Plumbing Service Archives | On Time Experts: Recent Episodes
None
Winter brings the joy of snowflakes and hot chocolate, but it also comes with the peril of potential water damage to your home. As the temperature drops and snowfall increases, your property faces the risk of frozen pipes, ice dams, and other winter-related water hazards. This guide provides practical and effective measures to prevent such damage, ensuring the safety of your home. Understanding these tips will save you from expensive repair costs and keep your home warm and cozy throughout the frosty season.
- Insulate Your PipesEnsuring that you have insulated your pipes effectively is among the best approaches to averting winter water damage. This is especially important during winter when the water in the pipes may freeze. This freezing may create an increase in pressure, which causes the water to expand, and because it has nowhere to escape, it bursts, resulting in severe water damage.
When you insulate your pipes, this helps maintain warm a water temperature and keeps it from freezing. Simple pipe insulation uses a foam tube to shield the system from the cold. It’s also important to focus on the pipes outside the walls in unheated areas because they are more prone to freezing.
Also, if you are leaving your home unoccupied for several weeks, you should consider allowing a little water to trickle from the tap. This steady water flow can help prevent freezing. Remember, insulation is more cost-effective than dealing with damage from a burst pipe. Investing a little time and money now can save you considerable repair costs and stress later.
- Keep Gutters and Downspouts CleanThe primary purpose of gutters is to channel water off your roof and away from your home. Water can’t correctly flow through if gutters are clogged with leaves, twigs, or other debris. Instead, it spills over the sides of the gutters and pools around the foundation of your house.
This can lead to severe damage, including basement flooding and structural issues. Additionally, in winter, clogged gutters can lead to the formation of ice dams. These occur when water from melting snow refreezes at the edge of your roofline. If ice dams grow large enough, they can cause water to back up and seep into your home, leading to significant interior damage.
Another essential factor to consider is ensuring downspouts direct water at least five feet away from your home’s foundation. This helps prevent any pooling or flooding near the base of your house.
- Monitor Your Sump PumpA sump pump is crucial in ensuring the extra water drains away so that it does not destroy your basement. You should also ensure that your sump pump can handle melted snow or ice during wintertime. See that the pump is plugged, the breakers are working, the line is not frozen, and no clogs have been formed over time.
Consider installing a backup sump pump if your area is prone to heavy snowfall. Power outages are common during winter storms, and a backup pump, preferably one with a battery-operated system, can continue to operate even without electricity. This safeguards you against basement flooding during a power outage, which could otherwise result in significant water damage.
Furthermore, always ensure your sump pump pit is covered to prevent it from freezing. This helps maintain the pump’s operational efficiency throughout the winter months. For residents of Garland, Dallas, and surrounding areas, On Time Experts can help you inspect your sump pump and ensure it is ready to handle the winter weather.
- Check for LeaksRegular inspection for leaks is one of the essential steps to prevent winter water damage in your home. Survey your house’s walls, ceilings, and floors with an eye out for wet patches indicating leakage points. Also, be alert to strange surges in water consumption bills. You must pay special attention to your roof. Snow accumulates there, only to melt and form damaging leaks. Small leaks could develop into significant issues that may lead to substantial water damage when neglected.
In addition, you should look below the sinks in your home, around toilets, and in the tub and shower area. Water leaks in these places cause water to seep into flooring and walls, eventually resulting in mold and building damage.
Remember as well to check your house’s exterior for cracks. Look for cracks in your home’s foundation and siding. These could allow water to enter, especially during a winter storm. Seal any openings with caulk or another appropriate sealant to prevent water intrusion.
However, these inspections should be done with the assistance of a professional to avert any possible problems. Professionals also have the tools and skills to effectively identify and fix potential issues.
- Adjust the ThermostatMaintaining a consistent indoor temperature can significantly help in preventing winter water damage. The thermostat should be set no lower than 55 degrees Fahrenheit, even when your home is unoccupied or at night. This keeps the home’s interior and the inside of the exterior walls warm enough to prevent freezing pipes.
Furthermore, to safeguard against thermal shocks that could cause pipes to crack, avoid drastic temperature changes. Consider installing a programmable thermostat. This will enable you to program the temperature settings of your house according to a schedule, which means your house can remain warm even when you’re at work. It’s a minor investment that could save you from significant repair costs associated with winter water damage.
- Maintain AppliancesThe failure to maintain several household appliances is also a known cause of water damage. Some of these sources of water leaks include washing machines, dishwashers, water heaters, and refrigerators with ice makers. Make a habit of checking these appliances regularly for leaks.
The hoses should be replaced as necessary to avoid explosive breakage. Installing a leak detector that will alarm you even if you are not present around your house might also be a good idea. Early detection of leaks will enable you to tackle this issue long before it becomes water destruction.
Also, ensure your appliance installation is correct and in line with the user manual guidelines. Incorrect installation can lead to leaks and water damage. Lastly, never overload your washing machine or dishwasher, which can also cause leaks. Proper maintenance of appliances is a critical preventive measure in avoiding winter water damage.
- Be Prepared for EmergenciesUnfortunately, even after taking precautions, accidents can still occur. Therefore, preparing for emergencies and having a contingency plan for water damage during winter is essential. This entails identifying the point of isolation in case your main water supply needs to be shut off. You should also know where your house’s electrical breaker box is placed.
Safeguarding your home against potential winter water damage involves a proactive approach. Every step plays a critical role, from regular home inspections for leaks and maintaining your appliances in top-notch condition to ensuring your sump pump is operational and keeping indoor temperature consistent. At On Time Experts, we provide quality cooling, heating, indoor air quality, and plumbing services for residents of Garland, Dallas, and the surrounding areas. Contact us today to schedule an appointment and ensure your home stays safe and protected against whatever weather comes your way.
The post 7 Ways to Avoid Water Damage in the Winter appeared first on On Time Experts.
6 Questions to Ask a Plumber Before Hiring ThemWhen your Garland, TX area household needs professional plumbing services, selecting the right plumber is imperative. If you don’t make an effort to select a qualified, reliable plumbing company, you could get stuck with someone unprofessional or inexperienced. And since the health of your plumbing system is so integral to the functionality of your home, the last thing you want is to hire an unqualified plumber. There are several ways to ensure that you select the right plumber for the project you require.
For example, you can ask your friends and family member for recommendations and check the customer reviews for different plumbing companies. You should also have any prospective plumbers come out to your home and provide you with a free estimate for the job. Once you’ve found a plumbing professional who you’re interested in hiring, you’d be wise to ask them a few questions about their experience and the specific service.
- Are They Licensed and Certified?Before you even think about agreeing to work with a plumber, you need to ensure that they’re licensed and certified. If they are, they should have no problem answering the question and showing you their documentation. When plumbing professionals are licensed and certified, that demonstrates that they at least have the minimum amount of training and experience to earn those achievements. It doesn’t prove that they’re exceptional plumbers, but you’ll at least know that they know what they’re doing.
If a plumber you’re consulting with is missing their license or certification, that should be all you need to know to determine that you shouldn’t work with them. Working with unlicensed plumbers is not only risky for the health of your plumbing system, but it’s also risky for the overall safety of your home.
- Do They Have Insurance?It’s also extremely important to verify that any plumber you’re considering hiring is insured. And in addition to ensuring that they have insurance, it’s worth making sure that the coverage they have is adequate. Even with qualified professionals, there’s always the possibility of something going wrong when it comes to significant plumbing repairs and installations.
For example, if a mistake is made leading to a burst pipe with major flooding and water damage, it’s going to be expensive to thoroughly restore everything. But as long as the plumbers are sufficiently insured, you won’t need to worry about getting stuck with those giant bills. Insurance policies can be complicated if you don’t know much about them, so make sure to have the plumbing company explain their coverage in detail.
- What Does the Estimate Include?When you have a plumbing company give you an upfront estimate for a household project, it’s imperative that you have a complete understanding of the proposal. During an estimate, someone from the team will come out to your home, consult with you about the job, and inspect the necessary parts of your plumbing system. Once they have a comprehensive idea of what you need, they’ll present you with an estimate for the price of the service. At that point, you should ask them for specific information about what’s included in the estimate.
For example, you will want to know in advance if any hidden costs aren’t included. If you’re attempting to decide between multiple plumbing companies, knowing the exact amount each company will charge is crucial information to have.
- Do They Have Experience With Similar Projects?Household plumbing systems are fairly complex, and every home is designed differently. And when you’re having a major repair or installation job done, your best bet is always to hire plumbers who have relevant experience. At the very least, you should make sure they have a familiarity with the work you need and a plan for how to approach the task.
If you’d prefer, you can also ask them to give you a straightforward breakdown of how they will handle the project. This not only gives you the chance to learn about what’s being done in your home, but it also shows you that the plumber is confident in their approach.
- Does the Company Offer Warranties?Receiving a quality warranty is very important when you’re having any significant contracting work done on your home. Essentially, a good warranty serves as your insurance policy for the plumbing company’s work. For example, if a plumber installs a new water heater for you and it breaks down six months later, you shouldn’t be stuck spending hundreds of dollars on a repair. And if you have a one or two-year warranty on the water heater, the plumbing company that installed it will be obligated to repair it for you free of charge.
The majority of reputable plumbing companies will offer warranties for parts and labor and stand by the work they do. However, you should always confirm this before agreeing to hire a plumber for any significant job. Of course, you’ll always hope that you never need to utilize your warranty, but having one is a massive safety net.
- How Long Will the Job Take?Finally, you should make sure to ask any plumber you’re considering how long they anticipate the project taking to complete. For one thing, this can help you keep your schedule in line and stay in the loop during the work. And for some plumbing projects, you and your family may need to temporarily vacate some areas of the home or even the entire household. So, if that’s the case, you’ll certainly want to know when the job will be finished.
Additionally, if you’re still choosing between two or three plumbing companies, finding out which plumber will finish the task the quickest may serve as a tiebreaker of sorts. If a plumber isn’t able to give you a decent estimate in advance of the job, that may be a red flag. If they have experience working on similar projects, they should have a pretty good idea of how long it will take.
It’s Always Worth Vetting Your PlumbersWhen you need professional plumbing work, you might be tempted to simply choose the first plumber you find after a quick online search. However, it’s always worth putting in the time and effort to find the best possible plumbing company for the job. The health of your plumbing system isn’t something you should take for granted, and saving a bit of time in the short term is not worth the money and frustration it could cost you in the long run.
Since 1981, our team at On Time Experts has been faithfully serving the greater Garland area. You can always count on us for reliable plumbing services, and we can also assist with your heating, air conditioning, duct cleaning, and indoor air quality needs. We stand by our work, and if you’re not entirely satisfied with your service, you won’t have to pay a dime. Give us a call at On Time Experts today if you’d like to schedule an appointment!
The post 6 Questions to Ask Before Hiring a Plumber appeared first on On Time Experts.
Our $99 drain cleaning is just that: we’re going to come out and clean your drain for 99 bucks, as long as you have a ground-level clean-out.
Not sure if you need a drain cleaning? The most obvious thing to look for is a kitchen sink, bathtub, or toilet that simply won’t drain.
Sometimes you’ll notice that your sinks or tubs just aren’t draining as quickly as they used to. That would be a sign that it’s time to give us a call so we can check it out. The process will probably take between an hour or two, depending on the length of the line and the location of the clog.
The best part of our $99 drain cleaning is that it’s guaranteed for 6 months.
If that sounds good to you, then give us a call at 469-336-3435. We’ll get somebody out and get you taken care of, typically within that same day.
The post $99 Drain Cleaning appeared first on On Time Experts.
The main sign of a drain or sewer line issue is a stoppage. If you’re experiencing a clog, back-up, or stoppage in any of your drain lines, give the On Time Experts a call and we’ll get you fixed up as soon as possible.
A stoppage can show up in your kitchen sink or bathroom. The bathtub might be draining slowly or not at all. Maybe your toilet isn’t flushing properly. You could even see a stoppage in your washing machine.
There are several different drains in your home that can clog. If you call us out, we’ll do a complete evaluation on your plumbing system to find out exactly what’s going on. We’ll give you all of your options and an upfront price of what it will cost to fix it.
Then we’re going to get right to work. The last thing we want to do is dilly-dally around, especially if there is water on the floor. We want to fix your plumbing issue as quickly as possible so you can get back to full operation.
If it’s just a stoppage, there’s not going to be much disruption to your home, other than us clearing the line. It might take an hour or so. If we find a break in the line and have to repair or replace it, that could take several hours or maybe even two or three days, depending on the severity.
Major jobs mean we might have to go into the slab and break off concrete or dig tunnels. But we will do everything in our power minimize disruption. We put plastic everywhere so that the dust and debris stay in our working area.
Once you’re up and running, you have a two-year warranty on any repair, and a fifteen-year warranty, if we have to replace a line. We want you to know that you can trust us and that we’re here for you.
Give the On Time Experts a call at 469-336-3435 or visit us online and fill out a web submission. A plumbing expert will be in touch with you as soon as possible.
The post Do Your Drains or Sewer Lines Need Repaired or Replaced? appeared first on On Time Experts.
We need plumbers – you betcha’. We are swamped with plumbing calls.
You’ve got to have a great attitude, no question about it. We want to make sure you’re a fit with our company, because if you’re a fit with us, then you’re going to be a fit for our clients.
And number two? You’ve got to smell good. Good hygiene is essential for our plumbers.
You’ve also got to have a great knowledge of the plumbing industry, and a desire to help people. You’ve got to love waking up the morning, going into a client’s home, and solving a problem.
To work for us, you must pass a background and drug test, as well as random drug testing throughout the duration of your employment. And because of the nature of our industry, we don’t tolerate felonies.
If you decide to work with us, we provide excellent compensation and great benefits. We pay 100% of our employee medical benefits and offer 401K with matching. We have a long and short-term disability, vacation, holiday pay, and you get to take a company vehicle home.
We celebrate birthdays, anniversaries, and holidays. We throw a big, family summer kick-off each year with food trucks, ice cream, and inflatables. We have a summer contest each year, where we divide our company into three teams, and the winning team gets to take cruise, company paid.
Every month, we have a cookout. If we hit or exceed our budget, I’m out there grilling steaks. And I’m not talking just any steaks. I’m talking filets and ribeye’s.
Here’s what I know: if you take care of your people, your people are going to take care of you, which will take care of your clients. It’s a win-win-win.
Go online to learn more or call 469-336-3435 and ask for Gina. She’s our recruiting expert. She’ll be more than happy to bring you in and have a conversation to see if it’s a fit. If Gina likes you, you’re a fit.
The post Are you a plumber? We’re hiring! appeared first on On Time Experts.
The average life expectancy of a water heater is 8-10 years. When you do an annual flush, it’s going to make the water heater last up to 15-20 years, if done properly. Over the years, lots of sediment can build in your water heater. Calcium is the biggest killer. You will lose efficiency and it won’t last as long. That’s why we believe that flushing your water heater once a year will double its life.
It’s something that’s easily overlooked. Most customers don’t do it. We’ve got to keep the calcium and magnesium from building up in there. If you don’t, it’s going to reduce the life expectancy of that water heater, make it less efficient, and it’s going to be noisy. You’re going to hear it crackin’ and poppin’. It almost sounds like somebody is poppin’ popcorn in your water heater. That can be very frustrating at 2 am.
When you let a bunch of calcium and magnesium build up in your water heater, the flame is trying to heat through all of that. As it’s heating up, the calcium that’s in their pops. It’s like little miniature explosions going on inside your tank. You’re one tiny explosion away from literally puncturing a hole through your tank.
The result of not flushing your water heater can be catastrophic. We don’t believe in scaring people, but we do believe in being honest. If you haven’t flushed your water heater in 12 years and it’s up in your attic, out of sight and mind, you’re setting yourself up for a mess. All it takes is one piece of popcorn to pop, fail your tank, and now you’ve got water ruining your hardwood floors and furniture.
We want to do whatever it takes to make sure that doesn’t happen. When we flush your water heater, we will explain what we’re doing it, and even goes as far as to show you how to do it yourself. It makes me feel good knowing I’ve taught a customer how to make their water heater last longer and be more efficient. Give the On Time Experts a call at 469-336-3435.
-Adam
The post We believe that flushing your water heater once a year will double its life. appeared first on On Time Experts.
We know when you need a plumber, the first thing you are going to do is Google “plumber near me.” But then what? How do you know you’re hiring the right person for the job?
- Background checked and drug tested
All On Time Experts plumbers are background checked and drug tested for your safety and comfort. - Time Management
Your time is valuable and we know that. If we show up even a minute late, your service fee is completely free. - Guarantees
You can call around and get a cheap price, but is that plumber going to be there for you in the middle of the night when your system breaks down again? The On Time Experts has several guarantees in place to protect you. - Licensing
If a plumber isn’t licensed, you have no recourse when something goes wrong. In Texas, a plumber has to be licensed with the state. If he gets too many complaints, he’s going to lose his license. So you want to make sure you’re working with someone who has credentials and is liable for his work. - Upfront Pricing
When we give you a price, that’s the price you’ll pay. If it takes us three hours or six hours, you won’t pay a penny more. You don’t have to look at your watch the entire time we’re in your home. - Availability
We answer the phone 24 hours a day, 365 days a year with a live person. You can call us at 2pm or 2am. You’ll talk to one of our experts and we’ll get someone out to you as soon as possible, typically within the same day. - 100% SatisfactionThe next time you need plumbing services, make sure you’re doing more than just Googling “plumber near me.” Ask yourself the important questions and dig a little big deeper to make sure you’re getting the best service for your home and your wallet.
The post How Do I Find a Good Plumber Near Me? appeared first on On Time Experts.
If you see spots on your car after you wash it, or white spots on your bathroom and kitchen fixtures, you probably have hard water. Hard water can be damaging to your health and plumbing system, so you’ll want to address it right away
Those white spots are calcium deposits. We have found that if you test the water in our homes, there’s more chlorine in it than in a swimming pool. And I’m talking about water that we drink, bathe in and use for our food. There are a lot of medical problems attributed to the water we’re drinking, so it’s a big deal.
Hard water will also tear up a water heater and its components, especially tankless. Some manufacturers’ warranties state that you must have a water purification system of some kind if you install their tankless water heater.
What can you do about it? Well, there are a couple of different things. One option is whole-house water purification. You can also install it just for your sinks and kitchen. There are different types of water softeners as well. But the only way to truly rid your home of hard water is by installing a whole-house water purification system.
We have a testing kit that we can bring out to your home to test the water. We’ll show you what it should look like, after we run it through our purification system, versus what it looks like without it. It’s pretty nasty. And if you saw it, you would be amazed.
Hard water can be one of the worst things in your home, and you don’t even know it. Give us a call at 469-336-3435and we’ll send a specialist out with the test kit. We’ll show you exactly what’s in your water and what you can do about it.
The post Is Your Water Harmful? appeared first on On Time Experts.
A water softener takes care of your home, and a water conditioner takes care of you. Do you ever see white build-up around your faucets and fittings? That’s a sign you might need a water softener. It will take eliminate that from your piping and will prevent sediment build-up in your water heater.
A water conditioner is going to help you. If you get out of a hot shower and immediately need lotion due to dry skin, you probably need a water conditioner.
Both of them are going to allow you to use less detergent and soap, but the water conditioner is there to take care of us and our dry, itchy skin, our hair, and things of that nature.
If you have glass in your shower, a water softener and a water conditioner will take care of the soap scum, so you don’t have you use chemicals all the time to get it off.
We can eliminate a lot of plumbing issues and problems, just by having a water conditioner or water softener. It’ll even make many of your appliances and fixtures last longer.
There are many variations of water softeners or water conditioners out there, and we want to make sure we give you all the options. So, what we’re going to do when we come out, first and foremost, is a complete evaluation of your water. We’ll compare the water in your home to that of bottled water, which is pure and clean.
It’s amazing what we’ve seen when we’ve tested the water in our offices and our own homes. Once you see what’s in your water, you can make a decision that’s best for you. Give the On Time Experts a call at 469-336-3435 or visit us on the web.
The post What’s the difference between a water softener and conditioner? appeared first on On Time Experts.
There are a few things you can try to do yourself if you get a drain clog. Unfortunately, many of them won’t work and you could end up causing more harm than good.
First things first, never use Draino. It ends up clogging it up more and causing problems.
If you have one of those handy-dandy little hand snakes from Lowes or Home Depot, you can try that. I’ve seen people use coat hangers before (myself included), but that’s a no-no.
Most pipes under the sink are hand-tightened, so you can loosen them to see if something is caught. It’s a little nasty, so make sure to have a bucket ready to catch whatever is clogging the drain. If you take it all apart and it continues to be stopped up, it’s probably time to call a plumber.
The bathtub drain is a little more difficult. We have a product that we can pour into breakdown the grease and hair that typically clogs the drain. If you can take the strainer out, you might be able to see what’s causing the clog. But if it’s beyond that point, you’ll definitely need a plumber.
Be careful when you start dealing with drains yourselves. You can actually end up causing more stress and problems than if you had just called a professional in the first place.
You can call the On Time Experts at 469-336-3435 for even the most minor plumbing issues. We have plumbers standing by day and night, on holidays and on weekends, to make sure your drains work for you when you need them.
The post Can I DIY A Drain Clog? appeared first on On Time Experts.
The average life expectancy of a water heater is 8-10 years. When you do an annual flush, it’s going to make the water heater last up to 15-20 years, if done properly. If you haven’t had your water heater flushed this year, give the On Time Experts a call at 267-2007.
The post Watch: We believe flushing your water heater annually will double its life. appeared first on On Time Experts.
The average life expectancy of a water heater is 8-10 years. When you do an annual flush, it’s going to make the water heater last up to 15-20 years, if done properly. In this podcast episode, Adam explains.
The post Podcast: Flushing your water heater once a year will double its life. appeared first on On Time Experts.
The average life expectancy of a water heater is 8-10 years. When you do an annual flush, it’s going to make the water heater last up to 15-20 years, if done properly. Over the years, lots of sediment can build in your water heater. Calcium being the biggest killer. You will lose efficiency and it […]
The post We believe that flushing your water heater once a year will double its life. appeared first on On Time Experts.
Slab leaks can cause major damage inside and outside of your home. If you think you have one, you want to get it taken care of right away. If you think you might have a slab leak, reach out to us at 267-2007, or go online at theontimeexperts.com and fill out a web submission. We’ll […]
The post Watch: What is slab leak & do I have one? appeared first on On Time Experts.
Slab leaks can cause major damage inside and outside of your home. If you think you have one, you want to get it taken care of right away. Listen in to find out more from Randy Kelley.
The post Podcast: Do you have a slab leak? appeared first on On Time Experts.
We are swamped with plumbing calls. Listen in to find out if you might be a great fit for the team.
The post Podcast: We’re Hiring Plumbers! appeared first on On Time Experts.
A water softener takes care of your home and a water conditioner takes care of you. Once you see what’s in your water, you can make a decision that’s best for you. Give the On Time Experts a call at 267-2007 or visit us on the web.
The post Watch: Water Softeners & Conditioners – What’s the Difference? appeared first on On Time Experts.
We need plumbers – you betcha’. We are swamped with plumbing calls. You’ve got to have a great attitude, no question about it. We want to make sure you’re a fit with our company, because if you’re a fit with us, then you’re going to be a fit for our clients. And number two? You’ve […]
The post Are you a plumber? We’re hiring! appeared first on On Time Experts.
A stoppage can show up in your kitchen sink or bathroom. The bathtub might be draining slowly or not at all. Maybe your toilet isn’t flushing properly. You could even see a stoppage in your washing machine. Give the On Time Experts a call at 267-2007 or visit us online and fill out a web […]
The post Watch: Do My Drain Lines Need Repaired or Replaced? appeared first on On Time Experts.
Do you think your water heater might be failing? Here are signs to look for from Randy Kelley. To find out more about your water heater options, give us a call at any area code: 267-2007.
The post Watch: What are some signs my water heater is failing? appeared first on On Time Experts.