How To Know That You Have A Clogged Drain On The Rise

Essentially all plumbing systems develop clogs at some point, regardless of how well a home is maintained. For this reason, it is important for homeowners to recognize the signs as early as possible so that the clogged drain Alburtis PA can be addressed and permanent damage to fixtures or pipes avoided. The constant use of liquid drain cleaners can cause some pretty major damage on your pipes. Below are some telltale signs that indicate a clog is underway:

Slow Draining Pipes

The flow through virtually any pipe can become obstructed with grease, hair, soap build up and other types of debris. As such substances coagulate in the pipes, they begin to harden and stick together. It is this accumulation that obstructs the flow of water. Pipes that drain slower than normal are usually at least partially clogged and require attention.

Unpleasant Odors

Waste items put down drains often get stuck and begin to rot. This creates a foul smell around the sink area. Any abnormal odor of an unpleasant nature is usually a sign that a clog has begun.

Odd Sounds

Gurgling or other strange sounds coming from a drain may indicate a clogged drain. This is because water that must route itself around foreign substances leads to air pockets in the pipe, which in turn creates odd noises that are usually quite audible even from a distance.

Preventative Tips

Keeping drains and pipes open at all times is the best way to avoid lengthy DIY projects or expensive repairs to unclog the pipe. There are several ways to ensure that pipes stay free of foreign objects, such as those listed below:

Hair

Keeping hair out of drains is one of the best ways to prevent clogs in shower pipes. As hair flows downward through the pipe, it often gets caught in areas where water flows slower than others, such as through elbow joints. When the hair tangles and begins to clump, it acts as a mesh shield that collects other debris and eventually a major clog occurs.

Liquids

Some people believe that any liquid can be safely poured down the drain. However, grease, fat, gravy, cooking oil or any liquid that congeals should be disposed of with regular garbage instead. This is because such items almost always solidify and cause blockages.

Tissue Products

Most homeowners know that bathroom tissue is the only item that can be safely flushed down the drain. However, if too much paper is used or allowed to build up in the commode, it will not break down easily when the toilet is flushed. Simply using one's common sense can eliminate this type of clog in most cases.

Food

Rinsing food particles down the kitchen drain is never wise. Therefore, if the sink is not equipped with a garbage disposal, all food items, regardless of how small, should be thrown away with other household refuse. Sink strainers are also helpful, and can be found in all sizes and shapes at home improvement stores. Such strainers fit into the drain and allow only water to pass through into the pipe. A clogged drain can occur for many reasons, but identifying and preventing this problem is much easier than repairing damaged pipes. Therefore, keeping an eye out for telltale signs of a clog is the best way to ensure that one's plumbing system functions properly on a regular basis.

 

Repair Your Clogged Drain Alburtis PA

Prevention is half of the battle. When you suspect that you have the possibility of a clogged drain on the rise, be sure to address it immediately. This can save you from having to deal with a bigger plumbing problem. Clogs don't just go away on their own. You might need a drain cleaning. For any of your plumbing needs, be sure to contact Robinson Plumbing. Our certified plumbers are extremely knowledgeable, skilled, and will thoroughly address any questions that you might have. We are a local, family owned company that is known for trusted, high quality service. Call us today at (610) 351-9889 or contact us for any questions that you might have!    

The following post, How To Know That You Have A Clogged Drain On The Rise, was originally released on www.RobinsonPlumbing.com/

Top Bathroom Habits You Should Break

Most people have a morning bathroom routine. After waking, they stumble to the bathroom to shower or wash their face, shave or put on makeup, and do their hair. At other times, people will look to their bathrooms as an escape. They enjoy the alone time spent luxuriating in a long, hot bath or shower to melt away tensions of the day.  Regardless of what bathroom routines that you may have, Robinson Plumbing, a professional bathroom plumbing services Whitehall, PA expert, shares some habits that you might want to be more aware of.

Bad Bathroom Habits

Since the first days of indoor plumbing, people have depended on fully functioning bathrooms to get through the day. However, there are some very specific habits that plumbing professionals advise that you quit because they could result in some hefty plumbing bills. It is good to be aware bathroom habits need to be replaced with other ones.

Take The Pain Out Of The Drain

First and foremost, do not use your toilet as a trashcan. Parents of toddlers know the problems that can result when children try flushing their toys down the commode. Adults, too, can be guilty of causing clogs and toilet back-ups. Tampons, Band-Aids, cotton swabs, condoms, and other items should not be flushed down the toilet. The pipes are not designed to handle these types of objects. The only thing that should ever be flushed is toilet paper and human waste. If something does go down that should not, a plunger may be able to solve the problem. A flange plunger, or one with a rubber lip that fits into the drain, is the best to use. With the flange fitted into the drain hole and enough water in the bowl to cover the plunger head, press down completely and repeat the process forcibly until the clog is dislodged. Never use commercial drain cleaners. Instead, snakes are available at any hardware store. Simply thread the cable into the drain until it stops. Then tighten the lock and turn the handle clockwise. This will snag the clog and allow you to pull it out. One major cause of drain clogs is human hair. To remove hair close to the top, use tweezers. For deeper clogs, you can use a metal hanger that it straightened out with the end curved into a "J." Prevention of hair clogs is simply a matter of installing a hair guard, which are available at hardware or variety stores.

Steam Equals Mold

Those steamy showers may be great for your mood. Unfortunately, steamy showers also create the perfect environment for the growth of mold and mildew. Fungus can grow behind tiles, in grout, and on the ceiling. Some molds can cause respiratory problems, illness, headaches, and other conditions if left untreated. The best defense is plumbing preventative care. This does not mean giving up your hot showers, however. Just be sure to run the exhaust fan as you bathe and crack a window if available to circulate air and keep the room drier. When you are done showering, be sure to shake out the curtain. Leave it half open to allow the air to move. Also, you can fight mold by using anti-fungal tea tree oil mixed with water to spray down the tiles after each shower. For a preventative plumbing maintenance in your area, be sure to contact Robinson Plumbing. Our expert plumbers are professionally trained and will thoroughly address any questions that you might have. We are 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!

Top Bathroom Habits You Should Break was originally published on Robinson Plumbing Articles

How To Extend The Life Of Your Plumbing System

We take our plumbing for granted and, often, just assume it will work with no problems. Unfortunately, plumbing does not always work this way. No one wants to have to call a plumber in all the time especially for avoidable issues. You can help your system by maintaining it on your own and with professional help. This means that you have to take care of your plumbing system as well as contract a professional plumber for plumbing services when your system needs it. Robinson Plumbing has shared a few ways that you can extend the life of your plumbing system and prevent serious problems from arising.

Prevent Clogs

Clogged drains is the most common reason people have to call a plumber for help. Preventing clogged drains is actually quite simple and easy to do. If you can prevent your plumbing system from clogging, you will extend its life and health exponentially. It is a good idea for you and everyone in your household to understand what you can and cannot flush down the toilet in order to prevent a toilet clog. Make it a house rule that the only thing you flush is toilet paper. Avoid putting items like paper towels, baby wipes, trash and other items in the toilet. For showers and sinks, add drain covers and clean the hair away from the drains so they don't cause clogs. You would be surprised at how many things get put down the garage disposal and flushed down the toilet. Be sure to learn what is safe to put down the drain in order to prevent clogs.

Invest In A Snake

There are a lot of drain-cleaning devices on the market, but all you really need is a drain snake. If you have an occasional clog, try the drain snake. This can help you with the small clogs that sometimes arise. If the issue persists, be sure to call in a professional plumber.

Watch For Leaks

Both big and small water leaks can increase your water bill and show your problems that will need a plumber later. Check the area behind your toilet and listen to make sure the toilet doesn't run on for too long. Watch faucets for leaks and drips as well. The sooner you get these fixed by a professional, the better. It is easier on the plumbing system when things work properly and your water bill will be lighter as well.

Maintain The Septic Tank

If you have a septic tank in your Alburtis, PA home, make sure it is properly maintained with regular checks from professionals. These systems can be fragile and they can fail quickly if they are not running just right.

 Know When To Call Help

If you can fix a few issues, that's great. However, it is important for the safety and life of your plumbing system to understand when you need help. Don't let a small leak go if you can't fix it. It could become a much larger problem down the road. You may know a few things about plumbing, but it's not something you do every day. Call a professional plumber when you are dealing with something you cannot or should not handle alone. Use these maintenance tips to prolong the health and life of your plumbing system. The best aspect that you can do as a homeowner is to be aware and inspect your plumbing system frequently. Be sure to fix issues when they arise and don't take on a DIY project that is far beyond your skill level. There is a lot of information on the internet that is incorrect and can actually make a small problem worse than what you started out with. For a preventative maintenance services in your area, be sure to contact Robinson Plumbing. We can assist you with any plumbing questions that you might have as well as address any of your plumbing needs. We are 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, How To Extend The Life Of Your Plumbing System, is available on Robinson Plumbing News

Can Plumbing Leaks Cause Household Pests?

Statistics from a survey sponsored by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) show that almost 50% of all buildings in US cities are infested with pests including cockroaches and rats. Besides threatening human health, these pests can cause substantial structural damage to buildings as well as plumbing leaks. This is according to the University of California's Integrated Pest Management Program (UC IPM). Below is some more information about how pests are attracted to plumbing leaks and, in some cases, can even cause plumbing leaks.

Termites

Since termites require water to survive, they tend to gravitate towards water sources such as dripping faucets, bathtubs, toilets, drains, sinks, bathrooms, and leaky water pipes. In fact, they prefer environments where they can easily access cellulose-containing materials such as timber. More worryingly, a research paper published by Clemson University's College of Agriculture, Forestry and Life Sciences says termites can establish colonies without ground contact provided they can access food and water from elsewhere. As such, they can damage above ground structures, especially those near sources of condensation or leaky pipes.

Rats And Mice

Larger pests such as rats and mice can cause serious water pipe blockages after accessing a building's plumbing system via the sewer system. According to a publication prepared by the US Department of Health & Human Services and the National Center for Environmental Health, rats and mice prefer to scurry along walls or between objects that allow them to maintain contact with the surrounding surfaces. In fact, the UC IPM says that mice can squeeze through small spaces measuring about ¼ inch across, jump as high as 12 inches (from flat surface to flat surface), run up vertical rough surfaces, and run along cables/ropes. This essentially means that mice can easily get into your home's plumbing pipes and clog your plumbing system. If this happens, it will ultimately lead to plumbing leaks because pressure will build up inside your plumbing pipes causing them to break/burst.

Cockroaches

According to the Armed Forces Pest Management Board, the US is home to 55 cockroach species and they freely move from one housing unit or room to another via plumbing and utility installations. Unfortunately, cockroaches can clog sink traps causing plumbing problems including dirty water buildup in sinks and leakage beneath.  

Fix Your Plumbing Leaks to Control Pests

To prevent pest-induced damage to the plumbing system in your Easton, PA home, the US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) recommends finding and fixing all leaking water fixtures or plumbing leaks. For instance, leaky faucets tend to have worn out washers that you can easily replace. In addition, remove or seal all sources of water, shelter, and food. This includes garbage cans, food leftovers, and areas where water accumulates in your home. A study in the journal of Environmental Health Perspectives found that the likelihood of pest infestation increases tends to be high in dirty homes with peeling paint and water damage. Some plumbing leaks are obvious such as a leaking faucet. However, there are also possibilities of water leaks that you might be unaware of. Be sure to have a professional plumber come out and inspect your plumbing system.

Conclusion

Household pests such as mice, termites, and cockroaches can cause substantial damage to your home's plumbing system. Luckily, you can prevent this from happening by fixing all leaky water pipes, keeping your home clean, as well as ensuring there are no easily accessible sources of food and water. Not only do plumbing leaks promote household pests, but they waste water and can cause health issues for household members. Water causes mold and pests carry diseases. It is advisable that you get any plumbing leaks fixed right away to prevent the numerous problems that are associated with them. 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. We also specialize in leak repair services. 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!

Read more on: Robinson Plumbers

How To Prepare Your Plumbing For Your Summer Getaway

What are the proper steps to prep your home for summer vacation? Many people think about how to winterize their home but it needs just as much protection during the hot months of the year. Indoor flooding can become a big issue during the summertime. Your home means a great deal and taking a few extra minutes to prep your house before you leave for a few days is an excellent way to prevent coming home to a major headache. Robinson Plumbing, an expert plumbing services company in Macungie, PA, shares some useful tips on what to do before you leave on vacation below.

Shut Off The Main Water Valve

Your home has a main water valve and it's best to turn it off before you leave. Depending on your water valve, you may have to use your hand or a wrench in order to shut off the valve. Your valve should be located next to your water meter outside or in your basement. If you have trouble locating it, contact your plumber. Having a plumbing emergency can be one of the worst problems you experience as a homeowner, especially if you're not home. Thankfully, you can prevent your house from being flooded in this way by shutting the water completely off.

Check Your Sump Pump

Pour water into your sump pump and ensure it is working efficiently before you step out for the summer. When you pour the water in, the sump pump should turn on and begin to drain. If the water does not pump out on its own, you will need to address this before you leave. It may also be worthwhile to disconnect the washing machine as an added measure to prevent flooding. All outside faucets, hoses, and pool equipment should be turned off.

Turn Off Your Water Heater

Turn off the water heater and drain it, this will also prevent flooding. Not having the water heater turned on will save you money, as you will not be home to need the hot water. Simply use the hose connected to the water heater to drain the water into a bucket where you can dump it out. You can use this water once it has cooled down to water your plants, garden, or lawn. If you do have a sprinkler system, be sure to set it efficiently with a timer so you can adhere to any water usage bans if necessary. The standing water in sink traps and toilets can be emptied so there are no leaks or odors building up from the water. It is worthwhile to pour drain cleaner down the drains in the bathroom to prevent foul smells and bacteria that would normally build up while you're away.

 

Conclusion

The measures you can take to prevent big damage in your home while saving money are easy. All of the aforementioned ways to prepare your home only take a few minutes of your time and prevent a plumbing catastrophe from occurring. Your home is invaluable, many of the items that are normally turned on in your home will need to be shut off to prevent damage. None of the preventative measures are difficult and can be done by just about anyone. Save your home and save money by turning off and disconnecting appliances that require a lot of water. Draining the water heater, that continuously heats and uses water, may reduce your water bill significantly when you return. Most of these tasks you can do on your own. However, some might require the need for a professional to avoid plumbing problems while you are away. 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 content can be viewed at: www.RobinsonPlumbing.com

Water Filter VS. Water Purifier! Which One To Choose?

Many cities around the world are doing a great job as far as water treatment is concerned. However, the water they supply still contains impurities and chemicals that contaminate water, making it unsuitable for drinking, cooking, bathing or even washing clothes. It is advisable that homeowners in Emmaus, PA and surrounding areas install a water conditioning system, such as a water filter, since the water in the area has a hardness level of 14-20 grains per gallon which is considered very hard. Regardless, homeowners in general should install water treatment systems in their homes to help improve the quality of water that they use. The best way to do this is through installation of whole house water filters.

Common Types Of Water Contaminants

Hard water contains toxic metals, such as arsenic, mercury, lead, chromium and barium among others. In some places, water may contain radioactive elements due to radioactive decay of uranium in the soil or rocks. Hard water also contains microbial pathogens, which can cause diseases. They include; parasites, viruses and bacteria among others. Due to environmental pollution, water may also have chemicals, such as Trihalomethanes, which are produced when the chlorine in treated water combines with organic matter. Fungicides, pesticides, herbicides and insecticides are also common water pollutants. The main contaminants in hard water are calcium and magnesium salts, which build up in water supply pipes and can cause lime deposits to form in appliances.

Water Purifiers VS. Water Filters

Many homeowners do not know the difference between a water filter and a water purifier. Most of them think water purifiers are better than water filters. After all, purification sounds like a more thorough process than simple filtration. To make a well-informed decision, homeowners need to know the difference between the two.

Water Filters

Water filters are designed to remove all manner of contaminants, including; hydrogen sulfide, chromium, copper, nickel, lead, mercury, magnesium, chlorine, iron and more. A decent filter can remove all these impurities or at the very least reduce their concentration. Water filters can also prevent microbial pathogens from developing any further. The good news is that viruses and bacteria, among other types of pathogens can easily be dealt with at the municipals water treatment plant, and the chances of further contamination along the water supply pipes is minimal.

Water Purifiers

Water purifiers differ from water filters in that they remove all microbial pathogens from water. After passing through the water purifier, water will be free from biological contaminants and viruses. However, water purifiers cannot remove chemical contaminants, which are the most harmful. Chemical contaminants are the main concern today due to all the water pollution arising from misuse of fertilizers, pesticides and herbicides as well as discharge of industrial waste into rivers and lakes.

 

How To Protect Your Family

To ensure your family gets cleaning water to drink, bath, wash dishes, cook and do the laundry, you may want to consider installing a whole house water filter. The filtration system should be installed at the main water entry point to the house. This means all the water that comes out of your faucets, shower heads, toilet flush or gets into the laundry machine will be free of chemical contaminants. As a result, you will have healthier skin, long lasting clothing and extended lifespan of household appliances that use water. If the city's or municipals water treatment system malfunctions, you can be assured of getting clean water in your home. Having a water filter in your home will majorly impact the health of you and your loved ones. Water is used for cooking, bathing, washing clothes, and most importantly, drinking. A whole house water filtration system can give you the peace of mind that your water is clean. For any questions that you may have on water filters or for any plumbing problems, be sure to contact Robinson Plumbing. We can get your water to be clean and healthy. Our plumbing services are offered in Emmaus, Macungie, Alburtis, Pennsylvania and all of the Lehigh Valley. Call us today at (610) 351-9889 or contact us for any questions that you might have!

The article "Water Filter VS. Water Purifier! Which One To Choose?" was originally released on Robinson Plumbing

Does Your Home Waste Too Much Water?

Many homeowners are pleasantly surprised that making their homes a little more earth friendly also translates into savings. One way that homeowners can reduce their household costs is by being aware of the water use and how to reduce wasted water. There are many ways that water is used unnecessarily. The average shower time is 8.2 minutes, which uses approximately 17.2 gallons of water. A long shower may be relaxing, but a long one can use more water than necessary. You can cut your shower time down by turning the water off when you are soaping up. There are other areas in your home that might be wasting water and you might not even notice them. Robinson Plumbing, a local plumbing services company, recently conducted some maintenance work on a home in Whitehall, PA. The homeowner was astounded at how much her water bill had been reduced just by changing out some of her old plumbing fixtures.

Pay Attention Plumbing Leaks

You may have a leaky faucet or toilet that you may not be aware of. These issues are often overlooked because they do not cause a noticeable problem, but they can waste a lot of water. Once you fix any plumbing leaks, you will definitely notice it in your water bill. Research shows that leaks that go unnoticed, or are not repaired by a trusted plumber, can contribute to one trillion gallons of wasted water a year. You can talk to your plumber to find out if you have a leaky faucet or other compartment. You can also look for some of the following signs:

• One of the easiest signs to look out for is water dripping from a faucet.
• There is a chance that the walls in your home might develop signs of mold. These will appear to be dark stains on your walls. Or you may begin to smell mold without seeing a source.
• Water coming from somewhere within your walls could also damage the paint on the walls or the wall paper.
• Check your water bill for an increase of water usage, which could indicate that there is a water leak somewhere in the system.

Talk to your plumber as soon as you notice any of these signs so that he can get to the bottom of the problem.

What Can Be Done About Water Conservation?

Conserving water is an important concern, especially now that many experts say that the ecological state of the world is in jeopardy. One thing you can do is make sure you water your lawn at the right time. You do not want to water your lawn in extreme heat because the water will just evaporate. And you do not want to water the lawn when the air is strong. Evaporation will simply force you to use more water to get the same results. Strong winds will blow the water away before it can effectively provide enough water for your lawn. You can also consider harvesting water. This is a practice that uses rain barrels to collect rain water, which can be later used for whatever needs you may have. You can find these barrels at your local home improvement store or online.

Talk to a plumbing expert about other things you can do to preserve water. Water conservation not only benefits the Earth but it benefits your bank account. When you see water leaks or have any plumbing problems, be sure to contact Robinson Plumbing. We can get your plumbing system to be water efficient. Our plumbing services are offered in Whitehall, Pennsylvania and the surrounding areas that are located within the Lehigh Valley. Call us today at (610) 351-9889 or contact us for any questions that you might have!

Does Your Home Waste Too Much Water? originated at www.RobinsonPlumbing.com