Tips & Tricks Archives - The Bosworth Company Kerrville

3 Simple Tips For Saving Water (and Money)

Posted on July 30, 2021 | by The Bosworth Company Kerrville | Leave a Comment

In the hot Texas summer, it’s really easy to use a lot of water. From the pool to the house – Texans are looking for anything to offer some relief. But we all know that we don’t have an endless supply of water. Not only is conserving water good for the environment, but it’ll also save you money! In this post, we’ll take a look at a few ways you can start saving today!

USE THE DISHWASHER

Appliances like your dishwasher use a lot of water, right? Actually, you may be surprised to know that running your dishwasher typically saves more water than washing dishes by hand. Leaving your sink faucet running for several minutes while thoroughly washing a sink full of dishes often uses more water than a full cycle on the dishwater. Give your dishes a quick rinse to get rid of grease, crumbs, or other stuck-on food, then place them in the dishwasher rack and wait for it to fill up. An ENERGY STAR certified dishwasher only uses about 5 gallons of water per load, but washing by hand takes up to 25 gallons! As an added bonus, you’ll eliminate the clutter caused by leaving dirty or drying dishes sitting around your kitchen.

LOOK FOR LEAKS

If pools of water start appearing in your kitchen or bathroom, you know you’ve got a leak. Those types of leaks can show up in any place water is used, including the toilet, bathtub, sinks, showers, and the laundry room. Many fixtures have an emergency shutoff valve that can also leak. Even if you don’t notice a leak, occasionally check your water meter. If the reading ever seems unusually high, you’ll know there’s an issue. Call an expert like ours at The Bosworth Company who can get to the root of the problem!

WATER HEATER MAINTENANCE

Your hot water heater is the heart of all the water that pumps through your home. Making sure it’s running efficiently can save water, and is easy to accomplish with a little maintenance. This can include making sure all valves are working properly, and draining it about once a year.

WORTH THE CALL

If your water bill is inexplicably going up, The Bosworth Company in Kerrville can help. Schedule an appointment online or give us a call today at 830-428-2764. It’s Worth The Call. Always.

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.

Energy Savings

Posted on February 25, 2021 | by The Bosworth Company Kerrville | Leave a Comment

We’re all trying to save money wherever we can, and paying for comfort is no exception. Thankfully, HVAC efficiency keeps more money in your wallet and benefits the environment as well. Typically, heating and cooling account for at least half of your energy expenses! That’s why efficiency is a critical part of saving money on your monthly bill. In this post, we’ll offer a few practical tips on how increase energy savings by increasing efficiency.

SEAL THE GAPS

If there are cracks or gaps around windows and doors, be sure to seal them up tight. These are generally relatively easy DIY projects. You can get sealant and tape at your local hardware store. You want air coming in through your vents, but not through doors and windows! Sealing them up will help you keep the comfortable air (that you can control) in!

REGULAR HVAC MAINTENANCE

Regular HVAC maintenance will increase the lifespan of your unit and increase efficiency. It’s a good idea to have it checked out once a year. The Bosworth Company in Kerrville runs specials every spring and fall to get your HVAC ready for the heat or cool. These Clean and Checks include a full clean, inspection, and general tune-up!

REPLACE FILTER

Regular replacement of your filters will help your HVAC unit breathe easier, prevent it from working as hard, make it last longer, and increase its efficiency.

GET WITH THE PROGRAM

Programmable thermostats are one of the newest high-tech features in the HVAC world. Just program the temperature to fit your schedule. A smart thermostat can even learn your habits and make temperature adjustments accordingly. You can even control the temperature from an app when you’re away. All these factors increase both comfort, efficiency and energy savings.

EQUIPMENT UPGRADE

Every part of your HVAC unit will age and need to be replaced eventually. The core of your unit will likely need an overhaul about once every 15 years. Putting it off will not only leave you uncomfortable but can cost you efficiency since your unit is working harder when it’s past its prime.

WORTH THE CALL

If you notice a problem with your heating or A/C, don’t wait to get it fixed. The Bosworth Company can come to give you a tune-up or recommend a new unit if necessary. Make an appointment today by calling 830-428-2764 or scheduling one online. The Bosworth Company. Worth the Call. Always.

3 Critical Things to Keep Out of Your Attic

Posted on December 30, 2020 | by The Bosworth Company Kerrville | Leave a Comment

Your attic may seem like the scariest place in your home. This “spooky” feeling is at least in part because of the influence of Hollywood horror films. But did you know there are a few simple things you can look for in the attic to improve your HVAC’s performance? In this post, we’ll take a look at a few of the items you may find above the ceiling, and what it means for your overall comfort.

EXCESSIVE HEAT

Naturally, you don’t monitor the temperature in your attic because you’re not up there much. But it’s important to remember that your home shouldn’t get too hot, even in the attic. Limited ventilation can leave your attic hot and very humid. There are a variety of side effects of excessive heat in your attic. For starters, it can lead to your HVAC unit overheating and burning out. That’s no fun for your comfort or your wallet. If the heat comes with humidity, this could also lead to structural damage to your home and even mold.

MOLD AND MILDEW

Finding mold or mildew anywhere in your home is a major red flag. If you see any sort of mold (often visible as small black dots) in your home or attic, it’s critical that you get it inspected as soon as possible. Black mold can lead to severe health problems including difficulty breathing, headaches, and other side effects. If you show these or other symptoms, get your home checked for mold.

PESTS

No one enjoys the feeling of knowing that there’s something “alive” in the attic. Mice, squirrels, or other pests are a nuisance for you and can wreak havoc on your home. But how did they get there in the first place? They probably got in through an opening in the attic space that can be repaired – and the dark, moist atmosphere makes it desirable for them to stay.

One good solution is good insulation. It will not only deter pests but also keep the warm or cool air where it belongs: inside the living spaces in your home.

WORTH THE CALL

The Bosworth Company in Kerrville has certified HVAC pros who can assist you with your heating and cooling needs no matter what you may find in the attic! Give us a call today at 830-428-2764 to make an appointment or schedule one online. The Bosworth Company. Worth the Call. Always.

Clearing the Dust

Posted on October 30, 2020 | by The Bosworth Company Kerrville | Leave a Comment

COVID has us staying home a lot more than we have for a while – even now. With so much time indoors, things like dust can be more noticeable and bothersome than ever. As we get into cooler weather, now is the time to do what you can to rid your home of those pesky dust bunnies! We’ll offer a few tips in this post.

VENTS

You may not realize it, but vents have a big influence on the air quality in your home. A full duct cleaning will require a professional, but you can do some simple cleaning to help keep your vents clear. After turning off your HVAC unit, remove the registers, and use a sponge to reach back as far as possible. There’s likely to be a lot of dust just on the other side of your wall or ceiling. The secret is vacuuming out the dust clots while they’re still damp. Use the attachment on your vacuum to reach into the duct.

FILTERS

It’s a theme in many of our posts: regularly changing or cleaning your filters will reduce dust and improve efficiency. This is simple to do and inexpensive. Filters should be changed several times a year, ideally every other month. A clogged filter limits airflow and forces your system to work harder.

HVAC

Think of regular maintenance on your HVAC the same as you would changing the oil in your car. Sure, you could ignore it for a while, but it will come back to bite you. As the weather cools, it’s a great time to take advantage of The Bosworth Company’s Fall Check and Check. We’ll give your system a complete tune-up so you’re ready for the winter!

WATER HEATER

Excess dust can impact your water heater as well. That’s because dust particles can clog up the lines. It’s a good idea to get the water heater checked to make sure the water is clean. This will help it last longer and run more efficiently.

AIR PURIFIERS

The number one way to reduce dust is with an air purifier. You can get one for one room or a whole home air purifier that works with your HVAC. Purifiers can improve air quality, help your breathing, reduce allergies, and generate other positive effects.

WORTH THE CALL

The Bosworth Company in Kerrville is proud to be certified dealers of the REME HALO-LED Whole Home In-Duct Air Purifier. This state-of-the-art purifier will reduce dust and keep you breathing easy for years to come. Make an appointment today by scheduling it online or by calling 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.

Are Those Annoying Slow Drains, Slowing You Down?

Posted on March 13, 2018 | by The Bosworth Company Kerrville | Leave a Comment

Are you frustrated because you have a slow drain? Have you tried liquid plumbing solutions and other clog fixes, but it still isn’t working correctly? Many people have been in your shoes, throwing their hands in the air, giving up on a drain. It inevitably happens whether we like it or not. Here are some causes of that annoying slow or clogged drain:

Pipes gunked up- In bathrooms, especially the shower, pipes can get all gunked up from soap, dirt, and clumps of hair. These can adhere themselves to the walls of pipes, and over time they will start clogging the drain line. When that happens, there’s only a small area to let water flow through, causing a drain to take awhile to empty your shower or tub.

Grease in kitchen drains- Grease should never be put in any drain, but it happens. The grease solidifies when it gets cold, and that’s what sticks to the walls of the pipes in the kitchen drains. The more grease and other food particles gluing themselves inside the drain line, the less room there will be for water to flow out of the sink.

Flushing foreign items down the toilet- Facial tissues, wet wipes (not flushable), cotton swaps, rags and children’s toys are some of those things. You’d be amazed what has been found flushed down a toilet that ended up clogging it. Flushing them down the toilet was easy, but getting them out is not going to be as easy.

Drains that are slow or clogged can be frustrating to deal with. When simple fixes aren’t working, just give us a call and let us handle it. The business of cleaning drains isn’t pleasant, but we’ll deal with it, so you don’t have to. If needed, we’ll use our handy drain camera to evaluate the condition of your pipes to make sure they’re in good order or to pinpoint the location of a clog. Once we find the problem, fixing it will be a breeze.

Give Bosworth a call today and get your drains flowing normally again! (432) 570-5233

3 Reasons Why You Need a Reverse Osmosis System

Posted on February 14, 2018 | by The Bosworth Company Kerrville | Leave a Comment

People who live in homes, without any filtering systems, find that their water is not only bad for the taste buds but also bad for their health. In an age, where we’re more conscious about what foods we take into our bodies, our drinking water is not given much thought. The contaminants found in some home water’s supply can drop a few jaws, in surprise. And, we’re drinking it. There are many options for filtering units available, but many of them still leave behind particles of unhealthy toxins.

The Reverse Osmosis System is a filtering unit, that removes impurities, from the water, and makes it healthier to drink. Here are three reasons why you need to install one of these filtering systems in your home and leave the other processing units behind:

1.It’s better than bottled water- Most people stock up on bottled water they purchase on sale at their local grocery stores. First of all, imagine how much money you spend on bottled water throughout a year. For an average family, you might pay, several hundred dollars or more, give or take, depending on the size of the family and how much water you drink. Plus, not all water in those bottles is actually healthy. It’s been said that the plastic in the water bottles contains chemicals that ultimately leach into the water and you end up ingesting it.

2.A Reverse Osmosis System filters in stages- Reverse osmosis uses four different stages of filtration to remove impurities. Most systems use only one, maybe two filters to sift out the toxins in the water. Each filter reverse osmosis system uses, is designed to filter out a specific type of contaminant leaving you with nothing but clean, drinking water.

3.It’s Better than Bitter Tasting water– How often have we drank a glass of water from the tap only to regret it afterward? Some unfiltered, as well as some filtered, water, tastes and smells terrible. We are told to drink at least eight glasses of water daily, but that’s hard to do when your water leaves an aftertaste in your mouth. A reverse osmosis system will remove the impurities, that causes that lousy water taste, and will give you fresh, clean tasting water you won’t mind going back for more.

A reverse osmosis system offers you more for your health than you might have thought. Contact us, today, for more information on what a reverse osmosis system can do for you and your family.

New Year Home Resolutions

Posted on December 26, 2017 | by The Bosworth Company Kerrville | Leave a Comment

Can you believe we’ve only got a week before 2018 arrives? When it comes to setting goals for the upcoming year, it’s easy to get overwhelmed. However, there are several new year home resolutions to add to your list. Adding these to your to-do list can help save you time and money throughout the year. We’re sharing eight tips for 2018!

New Year Home Resolutions You Don’t Want to Miss

(1) HVAC Maintenance

Though it’s easy to swap out your air filters, you *might* have neglected seasonal professional services. Preventative maintenance from the Bosworth Company can help to identify and correct problems before they become costly repairs. Additionally, regular service appointments help your HVAC system run more smoothly, which can save you money on your utility bills.

(2) Keep Vents Clean

Over time, pet fuzzies, dirty, and allergens can clog up your vents. These clogs can reduce airflow and cause your HVAC system to work harder than is necessary. Add it to your annual resolutions to clean vents at least once monthly (more so if your family has allergies).

(3) Pay Attention to Plumbing

Whether it’s a matter of what not to flush down the toilet or things to avoid putting in the disposal, your plumbing needs TLC, too. Consider cleaning out P-traps and drains regularly, switching out rusty hardware on toilets, faucets, and tubs when they start to wear out and paying attention to what goes down your drains.

(4) Switch to More Efficient Appliances

If it’s time to get new appliances, talk to Bosworth first! We can help you choose the most efficient equipment for your home or business’s needs. In addition to saving energy, these appliances can reduce monthly bills – on both repairs and utilities.

(5) Create Open Lines

We’re talking about AC condensate lines, drains, and, surprisingly enough, dryer vents. Make sure you give your house a frequent deep clean, including places where unseen buildup can create big problems.

(6) Switch Products

Some chemicals can be incredibly harsh on your plumbing lines. This is even truer if you’re on a septic system (bleach products can harm the waste-eating bacteria). Ask a trusted plumber about the right products to use to increase your pipe’s lifespan.

(7) Replace Batteries

If you have battery-operated devices, the new year is a great time to remember to switch batteries. Items such as carbon monoxide detectors, smoke alarms, or thermostats can eat up batteries. Therefore, make a plan to test and replace them every four to six months.

(8) Safety Checks

Gas lines, carbon monoxide, and ventilation are some of the most dangerous parts of owning a home. Be sure to have a professional test your property at least once annually to make sure you’re home is leak-free.

All of us at Bosworth wish you a safe and happy 2018!

SaveSave