Month: March 2017

Not many people realize that shower doors with large glass panes add to the overall aesthetic appeal of the house. A glass shower door creates a more open and seamless space that adds visual appeal. They help make your bathroom look sleek and stylish. Glass showers are always preferable over shower curtains according to an interior designer, Jessica Helgerson. Furthermore, by installing a glass shower, you can add value to your property.

However, the bad news with glass doors is that the soapy and hard water buildup on the shower door can  deteriorate the glass’s condition. The sediment buildup on the galls can result in etching that can permanently damage the glass. The best option is to hire an expert for a glass repair in Southlake, TX. The only way to avoid the glass repair in Southlake, TX is to clean the glass regularly using safe cleaning technique. Here are some eight tips from the exeprts:

1. Use a Magic Eraser

A Magic eraser can be used if the shower door has been neglected and require deep cleaning. You can use the eraser for cleaning mineral deposit and soap scum from the shower door. It quickly eliminates buildup of minerals on the glass door. You can also use it to give the facet and sink a shine. Cleaning the glass door on a regular interval can greatly reduce the risk of a glass repair in Southlake, TX.

2. Squeegee the Glass Door

One of the most effective ways to prevent glass repair in Southlake, TX is to squeegee the shower door. This is not a time intensive task as it takes just a minute to squeegee the door. Consider performing the task every day for the best results. The extra effort and time in performing the task will be well worth it in the end as it will minimize the need for a glass repair in Southlake, TX due to the glass becoming etched and cracked on account of mineral buildup.

3. Clean with Bar Keepers Friend – Cleanser & Polosh

While the product is named Bar Keepers Friend, it is better known as the housewives’ companion. The product will keep any surface including cookware, ceramic, stainless steel, fiber glass and much more. To use you must wet the surface and shake the cleaner on a sponge. Then scrub the glass surface, and finally rinse with warm water. Cleaning the glass door with the product is another great way to prevent the need for glass repair in Southlake, TX.

4. Use Dryer Sheet

You can also clean the shower door using a dryer sheet. Just lightly damp the dryer sheet taken from the laundry room and then scrub the shower glass door. The ingredients of the sheet will lift soap scrum right off the door that will ultimately prevent costs of glass repair in Southlake, TX.

5. Pine-Sol Treatment

Another great way to knock out the shower scrum is by using a Pine-Sol cleaner. You can mix the solution with water inside a spray bottle. Just spray the mixture on the shower door and then wipe using a soft cloth. Apart from shower doors, you can also scrub dirty drains, shower heads, and baskets. The product can easily clean even the toughest of mineral deposits that if not addressed will result in cracking, which will require a glass repair in Southlake, TX.

6. Natural Remedy for Cleaning the Glass Door

A natural remedy to clean the shower glass door is to apply a mixture of baking soda and water. Scrubbing the glass door with a nonabrasive sponge dipped in the mixture can easily clean sediment deposit on the glass. The amount of the mixture will depend on your needs. You can get started by mixing half-cup of baking soda and water required to make a thick paste. After cleaning the glass door, you can rinse it with sugar.

7. Clean Glass Door Frame

Jill Schoff, author of Green Up Your Clean, recommends an effective way in her book to clean the buildup of hard-to-clean grime that accumulates in the frame. Just plug the crevices and the drainage holes in the metal tracks and fill it up with vinegar. Let the vinegar stay there overnight and then clean in the morning.

8. Use Non-Talc Soap

The last advice to clean the glass door and avoid cracks that would require a glass repair in Southlake, TX, it’s recommended that you should avoid using bar soap. All bar soaps contain talc that accelerates sediment buildup.  Instead, you should use a non-talc soap such as Dove or other natural soap. Also, you can opt for a liquid soap. While this will not eliminate the need for a cleaning the glass door, it will reduce the need for cleaning the door significantly.

The whole idea of cleaning the glass door is to avoid damage to the glass. Repairing the door can be costly so it’s best that you take preventive actions that avoid damage to the door. Soap scrum and hard water can do major damage to the door if they are not regularly removed from the shower glass door.

Contrary to what many people think, cleaning the shower door after the buildup of sediments will not prevent reverse etching of the glass. So it’s important that you clean the glass regularly if you want to avoid costly shower door glass repair in Southlake, TX.  

A dirty shower glass can more than damage the door. It can also lead to health problems. For instance, not cleaning the shower area could lead to fungi formation that can exacerbate allergies and asthma.

Regular cleaning and care of the shower door glass can prevent major repairs. However, in case you need repairs, you should consider calling Tioga Electrical, Electric and Glass for professional glass repair in Southlake. We have a team of expert professionals who can carry on the repair work using special tools.

Water heaters are an indispensible part of most homes. A typical water heater has a life span of 10 to 15 years. At the end of the life span, water heaters generally require frequent plumbing service in Dallas, TX. While you can’t prevent the wear and tear of the water heaters, you can take a number of steps to extend the life of the heaters and save money on costly plumbing repair in Dallas, TX.

In this article, we will share some tips that can help you to extend the lifespan of the water heaters.

1. Install an Expansion Tank

You can potentially double the lifespan of the water heater by installing an expansion tank. This is particularly helpful when you use a closed system like a tankless water heater. When the heater warms the water from 50o to 120o, the water expands by about 2 percent. This means that a 50 gallon tank will produce about 1 extra gallon of water.

In case of a closed system, the valve will prevent excess water from flowing back into the main water line. As a result, the excess water will have nowhere to go but remain inside the water heater.

Rapid expansion and contraction of the water heater will place additional pressure inside the water tank. Over time, this can damage the inside of the tank, resulting in costly plumbing repair in Dallas, TX. Installing an expansion tank can greatly extend the lifespan of the tankless water heater, and also save you from the hassles of calling a professional plumber in Dallas, TX.

2. Install Additional Anode Rod

Another tip to extend the life of the tankless water heater and to reduce the need of a costly plumbing service in Dallas, TX is to install additional anode rods. The rod inside the tankless water heater is usually made of either aluminum or magnesium. Overtime, the rod undergoes galvanic corrosion to prevent rusting of the tank. Adding a second anode rod will provide additional protection against the rusting of the water heater.

3. Regularly Flush or Clean the Water Heater

Sediments build up inside the water tank over time. This can decrease the efficiency of the water heaters. Also, it will result in additional wear and tear of the tank requiring frequent service of a professional plumber in Dallas, TX.

Flushing the water tank can prevent the buildup of sediments inside the tank. You should hook the heater with a garden hose and drain the water down the drain. Consider cleaning the drain at least once a year to prevent the sediment buildup.

4. Buy Water Softeners

The water supplied in some states in the US has high mineral content. Water that contains a high mineral content is also known as hard water. The water with high mineral content results in scaling inside the tank that greatly reduces the lifespan of the heater.

Residents in areas where hard water is supplied should consider installing water softeners. These remove the excess minerals from the water that won’t accumulate inside the tank. As a result, there will be less need of calling in a plumbing service in Dallas, TX to repair or replace the water heater.

5. Pressure Regulating Valve

High water pressure can also damage the water heater. In case the water pressure is more than 90 PSI, you should consider installing a pressure regulating valve (PRV). A pressure regulating valve will reduce the wear and tear of the water heater due to high pressure, and extend its life.

6. Install Walter Filter

Apart from installing water softener for resolving the hard water problem, you can also install a water filter. The water filter will sift the mineral deposits from the water. Unlike water softeners that use  ion exchange resins or salt to remove minerals from water, a water filter simply consists of a filter that blocks magnesium, calcium, and other minerals from the water.

7. Avoid Using Wire Nuts

Wire nuts should not be used to connect the wires of the electric heater to the main breaker panel. The reason is that wire nuts can cause an electrical fault that pose a fire hazard. Most modern water heaters have direct wiring harnesses that do not require additional wiring. However, some have a short wire and require splice connecting to the breaker panel.  Instead of using wire nuts for such systems,  a professional plumber in Dallas, TX will recommend use of an AC disconnect box in order to create a solid connection. This will protect the water heater circuitry from getting damaged due to an electrical fault. Also, it will reduce the risk of a fire inside the house.

8. Use Safe Temperature Setting

Setting the temperature too high can damage your water heater.  It’s important that you set the temperature to about 122o. However, you don’t have to worry about maintaining a safe water temperature with modern water heaters. These heaters have computer controlled thermostats that will keep the temperature at a safe setting.

9. Ensure Proper Venting

Do you have a tankless water heater installed at home? If so, you should ensure proper venting of the device. This is important to remove harmful fumes from the system. Make sure that you install a venting system that properly expels the fumes from the unit. Proper venting will go a long way in ensuring optimal performance of the heating device.

10. Install Ball Valve

Consider installing ball valve on the inlet and outlet side of the water heater. The balls will make it easy to replace and service the tankless water heater. A little forward thinking in this respect will save you money in the long run.

The above tips can greatly help in extending the lifespan of the water heater. You should also consider having the water heater checked annually by a professional plumber. The extra effort in maintaining the water heater will result in great cost savings for you. For professional plumbing repair in Dallas, TX, you should contact Tioga Plumbing, Electric and Gas.

Dealing with drain clogs is frustrating. Clogged drains can sometimes bring a house to a standstill. While drain clogs can be resolved through a plumbing service, it’s much better that you take preventive measures to avoid the problem from occurring in the first place. Regular drain cleaning in Fort Worth TX is recommended to avoid drain problems. Drains problems usually occur when we  don’t consciously care about what goes down the drain. Not taking good care of the drains could lead to permanent damage to the drain pipes. So, it’s important that you learn what things clog the drain to avoid making expensive mistakes. Proper care will ensure that you don’t have to rely too much on plumbing repair. This will save time and money in the long run as you don’t have to call a plumbing repair.

In this article, we will share some effective drain cleaning and care tips that can help you to minimize drain plumbing repairs.

1. Proper Disposal Habits

Drain clogs usually occur because people don’t dispose the garbage properly. Some people are either not aware of the difference between a garbage disposal and a drain, or have developed a bad habit of using either interchangeably. For instance, instead of throwing napkins, diapers, paper wrappings in the garbage can, they are flushed down the toilet. As a result, drain problems occur. To avoid drain clogs, it’s important that you educate and inform everyone about the dangers of flushing garbage down the toilet.

Also, you should take special drain care when disposing items in the kitchen sinks. Avoid pouring coffee grinds or grease down the sink. Consider installing food catcher that will prevent bits of food items from going down the drain. Grease, grinds, and food pieces can accumulate and clog the drain.

Make it a habit of running drain water after doing the dishes. This will prevent hard deposits and grease buildups in the kitchen drain. Moreover, once in a while it’s advisable to mix half cup of baking soda and vinegar, and wash the mixture down the drain with hot water.  This will clean the buildup of grease and other food items, thereby preventing a clogged drain. Make sure that you hire a professional plumber of drain cleaning in Fort Worth, TX.

2. Keep Outdoor Drains Clear and Clean

The outdoor and indoor drains are usually connected. If you keep the outdoor drains clean, it will prevent drainage problems inside the house. A clog in the outdoor drain will result in problems inside the house as well. So, it’s recommended that you keep the outdoor drain clear of all types of debris to avoid plumbing repair. Consider hiring an experienced plumber for drain cleaning in Fort Worth, TX.

3. Prevent Hairballs from Clogging the Drain

Another common reason for drain clogs is buildup of human hair in the sink. The hair gets washed down the drain hole after bathing or showering. If you don’t remove the hair immediately after bathing, they will ball up and then clog the drain. This will require you to call a plumbing service to resolve the issue. You can avoid the inconvenience of a clogged drain by clearing away the hairs – no matter how gross it may seem—immediately after abating.  It will not take much time in cleaning the hair from the plug holes. Once you have collected the hair balls, it’s recommended that you depose them properly in a garbage can. The little effort will help you save lots of money in drain cleaning in Fort Worth, TX.

Also, you must check the plug holes every three months or so for the buildup of biofilm. Over time a biofilm develops that consists of a mixture of food particles, bacteria, body oils and soap residue. The biofilm buildup can lead to a clogged drain. That’s why you should check the plug holes and clean the area if required. Another advice to prevent buildup of biofilm in the drain is to fill the bathtub about three fourth full and then pull out the stopper. You should hire professional plumber for drain cleaning in Fort Worth, TX to remove the biofilm buildup.

3. Avoid Chemical Based Cleaners

Drain cleaning in Fort Worth, TX should not be done using harsh and corrosive chemicals. You should avoid using chemical based cleaners to clean the drain. The reason is that using chemical cleaners can corrode the metal pipes over time.  Instead of chemical based cleaners, you should consider using a natural cleaner. A bacteria/enzyme based cleaner is ideal of cleaning the drains. It’s advisable that you use the cleaner at night before going to sleep. Using water immediately after using the cleaner will not leave enough time for the bacteria or enzyme to clean the drain.

4. Regular Drain Cleaning and Inspection

Regular drain cleaning in Forth Worth, TX by a professional plumber will ensure that costly drain problems don’t occur. Consider having the drains inspected once a year. The plumber will know what to look for to detect a pending drain clog. The routine plumbing maintenance should include inspection of both outside and inside drains.

Small roots, leaves, twigs, and other debris can easily penetrate the drain pipe. These must be cleaned otherwise it could lead to a costly plumbing repairs. Regular inspection by an experienced plumber will minimize the chances of cracks in the drain pipes that would require drain pipe replacement.

You should consider contacting a professional plumber who uses the latest tools such as a sewer line camera to inspect the pipes. This will ensure that costly drain problems don’t occur. This will prevent the inconvenience of not using the drain and avoid the prospect of having to pay top dollars for costly plumbing repairs. A little money spent in regular drain cleaning in Fort Worth, TX will help you save thousands of dollars in repairs later on.

Conclusion

Drain cleaning in Fort Worth, TX is important to avoid costly plumbing repairs in the future. It’s important that you take good care of the drain pipes. Make sure that you don’t dispose materials that would clog the pipes down the drain. Immediately contact a professional plumber in case of a foul smell from the drain. The smell indicates formation of a clog that if not addressed could lead to expensive drain repairs.

If you need professional drain cleaning in Forth Worth, TX, you should contact Tioga Plumbing, Electric and Gas.

A backup generator is important particularly for companies that want to ensure an uninterruptible supply of power. Power blackouts negatively affect the employee productivity, which will ultimately hit the company’s bottom line. People living in areas that are subject to extreme weather conditions should also consider installing a backup generator.

Proper maintenance and care of the generators is important to ensure that they continue delivering optimal performance for years. Just like it’s important to take care of your health by taking preventive measures such as eating healthy and exercising, a generator also requires proper maintenance and care. Taking care in operating the generator can translate into serious cost savings as you don’t have to pay top dollars on electrical repair in Keller, TX. There will be less need of an electrical service in Keller, TX when proper preventive measures are taken.

In this article, we will share seven care and maintenance tips that can ensure that the generator lasts for a long time and requires less frequent calls to a professional electrician in Keller, TX for repairs.

1. Ensure Proper Ventilation

Proper ventilation is important for smooth operation of the generator. Placing the generator in an enclosed space will make it heat up easily. This will result in accelerated wear and tear of the system. Also, it increases the risk of deadly carbon monoxide poisoning. Indoor places such as garage and basement are not suitable for generator. Instead, you should consider placing the unit outside where there is proper ventilation. Proper ventilation will extend the life of the unit and reduce the need for calling an electrician for electrical service in Keller, TX.  

2. Avoid Overloading the Unit

Keep in mind that generators have two ratings. The first is the general rating in watts. This is the output wattage that is recommended when the generator is being used for extended periods. There is another rating known as the starting or maximum watts. This wattage is for accommodating appliances such as electric motor, furnace, or fridge that consume extra power when starting up. A fridge, for instance, takes four times the standard wattage when starting up. This wattage is implied with maximum or starting rating.

You should not think that the generator can run on the maximum rating on a continuous basis. If you put on the extra load that is equivalent to the maximum power rating, the generator might run for a few minutes and then break down. To avoid costly electrical service in Keller, TX of the generator, you should know the correct load capacity that it can handle on a continuous basis.

3. Regularly Clean and Replace the Air Filter

You should have the air filter cleaned by a professional electrician in Keller, TX. Regular cleaning or replacement of the filter will ensure optimum operation of the generator. It will reduce the need of a costly electrical repair in Keller, TX. Ideally, the filter should be replaced after 100 hours of operation or three months. Also, it should be cleaned by an experienced electrician in Keller, TX every 25 hours.

4. Inspect and Replace Generator Oil

The generator oil also needs to be replaced every 50 to 60 hours or after three months. If you do not replace the oil regularly, it can literally toast your generator. Consider calling a professional to replace the oil; otherwise, it could turn into a messy affair. Also, it’s wise to buy spare oil. You do not want to run around the town in case the generator breaks down in the middle of a prolonged power outage because it requires an oil replacement.

5. Build an Enclosure

While it’s recommended to use the generator outside, you should not expose the unit to rain. Even a slight rainfall can damage critical electrical component inside the unit for which you may have to pay a pretty penny. It is recommended that you either install an enclosure or a cover for the unit. You should ask the manufacturer, sales person, or local electrician in Keller, TX about the suitable enclosure for the generator.

6. Avoid Operating on Low Fuel

Having the generator run on low fuel can damage the unit. The generator will keep on generator power in case of low fuel. In such a situation, the electrical load will drain magnetic field from the coils inside the unit. Overtime the generator will fail to generate power for which you will need to pay for costly repairs. To avoid damage to the unit, you must avoid running the unit on low fuel. Also, you should remove the load when turning off the unit to avoid any damage. Moreover, you should avoid putting stale fuel as it can damage the critical component inside the generator.

7. Power the Generator Every Three Months

It’s recommended that you run the backup generator after every three months for about half an hour. This will ensure that the important component inside the unit don’t rust due to not being used for a long time. Also, if the generator uses a battery to start, operating the unit after every three months will properly charge the battery. The last thing that you want is to turn on the backup generator and find that it fails to start due to being left unattended for a long time.

8. Avoid Backfeeding

Some people don’t like extension cords run around the house. So, they ‘backfeed’ power into the wiring system of the house. However, backfeeding is not recommended as it is not only illegal but dangerous as well.

You may find a number of articles online explaining the benefits of using a dual male ended extension cord to back feed the power into the wiring system of the home. But this is a terrible idea you should never perform the action inside the house. Instead of backfeeding to avoid having cords run around the house, you should install a transfer switch.

You should contact Tioga Electrical, Electric and Gas for professional installation and electrical service in Keller, TX of backup generators.