Cracked Plumbing Seals, Leaks That Cause Common Insurance Claims

Some homeowners may not be aware that their household plumbing systems consist of more than a collection of pipes. For example, there are also fixtures, hoses, and especially rubber gaskets that play an important role in the proper functioning of the entire plumbing system. Some of the most common insurance claims for homeowners in need of such repairs involve leaks, cracked seals or rotted gaskets.

Tips To Prevent Cracked Seals And Dry Rot

Gaskets are important in creating an airtight seal for fixtures and therefore preventing leaks. Unfortunately, if they are not used on a regular basis, such parts can experience dry rot and eventually crack. Making sure that water runs through all the pipes in the home on a regular basis is a good way to prevent gaskets and seals from rotting. If the home features a bathroom that is primarily used when guests are visiting or an extra sink is installed in the basement that is only used occasionally, water should be allowed to run through these spigots for a few moments every other day to ensure that the gaskets stay lubricated. Similarly, turning the water off when going away on vacation is not recommended. Although it may prevent flooding if a major leak occurs when you are away, the odds of that happening are far less than the odds of the beginning of dry rot while you are traveling. Once dry rot has begun, it is difficult to reverse. Having a plumber inspect the system before you leave is a better way to prevent problems while you are out of town.

Leaks

Plumbing leaks that occur without your knowledge can lead to serious problems if not discovered in a timely manner. For example, a small leak concealed somewhere in the walls of your home can eventually harm the structural integrity of the dwelling, and promote the growth of mildew. Similarly, a sudden leak that occurs can flood the house and subsequently destroy appliances and furniture. In fact, this is a very common reason for turning in a claim on a homeowner's insurance policy. Statistically speaking, most major water damage occurs due to weather, rather than leaking or failing plumbing systems. However, the damage can be very similar, regardless of the underlying source. One of the best ways to discover leaks in their early stages is to keep a close eye on your water bill. Unusually high water bills, or even bills that have gone up a little when there is no obvious reason for the increase, should be regarded as a red flag.

Doing Your Part To Ensure A Claim Is Paid

It is important to follow the tips outlined above to do your part in discovering leaks and dry rot before they cause serious problems: although coverage varies from one homeowner's policy to the next, most policies feature what is referred to as a "maintenance clause," which is in place to ensure that the homeowner does his or her part to repair items such as leaky toilets or faucets prior to them causing significant damage and the filing of an insurance claim. Fortunately, most plumbing problems can be remedied quickly if they are caught in the early stages. Therefore, keeping an eye on gaskets, fixtures and closely watching your water bill will ensure such occurrences are kept to a minimum. If you need a professional plumbing inspection, it is important that you schedule one before a small problem might become a bigger one and an insurance claim might have to be filed. For a professional plumber in your area, Robinson Plumbing can assist you with any plumbing questions that you might have as well as address any of your plumbing needs. Robinson Plumbing is a local, family owned company that is known for trusted, quality service. Call us today at (610) 351-9889 or contact us for any questions that you might have!

Similar articles can be found at: Robinson Plumbing Blog

Is Your Tap Water A Different Color Than It Should Be?

Most people expect to see clear colorless liquid when running tap water in their home. However, at times you may see water that has a strange tint. If this is the case, you are naturally concerned about what you are drinking, washing clothes in and showering with on a regular basis. Different colors are caused by different types of contaminants, some of which are harmless and some of which may present health hazards. Following are some of primary abnormalities in tap water and the risks and hazards with which some of them are associated:

Yellow Or Brown Discoloration

In most cases, orange, red or yellow water indicates the presence of rust. Although rust does not typically cause major health issues, it is certainly not pleasant to the taste and can discolor clothing and linens. Rust may also turn water brown. When this occurs, it typically has an accompanying smell that is unmistakable. A faulty hot water tank can lead to a buildup of rust and a brownish tint to water. Causes of rusty water are typically either old pipes in your home that are failing or rust in the water main at your municipal water source. Typically, if the color changes quickly, it is a city water main issue. Most municipalities do an annual flush of water mains to eliminate sediment and if this is the case, the problem will disappear on its own. If it does not go away within a few days, the issue likely stems from pipes in your own home. If you only notice the brown discoloration when you are running hot water, it is probably due to a faulty hot water tank. Brown water may also be the result of too much manganese or iron in your water supply. When contaminated with either or both of these metals, the water may stain clothing and linens, but is still generally safe to drink, even if it does feature an odd taste.

Black Water

If a dark gray or black tint is seen in your tap water, the source could be mold and a plumber should be called immediately. This is a serious situation, as the presence of mold can result in a broad range of health hazards, including respiratory problems, fatigue, persistent allergies, asthma attacks, anemia, skin rashes and in severe cases, thyroid problems.

Green Water

There are two primary reasons for a green or blue tinge in your water. Problems with deteriorating brass or copper plumbing fixtures often result in an almost teal colored tinge to the water from your faucet, as well as your toilet tank. Copper in your water can be detrimental to your health, as ingesting large amounts of this mineral can cause liver, kidney or gastrointestinal problems. Pure green water is a sign that algae is present somewhere in your water supply. Although when absorbed in small amounts, this poses no health hazard, ingesting large quantities of algae can cause neurological problems and possibly neuromuscular disorders. It is always wise to seek professional evaluation if you suspect that any type of contaminant has made its way into your tap water supply. Fortunately, there are numerous ways to keep your water clean and eliminate health hazards that come from impurities. Therefore, do not hesitate to get in touch with a reputable plumber if you suspect your home's water is contaminated. If you have discolored water in your home, it is important that you address this issue immediately. For a professional plumber in your area, Robinson Plumbing can assist you with any plumbing questions that you might have as well as address any of your plumbing needs. Robinson Plumbing is a local, family owned company that is known for trusted, quality service. Call us today at (610) 351-9889 or contact us for any questions that you might have!

Is Your Tap Water A Different Color Than It Should Be? was originally written and published on Robinson Plumbers

Why Hair & Shower Drains Don’t Mix

There are a number of things that can cause clogged drains. However, regardless of where you live, hair is a common cause of drain clogging. Whether it is the long, luscious locks of women or the shorter hair typically sported by men, hair shedding significantly contributes to clogged drains. Clogging of the shower drain can be caused by short hair as much as it can become clogged by long hair. Therefore, the common misconception that women are solely responsible for hair clogs is simply not true. Even if there are no long hairs making regular trips down the drain, it is still a possibility that the drain can become clogged. In fact, pet owners who bathe their dogs at home will contribute to hair clogs as well. This is largely because of how clogged drains are formed. Oily deposits from our bodies, soaps and other sources are primarily responsible for clogging. The deposits are sticky and as such, solid particles that go down the drain could potentially become stuck. Once they get stuck, an additional surface area is created to trap even more deposits. This will create an even bigger clog.

How Does Hair Clog Drains?

Hair is perfect for creating clogs. As soon as it becomes stuck, it is naturally transformed into a hydro-dynamic shape. This is an indication that the water flowing through the pipes will not easily dislodge it. In addition, hair provides a number of other surfaces on which oil deposits can become stuck. There is no foolproof method for keeping shower drains free of hair. However, there are measures that can be taken to decrease the amount that still gets into the drains. Below are some things that can be done to manage the problem:

How To Prevent Hair From Clogging Up Your Shower

These provide a fast and simple method of keeping most of the hair out of the drains. Even though a lot of homeowner do not realize the volume of hair that falls over time, the amount is quite significant. Drain strainer can be used to prevent a majority of the hair from going down and causing clogged shower drains. Best of all, the strainers are affordable, easy to maintain and easy to use. In addition, using drain strainers will make the bathtub a lot easier to clean as well. Both permanent and temporary drain strainer options are available.

 

How To Remove Hair From Your Drain

If your drain still becomes clogged, there are some home remedies that can be used to rectify the situation. These include:

• Flooding the drain with boiling water. Salt can then be added to break up the clog.
• Combining vinegar and baking soda and pour it down the drain. Leave for a few minutes to foam and then pour boiling water to wash it all down and loosen the clog.
• Using a closet auger, which is a thin, long tube equipped with bristles or hook at one end. The bristled or hooked end is designed to grip and remove the clog.

These are just a few methods that can be used to get rid of a clogged drain. If you have a clog that seems impossible to get rig of, then you might have to contact a professional plumber to help you out. For a professional plumber in your area, Robinson Plumbing can assist you with any plumbing questions that you might have as well as address any of your plumbing needs. Robinson Plumbing is a local, family owned company that is known for trusted, quality service. Call us today at (610) 351-9889 or contact us for any questions that you might have!

Why Hair & Shower Drains Don't Mix is property of Robinson Plumbers

How To Get Rid Of Mold & Mildew In The Bathroom

Bathroom mold and mildew is something that we all have experienced at some time or another. In homes that do not have proper ventilation in their bathroom, it is more probable to see mold and mildew growing. For those homeowners who have to constantly struggle with this issue, there are ways that you can effectively remove it. This article will discuss the causes of mildew buildup in your bathroom, how to remove it naturally with the power of vinegar, and how to prevent mildew from taking over your bathroom. For some homeowners, no matter how much they try to ventilate their bathroom after a shower, they still end up with mold buildup in their bathtub. The reason for this is because mold thrives in cold, wet, and dark places. Your bathtub is no exception. In the following article by Houselogic, they discuss some of the causes for bathroom mold:

Common Causes of Bathroom Mold Lingering moisture caused by lack of ventilation Leaky toilets, sinks, and plumbing pipes Damp cellulose materials such as rugs, paper products, wood, wallpaper, grout, drywall, and fabric So how do you know if you have a mold problem? Matt Cinelli, owner/operator of AERC Removals in North Attleboro, Mass., says, "If you can see it or smell it, you've got it." Finding the Mold in Your Bathroom Bathroom mold isn't always obvious. Check out hidden areas, such as under sinks, access doors to shower and bath fixtures, around exhaust fans, even in crawl spaces and basements underneath bathrooms. "It could be starting in the bathroom but actually forming in another room," says Cinelli, adding that lack of proper ventilation is the biggest culprit for mold growth. To see the full article, click here.

Knowing what the source of the problem is can certainly help you understand what is causing your bathroom mold. Also, this article claims that if you can smell mold then you have it. Even if most people tend to see mold in their bathtub, be aware of the fact that it can grow elsewhere in your bathroom. It can even grow underneath the bathrooms such as in the crawl space or basement. It is important to be aware of the mold that grows in your bathroom. Be sure to clean it up as soon as you see it. In the following article titled "How to Clean Bathroom Mold and Mildew With White Vinegar" by SFGate, they discuss how you can effectively clean up mold:

1. Fill a small spray bottle with white vinegar.
2. Spray the affected areas -- including tile, grout, painted walls, and any porcelain or ceramic surfaces -- liberally with vinegar. Let it sit for one to two hours
3. Scrub the mold and mildew away with a damp microfiber cloth. Scrub tiling grout or hard-to-reach corners and crevices with a stiff-bristle toothbrush. Rinse with water.
4. Make a paste of 3 parts baking soda to 1 part water. Apply the paste to any hard-to-remove traces of mildew or mold. Spray with vinegar, and scrub with a damp microfiber cloth, scouring pad or stiff-bristle toothbrush, depending on the severity of the mold or mildew.
5. Rinse the affected areas with water. Repeat Step 4 if necessary. Using vinegar to clean up mold is a safe and toxic free method. It is best to clean it up frequently before it spreads. Be sure to use preventative measures to prevent mold from taking over your bathroom.

  There are preventative measures that you can take that are more effective than others. Some techniques will prevent you from having to clean up mold ever again. In the following article by Apartment Therapy, they discuss some of the best ways that you can prevent bathroom mold:

Prevent Its Return: Once you've gotten rid of the existing mildew, work to prevent it from coming back. Two major ways to do so are with proper air circulation and light filtration. If you have a window, keep it open (or at least cracked) as often as possible. Also, keep the blinds up to let light into the room (a natural enemy of mold). If you don't have a window, consider installing an exhaust fan to move the air around and dry things out a bit, and if you have low-energy light bulbs, try leaving them on for 10 to 15 minutes after showering. If you plan on repainting, ask for a mildewcide additive to be added to the paint before it is mixed. If you are buying paint that is made specifically for a bathroom or kitchen it might already be in there, so ask an expert to see if it's needed. Keep it Clean: Hang towels, spray tiles with vinegar or store-bought cleaner regularly, and mop up any standing water as quickly as possible. This section was originally found on the "Apartment Therapy" website which can be viewed here.

The best method to preventing mold is by creating ventilation in your bathroom after you shower. You can place a dehumidifier in the bathroom to remove excess water or you can use a squeegee on the walls of your shower so that it dries faster. It is important to clean up the mold as soon as you suspect that you have it. Vinegar is an extremely effective method for cleaning up mold. If you have a mold problem and need help with your bathroom, Robinson Plumbing can assist you with any plumbing questions that you might have as well as address any of your plumbing needs. Robinson Plumbing is a local, family owned company that is known for trusted, quality service. Call us today at (610) 351-9889 or contact us for any questions that you might have!

Find more on: http://www.RobinsonPlumbing.com/

Keeping Your Plumbing & Garbage Disposal Safe During The Holidays

The holidays have finally arrived and for most of us, it means having guests in from out of town and preparing great big feasts for friends and family to enjoy. It is a time to bake special treats that only are made during this time of year. However, as great as the holidays are they can be quite difficult on your home's plumbing system. Not everyone follows the same rules when it comes to what they think that they can flush down the toilet. In your house, your family might not flush anything outside of waste and toilet paper down the toilet, but your house guests might think differently. They might think that the toilet is the perfect place to dispose of diapers or baby wipes. Even if they don't abide by a different set of plumbing rules, a toilet can get clogged simply by being overused. In the following article by Duluth News Tribune, they discuss how the holidays can take a toll on your plumbing:

Holidays can be tough on homes' plumbing

"You're adding more usage," Kalkbrenner said. Not only are toilets getting plugged from more use; garbage disposals are being overtaxed with scraps from big holiday dinners. All of that volume can lead to the worst plumbing problem of all for homeowners: a clogged main sewer drain. For those who have had trouble in the past, the best plan, the plumbers said, is to call for service in advance of the holidays to make sure everything is working properly. And Kalkbrenner says hosts should take anything that could fall into the toilet out of the bathroom. Better safe than sorry, she said. She recalled a pill bottle causing an obstruction. And don't put unwanted food down a toilet, she said. To see the full article, click here.

According to this article, making sure that your plumbing is working correctly before you invite a bunch of house guests to stay with you can help you avoid some holiday plumbing problems. Make sure to lessen the amount that you use your garbage disposal. If you are cautious about what goes down your garbage disposal especially when preparing a big meal, it can help avoid putting something down your garbage disposal that shouldn't be there or just preventing from overusing it. One of the biggest issues that plumbers claim to see during the holidays has to do with the garbage disposal. Many people don't think about what they shove down their garbage disposal especially with so much going on in the kitchen. In the following article by Press Release Rocket, they discuss some of the things that you should avoid putting down your garbage disposal:

Stuff Your Turkey, Not Your Garbage Disposal During the Holiday Season

Oil, Grease, and Fats Pouring grease or fats down the drain is one of the fastest ways to end up with a clogged drain. That's because grease, fats and oils solidify as they cool down. While they may be easy to pour down the sink, you'll end up with a nasty clog on your hands that will need to be removed by a qualified Phoenix area plumber. Starchy Foods Foods with a lot of starch such as pasta, potatoes and rice should also be left out of the garbage disposal. The starch will build up in pipes over time, causing clogs and sink backups. It's better to keep those potato peels in a strainer and toss them in the trash. That will save you a headache and a call to the plumber down the road. Stringy, Fibrous Foods Even poultry skins, celery and fruit can cause problems when they go into the disposal. The blades can't adequately grind down those items, which means they'll end up going down the drain and contributing to a clogged kitchen sink. Aside from keeping certain foods out of garbage disposal, it's important to make sure you are using it correctly. "Don't fill your garbage disposal before you switch it on," says Ken DiCicco with Donley Service Center. "Run warm water and turn the disposal on before you put anything in it." This section was originally found on the "Press Release Rocket" website which can be viewed here.

Sometimes it is best to just keep a trash can nearby so that you don't use your garbage disposal like a trash can. Furthermore, if you are not the only one working in the kitchen, then keeping a trash can nearby will allow for your house guest kitchen helper to have access to it also. You will not have to micromanage and guard your disposal which can lead to an uncomfortable and stressful situation. If your garbage disposal happens to get clogged, then there are various things that you can do. In the following article by For Dummies, they discuss what you can do when you have a clogged garbage disposal:

If the instructions in your user's manual are no help, follow these steps to unclog a disposal:

1. Shut off the electrical power switch. This switch is located under the cabinet, near the disposal, or on a wall nearby. If you don't find a switch, go to the main power panel and turn off the breaker or remove the fuse that powers the disposal. Never put your hand in the disposal. Remember that the switch may be defective, so keep your hands out of the disposal even when power to the machine is turned off. 
2. Take a look in the disposal. A flashlight may shed some light on the problem — you may see a large object caught in the disposal.
3.  If an object caused the stoppage, use a pair of pliers to reach into the disposal and remove it.
4. Wait 15 minutes for the disposal motor to cool.
5. Turn on the power and push the reset or overload protector button. This button is located on the bottom of the disposal.

To see the full article, click here.

It can be easy to unclog a garbage disposal if you follow these steps. However, most plumbing repairs should be left for the pros. If you want to keep your plumber at home for the holidays, then your best best is to just use precaution during the holidays by making sure that your plumbing is in top shape before your house guests arrive. It is also a great idea to make sure that when holiday meals are being prepared, to have a trash can available so that your garbage disposal is not being used like a trash can. Know what you can and can not put down your drain and into your garbage disposal if you want to avoid clogged pipes and a clogged garbage disposal.

  For a professional plumber in your area, Robinson Plumbing can assist you with any plumbing questions that you might have as well as address any of your plumbing needs. Robinson Plumbing is a local, family owned company that is known for trusted, quality service. Call us today at (610) 351-9889 or contact us for any questions that you might have!

Read more on: Robinson Plumbers

How To Properly Winterize Your Home & Prevent Frozen Pipes

It is time to winterize your home if you haven't already done so. Winterizing your house will keep it safe and comfortable during the harsh winter weather. Furthermore, it will save you from paying high energy costs. Anyone can benefit from winterizing their home. Even if weather forecasters claim that we are supposed to experience a mild winter this year, it is still a good idea to winterize your home before each and every winter. There are tips that you can follow if you want to winterize your home properly. This will guarantee that you protect your home while minimizing energy costs. In the following article by Times Free Press, they discuss some helpful tips on preparing your home for winter:

Business Bulletin: How to winterize your home for cold weather

 BBB offers the following tips for winterizing homes:

• Caulking and weather stripping. To prevent air leaks, homeowners should inspect the caulking around windows and doors to check for cracking and peeling. In addition, ensure that doors and windows are shut tightly and cold air is not coming in due to worn weather stripping.
• Ceiling fans. By reversing the direction of your ceiling fan so the blades turn clockwise at a low speed, you push warm air up and force it around the room.
• Heating ducts. Ducts should be inspected and cleaned periodically. Homeowners also should consider adding insulation to any exposed ductwork to prevent air heat loss.

To see the full "Times Free Press" article, click here.

This article offers some great guidelines that you can follow. Not only will these winterizing tips protect your home from the harsh, cold weather but it will save you money. If you put in a little time in now, you will save money later. One thing to consider when you winterize your home is your water pipes. The idea of your pipes freezing during the cold season is nothing new for homeowners. Anyone who has ever experienced it knows that it can be a huge problem if your pipe freezes and actually bursts. No one wants to have a live geyser inside of their house. There are tips that you can follow in order to prevent frozen pipes. In the following article titled "CPW: Time to weatherize plumbing as colder temperatures arrive" by GreerToday.com, they discuss this in further detail:

Pipe freezing prevention tips

• If leaving for the night or for a few days, set the thermostat no lower than 55 degrees. Ask friends or neighbors to check the house daily to make sure it's warm enough to prevent freezing.
• Shut off and drain the water system by turning the water off at the meter. However, doing so will deactivate a fire protection sprinkler system.
• Insulate pipes or faucets in unheated areas. Wrap pipes before temperatures drop with approved materials. Pipe wrapping materials can be found at hardware and building supply stores.
• Seal off access doors, air vents and cracks. Winter winds through overlooked openings can quickly freeze exposed water pipes.
• Disconnect and drain outdoor hoses to prevent freezing.  If pipes have frozen, open a faucet and wait until water begins flowing again. Listen for leaks — water expands when it freezes, which can cause leaks in pipes.  Leaving a pencil lead-thin stream of water flowing from faucets in unheated areas or against exterior walls may prevent pipes from freezing.
• Keeping the cabinet doors open to allow more home heat to reach the pipes underneath sinks and in cabinets may also help prevent freezing.

If you follow these tips, you can prevent from having to deal with frozen pipes. Frozen pipes are not the worst situation you can find yourself in. If a pipe is frozen for long enough and bursts, then that's when the real problem begins. Plumbing professionals claim that you can recognize a frozen pipe if the water pipe is coated in frost. Furthermore, if the water doesn't flow one of your faucets, then it is possible that you have a frozen pipe on your hands. Another way that you can tell if your pipes are frozen is if your toilet won't refill after you have flushed it. If you experience any of these situations, don't panic. It doesn't mean that you are inevitably going to deal with your pipes bursting. In the following article by HouseLogic, they discuss some useful tips that you can follow if you believe that you are dealing with frozen pipes:

How to thaw a frozen pipe

Before doing anything, shut off the water supply to that section of plumbing (or the entire house if that's the only option) because the real trouble begins after the thaw. That's because the frozen water may be acting as a plug, preventing water from spilling out of the cracks in your pipes. When that plug is thawed, water gushes out. It's a good idea to be ready with a mop, bucket, and towels in case there's a plumbing leak. "It's not the frozen pipes that really get plumbers' phones ringing," adds Abrams. "It's the thawing pipes that leak and spew water after a hard freeze." Use a space heater, heat lamp, or hair dryer to thaw the frozen length of pipe. Wrapping freezing pipes with thermostatically controlled heat tape (from $50 to $200, depending on length) is also an effective way to quickly thaw a trouble spot. Don't thaw pipes using a propane torch, which presents a fire risk. This section was originally found on the "HouseLogic" website which can be viewed here.

This article goes into detail on what you can do if you have a frozen pipe. It gives clear instructions on how to thaw a frozen pipe. It also gives us forewarning to make sure that you shut off your water supply in case your pipes do burst. If you happen to deal with a pipe that bursts, then be sure to call a plumber.

 

For a professional plumber in your area, Robinson Plumbing can assist you with any plumbing questions that you might have as well as address any of your plumbing needs. Robinson Plumbing is a local, family owned company that is known for trusted, quality service. Call us today at (610) 351-9889 or contact us for any questions that you might have!

Similar posts can be viewed at: Robinson Plumbing

Preventing Plumbing Nightmares From Happening In Your Home

Have you ever heard of or experienced a plumbing nightmare? A plumbing nightmare is when there is a plumbing problem in your home and you hire the least qualified plumber to do the job. As you can imagine, it turns out to be a pretty bad situation. This article talks about how to prevent a plumbing nightmare from happening to you. There are a few tips that you can follow so that you know that you are hiring an honest and qualified plumber. In the following article by ABC7 News, they talk about plumbing nightmares in full detail:

7 On Your Side investigates plumbing nightmares

Trinidad thought she had a solution for a simple problem: low water pressure in her kitchen. She hired a plumber who came to her District Heights home and began cutting. The plumber created holes in the walls and floors, and installed pipes throughout the kitchen. Then he stopped and never came back, she says. What he left Trinidad was an absolute mess. Then, Trinidad hired plumber Meaker Riley to put things back together. "You got a lot of contractors, handymen that don't know what they doing. But they figure they can get in, make a dollar and they gone," Meaker says. To read the full article, click here.

The above article talks about specific examples of plumbing nightmares that people have experienced. Unfortunately these types of situations do happen, so when you believe that you have found a good plumber, be sure to hold on to their contact information. There are also other situations that can happen that can cause a plumbing nightmare. The under-qualified DIY plumber. There are some things that are easy and can be done by the amateur plumber. However, a DIY plumber needs to know where the boundaries are and when to just leave it to the pros. In the following article titled, "When to Hire a Plumber", by For Dummies, they talk about some scenarios where it is best to just pick up the phone and call a plumber. The one that we found the most useful discusses low water pressure:

Knowing when to hire a plumber can save money in the long run. Hire a plumber when the problem is extensive and requires expertise to pin down, and when there's a higher risk of doing more damage than good. When the following situations arise, it's best to call a licensed professional plumber. So get to know a good plumber in your area, and keep his or her name and number handy for emergencies. Low water pressure throughout the house: This problem can be caused by a number of factors, such as obstructions (rust or debris) in the water lines; low water pressure from the city supply or a well; or even poor supply-line design. A good plumber will be able to analyze the problem and determine the cause. No hot water: Unless the hot water tank is leaking, it might be hard to determine the cause. Electric heaters problems include: heating elements, circuit breakers or blown fuses, faulty thermostats, or a bad overload switch. Gas heater problems include: thermocouple burners and igniters.

These situations describe when you might consider hiring a plumber instead of doing it yourself in order to avoid more costly fixes down the road. If a plumbing job that needs to done in your home seems tricky or challenging, then just call a plumber. The trick is knowing how to distinguish the good from the bad. If you don't know of a reputable plumber in your area or you have had a bad experience with the last one you contacted, then you will need to find a new one. In the following article by Angie's List, they discuss some great tips that you can follow when you need to hire a plumber. Here, we have listed one of the most important questions that you can ask when hiring a plumber:

Are you licensed? This is the big one. Never, ever forget to ask this question, and don't just take the plumber's word for it. Many operate without a license, but many homeowners assume every plumber needs to have one, so this question is always worth asking. Being licensed means the plumber is registered with a governing body at the state or local level. This section was originally found on the "Angie's List" website which can be viewed here.

Asking the right questions when you are contracting a plumber can save you from experiencing a plumbing nightmare in your home. Finding a plumber before you need one might save you the time and hassle of having to find one during stressful moments such as, during a plumbing emergency. Typically if you are looking for a plumber while dealing with a plumbing emergency at the same time, you are bound to hire the first one that happens to be available on that day. By following the tips provided in this article, you can save time and money by avoiding a plumbing nightmare.

  For a professional plumber in your area, Robinson Plumbing can assist you with any plumbing questions that you might have as well as address any of your plumbing needs. Robinson Plumbing is a local, family owned company that is known for trusted, quality service. Call us today at (610) 351-9889 or contact us for any questions that you might have!

The blog post Preventing Plumbing Nightmares From Happening In Your Home was first published on Robinson Plumbers

A Plumber’s Tips For Saving Water

People who are environmentally-conscious often invest in items such as solar panels. They may also recycle glass and plastic objects. However, many people do not do as much as they can to conserve water. If you are wondering how you can avoid wasting water in your home, particularly when showering, you will be pleased to discover that your plumber may have valuable tips for you concerning how to save water, as well as information about "recycle ready" plumbing.

Water Saving Tips

If you let the water run before you jump in the shower, you are wasting multiple gallons of this precious resource. Approximately 20% of the water the average person uses to take a shower is wasted. Therefore, you may wish to consider just jumping in and waiting a few seconds for the water to reach the desired temperature as you begin your shower. The benefits of this simple activity will certainly outweigh the momentary discomfort.

Investing In A Low-Flow Shower Head

The average shower head uses well over two gallons of water each minute, all of which is essentially wasted. However, if you contact your plumber and upgrade to a certified, low-flow shower head fixture, your water consumption can be cut to a maximum of one and a half to two gallons per minute, saving the average family approximately 2900 gallons on an annual basis. Over time, this will not only conserve water, but also lower your water bill.

Recycle Ready Plumbing

Finally, you should consider recycle ready plumbing for your home. Recycle ready plumbing is simply a type of innovative "green" plumbing that allows your home to automatically reuse most of the water that goes down the drain, with the exception of waste water. After such plumbing fixtures are installed, water from your shower, as well as from other areas of your home such as your sink and dishwasher, is diverted to a chemically treated, storage tank where oils and other particles are filtered out and then it is returned to the system to be reused. Naturally, it is not meant to be drinking water, but rather it is used for things such as flushing commodes and supplying water to outdoor hoses.

 

If you are environmentally conscious and desire additional tips on reducing water consumption or are interested in recycle ready plumbing, contact a local plumber today and find out more about how you can help to preserve this valuable resource. For a professional plumber in your area, Robinson Plumbing can assist you with any plumbing questions that you might have as well as address any of your plumbing needs. Robinson Plumbing is a local, family owned company that is known for trusted, quality service. Call us today at (610) 351-9889 or contact us for any questions that you might have!

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What Is Water Efficient Plumbing?

People who wish to buy a new home tend to look for properties with open floor plans, new roofs and modern windows. This is by no means a bad thing. However, over recent years, home buyers have started to add some new things to their list of wants. With the increase in utility bills, properties with water efficient plumbing are in more demand.

How Much Water Can Be Saved?

The US EPA reports that, if every American household used water efficient appliances and fixtures, over eighteen billion dollars and three trillion water gallons would be saved nationwide, on a yearly basis. The majority of properties have fixtures dating back to the twentieth century, and pipes the same age as their foundations. Therefore, this leaves much scope for improvement. Water efficient fixtures have been available for sale for a while. Nowadays, many of these fixtures can conserve water, without sacrificing performance. If you intend to sell your property within the next half decade, there are numerous ways of enhancing its' plumbing features. Water efficient toilets perform the same task using less water. If your toilet was manufactured after 1994 and is a 1.6 GPF model, you can increase its' water efficiency by placing a small, capped bottle of water into the tank. California has introduced new legislation, which requires all toilets installed or sold in the state, post 2014, to be water efficient. Inevitably, federal laws will be amended to mirror this ruling fairly soon.

 

Tankless Water Heaters

Tankless water heaters use less energy and provide unlimited warm water. Also, you can reduce your shower water consumption by up to seventy percent, by changing to a specially designed low flow shower-head. Thankfully, this is a simple task.

Water Efficient Faucets

Efficiency faucets lower water wastage significantly. If your faucets are inefficient (i.e. use in excess of 2.5 GPM), you should substitute them for more efficient faucets with a flow rate below 1.5 GPM. Alternatively, hire a plumber to install a flow restrictor or water conserving aerator to your current faucets. This is an affordable modification. Various cities and utility firms provide rebates and other rewards for purchasing water efficient fixtures. By saving water, you also save energy. Of course, energy is needed to heat, deliver and treat water. If just one percent of American households had water efficient fixtures installed, it would save roughly 100,000,000 kWh of electricity each year. This would prevent 80,000 tons of environmentally harmful gas emissions -- which equates to removing almost 15,000 cars from the roads for twelve months. For a reputable plumber in your area, Robinson Plumbing can assist you with any plumbing questions that you might have as well as address any of your plumbing needs. Robinson Plumbing is a local, family owned company that is known for trusted, quality service. Call us today at (610) 351-9889 or contact us for any questions that you might have on your plumbing needs!

What Is Water Efficient Plumbing? was originally written and published on Robinson Plumbing News

Tips To Prepare For Winter

Winter time is right around the corner and it is a great time to start preparing your home for the harsh weather. This short blog post will provide a few tips to help you get ready before it is too late. Some of these tips may seem like common sense however many of us forget to do them. When that happens, costly repairs may be needed, including plumbing repairs. John C. Flood wrote an article that was published on WJLA ABC 7's website titled, "Fall Plumbing: Tips and Tricks". He does a great job talking about basic items that need to be addressed. Here is a small snippet of his article:

Disconnect Your Water Hoses from Faucets Get those hoses off the faucets before they freeze! Even better, get your hoses clear of water and into your garage or basement before the winter freeze hits them. A connected/freezing hose could damage the faucet or pipes - or even cause it to break. Shut Off Valves for Outside Faucets If you have them, use shutoff valves to cut all water off from your outdoor spigots. If you don't have valves, just make sure the faucet is not dripping or leaking any water that could freeze and burst and cause breakage. Cover & Insulate Faucets Outdoor-facing faucets and pipes should be covered (and ideally insulated) to protect them from the bitter cold. The direct contact between a pipe/faucet and the air can lead to rapid temperature decreases and freezing. And this freezing can quickly lead to a broken pipe, related flooding and other disasters. View the entire article here: http://wjla.com/sponsored/johncflood/fall-plumbing-tips-and-tricks

We can't tell you how often we're called out to someone's home to repair a frozen pipe only to find out that to cause was the failure to disconnect the exterior hose, turn off the hose bib or lack of insulating the outdoor faucet.  This is a very simple maintenance item that should be done prior to Thanksgiving. And, it may save you a couple hundred dollars of un-needed repairs. Alison Mastrangelo, a news anchor on FOX21 News, did a special report on getting ready for winter and she has some interesting points that she makes in the brief news clip: Allison's complete article is available here: http://fox21news.com/2015/10/21/tips-to-make-sure-your-house-is-ready-for-winter/ We specialize in plumbing repairs and installation of new plumbing fixtures however we also want to make sure that you are completely prepared for winter. Some simple home maintenance tasks and inspections will save a lot of headache, if done before any problems arise. Here is a tip regarding your windows, skylights and roofing that was part of an article titled, "Don't Get Stuck In The Gutter: Expert Tips For Winterizing Your Home"

Mike DeSiervi, of Top-Notch Construction, suggests starting off by cleaning out the gutters — preferably by hand. He also suggests getting your roof inspected for damage, as well as pruning nearby trees that could break under the weight of snow and ice. But it's not just the outside that needs preparation. Experts say you need to check the area around the door and around all of your windows and sky lights for air leaks, CBS2's Elise Finch reported. "The skylight will leak and because your have insulation in your roof — it will act like a diaper in the sense that it will hold that water," DeSiervi said. "That will cause mold and other things." The entire article can be found here: http://newyork.cbslocal.com/2015/10/19/winter-home-tips/

As you can see, these items do not require a lot of work or time yet the can save lots of money by implementing some simple preventative maintenance. If you need any help with plumbing related issues, feel free to contact us at: (610) 351-9889

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