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Tips on Water Heater Maintenance

By Drain Cleaners, Gas Water Heaters, Plumbing, Plumbing and Air Conditioning Dallas TX, Water Heaters

Maintaining your water heater is crucial for ensuring it operates efficiently, lasts as long as possible, and provides your home with consistent, hot water. Neglecting your water heater can lead to inefficiencies, higher energy bills, and premature failure. Here’s a comprehensive guide to help you maintain your water heater and keep it in top condition.

Understand Your Water Heater

Firstly, identify the type of water heater you have. The most common types are tankless (on-demand) and storage tank water heaters, powered by electricity, natural gas, propane, or solar energy. Understanding your type will dictate specific maintenance requirements.

Regular Inspections

Visual Inspection: Regularly inspect your water heater for any signs of leaks or corrosion on the tank and in the surrounding area. Check for water pooling, which can indicate a leak.

Pressure Relief Valve Check: The pressure relief valve is a safety feature that prevents your water heater from becoming too pressurized. Test it annually by lifting the valve’s lever and letting it snap back. You should hear a gurgling sound as water is released into the drain tube. If it doesn’t, the valve may need to be replaced.

Flush the Tank

Sediment build-up can reduce your water heater’s efficiency and damage the tank. Annually flushing the tank can help:
– Turn off the power (for electric heaters) or the gas supply (for gas heaters).
– Connect a garden hose to the tank’s drain valve and run it outside or into a bucket.
– Open the drain valve, allowing the water to flow until it’s clear. If the water remains cloudy, briefly turn on the cold water supply to stir up remaining sediment, and drain again.

Check the Anode Rod

The anode rod protects your tank from corrosion. It should be checked every three years, or more frequently if you have hard water:
– Shut off the power or gas and water supply.
– Unscrew the anode rod from the top of the tank.
– If it’s less than ½ inch thick or coated with calcium, replace it.

Adjust the Temperature

Setting the temperature to 120°F can reduce energy consumption and prevent scalding. This setting is adequate for most needs and helps to slow sediment buildup and corrosion.

Insulate the Water Heater

Insulating older tanks can improve efficiency. You can insulate the tank with special blankets made for water heaters. Also, insulating the hot water pipes reduces heat loss as water travels through your home.

Annual Professional Inspection

Even with diligent maintenance, having a professional inspect your water heater annually is wise. They can check for issues you might miss, including checking the burner (for gas heaters), inspecting the heating elements (for electric heaters), and ensuring the system is operating safely and efficiently.

Be Proactive with Replacements

Water heaters typically last between 8 to 12 years. If yours is approaching this age range and experiencing frequent issues, consider replacing it before it fails. Newer models are more energy-efficient and can save you money in the long run.

Regular maintenance of your water heater can significantly extend its lifespan, improve its efficiency, and save you money. By following these steps, you can ensure that your water heater remains in good working condition for years to come. Remember, while many of these tasks are DIY-friendly, don’t hesitate to call Sirius Plumbing and Air Conditioning if you’re uncomfortable performing any maintenance or if your water heater shows signs of serious problems.

February 7, 2024

Drain Cleaning Services

By Drain Cleaners, Drain Cleaning, Drain Clog, Plumbing, Plumbing and Air Conditioning Dallas TX

Discovering a blocked drain can swiftly turn an ordinary day into a frustrating one, whether it’s a kitchen sink or a bathroom issue. For residents of the Dallas-Fort Worth Area, Sirius Plumbing and Air Conditioning offers expert drain cleaning services to tackle any blockage, ensuring your plumbing remains intact.

Curious about the origins of clogs, their signs, and the benefits of professional drain cleaning? Let’s delve into these aspects.

Root Causes of Drain Blockages

Often, drains are mistakenly treated as all-consuming disposals, leading to the need for professional cleaning. The substance of the clog varies by location:

– Toilet drains may suffer from non-flushable items like wipes or feminine products. Remember, if it’s not labeled flushable, it shouldn’t be flushed.
– Kitchen drains can become clogged with excessive grease or fibrous materials, whereas bathtub drains might accumulate hair or soap residue.

Identifying a Clogged Drain

Watch for these warning signs in your home:

– Bubbling toilets
– Slow drainage
– Water backing up into other fixtures
– Leaks at the toilet’s base
– Unpleasant odors from sinks, toilets, or tubs
– Puddles around plumbing fixtures

Commercial drain cleaners may offer a temporary fix but can damage your plumbing over time, often leading to recurring clogs. Opting for a professional drain cleaning service, like Sirius Plumbing and Air Conditioning, is a safer and more effective solution.

Our Professional Drain Cleaning Process

Our team comprises highly skilled and certified technicians familiar with the plumbing systems in your area. We avoid harsh chemicals, instead employing advanced tools like motorized drain augers and hydro-jetters to precisely target and eliminate clogs.

The motorized drain snake efficiently breaks down stubborn blockages without harming your pipes, while hydro-jetting cleans the interior of your plumbing, preventing future clogs.

Advantages of Professional Drain Cleaning

Attempting to clear a clog on your own may seem tempting, but professional cleaning offers numerous benefits:

– Provides a long-term solution, eliminating the need for frequent fixes
– Removes unpleasant odors and slow drainage
– Prevents water damage, which can cause allergies or respiratory issues
– Saves money by avoiding ineffective DIY methods

Choose Sirius Plumbing and Air Conditioning

While searching for “drain cleaning near me” might yield many options, Sirius Plumbing and Air Conditioning stands out in the Dallas-Fort Worth area. We treat your home as our own, offering the level of service we’d provide to our friends or family. Don’t let a clogged drain stress you—contact Sirius Plumbing and Air Conditioning for a swift and thorough cleaning.

February 7, 2024

5 Things to Prepare for Freezing Weather

By Plumbing, Plumbing and Air Conditioning Dallas TX, Slab Leak

Preventing your pipes from freezing is important to avoid the potential damage and inconvenience associated with frozen or burst pipes during cold weather. Here are some steps you can take to keep your pipes from freezing in your home:

Insulate your pipes:

    • Add insulation sleeves or foam pipe insulation to exposed pipes, especially those in unheated areas such as crawl spaces, basements, attics, and exterior walls.
    • Pay extra attention to pipes located in areas prone to colder temperatures.

Seal gaps and cracks:

    • Seal any gaps or cracks in the walls, floors, and foundation of your home to prevent cold air from entering and affecting the pipes.
    • Use caulk or weatherstripping to seal windows and doors to reduce drafts.

Keep the heat on:

    • Maintain a consistent and reasonable indoor temperature, even when you’re not at home. A minimum temperature of 55°F (13°C) is generally recommended.
    • Open cabinet doors under sinks to allow warm air to circulate around the pipes.

Allow faucets to drip:

    • During extremely cold weather, let faucets (both hot and cold) drip slightly to keep water flowing through the pipes, which can help prevent freezing.
    • This especially applies to faucets on exterior walls or in unheated areas.

Use heat tape or cables:

    • Install heat tape or electric heating cables on vulnerable pipes, following the manufacturer’s instructions.
    • These can be especially useful for preventing pipe freezing in areas that are difficult to insulate or heat.

Add extra insulation:

    • Insulate attics, basements, and crawl spaces to help maintain warmer temperatures around your pipes.
    • Make sure your home is properly insulated to reduce heat loss.

Disconnect and drain outdoor hoses:

    • Before the cold weather hits, disconnect and drain outdoor hoses and close the inside valves supplying outdoor faucets.

Keep the garage door closed:

    • If you have water supply lines running through your garage, make sure to keep the garage door closed during cold spells to retain heat.

Monitor weather forecasts:

    • Stay informed about upcoming cold weather conditions and take extra precautions when temperatures are expected to drop significantly.

Install a temperature alarm:

    • Consider installing a temperature alarm system that can alert you if the temperature in your home drops below a certain threshold.

By taking these preventive measures, you can significantly reduce the risk of your pipes freezing during cold weather. It’s important to be proactive, especially in regions with harsh winters, to protect your home’s plumbing system. If you’re unsure about any of these steps or need assistance, consider consulting a professional plumber or contractor for guidance and assistance in insulating and protecting your pipes.

January 10, 2024
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Why Regular Heating Maintenance is Essential: The Sirius Assurance

By Gas Furnaces, Heaters

Every Dallas homeowner understands the significance of a reliable heating system, especially during those unpredictable winter months. Yet, how often do we prioritize its regular upkeep? Let’s dive into the top reasons why scheduling routine maintenance with Sirius Plumbing and Air Conditioning isn’t just a choice—it’s a necessity.

Safety Always Comes First
Gas heaters, if left unchecked, have the potential to become silent killers. Undetected faults can cause carbon monoxide leaks, an invisible and fatal gas. Choosing a reputable service, like Sirius Plumbing and Air Conditioning, is your first line of defense in ensuring your family’s safety.

The Promise of Durability
A stitch in time saves nine, and this couldn’t be truer for your heating unit. Regular checks and timely interventions by Sirius experts mean a longer life for your system, preventing large-scale issues down the line. Gone are the days of battling cold spots in your home. Consistent maintenance ensures even heating, offering the comfort you and your family deserve. A well-maintained heater isn’t just about warmth; it’s about efficiency. Regular servicing guarantees smoother operation, translating to energy conservation and noticeably reduced bills for Dallas homeowners.

Breathe Cleaner, Live Healthier
Our Dallas-based professionals aren’t just heating experts; they’re advocates for your health. Routine cleaning prevents the circulation of dust and contaminants, ensuring the air in your home remains fresh and clean.

Cost Savings in the Long Run
Think of regular checks as an investment. By identifying and addressing minor issues early on, you save significantly on potential major repairs. An optimally running heating system isn’t just good for your wallet—it’s better for the planet. By consuming less energy, your carbon footprint is minimized.

Upholding Warranty Requirements
Stay ahead by keeping your warranty intact. With many manufacturers requiring routine maintenance, Sirius ensures your compliance, safeguarding your warranty.

Sleep Easy on Cold Dallas Nights
Unanticipated heating breakdowns can be a nightmare. With Sirius Plumbing and Air Conditioning’s regular oversight, these unexpected disruptions are history.

Peace, Assured
Trust isn’t given; it’s earned. Let Sirius offer you peace of mind, affirming that your heating system remains in expert hands.

In the bustling heart of Dallas, your home is your sanctuary. And at its core is a heating system that warrants expert care. With Sirius Plumbing and Air Conditioning, you’re not just choosing a service; you’re choosing a long-term partnership grounded in safety, comfort, and efficiency. Because when it comes to your home, only the best will do.

Call us today to schedule your maintenance.

October 18, 2023

Jacob Brorman is Getting Hands-on Experience at Sirius this Summer

By Mentorship

Jacob Brorman is spending his summer as an intern at Sirius Plumbing and Air Conditioning where he’s getting hands-on experience in what it takes day-to-day to run a dynamic business.

Although he lived out of Texas for 11 years, Jacob now resides in Dallas. “We lived/moved outside of the US due to my dads work. We lived in China for 5 years, then we lived in London, UK for 6 years… it was quite the experience,” says Brorman. He’s a graduate of Plano West Senior High, home of the Wolves, class of 2021. While attending there he was a multi-sport athlete, competing in baseball, basketball, soccer, tennis, and flag football.

His role at Sirius this summer involves working with bookkeeping and, like his multiple and varying high school sports, includes multiple and varying tasks: Accounts Receivable, checking invoices status on the computer, filing invoices. He’ll also be picking up and returning equipment as needed.

He’s headed into his junior year at the College of Charleston in South Carolina this fall and after graduation in spring of 2025 he hopes to continue in an office position similar to the one he is now in, as an office assistant or administrative assistant.

Sirius Plumbing and Air Conditioning is happy to have a dedicated summer intern like Jacob here to help us through the hot summer months!

May 22, 2023

Intern Knox Thornhill Making a Difference

By Mentorship

Sirius Plumbing and Air Conditioning intern Knox Thornhill is making a difference in the Dallas community. A junior at SMU majoring in accounting, he plans to receive his BBA in the spring of 2024 and looks forward to working in the business world.

His responsibilities, he recalls, at SPAC were vast: “From creating and processing payments, monitoring job statuses, general invoice filing and checking – which included AHS contractor portal and FieldSure – office filing for the organization,” he explained. Knox was meticulous at his office duties but was often sent out of the office to do more. He says, “I was picking up material and systems and delivering them to technicians in the field, registering or assisting in registering warranties on installations, researching and implementing suggestions for improvement in Sirius’ general operations and their switch to a new contractor portal called ServiceLine, maintaining our warehouses, and helping train our two other interns, Jacob and Chase.”

A hometown boy born and raised in Dallas, he attended Bishop Lynch High School where Knox was a two-sport athlete. He played football for the Friars, and ran track, “Although poorly,” he admits with a laugh.

Knox also participated in the Bishop Lynch Student Council and worked as a math tutor with grades pre-k-8th, among other activities.

Knox currently plays rugby with Southern Methodist University’s club team, is a member of the Student Foundation, and participates in the Real Estate club.

When he’s not in class, studying, or playing rugby, Knox volunteers to do community service with the largest student organization on campus, SMU’s Mustang Heroes, a student-led community service organization. The group recently decorated Incarnation House for “Back-to-School.” IH is a safe place for homeless DISD students from North Dallas High to go after school to do their homework and get a healthy dinner.

SMU Mustang Heroes also help by working in local community gardens and raising funds for other clubs on campus.

Knox’s future is bright. His dream job, he says, “would most likely be to become a financial advisor, consultant, or partner at a fortune 500 firm.”

Until graduation in May of 2024 with his bachelor’s in accounting, you might bump into him watching and cheering on Dallas teams at local venues or heading out to go hunting or fishing.

Knox is a hard-working intern with a strong work ethic, ready to take on the world of business and all it entails.

September 19, 2022
jack garrett

Sirius Summer Intern is a True Champion at School and at Work

By Plumbing and Air Conditioning Dallas TX

Sirius Plumbing and Air Conditioning hires a small group of interns each summer and pays them while they gain real world work experience.

Jack Garrett feels fortunate to be one of them.

Jack’s role at Sirius is to work in the Call center, coordinating parts delivery, function as a dispatcher, and be available for other key office responsibilities.

He grew up in Plano, TX with his older sister. He attended John Paul II High School where he played Running Back/Quarterback; member of the National Honor Society.

He’s attending Trinity University, majoring in Business Analytics and Technology, minoring in Marketing, and plays Wide Receiver for the Division III Trinity Tigers football team.

While many summer intern jobs don’t pay, Sirius knows it’s right to pay their interns—as they work and learn the business–to help them to afford and finish their college educations.

Jack says his future plan is to return to Dallas to work, and hopes to get a job in Business Technology (or Tech) Consulting.

Jack Garrett is a champion at work and school, and a Sirius Intern the company is proud to employ.

Garrett says, “My highlight of the summer was having Happy, our service puppy in training, in the office to help with shredding paper for belly rubs in return.”

For more information about Sirius Plumbing and Air and their Internships giving back to the community, see the company’s website:

https://siriuspac.com/ or call 972-235-6600.

The company is located in Carrollton at 1406 Halsey Way, Suite 100, Carrollton, TX 75007

 

August 15, 2019
air conditioning dallas tx

Keep it Cool

By Plumbing and Air Conditioning Dallas TX

Maintenance checklist for the well-being of your HVAC system. Dallas TX

When you live in Texas, you gain a certain appreciation for your air conditioning system. With temperatures consistently in the 90s (at least!), a consistently cool home is the peace of mind we can’t afford to fail us.

(By the way, have you ever been curious about the genius to whom we all owe a debt of gratitude for inventing air conditioning? You can thank a Yankee.)

And while home systems aren’t as easy as “set it and forget it,” by performing annual maintenance for your HVAC system, you can pretty much relax knowing that you’ll make it through another 9-month summer (we love ya’ DFW!) without breaking a sweat.

HVAC / COOLING CHECKLIST

  1. Clean and adjust thermostat
  2. Check and tighten loose connections
  3. Check and clean condenser
  4. Check refrigerant charge
  5. Monitor voltage and amperage draw
  6. Inspect inside cooling coil if accessible
  7. Monitor air conditioning cycle
  8. Clean primary and secondary drain lines
  9. Monitor and adjust blower components
  10. Check operating pressures
  11. Install algae tablets
  12. Check suction line insulation
  13. Check and/or replace filter

Check these boxes at least two months before you expect to need your cooling. After all, nobody wants to be surprised when the temps start to rise and your home’s HVAC  system isn’t working. (And if you have small children or elderly people living with you, no heat can mean more than just a few extra fans, it can be a serious health risk.)

If you regularly maintain your Cooling system and still struggle to keep cool, you may not have the right sized system. Find out the right size for your AC unit here.

And if just the thought of hitting each and every one of these maintenance points in the midst of your already too busy daily life makes you a little anxious, we have good news. Now you can enroll in our new signature service, Sirius Comfort Care Program. For just $129 a year, we’ll come out and do all of this for you. Membership includes two complimentary annual tune-ups, a springtime air conditioning and a fall furnace check. We even send you hassle-free reminders to schedule service. What’s more, you get 10% off all heating, air conditioning, and plumbing repairs, year-round!

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Sirius Plumbing and Air Conditioning services Dallas/Ft Worth or any one of these mid cities:

Dallas, Plano, Carrollton, Richardson, Garland, Allen, Frisco, McKinney, Lewisville, Flower Mound, Coppell, University Park, Highland Park, Fort Worth, Richland Hills, North Richland Hills, Hurst, Bedford, Euless, Colleyville, Keller, Southlake, Grapevine, Trophy Club, and surrounding DFW communities.

We are committed to treating our customers like family. We make sure that we’re there for them when they need plumbing repairs, air conditioning repair, and hot water heater repair. We also help when people have a leaking toilet, clogged drain, or gas line repair. What’s more, we do tankless water heater installation and HVAC replacement. Get to know us better at siriuspac.com/about/.

July 19, 2019
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 Things I Wish My Parents Taught Me Before I Left The Nest  

By Plumbing and Air Conditioning Dallas TX

Words of wisdom about plumbing and air conditioning from our family to yours.    

 Like many adult children who did not grow up around handy parents, the care and upkeep of your home can be a real head scratcher. What to do when certain very common problems arise can seem like a very big deal when you don’t have the experience of seeing someone fix them.

As plumbing and air conditioning pros, we get a lot of the same questions; things you probably should know as a homeowner.

Conversely, we’re parents, too, so we get it. People just not as well versed in the mechanics of our home systems (and how to maintain them yourself) as we used to be in our grandparents’ day.

The following is a list of things we wish that every up-and-coming adult is armed with the knowledge that they need to run a household — without having a panic attack every time the drain gets clogged.

Change the filter on your air conditioning system every two months. Period.

Picture this, you’re sitting at home in the middle of summer and the register just won’t kick out cold air. You mess with the thermostat, reset the system, and you just get neutral air. You stockpile on box fans, dress for the desert, and wait for the HVAC pros to come and diagnose the problem. They pull out a filter that looks like the bottom of the Dead Sea and BAM! — you just spent hundreds of dollars to get someone to change your filter. They aren’t expensive, buy 6 at a time and set a ping on your calendar to change them every two-to-three months. A clean filter will keep you snug as a bug in a rug in winter and cool as a cucumber in summer.

If you’ve got a clogged drain due to nasty hair and other gross stuff, start with an over-the-counter drain unclogger first.

Most bathroom drain clogs result when dirt, skin flakes, and especially hair binds to soap scum on the walls of drain pipes. Over time, this gunk accumulates and reduces water flow. Before you call us (and we love when you do), troubleshoot the clog by removing and cleaning the drain stopper. Next, try using the humble drain plunger, keeping in mind to block the overflow drain in the tub or sink. If that doesn’t work, remove the drain elbow joint and clean it out. Clean drain stoppers routinely to prevent clogs and use a hair strainer drain-cover to trap hair before it goes down the drain.

If you’ve noticed a sudden drop in water pressure, it might not be the plumbing.

Don’t panic. There are many possible reasons you may be experiencing low water pressure. First, check each faucet in the house to see if the pressure problem is isolated, running hot and cold water separately to see if they have roughly the same pressure. If it’s only the shower head and/or a faucet that are weak, they may just need a good cleaning. To clean a shower head or faucet aerator, simply soak them in vinegar. If pressure problems persist, the source of the problem lies elsewhere.

 If you ignore a running toilet, the water company will laugh all the way to the bank.

When you hear your toilet running, there’s usually a sign that your water bills are going to start getting unnecessarily high. Think of how much water is wasted when the toilet is constantly running. Often, it’s just a quick fix that you can do yourself. The problem is often just an open flush-valve or something small within the tank. Take a look inside — it may not be as bad as you think — and it’s definitely costing you money. (Need to make a major repair? Check out our step-by-step instructions.)

Taking the time to understand your home systems doesn’t require trade school or a budding genius. Many of the everyday items that keep the water flowing and the house heated / cooled have been built the same way over the last one hundred years, you just have to know what to look for.

And now that you’re armed with your newfound practical knowledge about plumbing and air conditioning, you can avoid the high-stressed reaction when things don’t work quite right.

In over your head? No worries, we got you. Ask “the water guys” at Sirius Plumbing.& Air Conditioning. We’re here for you.

Sirius Plumbing and Air Conditioning services Dallas/Ft Worth or any one of these mid cities:

Dallas, Plano, Carrollton, Richardson, Garland, Allen, Frisco, McKinney, Lewisville, Flower Mound, Coppell, University Park, Highland Park, Fort Worth, Richland Hills, North Richland Hills, Hurst, Bedford, Euless, Colleyville, Keller, Southlake, Grapevine, Trophy Club, and surrounding DFW communities.

We are committed to treating our customers like family. We make sure that we’re there for them when they need plumbing repairs, air conditioning repair, and hot water heater repair. We also help when people have a leaking toilet, clogged drain, or gas line repair. What’s more, we do tankless water heater installation and HVAC replacement. Get to know us better at siriuspac.com/about/.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

June 14, 2019
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