Tuesday, March 22, 2016

All You Need To Know About Garbage Disposals

Garbage disposal systems make it easy for us to process leftovers, peels, and expired food. We just send these down the drain and forget them. Often we also forget to care for the disposal since it is located under the sink -- out of sight, out of mind. The system can thus slowly spiral into ruin without us noticing. Make it a habit to do the following to keep things running smoothly:

  1.  Use cold water to harden the food so that grinding will be easier for the machine.
  2. Run the system about a minute longer than usual to make sure that everything has been flushed.
  3. Throw in citrus fruits like lemons and oranges every so often to get rid of foul odors.
  4. Run it regularly to keep the parts moving and prevent rusting and freezing.
  5. Whenever possible, cut waste into smaller pieces to that the motor won't be overly taxed.
Garbage Disposal CTA

How To Clean Your Garbage Disposal

Just because you keep the water running doesn't mean that everything is clean. Bits and pieces of food may have clung to the sides. Extracts may turn foul after a while. The system requires proactive cleaning on a regular basis. The good news is that this is a breeze to do and the materials you need are already in the kitchen. Prepare a few lemons or other citrus fruits, baking soda, white vinegar, ice cubes, rock salt, and boiling water. Start by sprinkling baking soda down the hole - about half a cup will do. Follow this up with a cup of the vinegar. If you paid attention to your chemistry class, then you'll know that this combination creates an interesting reaction with noise and fizz. Once things subside, let boiling water flow through the drain. Next, place 2 cups of ice cubes and 1 cup of salt inside the drain. Let cold water run then turn on the disposal system. The friction will help remove the grime from the sides. Turn it off once the ice has melted. Finally, get the lemons and cut them in half. Turn on the water and the machine then shoot a piece of fruit down the drain for a more fragrant smell.
 

Garbage Disposal Don'ts

garbage disposal repairClogged drains and system breakdowns can be costly to fix. As always, prevention is much better than cure. Know what to do and what to avoid so that you can steer clear of headaches.
  1. If it's not biodegradable food, then it shouldn't go down the drain. There's a trash can for everything else: plastic, glass, paper, etc.
  2. Oil, fat and grease should be kept out of the system. They will gradually accumulate on the surfaces and reduce performance. They could even cause clogs.
  3. Keep out materials that are high in fiber as they can get entangled with parts of the motor. Examples include artichokes, celery stalks, and corn husks.
  4. Mind the starchy items like potato peels. These can cause a thick paste to form which will stick to the blades and impede the grinding action.
For any issues that you may be experiencing with your garbage disposal, contact Robinson Plumbing. We can address any questions or concerns that you might have. What seems like a minor issue can quickly progress into a bigger one so  be sure to call us immediately. We offer plumbing services in Salisbury, PA and all surrounding towns. Call us today at (610) 351-9889 or contact us for any questions that you might have!

All You Need To Know About Garbage Disposals was originally published on Robinson Plumbing

Monday, March 14, 2016

Spring Cleaning Tips For Your Home’s Plumbing

When the cold, harsh winter is over and spring arrives, many people take advantage of the nice weather to do spring cleaning. If you are a homeowner, your spring cleaning routine should not be limited to just cleaning out the house and the garage. It is also a good time to give your water supply a once over. Plumbing problems can be one of life's biggest hassles. When your plumbing is not functioning properly, it can make everyday tasks extremely difficult, and in some cases, impossible. After the house and garage are cleaned out, there are a few things that you can check with your plumbing.

Check For Leaky Faucets

leaky faucetWhen your faucet is leaking, it can waste a great deal of water. Wasting water can cause your water bill to increase. Checking for a leaky faucet is more than just checking if there is water dripping from the faucet. You should put a bowl under the faucet for a while, and see if any water has accumulated in it. Some leaks are so slow that you may not notice them. The longer you allow a faucet to leak, the more damage it can cause.

Check For Hidden Leaks

If you have a leak, it will likely be underneath the sink. Since you may not check under your sink often, spring cleaning is a great time. If you see any moisture under the sink, you should first dry it out and check for any rot. Next, turn on the hot and cold water, and check where the leak is coming from. If you find the leak, you should turn off the water to the sink, and call your trusted plumbers in Salisbury, PA to handle the repair. The longer you allow the sink to leak, the more damage it will cause underneath. plumbing services

Clean Your Drains

To prevent your drains from clogging up, you should have your drains cleaned at least once a year. There is nothing more inconvenient than a clogged or slow drain. If it is something that you want to do on your own, start by putting a bucket under the sink's trap. Next, unscrew the nuts from the trap connections, and putt it off. Empty the trap into a bucket, and clean it out with a wire brush. Finally, reconnect the trap. If you are not very handy, a local plumber would be able to do a very thorough job.

Check for Leaks in the Toilet

During your spring cleaning, you should check to see if your toilet is leaking. It is very easy to do. Simply put about 6 drops of blue food coloring in the toilet tank and let it sit. After 30 minutes, if there is blue water in the toilet bowl, there is a leak and you should call a plumber.
 

Service Your Water Heater

Having your water heater checked annually is a good idea. If you don't have the time or the money to hire a professional, start by checking the temperature on your water heater. It should not be set any higher than 120 degrees. You should also drain several gallons of water from your water heater. This will flush out any corrosion that will cause sediment, which can shorten the lifespan of your water heater. Because your plumbing system is so complex and so important to your everyday life, it is a good idea to check it annually. When you do a spring cleaning of your plumbing, you will be less likely to have a plumbing malfunction throughout the year. For any issues that you may be experiencing with your plumbing system, contact Robinson Plumbing. We can address any questions that you might have. Call us before a minor issue becomes a bigger and more expensive problem. We offer plumbing services in Salisbury, PA and all surrounding towns. Call us today at (610) 351-9889 or contact us for any questions that you might have!

Read more on: Robinson Plumbing Blog

Tuesday, March 8, 2016

Common Kitchen Faucet Repairs : Tips From Lehigh Valley Plumber

image of a faucet that needs a repair in Lehigh ValleyA high quality kitchen faucet can last a decade or so thanks to clever design and durable materials. However, there could be a few issues along the way that will necessitate repairs. Homeowners can try to do it by themselves but it is much more convenient and effective if professional plumbers are given the task. Their experience will come in handy for these common kitchen faucet repairs and more:

Inconsistent Stream

When you open a faucet, you expect for water to flow down consistently from the fixture. It can be a surprise when you find it sputtering as if it were having difficulty letting the liquid out. This makes it hard to wash up on the sink. In most cases, this is a symptom of a clogged aerator. This is a screen that is located at the mouth of the faucet. Over time, deposits of dirt, minerals and lime can build up to such an extent that they cover the holes preventing water from coming out. Plumbers can clean or replace it to achieve a steady stream.

Low Flow From Sprayer

Sprayers are quite handy for a number of applications that require quicker rinsing than the regular faucet can handle. We opt for these when we want a stronger flow. That's why it can be frustrating to turn it on only to get a disappointing amount of water coming out. This problem is likely to be caused by the diverter. This can be found in the faucet stem and looks like a tiny valve. Fixing it requires disassembly to gain access to this diverter. A pro should be able to do it without breaking a sweat. faucet repair

Squeaky Handles

Does the handle produce noise every time you turn it? Most people don't mind a bit of odd sounds but sometimes the squeaking can be quite noticeable to the point of distraction. It is also indicative of a bigger problem lurking underneath. The threads on the stem can be showing its age, becoming so worn that they no longer glide as smoothly as before. Plumbers will take out the handle and use grease to coat the threads. This is usually enough to eliminate the noise and make the handle operate smoothly once again.  
 

Faucet Leaks

Leaks are extremely wasteful and should not be allowed to persist. Even small drops can amount to many liters over the course of time. Homeowners will have to pay for this water even not really using it. In areas where water is scarce, this condition is simply unacceptable. The thing with leaks is that the problem could come from different parts of the fixture. It could be an issue with the O-ring, the washer, the cartridge, or something else entirely. It is best to consult a pro to eliminate the guesswork and solve the problem immediately.

Final Words

Our kitchen faucet helps us get a lot of work done every single day. If it begins to show signs of wear, then we should step up to help it as well. Call a professional plumber for effective solutions to common concerns. For all of your plumbing needs, contact Robinson Plumbing. We can address any questions that you might have on a plumbing issue, including your kitchen faucet or faucet sprayer repairs. Be sure to give us a call before what seems like a minor issue becomes a bigger and more expensive problem. Robinson Plumbing handles Lehigh Valley plumbing repairs as well as plumbing repairs for all surrounding areas. Call us today at (610) 351-9889 or contact us for any questions that you might have!

Read more on: www.RobinsonPlumbing.com

Emmaus Plumber: Signs That Your Water Heater Is On The Fritz

As a homeowner you want to do all that you can to keep your home maintenance expenses down. This said, a broken water heater can be costly to repair, but if you wait to check it out you will find yourself with a much higher bill for water heater repair work. There are several telltale signs that your water heater may be on the fritz. Make sure that you heed the warnings and contact a professional sooner rather than later.

Water Or Moisture

If you find that there is any moisture along the floor around the water heater there could be a problem with the unit. If there is a leak or a fracture in the water heater the unit might lose water when the water heater is trying to warm up the water. This occurs when the metal of the unit expands during the heating process. The water might be forced through the small fractures when this occurs. This could explain why you might not see water all of the time. The water might only be expelled when the water is heating up. When the water cools down the crack will close up and block the water from leaking. This could need to be repaired. CTA-Water Heater Repair Services

 Discolored Water

When the water coming from the warm water tap is a different color such as rust there could be a problem with the tank. The tank might have started to rust from the inside and this would change the water color. Don't assume this means you need a new water heater right away. Take some time to run the water a few times or run a few gallons of water and see if the color is still the same. This is typically an indication that there is a problem with the tank, especially if it is in all of the hot water taps of the home. This might be something that could be repaired by a qualified Emmaus water heater repair plumber.
 

Noises From The Unit

A clear indication that you have a malfunctioning or deteriorating hot water heater is the loud noises you might hear from the unit. If the unit is making loud noises off and on it is likely that you have some issues. While it could be that the sediment build up over time within the tank has started to harden. Once it hardens it will be pushed around the tank when the water is heating up and the banging against the side of the tank could be just that. It could also mean that some of the moving parts in the water heater have come loose and need to be tightened.

Failure To Maintain Temperature

image of Emmaus plumber finishing water heater repair jobAnother indication that your water heater might be on its way out is the lack of consistent water temperature. Perhaps the water heats up but doesn't last long or it you hear it come on frequently. This might mean that the water heater needs a new heating element, thermostat or any number of other repairs. It could simply need an adjustment to the current setting. If you have any questions on water heater repair or any plumbing issues that you might be experiencing, be sure to give us a call.  Robinson Plumbing can assist you with any plumbing questions that you might have as well as address any of your plumbing needs. Robinson Plumbing handles Emmaus plumbing repairs as well as plumbing repairs for all surrounding areas. Call us today at (610) 351-9889 or contact us for any questions that you might have!

Find more on: Robinson Plumbers