How To Detect A Water Leak In Your Home

Leaks can waste an inordinate amount of water. They also increase the monthly bills which puts a strain on the household budget. If you suspect the presence of a water leak, then conduct a personal investigation immediately. You may also need water leak repair Alburtis PA. Motivated homeowners can follow the steps below to finally get some answers.

Is There A Leak Or Not?

Find out where your water meter is located. This is usually somewhere outside the premises. Tell everyone to stop using all of the water sources for about 60 minutes. This includes the faucets, showers, hoses, toilets, sprinklers, fountains, washers, and so on. Note the initial reading on the meter. Make another inspection after an hour. Since no one was using the fixtures and appliances, then there should be no movement on the meter. Any change indicates that water was flowing unabated. This confirms the theory and shifts the focus from detection to isolation.

Is It Inside Or Outside The House?

The next step would be to find the exact location of the water leak. See if the problem is coming from the inside or the outside of the structure. Find out where there main shut off valve is. If you don't know where this is, then check the garage and the basement. Turn this off to stop the water from getting inside the house. Now no one should be able to use the faucets even if they tried. Monitor the water meter once more. Note the initial reading and see what happens after another hour. If there is no significant change, then it means that you stopped the leak with the shut off valve. The problem can be found somewhere inside the house. If there is a change in the readings, then the water leak is located between the main valve and the meter. Investigate accordingly if not, call a plumber to inspect your plumbing system.

Is It The Sink Or The Toilet?

If the problem is inside the premises, then check all of the plumbing fixtures. Perhaps there are signs like a wet basement floor that can provide clues. Maybe one of the faucets is giving out due to wear and tear. Replace the washer if you can. Call for a plumber otherwise. The toilet may also be at fault. Water from the tank can leak out to the bowl. Confirm this by adding a dye to the water. Food coloring and similar items will do. The objective is to make unintended flow clearly visible. Leaks may be due to a faulty flapper valve or flush handle. Simple replace these with brand new purchases from the hardware store. These are fairly cheap and easy to install.

Is It Leaking Underground?

Parts of the plumbing system are located beneath the ground. If you have diligently repaired all other possible leak sources and the meter is still moving despite a halt in usage, then perhaps the problem is somewhere you can't reach. Check for puddles of water and perpetually wet areas nearby such as the driveway or the curb. Call a plumber for assistance.

 

Water Leak Repair Alburtis PA

A water leak is your home can be catastrophic if it is not taken care of immediately. Furthermore, you will get an expensive water bill and you will be paying for water that you have not even used. Therefore, it is a waste of water and a waste of your finances. For any of your plumbing needs, be sure to contact Robinson Plumbing for all of your plumbing services. Our certified plumbers are extremely knowledgeable and skilled. We will thoroughly address any questions that you might have on garbage disposal or any other plumbing issues that you might be experiencing. We are a local, family owned company, known for trusted, high quality service. Call us today at (610) 351-9889 or contact us for any questions that you might have!

The blog post, How To Detect A Water Leak In Your Home, was first published to Robinson Plumbers

Five Things About Garbage Disposals That You May Not Know About

Garbage disposals, sometimes referred to as food waste disposers or garbage disposers, make life much easier for modern households. These machines grind up food waste quickly, so you can avoid having to put scraps of food into a rubbish bin, where they could produce unsavory aromas. The ground down food scraps are transported away by the primary drainage system. Robinson Plumbing, expert plumbers for garbage disposal repair Emmaus PA, share some little known facts about garbage disposals, which should prove enlightening. 1. Big cities benefit greatly from disposing of food waste with a machine, rather than using rubbish bins. Garbage disposals reduce the amount of food that is thrown away to rot. This, in turn, reduces the likelihood of pests, like mice and rats, and other unwelcome creatures getting into the rubbish bins. 2. When garbage disposals are used, less food is wasted. In America, up to forty percent of food is thrown away every year. In fact, food waste accounts for most of the rubbish that enters landfills. Undoubtedly, installing garbage disposals helps to lower this percentage. 3. The advantages of using garbage disposals are considerable. These machines reduce operation expenses. Garbage disposals also help reduce the amount of methane gas that is released into the atmosphere that happens when food is wasted. Better still, these machines reduce the quantity of drain blockages, and ensure that disposing of food is simple and fast. 4. Almost half of American households do not have garbage disposals. A good plumber will be able to install one in your home quickly. Get in touch with a reputable plumber to arrange an appointment, and you will have your device ready to go before you know it. 5. Be sure to exercise discretion when it comes to choosing what to put in it. Do not put any of the following things in your device:

• oil
• fats
• grease
• egg shells
• raw eggs
• rice
• pasta
• starchy foods (like potatoes)
• fibrous/string foods
• bones

There are a few different natural methods you can use to keep your disposal fresh and free from unpleasant smells. Freeze vinegar in an ice cube tray and run the cubes through the device. This destroys the germs that produce nasty aromas. Place lemon into your disposal and let the system grind it down. This cleans the walls of the device and generates a nice, long lasting scent. Pour baking soda down your disposal, leave it to stand for a few hours, then run the device with cool water. This gets rid of unwanted smells. If you use your garbage disposal correctly, you can expect it to stay working for up to a decade. After washing your dishes your dishes, pour a small quantity of soap down the drain and run the device for several minutes. This cleans the system effectively. Garbage disposals need to be used regularly to prevent corrosion and rust. Only use cool water to grind food waste down. Cool water solidifies the oil or grease that may have entered the system, which makes it simpler for the machine to slice it up and destroy it.

Garbage Disposal Repair Emmaus PA

Garbage disposals are one of the most frequently used appliances in homes. Many people do not think about the impact that this little device has on their life and the environment. Be sure to treat it well by properly maintaining it. This will ensure that it works well and it lasts a long time. Be aware that all machines, do need maintenance and repair from time to time. For any of your plumbing needs, be sure to contact Robinson Plumbing, an expert garbage disposal repair company. Our certified plumbers are extremely knowledgeable and skilled. We will thoroughly address any questions that you might have on garbage disposal or any other plumbing issues that you might be experiencing. We are a local, family owned company, known for trusted, high quality service. Call us today at (610) 351-9889 or contact us for any questions that you might have!

Five Things About Garbage Disposals That You May Not Know About originated at RobinsonPlumbing.com

3 Water Heater Problems To Watch Out For

Water heaters are a major appliance in the home that people seldom think about. However, they depend water heaters daily for showering, washing dishes, doing the laundry and much more. When your water heater fails to work properly, people in your home feel inconvenienced and often become frustrated when they have to take lukewarm showers or wash their hair with cold water. Call us for water heater repair Emmaus PA to avoid these and other problems.

The following are 3 water heater problems to watch out for:

Lack Of Hot Water

If there is not any hot water coming from the faucet in the shower, kitchen or bathroom sink, it could be that the pilot light has gone out. It could also be due to a problem with the thermostat or with the gas pilot control valve. In addition, the thermocouple may need to be tightened or replaced. Newer water heaters may need to be flushed, but older units might need to be replaced. To be certain, it best to contact Robinson Plumbing to inspect the water heater.  We will find and fix the source of the trouble.

Odd Noises

If the water tank is making strange noises such as rumbling, gurgling, banging, knocking or whining or if it sounds like water is boiling, it is very likely that the water heater will need to be repaired or replaced. Typically, loud sounds mean that a large quantity of sediment has built-up over a period of years inside the water tank. In many cases, flushing the tank will fix the problem if the system is less than ten years old. If sediment is not the problem, it could be a problem with the heating element or with the valves. Odd sounds are a sure sign that there is a problem with the water heater that needs to be checked out by a qualified and trained plumber as soon as possible.

Water Leakage

Water leaking from the hot water tank also indicates that there is a problem that needs to be fixed immediately. If there is water pooling or standing near the water tank, it will need to be replaced by a professional plumber right away. In most cases, leaking water strongly indicates that the water heater is cracked. If so, it will need to be replaced in a timely manner. Not doing so could lead to flooding and cause major damage to the home. Call Robins Plumbing right away if your tank is leaking water. These are three signs of water heater problems that should never be ignored. If any of these indications of trouble are observed, it is best to have them addressed by a well qualified and reputable plumbing company right away. Robinson Plumbing can handle all of your water heater repair problems. Our plumbing technicians are well trained and have the skills and know-how to safely correct any problems.

The blog post, 3 Water Heater Problems To Watch Out For, was originally released on www.RobinsonPlumbing.com

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