How To Check Your Plumbing When Buying A Home

Buying a new home is a daunting experience, especially for first-time buyers. Knowing a few tips and tricks of what to look for can save a lot of time, stress, and money down the road. Plumbing is one of the most important systems within a home. Also, it is one of the most costly to repair when things go wrong. However, you can check the system on your own or even hire a professional to do an Allentown PA plumbing inspection. A reputable plumber will give you their honest opinion of the condition of a home's plumbing. They use a thorough home plumbing inspection checklist to go through the system to verify that it is working properly. In this article, we will share some valuable advice on how to avoid the pitfalls of buying a home with plumbing problems.

Be Assertive

When you find a home you want to buy... don't be afraid to ask the realtor or sellers questions. Full disclosure is the protocol. If there is nothing to hide, there should be no issues with asking questions regarding the state of the plumbing. Make arrangements to inspect the plumbing yourself. Wear appropriate clothes, and take a good flashlight to help you see in those dark nooks and crannies.

What to Check:

Shut-Off Valve

First, you will want to locate the home's shut-off valve. Ensure that it is in working order. This is of great importance when it comes to a potential leak and when you need to shut the water off in a hurry.

Pipe Material

You will also want to inquire into what type of pipes... are in the home. Older homes will sometimes have lead or galvanized pipes. We now know these types of pipes to be toxic. Lead or galvanized pipes is something you will want to avoid, especially if looking for a child-friendly home.

Hot Water Heater

Unless you don't mind cold showers, inspect the hot water heater. Do a little research beforehand and find out what size you would need for the amount of people living in the home. Check for signs of corrosion or mineral deposit. These will indicate age and longevity of the current tank. Water heaters are not a huge expense to replace. However, it does play an important role within the home, so be sure to check it out.

Water Pressure

Investigating the home's water pressure... is also a great idea. This is evident in the flow of the water from taps and shower heads. Also, finding out the size of the pipes will reveal any potential water pressure issues.

 

Type Of Sewage System

Find out whether the home uses the municipal sewer system or an installed septic tank. If it is the latter, look at the papers indicating where the tank and its lines are on the property. Find out what its age is. Be sure to find out when a plumber came to service it last. Inspect the area around the tank for any signs of leakage or foul odors. You don't want to mess with septic tank repairs or replacement costs. Services like these can run in the thousands.

Faucets & Plumbing Fixtures

Lastly, walk through the home, check all the faucets... for leaks and drips. Check the water pressure of each fixture. Turn on the showers, especially those far away from the water source. Make note of any water pressure issues. Flush the toilets. Make sure they empty and refill quickly and with ease. Check the drains and make sure that they do not have a clog. When there are various drains that have clogs, this is an indicator of a major issue with the pipes.

Plumbing Inspection Allentown PA

Robinson Plumbing offers professional and trusted plumbing services throughout the Lehigh Valley. If you are buying a house, it is important to inspect the plumbing system before signing any paperwork. You can also call us to conduct a thorough inspection to verify that the plumbing system is a good condition. This can save you hundreds if not thousands of dollars from plumbing repairs in the future. Be sure to call us today to schedule an appointment. When working with us, you can expect knowledgeable, friendly, and trusted services. Some of the areas we service include: Allentown, Catasauqua, Coplay, Laurys Station and these zip codes: 18101, 18032, 18037, 18059 as well as all surrounding areas in the Lehigh Valley, Pennsylvania. Call us today at (610) 351-9889 or contact us for any questions that you might have!

The post "How To Check Your Plumbing When Buying A Home" was originally published to Robinson Plumbing News

Traditional Vs. Tankless Water Heaters: Which Is Better?

Water heating is necessary in every home. Most modern buildings feature water heaters that help make the process simple and fast. Hot water serves a wide variety of purposes including cooking, bathing, cleaning and space heating. A look at traditional water heaters and a more modern Allentown PA tankless water heater is key when deciding which of the two methods is ideal for your home. In this article, we will discuss the pros and cons of each system.

Tankless Water Heaters

These are heaters whose design comes without tanks. They make use of high-powered burners to quickly warm up water as it moves through a heat exchanger. A system of pipes delivers the hot water instantaneously to faucets or showers. In most cases, electricity or gas powers these types of water heaters. Here are some of the advantages and disadvantages you are likely to get when using this type of hot water heating system.

Advantages

Cost Effective- According to most research, it is clear that this type of water heating system is likely to save anything between 24% to 34 % energy when compared to traditional heating systems. This ultimately means that you are likely to save about $100 or more per year when using this system. This means that the system pays for itself. Durability- When you compare tankless water heaters to traditional systems, tankless water heaters are likely to remain in good condition for a longer time. They remain in good condition for over 20 years while traditional systems need a replacement between 10-15 years. Saves space- Because there is no tank, you are likely to save on space. Rapid Heating- When using this system, you do not have to wait to get hot water. The heating process is instant. Also, you get endless hot water when you need it.

Disadvantages

High acquisition costs- A tankless water heater costs more to purchase and install than their traditional counterparts. Higher Maintenance Costs- Because of their sophisticated design, there is a lot more that could go wrong.  

Traditional Water Heaters

The design of a traditional water heater allows them to store a given volume of water in a tank. The water in the tank stays at the set temperature on a unit's thermostat. Once the hot water in the tank runs out, the tank fills up with water, allowing the use of hot water once again. However, this can take some time. For most traditional water heaters, once the tank runs out, it needs to fill up again and then heat the water before hot water is available once again. This can take about an hour.

Advantages

Lower Acquisition Costs- Out of the two systems, traditional hot water heating systems are relatively cheap when it comes to acquisition of equipment. Simple Design- The design of tankless water heaters is more complex than traditional systems. This means that you are likely to find it easy to maintain a traditional heating system. Repairs are are also cheaper than tankless system repairs. Fewer Risks Of Error- Traditional systems are quite straightforward. Their design makes easier and cheaper to repair.

Disadvantages

Higher Monthly Bills- Because they must preheat water to a given temperature, they are likely to incur higher monthly costs. Even if no one is using water, they cycle frequently to maintain the thermostat's temperature. Occupy More Space- Because these systems come with a large water tank, they will use up more space. Limited Supply- You certainly don't want to be the last one showering with these systems! Once the tank has ran out of water, it takes about an hour to refill and heat your water up to the desired temperature. Shorter Lifespan- Traditional water heating systems last ten to 15 years.

 

Tankless Water Heater Allentown PA

Both of these systems have good and bad qualities, meaning that what works for one individual is not necessarily ideal for another. It is wise to weigh the pros and cons of each system before settling for the one that is ideal for your particular needs. You can also discuss this with a licensed plumber who understands the ins and outs of both systems. They will help you understand if a traditional or tankless system is better for you. For professional plumbing advice on water heating systems, contact Robinson Plumbing. Our licensed plumbers can properly advise you what would work best for you and your family. Your satisfaction is our priority. You can always count on us to deliver knowledgeable, friendly, and fast service. Call our office today to schedule a free estimate. Some of the areas we service include: Allentown, Catasauqua, Coplay, Laurys Station and these zip codes: 18101, 18032, 18037, 18059 as well as all surrounding areas in the Lehigh Valley, Pennsylvania. Call us today at (610) 351-9889 or contact us for any questions that you might have!

Traditional Vs. Tankless Water Heaters: Which Is Better? originated at Robinson Plumbing

Neglecting Plumbing Repairs Costs More In The Long Run

The plumbing system basically consists of a complicated system of pipes. These pipes carry water and in and out of your home. You use this water for drinking, washing, and bathing. It heats and cools down water. Likewise, the plumbing system carries waste out of your home when you need it to. However, when something as important as your plumbing system is broken, it brings about number of complications. When plumbing issues are not taken care of immediately... these complications escalate and become more costly. Some try to remedy these issues by conducting a DIY plumbing problems repair. However, when it relates to your plumbing system, it is best to leave it to the professionals. In this article, we will discuss why it is important to schedule Emmaus PA plumbing repairs when you notice that your system has an issue.

Health Issues

When the plumbing system is not working properly, health problems arise. This happens when water becomes contaminated with dirt that is entering through the pipes. Mold and mildew may also occur when the water leaking from your pipes creates a damp environment. A damp environment is ideal for the survival of mold and mildew. It is worth pointing out that mold and mildew are a major cause of respiratory complications and other illnesses.

Inflated Water Bills

It may seem like the small leak from your kitchen or bathroom tap is insignificant. However, the truth is these leaks are a big issue since such leaks keep going on throughout the day and night. A close examination of the situation reveals how much water goes to waste. At the end of the day, the wasted water from the leak counts as part of your monthly water bill.

Destruction Of The Plumbing System

The last thing you want is for water to come into contact with the outer parts of the metallic pipes that are common with plumbing systems. This is because the reaction of water and oxygen on metallic surfaces has the effect of corrosion or rust formation. Within a few months, the system may end up crumbling down. This implies that you will have to dig deeper into your pockets for a new system installation.

Damage To Walls

The design of the plumbing system includes water pipes... that run through your home's walls. Any slight damage to these pipes means that water leaks through to the walls. This ends up weakening the entire housing structure and, after a while, leads to collapse of the wall. In more serious cases, it has led to the collapse of one side of the building. There are also mild cases that cause damage to the paint job done on the walls. All of these scenarios end up costing a lot of money. Water running down to the floor of the house equally causes serious damage.

Compromise To Comfort

Your home is the one place where you get to relax and enjoy the comforts of life. However, a damaged plumbing system creates unpleasant noises or odors that compromises your comfort.

Save Money By Hiring A Professional Plumber

Installation

Poor installation of the plumbing system leads to damage before long. A professional plumber is likely to get everything right the first time around. This means that there will be little to no damage for the expected lifespan of your system. However, when looking for plumbing repair service near me, make sure you choose a reputable plumber. It is important to work with a skilled and experienced professional who is knowledgeable and has years of experience.

Maintenance

Regular maintenance activities by a professional plumber reduce the risks of damage. It is worth noting that the cash that you spend on maintenance is significantly lower than that of repair. When you neglect plumbing problems, they escalate and turn into major and costlier issues. A properly maintained system will prevent issues and it ensures that your system will last the entire duration of its lifespan. Furthermore, it ensures that your system operates as it should so that you can count on it when you need to.

Plumbing Repairs Emmaus PA

Instead of ignoring any damage to your system, call in an expert. They can assess the situation and provide a remedy before things get out of hand. As always, make sure that you are selective about who works on your system. Do research and find the best plumbing services that your area has to offer. By doing this, you know that they will do the job correctly, the first time around. For professional plumber repair service, contact Robinson Plumbing. Our licensed plumbers can properly diagnose any problems and offer affordable solutions. As a family-owned company, your satisfaction is our priority. You can count on us to deliver knowledgeable, friendly, and fast service. We offer free estimates. Call our office today to schedule an appointment. Some of the areas we service include: Alburtis, Allentown, Emmaus, Macungie and these zip codes: 18011, 18101, 18049, 18062 as well as all surrounding areas in Northeastern, Pennsylvania. Call us today at (610) 351-9889 or contact us for any questions that you might have!

The post Neglecting Plumbing Repairs Costs More In The Long Run was first seen on Robinson Plumbing

Why Is My Water Heater Tripping Its Reset Button?

There is nothing more frustrating than when the reset button on your electric water heater keeps popping. It inevitably results in constantly having to reset it. This is less than convenient for those who appreciate a functional water heater. The most common cause of the problem is that the water in the heater is getting too hot. The reset button on a water heater is an important safety feature. If the water in the tank gets hotter than 180 degrees... the reset button will trip. This safety feature serves the purpose of preventing you from being severely burned when you turn on the hot water. Now that you know the reason that the button is tripping, you need to figure out why the water is getting so hot. You can do some water heater troubleshooting to understand while you wait for your water heater repair service in Allentown PA. In this article, we will discuss the common issues that cause a water heating system to trip its reset button.

Thermostat Issues

The most common reason that the water in the tank is getting too hot is that there is an issue with the water heater's thermostat. Electric water heaters have two thermostats, one on the upper heating element and one on the lower one. The job of the thermostat is to... control the heat in the elements. When the water in the tank starts to cool down, the thermostat will kick on to heat up the water. When the water in the tank has reached the proper temperature, the thermostat will shut the heating element off. If the thermostat is faulty, it can get stuck in the "on" position. This will cause the water to constantly heat up, causing it to get too hot. Consequently, it trips the switch. If the problem lies with the thermostat, you need to call a plumber to find the problem with the thermostat so that they can make the necessary plumbing repairs.

Other Problems That Can Cause the Reset Button To Trip

When the thermostat in the unit is functioning properly, there are a few other reasons that could cause the reset button to trip.

• A Short in the Heating Element: When the thermostat is functioning properly, the problem could lie with the heating element. If the element is faulty, it could continue heating the water after it reaches the maximum temperature. When the temperature goes above the maximum temperature, the switch will trip.
• Loose Wiring: If there is a loose wire within the unit, it will generate additional heat. This could heat the water to the point that the safety high-limit switch will trip. Loose wiring is very dangerous, therefore, you should contact a plumbing expert as soon as you suspect that there is a problem.
• Bad High-Limit Switch: In some cases, it could be the switch itself that is faulty. If the switch isn't functioning properly, it will trip at times that it doesn't need to.

   

Water Heater Repair Allentown PA

Typical homeowners are not qualified to inspect the unit to diagnose the problem. It takes the knowledge and experience of a licensed plumber to figure out where the problem lies and to repair it. Water heater issues are not a DIY project. Not only is it be dangerous, it can also void the warranty on your unit if you try to make the repairs yourself. Also, many worry about water heater repair cost and neglect the issue until it escalates into a bigger and more costly one. This is dangerous if the issue is caused by a loose wire. Anytime you suspect that there is a problem with your water heater, you should address it immediately and leave the job to a professional hot water heater repairman. When looking for hot water heater repair near me, contact Robinson Plumbing. Our licensed plumbers can diagnose the issues with your water heater and fix them quickly and affordably. We are a family owned business that prioritizes their customers so you can count on us to deliver friendly, prompt, and knowledgeable service. Call us today to schedule an appointment. Some of the areas we service include: Allentown, Catasauqua, Coplay, Laurys Station and these zip codes: 18101, 18032, 18037, 18059 as well as all surrounding areas in the Lehigh Valley, Pennsylvania. Call us today at (610) 351-9889 or contact us for any questions that you might have!

Why Is My Water Heater Tripping Its Reset Button? was originally written and published on Robinson Plumbers

Best Ways To Extend The Lifespan Of Your Plumbing System

Being a homeowner is stressful and expensive. Any homeowner will agree with this statement, especially when it comes to those unexpected large-scale repairs. This includes a home's plumbing system which is extremely costly when problems develop or when homeowners neglect to repair any issues that arise. This is why it is vital to address any issues quickly and seek plumbing repairs in their Allentown PA home when necessary. Fortunately, there are ways that homeowners can increase the longevity of their plumbing pipes and minimize the likelihood of expensive repairs in their future. It just takes a little awareness and action. In this article, we will cover some of the best ways that homeowners can extend their plumbing system's lifespan so that they can save money, time, and major headaches from occurring.

Preventive Maintenance

Many plumbing problems, such as blockages and leaks... do not show noticeable symptoms for long periods of time. Unfortunately, when these issues do show signs, a lot of the damage has already taken place. The key is to catch them early. Scheduling annual plumbing maintenance with a plumber is invaluable. Professional plumbers have the training and equipment to spot trouble areas. They can closely examine a plumbing system and fix issues before serious damage occurs. Not only can you save a lot of money on repairs by scheduling this kind of maintenance, it also increases the longevity of your pipe system. Scheduling repairs in a timely manner is also vital as leaving them untreated only leads to more damage.

Preventing Clogged Drains

One of the most common plumbing issues are clogs.  The best way to deal with this is to have an awareness of what can and can not go down the drain. This is especially important in households with children. Children are notorious for putting items down the drain that don't belong there. Have a family meeting which clearly discusses that they can only flush waste and toilet paper. It is important that no one flushes hygiene products, wipes, or other products that should only go into the trash. These products do not break down and they will clog your pipes when they are flushed down the toilet. Talk about the kitchen drain and the dangers of pouring liquid grease down it. Be clear with your explanations. Tell them that while grease seems harmless as a liquid, it only stays that way when hot. Make sure to tell them that when it cools, it hardens and clogs the pipes. Also, be sure to have hair traps over drains in bathrooms. Clean the traps out regularly. Employing these simple actions for the care of your drains prevents clogged drains and removes unnecessary stress on your plumbing system.

Reducing Water Pressure

Everyone loves a nice, long hot shower, especially in the winter. High water pressure, however, does nothing favorable for your pipes. It adds stress, increases the likelihood of leaks, and decreases the pipe's lifespan. High water pressure makes your plumbing system components work harder. This includes:

• faucets
• pipe joints
• appliance valves

All the added stress is avoidable. A normal pressure reading would range from 40 - 85 psi. If a reading is above that range, hire a plumber to install a pressure reducer.

 

Plumbing Service Allentown PA

We have all heard the merits of prevention when it comes to responsible home maintenance. Protecting your plumbing is no exception, as regular maintenance, protecting your drains, and reducing water pressure can work together to increase a plumbing system's longevity. When looking for a local plumber near me, contact Robinson Plumbing. Our licensed plumbers offer trusted plumbing service since they have extensive experience and training to understand the ins and outs of your plumbing system. We have the knowledge to properly diagnose any plumbing issues you may have... and offer the appropriate and the most affordable solutions to remedy the issue. Also, we can maintain your system which also helps reduce repair costs further down the line. Be sure to call our office today to schedule an appointment. We will gladly take the time to answer any of your plumbing related questions. Call today! Some of the areas we service include: Allentown, Catasauqua, Coplay, Laurys Station and these zip codes: 18101, 18032, 18037, 18059 as well as all surrounding areas in the Lehigh Valley, Pennsylvania. Call us today at (610) 351-9889 or contact us for any questions that you might have!

The following blog post Best Ways To Extend The Lifespan Of Your Plumbing System is courtesy of http://RobinsonPlumbing.com