Do I Need A Second Opinion?

plumbing SECOND OPINION

 

A second opinion can save you from the shady salesman in our industry.  Unfortunately seeing other companies scam customers is something we encounter all the time. JD Precision Plumbing is trying to change the stigma. Sewer line replacement is one of the most costly repairs you can have done to your home, you owe it to yourself to be sure the repair is necessary. We want people to feel confidence in the professionals they hire for their home, this is why integrity is one of our core values at JD Precision!

Who should I call for a second opinion?Who should I Call for plumber

Any company with a history of good reviews is a great option for a second opinion. Obviously we would love for JD Precision Plumbing to be the second opinion if you have already had someone at your home to look at the issue, but if not we prefer to be the first one! Click here for more information on sewer line services.

 

 

 

Why is a second opinion important for a sewer line replacement?Plumbing What to expect

A sewer line replacement can be extremely costly. When you find yourself with a clog in your home it is likely caused by a belly in the line,  roots, bad glue joints, burrs from a cut pipe, no fall in the line, or foreign objects in pipe- for more information on these causes click HERE

A true professional will cable a stoppage first. Then run a sewer camera down the line to be sure the cause has been removed. If the camera shows obvious damage to the pipe a replacement is advised. If there is visible buildup causing the blockage a jetting machine should then be used to clear all debris stuck to the inside of the pipe to ensure there is no additional issues. A second camera should then be put down the line to be sure the problem has been fully taken care of.

 

A second opinion is crucial if you encounter the following:

  • I didn't like the guy that came to my house
  • I felt the price was too high
  • The technician didn't seem knowledgeable
  • I had a personality clash with the salesman

Always go with your gut. If it doesn't feel right it might not be!

With a sewer line issue you should always ask for time stamped video and always ask to see camera footage live. This is important because someone without integrity could attempt to show you footage of a different persons drain lines. If you are watching live as they go down your pipes there is no denying the footage is real. 

Check out this video to hear about a second opinion that saved one of our customers over $10,000!

 

 

Emergency! How Do I Prepare?

Emergency Preparedness

September is USA National Preparedness Month!

In an emergency water is ESSENTIAL to survival!

According to the Mayo Clinic drinking water does more than just quench your thirst — it’s essential to keeping your body functioning properly and feeling healthy. Nearly all of your body’s major systems depend on water to function and survive. Water is especially important in an emergency or disaster situation, when water from the city becomes undrinkable or stops flowing for any reason.

What you need to save water:

At least 1 gallon of water per person per day for several days, for drinking and sanitation. Keep in mind that individual needs will vary depending on health, age, physical condition, diet, and activity levels. Also, climate, here in Texas some of our worst storms hit when the temperature is very high- stay prepared for your family on an individual level, then assist others. You can only assist others if you are taken care of first.

 

How to store water before disaster strikes:

It is recommended to purchase commercially bottled water and store it in the sealed container in a cool dark place. If you must prepare your own containers of water, purchase food-grade water storage containers, and fill them with safe drinking water. Remember water that has not been commercially bottled needs to be replaced every six months. To be sure the water you are using is of good clean quality consider filtration options available to you here. Water Filtration

Stored water will have a better taste if you put oxygen back into it. To achieve this pour the water back and forth between two containers, this will also improve the taste!

Backup water storage in an emergency

Back up water storage option in an emergency:

If no containers are available fill your bathtub with water. This can be used for drinking water, washing, and flushing the toilets. PLEASE use pre-cautions if there are small children in the home to prevent drowning accidents from taking place.

 

treating the water for an emergency

Treating the water in an emergency:

After all the safe clean drink able water is gone you should treat suspicious water before consuming. Boiling is the safest method of treating water. Before treating the water allow any thing floating to the water to settle to the bottom or strain the water through a clean cloth or coffee filter before boiling. Bring water to a rolling boil for one full minute, keeping in mind stove water will evaporate.  Let the water cool down before drinking. Failure to properly treat the water could cause diseases.

Consider these tips from ready.gov

  • Never ration drinking water unless ordered to do so by authorities.
  • Drink water that you know is not contaminated first
  • Do not drink carbonated or caffeinated beverages instead of drinking water.

How To Prepare for a Hard Freeze

Prepare for a freeze

Winterize Your Home for A Hard Freeze

We all here the weather experts say think of the 3 P's when a hard freeze is coming to the Houston region.

  • PETS
  • PLANTS
  • PIPES

Click this link for a local Houston Weather woman explaining what is going on with the hard vs not hard freeze Weather U: What's the difference between a hard and light freeze?

How Do You Protect Pipes For Freeze?

Check out this video for step by step instructions on steps you can take to protect your pipes.

If you are finding this page after a freeze has happened don't hesitate to call us! https://www.jdprecisionplumbing.com/about-us/

 

Do I need a Water Softener or a Water filter?

Filter Vs Softener

 

We are often asked if customers need a water softener or a water filter, and we recommend having a plumber come look at your home to make this decision. There are many factors that go into this decision. Based on your families personal needs and the amount of fixtures in the home we can make recommendations for you, free of charge!

To learn about Texas drinking water check out this link here:

What is a water softener?

A water softener specifically removes calcium and magnesium, which are the causes of hard water.

There is a salt version and salt free version. It will remove the calcium buildup and it is definitely a luxury to have soft water. A water softener can even reverse damage that has been done to your plumbing!

For a quick introduction to why a water softener is such a great idea check out this video.

 

More information can be found here: https://www.jdprecisionplumbing.com/plumbing/water-softeners/

What is a water filter?

Water filters remove many different things depending on which model you get. It’s focus is contaminants or things that could harm your body:

  • Metals such as arsenic, lead, copper, iron, cadmium and hexavalent chromium
  • Industrial and pharmaceutical byproducts such as pesticides or hormones
  • Chlorine and chloramine
  • Sediments and particulates

There are options for whole house filtration systems, or drinking water only systems.

The whole house systems will ensure the water you wash clothes, dishes, and yourself/children is safe.

More information can be found here: https://www.jdprecisionplumbing.com/plumbing/water-filtration-systems/

What does JD have in his personal home?

Jerry has a water softener in his home. He recommends every family have one.

A Quick Guide To Tankless Water Heaters

quick tips

Just about everyone in the world today owns a water heater. Not only do these modern marvels keep homes comfortable, but without a water heater, the home becomes a breeding ground for viruses and bacteria because there is no hot water to clean away any impurities in the home. 

That said, those looking to invest in a new water heater might want to try the new tankless water heaters. They are more efficient and lasting longer than the traditional water heater. 

What Is a Tankless Water Heater?

a tankless water heater

Before learning about the advantages and disadvantages of tankless water heaters, people have to become familiar with what they are and the different types on offer. Traditionally, water heaters all had tanks. However, with a tankless water heater, homeowners essentially get an endless supply of hot water because there isn't a tank that has to fill up first. 

The water heats as it passes through the coils within the unit and is then sent directly to the home's plumbing fixtures. 

Just like a home's energy system, tankless water heaters can either be gas or electric. 

  • Gas tankless water heaters: This type of tankless water heater has a pilot light that heats a burner that goes on to heat the water. Gas water heaters are typically recommended for those that don't have a lot of hot water needs.
  • Electric tankless water heaters: These units heat the water using an electric element.
One isn't necessarily better than the other. Still, it's best to inspect the home first to determine what connection is already in place. 

The Advantages and Disadvantages of a Tankless Water Heater

Tankless water heaters have their downfalls like anything else. The only way to make the most informed decision possible is to know the pros and cons. 
water heater pros & cons
Advantages: 

  • They are more energy efficient
  • Saves money each month on bills
  • Most come with a $300 tax rebate
  • Almost double the life of a traditional water heaters
  • It takes up less space than a traditional water heater
Disadvantages: 

  • The electric models use a lot of energy
  • The initial cost is a lot more expensive than a traditional water heater
  • The gas models create greenhouse gases

How To Know It's Right for You

right for you?

Whether the old water heater breaks or a homeowner is just curious about tankless water heaters, they are truly worth the investment. Not do they allow homeowners to stop worrying about inconsistencies in hot water temperatures, but they create a more efficient home. Of course, even the best water heater will not last or work without proper installation, and that's why it's crucial to find the best plumbing company available. 

About JD Precision Plumbing & Air

The next time homeowners in Spring, TX need professional plumbing, don't hesitate to call the experts at JD Precision Plumbing & Air. They are professionals who have the knowledge and hands-on experience to get the job done right the first time. Contact them today! 

What Is Life Expectancy Of A Water Heater?

water heater life

For this post, we will focus only on the traditional tank-type water heater.

The average water heater lasts 8 – 12 years. This number is assuming you live in an average home and have an average water heater without the extended warranty options.

Signs It Is Time to Replace Your Water Heater

  • If your water heater is over 10 years old
  • If you see leaking water around the base of the tank

-Note: Water should never be in the pan under the water heater- this serves as a backup plan if the water heater begins to fail, leading to any leaks. When you notice water in the pan, you should get that taken care of immediately.

  • If your water heater stops working occasionally
  • If you hear constant knocking and/or popping noises from your water heater

-This is evidence of a sediment build-up.

  • If you smell a rotten egg smell when you run the hot water in your home

Should I Repair My Water Heater or Replace It?

Unless your water heater is under 5-7 years old, replacing the failing parts could be less cost-efficient than a replacement. By the time you have paid to have the water heater rebuilt, you might be looking at up to half of the cost of a new install.

 

Water Heaters

Should I Repair My Water Heater or Replace It?

  • Install a water softener in your home

https://www.jdprecisionplumbing.com/plumbing/water-softeners/

-Hard water wreaks havoc on all your plumbing fixtures, including your water heater

  • Flush your water heater annually

-If you're not sure how to flush a water heater, please visit this link

FUTURE LOOK!

Using the latest in sensor technology, the EcoNet® Smart Monitoring System offers a new level of protection, comfort and energy savings.

Check out this link for water heaters of the future!