Monday, October 31, 2016

Ways That Modern Plumbing Has Changed The World

Many people take the plumber for granted but this is because they do not know that this expert has made great contributions to environmental sanitation, disease control and convenience. Below are some great ways modern plumbing has changed the world.

A Toilet You Can Flush

toilet after plumbing services Easton PABefore the invention of the flush toilet, the most popular toilet was a hole in the ground. In some cases, human beings simply strolled to nearby bushes and emptied their bowels there. Some people defecated in rivers and streams and others had a potty right in their bedrooms. These practices had terrible effects on health and sanitation. A smart man called Thomas Crapper popularized the use of the flush toilet and the rest is history. Today, the flush toilet ensures that human beings get rid of feces in a safe and sanitary manner. The result is fewer cases of typhoid fever, cholera and dysentery. Now, you can praise medical doctors, sanitary engineers and epidemiologists all you want but you should not forget one vital fact. The plumber installs and maintains the flush toilet so this professional deserves commendation and respect.

Instant Hot Water

In many parts of the civilized world today, instant hot water is taken for granted. Just turn on the faucet and you get as much hot water as you need. You need hot water for a refreshing bath on a cold winter day. You also need hot water to disinfect hospital floors, toilets and bathrooms because it is a potent germ killer. Each time you use instant hot water, remember the plumber that made it possible and thank him or her for this minor miracle. plumbing services CTA

Underground Sewage Lines

These days, the idea of the above ground sewage line is simply inconceivable. The truth is that some years ago, most people had no sewers at all. After a while, some people had sewers. Initial sewer systems were above ground and attracted flies, roaches and rats. This atrocious system led to outbreaks of cholera, typhoid fever and polio. These days, the underground sewage line is almost compulsory in many parts of the world. This has reduced the spread of diseases that thrive in fecal matter. In addition, you can go about your business without having to worry about the stench of open sewers and "open-air toilets". Experts in plumbing are responsible for the construction and maintenance of sewage lines so we owe a lot to them.

Indoor Plumbing

plumbing pipesPlumbing is not all about health and sanitation. Plumbing gives you convenience and comfort in your homes and offices. Indoor plumbing is a network of pipes and fittings that add style and glamour to your life. If you want to take a shower on a hot day, you just step into the shower and help yourself to this luxury. You want to relax in your bathtub or Jacuzzi; you just go right ahead because the plumber has installed all you need to enjoy this convenience.

Plumbing Services Easton PA

Today, we are enjoying increased life expectancy, better sanitation and high standards of hygiene. Medical researchers, pharmaceutical experts and epidemiologists take credit for the good life we enjoy these days. However, plumbers have made and continue to make vital contributions to sanitation and convenience. Know this and thank a plumber today. For a qualified plumber in your area, contact Robinson Plumbing. We offer professional plumbing services and our experienced, skilled certified plumbers are friendly, trustworthy, and professional. We are a local, family owned company that is known for affordable, high quality service. We service Bath PA 18014, Bethlehem PA 18015, Easton PA 18040, Martins Creek PA 18063, Nazareth PA 18064, Riegelsville PA 18077, Stockertown PA 18083, Tatamy PA 18085, and surrounding areas. plumbing services CTA Call us today at (610) 351-9889 or contact us for any questions that you might have!

See more on: Robinson Plumbers

How Pumpkins Will Scare Your Plumbing Stiff

image of pumpkins after garbage disposal repair macungie paHalloween is an old, popular, western tradition that Americans celebrate every year. There are two things that people normally do to mark the occasion. The first is dressing up in costumes. Many kids love dressing up as super heroes while others dress up like vampires. The second thing that people normally do during Halloween is carving pumpkins. This entails cutting out the top or bottom part of the pumpkin and taking out all the pulp. The front section is then carefully-carved to make a scary face. For the best visual effect, blinking lights or a candle may be installed inside the pumpkin. While this may be a fun activity for the entire family to engage in, poor disposal of the pulp, seeds and carvings can spoil the fun. Most people normally let the carvings and seeds get into their plumbing, which is a big mistake.

How Pumpkin Waste Can Clog Your Drains

Many people normally work on their Jack-o'-lantern pumpkin at the kitchen sink. This means that most of the carvings, seeds and pulp from the pumpkin will end up in the sink. When the tap is opened, the debris will find its way into the kitchen drain. As a result your plumbing will get clogged. When this happens, your home will truly be a haunted house since clearing the drain will not be easy. In fact, your plunger will be ineffective in clearing the drain. Furthermore, trying to stick wires, or a knife, down the drain can only worsen the problem. This means that you will not be able to use the kitchen sink due to stagnating water. It is important to note that the clog will get worse with time as the mixture of pulp, carvings and pumpkin seeds harden-up. This also goes for your garbage disposal. Many homeowners make the mistake of shoving pumpkin waste into their garbage disposal. This also leads to major clogs and a garbage disposal that isn't working. Don't make the mistake of flushing pumpkin waste down the toilet either. A clog will form but even farther down the pipe. Your best option for fixing problems like these would be to call in an experienced plumber. That makes your pumpkin carving experience far more expensive than it needs to be. drain cleaning services CTA

How To Prevent Plumbing Problems During Halloween

The best remedy for any type of problem is prevention. Therefore, homeowners who are celebrating Halloween, should take the following precautions:

Use the Garage or Kitchen Table Carve Your Pumpkin

Instead of using the kitchen sink as your worktable in Halloween, you should use either the kitchen table or the garage as your workstation. Before you start working, place a few pages of old newspapers on the worktable to make waste-collection and disposal easier.

Use The Seeds

Pumpkin seeds are healthy and tasty when roasted. Instead of shoving the seeds down the drain, separate them from the pulp and roast them. This is a tasty, high protein treat that will make your Halloween more enjoyable. Alternatively, you can plant the seeds in your garden.
 

Use The Garbage Can

Instead of throwing the seeds, pulp and carvings into your waste disposal unit, throw them into the garbage can for proper disposal. Alternatively, you can add the organic waste to your compost pile. It is important to note that disposing this type of waste through the toilet is still not a bright idea, so you should use the recommended waste disposal options to avoid plumbing problems this Halloween.

Garbage Disposal Repair Macungie PA

One of the worst things that you can do after feeding pumpkin waste into your garbage disposal, is try to use a wire hanger to fish it out. Additionally, you can further clog your drains when you do something like this. Your best bet is to prevent this altogether by reusing some of the pumpkin waste by making roasted pumpkin seeds and putting the rest into your compost pile.  If you don't feel like doing any one of those options, then just simply put it in your trash. If you have already put your pumpkin remnants into the garbage disposal and you now have a clogged sink on your hands, then you will need an experienced plumber to help you out. Once the pumpkin remnants harden, they are like cement, where it is almost impossible to unclog a drain. Be sure to contact Robinson Plumbing. We are your neighborhood plumbing experts who have an amazing amount of experience in removing tough clogs no matter how big or small. Call us for garbage disposal repair or to remove a clog from your clogged drain. For a qualified plumber, contact Robinson Plumbing. Our experienced and skilled certified plumbers are known for being friendly, trustworthy, and professional. We are a local, family owned company that is known for trusted, high quality service. Garbage Disposal CTA We service Alburtis 18011, Breinigsville 18031, East Texas 18046, Emmaus 18049, Hereford 18056, Macungie 18062, Old Zionsville 18068, Trexlertown 18087, and Zionsville 18092. Call us today at (610) 351-9889 or contact us for any questions that you might have!

How Pumpkins Will Scare Your Plumbing Stiff originated at Robinson Plumbers

Monday, October 10, 2016

Why You Need To Get Rid Of Your Galvanized Pipes

image of plumbing service macungie pa removing glavanized pipesMany homes built before the 1960s still have galvanized plumbing according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Unfortunately, galvanized pipes are prone to corrosion and can expose homeowners to serious health problems over time. Robinson Plumbing, a plumbing service Macungie PA company, discusses why you should replace the galvanized pipes in your home.

Avoid Lead Poisoning

Galvanized pipes are essentially steel pipes covered with a layer of zinc. They have a lifespan of about 40 years. Nevertheless, the zinc layer corrodes over time and leaches into the water passing through such pipes. This is according to a study published in the journal Environmental Engineering Science. The researchers involved in this study found that lead levels in some instances were more than 100µg/L. During lab tests, the level of lead concentration in galvanized pipes peaked at 172µg/L. Consequently, this is an extremely high and dangerous level. It is more than ten times the safe limit set by the US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). Drinking water with such high levels of lead can cause health problems. These issues include:
  • stillbirths
  • kidney damage
  • depression
  • brain damage
  • anemia
  • infertility in both sexes
Moreover, the CDC says lead poisoning tends to be more severe in children than in adults.

Avoid Plumbing Blockages

Eroding zinc builds up inside the walls of the galvanized piping thereby blocking proper water flow. In fact, the District of Columbia Water and Sewer Authority says buildup of corrosion-related material inside galvanized pipes can cause low water pressure. Therefore, the most effective way of dealing with such blockages is by replacing the galvanized pipes with alternatives that are not prone to corrosion issues. plumbing services CTA

Enhance Education

A study published in the Occupational & Environmental Medicine journal found that children exposed to lead tend to have a "lower lifetime occupational" status than those who were not exposed to lead. In addition, a follow up study published in the journal Environmental Health found that even exposure to low-levels of lead causes irreversible IQ effects that persist into adulthood. Also, a Mt. Washington Pediatric Hospital publication says lead exposure causes:
  • intellectual ability delays
  • poor speech articulation
  • hyperactivity
  • gross motor coordination problems
  • learning issues
  • delays in language or motor milestones
  • problem-solving problems in children
  • As such, affected children struggle in school and are more likely to drop out of school. By removing galvanized pipes from your home, you will enhance the education and career prospects of your children.

Better Water Quality

Corroding galvanized pipes degrade water quality in several ways. First of all, high levels of lead give water an unsavory, bitter taste. In addition, corrosion-related material that builds up inside galvanized pipes is prone to flaking off and mixing with passing water thereby making it dirty. Luckily, you can resolve these problems by replacing all galvanized pipes.
 

Plumbing Service Macungie PA

In conclusion, galvanized pipes cause lead poisoning and blockages in piping systems. Fortunately, you can avoid these problems as well as prevent other problems associated with lead exposure by hiring a professional plumber to replace the galvanized pipes in your home with non-galvanized pipes. For a qualified plumber, contact Robinson Plumbing. Our experienced and skilled certified plumbers are known for being friendly, trustworthy, and professional. 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, Emmaus PA 18049, Hereford PA 18056, Macungie PA 18062, Old Zionsville PA 18068, Trexlertown PA 18087, 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 following article, Why You Need To Get Rid Of Your Galvanized Pipes, is republished from Robinson Plumbing

Common Plumbing Problems During Home Inspections

image of professional plumbing services Emmaus PAPlumbers offer a wide range of services including repairing burst/damaged pipes and unblocking clogged sewage lines. This ensures plumbing problems do not inconvenience homeowners or compromise the structural integrity of their properties. As such, it is wise to hire a professional plumber to inspect your home's plumbing periodically. Below are some of the reasons why you should hire a licensed plumber to perform inspections and professional plumbing services Emmaus PA when buying/selling a house.

Clogged Sewer Line issues

A clogged sewer line can cause raw sewage to back up into your home. Luckily, a professional plumber can resolve these issues by inspecting your home's septic system. They can listen for gurgling sounds emanating from toilet drainpipes. They can also look for signs of water backing up after flushing a toilet. A plumber can also use dual segment analysis technology (DSA) to identify sewer line blockages. In cases where tree roots have punctured sewer lines and caused blockage, a plumber can replace the damaged part.

Water Heater Issues

A plumber can diagnose and resolve plumbing issues related to your water heater. They can identify sediment buildup, rusting water pipes, and a malfunctioning thermostat. This also includes an examination of:
  •  pressure relief valves
  • anode rods, drain valves
  • dip tubes
They check the water heater thermocouple and thermostat of the property you want to buy or sell. Water heater problems generally vary depending on the type of water heater installed (gas or electric). For instance, a clogged vent pipe may restrict airflow in a gas water heater, thereby preventing proper heating of water.

Diagnose Undetected Leaks

According to data published by the US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), American households lose more than one trillion gallons of water annually through water leaks. In addition, about 10% of US homes lose more than 90 gallons of water per day due to the same problem. A professional plumber can accurately identify a water leak by using sophisticated tools like:
  • ground microphones
  • acoustical detectors
  • leak correlators
  • hydrogen tracer gas equipment
  • pipe location tools
Moreover, the plumber would physically examine the plumbing system of the house you intend to buy or sell to identify the exact location of a water leak. CTA-Leak Repair Services

Replace Galvanized Pipes

Most homes built before the 1960s have galvanized pipes that should be replaced. These pipes have a protective zinc layer that degrades over time causing the pipes to leach lead into water. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, people who consume such water could develop health complications such as:
  • anemia
  • kidney damage
  • abdominal pain
  • brain damage
  • depression
  • constipation
  • heart disease
  • reduced fertility
  • high blood pressure
When buying/selling a house, you should hire a professional plumber to identify the pipes that need to be replaced and replace them.
 

Cross Connection Problems

This problem occurs when water piping connects to other plumbing fixtures internally or externally. When improperly fixed, cross connections can allow reverse flow of contaminants into your home's water piping system. Since backflow can occur when firefighters use large quantities of water, a plumber can install a cutout system that isolates the water distribution system whenever water pressure rises or falls below a pre-determined range.

Conclusion

When buying or selling a house, you perform a plumbing inspection. In other words, you should hire a professional plumber to diagnose and fix issues related to blocked sewer lines, undetected water leaks, cross connection in your home's plumbing system, galvanized pipes, and water heating system.

Professional Plumbing Services Emmaus PA

It is important to know what to look for when you are buying or selling a home. Many people have made the mistake of purchasing a home and shortly after, they have found that they have an extremely expensive plumbing problem on their hands. This is avoidable with the help of a competent plumber who will be able to spot these types of issues before you purchase or sell a home. When you need a reliable plumbing company, contact Robinson Plumbing. Our experienced and skilled certified plumbers will be able to thoroughly inspect your plumbing system and give you educated and knowledgeable suggestions about the health of your plumbing system. We are a local, family owned company that is known for trusted, high quality service. We service Alburtis PA 18011, Allentown PA 18101, Center Valley PA 18034, Coopersburg PA 18036, East Texas PA 18046, Emmaus PA 18049, Limeport PA 18060, Macungie PA 18062, Old Zionsville PA 18068, Trexlertown PA 18087, 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 following blog post Common Plumbing Problems During Home Inspections was originally published to Robinson Plumbing