Monday, September 25, 2017

Why Does Bathroom Grout Crack?

bathroom plumber in palmer pennsylvaniaAs a homeowner, you will likely have to deal with cracked grout in your bathroom at one point or another. It can be frustrating to see your tiles falling apart. However, there are many logical causes for these types of problems. When this happens, you should call a qualified professional to assess and repair the damage. These issues tend to escalate so it is important to address them as soon as possible. In this article, we will discuss some of the possible causes of cracked bathroom grout. schedule an appointment

Cement Hydration

As part of the curing process, cement hydration is vital to creating strong grout. More specifically, if you add water after cement hydration has already begun, the water will weaken the grout's structure and ultimately, cause it to crack.

Loose Subfloor

If your bathroom has a loose sub-floor or a structurally unsound floor, such as a bouncy floor, the grout is likely to crack. For instance, if you install tiles directly onto a typical wooden sub-floor, the grout is likely to crack because the sub-floor is unlikely to be strong enough to protect the tile and the grout. If you have such a sub-floor, you should hire a professional... to install tiles in your bathroom. In such a case, a professional would first install a concrete board on top of the wood sub-floor in order to make the floor structurally sound.

Foundation Settling

grout tile repairThe foundation of a building/structure typically sinks down into the ground over time due to various factors including weather and vibrations caused by human activities such as construction. It is called "sinking" and occurs when the foundation is settling. This can cause the grout in your washroom to crack. However, this does not necessarily mean that the tiles held together by the grout would crack too. Grout is more flexible than tiles, meaning it is more susceptible to cracking under such conditions.

Insufficient Thinset

When installing tiles, it is important to use sufficient amounts of thinset (the adhesive applied over the mortar during the installation of tiles) to prevent the grout from cracking. This is because, as the thinset sets, it typically hardens, contracts, and pulls tiles tight to the mortar. For this reason, if insufficient amount of thinset is used, the thinset is likely to pull away from the tiles, leavings air spaces under the tiles. When this happens, the grout is likely to crack.

Movement Joints

A movement joint is basically anywhere a tile surface changes plane, such as an interior corner, or meets an abutting surface, for example, against a hardwood floor or wall. This is according to the Tile Council of North America (TCNA). Additionally, the TCNA says that the entire surface of a bathroom installation is a movement joint. For this reason, it should have room to accommodate movement. This means that, if your tiler applies grout to a movement joint, the grout is likely to crack. However, such areas should also be sealed to prevent moisture, induced damage, and improve aesthetics. Fortunately, your professional can use a more flexible material, such as 100-percent silicone, to seal such joints. diy vs plumber

Weak Grout Structure

Improper mixing of the grout is likely to cause the grout to crack. More specifically, too much polymer additive or water in the grout mix is will likely lead to this problem due to excessive evaporation.
 

Bathroom Plumber Palmer PA

Some of the possible causes of cracked grout in the bathroom include:
  • weak grout structure
  • movement joints
  • foundation settling
  • insufficient thinset
  • loose sub-floor
Be sure to address these issues... as soon as you notice them. The longer that you wait, the more of a headache that it will become. For top notch professional plumbing services throughout the Lehigh Valley, be sure to give Robinson Plumbing  a call. All of our certified plumbers have extensive training, knowledge, and years of experience in the plumbing industry. When hiring us to conduct a plumbing repair, maintenance, or a plumbing fixture installation, you will receive a plumber who exhibits the expertise and professionalism to address your plumbing needs above and beyond your expectations. If you have any plumbing-related questions, be sure to give is a call. For a list of our plumbing services, click here. call now We service Bath PA 18014, Bethlehem PA 18015, Durham PA 18039, Easton PA 18040, Hellertown PA 18055, Kintnersville PA 18930, Martins Creek PA 18063, Nazareth PA 18064, Palmer 18045, Riegelsville PA 18077, Springtown PA 18081, Stockertown PA 18083, Tatamy PA 18085, and surrounding areas. Call us today at (610) 351-9889 or contact us for any questions that you might have!

Why Does Bathroom Grout Crack? originated at Robinson Plumbing Blog

Sunday, September 17, 2017

5 Plumbing Emergency Tips

image of plumbing service in bethlehem pennsylvaniaPlumbing systems are complex and prone to glitches. Almost everyone will deal with a plumbing emergency at some point in their lives. Knowing what to do is essential before calling for a 24 hour emergency plumbing. This allows you to mitigate the damage and reduce the cost of repairs. Acting swiftly is a must as failure to do so can lead to greater headaches. This includes massive flooding and pipe bursts. If it happens to you, then try to stay calm. In this article, we will discuss what you need to do before a plumbing service arrives when dealing with a plumbing emergency. plumbing services CTA

1. Turn Off The Water Source.

Stop feeding the leak... by preventing access to the source. Turn off the water as fast as you can. This could be the faucet itself, the nearest valve, or even the main supply line. It's good if you can localize the issue and shut off water to that particular area. This gives you the opportunity to still be able to use water elsewhere in the house. You can go straight to the mains, if necessary,  just to be on the safe side. Hunt for the faulty element later for a more targeted approach.

2. Shut Down The Water Heater.

Once water stops getting into the home, appliances that rely on it can start to feel the effects. The water heater will feel a build-up of heat and pressure which it might not be able to tolerate. It might eventually burst which will then lead to other problems. Turn it off as soon as you can so that you won't have to worry about it.
water heater services CTA

3. Drain The Water In The Pipes.

Shutting off the main water valve.... prevents further flow but there could still be plenty of liquid within the pipes. If the leakage continues, then this might be the problem. Fix this by turning on the spigots located outside of the house. Let the water flow until everything clears out.

4. Stop Minor Leaks.

Sometimes leaks have obvious sources such as pipes under the sink. Since you have already identified the issue, why not step in to stop it from getting worse? Have a few plumbing tools available. This includes a wrench for tightening bolts and plumber's tape for sealing. If you don't have these, then simply get a few rags and stuff them around the pipe in the meantime. You can also place a bucket underneath to catch the dripping water. It may not be the most elegant solution but it reduces the water damage until the pros come. Leak Repair Services

5. Call A Plumber For Help.

plumbing emergency tipsNow it's time to call in the professionals to provide a permanent solution to the problem and get things back to normal. You've done everything you can. Call a plumber and give all of the pertinent details as soon as you can. Tell them when it started, how you found out, what you did to fix it, and how the home is holding up so far. Plumbers may give advice to help you cope in the meantime while they gear up to go to your house. Many of them offer 24-hour emergency service so that you can get assistance at any time of the day.

Plumbing Service Bethlehem PA

For high quality, professional plumbing services throughout the Lehigh Valley, PA be sure to give us a call. All of our plumbers are certified with years of experience. They will know how to properly diagnose any plumbing issues that you might be experiencing. All of the plumbers at Robinson Plumbing are knowledgeable, friendly, clean,  and professional. If you have any plumbing-related questions, be sure to give us a call. For a list of our plumbing services, click here. call now We service Allentown PA 18101, Bethlehem PA 18015, Catasauqua PA 18032, Center Valley PA 18034, Coplay PA 18037, East Texas PA 18046, Emmaus PA 18049, Lehigh Valley PA 18001, Northampton PA 18067, Whitehall PA 18052, and surrounding areas in the Lehigh Valley. Call us today at (610) 351-9889 or contact us for any questions that you might have! plumbing emergency

5 Plumbing Emergency Tips was originally written and published on Robinson Plumbers

Monday, September 11, 2017

What Causes Mold Growth In Bathrooms?

bathroom mold in fogelsville pennsylvania homeMold is one of the most common household problems. The fungus lurks in every corner, just waiting for a chance to grow. Under ideal conditions, mold can quickly multiply and wreak havoc. It is both an eyesore and a health hazard. It should not be allowed to persist within your property. Although removing it can seem like a daunting task, it is important that you do not let it destroy your home. Unfortunately, this can happen a lot faster than you might realize. Since it tends to thrive in bathrooms, homeowners must check this space on a regular basis. Causes include poor ventilation, high humidity, leaky pipes, cellulose materials, and broken grout.  We have seen various bathrooms that have been plagued by mold for one reason or another. Robinson Plumbing is here to help by offering expert plumbing services to remove the root cause of your bathroom mold. Fogelsville PA homeowners should take advantage of this before they start experiencing bathroom mold dangers. In this article, we will discuss common causes for bathroom mold and what the possible solutions are for its removal. plumbing services

Poor Ventilation

The number one cause of mold is poor ventilation. Being wet is a given in bathrooms as that's where you wash off. This means that things shouldn't stay wet. Since, water beads are likely to remain on the surfaces for a while, they need to be wiped off or dried out. Otherwise, you will find mold in the bathroom drywall, among other places. A well-designed space will have small windows to improve ventilation for air drying. Additionally, some may even have an exhaust fan to hasten the process. Be sure to leave it on for at least half an hour after you've finished taking a shower.

High Humidity

mold in showerThe moisture in bathrooms... also contributes to high humidity in this confined space. The problem can be remedied by using a dehumidifier. This helps to dry things out right away and does not give mold the chance to multiply. Dehumidifiers can be bought as a standalone device at affordable prices. It's a small price to pay to ensure your family's health. Set it a level below 55%. This is the minimum needed for fungus to grow. Remember that mold will happily eat your house if you let it. So, not only does mold removal prevent it from affecting your health, it also impacts the condition of your home.

Leaky Plumbing System

Sometimes the problem lies with the plumbing system in the bathroom. Things may work flawlessly in the beginning but rust, pressure, wear, and other factors could result in damaged pipes. Even small leaks can also cause puddles to appear on the floor. Additionally, the same issue is triggered by faulty faucets and defective toilets. Don't take chances if you aren't familiar with plumbing as it is trickier than it looks. Fix the problem with the help of a licensed plumber. Mold and mildew are more likely to develop in spaces that contain damp cellulose materials. These are what they love to feed on. Examples include wood, paper products, drywall, fabrics, rugs, and also wallpaper. Additionally, store rolls of tissue in a dry container away from moisture. Apply a waterproofing membrane on exposed drywall in the bathroom. Do not use wallpaper for decoration. Use heavy duty tiles and suitable paint in this type of setting. Leak Repair Services

Broken Grout

Inspect the grout in the shower area for signs of damage. Water can penetrate through cracks and chips. Therefore, mold can grow within these slits that are extremely difficult to reach. Focus on prevention as removal is much harder. In order to know how to get rid of mold in shower caulk, clean the grout lines regularly. Replace them if necessary.
 

Bathroom Mold Fogelsville PA

mold by bathroom windowDon't worry if all these remedies seem daunting. Experienced professionals can help you. Plumbers will gladly assist in making your bathroom resistant to mold and mildew. This way, you won't have to deal with the dangers that mold and mildew create. You can keep your home safe and your loved ones free from mold-related health issues. Be sure to contact a reputable and licensed plumber for any plumbing issues that you may experience, including bathroom mold. Robinson Plumbing offers a wide variety of plumbing services in northeastern PA. Our certified plumbers will be able to diagnose why you are dealing with mold or mildew in your bathroom and offer the appropriate solutions to remedy this situation. When you are dealing with plumbing issues like mold in your bathroom, it is important to hire a professional. Understanding the root cause requires skill and precision and therefore, it is not a DIY project. Be sure to contact us. Remember, mold will keep coming back if the root cause is not eliminated. In fact, mold will eat your home and cause health issues for as long as you let it. Therefore, be sure to address an issue like this immediately. It is a lot cheaper to eliminate an issue like this early on. Call us today to request a free consultation. call now We service Alburtis PA 18011, Breinigsvill PA 18031, East Texas PA 18046, Fogelsville PA 18051, Macungie PA 18062, Maxatawny PA 19538, Mertztown PA 19539, Orefield PA 18069, Schnecksville PA 18078, Topton PA 19562, Trexlertown PA 18087, and surrounding areas. schedule an appointment Call us today at (610) 351-9889 or contact us for any questions that you might have!

What Causes Mold Growth In Bathrooms? is property of Robinson Plumbing Blog

Monday, September 4, 2017

Top Reasons To Replace Your Bathtub With A Shower

shower installationIt is common for most homeowners to expand their bathrooms to include a bathtub. If you have enough space and you can really use the comfort that a good soak in a tub can give, then a bathtub as an addition sounds like a great idea. However, not all spaces can accommodate bathtubs. You may be too busy to take baths all the time, and your existing tub can turn into just another fixture that makes an already cramped bathroom feel even smaller. However, to some, sometimes this decision isn't easy and it can feel a little overwhelming. In fact, there are cases where some homeowners replace their bathtub with a shower and regret it later on for one reason or another. Robinson Plumbing is here to offer some advice on the reasons that might justify a bathtub replacement so you don't find yourself in the same predicament. In this article, we will cover some ideas that are good to think about before you go ahead with a bathtub replacement. If you do indeed believe that you want to get rid of the bathtub, then Robinson Plumbing offers affordable and skilled plumbing services for your bathtub replacement. Here's how you know that it's time to swap that bathtub with a shower. plumbing services CTA

You're Not A Bath Person

If you do not have small kids or the family is not just big on baths... losing the tub may not be a big deal. Unless you have small children or elderly family members living in the house, quick showers may prove to be a better alternative.

Free Up Bathroom Space

bathtub replacement bethlehem pennsylvaniaYou also free up bathroom space... if you decide to get rid of the tub and choose a shower instead. Most showers now come in space-saving designs and partitions that give the illusion of extra room.

You Want To Save On Water

A quick shower obviously uses up less water than what it takes to fill up your tub. If you want lower water bills... and just want to be more conscious about water consumption, going for a shower is the better option. A bath uses a lot more water than you might realize. This is especially true when you implement water-saving methods into your shower.  
 

You Already Have An Outdoor Hot Tub

Having an outdoor hot tub gives you an extra place where you can enjoy hot, relaxing soaks, so it's definitely easier and more economical to convert your indoor bathroom tub into a shower.

You Are Not Planning On Selling Your Home Anytime Soon

Most real estate experts will tell you... that having a bath can make your home more attractive to prospective buyers and can increase the resale value of your home. If you have no plans of selling your home in the near future, losing your bathtub in favor of the advantages it brings may be the better decision to make.

Why Work With A Professional Plumber?

Making the decision to turn your bathtub into a shower can be easy especially if you know what you want and you are working with a professional plumbing expert. A shower that is spacious and made of quality materials can be just as good as an investment in any bathtub. So, you want to make sure that you are getting your money's worth. plumbing fixtures CTA

Can A Bathtub Replacement Be A DIY Project?

Installing a shower by yourself may seem like a better option if you want to save on costs. However, the lack of experience and skills can actually end up costing you much more than expected. A professional plumber knows the ins and outs of a shower installation. They also know what systems work best for your space and what materials are best for the kind of shower you want. A professional can also offer design ideas that no weekend warrior can, according to the type of materials that you have in mind. Your plumber can help you with permit requirements especially if the installation requires the relocation of water pipes. A professional plumber is also bonded and insured so you have the peace of mind knowing that if anything goes wrong, you are financially covered.

Bathtub Replacement Bethlehem PA

Robinson Plumbing offers free estimates for your bathtub replacement or any fixture installation. For top notch professional plumbing services throughout the Lehigh Valley, be sure to give us a call. All of our certified plumbers have extensive training and experience in the plumbing industry. When hiring us to conduct a plumbing repair, maintenance, or shower installation, you will receive a Robinson Plumbing plumber who exhibits the knowledge and professionalism to address your plumbing needs properly. If you have any plumbing-related questions, be sure to give is a call. For a list of our plumbing services, click here. call now We service Allentown PA 18101, Bethlehem PA 18015, Catasauqua PA 18032, Center Valley PA 18034, Coplay PA 18037, East Texas PA 18046, Emmaus PA 18049, Lehigh Valley PA 18001, Northampton PA 18067, Whitehall PA 18052, and surrounding areas in the Lehigh Valley. Call us today at (610) 351-9889 or contact us for any questions that you might have!

Top Reasons To Replace Your Bathtub With A Shower was originally published on http://RobinsonPlumbing.com