Sewage Backup: Health Issues & Causes

In an ideal world, everything inside the house will always work perfectly and we'll have nothing to worry about. In the real world, however, things tend to go south from time to time. The plumbing system is a particularly one of those offenders. One of the worst plumbing disasters is when homeowners, without any warning, experience a sewage backup. Alburtis PA and surrounding area homeowners can call Robinson Plumbing for trusted and affordable plumbing services. A sewer backup is an experience that is extremely unpleasant. However, our plumbers can take care of the problem by properly diagnosing why it happened in the first place and finding the best solution to resolve it. When you experience a sewer backup... dirty and foul water may appear where it shouldn't. Overflowing toilets and septic tanks are also characteristic of a sewer backup. Sinks, tubs, and floor drains could also get backed-up. A situation like this is especially bad when it goes unnoticed for a few days. We have had homeowners who do not go into their basement often and when they do, they notice a sewer backup in the basement. In this article, we'll discuss the causes, the health complications, and the solutions to the problem.

What Causes Sewage Backup?

Clog

If the main sewer line gets clogged, then things can't flow through as they normally would. The sewage will eventually flow back up and give you headaches. This usually happens because of improper waste disposal. The clog might be located at any point in the system. The symptoms will provide clues about its location.

 

Roots

Another possible cause for a sewer backup... is the growth of tree roots. You should be careful when planting vegetation around your sewer line because roots can be persistent. They break into pipes, grow inside of them, and impede with the flow. This can eventually lead into a complete blockage. If you don't have any offending trees on your yard, then check your neighbor's yard. Their garden might be the culprit.

Sewers

Lastly, those who are living in older homes might want to check if there are structural issues in the sewer lines. These usually feature clay pipes and cast iron reinforcements. Decades of use can wear them down, causing cracks and breakage. They could even collapse with the walls blocking the line.

What Health Issues Can Arise?

Avoid exposure to raw sewage at all cost. There are many sewage backup health risks. Sewage contains dangerous microorganisms like bacteria and viruses. They also contain parasites that latch onto individuals. These parasites causes diseases like giardia. E. coli bacteria from fecal matter can get into drinking water and cause vomiting, fever, diarrhea, and abdominal cramps. Family members may also develop Hepatitis A which is characterized by fatigue, jaundice, loss of appetite, nausea, and abdominal pain. Typhoid fever is also something to watch out for because it can be fatal if untreated. People may develop rashes and feel extremely weak. Their body temperature shoots up while they deal with headache, cough, and stomach pain. This is why you should only hire a professional to do a sewage backup cleanup.

 

How Can The Problem Be Solved?

Deal with a situation like this quickly and efficiently to keep everyone safe and healthy. Many are tempted to try to fix it themselves using drain cleaning solutions and other DIY methods. However, these are unlikely to succeed and, generally, make the problem worse. The best way to solve it is to call an experienced plumber who can diagnose the situation and fix sewer backup right away. Professional plumbers have the tools and skills necessary for this type of work. For example, your situation may need an unclogging of the main sewer line which requires special tools in order for it to be successful.

Sewage Backup Alburtis PA

Once things have returned to normal, be sure to keep it that way through proper waste disposal and regular maintenance. A sewer line clean out may also be installed to make future maintenance and troubleshooting easier. To find a qualified plumber in the Lehigh Valley, be sure to contact Robinson Plumbing. All of our knowledgeable plumbers are certified with an extensive amount of skills, experience, and professionalism to diagnose any plumbing problem. Our services are always clean, fast, and affordable. When working with us, you can count on us to get your plumbing system in proper working order. Robinson Plumbing is a local, family owned company that offers a high standard of plumbing services. We service Alburtis PA 18011, Breinigsville PA 18031, East Texas PA 18046, Emmaus PA 18049, Fogelsville PA 18051, Hereford PA 18056, Macungie PA 18062, Maxatawny PA 19538, Mertztown PA 19539, Old Zionsville PA 18068, Palm PA 18070, Topton PA 19562, Trexlertown PA 18087, Zionsville PA 18092, and surrounding areas. Call us today at (610) 351-9889 or contact us for any questions that you might have!

The article Sewage Backup: Health Issues & Causes is courtesy of Robinson Plumbing Articles

Common Causes For Low Water Pressure In Your Shower

There is nothing worse than stepping into your shower to realize that there is barely any water coming out of the shower head. While we agree that this is a major nuisance, don't fret. Showers often develop a low flow rate due to various reasons. By troubleshooting some of the issues... you will be able to find the possible cause of your shower's low flow rate. A licensed plumber can address and solve the underlying cause of this type of issue. This is not a DIY repair for amateurs. This is because this issue can be a symptom of a major issue that is not as obvious to the untrained eye. Robinson Plumbing offers high quality plumbing services including the repair of low water pressure shower. Kutztown PA and surrounding area residents can take advantage of affordable, high quality services. In this article, we will discuss some of the most common causes for low water pressure in your shower.

Clogged Shower Head Or Plumbing Pipes

This is one of the most common causes of low shower pressures. Some of the things that can clog your shower head and plumbing pipes include hard water stains. Solid corrosion debris, which often forms in old metal pipes, can also cause this issue. To find out if the problem is only limited to your shower, try checking your flow rate at different faucets. If that is the case, you should call a plumber to disassemble and inspect your shower head. They will also check your plumbing pipes for signs of corrosion. When your shower head is dirty or clogged up with sediments, your plumber will use a commercial cleaner to clean it and dislodge the mineral deposits inside your shower head and pipes. Of course, if your pipes are extensively corroded, it is best to have your plumber replace them.

Defective Or Stuck Bathtub Spout Diverter

If you have a shower/tub combination... a defective or stuck bathtub spout diverter can cause low shower pressure. This is because your diverter is unable to divert water from your tub spout up to your shower head effectively. To fix this problem, call a plumber to fix/replace your spout diverter.

Low-Flow Shower Head

Thanks to federal regulations, low-flow shower heads are becoming increasingly common. According to US Department of Energy (DOE), these regulations limit new shower heads to a maximum flow rate of 2.5 gallons per minute (gpm) at a water pressure of 80 psi (pounds per square inch). These shower heads help to cut the cost of heating water. Also, they are specifically designed to restrict the amount of water flowing through them. More specifically, they contain a water restrictor valve. This means that they can cause low shower pressure. Fortunately, if you have such a shower head and want to increase your shower pressure, your plumber can replace the shower head with a regular shower head. Alternatively, your plumber can remove the restrictor valve if that is legal in your area.

Main Water Shut-off Valve

When your main water shut-off valve is turned down, the water pressure throughout your house will be low. In such a case, check your main water shut-off valve. Make sure that it is not turned off. Some of the other valves you can check to ensure they are not shut off include:

•  in-line shut-off valve (if you have one)
• curb-side main

However, it is important to note that water providers do not usually allow unauthorized people to tamper with curb-site meters. This means that your water provider will have to turn on your curb-site meter for you.

 

Kutztown PA: Low Water Pressure Shower

Some of the common causes for low water pressure in your shower include problems with the

• main water shut-off valve
• low-flow shower head
• defective or stuck bathtub spout diverter
• clogged shower head or plumbing pipes

Because it may be difficult to see the real cause of this problem, you should hire a professional plumber to find and fix the problem. Robinson Plumbing offers professional plumbing services. We will be able to properly diagnose why you have low water pressure in your shower and find the best solutions to remedy this. All of our plumbers are certified and have ample experience in the plumbing industry. By working with the professionals at Robinson Plumbing... you will receive a friendly, knowledgeable, and professional plumber. Be sure to call us today so that we may answer any questions that you may have regarding your plumbing issues. We service Alburtis PA 18011, Blandon PA 19510, Bowers PA 19511, Breinigsville PA 18031, Fleetwood PA 19522, Fogelsville PA 18051, Kempton PA 19529, Kutztown PA 19530, Lenhartsville PA 19534, Lyon Station PA 19536, Maxatawny PA 19538, Mertztown PA 19539, Oley PA 19547, Stony Run PA 19557, Topton PA 19562, Trexlertown PA 18087, Virginville PA 19564, and surrounding areas. Call us today at (610) 351-9889 or contact us for any questions that you might have!

Read more on: Robinson Plumbers

Why Is My Water Rusty?

Clean water is an absolute necessity. Those living in the U.S. are lucky that it is so easy to obtain. Just open the tap and out will come perfectly fine water for drinking, washing, or any other purpose. The same is not true for a large portion of the world's population. Of course, our water isn't always perfect either. Sometimes problems can occur that can make life difficult. An example of this is the occurrence of rust colored water coming out of the faucet. Rust is mixing in with the liquid, leading to discoloration and a foul smell. This is an issue that needs to be dealt with immediately. There are many causes for an issue like this. In this article, we will discuss a number of things that can trigger rusty water in your home.

Pipes

Rust can come from the pipes in and around the house. If you are living in a place that is decades old, then there's a good chance that the plumbing is starting to succumb to environmental pressures. The rust itself is not that dangerous. However, corrosion can lead to holes in the pipes that could introduce other contaminants. If this is indeed the case, then the affected sections will have to be replaced with new pipes. This is not a job for amateurs as the process entails lots of risks. Be sure to call an experienced plumber for the best results.

Bacteria

Another potential source of rust are the water heaters. This is confirmed by opening the cold water tap and the hot water tap. If the discoloration is only present with your hot water, as in you have rusty hot water, then you have found the culprit. Ignoring the problem will only make it worse. Oxidizing bacteria attacks the metal to create iron oxide. This is what we commonly refer to as rust. Those who use wells deal with rust in well water frequently. Although it is more commonly found in well water, it can thrive in water heaters as well.  Corrosion will eventually compromise the structural integrity of the water tank. You will need the services of a competent professional. Do not worry about hot water heater replacement cost alone. You will pay more later if you leave the issue unattended.

Sediments

Sometimes the problem lies in the water itself. Perhaps it has too much iron or manganese content because of the environment. The sediments can drop down to the bottom of a water tank because of their density. Opening the taps can disturb the particles, making them swirl and mix with the rest of the liquid. Periodic draining may temporarily resolve the problem. Regular maintenance is also ideal. The anode rod needs a replacement every 5 years or so. This element attracts corrosive particles to spare the water heater, sacrificing itself in the process.

 

Supply

The problem may also be bigger than the structures in and around your house. Rust may be coming from the main line itself because of issues with the public supply. Widespread contamination is rare but is has happened in towns across the country. It can be harder to resolve because of the magnitude of the situation. You can confirm this by asking your neighbors whether they experience the same thing with their water. System repairs and storms can cause this temporarily but things should get back to normal within a few days.

Water Heater Replacement Bethlehem PA

If the situation persists and you think that the problem lies in your home, then do not hesitate to call a plumber right away. They will be able to find the cause of this issue and offer practical solutions to resolve it. Robinson Plumbing offers a wide variety of plumbing services throughout northeastern PA. Our certified plumbers will troubleshoot your rusty water issue and find solutions on how to solve it. As mentioned above, it can be caused by your hot water heater or old plumbing pipes. Be sure to contact us for any plumbing issues that you may be experiencing. 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!

The following blog post, Why Is My Water Rusty?, is available on www.RobinsonPlumbing.com

Drain Maintenance Tasks To Do This Fall

Fall is an ideal time to perform maintenance on the drains in your home. The weather is cooler and you have a normal, less hectic routine that allows you to tackle home projects. Some homeowners use this time of year as a reminder to get drain pipe cleaning services. When looking for a drain cleaning service near me, Kutztown PA homeowners can take advantage of the drain cleaning services that Robinson Plumbing has to offer. This will keep your drains clear and free from any odors that is common with dirty drains. In order to prevent a clogged drain, there is a lot that you can do. However, if you suspect you have a clog, the sooner you get to it, the better. Ignoring clogs can turn into bigger problems. By conducting some drain maintenance, you will avoid... higher utility bills, decreased sanitation, and bad odors. In this article, we will discuss some some basic maintenance tips to help keep your drains clear and even prevent a clogged drain.

Strainers

Add strainers to bathtubs and showers. This task is a no-brainer. These basket-shaped inserts keep hair and other items, including small pieces of soap, from getting into your drains. In addition to preventing clogs, they will extend the life of your plumbing.

Practice Prevention

What do you throw down your drains, including the kitchen sink? Many homeowners indiscriminately throw cooking grease down kitchen drains, thinking that the garbage disposal will take care of it. Such is not the case as grease will stick to the walls of pipes, eventually hardening and contributing to clogs. Wipe cooking grease from your pots and pans and throw it in the garbage along with other items such as food, diapers, plastic pieces, wipes and feminine hygiene products. Keeping these items out of drains will go a long way toward keeping them open.

Avoid Liquid Drain Cleaners

Liquid drain cleaners aren't that effective and can actually cause damage to your pipes because of the corrosive substances that are part of their makeup. They are also toxic and dangerous to handle. Instead of using a commercial drain cleaner, use a homemade remedy of baking soda, vinegar and hot water. Periodically flushing you drains with boiling water can also help eliminate any build-up of grease and soap scum along the inside of pipes. Also, invest in a plunger and a plumber's snake to help break up clogs. Make sure you have the right type of plunger for your needs. Use cup plungers for sink drains and flange plungers for toilets. Different types of snakes are available too. These tools can scoop out material from places that you can't reach. Be careful when using a snake, however, as using one too vigorously can cause damage to your pipes.

 

Deodorize Stinky Drains

The most common cause of smelly drains... is a dried out trap, most commonly found in bathrooms that are seldomly used. Prevent this problem by periodically running water so the trap doesn't dry out and necessitate replacement. Kitchen drains that have garbage disposals also tend to stink due to a build-up of bacteria. Eliminate the smell with a combination of baking soda and lemon peel and flush with hot water.

Exterior Drains

Exterior drains are just as important. Remove leaves and dirt from gutters and downspouts to keep them clear. Inspect perimeter drains for debris and remove clogs from grates. These small chores can help you avoid basement floods.

Drain Cleaning Service Near Me Kutztown PA

While you're checking drains, inspect any visible pipe for signs of cracking or other problems. If you notice any issues, you will need to call a plumber. Many homeowners worry about drain cleaning service price and avoid getting one altogether. However, it is worth your time to consider getting a professional annual drain cleaning to help keep your drains clear. As mentioned earlier, clogged drains lead to bigger issues that are far more expensive to repair. For plumbing drain cleaning services, contact Robinson Plumbing. Our certified plumbers will clean your drains so that they are free from any debris. Also, we can repair any clogged drains that you have in your home. Our work is fast, clean, and affordable. Give us a call if you have any plumbing related questions and we will be glad to answer them. We service Alburtis PA 18011, Blandon PA 19510, Bowers PA 19511, Breinigsville PA 18031, Fleetwood PA 19522, Fogelsville PA 18051, Kempton PA 19529, Kutztown PA 19530, Lenhartsville PA 19534, Lyon Station PA 19536, Maxatawny PA 19538, Mertztown PA 19539, Oley PA 19547, Stony Run PA 19557, Topton PA 19562, Trexlertown PA 18087, Virginville PA 19564, and surrounding areas. Call us today at (610) 351-9889 or contact us for any questions that you might have!

The post "Drain Maintenance Tasks To Do This Fall" was originally released on Robinson Plumbers

How Long Does A Water Heater Last?

Have you wondered about how long your water heater should last? If you are like most people, it is not high on your list of priorities. This is especially true when you rent the house that you live in. Regardless of whether you own own or rent, a water heater's lifespan should be very important to you. This is because when you let your water heater get far past its lifespan, it can leak and create water damage among other issues. We agree that this sounds like a major problem that you don't want to deal with but there are ways of avoiding such issues. Robinson Plumbing is here to help by offering water heater replacement. Kutztown PA homeowners and renters can avoid major headaches by knowing the age of their water heater and replacing it before it gets to that point. By getting a water heater replacement before your water heating system fails... you can prevent a leak or a flood in your home.This also prevents the mold and water damage that is typically associated with a leaking water heater. You can save money by upgrading to a modern and more energy efficient model. It all starts with knowing the age of your water heater. The need for a water heater replacement can differ based on the type and model of water heater. However, there are some general guidelines to follow when it comes to determining when you should replace the water heater. In this article, we will discuss what these general guidelines are.

Out Of Sight, Out Of Mind

Water heaters are not exactly attractive. Typically, they are kept in places where they are not often seen. This can make it so you tend to forget about your heater. Even though this is the case, it is crucial that you are aware of when it was installed and when you need to obtain a replacement.

General Rule Of Thumb

Usually, a water heater will last... around 10 years. However, some of them have lasted much  longer, up to 20 years. It is important to note that, like all heating systems, water heaters do lose their efficiency with time. Therefore, even if your ancient water heater is acting fine and is not showing signs of a breakdown, it is still costing you more to heat your water than you should be paying. This certainly adds up after a while.

Serial Number

It is necessary that you locate the serial number on the heating unit. This should be in the form of a letter and a two-digit number. The letter shows the month it was constructed. For instance, A is equal to January, B to February and so on. The numbers denote the year of construction.

When To Replace The Water Heater

It is a good idea to get a new water heater when it is close to one to two years from the end of its shelf life. You will want to watch out for any issues that indicate wear on the heater that can be harmful, so you can replace it when necessary. You can reach out to a reputable plumber who can assist you. Some of the symptoms you will want to look out for include the following:

• Rusty water - When the cold water is coming out clear, but the hot water is not, make sure you have your water heater checked out.
• Performance -If the hot water is not available for as long, or it takes longer to become hot when you run the shower or sink faucet, the water heater may be on its way out.
• Water leak - This one can be as simple as there being a loose connection in the plumbing. This should be checked to rule out whether or not it is a faulty water heating system. Leaks should be always addressed immediately.
• Strange Noises -You may hear banging noises if calcium has built up in the heater from hard water. This can develop a thick crust that causes the noises, and means you should replace the heating unit.

As you can see, it is a tricky matter to tell if you will need a new hot water heater. For this reason, it is important that you have a dependable plumber or agency that can take a look. They can assist you with whatever plumbing issue you are dealing with. Reach out as soon as you suspect a problem, or if you know that the shelf life of your water heater is almost over.

 

Water Heater Replacement Kutztown PA

When your water heater reaches the end of its lifespan, then you can be proactive and replace it. This will prevent any of the issues mentioned above. Make sure that you find a reputable plumber to install your water heater. The installation of your new system is just as important as the type of unit you invest in. The installation affects its performance and energy efficiency. Robinson Plumbing offers a wide range of plumbing services including water heater replacement and water heater installations. We work with different power sources such as gas and electric. All of our plumbers are certified and have lots of experience in the plumbing industry. Therefore, by working with us, you will receive a courteous, knowledgeable, and professional plumber. Be sure to call us today if you believe that your water heater is on its way out or if you have any other plumbing issue. We offer free estimates... and can provide you will all of your options. This will allow you to make an informed decision about what you want to do. Call us today to schedule an appointment. We service Alburtis PA 18011, Blandon PA 19510, Bowers PA 19511, Breinigsville PA 18031, Fleetwood PA 19522, Fogelsville PA 18051, Kempton PA 19529, Kutztown PA 19530, Lenhartsville PA 19534, Lyon Station PA 19536, Maxatawny PA 19538, Mertztown PA 19539, Oley PA 19547, Stony Run PA 19557, Topton PA 19562, Trexlertown PA 18087, Virginville PA 19564, and surrounding areas. Call us today at (610) 351-9889 or contact us for any questions that you might have!

How Long Does A Water Heater Last? was originally published on Robinson Plumbing Blog