Month: May 2021

When it comes to keeping your house safe and protected, having an electrical system you can rely on matters. If there are problems with your Arlington, TX home’s electricity, you’ll want to hire quality electrical contractors to make sure the job is handled the right way. Then you don’t have to worry about the safety of your wiring. It’s always nice to have a feeling of safety and security in your home, and that can be hard to get if you’re worried about your electrical system.

But how do you know if there are electrical problems? When should you reach out to our contractors and ask for help with potential problems? Here are some things to watch out for.

Lights That Flicker or Go Out for No Reason

Your home’s lighting should be steady and stable. Unless there are power surges, such as a lightning storm in the area, your lights shouldn’t be flickering or going out. If you see this happening in your home, especially if it only happens with one light or group of lights, it’s worth calling electrical contractors to take a look at it. It may be something very simple, such as a loose connection, but even a simple problem with electricity can put your home at risk of fire.

If you jiggle the bulb or light and it flickers, that also may indicate a problem. It’s much better to be safe rather than sorry, so having a contractor take a look is the right choice in these kinds of circumstances. Don’t be worried about “bothering” a contractor for something that might not be serious. Electricity isn’t anything to play with, and it can be very dangerous. Getting your Arlington, TX home’s electrical issues fixed quickly is important.

Electrical Outlets That Spark or Don’t Always Work

Your electrical outlets should work, every time and without problems. Sometimes an outlet will make a tiny spark when something is being plugged into it, but that’s not common. If you notice this behavior, or your electrical outlets don’t always work properly, it’s possible they aren’t getting a good connection. There could be a loose wire to the outlet, or a problem with the outlet itself. Either way, it needs to be corrected so it doesn’t put your home at risk.

Any outlet that produces actual sparks, or that only works “when it wants to” is indicating that there’s a problem somewhere in your home’s electrical system. It might be as simple as changing out an outlet or tightening a connection. It could also be something much more significant. The best way to find out is to call electrical contractors who can help make sure your home is safe and the electrical system is working properly.

Breakers That “Trip” Frequently

Your home’s electrical system is designed to protect you from harm. When there’s a problem detected with a circuit, the breaker will “trip” and shut that circuit off. It’s a safety feature to keep the circuit from overloading, which could potentially cause a fire or other harm. Professional contractors know how to address these issues. From finding the source of the problem to adding another circuit to carry the load, this is definitely an issue you want a professional to fix.

Most people occasionally have a breaker trip in their home. They might plug too many things into a power strip, for example, and trip a breaker. It can also happen during a storm, or if there are already a lot of things running on a circuit and someone starts up a vacuum cleaner or other device on that same circuit. But a breaker that frequently trips — or more than one breaker tripping frequently — is definitely something that electrical contractors should be called about. That can help protect your home.

“Popping” or “Zapping” Sounds From any Outlet or Fixture

Another reason you might want to call electrical contractors to come to your home is if you hear any popping or zapping sounds from an outlet or a fixture. Your lights shouldn’t make that noise. Neither should your outlets, or anything you have plugged into them. If you notice those types of sounds in your home, calling a professional to take a look is the right choice. That’s especially true if those noises are accompanied by other problems, such as tripping breakers or flickering lights.

An older electrical system may have more problems than a new one, but that’s no reason to ignore electrical issues. These can be very serious, and the electrical system in your house is designed to run silently. There shouldn’t be noises of any kind coming from it, so it’s important to reach out to electrical contractors if you start hearing noises or seeing problems like flickering lights or any sparks. Another big indicator of a problem is any smoke, or any scorched or blackened areas where electrical fixtures, wires, or outlets are located in your home.

Reach Out to Tioga Contractors Today

Ready to get your home’s electrical problems corrected? Reach out to us today at Tioga Contractors, and let us make sure the wiring in your home is working properly. Our electrical contractors can take care of any issues we find, so you don’t have to worry about the safety of your home’s electrical system. We’re here to help, and to provide you with the peace of mind you’re looking for.

You need experienced electrical contractors, who understand the Arlington, TX area and the kinds of homes typically found there. That will help them look for issues and concerns, in order to give you the best possible help and reduce any risk you might be having with your home’s wiring. Don’t just hope things will be alright. Hiring electrical contractors to take a look is the right choice. Your home deserves good protection, and you want to make sure you have that so you can feel safe and comfortable there.

Photo By Morsa Images at istock

Every appliance in your Arlington, TX home helps make your life more convenient. You can get by without some appliances, while others are essential to your everyday life. For example, if your washing machine stops working, you can go to the laundromat. If your dishwasher stops working, you can wash your dishes by hand. Your water heater is an appliance that you cannot go without. Your water heater is essential for showering, cooking, and cleaning. If your water heater stops working, it can make life in your home very difficult and inconvenient.

If the water heater in your home experiences any of the following issues, you should call a licensed plumber immediately. If you have your water heater repaired as soon as the issue starts, you can prevent a minor issue from becoming a major one.

#1 No Hot Water

The most obvious sign that you need to schedule an appointment for water heater repair is if no hot water comes from your taps. This is a serious issue that needs to be repaired immediately. Until you call for a repair, you won’t be able to perform typical daily tasks. If you have an oil water heater, make sure you have not run out of oil. If you have a natural gas water heater, make sure that your gas bills are paid, and there is no widespread outage. You should also make sure that the pilot light is lit. If everything checks out, or if you have an electric water heater, the heating elements may have failed. The sooner you call for a repair, the sooner you will have hot water again.

#2 The Water Isn’t Getting Hot Enough

If you turn on the hot water in your Arlington, TX home and it comes out lukewarm, you may need water heater repair. Before you schedule the appointment, check the setting on the thermostat. The Environmental Protection Agency suggests that you keep your water heater set to 120 degrees to prevent scalding. If the temperature is set too low, turning it up should resolve the problem. If the thermostat is set correctly, schedule an appointment for a repair. One of the heating elements could be malfunctioning. If there is just one functioning heating element, the water won’t reach the desired temperature.

#3 Fluctuating Water Temperature

If the water goes from warm to freezing cold or scalding hot in seconds while you are in the shower, you may need to call for water heater repair. Before you make the call, make sure that a family member didn’t flush the toilet or used the water while you were in the shower. If not, and if the water often fluctuates, schedule an appointment for a repair. There could be an issue with the heating element; the thermostat or the water heater may have reached the end of its lifespan. Until you make the call, you won’t have an enjoyable shower.

#4 Your Are Running Out Of Hot Water Quickly

If you find that you can barely get through an entire shower with enough hot water, you should schedule an appointment for water heater repair. If your hot water demand has increased due to an additional family member in the home or you installed a new water-based appliance, your existing water heater may not be large enough. If this is the case, you may need to have a larger water heater installed or go with a tankless water heater that provides hot water on demand.

If your hot water demand hasn’t increased, you will need to call for water heater repair. Over time, sediment can build up inside the water heater, which will reduce the space you have for hot water storage. This could also mean that your water heater has reached the end of its lifespan, and a repair won’t help. In this case, you may need a water heater replacement.

#5 Poor Hot Water Pressure

Poor water pressure can be a hassle. This issue can make simple daily tasks difficult, such as rinsing your hair in the shower. Poor water pressure can also affect the way your washing machine and dishwasher function.

If the hot and cold water pressure is poor, you could have a leak in the water main. If just the hot water pressure is poor, schedule an appointment for a repair. When sediment builds up inside the water tank, it can clog the waterline, resulting in poor hot water pressure.

#6 Rusty Hot Water

If the hot and cold water is rusty, your pipes may be corroded, and repiping may be necessary.

If just the hot water is rusty, you should schedule an appointment for a repair. When sediment builds up inside the water heater, it can come out in the hot water, making it rusty. It is essential that you schedule a repair immediately, so your water will be safe for use again.

If the water coming into your Arlington, TX home is coming out rusty, it is a major cause for concern. Rusty water isn’t safe; therefore, you won’t be able to use the water until the issue is resolved.

#7 Banging Sounds Coming From the Water Heater

Banging sounds are not normal and would require immediate water heater repair. When large pieces of sediment build up inside the water tank, they can bang against the side. If you ignore the problem, a large piece of sediment can cause a crack in the water heater, causing a major flood.

#7 Moisture or Water Pooling Around the Water Heater

Moisture or water pooling should never be ignored. The issue could be a simple fix, like a broken or disconnected hose. You could also have a crack in the water heater, which is a very serious issue. It is best to schedule an appointment for repair as soon as you discover the problem.

Why Choose Tioga Contractors?

If your water heater isn’t functioning properly, don’t waste your time on a Google search for “water heater repair near me.” Instead, schedule an appointment with Tioga Contractors. We have been serving residential and business customers in the area since 1953 and have an excellent reputation.

Our techs are licensed and insured. They must also pass a drug test and a background check before they are hired, which will give you peace of mind that you can trust the person you allow into your home.

To schedule an appointment for water heater repair or any other plumbing service, give us a call today.

Photo By deepblue4you at istock

It’s not easy to make major decisions about plumbing repairs, especially when the situation is urgent. Sometimes replacement is the better option, though it may cost more upfront. Trouble with your sewer line, water heater issues, home repiping to deal with older, decaying pipes, and water line repair can all present a challenge deciding how the costs weigh against the benefits, over the short and long term. It’s one of a homeowner’s biggest headaches, but it can actually become easier to deal with when you get more information. Water line repairs, for example, can involve multiple leaks, a single leak, or a distinct break in the line. At Tioga Contractors, we help our customers in the Euless, TX area understand how those characteristics of the problem can guide their decisions.

The Age and Condition of Your Plumbing

Plumbing silently does its job over decades, so it can seem like it will last forever. Even solid cast iron piping corrodes over time, and some types of plastic piping have more limited lifespans. When you’re considering repairs and other work on your home, either from the street into your house or in the walls, it’s important to get an estimate of how long the plumbing in the home is likely to last into the future. You can make a better decision if you understand whether you’re restoring plumbing that’s in good shape or patching plumbing that’s already on its last legs. You might find that you don’t mind making an investment into the future rather than a functional repair that will last longer than the pipes.

From a Future Buyer’s Perspective

Are you thinking about moving to a new area, downgrading to a smaller home, or upgrading as your family grows? The age of your plumbing will also factor into a smart home buyer’s decision, especially if there are potential needs for sewer line patching or replacement, or water line repairs and repiping. Usually, there are many similar houses built about the same time in an area of town, and real estate agents can guide their buyers according to the history of other homes in the area. If they tend to need significant plumbing work at about the same age, they’ll factor that into their decision about how much to offer or even their interest in the property as it currently stands. Investing in sewer and water line repairs or replacements that reset the clock on potential costs to the new owner can make a big difference in their view of the property.

Avoiding Recurring Repairs with a Commitment to Maintenance

For some, saving costs on maintenance and putting it into eventual repairs seems like a good deal. One important example is water heater maintenance. Regular maintenance and inspection, including anode rod replacement, can extend the life of the unit significantly, and help avoid a catastrophic failure such as a flood. Clearly, the cost of cleanup from a delayed water line repair or drain cleaning service can outweigh the accumulated savings.

The Cost of Cleanup Can Be a Factor

Making the leap from fixing a pipe leak to repiping can seem like a stretch, but there are a few signs that it might be a wise move. Multiple water line repairs along the same line can be a sign that the pipe is corroding, decaying, or otherwise reaching its end-of-life. By repiping that section, you can prevent additional leaks and with that the chance that one of the leaks is a major one, with significant ceiling, wall, or floor repairs, furniture damage, and other costs. If your plumber recognizes that your pipe material is likely to be a problem in the near future throughout your home, you can also talk about a whole-house repiping project, a fairly common procedure that tends to happen when houses reach a certain age.

Are You Planning on Remodeling Soon?

When you know that you’re going to be tearing out and remodeling a kitchen or other space in a year or two, that tilts the decision-making process towards repairs, though there are valid exceptions. If you already have plans for the space, you might want to consider anticipating the changes. For instance, when you have a 50-year-old basic kitchen and you’re going to add new appliances, sinks, faucets, high-end dishwasher, garbage disposal, and in-line water heater, it might make sense to repipe to meet the new water demands of the kitchen rather than perform a water line repair that supports the old configuration. You’ll be ahead of the game later and won’t be repeating work unnecessarily.

Getting the Right Team for the Job

It can be a lot easier to make the right decision when you have the right team to complete the repair or replacement work. If your plumbing team already has plenty of experience and a game plan ready to go for your main water line repair or replacement or another major project, chances are you’re not going to run long on your budget as the work progresses. At Tioga Contractors, our experience allows us to plan and complete the job as a routine procedure, preparing and anticipating for the best outcome. We’re known around Euless, TX for the quality of our work and the way we help our customers relax and trust the outcome.

Helping You Make Informed and Timely Decisions About Your Plumbing

We have the knowledge and experience to help you make informed decisions, even if you’re a new homeowner with little knowledge of your home’s plumbing systems. From major water line repair and sewer line issues to remodeling and upgrading your home’s plumbing, at Tioga Contractors we offer our Euless, TX area clients the benefit of our knowledge and experience. With information, they can make the decisions that are right for them. Whether you’re handling a plumbing emergency or scheduling work for the future, we’re ready to help. Give us at Tioga Contractors a call, and we’ll help you get started today.

Photo By fizkes at Shutterstock

Photo By Choreograph at istock

You can maximize the efficiency of your water heater and save money on your utility bills when you properly maintain the unit. In this article, we’ll give you tips on water heater maintenance, why you need an energy-efficient water heater, and tips to conserve energy at home.

For water heater repairs, always call a licensed plumber in Bedford, TX.

1. Regular Inspection

Apart from scheduling a routine inspection from a licensed plumber, it’s also essential for you to periodically check your water heater. Take time once a week to examine your water heater fully. Look for signs of wear and tear especially when you’ve been using the water heater for several years. Check for leaks such as standing water close to the tank or the pipes. Regular inspections can prevent a costly water heater repair.

2. Keep It Insulated

There are two reasons why it’s important to insulate the water heater: first, prevent heat from escaping and prevent burst pipes.

Keep in mind that with conventional heaters, the heat must stay on, so you have a constant supply of hot water. When the tank or pipes aren’t insulated, you pay for more heating. During winter, the water inside non-insulated pipes can freeze, which can lead to having burst pipes.

To prevent costly repairs or replacements, ensure that you protect both the tank and the water heater pipes by insulating them.

3. Flush It Once a Year

Drain your water heater at least once a year to allow you to remove any build-up and clean the tank’s interior. You may need to do this more than once when you have hard water in your home. Doing this can help extend the life of your water heater. A plumber can also help you with this when you schedule regular maintenance of your plumbing system.

Remember that buildup in the tank will reduce its efficiency. Eventually, you will have to call for a repair in Bedford, TX.

4. Check the Anode Rod

Gas or electric water heaters will have an anode rod. It will need to be replaced once every 5 years to prevent it from corroding and extend the lifespan of your water heater. It can also prevent having to call for a water heater repair.

When the rod is corroded, and your tank is old, you’ll need to replace it. Call a plumber to help you replace the anode rod.

5. Clean the Air Intake Filter

This tip is for a tankless water heater. After flushing the tankless water heater, make it a point to clean the filters to get rid of debris or dirt that may get into the water heater.

Keep in mind never to do this alone, especially when you’re not certain about how to do it properly. You may damage the water heater if you’re careless. Always get help from a professional to avoid having to pay a fortune for water heater repair.

There are instructions in the manual on how to access the air intake filter properly. Follow the instructions to avoid problems and a costly repair. If you’re in doubt about how to do it correctly, always get help from a professional.

Buying an Energy-Efficient Water Heater

Conventional heaters can last up to 15 years, depending on the maintenance performed on the unit. Energy-efficient water heaters can last more than 20 years.

Apart from the longer life expectancy, tankless energy-efficient water heaters also have more benefits.

A conventional water heater uses energy more as there is a need to heat the water constantly, so it’s always ready for use. With a tankless heater, you use hot water on demand. This means that there is no energy loss. Investing in an energy-efficient tankless water heater can give you significant savings in the long run.

Helpful tips for your water heater:

1. To avoid a costly water heater repair, ensure that you get professional installation. Only work with a licensed and experienced plumber during installation.

2. To conserve more water, consider installing water-efficient showerheads or faucets for your bathroom and kitchen.

3. Do you know that the amount of noise in your water heater is rated in decibels? Check for the rating to help you choose a water heater that isn’t noisy. Remember: normal conversations are at 50 decibels, while a motorcycle sound is rated at 100 decibels.

4. When the water in the heater is either too cold or hot, check the thermostat first before calling for a water heater repair. You may have accidentally changed the temperature setting in the thermostat. Call for a water heater repair only when there is nothing wrong with the thermostat.

5. Always read the labels when buying a water heater replacement. Look for a “green” rating if you want to purchase the most efficient water heater in the market. You can also contact a licensed plumber at Tioga Contractors if you need more help.

How to Conserve Energy at Home

Water heating accounts for about 12 percent of your utility bill. You can conserve more water with our helpful tips.

1. Never ignore leaks. However small, make sure that you fix any leaks in your homes. You can waste over 8 gallons of water per day and more than 200 gallons of water a month at 6-0 drips per minute. Get water heater repair if you think there are leaks in your unit.

2. Consider installing heat traps on the tank to save about $30 on your heating bill. Make sure you also insulate the pipes to avoid more heat loss.

3. As much as possible, reduce the time you spent in the shower. Consider installing low-flow showers also to conserve more water.

Contact Tioga Contractors

Do you need an experienced plumber in Bedford, TX, for your water heater repair or installation? Don’t forget to call us today! We can assist with anything plumbing-related. We guarantee top-notch service on every appointment. Get in touch with us today!

If you are having electrical problems in your home, your first instinct might be to go to YouTube for a solution. The DY movement is huge among people these days, and with so much free time as a result of the pandemic, now even more people are trying to fix home problems on their own. However, when it comes to electricity, you should never just rely on YouTube for answers. YouTube cannot save you from electrocution, and most videos will fail to take personalized factors into consideration, which only an electrical service looking at your electrical system can do.

The bottom line is that when it comes to electricity, you don’t want to fool around. If you are not an electrician, then you need to call an electrical service when you have a problem with your electrical system in Hurst, TX. The simple truth is that electricity is very useful, but it is also very dangerous which is why you need to hire an electrician if you are having any issues with it. There is no margin for error when it comes to dealing with electricity. When painting or redoing your flooring the only risk when you are done is that it won’t look good, but the risks are higher with electricity.

If not properly handled, an electrical repair can result in an electrocution risk of a potential house fire. It could result in a small or large fire and/or could cause an electrical shock in your home. At the very least it could result in a power surge that could fry a major appliance in your home or an expensive electronic like your television or computer. Essentially, if you couldn’t tell by now it is not a good idea to tackle electrical problems on your own, so how do you know when it is time for electrical service? A lot of people are unsure of signs that there really is a problem with their electricity, but there are some clear signs out there. Here are a few of the most common reasons that you should call an electrical service and a few reasons when you should call an emergency electrician. Paying close attention to your electrical needs never hurts anyone, but ignoring an electrical problem for too long can have disastrous results. With this in mind, remember this is just a shortlist, there are hundreds of potential electrical problems, so always err on the side of caution and call for help if you have any concerns.

Light Fixture Repairs

Buying a new light fixture is a very affordable way to instantly take a dim room and cast an entirely new feel throughout it. A lot of the time dark interiors just need a bit more lighting to create a warm and cozy environment that is instantly appealing, but replacing light fixtures is rarely as simple as it may seem. While you are welcome to, buy the light fixture on your own, it is a good idea to call electrical service to actually take care of the installation process for you.

Unfortunately, while it seems like it should, replacing a light fixture is usually not a plug-and-play situation. Usually, there are multiple wires to deal with and you need to make sure that the light fixture is properly supported otherwise it will be hanging by the wires only which is a very perilous situation with a lot of potential issues. The simple truth is that a lot of things can go wrong, especially if you are replacing an older fixture with a newer fixture. The best thing you can do is just call an electrical service so you can rest easy that the light is fitted properly and there is no serious damage or electrical shorts looming above your head.

Electrical Outlet Replacement or Installation

There are plenty of people online that will tell you via blog posts and articles that installing or replacing electrical outlets is a simple task- it isn’t. There are actually a lot of things that can potentially go wrong, more than you may think. It is actually very easy to incorrectly wire a switch or an outlet and the results can be an electric shock or even a small fire. The risk simply isn’t worth it.

With that said, it doesn’t hurt to know some of the common signs that your electrical outlets need to be replaced. An outlet that is sparking when you plug things in or looks like it has been melting and/or discolored is experiencing some type of power surge or electrical short. If you notice either of these things you need to call an electrical service promptly.

Ceiling Fan Installation

Similar to light fixtures, ceiling fans are notoriously difficult to install. They can be very helpful, but many times they require new wires if you are installing a new fixture and need to be properly supported otherwise they will literally fall out of the ceiling. In the best-case scenario, they will be left hanging by their wires, but this is also the worst-case scenario as the wires will snap or possibly start sparking. There are a lot of things that can quickly go wrong with an incorrectly installed ceiling fan, and unless you like waking up to nightmares we suggest calling an electrical service for help.

Any Electrical Panel Repair or Replacement

Electrical panels are responsible for routing electricity across multiple circuit breakers and are the brain of your electrical system. These highly-technical systems control the path of all the electricity in your home and are extremely complex. Past flipping a circuit if you have any other concerns surrounding your electrical panel you should immediately call an electrical service and have them handle it. Tioga Contractors of Hurst, TX handles all types of electrical issues on a regular basis. Give us a call and we can help get your home back into working order.

Photo By Jodi Jacobson at istock

Residential and commercial plumbing are only two of a large number of specialities for which plumbers train. Over the years of education, experience, and mentoring, they gain important skills that can also prepare them to work in industrial environments, public water supply systems, steam-based systems, even submarines and oil refineries.

Anywhere that depends on the reliability and integrity of pipes, plumbers are at work. At Tioga Contractors, our plumbers have chosen work that puts them in contact with homeowners and business operators in the Hurst, TX area, and allows them to directly experience the benefits of their skills. We are proud to have them on our team, and to provide their services to our customers. So, what can our professional plumbers do for you?

Emergency Plumbing

The personal touch is never needed more in the plumbing field than when our plumbers respond to an emergency. At a minimum, the situation is disrupting a family’s peaceful life. An overflowing toilet can have a disruptive effect on a party celebrating an important event, or a pipe burst can wake everyone up in the night with water flooding through walls or ceilings. Our plumbers arrive in a professional, respectful manner, ensure that they leave the home cleaner than they found it, and work skillfully to halt the progress of any damage and then make necessary repairs.

If appropriate, they’ll work with the homeowner to plan a complete repair once the initial situation is addressed. Prompt, highly skilled, and professional, they represent the values of our company as the front line in addressing our customer’s concerns and taking care of their plumbing needs.

Drain Cleaning Service

If your home hasn’t experienced a good drain cleaning in a while, there’s a lot we can do to help you avoid emergency calls by clearing out the drain lines through your home and to the city sewer. A lot of clogs accumulate over time, aided by slower drain pipes that make it harder for the forces of gravity to drive wastewater through the lines. That water pressure is what keeps hair, food, sanitary products, paper towels, and other material that’s not great for the drains, going down the line anyway.

Narrower drains can be cleaned out with our array of tools including high-pressure hydro-jetting, getting everything moving again and providing less chance for opportunistic clogs, even in your sewer line to the street. We can use video inspection to make sure that the lines are clear, and to identify problems so that we can clean out using the right tool for the job. A stuck plastic dinosaur requires different tools from a hair and grease clog, for example. Video checks also give us information about the state of your drain pipes and sewer line too, helping us get an idea of whether corrosion or other damage may need addressing.

Water Heater Maintenance

Keeping your hot water heater in good shape not only keeps your showers and clothes washing nice and hot, it also prevents another of our most common emergency plumbing calls, the water heater flood. Regular maintenance of your hot water heater not only keeps it functioning, it also helps us keep an eye on tank corrosion and maintain the anode rod, a device that contributes to the tank’s longevity. The pressure relief valve also gets our attention, since it can cause minor floods if it malfunctions or if the tank’s pressure goes too high and the relief valve operates as expected.

A combination of rising pressure and an unresponsive valve can have devastating effects on a weakened, corroded tank, another emergency we’d like to avoid. We also handle heater and thermostat problems, sources of confusing hot water problems depending on how they malfunction. In the case when hot water lines are routed under the basement’s concrete slab floor, we may also catch a slab leak that’s warm, and solve your hot water problems with a slab leak repair for the hot water lines.

Water Line Leaks

A water line leak can be a long-term water waster hiding under your yard or concrete slab foundation, or an elusive destroyer of walls and ceilings, rarely located near where the water shows itself by leaking through to where it can be seen. Of course, some leaks just spray and flood and create visible chaos. This is an area where an experienced plumber can make a big difference, using experience and knowledge of typical home construction to discover hidden leaks with the least amount of cutting or digging. We also have modern equipment that listens to your plumbing and decodes the high-pitched sounds of leaks, doing the math to determine how far down the line they are located.

These and other advanced techniques are making leak detection and repair a much less troubling situation for homeowners, though it can still involve cleanup, mold mitigation, and other costs after the leak is fixed. As with drains, our plumbers also review your plumbing to determine the source of the leak, whether it’s a joint problem from a past repair, aging pipes, or another issue. If we think that a problem such as aging pipe material may lead to future leaks, we’ll offer suggestions about repairs including repiping part of your home’s water lines, or a total repiping if necessary, which is actually fairly common in older homes.

Plumbers for People at Tioga Contractors, Serving Hurst, TX

If you’re in the Hurst, TX area, we recommend that you keep our number handy. We have top professionals who look forward to helping you and your family prevent plumbing problems and, if they do occur, work to resolve the situation quickly and calmly. They could be working in industrial plants, on ships and submarines, or in other places where their skills are needed, but they choose to work for us — and for you. Give us a call to schedule an appointment with them, and do make sure to have our number handy.

Photo By Jones M at Shutterstock

At Tioga Contractors, we help our Irving, TX area customers with our experience as well as our skills. For instance, when we perform water heater maintenance, after dealing with hundreds or even thousands of them, our team members have a good idea when water heater repairs are going to be necessary, and how urgent they are likely to be. Our knowledge gives you the opportunity to, at least some of the time, pick a day that’s convenient for you and schedule a visit from us, rather than noticing trouble brewing in the basement and saying “uh-oh,” then calling for emergency service. It goes without saying that, as plumbers, we like things to flow smoothly, including your schedule.

Pressure Relief Valve

If the pressure relief valve on your water heater, a mechanism on the outside somewhere near the top with a pipe running down from it, is discharging water, you could have one of two types of trouble. Either the valve is faulty, in which case it’s not reliably protecting your home from pressure problems in your hot water heater, or it is doing its job and you have pressure or temperature problems in your water heater. Either way, a prompt hot water heater repair is necessary, because you’re not sure that you’re protected against serious pressure problems. Today is a perfect day for this kind of water heater repair, or soon if not today.

Anode Rod

Once every few years, your anode rod will need replacing. It’s not urgent, and it’s easy to plan. Performing this kind of routine water heater repair during maintenance is a great idea. The anode rod helps reduce corrosion of the tank, so it’s a very helpful component of the heater, and shouldn’t be allowed to dissolve completely as it will over time. If your hot water smells like rotten eggs, it’s usually a sign that the rod is not doing its job and bacteria are growing, especially if you have well water. Depending on your water type, the anode rod may be aluminum, aluminum with zinc, or magnesium. Your water heater repair expert will make sure that you have the right kind, and if you add a water softener system your anode rod may also need to be changed to another type. If the anode rod dissolves and is not replaced, the tank will also corrode faster and your water heater life will be shortened. It’s not an urgent repair, but it’s definitely a necessary one, performed on a scheduled basis every few years.

Thermostat

Your water heater may have an upper and a lower thermostat, and when there’s a problem with one or the other you may have strange hot water problems. If just one thermostat and heater are working, you may run out of hot water fairly quickly as the other half of the tank is not being heated properly. Before you begin a hunt for the guilty when the shower water runs out, it’s a good idea to check the water heater and keep the peace. Make sure to check the pilot light or circuit breaker too. This can be an urgent issue if you don’t like cold showers and need to keep washing clothes and dishes in hot water. Otherwise, you can schedule a repair sometime soon for best efficiency, performance, and longevity of your water heater’s components. A note: if you set your water heater thermostat too low, you won’t have hot enough water for good hygiene such as hand washing. Too high is also not recommended because it will make the hot water in your pipes hot enough to scald people, especially children and seniors. Although many units arrive set at 140 degrees F, 120 is the EPA recommended setting.

Heater

If it seems like the thermostat is not working, it could of course be a heater problem. As mentioned above, when the water heater seems to have trouble supplying hot water, you can check the circuit breaker or pilot light for a simple fix that sometimes does the job. Otherwise, a call to the plumber for water heater repair is necessary. We’ll do some testing and perform the appropriate repairs, ensuring that you can relax.

Tank Corrosion

The lifetime of a hot water heater is usually defined by the tank integrity. When it has corroded to the point where there are risks of leaking or other damage, it’s definitely time to change it. The anode rod’s function helps extend the life of the tank, usually to about ten years but it can be longer. When we perform a maintenance visit, we can give an indication of where in its lifespan the tank currently is. That can help you plan ahead. By changing your water heater at the appropriate time, of course, you avoid water heater related flooding or, in some rare circumstances, explosion from pressure problems in a weak tank.

When the Pipe Goes Under the Slab

In some cases, the pipes for the hot water heater are located under the concrete slab on which your home is built, usually along with other water supply pipes. When pipes leak under the slab, it’s not always easy to detect the problem at first. The hot water pipes are an exception, because the water that leaks under the slab is hot, and your basement floor will probably have a warm spot. If you notice this, it could help your plumber diagnose the problem more quickly if you let them know.

Call Your Professional Plumber for Irving, TX Who Keeps Your Hot Water Flowing

Whether you need water heater repairs urgently or want to schedule maintenance and routine repairs for the future, our team can help you. Tioga Contractors serves customers in the Irving, TX area with expert plumbing services including water heater repair, and expert advice to help them plan their home’s plumbing repairs and updates. Give us a call for emergencies and to schedule water heater repair and maintenance.

Photo By JulNichols at istock

A lot of people are spending their free time looking at ways to make their homes more sustainable. Sustainable homes offer several benefits to homeowners while also benefiting the environment. By reducing your household water consumption you will reduce how much you pay in water bills each month, and you will also reduce your water usage which improves the environment. Believe it or not, if you are looking for ways to make your home more sustainable your local Bedford, TX plumber may be the one to contact.

A plumber can take a look at your entire plumbing system and identify areas that may not be as up-to-date as others and suggest slight adjustments that will make your home more sustainable. Believe it or not, sustainable plumbing can allow you to save a great deal of money in the long term. Keep in mind that your water heater alone is usually responsible for around 20% of the energy consumption in your home. So doing something as simple as having a professional tune-up your water heater or upgrade it to a newer model can make a tremendous difference in how much energy your home consumes. In fact, you might be surprised where other weak areas in your home are located.

Meet the EPA WaterSense Program

One of the best things you can do if you want to create a more sustainable home, outside of consulting a plumber, is to learn about the WaterSense Program provided by the EPA. The WaterSense Program outlines minimum levels of efficiency and performance and ensures that all services or labels that contain its watermark are extremely energy-efficient. In fact, in order to obtain the watermark, the product must use 20% more than comparable products which makes WaterSense appliances and other plumbing goods highly desirable. If your plumber is supplying a product such as a water heater to you, then you need to directly ask him or her if it has this label.

Appliances That Should Carry the WaterSense Label

While you cannot optimize everything in your plumbing system (although as plumbers we sure wish we could) there are a few major household appliances that should carry the WaterSense label. These home items utilize more water than other simple fixtures in your home and can also waste large amounts of water. The products that carry the WaterSense label should have extra safeguards in place to prevent leaking and help reduce energy consumption overall.

To start, consider installing a toilet that has the WaterSense approval on it. There is a good chance that your home toilet is using anywhere from three to five gallons of water every time you flush it. If you have an older toilet in your home, it may even be wasting even more water. Your plumber should be able to give you a better idea of what your toilet consumes. On the flip side, a toilet that has been rated and approved by the WaterSense Program only uses 1.28 gallons of water each flush which is substantially less.

Another great way to reduce your water usage is by talking with your Bedford, TX professional about changing the faucets in your home. Not only can a simple leak from a faucet waste thousands of gallons of water per year, but it can cost you a great deal of money. Faucets that are energy-rated are less likely to leak and they use a lot less water compared to standard models. There are a lot of faucets in a standard home, so updating them all is a fantastic way to reduce your water usage almost instantly.

Finally, the other majorly wasteful item in your home is probably your showerhead. The average showerhead uses 2.5 to 3 gallons of water every minute. While it may feel good streaming down your back, a majority of that is just going straight down the drain. That is a massive amount of water to waste on a continual basis. A properly rated showerhead reduces your usage to at least if not less than 2 gallons of water per minute. This one small adjustment can therefore reduce your water use and let you feel a little bit better on those days you decide to opt for a long relaxing shower.

Consider a Tankless Water Heater

If your water heater is over ten years old, then a plumber might suggest upgrading. This not only will help you reduce your water usage, but will also save you money. As one of the top energy-consuming items in your home, an old water heater will consume much more energy than it should be. Simply buying a new water heater that is highly rated from your local plumber will immediately drop how much you pay in energy costs, but if you are really serious about reducing the water consumption in your home you may want to ask your plumber about a tankless model instead.

Traditional water heaters store water and then heat it up, but tankless water heaters only heat water on demand which leads to a lot less energy loss. Instead of running constantly, a tankless water heater only runs when you actually need hot water which will drastically reduce the amount of energy consumed in your home. The downside is they cost more than their traditional counterparts, but the amount you save should help offset those costs.

Are you ready to make your home more sustainable? If you are looking for help look no farther than Tioga Contractors. We are happy to send someone out to evaluate your home and see what changes could be made to improve your daily water usage. We make it easy to be environmentally conscious without sacrificing convenience in your home.

Photo By Hispanolistic at istock

The home’s electrical system is not really the first thought. However, the proper maintenance and care for your home’s systems should be the first thing you should think about when moving into a new property. Electrical systems are built to withstand loads of electrical energy. If your electrical system wasn’t properly cared for in the past, you will need to plan for electrical repairs and professional maintenance on the property’s electrical system. If you live in or are moving to the Bedford, TX, area, contact Tioga Contractors for professional electrical maintenance and repairs.

Reasons To Call a Professional Electrician

You’re Moving

If you are moving, that is reason enough to have a professional inspect and maintain your home’s electrical system. If you are moving into a new home, you should expect the unexpected. Intense electrical inspection by a trained and licensed electrician could help you save money and prevent electrical disasters in the long run. This is especially true for older homes. Older homes experience more electrical system problems than newer, more modern homes. This has a lot to do with the type of electrical system older homes seem to have. If you decide to move into an old or modern home, contact a local professional for further inspection.

Outlet Problems

If you are moving into a new home, chances are, the outlets may not be configured to your particular wants and needs. If you plan on using special appliances or many devices you may need special outlets or more of them. If you need special outlets or find yourself using multiple power strips or extension cords, have a professional electrician install more outlets for you. Prolonged use of extension cords and power strips can become hazardous. Adding more outlets to needed areas will also make your property more aesthetically appealing and convenient.

If you have enough outlets, perhaps some of them need to be replaced. If you notice your plugs are falling out of the outlets, or if the outlets are faulty in any way, you will need them to be professionally replaced. If you notice any sparks or burning stemming from your outlets you will need a professional to replace them right away. A burning outlet could indicate faulty installation or an ungrounded power source. This is a dangerous malfunction that can lead to an electrical fire or property damage. If you live in or around the Bedford, TX, area, and notice any of the previously mentioned issues with your property’s outlets, contact Tioga Contractors for all of your needed electrical repairs and installation.

Flickering Lights

Flickering lights may not seem like a huge problem, however, flickering lights could be an indication of serious electrical faults lurking beneath your home’s electrical system. If you have just moved into a home that has flickering lights, contact a professional for immediate inspection and repair.

Fixing a flickering light may not be as simple as replacing or changing faulty wires. Flickering lights are often a problem in older electrical systems, as a result, the wiring and devices used in older systems can be hard to find due to upgrades in technology. Replacing or repairing faulty electrical components of an old electrical system may result in the need for a small renovation. This all depends on the material’s availability and its level of safety when being used. There are many electrical components that have been used in the past that are no longer used due to their inefficiency and proneness to malfunctioning. Other issues commonly found in older electrical systems are old, dusty, worn-out wiring. When professionals attempt to repair, it can be extremely difficult due to the deuteriation of the wires. If the wires are both black and old, it can be difficult to identify the hot wire from the neutral one. If this is the case, it will difficult for an electrician to repair such an old system. Yours may end up having to replace it with a newer and safer version of the electrical system. If this is needed, you can rest assured knowing your electricals system is now working properly, and now part of your electrical system has been upgraded for better and more efficient use.

Flickering lights could also be an indication of improper installation. If this is the case, you must contact a professional for emergency repair and inspection. Determining whether or not your flickering light malfunction is an emergency or not can be difficult. You can tell the difference by a few different signs. If your light switch has burn marks around it or if your lights flicker during random intervals, contact an emergency electrician right away.

Old Electrical Systems

Older electrical systems have many issues. If you are moving into an older home, be prepared to work on your home’s electrical system. This is especially true for older homes that have had no recent renovation work completed. Older homes with old electrical systems may have trouble with getting insurance due to a variety of different factors. One factor includes the amp of your property. Older homes have a lower amp than modern homes. The amp, which also stands for ampere, is a unit of measure for electrical currents. If your amp is too low, home insurance companies may refuse to insure you. Contact a professional electrician to ensure this does not happen to you.

Older homes usually have an amp of 60. The modern standard for a home is an amp of 100. This difference is major. Newer home appliances require more voltage than older ones, therefore, adjusting the amp is important. If you adjust the amp you will need to adjust the entire electrical system as well. This can be done with the help of a professional and licensed electrician.

If you are moving into a new home, be sure to have your home’s electrical system inspected by a professional electrician. This is crucial for the future and development of your home. Having a professional inspect and repair any electrical problems before you get comfortable, will help you prevent property damage, electrical fire, and other electrical disasters. If you live in or around the Bedford, TX, area, and are moving into a new home, contact Tioga Contractors for all of your electrician needs.

Photo By valentinrussanov at istock

The plumbing system in your Irving, TX home is essential to your daily life. It brings clean water into the home and removes water and waste from the home. If your plumbing system isn’t functioning properly, it can make life in the home difficult and inconvenient. Like many systems in the home, you need to have your plumbing system regularly maintained to ensure that it functions properly. If you want to avoid plumbing issues, you should have a drain cleaning service performed every year. If you aren’t sure that a drain cleaning is worth the time and expense, you should consider the benefits.

#1 You Won’t Have Slow Or Clogged Drains

Slow or clogged drains can make daily household tasks in your Irving, TX home difficult or impossible. It can also be very frustrating. Regardless of how careful you are about what you put down the drain, grease, food, hair, soap scum, and other debris can build up inside the pipes creating a clog. If you have a drain cleaning service performed every year, any debris that has built up in the pipes will be removed, allowing the water to flow down the drain freely. An annual drain cleaning will prevent you from needing to call a plumber to remove an inconvenient clog.

#2 Quiet Noisy Drains

If the drains in your Irving, TX home make a gurgling sound when the water goes down, it is a sign of problems ahead. When there is a large clog in the drain, the water needs to change directions to get through the pipes. This change in direction causes a gurgling sound. When you have a drain cleaning service performed, the plumber will remove any grease, soap scum, and other debris clogging the drain. This will keep your drains quiet and prevent a clog that won’t allow the water to go down.

#3 Rid Your Kitchen Of Fruit Flies

If you have fruit flies in your kitchen, but you don’t have a bowl of fruit or dying flowers on the counter, they are likely coming from the drain. When grease and food get built up in the drain, it creates the perfect breeding ground for fruit flies. You can find plenty of DIY recipes online to rid your kitchen of fruit flies, but these are just short-term solutions to the problem. Within a few days, the fruit flies will be back, and you will need to repeat your DIY method over and over again. If you want a long-term solution to the problem, you should schedule an appointment for a drain cleaning service. The plumber will clear the drains completely so your drains won’t be a hospitable home for fruit flies.

#4 Keep Your Kitchen Smelling Fresh

If there is a foul smell in your kitchen that remains, no matter how much you clean, it could be coming from the drain. When your drains become clogged with grease and food, they can begin to spoil, which causes a foul smell. You can pour detergent down the drain, but this is just a temporary solution. If you want to permanently rid your kitchen of the foul smell, you should schedule a drain cleaning service every year. An annual drain cleaning will keep your drains free of food and grease, which will keep your kitchen smelling fresh.

#5 Keep Your Water Bills Down

If you have noticed that your water bills have been slowly increasing over time, your plumbing system could be to blame. If you have a leak in your water supply, you could be wasting water without even knowing it. When you have an annual drain cleaning service performed, the plumber can send a camera down the drain to get a good look at your pipes. If there is a leak that cannot be seen, it can be detected and then repaired. This should quickly resolve your water bill issues.

#6 Save Money Of Expensive Plumbing Repairs

Although there is a fee to have a drain cleaning service performed, the cost of the service will be less than having a major plumbing issue repaired. If you don’t have your drains cleaned regularly, a major clog can form. This can result in a corroded drainage system and contaminated water. It can also cause the pipes to burst, which can cause a major flood, which can be expensive to clean up. It will cost a lot less to have an annual drain cleaning performed, making it well worth the money.

#7 Prevent Water From Backing Up Into the Home

If you have a very large clog in your drain, water can back up into the sink, washing machine, or toilet. When this happens, it can cause a flood in the home that can be very expensive to clean up. The flood can promote mold growth, which will create an even bigger, more expensive problem.

When you have a drain cleaning performed every year, you won’t need to worry about large clogs causing the water to back up. The plumber will remove anything that has built up in the pipes, keeping them clean and clear.

Why Choose Tioga Contractors?

If you want to prevent plumbing issues in the future and plan to schedule a drain cleaning service, schedule an appointment with Tioga Contractors. We have been serving residential and business customers in the area since 1953 and have an excellent reputation in the community and the industry.

Our technicians are required to pass a drug test and a background check before they are hired. They are highly-trained, highly-skilled, licensed, and insured. When our techs arrive at your home, their trucks will be fully stocked with most of the parts necessary for a plumbing repair. We do this so we can fix most issues the day you call for service.

Tioga Contractors understand that plumbing issues can arise at any time of the day or night. This is why we offer emergency service 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. If you call us with a plumbing emergency at night, during the weekend, or on a holiday, we will get to your home as quickly as we would if you were to call during regular business hours.

To schedule an appointment for a drain cleaning service or any other plumbing issue, give us a call today.

Photo By Vladdeep at istock