What to do when it’s “cold out there”.

December 20th, 2010

Wow… The cold weather is here! I don’t know about you but it was just a couple of weeks ago when I was out side cleaning the deck and the sun was shining and I didn’t need a jacket. What a difference a couple of weeks make!

As soon as a cold snap whips in from the north, we get swamped with call from customers with no heat.   Of course, we get to as many of these calls as we can, as fast as we can. But quite often people have to wait several hours for the technician to show up and that wait can sometimes be miserable.

The best solution is to get your heating system checked before you need it. But know that the cold weather is here, Maybe the tips below will help. This info comes from The Weather Channel. Not everyone can do everything listed below, but maybe 1 or 2 of these items may help keep you warm until help arrives.

When the Heat Goes Out……

By Matt Bamberg

An Alberta Clipper sweeping through the Northern Plains, a Nor’easter sliding up the east coast, or a Gulf of Mexico low pressure area that puts the Deep South under ice are the types of storms that keep power companies busy.

Weather conditions under these winter storms — ice, heavy snowfall or high winds — can snap power lines and take away the heat in your home.

Warming Wisdom

Here are a few words for the wise when your home’s heat dies:

• Light your fireplace; make sure you keep the flue open for ventilation.

• Keep cabinet doors open under sinks so that warmer air can flow around pipes.

• Hang a towel on the wall behind the sink.

• Close drapes and cover openings under doors with towels and/or blankets.

• Wrap pipes in insulation or layers of old newspapers. Cover the newspapers with plastic to keep out moisture.

• Turn on faucets so that water drips constantly, especially when temperatures sink below 20°F with a strong wind howling outside.

• Close off rooms that don’t contain pipes.

• Using a gas stove or kerosene space heater for heat is not recommended, but if you must, crack windows on each side of the room to prevent build-up of carbon monoxide. Once your heater is operating, always keep the thermostat above 55.

Troubleshooting Broken-Down Heaters

When your heat goes off, it could be because of a general, regional outage or it could mean that something is wrong with your heating system. Chances are, you’ll know about a power outage but if you suspect the problem lies in your system, there are some trouble-shooting procedures to follow that might get your furnace up and running again.

Steam Heating System

• Turn off the unit.

• Check the water level in the boiler; add water slowly if low.

• Call a service person if you need to add water to the boiler often. There might be a leak.

Forced (Warm) Air Heating System

• Check the circuit breaker for the heating unit and reset if it’s switched off.

• Keep ventilation areas clear of furniture and any other items that might be blocking it.

• Clean the grills and change the air filter once a month. Newer metal filters last a year and can be hosed down with warm water to clean. Hot Water Systems

• Check to see that all temperature and pressure gauges are set to normal.

• Clear system of excess air.

Gas Furnace

Check to see if the pilot light is on. If not, do the following:

• Open the panel and set the control knob to pilot.

• Using a flashlight, find the pilot fixture and light it with a match.

• Turn the control to on.

• Set the thermostat on high to see if system is functional.

• Repeat this procedure, as necessary, by first turning the control off and starting again.

Ice Inside Your Pipes

If your heat’s out and theres no water pressure when you turn on faucet, you probably have ice clogging one of your pipes. When water freezes it expands about four percent, and may cause your pipes to crack. If there’s a leak, water will flood your house and basement soon after your heat gets turned on.

Try this quick fix:

• Turn on faucet nearest to the pipe with the suspected ice block.

• Follow the pipe to where it meets an outside wall.

• Find the part of the pipe that is exposed to cold air.

• Use a hairdryer to melt the ice. Move it up and down and about a foot above where you suspect the ice is clogging the pipe.

• Call a plumber to inspect the pipes.

(Provided by move.com)

Thanks for following the South West Plumbing Blog. Until next time…. Stay Warm!

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Our Thanks and Apologies

December 13th, 2010

First off we want to thank all of our customers for calling South West Plumbing over the last few weeks. When the cold hits and the storms bring the heavy rains we get especially busy and although we work very hard to get to everyone that needs service, sometimes we get delayed.

Our techs were working day and night to get to all the people that had no heat or frozen pipes or flooded basements. It took us several days to catch up to the backlog of patient customers. But, we did get to everyone that was willing to wait.  And, we really enjoyed being able to help SO MANY customers in need.  We take pride in the importance of the work we do and how it impacts all of our everyday lives.

If we were not able to get to you and you had to call another company, we understand and apologize for the inconvenience. We still want to be the 1 to call for all your plumbing and heating needs so keep those magnets handy and call us first.

This recent weather episode reminds us that it is always a good idea to get preventative maintenance done in the off season. Get your furnace checked out in August or September. Have your basement drains checked in the summer. Think about which pipes might be susceptible to freezing and take the necessary precautions before the cold weather hits.

In the meantime remember that we will be out there working to keep all of our customers warm and dry throughout the cold and wet times.  Again, thanks and have a great Holiday Season!

– Dave Derring, www.southwestplumbing.biz

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Winter Preparation

November 19th, 2010

Winter is just around the corner!

Every year we get hundreds of calls for broken water pipes. This time of year the cold weather sneaks up on us and before we know it, it’s 20 degrees and things start breaking. Now is the time to start thinking about insulating pipes, covering hose faucets, and winterizing vacation property or any property that might be vacant.

If you do suffer water damage from a freeze break, you’re probably covered. (check out the link below) http://www.insure.com/articles/homeinsurance/water.html

But most of the time a frozen pipe can be prevented for less than what you would pay for your deductible. Most plumbing companies can give you suggestions as to what needs to be done. Here are some great hints we found from the Star Local News in McKinney Texas. These ideas work anywhere that gets cold (Thank you to the Star Local News):

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Avoid home damage from frozen pipes

From Staff Reports Published: Saturday, November 6, 2010 1:43 AM CDT

With below freezing temperatures expected this weekend in McKinney, the Texas Department of Insurance released this message on how to prevent damage from frozen pipes:

A fast-moving cold front can cause temperatures to drop below freezing within hours and outdoor pipes, pipes in unheated areas, and pipes that run along un-insulated exterior walls can burst if the water in them freezes and expands. This can shatter pipe seals or the pipes themselves, sending water pouring through a house. Thousands of dollars of damage to walls, ceilings, carpets, and furniture can be avoided by taking a few simple measures to protect your home.

Before the Freeze

• Protect faucets, outdoor pipes, and exposed pipes in unheated areas by wrapping them with rags, newspaper, trash bags, or plastic foam.

• Insulate your outdoor water meter box and be sure its lid is on tight.

• Cover any vents around your home’s foundation.

• Drain and store water hoses indoors.

• Protect outdoor electrical pumps.

• Drain swimming pool circulation systems or keep the pump motor running. (Run the pump motor only in a short freeze. Running the motor for long periods could damage it.)

• Drain water sprinkler supply lines.

• Open the cabinets under sinks in your kitchen and bathrooms to allow heated indoor air to circulate around the water pipes.

• Set your thermostat at a minimum temperature of 55 degrees, especially when you’re gone for the day or away for an extended period.

• Let indoor faucets drip; it isn’t necessary to run a stream of water.

• Make sure you know where your home’s shut-off valve is and how to turn it on and off.

• If you leave town, consider turning off your water at the shut-off valve while faucets are running to drain your pipes. Make sure you turn the faucets off before you turn the shut-off valve back on.

• If you drain your pipes, contact your electric or gas utility company for instructions on protecting your water heater. If Your Pipes Freeze

• If a pipe bursts and floods your home, turn the water off at the shut-off valve. Call a plumber for help if you can’t find the broken pipe or if it’s inaccessible. Don’t turn the water back on until the pipe has been repaired.

• If the pipe hasn’t burst, thaw it out with an electric heating pad, hair dryer, portable space heater, or towel soaked with hot water. Apply heat by slowly moving the heat source toward the coldest spot on the pipe. Never concentrate heat in one spot because cracking ice can shatter a pipe. Turn the faucet on and let it run until the pipe is thawed and water pressure returns to normal.

• Don’t use a blowtorch or other open-flame device. They are fire risks and carbon monoxide exposure risks. If You Have a Loss

• Contact your insurance agent or company promptly. Follow up as soon as possible with a written claim to protect your rights under Texas’ prompt-payment law.

• Review your coverage. Many homeowners and renters policies pay for property repair, and may also pay for debris removal and for additional living expenses if you have to move temporarily because of damage to your home. If you can’t find your policy, ask your agent or company for a copy.

• Homeowners policies may require you to make temporary repairs to protect your property from further damage. Your policy covers the cost of these repairs. Keep all receipts and damaged property for the adjuster to inspect. If possible, take photos or videos of the damage before making repairs. Don’t make permanent repairs. An insurance company may deny a claim if you make permanent repairs before an adjuster inspects the damage.

• Most homeowners policies do not cover loss caused by freezing pipes while your house is unoccupied unless you used reasonable care to maintain heat in the building; shut off the water supply; and drain water from plumbing, heating, and air conditioning systems.

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Call us if you have any questions or to schedule a call from our trained professionals. Thanks.

– Dave Derring,  www.southwestplumbing.biz

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Top Ten Reasons customers call us.

October 28th, 2010

Top Ten Reasons customers call South West Plumbing:

10: They love to speak with the friendly ladies who answer the phone.
9: They want a technician at their house today.
8: Their spouse told them to.
7: The guy on the commercial looked so friendly.
6: That dripping faucet won’t fix itself.
5: Last nights dinner showed up in the bathtub.
4: The technician was so Clean, Courteous, and knowledgeable last time
3: My Dad used them.
2: The jingle keeps playing in my head.
1: Why would you call anyone else?

Although the list above is meant in good fun, every one of those reasons is probably true for some of you!

When it comes to plumbing, heating, and just all around good service…15,000 of your friends and neighbors choose South West Plumbing every year. ( I wish I had 15,000 friends…..Wait, ….I DO!)

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Did you know, Fall is also “Sewer Season’?

October 5th, 2010

“Service Manager Dave” here. Did you know that fall is also Sewer Season? Sounds weird, I know, but it’s true.
In the fall we experience more sewer cleaning calls than any other time of year. There are many theories behind this fact, but I would like to set the record straight.

When the rain starts after a dry summer, the ground acts as a sponge and soaks up as much water as it can. Once the saturation point has been reached the excess water has to go somewhere.

Much of the water runs off above the ground to gutters and storm drains. But a lot of the water finds its way into your sewer line through cracks and crevices that have developed over the years. These cracks allow water to escape your sewer during the dry season. But when the ground is saturated they allow water to infiltrate the main line. Along with the water comes dirt, rocks and who knows what else. This dirt and debris can cause little dams to form and then the next thing you know, your sewer is backed up.

One more thing,…after years of this infiltration and ex-filtration those small cracks can become large holes (water can do amazing things—ever hear of a little thing called the Grand Canyon?) and these holes do not cure themselves.

Of course, our company, South West Plumbing, can clear that pesky sewer line and send our camera down there to see what needs to be done to avoid future problems. Then instead of “and I wonder, still I wonder… Who’ll stop the rain?…” you might be “singin’ in the rain, just singin’ in the rain”.

Have a Great Day!

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Online Reviews for South West Plumbing

September 17th, 2010

IF YOU ARE A CUSTOMER that has had a good experience with us, we’d appreciate it very much if you would find a reputable review site and post your experience there.  Of course, we’d also like you to follow us on twitter, facebook, and this blog, but the review alone will do wonders.  Unfortunately, the loudest folks always seem to be the negative ones.   We get so many great words of encouragement and many thanks for our high level of customer service, and yet many of those words come to us, but don’t get posted online to cancel out the “outspoken few”.   If you could help us out here, it would be MUCH APPRECIATED!  You can even post on our comments here that you did so.

We look forward to serving you again, and thanks to our customers for all of your kind words.

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Follow us….Please!

September 8th, 2010

If you are a fan of our company, please take a moment to find us and FOLLOW us on Twitter.  We’re not afraid to ask……WE NEED MORE FOLLOWERS!    Click here to go to our twitter page–

http://twitter.com/swplumbing

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NEW South West Plumbing BLOG!

September 2nd, 2010

Welcome to the South West Plumbing blog!  Hopefully, you will find some interesting communications from the staff here at our company.  Of course, our website already has a lot of information about the services we provide, tips about your plumbing and heating, and the history of our company.  But, this blog will have more current messages about new and exciting things going on here at South West Plumbing, and ways that our customers can stay in touch with us.  We hope you will follow our blog!

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