are ready to roll for when the temperature starts to change.
- Make sure that your outdoor hoses are disconnected. You would hate for your water pressure to go to waste, and when we leave hoses connected in the cooler temperatures, you’re at risk for frozen pipes. Or even worse, they could be at risk for expanding beyond their capacity. When a pipe gets too full and frozen, eventually it’ll cause the pipe to burst.
- Clean those gutters! When you remove debris and leaves from your gutters, this allows the flow of water to travel down more adequately and you can also avoid clogs that can cause a blockage of buildup. Now when your pipes begin to thaw out, water drainage will work ten times more efficiently because you have already previously removed anything that could cause a clog in the system.
- Is your sump pump up to date? In order to survive a problem free plumbing winter, you’ll want to make sure that your sump pump is in good shape. A sump pump has about a 10 year life span, so it’s important to take care of it with frequent maintenance. Sump pumps are what eliminate moisture and prevent your basements from flooding over, and if they’re not cleaned out regularly, you run the risk of excessive mold and mildew backup.
- If you have any pipes in your home that are located in certain areas that may not be as insulated as others, protect them with things like heat tape to prevent them from freezing or bursting.
- Sediment buildup can become a huge problem with any plumbing system, and expensive if it’s not treated the right way. To err on the side of caution, flush out your water heater at least every six months. Your water heater is going to want to work harder to keep up in the cooler months, and depending on your water’s mineral content you may need to flush it out more often. WARNING: Every water heater is going to be different, so make sure you consult with a professional from Rodgers Plumbing to make sure your water heater is getting the attention it needs based on its make and model.
- Call us to test your water heaters pressure relief valve. The water coming out of your pressure relief valve is extremely hot, however checking it on a consistent basis will help to diminish the chance of sediment or mineral buildup, as well as catch any leaks that may have appeared early on so that they can be fixed sooner rather than later. If the temperature or the pressure in your water gets too high, you could be facing a potential explosion. Be sure to keep in mind that if your water heater is older than five years, if you try to check the pressure relief valve you may cause it to crack and leak out anyways since you’re testing an older unit.
Summer is that time of year that everyone looks forward to. We all want to be outside, playing in the sun and having a good time. Unfortunately, these good times can put additional strain on your plumbing. Rodger’s Plumbing is here to help with a few things you should be looking out for during the summer months.
- Garbage Disposal Repair
With the increased rate of family and friend get-togethers during the summer, your garbage disposal is bound to see some extended use. Make sure you make it clear to everyone in the household that large, stringy items such as corn husks are not to be thrown down into the garbage disposal. You don’t want your garbage disposal to be clogged. Also make sure you aren’t putting greasy food such as bacon grease from those big family breakfasts down there. If you do run into a clogged or broken garbage disposal, give Rodgers Plumbing a call! - Outdoor Faucets and Spigots
Early summer months are prime time for using your outdoor faucet. Whether it be running your sprinkler, washing your car, filling up your pool; the more you use your spigot, the more likely it could lead to a leak. A leak could lead to an unexpectedly high water bill and it can leave a dark, unattractive patch of damp soil next to your home. A lot of times you can fix the leak by yourself by tightening the packing nut. If the leak persists after that, contact Rodger’s Plumbing and we can help diagnose the problem. - Sewer Pipe Maintenance
Summer storms in Texas are extremely common. If you have small cracks in your sewer line, the rain water can leak into your line and cause congestion or blockages. It is suggested to get your sewer lines inspected every year. To make sure that your pipes are prepared for the summer, call the experts at Rodgers’s Plumbing and we will check to make sure your sewer lines are in good shape.
Are you experiencing high water bills, wet groundwork boards, warm or damp spots on the floor? You may have a slab leak! A slab leak is a plumbing term for a pinhole leak that appears in a copper water line running beneath your home’s groundwork. Slab leaks tend to be common in northern Texas during the winter. When there is moisture in the air and excessive rain, water pooling occurs around the pipes. Surprisingly, Dallas holds a lot of moisture in the air which can lead to plumbing problems. These problems must be addressed immediately before they turn into a much larger and pricey production.
How do I know if I have a Slab Leak?
Slab leaks can actually be tricky to detect before serious damage occurs. Typically, an average leak is noticeable and doesn’t involve any digging into your plumbing structure. But when a slab leaks occurs within the home, the groundwork needs to be dealt with immediately. If you have slab leak you may notice your water bill increasing, along with low water pressure throughout the home or commercial estate. There may also be damp carpets or water on the floor, causing mildew or mold growth. A common detection of a slab leak is hearing water running throughout your home when no appliances are being used.
How to treat a Slab Leak?
The first thing to do if you believe you have a slab leak is give Rodger’s Plumbing a call. It is important to have a specialist inspect the home and find the source of the leak. We will also provide you with expert advice! We have the right people and exceptional equipment to find the leak fast and efficiently. Once we treat the slab leak, it is important to maintain proper water pressure throughout the home or commercial estate. Customers can have Rodger’s Plumbing come in for regular plumbing inspections to make certain there are no problems under the concrete slabs.
Dallas, Texas is unexpectedly a wet city. The rainfall and moisture can unfortunately cause unique problems with your plumbing. When moisturize gets into the groundwork and concrete, it can produce a slab leak. The slab leak can then create a fragile foundation which can turn into very dangerous conditions. It is essential to connect with a plumbing specialist at Rodger’s Plumbing. We promise that your slab leak can be treated in a timely manner with minimum damage to the foundation of your home or business property.
Although Dallas is typically a very sunny city with a pleasant and moderate climate, it is also surprisingly wet.
Dallas has an annual rainfall of 39 inches while other parts of Texas have an annual rainfall as low as 21 inches. Because Dallas can see a lot of precipitation throughout the year, it is important to be aware of possible leaks in both your pipes and water heater systems.
Why Rodger’s Plumbing?
Rodger’s Plumbing is especially experienced in water heater repair and replacement. Offering different types of water heaters and equipped with a capable and fully licensed staff, Rodger’s Plumbing is the perfect business to contact for all of your water heater needs.
What can we do for you?
There are all different types of water heaters. At Rodger’s Plumbing, we offer both tank and tankless water heaters. Tank water heaters are limited to the amount of water that the tank can hold while tankless water heaters flash-heat cold water. Just like there are pros and cons to gas versus electric heaters, tank and tankless water heaters are both ideal for different homes. For more information on specific brands, please visit the Water Heaters tab on our web page.
There is the occasional dip in temperature in the winter and the last thing you want is to take an unexpectedly cold shower. If you notice any leaks or problems with your water heater, be sure to call us for repairs right away.
In the Spring months of Dallas you can expect a lot of rainfall to occur. One key adjustment to make during this time is to check the condition of your sump pump. Sump pumps are key in avoiding basement or low area flooding and it is important to make sure your sump pump is working as it should.
When upcoming rainfall is on the forecast, be sure to check on your sump pump to see if it still is operating normally before the rain comes. A simple test of pouring a bucket of water into the sump pit can let you know if it is still working. The pump should then start up automatically and get to work. This is when you know you have a working sump pump.
Be sure to clean it
An overworked or dirty sump pump will not work as efficiently as a clean one. Check the sump pump’s filter screen and clean off any mud, leaves, pebbles, or any other debris that can get caught up in the filter. Clogged filters can lead to premature shutoff or even standing water. If the filter needs a cleaning, it might be a good idea to clean out the entire pump and the pit. This will require an unplugging of the entire machine and bringing it outside to clean.
Flush out the entire sump pump by disconnecting it from the system and use a hose to clear out any debris. It is important to clean out the sump pump while the machine is disconnected. The pit might collect debris over time and it is best to clean it out. After cleaning out the system, put it all back together and test it one more time by pouring water into the pit to affirm the system is still working.
Replace system often
If maintained properly, an average sump pump will last you around seven years. If your model uses a back-up battery, also check the life span of the back-up battery and replace when it is appropriate. You want to make these changes before any failure happens as this could result in a damaging flood that could cost you thousands.
If you have any sort of problems with your sump pump or you want a replacement, call Rodger’s Plumbing and we will take care of all your plumbing needs and ensure the safety of your home. Whether it is replacement, repairs or installation, Rodger’s Plumbing guarantees the best quality service.
Not all leaks are obvious and some could be happening without you even knowing about them. Leaks could be running up the cost of your water bill or even causing extensive damage to your home. They could even be hidden underground or somewhere in the walls.
If you suspect a leak, one way you can check is to stop using water in your house. After a couple of hours, check the water meters dial to see if the needle has moved. If it has, then there is a leak somewhere in your house. Call professional plumbers like us at Rodger’s Plumbing to help you find and fix the leak.
We will do a walkthrough of your house and use various methods to try and find the hidden leak in your home, including those that could be hidden underground or in the walls. If a leak is detected, Rodger’s Plumbing will find and fix the leak as quick as possible.
Even if you are not suspicious of a leak in your home, it is a safe measure to stop running water in your house for a couple hours and check the water meter dial to see if there actually is a leak in your home. This could help you save money on your water bill and prevent expensive water damage.
Do you have a backflow prevention system installed? Is the system updated and working effectively? Backflow prevention systems are crucial in making sure that your incoming water is safe from pollution and contamination.
How does my water get contaminated?
Backflow prevention ensure that dirty water leaving your house is pushed out of the way and not mixed up with the clean incoming water. Without a backflow prevention system, low water pressure can allow dirty water to flow right back into the supply lines. Human waste, bacteria, soapy water, and all outgoing substances mixed in with the dirty water can sneak back into your incoming water supply simply due to low water pressure. Low water pressure can occur after any pipe burst or any broken water line.
How do I avoid backflow?
Check often the quality of your sink water. If you start to notice any discoloration or unpleasant taste or smell, you might want to check your backflow prevention system. If you do not already have a backflow prevention system, call Rodgers Plumbing at (972) 931-1021 for a quote today! If you are unsure the quality or performance of your backflow system, give us a call and we can make sure your backflow prevention system is up and running in no time.
Are you looking to replace or purchase a new water heater but baffled as to which option is best for you and you and your family? Because both options offer such great overall benefits, choosing between gas and electric heating can be quite difficult. Here are some things to consider before making your decision.
Short and Long Term Cost
One of the biggest factors to consider when choosing between gas and electric is the expense. While both options are inexpensive to purchase initially, electric heaters don’t require the piping needed by gas heaters, making them less expensive to install. In addition, because electric heater components are not exposed to direct heat, they are more likely to last past their life expectancy. As far as long-term expenses are concerned, individuals who choose gas heating over electric can expect lower monthly costs.
More to Consider
If safety is a concern for you and your family, an electric heater might me a great option due to the simple fact that there is no risk for gas leaks. Additionally, in contrast to the bulkiness of gas heaters which require quite a bit of plumbing to function, electric heaters are generally taller than they are wide, making them a great option if space is an issue. Gas heaters, on the other hand, have a high first hour rating (FHR), allowing you to get hot water when you need it. A high FHR is essential in making sure no one is stuck having a cold shower during chaotic mornings.
Still not sure as to which decision is right for you and your family? Call Rodger’s Plumbing at (972) 931-1021 today!
Think frozen pipes are nothing to worry about in Dallas, Texas? Because of the fact that temperatures don’t usually dip below freezing, pipes in warmer climates are often located in areas that are not well insulated. For this reason, it is not uncommon for pipes to be more vulnerable in the event that temperatures do reach freezing. Keep reading to find out how to keep your pipes in tact during the winter months.
Why you should care:
One of the main reasons to be diligent with keeping an eye on the safety of your pipes is simple: frozen pipes cannot perform their intended function. This means, in the event your pipes do happen to freeze over, having access to running water will be difficult or impossible. Another aspect to consider is the fact that frozen pipes are susceptible to burst, causing unnecessary – and often costly – damage to your home and belongings.
Prevention:
With proper proactive measures, you can rest easy knowing your pipes have a lower risk of being damaged as the result of a freeze. One such measure is adding insulation to areas that need it and making sure to repair any cracks in walls near pipes to prevent cold air leaking in. Allowing heat to properly circulate throughout the home is also essential. Be sure to keep all interior doors open whenever possible, including any cabinet doors that contain pipes. Also make sure crawl spaces are not deprived of your home’s heat. In addition, it is important to always keep the heat on during colder months, even if you and your family will not be occupying the space for a period of time.
Signs of a frozen pipe:
One of the more obvious signs of a frozen pipe is a strange smell coming from the suspected pipe. Another obvious sign is the fact that there is not any water coming from the pipe. The exterior of a frozen pipe will also be visibly frosty.
What to do next if you’ve noticed signs of or experienced damage from a frozen pipe:
It is important to respond as quickly as possible to warm the pipe before it bursts. This can be done simply with warm rags if the pipe is easily accessible. If the pipe is not easily accessible, you will have to call a plumber in order to properly thaw the pipe and assess any damage.
If you suspect that you may have a frozen pipe on your hands or need help dealing with the aftermath of a burst pipe, give Rodger’s Plumbing a call at 972-931-1021! We’ll give you the help you need!
Now that the kids are back in school and you’re not running around with the family on some awesome summer trips, it’s time to relax and take a good look at your home. We’re sure you keep your home in tip-top shape, but with the increase of foot traffic during the summer months, sometimes your house can take some wear and tear, especially your plumbing.
Experiencing any of the follow issues? Give Rodger’s Plumbing a call!
Slow Showers
Have you noticed that your shower takes longer to drain? Not 100% sure of what’s down there? A clogged drain can be an inconvenience but also cause low water pressure. A plumber can complete a full evaluation of your shower drain and extract whatever may be causing the clog.
Drip, Drip, Drip
If you came home from a vacation to wet carpets and floors, there’s a good chance you have a leak somewhere in your house. Or if you have a discoloration in your ceilings, you definitely have a water leak. That’s when you should call in the professionals who can find the source of the leak and fix it.
Lying Low
Low water pressure is a sure party pooper and can make basic tasks, like washing dishes or watering your garden, rather frustrating. If two different plumbing fixtures are being used at the same time, then you’ll experience low water pressure. And if your house is the go-to fun house in the neighborhood, you don’t want to ruin your plumbing fixtures.
Garbled Garbage Disposals
Nothing says “summer” more than a barbeque and just because summer is over doesn’t mean you need to put the grill away. When it comes to prepping all of those yummy foods, be careful what you put down your garbage disposal. Scraps like egg shells and potato peels can clog the drain and omit an unpleasant odor in your kitchen. You don’t want your party guests smelling that. If you do find that your garbage disposal is worn or clogged, it’s time to call in a plumber.
If you feel like your home’s plumbing isn’t running at full capacity, then give Rodger’s Plumbing a call! We can help with clogged showers, low water pressure, water leaks, and more!