Monday, September 26, 2016

Common Mistakes To Avoid When Cleaning Your Drains

The drains in your home are designed to remove liquid waste, but they are often exposed to a wide range of solid and semi-solid waste. The end result is clogging, either partially or completely. If your drains are partially clogged, water flow from the kitchen sink, bathtub or bathroom floor will be slow. If the drains are completely clogged, water will remain in your plumbing fixtures. Robinson Plumbing, who conducts professional drain cleaning in Emmaus PA and surrounding towns, shares some advice on what you should do when you have a clogged drain. It's not a hard or difficult process. The good news is that cleaning your drains is easy. All you need is a plunger, hot water and some vinegar or baking soda.

How To Clean Your Drains

The first thing to do is boil a few liters of water and pour some vinegar into the clogged drain. When the water has boiled, pour it into the drain and start plunging using your plunger. The plunging action will dislodge the clogging and clear the drains. If the clogging persists, repeat the same process using baking soda instead of vinegar. The vast majority of drain clogs can be cleared using this method. Unfortunately, there are many mistakes that people make when it comes to drain cleaning. Some of the mistakes they make are serious and can easily cause bigger problems.
 

Common Mistakes People Make When Cleaning Drains

 Sticking Wires Down The Drain

This is a common mistake that people make due to their erroneous belief that sticking a wire down the drain might help clear the clogging. The truth, however, is that sticking a wire, such as a coat hanger, down the drain will not work. In fact, this may damage pipes. Besides, the coat hanger may get stuck, causing a much bigger problem. Furthermore, you risk pushing the materials clogging the drain further down the pipe, where it will be hard to reach. For really tough clogs, be sure to contact a skilled professional plumber. Sometimes there is more to the plumbing issue than you might realize. drain cleaning services CTA

Using Caustic Chemicals

There are chemical drain cleaning agents that anyone can get their hands on. When a drain gets clogged, your first instinct would be to pour the drain cleaner into the drain, right? Well, that's not the best option. First, the caustic chemicals used as drain cleaners cannot get rid of solid objects, such as hair, food items or paper, from the drains. Secondly, careless use can lead to skin burns, which may land you in an emergency room. Thirdly, overusing the chemicals may lead to corrosion of pipes.

Using A Garden Hose

This is common mistake that you might have also made at one time or another. The idea is that the water pressure from the garden hose is enough to clear the clogging. The truth, however, is that solid clogs cannot budge due to water pressure from your garden hose. In fact, this may lead to another problem, a watery mess on the floor, which may lead to water damage if not dealt with urgently.

Poor Use Of A Plunger

image of drain cleaning Emmaus PAIn the right hands, a plunger can be the most effective tool for clearing drains. Unfortunately, many people do not know how to use it. For the plunger to work, the seal needs to be intact to ensure the air or water inside the tube is forced down the drain when the plunger is pushed down. Be sure to also use the right plunger; toilet plungers should be used to unclog the toilet, and sink plungers to unclog sinks.

Drain Cleaning Emmaus PA

A clogged drain needs to be addressed immediately. You should never let a clog build and develop into a major issue. Furthermore, sometimes clogs can be caused by other plumbing issues and it is not an easy fix. Sometimes, you will need a drain cleaning to clear a clog. For these types of issues, you will need to contact a professional plumber instead of taking on a DIY plumbing project. When you have a clogged drain or have any other plumbing concerns, contact Robinson Plumbing. Our experienced and skilled certified plumbers are known for being friendly and professional. We are a local, family owned company that is known for trusted, high quality service. We service Allentown PA 18101, East Texas PA 18046, Emmaus PA 18049, Limeport PA 18060, Macungie PA 18062, Old Zionsville PA 18068, Zionsville PA 18092, and surrounding areas. plumbing services CTA Call us today at (610) 351-9889 or contact us for any questions that you might have!

The post, Common Mistakes To Avoid When Cleaning Your Drains, is courtesy of Robinson Plumbing News

Thursday, September 22, 2016

How To Prepare Your Plumbing For Winter

prevent frozin pipes with a plumbing inspection Whitehall PAWinter is quickly approaching. To get through winter, you need an efficient heating system, winter clothes and a well-insulated home. Other items on the winter preparation checklist include; heater maintenance and plumbing service. Robinson Plumbing, an expert for plumbing services in Whitehall PA, discusses what you need to know to help you prepare your plumbing for winter.

Inspect Your Plumbing For Leaks

During the summer, and other warmer seasons, leaks can increase your water bills and cause water damage around the house. In the winter, however, leaks can cause a much bigger problem. Water leaks lead to the bursting of pipes. This is because water freezes inside water pipes and they increases in size. This will cause the pipe to swell. When there is a leak in the system, the pipe will burst open around the leaking section. To prevent this from happening, you can inspect your plumbing system. Alternatively, you can call a licensed plumber to inspect your plumbing for leaks and carry out the necessary repairs before winter arrives. A reputable plumber will be able to use their skills to find leaks that you may not be aware of. CTA-Leak Repair Services

Insulate Water Pipes

Insulate your pipes to prevent your pipes from freezing. Pipe insulation can be purchased at local hardware stores. Since pipes inside the house are less likely to freeze since it is warmer indoors, you should insulate pipes in the garage, attic and basement. These areas of your home are not as warm and are prone to freezing pipes. Any exposed pipe under sinks and closets, among other open places, should also be well-insulated.

Prepare Outdoor Plumbing Fixtures

Before winter arrives, be sure to drain the garden hose, sprinkler system, swimming pool and outdoor taps. These appliances need to be drained and their water supply shut off to ensure they do not have any water. Be sure to take the sprinkler indoors to prevent any damage.

Service Your Water Heater

You need an efficient water heating system. For this reason, you need to give your heater a tune up. Start by draining all the water in the tank through the drain plug to get rid of any sediments that may have settled at the bottom of the tank. It is best to hire a qualified plumber to maintain your water heater. It is important for every homeowner to start preparing their plumbing for the winter well in advance. After all, the cold season may start a few weeks early.

Shut Off The Water Supply

If you plan on going away for the winter, you need to to shut off the water supply and drain all the pipes. This will ensure that your pipes do not freeze and burst during winter. After shutting off the main water valve to the house, open all taps and showers to drain all the water in the system. Be sure to also flush all toilets and drain the water heater completely.
 

Plumbing Services Whitehall PA

You can really save yourself some trouble by preparing your plumbing for the cold season. Start early and make sure that you prepare your plumbing system before it gets too cold out. Furthermore, be sure to get a professional plumbing inspection. This will prevent your pipes from bursting and it ensures that your plumbing system works as it should throughout the winter. To get a professional plumbing system inspection, contact Robinson Plumbing. Our friendly and professional certified plumbers can help you prepare for the winter. We can check your system and make sure that you don't have any leaks or plumbing problems that will lead to major issues down the road. We are a local, family owned company that is known for trusted, high quality service. We service Allentown PA 18101, Catasauqua PA 18032, Coplay PA 18037, Laurys Station PA 18059, Lehigh Valley PA 18001, Northampton PA 18067, Whitehall PA 18052, and surrounding areas in Lehigh Valley, PA. Call us today at (610) 351-9889 or contact us for any questions that you might have! plumbing services CTA

How To Prepare Your Plumbing For Winter was originally written and published on RobinsonPlumbing.com/

Monday, September 12, 2016

How To Conserve Resources With A Tankless Water Heater

image of tankless water heater installation Alburtis PAIf you are like many homeowners, you have a traditional tank water heater. These are very effective in keeping the water hot but there are many more benefits of having a tankless water heater installed in your home. Not only can it conserve the hot water in your home and save money, there are several other benefits as well. Robinson Plumbing specializes in tankless water heater installation in Alburtis PA and surrounding towns. In this article we discuss some of the reasons that on demand water heaters are so resourceful.

Saves On Energy Costs

One of the major benefits of tankless water heaters is that they can save on energy costs. You can save up to 40 percent on your energy bills each year. A tankless water heater is 30 percent more efficient than a 50-gallon tank water heater. This is because a tank water heater is always full and the system needs to be constantly running to keep the water hot. Tankless water heaters are on demand. They only heat up the water when it is needed.

Convenience

Traditional tank water heaters can be very inconvenient for large families. When a few people need to take a shower one after the other, the hot water in the tank can be all used up before the last person gets in the shower. The average person uses 17.2 gallons of water to take a shower. This would allow two people to take a shower on one tank, and the third would have cold water by the end of their shower. This is not the case with a tankless water heater. Tankless water heaters produce hot water on demand, ensuring that there will be enough hot water for everyone to take a shower.

Saves Space

Traditional tank water heaters take up a great deal of space because they are very large. If you keep your water heater in the basement, you would need to set aside a great deal of space in the corner for the water heater. You lose a great deal of space to the water heater when the water heater is installed in the kitchen or bathroom. Tankless water heaters are much smaller and compact. If you don't have the extra space or you don't want to waste the space on a water heater, you can install the water heater in a closet. They also have models that are capable of being mounted right on the wall.

Clean, Safe Water

When you have a traditional tank water heater, the water heater's tank stores all of the hot water. As your water heater ages, the inside of the tank can begin to develop rust and decay. Also, sediment can build up in the water tank. This can cause the hot water to come out with a great deal of rust and scale. This is not a problem with traditional tank water heaters, as they don't store any water. It comes out on demand and it is always safe and clean. Many people also have to wait for the water to warm up before hopping into the shower which wastes a lot of water. You do not have to do this with an on-demand water heater. The water comes out hot right from the start. This is a great way to reduce water use in your home.

Installation

If you are ready to replace your existing water heater, you should consider installing a tankless water heater. You would need to hire a plumber to install the tankless water heater for you. While there are many jobs around the house that can be do-it-yourself jobs, this is not one of them. Make sure that you hire a licensed plumber to help you find the right size and to install it properly.
  tankless water heaters systems CTA

Tankless Water Heater Installation Alburtis PA

You can save a lot of money on your energy bills by going tankless. You can also conserve water use with a tankless water heater. It might seem like a heft investment at first. However, it pays itself off quickly since water heating accounts for such a high percentage of your utility bills. Be sure to discuss your options with a professional plumber. For any of your plumbing needs, contact Robinson Plumbing. Our friendly and professional certified plumbers have the expertise and skills to get the job done. If you are thinking about going tankless, then be sure to contact us for your tankless water heater installation. We can even address any questions that you might have on tankless systems. We are a local, family owned company that is known for trusted, high quality service. We service Alburtis PA 18011, Breinigsville PA 18031, East Texas PA 18046, Hereford PA 18056, Macungie PA 18062, Mertztown PA 19539, Old Zionsville PA 18068, Trexlertown PA 18087 and surrounding areas in Lehigh Valley, PA. Call us today at (610) 351-9889 or contact us for any questions that you might have! plumbing services CTA  

Read more on: Robinson Plumbing Blog

Sunday, September 11, 2016

Top Plumbing Upgrades That Will Change Your Life

One of the best home improvement projects with the greatest return on investment is plumbing upgrades. While some of the upgrades can only be implemented by an experienced plumber, others are simple and can be a plumbing DIY project. By upgrading your plumbing, you will not only improve functionality, but also enhance the aesthetic appeal of the surrounding space. Robinson Plumbing providing plumbing services in Coplay PA and neighboring towns. In this article we share some of the top plumbing upgrades for your home.

Replace An Old Toilet

If you have an outdated toilet with a round front and seems to be considerably small for your size, you can replace it with an ultramodern toilet that comes with an elongated bowl. This will improve the functionality and comfort of your toilet. However, you must first consider the amount of free space available in the bathroom to ensure it can accommodate the new toilet. Ideally, the new toilet should be at least 17 inches tall, from the floor to the rim, as this will make it easier for you to sit down and get up from the toilet. If you would like to add some color to your bathroom, consider buying a toilet with an almond, black, gray or bisque color. While installation may be easy, the job is best done by someone who has prior experience with similar jobs, like a professional plumber.

Update Your Faucets

Image Of Faucet Installation From Professional Plumber Coplay PAThe ideal faucet should be easy to operate. It should also release a decent amount of water when opened. In addition to these functionalities, the ideal faucet should also look great. The basic design and appearance of the faucet should make a statement. If you have old faucets that have little to offer in terms of design and finishing, you may want to consider replacing them with ultramodern faucets that come with either a polished brass, brushed nickel or stainless steel finish among other types of finishes.

Bathtub Upgrade

If you are not happy with your bathtub, you can get an upgrade. The most important factor to consider when buying a new bathtub is size. The length and depth of the tub are important considerations, so be sure to get one that fits your size. Most bathtubs are either 5 or 6 feet long. The color of the tub is also an important consideration. Bathtubs are also made from different types of materials, all of which have advantages and shortcomings. Some of the available options include; fiberglass tubs, cast iron tubs and enameled steel tubs among others. The types of features that come with the tub should also be considered. After all, you may want a tub with decorative LED lighting and whirlpool jets among other types of advanced features. plumbing fixtures CTA

Benefits Of Upgrading Plumbing Fixtures

benefits of updating plumbing fixturesOne of the main benefits of plumbing upgrades is the increase in value of your home. Whether or not you are planning to sell the house, these upgrades will increase its value significantly. Secondly, the latest plumbing fixtures are designed to produce less water, which means they can help you tame runaway water bills. Thirdly, installing new plumbing fixtures in your home will improve the aesthetic appeal of your home. Some new colors, wonderful finishes and unique styles can significantly transform how your home looks. Be sure to contact a professional plumber to install your new plumbing fixtures. Proper installation will ensure that your plumbing fixtures will last a long time.

Professional Plumber Coplay PA

Updating the plumbing fixtures in your home has so many benefits. Be sure to choose fixtures that conserve water and that are aesthetically appealing. This way, you can enjoy the look of your new plumbing fixtures while saving money. In order for your new plumbing fixtures to last a long time, it is important that they are installed correctly. Furthermore, it is also important that they are maintained. For this, you will need the services of a high quality and experienced plumber. For any of your plumbing needs, including fixture installation, be sure to contact Robinson PlumbingOur experienced, certified plumbers are known for being knowledgeable, skilled, and professional. When you have any questions on what upgrades would be best for your home or any other plumbing concerns, be sure to contact us. We take the time to thoroughly address any questions that you might have. We are a local, family owned company that is known for trusted, high quality service. We service Allentown PA 18101, Catasauqua PA 18032, Coplay PA 18037, Laurys Station PA 18059, Lehigh Valley PA 18001, Northampton PA 18067, Whitehall PA 18052 and surrounding areas in Lehigh Valley, PA. Call us today at (610) 351-9889 or contact us for any questions that you might have! plumbing fixtures CTA    

The blog post, Top Plumbing Upgrades That Will Change Your Life, is courtesy of www.RobinsonPlumbing.com