Residential Archives - The Bosworth Company Kerrville

Soft Water for Washing Machine

Posted on May 29, 2021 | by The Bosworth Company Kerrville | Leave a Comment

When you think about the inconveniences of hard water, one of the first things you think of is bad taste and lack of drinkability. But one of the other side effects is the negative effect hard water can have on your clothes, making them stiff and comfortable, and causing them to wear out faster. In this post, we’ll discuss a few solutions, including how a water softener can help make your laundry fresher and cleaner and help keep your washing machine running fully.

HARD WATER HEADACHE

Those heavy particles that make the water “hard” in the first place stick to your clothes just like they stick to your shower walls and sinks. It even combines with detergents to create a film that makes your clothes stiff. Hard water chemically suppresses the soap suds and can cause some people to add more detergent, which can add to the adverse effect on your clothes.

SOFT SOLUTION

Water that has been softened has the opposite effect. It can actually enhance soap suds helping your clothes get cleaner by penetrating into the fabrics to loosen dirt. If you do start using a water softener, make sure to lessen the amount of detergent you use! You won’t need it, and don’t want to end up with a soap sud overload!

These systems are called water softeners, but they could be called clothing softeners because that’s exactly the effect they’ll have on your laundry. If you’ve been using a fabric softener, you may not even need it anymore once your water is soft.

The effect of soft water also affects the temperature needed to keep your clothes clean. Hot water is harsher on clothing, but sometimes necessary to create those suds. Softer water means you can turn down the temperature without sacrificing cleanliness. Cooler water also means you won’t have to worry about your dark or bright colors fading!

WORTH THE CALL

If you’re ready for softer water and the softer clothing that comes with it, let The Bosworth Company in Kerrville install a water softener today for all your washing needs! Call us for a consultation at 830-428-2764 or book an appointment online. It’s Worth the Call. Always.

Garbage Disposal Leak

Posted on February 26, 2021 | by The Bosworth Company Kerrville | Leave a Comment

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:

Turn off and unplug the disposal.
Fill up the sink about halfway with water.
Add a few drops of food coloring.
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.

Addressing Mold Issues

Posted on July 17, 2020 | by The Bosworth Company Kerrville | Leave a Comment

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.

Advantages of Going Tankless

Posted on October 22, 2019 | by The Bosworth Company Kerrville | Leave a Comment

Yes, even in Texas it gets cold in the winter. And who doesn’t enjoy a long, hot shower to help you thaw out after some time outside? Unless you have a tankless water heater, your shower may be hot, but it’s just a matter of time before it begins to cool. Or maybe you have company, and you’re third (or fourth) in line for the bathroom. By the time you get your turn, what’s coming out of the faucet is lukewarm… at best. That’s because traditional water heaters only heat as much water as can fit in the tank. Once you run through the 40-50 gallons of pre-heated water in the tank, you’re out of hot water.

THE SOLUTION

With a tankless water heater, you will not run out of hot water. You can stay in that hot shower for as long as you want. The best part is that a tankless water heater will save you money, too! That’s because the heating mechanism only uses electricity when you actually need it. This is in contrast to a traditional water tank, which is constantly burning energy to keep the water in the tank warm, which saves you money in the long run.

When you turn on the faucet, sensors detect the water flow. That prompts the fan to turn on, which draws in air from the outside, opens the valve, and lights the burner. The burner is critical because it heats the exchanger that heats the water before it comes out of the faucet and hits your skin. The system’s valves are critical as well, making sure the temperature stays hot, but not too hot.

NORITZ TANKLESS WATER HEATERS

The Bosworth Company is proud to offer Noritz Tankless Water Heaters. Noritz hot water heaters feature a compact design, and don’t take up space like traditional hot water tanks. Noritz water heaters are durable, require little maintenance, and when purchased through The Bosworth Company, offer competitive warranties.

If you’d like to save money and guarantee endless hot water, give The Bosworth Company a call today at 830-428-2764 or schedule an appointment online! Worth the call. Always.

Going On A Holiday Vacation? Protect Your Plumbing!

Posted on December 6, 2016 | by The Bosworth Company Kerrville | Leave a Comment

The holidays are a popular time to go on vacation. Whether you’re visiting family or just looking for a cold weather escape, you should take certain precautions when it comes to your plumbing. Take a look at these ways to protect your plumbing if you’re leaving town!

Turn Off The Water

No one wants to come home to water damage. If your home will be empty for an extended period of time while there’s below freezing temperatures, consider turning off your water while you are gone to avoid the issue entirely. Another alternative is to have someone stay at your house while you’re away. This way, they can keep an eye on things and take care of any emergency situations that come up. (Not to mention if it looks like someone is home, your home is less likely to be broken into.)

Keep Your Pipes Warm

If you decide against turning off all water supply, you have to keep those pipes warm to prevent them from bursting. Keep the heat on, as cold homes are more likely to have frozen pipes. You want to keep everything above freezing temperatures, but not run up your heating bill. Be sure to cover your outside faucets to prevent them from freezing as well.

Turn Off Your Hot Water Tank

We wouldn’t wish anyone’s hot water heater to go out, but it does happen. And sometimes, when it does, it can be a mess. Avoid the risk entirely and turn off your hot water tank before you leave.

One Last Check

It’s probably a good idea to do a routine check of your plumbing before you head out. Check for leaks or any drips (don’t forget to look under the sinks) that could potentially turn into a big problem should they be left unattended.

No Additional Charge!

We wish you safe travels this holiday season! If you do choose to stay home, remember that there is no additional charge for holiday service calls! Request our service online any time!

Signs You Need A New AC For Summer

Posted on June 21, 2016 | by The Bosworth Company Kerrville | Leave a Comment

We may have already experienced triple digit temps, but yesterday marked the official first day of summer! You know what that means…

The heat is just beginning!

Is your AC in tip-top shape? If not, it should be. You never appreciate your AC until it’s gone, and no one wants to experience that! Let us tell you how to determine if you need a new AC for summer!

Signs You Need A New AC:

If your AC unit is older than 10 years old.
If you have a rise in indoor humidity.
If your AC unit is mismatched to the cooling load of the home (too big or too small).
If your AC unit is not energy efficient, you could possibly consider investing in a new, more efficient unit. This saves both energy and money!
If you notice an increase in dust.
If your AC unit is loud or noisy.
If your AC turns on and off rapidly (this could be a sign of a worn out compressor).
If you have made more than 2 repairs to your AC in the past year.

These are just a few of the critical signs you need a new AC. We would be happy to come out and assess your current system and help you determine to repair or replace. If you do have to replace, now is the time!

New Lennox Promo — Contact us to find out how to save up to $1500 on a new Lennox system!

From now until August 19, 2016, you can receive a $1500 rebate on a qualifying Lennox® system! That’s right…you can save on both a new AC system AND in energy costs, as the innovation behind Lennox systems create a unit that is both efficient and effective. Even when the weather heats up, a Lennox® air conditioner can keep your home perfectly cool, quiet and efficient!

Programming Your Thermostat

Posted on June 7, 2016 | by The Bosworth Company Kerrville | 2 Comments

Programming your thermostat can not only achieve a consistent temperature in your home, but it can also lead to utility savings, too! But how do you know what temperature is best for your home…especially with this wild West Texas weather? Don’t worry, The Bosworth Company is here to help!

Warmer Months (Spring, Summer)

Programming your thermostat to 78 degrees could save approximately six to eight percent off your home energy bill for every degree higher than 78 degrees to which you set your thermostat. This may be a little higher than you are used to, but will deliver the best results for saving on your energy bill. Remember to close blinds/curtains and to turn on your ceiling fans!

When you are away from your home, consider programming your thermostat to around 86. You won’t feel the heat when you aren’t home, so why not save money and energy?

Cooler Months (Fall, Winter)

In the fall and winter, keeping your thermostat at a steady 68 degrees Fahrenheit while will help save in energy costs. Lowering that number 10 degrees while out of the house will help you see a reduction in energy usage by five to 15 percent.

Program Your Thermostat According To…

The most active part of your day (typically when getting ready in the morning)
Vacation time (why heat/cool an empty house?)
Bedtime

If you have more questions on programming your thermostat, we’d be happy to help! We also offer promotions on qualifying systems if you’re considering purchasing a new HVAC! Contact us or check out our Facebook page to learn more!

Easy Ways To Get Your Patio Ready For Summer

Posted on May 31, 2016 | by The Bosworth Company Kerrville | Leave a Comment

A backyard patio is so nice when you’re escaping the heat from the summer sun! But it’s been almost a year since you’ve really used your patio, and it’s in pretty bad shape. Don’t worry! Check out our easy ways to get your patio ready for summer!

1. Pick your shade
Shade is very important in the summertime. If your backyard patio is not already covered, consider building an add on to shade your deck. This can also help to add value to your home! If that’s not part of the plan, you can always purchase a patio table with an umbrella attachment. Pick a bright, summer color that matches the rest of your patio decor.

2. Furniture
Another patio must? Furniture. Consider purchasing a patio furniture set that is not only stylish and comfortable, but weatherproof too. Look for words like “fade resistant” and “durable” when you’re shopping. You should also invest in several extra chairs (or maybe even a hammock) for when you have extra guests.

3. Outdoor Cooking
Who doesn’t love a summer BBQ? Make it happen by purchasing a grill for your patio. When shopping, consider who you’ll be cooking for; mainly just your family or do you like to cook for a crowd? Depending on your answer (and the size of your patio), choose a grill with the right amount of burners. In addition to a grill, think about purchasing a pizza oven…perfect for patio pizza parties!

4. Make A Statement
Find something that really makes your patio pop! This can be a fire pit, a fountain, a brightly colored flower pot, or maybe even a small fish pond! A statement piece like this helps add to the ambiance of your patio.

5. Light It Up
You don’t want to wind things down just because it gets dark! Don’t forget to choose lights for your patio. These can be anything from string lights, to classic or citronella candles, or even tiki torches. You don’t want it to be too bright, just enough to light things up a bit.

Your backyard patio is essentially another room to your house. Make the comfort of your home flow into your backyard patio. Hopefully the tips above do just the trick! For all your home construction or renovation needs, contact The Bosworth Company. We’re worth the call. Always.

Where To Find Household Plumbing Leaks

Posted on March 15, 2016 | by The Bosworth Company Kerrville | Leave a Comment

The average family of 4 uses approximately 400 gallons of water per day. While about 25% of that comes from flushing the toilet, almost 14% comes from household plumbing leaks! While some leaks are obvious, some aren’t. How do you know where they’re coming from or if they even exist? Find out where to find those pesky household plumbing leaks!

Toilets-When you flush, check behind the toilet to see if you can see (or hear) drips. Not only is this a problematic (not to mention expensive) leak, it can also be causing water damage behind your toilet.

Showers-Test all showers’ water pressure by turning them on and assessing the power from which water leaves the faucet. If you think the pressure is low, there could be a leak.

Pipe Size-Pipes should be sized 3/4 of an inch from the water source to the home, and a half inch or more to faucets. This is to ensure high enough water pressure. Anything more could lead to low water pressure and potential leaks.

Water Heater-When was the last time the water heater was serviced? Most manufactures recommend once a year. If it was much longer than that, you should consider calling a service company to check and flush the heater. Also, look for signs of corrosion or buildup on the water heater. This could mean a replacement is in the near future.

Attic Space-Some people forget about the crawl spaces and attic for water damage. Make sure you take a good look before getting too invested in buying or selling!

Plumbing leaks are both inconvenient and expensive. It’s important to routinely check your home for leaks to avoid costly repairs or replacements. If you have questions about your plumbing problems, contact The Bosworth Company!

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