Signs That Your Plumbing Pipes Are Wearing Out

Water is the gentlest element around but, given enough time, it can hollow out stone. A lot of it flows through your plumbing pipes every single day, in your kitchen as well as the bathroom(s). Your plumbing is constantly under pressure and slowly deteriorates with time. Modern pipes have big life spans. Copper pipes last up to 70 years. However, they can sometimes start leaking within a couple of decades. If the water is especially acidic or the pipe quality is poor, they can give out within ten years. Knowing what kind of health your plumbing pipes are in can... save you from dealing with a major headache later on. It gives you the opportunity to address the problem long before it becomes a more costly one. Although this task can seem overwhelming, Robinson Plumbing can help you understand the basics of this type of plumbing problem. In this article we will discuss the top signs that indicate when your plumbing pipes are wearing out.

How Do You Know If Your Pipes Are Wearing Out?

Knocking

When you hear a knocking sound... in the pipes when you turn on the tap or shower, you have a problem on your hands. Knocking is caused by loose valves, excessive water, air pressure, a broken support strap, and other elements. This knocking seems harmless at first. However, the knocking can cause the pipes to bend, break, and spring leaks.

Water Pressure

Is the water coming up too slowly? Is it draining too slowly? Have you noticed that the volume less than it used to be? Chances are something is clogging the pipes. This problem is not usually very serious and is easy to fix. However, sometimes the cause of this is a leak. Therefore, get it thoroughly inspected.

 

Dripping Or Leaks

Improperly working valves typically cause dripping taps. This problem is almost always easy to fix. When pipes spring leaks, however, it can be spell disaster. This is true especially if the plumbing system is very old. Watch out for mold or mildew growth near the plumbing (or elsewhere in the house). Leaks may pop up in one place, but the rest of the system may soon begin to sprout them. Get a professional to look at this problem.

Stains

Stains and cracks, usually dark ones, along the wall are a sure sign of a leak in the plumbing. That can be an expensive problem to fix. The drywall will need to be torn away to get to the pipe inside. However, be sure to fix a problem like this quickly. It can cause hundreds or thousands of dollars in damages if left untreated.

Discoloration

Is the water coming out of the tap a muddy brown or light red? That's the pipe's rust that has dissolved in the water. While rusty water is safe to drink, it tastes horrible. It is also hard and light-colored clothes can be damaged. Furthermore, it doesn't go well with soap.

Repair Or Replace?

Chances are a pipe will need to be replaced if... it's too old, but it can be repaired if it's new. Watch out for corroded or dimpled tubes. That's a sure sign of excessive wear. You should always leave plumbing repairs and replacements up to a licensed and certified plumbing professional. Don't be stingy about hiring the aforementioned professional either. A leak seems like a minor problem at first, but it will escalate. A quick-fix from an amateur or a DIY repair will only get rid of the symptoms and not the underlying cause.

Plumbing Problems Kutztown PA

Robinson Plumbing offers professional plumbing services for commercial and residential properties. We have certified plumbers in board who have been extensively trained in the plumbing industry. When hiring us to conduct a plumbing repair, maintenance, or installation, you will receive a plumber who exhibits the knowledge and professionalism to address your plumbing needs properly. Call us to discuss any of your plumbing needs. For a list of our plumbing services, click here. We service Alburtis PA 18011, Blandon PA 19510, Bowers PA 19511, Breinigsville PA 18031, Fleetwood PA 19522, Fogelsville PA 18051, Kempton PA 19529, Kutztown PA 19530, Lenhartsville PA 19534, Lyon Station PA 19536, Maxatawny PA 19538, Mertztown PA 19539, Oley PA 19547, Stony Run PA 19557, Topton PA 19562, Trexlertown PA 18087, Virginville PA 19564, and surrounding areas. Call us today at (610) 351-9889 or contact us for any questions that you might have!

The post Signs That Your Plumbing Pipes Are Wearing Out was originally seen on http://RobinsonPlumbing.com

Why Is My Hose Bibb Leaking?

There can be a number of reasons why a hose bibb might suddenly spring a leak. One of the most common reasons why a hose bibb might start leaking is that the hose connector has not been attached firmly enough to the spigot. The hose connector needs to screw onto the threads of the hose bibb in order to ensure a good seal and avoid leaks. A hose spigot leaking from handle can be a major nuisance and a huge waste of water. We have gotten many calls for a leaking hose bibb... and, many times,  it ends up being a loose hose connector.  Try tightening the connector by turning it in a clockwise direction. Only tighten the connector until it feels snug, but never try to overtighten it. If this doesn't do the trick, then there is another issue that is causing this. Robinson Plumbing is here to help you figure it out. In this article, we will go over some of the reasons cause a leaking hose bibb.

Causes

Hose End

Other simple reasons that a hose bibb might be leaking could include... problems such as a hose end that has become bent or dented. Symptoms usually include outside faucet leaking when the hose is attached. Lightweight hose ends on inexpensive hoses can easily be damaged, leading to leaking around the connector and the hose bibb. Of course, it might also be something as simple as a missing or damaged washer. This can easily be spotted by looking into the hose connector. Furthermore, if the washer needs to be replaced, most homeowners will be able to do this on their own. You simply will need a hose bibb washer replacement and know how to fix a leaky hose connection.

Packing Nut Or Washer

Of course, there are many other more serious reasons why a hose bibb might leak, such as a packing nut that needs to be tightened or a washer inside the faucet that needs to be replaced. These repairs require a bit more experience as well as the proper tools and should be left for an experienced plumber who will be able to get the job done without causing further damage.

When To Call A Professional

If you are accustomed to doing home repairs, you can try to fix your hose bibb. However, if tightening the hose to the bibb doesn't help or you've replaced the washer in the hose connector, and you still have a leak, it's time to call in a professional. This is especially true when you notice hose bib leaking inside wall. Repairs that aren't fixed properly... can lead to further damage. It's always best to trust a reputable plumber with these repairs. After all, a leak that goes undetected can lead to extensive damage, especially if the leak is inside a wall. Therefore, let an experienced plumber fix the bibb leak and you'll be able to rest assured that the job is done right.

 

Leaking Hose Bibb Emmaus  PA

When you've eliminated some of the most common and easy to fix causes, it's time to consider the fact that you might need to replace the entire spigot and hose bibb. Maybe your original spigot has just outlived its usefulness or perhaps the damage is beyond a simple repair. A licensed plumber will be able to evaluate the problem and let you know if a complete replacement is your best option. If you do need to replace the faucet, make sure that you leave this type of repair for a trained plumber. Homeowners can end up causing more damage when they attempt to take care of their own plumbing repairs. Robinson Plumbing offers a wide variety of plumbing services throughout northeastern PA, including Emmaus PA. Our certified plumbers will be able to diagnose why your hose bibb is leaking or any other plumbing issue that you might be experiencing.  All of our plumbing repairs, installations, or plumbing system maintenance jobs are priced affordably and are handled with attention to detail. You can always expect our services to be clean, fast, and friendly. 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!

Why Is My Hose Bibb Leaking? originated at Robinson Plumbers

Why Does My Toilet Gurgle When Draining The Tub?

Whenever there is a gurgling sound from the toilet when your bathtub drains, it's typically a sign that something is blocking the vent. This calls for a toilet repair. Allentown PA residents should not ignore a plumbing issue like this. Even the experts at Robinson Plumbing agree that it is easy to ignore a gurgling toilet. However, there is more to it than what you might realize. The drain noises are more than just annoying. By calling a plumber for a toilet repair service, you might find out the actual cause of the problem. In fact, it can actually be the precursor to a blocked pipe that leads to the shut down of your bathroom. This can also lead to costly plumbing fees. Robinson Plumbing is here to offer repair services for your toilet or any other plumbing fixture repair in your home. This article talks about what a gurgling toilet means and what you can do about it. The objective of venting plumbing drains is to create a passageway where sewage can be adequately dispersed of as well as displace the vacuum caused by flowing water. Usually, plumbing code requires that pipes are drained and vented separately. However, when they are close together, one drain can vent through a tube that also serves the drain for another fixture. This is a relatively standard configuration in most bathrooms. Professional plumbers refer to it as wet venting. When a drain gets blocked, air enters or exits through one of the fixtures when another one is used. The reason that a toilet will gurgle when a bathtub is drained is because its wet vent is possibly blocked. A vacuum created by the flow of water from the shower is strong enough to pull air through the toilet's P trap. In another scenario, air from rushing water can't escape the drain properly. It is forced out of the toilet. This is where the gurgling sounds come from, with the bubbles sometimes being visible. A sufficient blockage can also inadvertently affect the toilet's flushing mechanism. This type of issue is very different than your basic toilet flapper repair or a toilet repair flush valve.

Why Does My Toilet Gurgle When Draining the Tub?

Water rushing in from the tub's pipe travels through a slightly sloped horizontal waste line and then goes to the city's sewer or your home's septic tank. This waste line utilizes a roof air vent, mitigating pressure. The air vent stops a vacuum from forming that would slow down the flow of water. A clog in the waste line can slow down the water to the point that it starts to fill the waste line. Consequently, the roof vent servicing the toilet becomes clogged. A build up of pressure will occur which will eventually find its way to the path of least resistance. Basically, this is your open toilet. Large air bubbles will eventually form, and you will start to hear the familiar gurgling sound.

What Causes This Blockage?

Sometimes a small living creature like a bird or rat enters your roof vent and dies. Its body becomes waterlogged, expands, and becomes big enough to clog the vent, drain, or sometimes even both. Another scenario is a septic system that is full past its capacity, preventing waste from flowing freely. This can happen that due to torrential rains.

  What can be done? To alleviate the issue, remove any physical blockages in the drain. Depending on the blockage, some homeowners can use an enzyme-based cleaner to disintegrate any items further down the pipe. Remember that caustic chemicals can damage your pipes. You can try a plunger. If plunging does not fix the problem, then traveling up to the roof and removing any accumulated debris will stop any vacuum issues. This allows for air dispersion to go uninterrupted. This is not a DIY project. However, the best method to deal with an issue like this is to call a professional plumber. They will understand why this is happening and find the best solution for the issue. Sometimes this problem is caused by the improper ventilation of your plumbing system. Regardless, homeowners who conduct DIY plumbing repairs usually end up paying far more than necessary to repair the initial problem. For example, it is not uncommon for homeowners to try to figure out how to fix a toilet leak and before they know it, they have a broken toilet, water damage, and much more to content with.

Toilet Repair Allentown PA

Robinson Plumbing has certified plumbing contractors with the experience that understand what it takes to get your plumbing system back in working order. A gurgling toilet needs to be addressed right away. Be sure to call us to schedule a toilet repair 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!

Why Does My Toilet Gurgle When Draining The Tub? originated at Robinson Plumbing Articles

How To Prepare Your Plumbing For Vacation

When you are preparing to head off for vacation, take some time to prepare your plumbing for the trip. This helps ensure that when you come back, you do not encounter any plumbing problems. Issues with your plumbing occurs when your system is out of use. In this article, you will find a few tips that will help you prepare properly.

Shut Down the Hot Water Heater

As you prepare to leave on vacation, you will want to shut down your hot water heater. A hot water heater works by heating a tank full of water. When you turn on the hot water faucet in your home, the hot water comes from the water heater's tank. The tank then refills and begins to heat the new tank of water. However, the same tank of water is repetitively heated and cooled when the tank isn't empty. It does this to maintain the temperature that you have set your water heater at. This uses energy and wears on your hot water tank. Shutting it down helps to keep your energy usage low when you are away. It prevents the overworking of the unit. Also, it ensures your water heater is not unnecessarily refilling. This is important in case a leak occurs within the tank.

Drain Water From the Pipes After Shutting Off The Water

When you are going on vacation, shut the water off. Experts highly recommend this. This helps ensure that when a pipe bursts or a leak happens in your home, water does not continue to flow in and cause a flood. However, this is not the only thing that you should do. In the event that the temperatures hit freezing, be sure to drain the water from the pipes. When you shut the water off, water will just sit in the pipes. When the temperatures dip below freezing, this can cause the water to freeze inside the pipe and the pipe to burst. Shutting off the water and draining the pipes prevents this.

 

Clean Your Traps, Drains And Garbage Disposal

The last thing that you can do to your plumbing system before you go away on vacation is to clean your traps, drains and garbage disposal. You will come home to a stinky house when the traps, drains, and garbage disposal are not clean. Sitting water, hair, grease and other residues may emit from the drain and sit in the stale air in your home. If it has been awhile since your last professional drain cleaning, have a professional plumber come out and clean your drains and trap. This is a great idea before you leave on vacation.

Plumber Easton PA

When it comes to your home's plumbing, all the work needs to be left in the hands of professionals. As such, when you are heading out for a trip, call in a plumber. They can best prepare the plumbing in your home for your vacation. Furthermore, they can ensure everything is done properly. Be sure to get your plumbing checked out before you leave on vacation. It important for the preservation of your home. Furthermore, heating water takes up quite a bit of energy. Calling a plumber to help you prepare will reduce any energy costs that you would have accumulated. Cleaning your drains will prevent sewer gases from rising and building up in your home. Robinson Plumbing has certified plumbing contractors with the experience that understand what it takes to get your plumbing system ready for vacation. 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. Call us today at (610) 351-9889 or contact us for any questions that you might have!

The following article "How To Prepare Your Plumbing For Vacation" is republished from Robinson Plumbers