Emmaus Plumbing Tip: How To Maintain Your Water Heater To Prolong Replacement

Your water heater does a lot of work for you. It provides warm baths, clean clothes and sparkling silverware. You cannot enjoy all these things without paying some attention to your heater. If you want to get the best out of your water heater, you have to give it the special treatment it deserves. Below are some things you can do to prolong replacement and make your water heater work effectively.

 

Keep An Eye On The Valve

The temperature-pressure relief valve is vital to the health of your water heater. Test this valve annually and while you are doing this, look out for small leaks from the valve. Check this valve by quickly discharging it two or three times. This helps you spot potential problems and take action before a serious problem occurs.

Examine The Sacrificial Anode Rod

Loosen the hex head screw of your sacrificial anode rod and remove it. Take a close look at the rod and replace it f you notice any of the following things.

• The rod is less than half an inch thick
• 5-7 inches of core steel wire is exposed
• The rod has a coat of calcium

Why The Sacrificial Anode Rod Matters

This rod protects your water heater and makes it function effectively. Remember that without this rod, hot water can shorten the life of the tank by corroding it. Examine the anode rod at least once a year and you will save a lot of money. Remember, it is easier and cheaper to replace a used up rod than to have a water heater replacement in Emmaus, PA.

Flush The Tank

Flushing sediment and debris from your tank a few times a year improves heater function and longevity. Just turn off the cold water supply and use a garden hose to drain the valve. Observe the water as it runs into a bucket. If the water is not clear, drain the tank repeatedly until the water is clear.

Adjust The Thermostat

Adjust your thermostat to 120 degrees and you will enjoy two great advantages. First, you reduce the risk of scalding and you lower energy costs. In fact, every 10 degrees reduction in temperature saves you as much as 5% in energy costs.

Insulation Keeps You Safe

If you are using older units, you need to insulate some components with fiberglass because this improves efficiency. Insulation also keeps the system safe so make sure the cold and hot water pipes are properly insulated.

Adjust Settings

Protecting your water heater is not all about things you can do while you are in the house. You can also take measures to protect your heater even when you are out of town. Simply adjust the thermostat on your heater to vacation "settings" when you are out of town. This ensures the water is not heated in your absence. This simple move saves you money and makes your heater last longer.

Final Word

Water heater protection and maintenance is not rocket science. Take the steps discussed above and your heater will last long and work perfectly. If you have any questions or need a water heater replacement, be sure to give us a call.  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!

Emmaus Plumbing Tip: How To Maintain Your Water Heater To Prolong Replacement originated at Robinson Plumbing Articles

Plumbing Myths You Won’t Believe

We are all familiar with the laughable childhood game "telephone" in which one person starts out whispering a funny sentence or limerick to the person adjacent to them. As the sentence is retold again and again, it tends to take on a new, distorted meaning, ending up far from its original format. Even in adulthood, this is how rumors tend to develop and spread. The same is true of for plumbing myths. There is truly no telling where some of the misinformation out there comes from, but we are here to set the record straight.

Thomas Crapper

To kick us off, no, plumber Thomas Crapper is not responsible for the invention of the modern toilet. He did, however, improve upon it functionality. Additionally, the company he created, Thomas Crapper & Co, owned the world's first toilet, bath and sink showroom. Now that we have a bit of trivia out of the way, let's move on.

Garbage Disposals

You've probably heard that the best thing for a foul smelling garbage disposal is a healthy dose of fresh lemon, lime or other citrus fruit. This couldn't be farther from the truth. You may enjoy a pleasant scent momentarily---but it could cost you the functionality of your garbage disposal in the long run. While a garbage disposal is able to completely obliterate citrus fruit, it certainly does not mean these are good for the unit. In fact, the strong acidity in these fruits are capable of rusting the drain mechanism and, in time, corroding the entire unit. Furthermore, citrus fruit is a food---and foods rot. What may smell appetizing for a few short minutes will end up further perpetuating the aroma problem. So what is the solution? Easy! Mix up some inexpensive white vinegar and hot water. This should kill anything in the disposal giving off an unpleasant odor. It's also worth mentioning here that ice cubes in no way sharpen garbage disposal blades. (Where do these things come from?!)

Flushable Wipes

You may also have heard that flushable wipes are perfectly safe for toilets. Think again! These "disposable" wipes are the culprit behind a myriad of toilet backups each and every year. The wipes aren't truly paper, so they are unable to fully biodegrade like toilet paper.

Water Heater

Another crazy rumor out there is that your water heater has the ability to spontaneously explode. Sure, sometimes you may hear a low grumbling or slight banging noise coming from it, but the truth is that's just sediment collected in the tank working its way through the mechanism to the heating element. Rest assured that noise is not an indication of impending doom. That said, if your water heater is more than 15 years old it may be time for a new one. In newer models you can flush out those sediments.

Leaky Faucets

One final thought. Perhaps you may be one of many out there who believe a leaky faucet is nothing to worry about. Wait! Stop for a moment and think about this---you're paying for water you are not using. Even if your faucet is only wasting a few drops each minute, you are quite literally throwing money down the drain. Get this issue taken care of right away! If you have any questions or have any plumbing problems, be sure to give us a call.  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 read at: RobinsonPlumbing.com

Best Ways To Insulate Your Pipes For Winter

The winter of 2014-2015 was so cold that meteorologists frequently used the term "polar vortex" to describe it. At the same time, weather forecasters, residential property owners and business owners often talked about the potential damage that the unprecedented winter chill could cause. Luckily, weather experts do not project the winter of 2015-2016 to be as harsh. Nevertheless, you should prepare for the winter by insulating all accessible pipes in your home. Here are some of the best ways to insulate your pipes for winter to get you started:

Outdoor Pipes

Disconnect all outdoor pipes, including garden hoses, from their outdoor water valves and shut off the water supply valves. Then, drain the pipes and store them properly. While at it, drain the water spigots accessible outdoors and plug them with faucet insulators. You can buy faucet insulators at home improvement, garden equipment, and hardware stores for a few dollars each. If you have installed frost-proof spigots, there is no need to cover them with faucet insulators.

Wall Insulation

In many residential and commercial properties, water pipes run in crawl spaces, in-between-wall spaces and attics that are prone to freezing if not properly insulated. With this in mind, carry out a thorough check to determine if the spaces where pipes run through are properly insulated. If not, you should beef up the wall insulation. According to the US Energy Department's Office of Energy Efficiency & Renewable Energy, suitable wall insulation materials include cellulose, fiberglass, mineral wool (rock and slag wool), plastic fiber, natural fiber (straw, cotton, sheep's wool, and hemp), polystyrene and polyurethane. However, the efficiency of any wall insulation material depends on its R-value. As such, this value should determine the type of insulation material you use.

Heating Cable

You can insulate your water pipes using heat trace cables. To do this, you can either wrap heating cables around your water pipes or attach them along the length of your pipes. Since the specific insulating technique depends on the manufacturer, you should read and follow the manufacturer's instructions carefully. In addition, make sure you terminate and insulate all power connections to avoid electric shocks that could cause injuries or fatalities.

Space Heating

Space heating, especially indoors, could prevent pipes from freezing during the winter. In other words turning your thermostat a few notches up could prevent your pipes from freezing. Alternatively, you can place electric heaters near pipes that are likely to freeze during the cold season. However, since the latter solution could drive up your heating costs considerably, you should weigh the cost benefits of opting for space heating versus other available options such as beefing up insulation.

Pipe Insulation

This basically entails covering pipes with a relatively inexpensive insulation material such as foam-rubber pipe insulation. Nevertheless, pipe insulation alone may not be enough, particularly if your pipes are outdoors.

 

Conclusion

During the winter, water freezes and expands, subjecting plumbing systems to extreme pressure, which can cause water pipes to burst. The good news is you can prevent this from happening by disconnecting, draining and properly storing outdoor water pipes. Other good options include covering pipes with foam-rubber insulation, installing heating cables, beefing up wall insulation throughout your home and using space heaters. If you have any questions on insulating your pipes, be sure to give us a call.  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 following blog post, Best Ways To Insulate Your Pipes For Winter, was first published on Robinson Plumbing News

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/