What To Look For In A Reputable Plumber

A residential plumbing system is perhaps the most important system in the building. After all, you would not be able to shower, bathe, do laundry, wash dishes, or go to the toilet without a functioning plumbing system. The system must be properly designed and installed to ensure it does not cause problems. Poor installation can cause leaks which leads to water damage as well as water loss. Whenever you need plumbing services, it is important you hire a plumbing system expert that offers reliable and effective services. Below are a few simple tips to help you find a reliable plumber:

Make A Shortlist Of Top-Rated Plumbers

The first thing you need to do is make a list of the highest rated plumbing companies near you. You can search the internet and make a list of around 10 plumbers. In addition to that, consider getting one or two names of reputable plumbers from your neighbor. Once you have your list of top-rated plumbers, you can start the process of elimination.

Choose Licensed Plumbers

You can never go wrong with licensed plumbers. This is because a licensed plumber has met all the minimum requirements mandated by the law. This means they have the right training and enough experience, so they can legally offer plumbing services to people like you.

Give Priority To Experienced Plumbers

The best plumbers are usually those that have a lot of experience in the industry. This is because they can easily identify the source of the plumbing problem by asking you a number of simple questions. Do not just look at the number of years a plumber has been in business as the types of jobs they've handled in the past matter more. You want to hire a plumber who has handled similar tasks in the past as this will guarantee better results. That said, the most experienced plumbers should be be given priority consideration.

Guarantees

After hiring a plumber and paying for the service, there is always the chance that the problem may recur in the near future, so you need to get assurances from the plumber. For instance, a money-back guarantee should be seen as the bare minimum. If the problem is not fixed properly, the plumber should redo the job or refund the money paid to them.

Pricing

You obviously have a limited amount of money to spend, and you do not want to pay more than you have to. That is why it's crucial for you to ask all the plumbers remaining on your list to provide you with their quote on the plumbing services you need. By comparing those quotes, you can easily identify the most affordable service provider. Please note that some plumbers charge a flat rate while others charge an hourly rate. Ideally, you should pick a service provider with the most favorable billing method for the job at hand.

 

Plumbing Company Emmaus PA

The reputation of a plumber can affect your decision, so be sure to read testimonials and reviews before hiring a plumber. If you are happy with the service you get from your chosen plumber, be sure to recommend them to your friends, neighbors and relatives. Robinson Plumbing offers a wide variety of plumbing services in northeastern PA, including the Lehigh Valley. We only have certified plumbers on our team who also have years of experience under their belt. This means that when you call Robinson Plumbing for any type of plumbing service, you will be able to rest assured that you are getting the best in the industry. All of our plumbing repairs, installations, or plumbing system maintenance jobs are priced affordably and are handled with attention to detail. Be sure to call us today to discuss any plumbing issues that you might be experiencing. 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, Zionhill PA 18981, Zionsville PA 18092, and surrounding areas. Call us today at (610) 351-9889 or contact us for any questions that you might have!

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Signs That Your Water Heater Needs To Be Replaced

Water heaters usually operate out of sight and out of mind since they are tucked away in locations like the garage or basement. Although your water heater will normally do its job without much fuss, it will certainly announce itself when there's trouble brewing. Depending on the specific problem, there are a number of symptoms that usually indicate something that's seriously wrong. So, how do you know when it's time for a new water heater?

Rusty Water

Tank corrosion could present itself in the form of rusty water coming from your taps. However when you have galvanized piping, then your pipes could be rusty. You can pinpoint the exact problem by flushing the water heater tank with a few buckets of water. Drain 3-4 bucketfuls of hot water. If the water is still rusty, then the heater (rather than the piping) is the culprit.

Leaks

Factors like rust, damage and corrosion are all known to cause water heater leaks. Regular expansion and contraction (as a result of heating and cooling) will further cause slight fractures on the metal. With enough time, these minute cracks develop into leaks. These are usually indicated by the presence of moisture around the water heater. So, when you notice puddles around your water heater, this is a sign that the equipment has reached the end of its life. However, before replacing it, ensure that there are no other leaks coming from pipes and fittings around the tank. Also, check your pressure/temperature overflow pipe for leaks.

Noise

A water heater that bangs, knocks, rumbles, or creaks whenever it's in use is an indication for the need of a replacement. Such noise issues are usually caused by sediment that accumulates inside the tank. The interaction between this sediment and the heating elements is what causes the noise. Besides affecting the efficiency of your equipment, sediment will also cause more damage to your tank if you don't address the problem immediately. While flushing your tank could work as a temporary solution, the mineral buildup will inevitably cause more wear on the metal tank, resulting in cracks and tiny holes. So, if your water heater makes rumbling or banging noises when it's heating up, start figuring out how you'll get a new one as soon as you can.

Temperature Issues

A compromised hot water supply is often the first symptom you'll notice when things aren't going well with your water heater. The water coming from the tank could be hotter/cooler than usual, or it may run out faster than before. Although broken heating elements are known to cause such issues, they could also mean that the bottom of your tank is coated with hardened mineral sediment. The latter tends to happen around the 10-year mark, and should be taken to indicate imminent failure.

Can You Replace Your Own Water Heater?

A broken heater can make life pretty difficult for most households. This is why you might want to replace yours as quickly as you could when it is showing signs. Although you may be tempted to replace your own unit (mostly because it means you get to save some money), the job is best left to professionals. Some of the reasons why you might want to put away your tools and instead pick up the phone to make an appointment with a trained professional include:

• Safety: From electrical wiring to the pressure-controlled tank, there several vital elements that could cause disaster if mishandled. It takes a trained professional to properly work around these hazards. Knowing what to do minimizes the risk of damage and/or injury.
• Installation: A professional plumber will know how to take care of all the necessary piping and venting. They will be able to handle the wiring and soldering as well.
• Codes: A licensed plumber will be familiar with all the local codes. They'll also obtain all the permits required to guarantee that the job is done correctly.
• Warranties: Your plumber will provide assurances on the performance and future maintenance of your new unit. Opting for the DIY route means you will forego all these.

 

Water Heater Macungie PA

Your water heating system can sneak up on you with unexpected breakdowns at the worst possible moment. And while most problems are easily detectable, the equipment isn't something you could just pick up and plug in. If your home needs a new water heater, get in touch with a professional plumber. They'll recommend the best solutions available for all your plumbing needs. Robinson Plumbing offers professional, affordable, and trusted plumbing services through the Lehigh Valley, PA area. Be sure to contact us as soon as you notice any of the above signs. This will give us the chance to inspect your water heating system to find out what is going on with it. Do you have any other plumbing problems? For a list of our plumbing services, click here. 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. Call us today at (610) 351-9889 or contact us for any questions that you might have!

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What Is The Banging Sound In My Water Pipes?

Have you been hearing some noises coming from your plumbing water pipes? Are you wondering what these noises are, what is causing them, and how to solve them? Well, today is your lucky day. In this article, we will discuss these noises. The banging sound in your water pipes is a water hammer. They are more common than you might realize. You will normally hear them when you turn off your faucet. The water hammer effect occurs when the direction of the flowing water is suddenly changed. This happens when you turn off the faucet. The sudden change of momentum causes a buildup of pressure waves. The pressure waves result in the noises that you hear. In extreme cases, they can cause serious damage to the pipe. Below are some of the ways of solving this problem:

Solving Water Hammer Problems

1. Install Pressure Reducing Valves

As mentioned earlier, one of the causes of a water hammer effect is the buildup of pressure in the pipes. One way to avoid this buildup is by installing water pressure regulators or valves in your plumbing system. This valve needs to be installed at the point where the main water supply enters your home. At this point, a single valve will work better than installing multiple air chambers. A pressure reducing valve will also protect the damage that is caused by the buildup of pressure in toilets, showers, and dishwashers. Additionally, not only does it damage your plumbing fixtures, the buildup of pressure above 100 psi will void your warranties. Therefore, you will have to pay more to replace your plumbing appliances. When a pressure reducing valve is installed in your home, make sure that it is calibrated to 50 PSI or below. This is the water pressure of normal running water.

2. Install An Air Chamber

Another way of solving a water hammer is by installing air chambers. A pipe that is installed in a vertical position is called an air chamber. It is located next to the water valve in the wall cavity. An air chamber works by preventing water from generating waves in the pipe. Furthermore, it is advisable to install these chambers at critical locations all over your home. There are a number of ways to confirm that these chambers are working correctly. You can do this by following steps:

• Turn off the main water valve.
• Go to the faucet located at the highest point of the building and turn it on.
• Turn on the faucet located at the lowest point of the building. Doing this empties all pipes of water. Air will fill the pipes and it replaces the water. This fills all of the air chambers.
• When the lowest faucet stops removing water, turn it off.
• Open the main valve.
• Air will push out of the air chamber and the horizontal pipes. The air will sputter as it exits the open faucets. Some air will remain in the air chambers, preventing the water hammer.

3. Install Mechanical Water Arrestors

Water arrestors are units with an air bladder and a spring. They both absorb the movement of water which, in turn, prevents the water hammer. Install mechanical water arrestors in locations where it is not possible to install air chambers.

 

Pressure Reducing Valve Installation Coplay PA

The water hammer effect is a great nuisance especially in an environment where peace and quiet is required. Therefore, make sure you contact a plumbing professional for all repairs and maintenance. No one wants to hear their water pipes banging. Furthermore, no one wants to pay to replace their water fixtures due to the damage that the water hammer caused. Contact Robinson Plumbing today to solve your water hammer issues. Our plumbing services are friendly, affordable, clean, and highly skilled. For a list of our plumbing services, click here. 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!

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The Pros And Cons Of Tankless Water Heaters

The Department of Energy (DOE) says that water heating expenses account for anything between 14% and 18% of the average energy bill. Fortunately, you can cut your water heating costs significantly. You can do this by replacing your traditional storage tank water heater with a more energy efficient tankless (on demand) water heater. In fact, water heating costs are typically the second highest utility costs for a typical American household. With that in mind, here is a detailed look at the pros and cons of tankless water heaters:

The Pros Of Demand-Type Water Heaters Include:

Energy Savings

Tankless water heaters only heat water on demand. According to the DOE, they are 8% to 34% more energy efficient than storage tank water heaters. This is mainly because they eliminate standby heat loss. The lower limit applies to homes that use about 86 gallons of hot water per day. Whereas, the upper limit applies to homes that use less than 41 gallons of water hot water every day. On average, these savings can translate to about $100 per year, the DOE explains.

Space Savings

On demand water heaters are generally significantly smaller than traditional water heaters. For this reason, they offer more options in terms of installation locations. For instance, you can hang your demand-type heater on a wall indoors or outdoors. However, if you install your tankless system outdoors, you should use a freeze protection solenoid valve. This is especially true if you live in a cold region.

Longevity

A tankless water heater typically lasts twice to thrice as long as a storage tank water heater. More specifically, the latter has a lifespan of about 10 to 15 years. On demand water heaters have a life expectancy of over 20 years, according to the DOE.

Energy-Efficiency Rebates

The federal government and some local municipal governments offer energy efficiency rebates and other incentives to homeowners who install Energy Star qualified tankless water systems in their homes. These rebates and incentives can help you recoup some of your installation costs.

The Cons Of Tankless Water Heaters Include:

High Installation Costs

According to various surveys, the cost of installing a new demand-type water heaters ranges from $800 to $1,150, exclusive of the contractor's fee. However, it is best to contact a reputable plumber because installation costs and fees vary from one to another.

Low Flow Rate

On demand water heaters typically deliver hot water at a low flow rate of between two to five gallons per minute. This can be a problem if you have multiple simultaneous demands for hot water, which is normally the case in large households.

Additional Installations

To solve the problem of low flow rate and meet your hot water demands, you can install additional demand-type heaters and connect them in parallel. However, this would mean spending more money. Regardless, because these systems are so incredibly energy efficient, there is a great return on  investment. Also, they last twice as long as a conventional water heater which also adds to their appeal.

 

Tankless Water Heater Installation Bethlehem PA

There is an increasing number of homeowners across America who are replacing their conventional hot water systems with on demand water heaters. This is because the latter offer a myriad of benefits including energy savings, access to government-sponsored energy-efficiency rebates, space savings, and generally, they last longer than the former. However, they also have some cons including relatively high initial installation costs, low flow rate, and additional installations depending on a user's needs. All in all, the pros of installing a tankless water heater far outweigh the cons. If you are interested in making your home more energy efficient, a tankless water heater may be a good option. Contact Robinson Plumbing today to discuss your options. Our certified plumbers will explain the benefits of a tankless water heater. They will be able to asses your situation to see if this is what works best for your water heating needs. Both tankless water heating systems and conventional water heaters have their advantages and so this is why it is always smart to consult with an expert. Robinson Plumbing offers many different affordable, friendly, and trusted plumbing services. For a list of our plumbing services, click here. We service Allentown PA 18101, Bethlehem PA 18015, Catasauqua PA 18032, Center Valley PA 18034, Coplay PA 18037, East Texas PA 18046, Emmaus PA 18049, Lehigh Valley PA 18001, Northampton PA 18067, Whitehall PA 18052, and surrounding areas in the Lehigh Valley. Call us today at (610) 351-9889 or contact us for any questions that you might have!

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Great Ways To Make Your Home More Water Efficient

With many areas of the country experiencing a water shortage, it's a good idea to notice your own usage. As in, this is a good time to see if there are ways in which you can cut back. Sometimes, simple conservation tips can make a big difference. Of course, if you are ready to invest a bit of money, you can also upgrade toilets, shower heads and other plumbing fixtures in order to ensure they are as water efficient as possible.

Leaky Toilet

One very easy way to reduce water usage is to fix a leaky toilet. A toilet that runs significantly increases the amount of water you use each month. If your toilet is running, it generally requires nothing more than a new flapper. This flapper costs only a few dollars and can easily be installed by just about anyone.

Water Saving Faucets

Water saving faucets are also an excellent way to reduce your water usage. Faucets and accessories that are water efficient can help reduce your water bill. These efficient water fixtures can help save up to 30% of your faucet water usage. They do this without having to give up water pressure. Of course, water saving shower heads can also make a huge difference in the amount of water that is used during a typical shower. Simply replace your current shower head with a low flow or water saving shower head. By doing this, you'll make a big step towards conserving water. Many people put off making this important transition to a more water efficient shower head. They think they'll have to give up the wonderful feel of a drenching shower. However, low flow shower heads are able to deliver the feel of excellent water flow with a flow rate that is less than 2.5 gpm.

Water Pressure

Do you know what the water pressure is that's coming into your home? If it is more than 60 pounds per square inch, you might be wasting a great deal of water. However, you might also be damaging your plumbing. You can call your water authority in order to find out what your incoming water pressure is. If it's too high, consider installing a pressure reducing valve. This reduces the pressure of the water coming into your home.

Undetected Water Leaks

Of course, nobody wants to think that they might have an undetected water leak. After all, a water leak can cause significant damage while wasting water and increasing your water bill. However, it's important to occasionally check for leaks. An easy way to check is to get an initial reading off your water meter. This needs to happen when water is not being used. Write down what the meter says; then, 8 to 10 hours later, go back and read your meter again. If the meter indicates water has been used, you know you have a leak somewhere. This is a problem that will have to be addressed by a licensed plumber. This test needs to be done during a period when water is not being used. Therefore, the easiest way to do this is when you're away from your home for the day.

Here Are Some Additional Water Saving Tips:

 

Plumbing Fixture Installation Allentown PA

With simple water saving tips, you can reduce your water usage as well as your water bill. When you want to have low-flow faucets or toilets installed, you need to call an experienced plumber. Additionally, any plumbing repairs need to be handled by a licensed plumber. At Robinson Plumbing, we stride to offer the best plumbing services in the Lehigh Valley. Be sure to call us to discuss any of your plumbing needs. In the event that you have a water leak, be sure to have it addressed immediately. Water leaks, including leaking toilets, can lead to an array of issues. These include expensive water bills, costly water damage, and even the growth of mold and mildew.  Even if you do not have a water leak, you can have new plumbing fixtures installed which will save a fortune. New plumbing fixtures are not expensive and they have a good return on investment. For a list of our plumbing services, click here. We service Allentown PA 18101, Bethlehem PA 18015, Catasauqua PA 18032, Center Valley PA 18034, Coplay PA 18037, East Texas PA 18046, Emmaus PA 18049, Lehigh Valley PA 18001, Northampton PA 18067, Whitehall PA 18052, and surrounding areas in the Lehigh Valley. Call us today at (610) 351-9889 or contact us for any questions that you might have!

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