There are few components of your bathroom, plumbing system, or property at large more important than the toilet. But despite how essential this appliance is for daily life, we still often forget to have it serviced. When our toilets are working well, we don’t even think about them—yet when something goes wrong, it can quickly turn into an emergency. Keep reading for the top seven signs something is wrong with your toilet, and make sure to contact Dial One Johnson Plumbing, Cooling & Heating for all your toilet repair and installation needs.

There are few components of your bathroom, plumbing system, or property at large more important than the toilet. But despite how essential this appliance is for daily life, we still often forget to have it serviced. When our toilets are working well, we don’t even think about them—yet when something goes wrong, it can quickly turn into an emergency. Keep reading for the top seven signs something is wrong with your toilet, and make sure to contact Dial One Johnson Plumbing, Cooling & Heating for all your toilet repair and installation needs.

The Top 7 Signs There’s Something Wrong with Your Toilet Are:

• Your toilet frequently clogs: A toilet that clogs more than once in the course of a week is a surefire sign you’ve got a problem on your hands. It’s possible there’s an issue with the actual flushing components, or that there’s a blockage deeper in your plumbing.
• Your toilet has trouble flushing: A toilet that only flushes a little or not at all is the prime indicator of problems with the flushing mechanism. Chances are you will need to call a plumber to replace the appropriate parts if this is happening in your home.
• Your toilet has trouble refilling: If either your toilet tank or bowl has trouble refilling after you flush it, then you’re probably dealing with a valve malfunction, and will have to call a plumber for the necessary replacements.
• Your toilet runs constantly: Toilets that run all the time, even when they haven’t just been flushed recently, can be more than a minor nuisance. A toilet that frequently runs often has a flapper that is not closing properly. While replacing a flapper is easy enough to do on your own, it may still be worth calling a professional plumber for an inspection, as that running sound can indicate other problems that will force you to install a new toilet entirely.
• Your toilet is visibly cracked or damaged: Physical cracks and damage in your toilet’s porcelain can lead to leaks, so you should call a plumber to repair or replace the unit immediately.
• There Is water around the base of your toilet: Another obvious sign of a leak is standing water around the base of your toilet. This usually indicates that the leak is coming from the seal, which will need to be replaced.
• There is rust and corrosion around your toilet: If the metal parts of your toilet are rusted or corroded, you may be dealing with leaks or other toilet problems. At the very least, you will likely have to replace the parts that are rusted.

For more information about toilet problems or other issues, call Dial One Johnson Plumbing, Cooling & Heating at 972-291-0740, or click here to schedule service online.

Author Bio:
Sherrie Johnson-Hartsock
Dial One Johnson Plumbing, Cooling & Heating is now owned and operated by Sherrie Johnson-Hartsock, with his grandson, Daniel Johnson, a third-generation plumber who is also the Service Manager.

In the midst of our current national crisis, it can be hard to tell what is and isn’t allowed anymore. Homeowners across the country are stocking up on toilet paper, food, and even masks in some places, but what do you do about household emergencies you can’t take care of with a trip to the store? The good news is that the White House has deemed certain workers as “essential,” so you can still get the home services you need. Keep reading to learn why plumbing is considered an essential service from our experienced professionals at Dial One Johnson Plumbing, Cooling & Heating.

Plumbers Are Critical Infrastructure Workers

According to a decision from the Cyber and Infrastructure Security Agency (a branch of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security,) plumbers are considered part of America’s “essential critical infrastructure workforce.” Under the CISA’s ruling, medical professionals, law enforcement, and other workers whose job it is to preserve public health and safety will be allowed to continue operating during the Coronavirus pandemic. A memo released by the government administration states that this includes, “workers such as plumbers, electricians, exterminators, and other service providers who provide services that are necessary to maintaining the safety, sanitation, and essential operation of residences.”

Dial One Johnson Plumbing, Cooling & Heating Is Still Here for You

Because the government has deemed plumbers to be essential workers, you can still count on Dial One Johnson to provide all the plumbing services you need. We want our customers to know that we are extremely committed to doing our part to prevent the spread of COVID-19, and have increased safety measures to protect the health and well-being of our customers and our technicians during this difficult period. Feel free to call us anytime for responsible and efficient service, and remember to continue social distancing and to keep following the advice of the CDC: wash and sanitize hands frequently, avoid contact with those outside your household, stay home if you are sick, cover coughs and sneezes, wear face masks if possible, and clean and disinfect surfaces often. By all doing our part, we will come out of this stronger than ever!

To learn more about Dial One Johnson Plumbing, Cooling & Heating’s updated service offerings, call 972-291-0740, or send us a message online.

Author Bio:
Sherrie Johnson-Hartsock
Dial One Johnson Plumbing, Cooling & Heating is now owned and operated by Sherrie Johnson-Hartsock, with his grandson, Daniel Johnson, a third-generation plumber who is also the Service Manager.

When you notice a sink beginning to back up or a slow-draining bathtub, your first instinct is probably to pour some chemical drain cleaner down the drain and forget about it. Although these chemical cleaners are easy-to-use and inexpensive, there are safer alternatives.

There are a few at-home solutions that are pipe-friendly and can help minimize clogs. Even then, if you are experiencing a drain or sewer problem the best thing to do is hire a professional plumber. Contact our Red Oak plumbing team for prompt and reliable service.

Alternatives to Chemical Cleaners

If you don’t have time to wait for a plumber or you would like to try something else first, there are a few at-home solutions you can try. But first, put the chemical cleaner down. Explained in depth below, chemical cleaners can cause major damage to your pipes, especially when used too frequently.

Here are some easy and affordable alternatives:

• Very hot (not boiling) water: using very hot water can help to melt away and break down any clogs. Rinse with cold water afterwards.
• Plungers and toothed drain snakes: keep in mind that these are only solutions for toilets and shower drains. You can purchase these at most grocery or home improvement stores. Plungers can be used for regular back-ups and toothed drain snakes are great for hair clogs in showers.
• Vinegar and baking soda: pour half a cup of baking soda down the drain followed by half a cup of vinegar right. Leave it overnight with the drain covered and rinse it with hot water in the morning.

These alternatives do not always work and can even make the situation worse. We suggest that you use these options sparingly and when you do, only once. If the problem continues to persist, then you need to call a professional plumber.

Dangers of DIY Drain Cleaning

Whether you’re using a chemical cleaner or a drain snake, every DIY drain cleaning method has risks. Take a look at some of the reasons why homeowners choose to hire a plumber rather than fix it themselves:

• Pipe corrosion: chemical drain cleaners may be easy, but they are the worst when it comes to taking care of your pipes. Many drain cleaners contain Hydrochloric Acid, which corrodes pipes. If you use chemical cleaners often, you could face a leaky pipe or worse.
• Septic system damage: chemical drain cleaners can also damage your septic system. The acid in these cleaners kill the beneficial bacteria in the system. This is a problem because this bacteria is a natural waste eliminator. When you kill the bacteria, you are actually increasing the likelihood of clogs in your pipes.
• Safety issues: some homeowners put their hands down the drain when they try to fix it. This is incredibly dangerous for many reasons. There is a possibility that your hand could get stuck in the pipe or worse. Not to mention the chemical burns that occur when homeowners use drain cleaners.
• Worsen the problem: using a drain snake or some other tool to remove a clog can result in pushing the clog further down the pipe. Similarly, when using chemical cleaners you could end up with major pipe damage.

Instead of risking damage to your pipes, septic tank or even yourself, call a plumber to handle the problem for you. Plumbers have the right tools and training to remove any clog, no matter the size.

Avoiding Drain Issues

If all of this sounds like too big of a hassle for you, then the best thing to do is to avoid the problem in the first place. The most effective way to avoid drain clogs is to be careful about what you put down the sink or flush down the toilet.

Here’s a list of what you should never put down the drain:

• Eggshells
• Coffee grounds
• Diapers
• “Flushable” wipes
• Potato skins
• Cotton balls and swabs
• Grains
• Animal bones
• Wax
• Grease and oil
• Paper products
• Feminine products

When you follow these guidelines, you can avoid frequent clogging. You can also purchase a drain strainer that will collect hair, large food particles and whatever else may get flushed down your sink or bathtub drain. Occasional clogs are expected of any plumbing system, but you can significantly reduce clogging if you get mindful about what goes down the drain.

The Importance of Drain Maintenance

Getting professional maintenance for your drain is also a great way to reduce the likelihood of clogs and other piping issues. Next time you schedule annual maintenance for your plumbing system, ask for a pipe and drain inspection and cleaning.

The best plumbing companies will use a video camera for pipe and drain inspections. This is attached to a thin cable and used to inspect your pipes. When plumbers do a camera inspection, they will be able to identify any issues such as clogs, waste buildup, cracks and more. If they do identify a clog, they should be able to remove it using an auger or pipe snake.

Plumbers can also provide drain and pipe cleaning services. To clean drains, a plumber will typically insert a hydro-jet into the drain opening and spray a high-pressure jet of water around the sides of the pipe. The jet of water removes any waste buildup along the sides of the pipe. This is the most safe and effective way to clean your drains

Reliable Red Oak Plumbing Services

When you schedule regular maintenance for your pipes and drains, you are increasing the lifespan and durability of your plumbing system. Rather than waiting for your drains to get backed up and cause major damage, why not take preventative steps and avoid the situation altogether?

If you are looking for dependable plumbing services in Red Oak, Texas then you have come to the right place. Dial One Johnson Plumbing, Cooling and Heating offers highly trained plumbing technicians that have all of the tools they need to fix your drainage issues.

Whether you need a clog removed or a burst pipe repair, our team at Dial One Johnson is ready to provide high-quality and affordable service. Contact us online if you would like to learn more about our plumbing services or to schedule an appointment.

Author Bio:
Sherrie Johnson-Hartsock
Dial One Johnson Plumbing, Cooling & Heating is now owned and operated by Sherrie Johnson-Hartsock, with his grandson, Daniel Johnson, a third-generation plumber who is also the Service Manager.

The most important step in scheduling a Red Oak heating and cooling service is choosing the right contractor. So, next time you search “air conditioning repair companies near me,” don’t just choose the first one that pops up. If you hire an inexperienced and unqualified technician, then you’re looking at ineffective service that could potentially decrease the efficiency of your HVAC system.

On the other hand, if you hire a certified, experienced and customer service-oriented technician, then your HVAC system will run better than ever.

Continue reading for ten tips on hiring a heating and cooling contractor in Red Oak.

1. Reviews

The first and easiest thing that you should do when looking for an HVAC contractor is check out their reviews. You should look for four stars or more and make sure to read any poor or negative reviews. Google, Yelp and HomeAdvisor are great places to start looking at reviews.

It is also not a bad idea to look at the company’s rating on the Better Business Bureau. Highly reviewed and rated HVAC contractors are the ones that you should continue to research.

2. Experience

A company’s experience is also a great way to gauge how capable a contractor is. Has the contractor been in business for at least five years? If the answer is no, then you may want to move on. Companies with over five years of experience are typically more suited to quickly and effectively handling all kinds of HVAC problems.

If you still want to give an inexperienced contractor a chance, then be sure to thoroughly vet them before you schedule an appointment.

3. Licensing

One of the most important criteria for finding a great HVAC contractor is checking their licenses and certifications. In the state of Texas, heating and cooling contractors are required to have a license through the Texas Department of Licensing and Regulations.

If you are struggling to find an HVAC company’s licensing, scroll to the bottom of their webpage or give them a call to find out. When a heating and cooling contractor has a license to practice, you will feel more secure knowing that they are qualified to provide service and you are protected from the cost of damage or accidents.

4. Safety Measures

Asking a stranger to come into your house can be scary, especially if you have children or you will be home alone. When you find an HVAC contractor that you like, give them a call to ask about their safety measures. You want only the most trustworthy technicians to fix your HVAC system and give you peace of mind.

When you call, ask if the company’s technicians have criminal background checks and are drug tested. You should also check to see if they take any additional safety precautions such as cleaning protocols or privacy rules.

5. Special Offers and Financing

A great way to see if a heating and cooling contractor is looking out for your best interest is to ask if they have any special offers, rebates or coupons. Installing or replacing an HVAC system is a huge expense and many people will appreciate saving even a few dollars.

Also, check if the company offers flexible financing options. Any HVAC company should understand that every family’s budget is different and can only accommodate so much.

6. Services

Go through the contractor’s website and keep an eye out for the services that they provide. Does the company only offer heating and cooling repairs? If they only offer repairs, they may not be hireable for HVAC replacements or installations. “Repair only” services may indicate that technicians don’t have very much experience or equipment.

Don’t forget to check if they offer emergency services. A company that offers emergency services is a company that cares about their customer’s safety and comfort.

7. Equipment Efficiency

Check out the products that the company endorses or offers: are they Energy Star certified? When an HVAC system is energy star certified that means that the equipment is highly efficient and durable. The more efficient an HVAC system is, the longer it will last and the more your energy bills will drop.

A great HVAC contractor will always recommend the most efficient equipment that fits within your budget.

8. Home Evaluation

An HVAC contractor should always ask to complete a home evaluation before replacing or installing a new system. This is important for a variety of reasons. An HVAC unit has to be sized before it can be installed. If a unit is sized incorrectly it won’t last as long. Inappropriate units will increase your energy bills and be unable to provide heating and cooling throughout your home.

Technicians cannot just replace your old unit with a similarly sized one because it may have been incorrectly sized the first time. If an HVAC contractor does not offer to complete a home evaluation, then you should move on in your search.

9. Itemized Estimate

Always ask your contractor to provide you with an itemized estimate before you agree to service. This way, you will know at least a range of what a replacement or installation will cost you. With an estimate you will also be able to compare different contractors to find out which offers the best service at an affordable price.

Within the itemized estimate, you should be able to see the warranty information, unit model and more. Be sure to ask your contractor for this information so that you choose the best Red Oak heating and cooling company in your area

10. Contract

The last thing that you should do before hiring a company is to ask for a written proposal. The proposal should list much of what was included in the itemized estimate as well as any stipulations that may change the pricing of work. For example, if an additional issue arises during service, the final cost will most likely increase.

Requesting a written contract protects you from sketchy contractors that want to get as much money from you as possible.

A Red Oak Heating and Cooling Contractor you can Trust

Why search for “air conditioning repair companies near me,” when you could just hire the best heating and cooling company in Red Oak? Dial One Johnson Heating, Cooling and Plumbing has been serving the Red Oak area since 1965. With over 50 years of service, our technicians understand the importance of excellent customer service.

We have all of the necessary licensing and always properly size a unit before installation. Our team cares deeply about our customers and are willing to provide any estimates, contracts or proof of safety measures. For honest and dependable HVAC service, use Dial One Johnson.

To learn more, contact us online or at 972-291-0740.

Author Bio:
Sherrie Johnson-Hartsock
Dial One Johnson Plumbing, Cooling & Heating is now owned and operated by Sherrie Johnson-Hartsock, with his grandson, Daniel Johnson, a third-generation plumber who is also the Service Manager.