Why Do I Need a Backflow Prevention Device

A backflow prevention device is important for the overall sustainability of a plumbing system whether you live in Alburtis, Emmaus or any other area of the Lehigh Valley. The EPA identifies a backflow prevention device as an absolute necessity. The reason that this type of device is essential is because of several things, like debris, contamination, or pressure. But you may be wondering how the aforementioned issues are related to this preventative device.

What Might Happen Without A Backflow Device?

You probably know that waste flows through designated pipes in your home, and clean water flows through designated pipes as well. Both of these systems are separated in different ways. One of the most common ways they are separated is by air gaps. But air gaps are not always reliable, and there are some highly-pressurized areas where an air gap simply cannot be installed. This is where a backflow device becomes a necessity. A lot of problems could arise with the constant flow of water in and out of your home. One incident that might disturb the delicate pressure in your water system is a water main bursting. This can cause a drop in pressure, which could lead to backflow. You might also lose pressure if your water pipes freeze or if several fire hydrants are opened at once. You do not want to lose pressure because this means contaminated water might flow backwards. That means clean water may get contaminated with waste, fecal matter, and other distasteful contaminants. It is this risk that makes installing a good backflow device essential for any homeowner, including yourself.

 

How Does The Backflow Device Actually Work?

The backflow device is complicated to understand, but it is important to know the basics of its operation. For example, under ideal conditions when the water pressure exceeds 2 psi, it is pushed through the upper chamber of the device and passes through easily. The psi should rise to 6, and when this happens, the first valve in the device is released to allow water into the mid-section. The second valve opens up once the mid-section is filled. You have to keep in mind that your device will read the water pressure 3 times because it is a 3-part system. The 3-part system is what makes the backflow device imperative. For example, the pressure between the device will equalize if the first valve detects debris. This means that water that seeps through the mid-section will simply fall through the relieve valve, since the pressure was not strong enough to fill the mid-section. Your device will immediately alarm you of the problem. The third chamber, the one that reads backflow pressure, is the one that might detect debris or waste. This valve will close, just like the first chamber did, should it detect harmful contaminants. The release valve will release any contaminants that flow through the system. This will protect your clean water supply or tank. You will also be alarmed of the problems so that your plumber can take action. Hopefully you can see that there are a few reasons you should have a backflow device installed in your home. It is an essential part of your water system. Get a  backflow prevention device installed in your home by contacting Robinson Plumbing. We can thoroughly address any questions or concerns that you might have prior to installation. Keep your household safe by preventing any potential backflow issues that can unexpectedly occur. We offer plumbing services in Alburtis, PA and all surrounding towns. Call us today at (610) 351-9889 or contact us for any questions that you might have!

Find more on: Robinson Plumbers

Tips For Finding A Plumber To Handle Sewer Line Repairs

Sewer line maintenance is important in ensuring proper functioning of the waste waste disposal system. Failure to properly maintain the sewer system can lead to back flow of waste water into the house. This will not only cause water damage, it will also make your home uninhabitable. In such cases, prompt sewer line repairs will be needed to bring the system back to normal operation.

Common Sewer Problems

Blockage: This is the most common type of problem affecting sewer lines. The problem normally occurs gradually as solid waste, such as ear swabs, bones, used condoms, hair follicles and toothpicks among others, accumulate inside the sewer pipes. The end result is blockage of the entire sewer system at home. Leakage: Signs of a leak include; a stinky smell around the affected area and growth of exceptionally green grass and plants due to an ample supply of nutrients. Leaks are usually due to broken joints and collapsed sewer lines. Settling, a frozen ground and shifting soil can also be blamed for the problem. Roots in the Sewer Line: Plants are usually after two things - water and nutrients. Both of these can be found in the sewer line. If there is a leak or the walls of the sewer lines are porous enough, roots from trees and plants around the sewer line will penetrate the walls and grow exponentially inside the pipe. After a couple of weeks, the pipe will be completely clogged by the roots, causing waste water back-flow in the house. Corroded Pipes: If the sewer system was constructed using pipes made from substandard materials, corrosion will soon lead to deterioration of the system. Eventually, the pipes will collapse, thereby preventing the system from carrying waste water away from the house. If your sewer system develops any of these problems, it is important you contact a reputable plumber for urgent sewer line repairs.

Finding A Great Plumber For Sewer Repairs

There are many qualified plumbers in the industry, but there are also quacks and unprofessional plumbers. Since you want to get value for your money on top of having the problem dealt with effectively, it makes sense to take your time to find the right plumber. In that regard, considering the following factors might be able to help you make an informed decision: Make Sure the Plumber is Licensed: Plumbing, like most professions, require practitioners to have a license. For this reason, the first thing to check when looking for a plumber is whether or not they are licensed. By choosing to work with licensed sewer line repair plumbers in Emmaus, PA, you can have peace of mind knowing the technician is professionally trained, has enough experience and has met the minimum requirements as set out in law. Get References and Read Reviews: The easiest way to learn about the quality of service offered by a plumber is to read reviews and testimonials online. You may also want to contact the plumber directly to ask for references. Compare Experience and Pricing: Experienced plumbing professionals are usually more competent than plumbers with less experience. Therefore, it is important you compare the experience of different plumbers before making a decision. Furthermore, you should obtain quotes from them and do a price comparison. Ideally, the most experienced plumber with the most competitive pricing should be hired. The last thing to check before hiring a plumber is whether or not the plumber offers a guarantee, such as a money back guarantee. The best plumbers normally offer guarantees. For any issues that you may be experiencing with your sewer line, contact Robinson Plumbing. We can address any questions or concerns that you might have on your sewer line repairs. What seems like a minor issue can quickly progress into a bigger one so  be sure to call us immediately. We offer plumbing services in Macungie, PA and all surrounding towns. Call us today at (610) 351-9889 or contact us for any questions that you might have!

Tips For Finding A Plumber To Handle Sewer Line Repairs originated at Robinson Plumbing

Top Tips For Replacing A Sump Pump

As with any other mechanical device, sump pumps are not immortal. They do wear out or malfunction at times. Since their purpose is to remove excess water from the basement or foundation of your house in Macungie or any other part of the Lehigh Valley that may experience water problems, the most likely time for you to discover that yours is not working properly is when you suddenly notice six inches of water in your home. This is another way of saying that most people ignore the recommendations about annual maintenance and test runs for the equipment. They simply assume that it will work when they need it to, and they are occasionally subject to a big surprise.

Things To Consider With Sump Pumps

In any event, let's assume that you need to replace an inoperative sump pump. There are a number of things to keep in mind if you choose to perform this work yourself. The first and most important one is to remember that a sump pump is an electric motor that sits in a pool of water. Before you do anything else, pull the plug, trip the breaker, and make triple sure that there is no power leading to your presumably dead appliance before you do anything else. Need a simple guide on how a sump pump works? Click here. Next, take a lot of pictures of the installation as it currently exists. Make sure you get multiple well-lit angles on everything. Professionals know exactly what part goes where on a sump pump but you might end up with a pile of parts and no memory of how they all went back together. Of course you can figure it out given time, but make it easy on yourself and record what every part of it looks like before you remove it or start unbolting stuff. The only really hard part of removing a sump pump is getting the assembly loose from the pipe that drains the water out of your home. In most cases, there should be a check valve, which is sort of a bronze metal thing screwed into the middle of the outlet pipe. Unscrewing the pipe may be possible at this location, If it is not, it is usually easier to simply saw cleanly across the plastic pipe somewhere just above this valve. Later on, after reassembly, you can install a pipe sleeve, which is simply a plain round collar that slips over the pipe and is glued into place, to put it all back together again. Once you have your old pump out, the easiest thing to do is to take the old one to a plumbing supply house or lumber yard and ask for an exact duplicate of the one you have. This makes it a lot easier to put everything back together again.

When To Call A Professional Plumber

If you find that your current pump may not be the right size for your needs, or that no exact substitute is available, you may be getting into a little more than the average homeowner can easily take care of themselves. At this point, it may be better to consult with a licensed plumber. He can perform the necessary flow and square-footage calculations, check that your sump pit is draining properly, and ensure that it is not a shocking experience when you plug it back in. Sometimes a professional is the best and only person to handle a sump pump replacement in Macungie, PA.  

  For any issues that you may be experiencing with your sump pump replacement, be sure to contact Robinson Plumbing. We can address any questions or concerns that you might have. Sump pumps may seem easy to install but they can be trickier than what you might expect. We offer plumbing services in Macungie, PA and all surrounding towns. Call us today at (610) 351-9889 or contact us for any questions that you might have!

Find more on: Robinson Plumbers

All You Need To Know About Garbage Disposals

Garbage disposal systems make it easy for us to process leftovers, peels, and expired food. We just send these down the drain and forget them. Often we also forget to care for the disposal since it is located under the sink -- out of sight, out of mind. The system can thus slowly spiral into ruin without us noticing. Make it a habit to do the following to keep things running smoothly:

1.  Use cold water to harden the food so that grinding will be easier for the machine.
2. Run the system about a minute longer than usual to make sure that everything has been flushed.
3. Throw in citrus fruits like lemons and oranges every so often to get rid of foul odors.
4. Run it regularly to keep the parts moving and prevent rusting and freezing.
5. Whenever possible, cut waste into smaller pieces to that the motor won't be overly taxed.

How To Clean Your Garbage Disposal

Just because you keep the water running doesn't mean that everything is clean. Bits and pieces of food may have clung to the sides. Extracts may turn foul after a while. The system requires proactive cleaning on a regular basis. The good news is that this is a breeze to do and the materials you need are already in the kitchen. Prepare a few lemons or other citrus fruits, baking soda, white vinegar, ice cubes, rock salt, and boiling water. Start by sprinkling baking soda down the hole - about half a cup will do. Follow this up with a cup of the vinegar. If you paid attention to your chemistry class, then you'll know that this combination creates an interesting reaction with noise and fizz. Once things subside, let boiling water flow through the drain. Next, place 2 cups of ice cubes and 1 cup of salt inside the drain. Let cold water run then turn on the disposal system. The friction will help remove the grime from the sides. Turn it off once the ice has melted. Finally, get the lemons and cut them in half. Turn on the water and the machine then shoot a piece of fruit down the drain for a more fragrant smell.

 

Garbage Disposal Don'ts

Clogged drains and system breakdowns can be costly to fix. As always, prevention is much better than cure. Know what to do and what to avoid so that you can steer clear of headaches.

1. If it's not biodegradable food, then it shouldn't go down the drain. There's a trash can for everything else: plastic, glass, paper, etc.
2. Oil, fat and grease should be kept out of the system. They will gradually accumulate on the surfaces and reduce performance. They could even cause clogs.
3. Keep out materials that are high in fiber as they can get entangled with parts of the motor. Examples include artichokes, celery stalks, and corn husks.
4. Mind the starchy items like potato peels. These can cause a thick paste to form which will stick to the blades and impede the grinding action.

For any issues that you may be experiencing with your garbage disposal, contact Robinson Plumbing. We can address any questions or concerns that you might have. What seems like a minor issue can quickly progress into a bigger one so  be sure to call us immediately. We offer plumbing services in Salisbury, PA and all surrounding towns. Call us today at (610) 351-9889 or contact us for any questions that you might have!

All You Need To Know About Garbage Disposals was originally published on Robinson Plumbing

Spring Cleaning Tips For Your Home’s Plumbing

When the cold, harsh winter is over and spring arrives, many people take advantage of the nice weather to do spring cleaning. If you are a homeowner, your spring cleaning routine should not be limited to just cleaning out the house and the garage. It is also a good time to give your water supply a once over. Plumbing problems can be one of life's biggest hassles. When your plumbing is not functioning properly, it can make everyday tasks extremely difficult, and in some cases, impossible. After the house and garage are cleaned out, there are a few things that you can check with your plumbing.

Check For Leaky Faucets

When your faucet is leaking, it can waste a great deal of water. Wasting water can cause your water bill to increase. Checking for a leaky faucet is more than just checking if there is water dripping from the faucet. You should put a bowl under the faucet for a while, and see if any water has accumulated in it. Some leaks are so slow that you may not notice them. The longer you allow a faucet to leak, the more damage it can cause.

Check For Hidden Leaks

If you have a leak, it will likely be underneath the sink. Since you may not check under your sink often, spring cleaning is a great time. If you see any moisture under the sink, you should first dry it out and check for any rot. Next, turn on the hot and cold water, and check where the leak is coming from. If you find the leak, you should turn off the water to the sink, and call your trusted plumbers in Salisbury, PA to handle the repair. The longer you allow the sink to leak, the more damage it will cause underneath.

Clean Your Drains

To prevent your drains from clogging up, you should have your drains cleaned at least once a year. There is nothing more inconvenient than a clogged or slow drain. If it is something that you want to do on your own, start by putting a bucket under the sink's trap. Next, unscrew the nuts from the trap connections, and putt it off. Empty the trap into a bucket, and clean it out with a wire brush. Finally, reconnect the trap. If you are not very handy, a local plumber would be able to do a very thorough job.

Check for Leaks in the Toilet

During your spring cleaning, you should check to see if your toilet is leaking. It is very easy to do. Simply put about 6 drops of blue food coloring in the toilet tank and let it sit. After 30 minutes, if there is blue water in the toilet bowl, there is a leak and you should call a plumber.

 

Service Your Water Heater

Having your water heater checked annually is a good idea. If you don't have the time or the money to hire a professional, start by checking the temperature on your water heater. It should not be set any higher than 120 degrees. You should also drain several gallons of water from your water heater. This will flush out any corrosion that will cause sediment, which can shorten the lifespan of your water heater. Because your plumbing system is so complex and so important to your everyday life, it is a good idea to check it annually. When you do a spring cleaning of your plumbing, you will be less likely to have a plumbing malfunction throughout the year. For any issues that you may be experiencing with your plumbing system, contact Robinson Plumbing. We can address any questions that you might have. Call us before a minor issue becomes a bigger and more expensive problem. We offer plumbing services in Salisbury, PA and all surrounding towns. Call us today at (610) 351-9889 or contact us for any questions that you might have!

Read more on: Robinson Plumbing Blog

Common Kitchen Faucet Repairs : Tips From Lehigh Valley Plumber

A high quality kitchen faucet can last a decade or so thanks to clever design and durable materials. However, there could be a few issues along the way that will necessitate repairs. Homeowners can try to do it by themselves but it is much more convenient and effective if professional plumbers are given the task. Their experience will come in handy for these common kitchen faucet repairs and more:

Inconsistent Stream

When you open a faucet, you expect for water to flow down consistently from the fixture. It can be a surprise when you find it sputtering as if it were having difficulty letting the liquid out. This makes it hard to wash up on the sink. In most cases, this is a symptom of a clogged aerator. This is a screen that is located at the mouth of the faucet. Over time, deposits of dirt, minerals and lime can build up to such an extent that they cover the holes preventing water from coming out. Plumbers can clean or replace it to achieve a steady stream.

Low Flow From Sprayer

Sprayers are quite handy for a number of applications that require quicker rinsing than the regular faucet can handle. We opt for these when we want a stronger flow. That's why it can be frustrating to turn it on only to get a disappointing amount of water coming out. This problem is likely to be caused by the diverter. This can be found in the faucet stem and looks like a tiny valve. Fixing it requires disassembly to gain access to this diverter. A pro should be able to do it without breaking a sweat.

Squeaky Handles

Does the handle produce noise every time you turn it? Most people don't mind a bit of odd sounds but sometimes the squeaking can be quite noticeable to the point of distraction. It is also indicative of a bigger problem lurking underneath. The threads on the stem can be showing its age, becoming so worn that they no longer glide as smoothly as before. Plumbers will take out the handle and use grease to coat the threads. This is usually enough to eliminate the noise and make the handle operate smoothly once again.  

 

Faucet Leaks

Leaks are extremely wasteful and should not be allowed to persist. Even small drops can amount to many liters over the course of time. Homeowners will have to pay for this water even not really using it. In areas where water is scarce, this condition is simply unacceptable. The thing with leaks is that the problem could come from different parts of the fixture. It could be an issue with the O-ring, the washer, the cartridge, or something else entirely. It is best to consult a pro to eliminate the guesswork and solve the problem immediately.

Final Words

Our kitchen faucet helps us get a lot of work done every single day. If it begins to show signs of wear, then we should step up to help it as well. Call a professional plumber for effective solutions to common concerns. For all of your plumbing needs, contact Robinson Plumbing. We can address any questions that you might have on a plumbing issue, including your kitchen faucet or faucet sprayer repairs. Be sure to give us a call before what seems like a minor issue becomes a bigger and more expensive problem. Robinson Plumbing handles Lehigh Valley plumbing repairs as well as plumbing repairs for all surrounding areas. Call us today at (610) 351-9889 or contact us for any questions that you might have!

Read more on: www.RobinsonPlumbing.com

Emmaus Plumber: Signs That Your Water Heater Is On The Fritz

As a homeowner you want to do all that you can to keep your home maintenance expenses down. This said, a broken water heater can be costly to repair, but if you wait to check it out you will find yourself with a much higher bill for water heater repair work. There are several telltale signs that your water heater may be on the fritz. Make sure that you heed the warnings and contact a professional sooner rather than later.

Water Or Moisture

If you find that there is any moisture along the floor around the water heater there could be a problem with the unit. If there is a leak or a fracture in the water heater the unit might lose water when the water heater is trying to warm up the water. This occurs when the metal of the unit expands during the heating process. The water might be forced through the small fractures when this occurs. This could explain why you might not see water all of the time. The water might only be expelled when the water is heating up. When the water cools down the crack will close up and block the water from leaking. This could need to be repaired.

 Discolored Water

When the water coming from the warm water tap is a different color such as rust there could be a problem with the tank. The tank might have started to rust from the inside and this would change the water color. Don't assume this means you need a new water heater right away. Take some time to run the water a few times or run a few gallons of water and see if the color is still the same. This is typically an indication that there is a problem with the tank, especially if it is in all of the hot water taps of the home. This might be something that could be repaired by a qualified Emmaus water heater repair plumber.

 

Noises From The Unit

A clear indication that you have a malfunctioning or deteriorating hot water heater is the loud noises you might hear from the unit. If the unit is making loud noises off and on it is likely that you have some issues. While it could be that the sediment build up over time within the tank has started to harden. Once it hardens it will be pushed around the tank when the water is heating up and the banging against the side of the tank could be just that. It could also mean that some of the moving parts in the water heater have come loose and need to be tightened.

Failure To Maintain Temperature

Another indication that your water heater might be on its way out is the lack of consistent water temperature. Perhaps the water heats up but doesn't last long or it you hear it come on frequently. This might mean that the water heater needs a new heating element, thermostat or any number of other repairs. It could simply need an adjustment to the current setting. If you have any questions on water heater repair or any plumbing issues that you might be experiencing, 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 handles Emmaus plumbing repairs as well as plumbing repairs for all surrounding areas. Call us today at (610) 351-9889 or contact us for any questions that you might have!

Find more on: Robinson Plumbers