Category: Plumbing

Water Pressure

Fixing Your Home’s Water Pressure

Posted on | by The Bosworth Company Kerrville | Leave a Comment on Fixing Your Home’s Water Pressure

There’s nothing like a hot shower at the end of a long day. But not all showers are created equal. Poor water pressure can cause frustration in the shower, the sink, the kitchen, and even the garden. But there are a few things you can do. In this post, we’ll take a look at what you can do for better water pressure at home and when you should call an expert.

PRESSURE BALANCE VALVE

The first place to check is the pressure balance valve. This balances the hot and cold mix of water coming into your shower or any of your faucets. Checking this valve involves moving the shower controls within the wall, which can be done with basic tools. It may be necessary to contact a professional if you’re not comfortable doing this on your own.

DIVERTER VALVE

In a bath/shower combo (very common in most homes), the diverter valve switches the direction of the water from the bath to the shower. If this area is dripping, or otherwise not working properly, it could negatively impact your water pressure.

UNEXPECTED CLOGS

If a pipe is blocked, or the showerhead is clogged, you can detach it to take a closer look. Clogs are generally easy to fix. A showerhead clog typically occurs when deposits from hard water prevent water from flowing freely. Once detached, you can soak the showerhead in a cleaning solution, and then give it a good scrub. You can also invest in a water softening system to prevent hard water in the first place.

BROKEN PIPES

Broken or cracked pipes delivering water to your home can cause a decrease in water pressure. They can also lead to water damage that could be much more costly. If there’s a leak you don’t know about, the damage could get worse before you discover it.

REVIEW

  • The pressure balance valve and diverter valve can be checked by you or an expert to make sure the settings are correct.
  • Dirty or clogged showerheads and pipes can be cleaned to improve water pressure.
  • Weak water pressure can be a sign of cracks in pipes that you may not realize!

WORTH THE CALL

The Bosworth Company in Kerrville can help you check your water pressure and make sure your next shower provides the relaxation you need. You can reach us at 830-428-2764 or schedule an appointment online. It’s Worth the Call. Always.

Garbage Disposal

Garbage Disposal Leak

Posted on | by The Bosworth Company Kerrville | Leave a Comment on Garbage Disposal Leak

Leaks are a problem wherever they occur. If you notice excess water underneath your kitchen sink, it’s possible you have a leak in your garbage disposal. Sometimes repairing a leak can be an easy fix, while other times it can require professional help. In this post, we’ll cover ways to spot a garbage disposal leak, identify the source, determine the cause, and offer solutions.

THE SOURCE

There are four common parts of a garbage disposal that can leak:

  • The sink flange, which connects the disposal to the sink;
  • The dishwasher hose connection, a plastic hose that connects the side of the disposal to the dishwasher;
  • The drain line connection, usually a curving metal or PVC pipe connecting to the main drain pipe; or
  • The reset button, underneath the primary disposal unit.

THE SIGNS

As mentioned, there are a handful of obvious signs that there’s a problem with your garbage disposal. Things like puddling water, dripping, dampness, or even a musty smell. If you’ve confirmed that the leak isn’t coming from the sink itself or the P-trap, it’s likely the garbage disposal. 

To figure out exactly where it’s coming from follow these simple steps:

  1. Turn off and unplug the disposal.
  2. Fill up the sink about halfway with water.
  3. Add a few drops of food coloring.
  4. Look for leaks in the four locations listed above. The food coloring should help you see any spots!

THE CAUSE

So you figured out where the leak is coming from, but what’s causing it? For the sink flange, dishwasher hose, and drain line, it’s likely a simple plumbing fix. That means common things such as bolts, screws, or other sealants have become loose or started to wear. A few twists of a wrench or some fresh sealant should do the trick. If the leak is coming from the reset button, that’s a sure sign of age and the entire thing needs to be replaced.

WORTH THE CALL

At The Bosworth Company in Kerrville, we know that not every plumbing problem has a do-it-yourself solution. If you have a leaky garbage disposal or any other plumbing issues, we can help! Schedule an appointment online or call us today at 830-428-2764. It’s Worth the Call. Always.

Slab Leaks Found by The Bosworth Company Kerrville

Slab Leaks

Posted on | by The Bosworth Company Kerrville | Leave a Comment on Slab Leaks

It may surprise you to know that slab leaks are a common problem experienced by many homeowners. If you feel like you can hear running water, even when NOTHING is turned on, you may have a slab leak. If the carpet or flooring is moist or if there are warm areas on the floor, you may have a slab leak. Read on to learn more.

WHAT IT IS

Many homes are built on concrete slabs. This solid base makes a great foundation for your home. Oftentimes, pipes carrying water to and from your home go right underneath the slab. Inevitably, these pipes will break down over time. Even a pinhole-sized leak will eventually cause problems in your slab.

FINDING THE LEAK

In the same way that you shouldn’t cut into a wall to find a leak in your home, you should not start breaking concrete looking for a leak underneath the slab. Instead, call a professional who has the proper equipment and knows how to find the leak while limiting any damage to your property.

WHAT TO DO

There are several variables that could define your slab leak. The location and severity of the leak will help determine the exact solution. Lucky for you, knowing those factors before you get started will help reduce the cost of repairs.

AVOIDING A SLAB LEAK

The best way to save money on slab leak repairs is to avoid having one in the first place. Here are a few tips that can help:

  • Avoid drain cleaners with harsh chemicals. These can be effective in clearing clogs, they can also cause your pipes to break down or weaken. Remember, even a tiny hole in a water line can lead to major problems.
  • Keep an eye on the PH level of your water – if it’s too high or too low, that could cause problems as bad or worse than harsh chemicals.
  • Good water pressure feels great in the shower but pressure that’s too high can cause unnecessary stress on your pipes, which can lead to corrosion. 

WORTH THE CALL

At The Bosworth Company in Kerrville, we know slab leaks and we can help! Call us today at 830-428-2764 to make an appointment or schedule one online. The Bosworth Company. Worth the Call. Always.

Addressing Mold Issues

Posted on | by The Bosworth Company Kerrville | Leave a Comment on Addressing Mold Issues

Drain and drainage issues can be some of the most serious threats to your home. Many of our posts deal with simple problems like clogged pipes, but other drainage issues can lead to bigger issues, including flooding, which can be devastating for any home and family. Drainage problems can also lead to mold when areas in your kitchen or bathroom stay damp. 

THE GREAT FLOOD

As mentioned, flooding to the interior of your home is one of the worst and most expensive things that can happen. But before you chalk up the house and all your belongings as a total loss, see what is salvageable. Often, in moments of despair and frustration, flood victims will throw out nearly everything.

SAVE IT OR SCRAP IT?

One of the major factors when considering what to save and what to scrap after a flood is the presence of mold. And just because some mold exists, doesn’t mean it can’t be adequately cleaned. Consider these factors:

  • How much mold is on the item?
  • Is it worth saving? (Valuable keepsakes and home infrastructure should carry more weight, than, say, a pile of old newspapers.)

MOLD DAMAGE

It’s important to remember that mold is not just a dark spot on a wall or a fuzzy corner on the tile. It’s actually a living organism. That means…it’s growing. So whether it’s on walls, books, curtains, anything – if left unchecked it will continue to grow. As the mold grows, the host rots away. At a certain point, even the most valuable items should be tossed.

SAVING GRACE

Thankfully, items with little mold damage are usually salvageable. Vinegar, essential oils, bleach, and other products can help you save furniture or other valued items. An infected item can be sprayed or soaked in vinegar to kill mold and prevent its spread. If you’re able to successfully stop the spread and kill the mold, you may have saved yourself some money!

WORTH THE CALL

Flooding is a fact of life in many areas, but proper drainage can help prevent it. If you feel there are draining or pipe issues in your home, The Bosworth Company in Kerrville can help. Make an appointment with one of our experts today by scheduling it online or calling 830-428-2764. It’s Worth the Call. Always.

Plumbing Problems in Kerrville, TX

Look Out For These Plumbing Problems That Plague Texans

Posted on | by The Bosworth Company Kerrville | Leave a Comment on Look Out For These Plumbing Problems That Plague Texans

Plumbing problems differ across the United States; while Mainers may experience difficulties with freezing pipes, Texans face a slew of other problems unique to the area.

Here are some of the most common plumbing difficulties facing Texan homeowners.

Hard water

Hard water is great if you want to feel particularly exfoliated after your shower; however, hard water can wreak havoc on your pipes, particularly if you own an older Texas home.

Hard water simply means that the water in your pipes has more dissolved minerals and particulates, like magnesium and calcium. If your home is older, this mineral buildup can create blockages, corrode pipes, and settle in your water heater. Even though new tankless water heaters use up to 50% less energy compared to conventional heaters, this buildup in sediment can halve the life of your heater. Luckily, plumbers can implement reverse osmosis and other filtration systems that can help reduce the hardness of your water and improve your plumbing.

A change in your home’s slab or foundation

Not all of Texas is dry. In fact, some areas, like the Sugar Land area, are prone to heavy rains that lead to soil expansion and retraction. These shrink and swell clays can lead to problems in your home’s foundation, slab, and underground plumbing system. Shallow pipes are particularly affected by ground movement, leading to cracks, leaks, or worse. If you suspect an issue with your plumbing or any slab changes after a heavy rain or dry period, don’t hesitate to call professional plumbers in your area.

Galvanized pipes

This is a particularly common issue for older homes in Texas. Many old homes utilized galvanized pipes when the house was built, meaning that a steel pipe was installed and covered in a layer of zinc.

Unfortunately, the zinc will erode over time and promote corrosion in the pipes. This can cause leaks, burst pipes, and issues with water pressure. If you have galvanized pipes, you’ll likely have to replace your entire plumbing system with the help of a professional plumber.

When you want to improve your home’s plumbing, don’t hesitate to call The Bosworth Company in Kerrville. Our professional plumbers offer the best in water filter systems and plumbing repair throughout Texas. Visit our website or call today for more information! Worth The Call. Always.

Is Your Home Cold Weather Ready?

Is Your Home Cold Weather Ready?

Posted on | by The Bosworth Company Kerrville | Leave a Comment on Is Your Home Cold Weather Ready?

Though we’re experiencing unseasonably warm weather for fall, it’s never too early to get your home cold weather ready. In fact, we’re expecting a 30° temperature drop mid-week! The Bosworth Company prefers preparedness over panic, so be sure to follow these steps on getting ready for chilly winter temperatures.

Get Your Home Cold Weather Ready with These 4 Tips

Prep the Plumbing

Though many people expect cold weather problems to come from their furnace, they often forget about frozen pipes! It’s important to get your plumbing ready for cooler temperatures, including sealing off outdoor valves and insulating exposed pipes. Not only can these freeze when the temps drop, you also risk them bursting when water expands.

Seal the Deal

Prevent cold air from entering your home by sealing drafty windows and doors. As your home settles with age or seals begin to wear, your home may not be as protected from air leaks as you’d like. Additionally, keep your garage above North Pole temperatures by installing weather stripping along the garage floor.

Invest in a Nest®

Have you heard about the Nest WiFi Thermostat offered by Bosworth? It’s a high-tech way to save on your energy bills each month. With the Nest, you’re able to take control of your thermostat, no matter where you are! Not only does it help keep your home toasty warm, on average, the Nest saves consumers between 10% and 12% on their monthly heating bills.

Prepare, Prepare Prepare

“By failing to prepare, you are preparing to fail.” -Benjamin Franklin

Maintaining your home is critical – and we aren’t just talking about cosmetic improvements. When you include our fall electrical and heating services as part of your home maintenance plan, it can help you avoid a catastrophic event when it starts to really get cold. You should also consider adding a Kohler backup generator to your home, if you’re worried about electrical outages this winter.

Are you worried your home isn’t going to pass the cold weather test? Don’t fear – Bosworth is here! Whether you need plumbing, heater, or electrical service for your home or business, we’re available to help. Schedule your service today!

Do I have a Slab Leak?

Do I Have A Slab Leak?

Posted on | by The Bosworth Company Kerrville | 2 Comments on Do I Have A Slab Leak?

Do I have a slab leak? Just hearing the words “slab leak” are enough to make you quiver. No one wants to have to tear up their floors, yard, or landscaping – what a mess! There are some signs to look for if you think you have a slab leak. Take a look at the ones below.

What Is A Slab Leak?

A slab leak is a leak in one of the water lines running below the concrete floor (slab) of your home. While there are various causes of a slab leak, they can lead to massive leaks that compromise the stability of your home’s foundation. That’s why it’s especially important to act fast to diagnose and repair a slab leak before it causes excessive damage.

Signs Of A Slab Leak

Wet Floors – If you do have a slab leak, you may experience wet floors that ultimately become warped. This is due to water coming from underneath the saturated concrete slab.

Musky Smell – The smell of wet carpet/flooring along with damp and moldy walls can create a musky odor. If you have a slab leak that involves your sewer line, you could smell something much more potent – yuck!

Mold – After water seeps into your floors, it will begin to travel up your walls. Since drywall absorbs water quickly, this may lead to mold in the walls.

Hot Spots – If the pipe causing the slab leak is under your yard instead of your house, this could lead to hot spots. In fact, we’ve even had dogs find hot spots in the winter. They tend to want to lay on them, especially in the winter, because they’re warm!

Take Action

Upon noticing signs of a slab leak, it is imperative that you take action immediately. Unfortunately, since slab leaks are signs of bad pipe, you’re more likely to have additional slab leaks after you have one. While one idea is repairing each leak as it arises, the best idea is to redo your piping. There are options, however, that don’t involve having to trench your yard or floors.

If you think you have a slab leak, or if you’re interested in finding out more about the solution that’s right for you, contact The Bosworth Company today. Our team of expert plumbers would be happy to diagnose your plumbing problem and recommend the solution that best fits your needs. Schedule service online today!

Plumbing Donts

6 Plumbing Don’ts 

Posted on | by The Bosworth Company Kerrville | Leave a Comment on 6 Plumbing Don’ts 

While unexpected plumbing emergencies do happen, a lot of plumbing problems can be easily prevented. In fact, most homeowners don’t realize just how precious their plumbing is until it stops working. Check out these 6 plumbing don’ts to properly maintain your plumbing and prevent costly repairs!

1. Consider relocating your trashcan – A lot of people put their trashcan under their kitchen sink. While this seems like a good place because it’s out of the way, it’s a place that can also damage your under cabinet plumbing with a simple knock or bump.

2. Be careful with your garbage disposal – Keep out certain things such as fibrous food peels, coffee grounds and eggs shells as well as flour and rice that can gunk up the disposal and clog your drain. Remember that garbage disposals aren’t a cure all for your food-related waste.

3. The un-flushables – Flushing un-flushable items can ultimately halt all plumbing by blocking your main plumbing drain. One of the biggest un-flushable culprits? Cleaning materials such as paper towels or disinfecting wipes. Trash them instead!

4. Leaving the hose connected during the winter – When you leave the hose connected to the outdoor faucet all year, you risk the faucet and even the water supply pipe, to freeze. Don’t take the risk and disconnect the hose before the onset of freezing temperatures.

5. Using chemicals in your drains – While it may seem like a good idea, using chemicals in your drains can potentially cause two problems: 1) using bleach and other anti-bacterial chemicals in your drain, you are stopping the helpful microbes that eat away your sewage in your septic system. 2) it can ruin your pipes and eventually eat them away.

6. DIY Plumbing – Trying to tackle blocked drains, leaking pipes, or water heater pressure on your own will likely lead to bigger (more expensive) problems. Plumbing is complex and should only be handled by a professional.

Worth The Call

While avoiding the above things can potentially help avoid costly repairs, if you do experience plumbing problems, contact the plumbing experts at The Bosworth Company! We’re worth the call. For other tips like these, be sure to follow our boards on Pinterest!

A Warning Sign with a Question Mark

5 Signs Your Water Heater Is Going Out

Posted on | by The Bosworth Company Kerrville | 12 Comments on 5 Signs Your Water Heater Is Going Out

Typically, a water heater is the most costly component of a home’s plumbing. If you’ve ever had a water heater go out, you know that you don’t want it to happen again. Not only can it be a huge mess, but cold showers are simply no fun. That’s why it’s important to look for signs your water heater is going out…

Look For These Signs

  1. Temperature – Does the temperature of your water seem off? If your water doesn’t seem to get hot enough, or if it’s too hot, this could be a sign that your water heater is going out. Sometimes, however, this problem can be fixed by adjusting the thermostat in your unit. Generally, the ideal temperature for hot water is between 120 and 140 degrees.
  2. Lack of hot water – No hot water? Typically, this is an easy fix. More than likely, your heating element has gone out (or gas thermocouple, if your device is powered by natural gas). This requires a simple relighting. If that doesn’t work, you may have to replace a part on the element itself.
  3. Noise – Can you hear your water heater knocking, whining, or creaking? Sometimes this is simply caused by the sediment buildup inside the tank. This buildup comes in contact with the heating element and makes noise as the sediment is burnt away. Flushing the tank can correct this problem. However, noise is also a sign that the heating element is broken. If that’s the case, you could need a new water heater.
  4. Leaking – Have you noticed standing water from your hot water heater? It’s important to contact a plumber immediately in order to prevent flooding and damage to your home.
  5. Age – How old is your water heater? Most residential water heaters are sold with a 5-year or 10-year warranty. Your water heater should last at least that long, but usually they can last up to 15 years. If you experience common problems with your hot water heater and it has reached 15 years, this could be an indication that it’s time for replacement.

Contact Us

We’re the plumbers you want to call for you water heater problems. We’re the knowledgeable experts who will diagnose your problem and take care of it immediately, saving you trouble (and money!) down the road. We also have the perfect solutions for your water heater needs, including Noritz Tankless Hot Water Heaters. For more information, or to request service, contact us today!

Heavy Duty Wrenches

5 Reasons You Should Call A Plumber

Posted on | by The Bosworth Company Kerrville | 2 Comments on 5 Reasons You Should Call A Plumber

While it may seem practical to fix a plumbing problem yourself, that is rarely the case. In fact, you’re likely to cause more damage and spend more money than if you were to call a plumber in the first place. Today, we’ll give you some scenarios where it is best to call a plumber. Have a look!

  1. Bathtub Clog – Have you noticed that your bathtub isn’t draining properly? More than likely, there is a clog in your drain. Don’t risk damaging the plumbing; call a plumber right away. The longer you wait, the larger the blockage will become!
  2. Dripping Faucet – According to the EPA, a leak of 1 drip per second can waste as much as 3,000 gallons of water a year! What’s worse is that a dripping faucet could be a sign of a bigger plumbing problem. Call a plumber to get to the source of the trouble.
  3. Frozen Pipes – Yikes! Frozen pipes are a wintertime plumbing nightmare. If you know your pipes are frozen, it’s best to go ahead and call a plumber. A burst pipe can lead to water damage that you definitely don’t want!
  4. Clogged Toilet – While most toilet clogs are easily fixed with a plunger, it’s a bad sign if a plunger won’t do the trick. That could mean there’s a sewer line issue…don’t damage your porcelain or plumbing. Call a plumber!
  5. No Flow – Does your water pressure seem weak or inconsistent? This problem could be caused by simple mineral buildup, but it could also be a sign of a bigger issue with the supply line. A plumber should be able to diagnose and fix the problem right away.

Worth The Call.

Don’t take plumbing problems into your own hands! It’s not only dangerous, but it can also be costly. For any and all of your plumbing needs, trust The Bosworth Company. Our licensed plumbers will have you back up and running in no time! We’re worth the call. Always.