Category: Plumbing

Water stains or discolored areas in your walls or ceilings are an emergency. They show that there is a leak in your wall or attic. Handle this immediately, as it could leave you with expensive water damage. In our next couple of posts, we’ll share some of the things to look for, some of the causes, and how you should respond.

SIGNS OF A LEAK

The vast majority of your plumbing system is hidden. It’s in walls, behind cabinets, in the attic, or underground. Sometimes when a leak develops, you may not even realize it for weeks or months. If you notice any of these warning signs, it’s critical to check them out immediately.

• Stains or bubbling in drywall: This is usually the first thing you will notice. If drywall is discolored or bulging in places, contact a plumber to check for leaks.
• Mold: If you start seeing mold, that’s a sign of excess water. Water behind a wall in a closet will show up as mold. You can also identify mold by a musty smell. Get it checked out.
• Warm spots: Even if you can’t see a stain, water behind the wall can cause places on the wall to be warmer than others.
• Running water: More specifically, the sound of running water. Do you hear trickling or dripping where you shouldn’t? That’s a sure sign of a leak.
• High water bills: As with any bills, pay attention to how much your water bill is. If it’s noticeably higher than normal for no apparent reason, a leak could be to blame. You could even check your water meter to see if water is being used without your knowledge. Turn the water off for a couple hours, then check to see if the reading has changed.

If you think you’ve got a leak – don’t hesitate! Call The Bosworth Company today for an appointment or schedule one online. You can reach us at 432-570-5233. It’s Worth the Call. Always.

Every time you flush it seems like the toilet runs and runs and runs. Maybe it eventually stops, but it’s well beyond the typical 5-10 seconds you would expect. As long as the toilet is still doing its job, you put off getting it fixed. Unfortunately, a running toilet can be a sign of any number of plumbing problems. Without help from a professional, it can be difficult to tell just how serious it is. In this post, we’ll look at a few of the possible causes as well as some DIY solutions. 

COLOR TEST

We already mentioned the problem of hearing the toilet running long after you’ve flushed. You may not realize how big a problem that is until you get your next water bill.

One easy test involves dropping a few drops of food coloring into the back of the tank. If the water in the bowl changes colors without flush, you have a leaking toilet. Take the lid off and inspect the various mechanisms to see if anything is off or ill-fitting.

FIXING THE PROBLEM

If the rubber “flapper” at the bottom of the tank isn’t flush with the valve, then you’ve got an easy fix! It could be caught on the chain, or something else, or it could just be worn out and allowing excess water to seep through.

Other potential issues could involve the float or refill valve. These can be purchased at any hardware store and installed by a novice.

WHEN TO CALL A PRO

If you’ve tried all that and nothing seems to work, give The Bosworth Company a call. We’ve got experts who can diagnose and fix the problem before your next water bill catches you by surprise. Give us a call today at 432-570-5233 or schedule an appointment online. The Bosworth Company is Worth the Call. Always.

In the last post, we explored some questions about how long pipes are supposed to last. The types of pipes used in your home can have a significant impact on how long they’re predicted to last. (Visit our previous post for details!). We also talked about the best times for pipe replacement, such as it being a good idea to get pipework done during the remodeling process.

WARNING SIGNS 

In this post, we are going to discuss some of the symptoms of rotting or leaking pipes, which are situations when you’ll want to call The Bosworth Company as soon as possible. Some pipe types, like cast iron, should last from 75 to 100 years. Unfortunately, things like pipe joints, fittings, and other factors that go beyond the material of the pipe itself can cause life expectancy to vary greatly.

Leaks, cracks, and corrosion are all signs of faulty plumbing. That means any sort of water damage in your home should be a warning sign. Signs of a leak can include water, water stains or even just damp areas (especially if there’s dampness around toilets, appliances or sinks). Water damage and warped flooring could also be evidence of a leak. If water damage stains appear to be rust-colored, that can be further proof of corroded pipes.

Low water pressure (and we know you’ll notice if it’s in the shower!) can be a sign of a clog. If you hear a gurgling sound from your drain, that’s a bad sign too.

SOLUTIONS

One of the tricky things about knowing whether you need pipe repair or pipe replacement is that you can’t see most pipes! When it’s time to inspect them, it’s necessary to call an expert. The Bosworth Company will do what it takes to detect the problem. Whether it’s looking for damp areas in your crawl space, or snaking your drain, we’ll find out what’s causing the issues with your plumbing and repair it for a reasonable price. When you spot an issue, give us a call at 432-570-5233 to set an appointment or schedule one online! The Bosworth Company. Worth the Call. Always.

Is your house brand new? 10 years old? 20? 50? Let’s say it’s 50 years old and looks great. The curb appeal, the yard, a fresh coat of paint inside and out, and renovations as necessary. But what about plumbing? Since it’s behind the wall or under the counter, many times it can be neglected. Let’s examine the importance of keeping your plumbing up to date.

AVOIDING DISASTER

As mentioned, a house can look nice, but plumbing issues could be problems that you don’t see. A worn-out carpet can easily be replaced. But a burst pipe could mean a new carpet, as well as a myriad of other costs. That’s why it’s important to keep your pipes and plumbing updated.

DURING RENOVATION

A great time to take a closer look at your plumbing is during routine renovations. If you’re getting a new kitchen or bathroom, don’t just decorate what you can see, check out what you can’t see. Pipes are hidden underground, in the crawl space, or behind the wall. During a renovation, the pipes will be exposed, and easier to access and replace if necessary.

AGE OF PIPES

Every household has its own circumstances: relatives, kids, budget, housing, even the weather patterns in the area where you live. Depending on your situation, you might be inclined to put off expensive repairs as long as possible. So when do they become really necessary? 

Here’s a guide to how long your pipes should last based on what they’re made from:

Copper (50+ years)

Brass (40-45 years)

Cast Iron (75-100 years)

Galvanized Steel (20-50 years)

PVC (50-70 years but, if properly maintained, they can potentially last indefinitely!)

If you’re not sure what kind of pipes you’ve got, finding out is easy. Just check the inspection report from when you bought your home.

THE SOLUTION

If you think it’s time, give The Bosworth Company a call at 432-570-5233 or schedule an appointment online. The Bosworth Company. Worth the Call. Always.

You’ve sprung a leak. That can be one of the scariest phrases for homeowners. In this post, we’ll take a look at some of the reasons for water leaks in your plumbing. We’ll also look at prevention and solutions.

POOR CONSTRUCTION/INSTALLATION

When builders are in a hurry, the integrity of a home can suffer. Building on soil before it’s settled can cause pipes to crack or break, leading to water leaks. Loose or leaky faucets can also be the result of shoddy installation of faucets, fixtures, or even a hot water heater. To avoid this, make sure certified plumbers handle all the piping and plumbing in your home, even from the very beginning.

FROZEN PIPES

If the temperature dips below 32 degrees, that’s enough to freeze your pipes, which could cause them to burst. And yes, this can and does happen even in West Texas. Insulating your pipes can help prevent freezing. If they do freeze, thaw them out as soon as possible using a blow-dryer or other heating device.

TREE ROOTS

Pipes leading to your home (or even under your home) can be infiltrated by roots which can cause them to crack and eventually leak. This can lead to other problems, such as sewage contamination in your yard. Avoid planting trees near your pipes. The Bosworth Company can inspect your pipes to see if they have been compromised by roots.

LEAKY FIXTURES

Water behind your toilet or under your sink is a sure sign of a leak. If you notice water accumulating in those areas, get it looked at right away to avoid further damage. You can check your toilet to see if it wobbles on its base. Also check water lines leading to and from your sink, dishwasher, and washing machine. Steel hoses (instead of rubber) can be a good solution.

PIPE CORROSION

Some pipes leak simply due to age. Rust is a common culprit for copper and steel pipes, so make sure to have them checked every few years.

CALL THE BOSWORTH COMPANY

If you have a water leak or think one could spring in your home, give us a call at 432-570-5233 or schedule an appointment online. Our experts are trained to keep your home safe, comfortable, and dry. The Bosworth Company is Worth the Call. Always.

Have you ever met someone who thought you could put just anything down the garbage disposal? (Or maybe you’re one of them.) Unfortunately, you can’t. 

What is ‘Garbage Disposal Safe’?

There are a few things that should obviously not be put down the garbage disposal. Things that are hard, or difficult to chop up (think chicken, turkey, or other sorts of bones). You also should not pour grease down the drain, as it will dry and harden, and clog up your whole sink. Here’s a comprehensive list of foods and other items that should never be put down the drain:

• Kitchen oil, of any kind
• Butter (any kind of dairy can harden and clog up your pipes)
• Eggshells
• Bones (turkey, chicken, steak…anything!)
• Tough vegetables (celery is a major enemy of garbage disposals! The strings can stop up the gears in your disposal, and really cause problems.)
• Coffee grounds (it will accumulate and never make it past the disposal.)
• Grease and greasy foods
• Pasta, including rice (it can expand in your pipes and cause problems)
• Non-food items

Cleaning Up

As noted, various issues can arise if you put the wrong things down your garbage disposal. The unit is simply not meant to handle anything that can be stuffed down the drain.

Here are a few tips that will help:

• Before they even get to the sink, scrape excess food from plates straight into the trash.
• Use a paper towel to wipe thick, greasy foods into the trash. Things like gravy and similar foods can easily clog sinks.
• Boil water and pour it down the sink. It will help loosen up the slime and gunk that found it’s way down the drain. 
• Three or four times a year, pour some vinegar down the drain – this is good for routine maintenance.

Need To Call Us?

If you discover the drain is stopped, or your garbage disposal isn’t running like it should, The Bosworth Company is here for you. Give us a call at 432-570-5233 or schedule an appointment online. The Bosworth Company. Worth the Call. Always!

 

In our last post, we discussed the dangers of neglecting your drains. This applied to drains in your kitchen, bathroom sinks, or even in the tub. The most obvious drain maintenance is keeping some of the worst offenders out of your drain. That means keeping it clear of things like soap scum, hair, coffee grounds, and cooking grease… even if you have a garbage disposal! In today’s blog, we’ll offer some simple things you can do to keep your drain flowing!

FLUSH YOUR DRAINS

As frequently as ONCE A WEEK, you can flush your drains. All you need to do is pour boiling water down each of your drains. Pour half a pot down the drain, wait about 5 minutes, then pour the rest. The steaming hot water will help clean some of the gunk and grime out of your sink and pipes to help water flow more smoothly. This is especially good for melting thick grease that can cause backups.

ENZYMATIC CLEANER

Every month or so, flush your drains using an enzymatic cleaner. You can find these products online or at most general hardware stores. These products use special combinations of enzymes to effectively “digest” and further break down any residue in your drains.

GARBAGE DISPOSAL

If you have a garbage disposal in the kitchen, occasionally put a couple of ice cubes in the drain and run the disposal. That will help clear out some of the hard-to-reach gunk and sharpen the blades on the disposal.

THE MAGIC POTION 

Chances are pretty good you experimented with baking powder and vinegar in a high school chemistry class. It’s a fun little experiment, and, when used on your drain, it will really help keep it clean. Just pour about half a cup of each down the drain, then chase it with hot water from the tap.

FOLLOW UP

Follow these simple drain maintenance steps, and you should be in good shape. If not, you know who to call. The Bosworth Company is always ready to respond to your plumbing needs. Give us a call today at 432-570-5233 or schedule an appointment online. Worth the call. Always.

Home maintenance, like anything, can be a little tricky. Some potential problems are more obvious than others. If you don’t see the problem, sometimes it can be difficult to diagnose. Waiting too long is risky, and could mean expensive repairs. That’s why routine maintenance is so important. One of the best examples is keeping an eye on the drains in your home. Not taking care of a clogged drain could be like watching money go down that same drain.

CLOGGED DRAIN PREVENTION

There are a variety of very routine maintenance tasks that you can perform on your own to keep your drains in good shape. For starters, make sure to keep these four no-nos out of any drain:

• Hair
• Coffee Grounds
• Soap Scum
• Cooking grease

Keep these out of your drain EVEN IF you have a garbage disposal.

Outside the kitchen, keep hair and soap scum out of your bathroom sinks and tubs. Great shower drain protectors can be found online for $10 or less. Doing your best to keep your drains clear will go a long way to help eliminate clogs.

WHAT TO LOOK FOR

The symptoms of a clogged drain are easily recognized. The most obvious is a slow drain. You can tell if the water is draining at a normal speed. If it looks like it’s draining slowly, there’s probably a clog. Another red flag is a bad smell coming from your kitchen or bathroom drain. If your drain is gurgling or your toilet is backing up instead of flushing, you know there’s a problem.

WE CAN HELP

In our next post, we’ll give you some very practical tips on how you can keep your drains clean and clear, and eliminate the dangers of clogs.

If your drain performance is going down the tubes, give The Bosworth Company a call. We have the knowledge and experience to help you with all your plumbing needs. We’re Worth The Call. Always. Call us today at 432-570-5233 or schedule an appointment online.