Why Does My Toilet Gurgle When Draining The Tub?

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

Why Does My Toilet Gurgle When Draining the Tub?

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

What Causes This Blockage?

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

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

Toilet Repair Allentown PA

Robinson Plumbing has certified plumbing contractors with the experience that understand what it takes to get your plumbing system back in working order. A gurgling toilet needs to be addressed right away. Be sure to call us to schedule a toilet repair We service Allentown PA 18101, Bethlehem PA 18015, Catasauqua PA 18032, Center Valley PA 18034, Coplay PA 18037, East Texas PA 18046, Emmaus PA 18049, Lehigh Valley PA 18001, Northampton PA 18067, Whitehall PA 18052, and surrounding areas in the Lehigh Valley. Call us today at (610) 351-9889 or contact us for any questions that you might have!

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

How To Prepare Your Plumbing For Vacation

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

Shut Down the Hot Water Heater

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

Drain Water From the Pipes After Shutting Off The Water

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

 

Clean Your Traps, Drains And Garbage Disposal

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

Plumber Easton PA

When it comes to your home's plumbing, all the work needs to be left in the hands of professionals. As such, when you are heading out for a trip, call in a plumber. They can best prepare the plumbing in your home for your vacation. Furthermore, they can ensure everything is done properly. Be sure to get your plumbing checked out before you leave on vacation. It important for the preservation of your home. Furthermore, heating water takes up quite a bit of energy. Calling a plumber to help you prepare will reduce any energy costs that you would have accumulated. Cleaning your drains will prevent sewer gases from rising and building up in your home. Robinson Plumbing has certified plumbing contractors with the experience that understand what it takes to get your plumbing system ready for vacation. We service Bath PA 18014, Bethlehem PA 18015, Easton PA 18040, Martins Creek PA 18063, Nazareth PA 18064, Riegelsville PA 18077, Stockertown PA 18083, Tatamy PA 18085, and surrounding areas. Call us today at (610) 351-9889 or contact us for any questions that you might have!

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

What To Do About A Toilet Tank Overflowing

Having an overflowing toilet inside the house can be a nightmare for the entire family. This is because you will not be able to use water fixtures in the house. You will also have a hazmat situation at hand as you would have to clean the toilet floor and remove effluent. There are two main reasons why a toilet tank may overflow and flood the bowl, causing water to overflow. The first is a faulty tank float. It fails to stop water from getting into the tank when it is full. The second is blockage in the toilet drain. A blockage prevents effluent from draining away. The result is overflowing of effluent over the toilet bowl. Knowing what to do when you have an overflowing toilet is important as it can help to mitigate the problem.

What To Do When The Toilet Overflows

Most people normally flush the toilet the second time when they notice that water is draining away slowly. However, this is a big mistake as water will fill the bowl and overflow. The following are some steps to take when your toilet overflows:

i) Shut Off The Water Supply To The Toilet

Most toilets have a shutoff valve at the bottom of the bowl. When your toilet overflows for whatever reason, start by turning off the water supply before you start thinking about what the underling cause might be. If your toilet has no shutoff valve, and water continues to overflow, you should turn off the water supply from the main shutoff valve of the house. Once the flooding has stopped, you can start investigating the problem.

ii) Stop Using Water Features Around The House

If the blockage of drain pipes is what led to overflowing of the toilet, you should stop using any faucet, toilet, shower, bathtub, water heater, or any other water feature around the house . This may only exacerbate the problem. Ideally, you should call a competent plumber after turning off the water supply.

iii) Try To Find The Root Cause Of The Problem

Once the water supply has been stopped, you can move on to start checking what the main cause of the problem might be. Start by checking if the water in the bowl drains away. If it does not, or it drains away slowly, the problem must be blockage. In such a case, you can use a toilet plunger to try and clear the blockage. However, this is rarely an effective option. Ideally, you should call a licensed plumber to come and inspect your plumbing. They will offer an effective solution.

iv) Check The Float Ball

A damaged float mechanism might be to blame for the problem. If the float ball or float cup does not shut off the water supply to the tank, you should hire a competent plumber to carry out repairs. You can check the condition of the float by turning the water back on and lifting the float to see if the water stops flowing into the tank. If it does not, there is little you can do to fix the problem other than calling for professional repairs.

 

Toilet Repair Northampton PA

Robinson Plumbing offers high quality plumbing services in the entire Lehigh Valley. All of our plumbers are certified with years of experience in the plumbing industry. They have the knowledge and professionalism to address your plumbing needs properly. When you have a plumbing issue, such as an overflowing toilet, be sure to give us a call. We can diagnose why your toilet is overflowing and offer the best solutions for your home. For a list of our plumbing services, click here. We service Allentown PA 18101, Bath PA 18014, Catasauqua PA 18032, Cherryville PA 18035, Coplay PA 18037, Laurys Station PA 18059, Lehigh Valley PA 18001, Neffs PA 18065, Northampton PA 1806, Schnecksville PA 18078, Treichlers PA 18086, Whitehall PA 18052, and surrounding areas. Call us today at (610) 351-9889 or contact us for any questions that you might have!

The blog post What To Do About A Toilet Tank Overflowing was originally released on Robinson Plumbers

Combat Pests By Controlling Water Around Your Home

Water is essential for life. We need to get enough of it every day for our well-being while at the same time preventing it from falling into misuse. After all, we are not the only ones that are dependent on the liquid. Pests need water to survive as well. A moist environment is exactly what they need to thrive. Make sure that your home offers them no shelter so that they don't wreak havoc on your property or your family. The presence of mosquitoes, for instance, can be quite troubling as they carry all types of diseases. Control the water around your home through the following tactics:

Fix Plumbing Leaks

The plumbing system is one of the biggest sources of pest frustration in many homes. Leaks can appear at any time and anywhere. This could be a leaking faucet, a broken plumbing pipe, a malfunctioning water heater, or some other plumbing issue that causes water to pool in or around your home. Fix these problems as soon as possible. Don't wait for puddles to build up and pests to come in. Furthermore, when you find insects, such as mosquitoes inside of your home, this can be indicative that you have a water leak inside of your home. Additionally, leaks also trigger structural damage especially as the water makes its way into the foundation. Find an experienced plumber who can help you trace the root cause and apply a suitable solution.

Remove Stagnant Water

You should also inspect every inch of the house and its surroundings to look for stagnant water. Mosquitoes are known for laying their eggs in this kind of environment. The usual suspects include:

• gutters
• old tires
• land depressions
• empty pots
• buckets
• open containers
• bathrooms
• basements

After it rains, try to empty these problem areas. If they were caused by water leaks, then clean the mess after the plumber has sealed them. If there is a low-lying spot in your home, then you may want to consider regrading it to prevent water from collecting there every time.

Use Prevention Tactics

Indeed, prevention is much better and cheaper than mounting heroic solutions. Simple things like covering all of your outside containers can go a long way towards keeping pests out. Even clean the pet's water dishes routinely. Don't allow them to stay unattended for very long. Cover garbage bins as well. Organic matter will decay quicker with moisture. It will give off a foul smell that will attract insects, rodents, and other types of pests. Non-biodegradable items, on the other hand, may end up collecting stagnant water from rain and dew. Cover the bins and make sure that they have drainage holes. Clean the gutters regularly to get fallen leaves and debris out of the way. This ensures the continuous flow of water down the chain. Otherwise, clumps will cause blockage and leave moisture trapped in between. If you can't reach these because of the height, then ask professionals to do the job for you. The same holds true for the home's plumbing system. Get an expert to check things once a year or so just to make sure that everything is in order and catch problems at the soonest possible time. Many plumbing leaks are not noticeable to the untrained eye. It is surprising how many leaks go unattended until a major issues occurs. The last thing that you want to deal with is an unattended plumbing leak on top of a pest problem. Prevent them by scheduling a plumbing inspection annually with a licensed plumber.

 

Water Leak Macungie PA

Keeping your plumbing system in top shape can prevent numerous issues. A plumbing inspection prevents water leaks which leads to pests, water damages, and much more. These issues are inexpensive when they are caught early on. However, the longer they go undetected, the more expensive they are. Unfortunately, water leaks can go undetected for quite some time because some water leaks are not as obvious as others. If you live in a home that has not had the attention from a licensed plumber, be sure to schedule a plumbing inspection. When you need professional plumbing services, contact Robinson Plumbing. We offer many different services including locating water leaks that are not as obvious in your home, plumbing fixture replacements, and much more. For a list of our services, click here. Contact us if you have any plumbing questions and one of our trusted and certified plumbers will gladly answer them for you. We service Alburtis PA 18011, Breinigsville PA 18031, East Texas PA 18046, Emmaus PA 18049, Hereford PA 18056, Macungie PA 18062, Old Zionsville PA 18068, Trexlertown PA 18087, Zionsville PA 18092, and surrounding areas. Call us today at (610) 351-9889 or contact us for any questions that you might have!

See more on: Robinson Plumbing Blog

Common Water Pressure Issues In Two Story Homes

If you have noticed that the water pressure in your home seems to be lower than it should be, this can be a frustrating experience. Many homeowners detect that the water pressure on their second floor seems to be a lot lower than the water pressure on their first floor. There are ways to troubleshoot plumbing issues like these. Here is a look at some of the common water pressure issues in two story homes and the possible solutions to the problems.

Low Water Pressure At A Single Fixture

If the problem is at a single fixture, such as a shower head of a single faucet, then you could be dealing with one of several problems. This includes:

• a clogged aerator
• flow restriction
• partially closed supply stop valve
• a dislodged washer

While you may be able to fix some of these problems, you may waste a lot time trying to identify the actual problem. Additionally, you may lack the right tools and expertise to fix the problem. For these reasons, always call a professional plumber to identify and fix the problem properly.

Upstairs Water Pressure Low

If you live in a two-story house and experience low water pressure throughout your house, the problem is likely to be more severe on the second floors. Before you call a plumber, however, you can confirm the source of the problem. This means that you should, first, find out whether your neighbors are experiencing low water pressure or not. If your neighbors have the same problem, then it could be an issue with the municipality. In such a case, you would have several possible solutions. Firstly, you could get the city/county officials to fix the problem. Secondly, you could hire a professional plumber to install a pressure booster system on your water main. Thirdly, you could get a qualified plumber to replace your water pipes, including your main pipe, with larger plumbing pipes. However, the third solution is likely to be expensive, so it should be as a last resort. If it is not an issue with the municipality, then you should get a professional plumber to inspect your water system and identify the cause of the problem.

Plumbing Leaks

Plumbing leaks could cause low water pressure in your home by reducing the amount of water flowing in plumbing system. For this reason, you should regularly inspect your plumbing system for leaks. However, some leaks are easy to detect. This includes leaking water heaters, fractured pipes and dripping faucets. Others may not be so easy to detect. In fact, hidden leaks can go undetected for a long time. Fortunately, you can easily find out whether your home has plumbing leaks or not. To do this, shut off all your water taps, both inside and outside your house, and then read your water meter and record the readings. Next, leave your taps off for a few hours and then read your meter again. If the second reading is higher than the first reading, then you likely have a plumbing leak. In such a case, you should get a plumber to fix the leak(s).

Upstairs Water Pressure Low Easton PA

Some of the common water pressure issues in two story homes include plumbing leaks, low water pressure on the second floor, and low water pressure at a single fixture. Since the cause of low water pressure in your home can be difficult to identify and fix, you should hire a professional plumber to inspect your water system and fix the problem. When you need professional plumbing services, contact Robinson Plumbing. We can inspect your system so that the water pressure in your home is where it should be. We offer many different services including locating undetected water leaks in your home, plumbing fixture replacements, and much more. For a list of our services, click here. Be sure to contact us if you have any plumbing questions. Our trusted and certified plumbers will gladly address any of your plumbing needs. We service Bath PA 18014, Bethlehem PA 18015, Easton PA 18040, Martins Creek PA 18063, Nazareth PA 18064, Riegelsville PA 18077, Stockertown PA 18083, Tatamy PA 18085, and surrounding areas in the Lehigh Valley. Call us today at (610) 351-9889 or contact us for any plumbing questions that you might have!

Common Water Pressure Issues In Two Story Homes was originally published on Robinson Plumbers

Common Plumbing Problems In Old Houses

Old houses have a lot of charm, but they can frequently have a lot of plumbing problems too. If you own an old home or are considering buying one, here are some common plumbing problems in older houses that you need to be on the look out for:

1. Defective Repairs

Homeowners sometimes believe that a professional plumber does not need to do every plumbing job within a home. Many homeowners choose to do some plumbing work themselves to save money. However, if a person does not know what they're doing, it can seriously mess up the home's plumbing system. An incorrect installation requires a repair or a replacement. This includes pipes, drains or a water heater. This is an extra expense to a homeowner. This is why it's best to get a professional to do the work from the beginning.

2. Expired Pipe Material And Plumbing Fixtures

Even when a plumbing job has been done correctly, it's important to remember that nothing lasts forever. The pipe materials and fixtures will inevitably have a certain life span that will expire. Consequently, they will require a replacement. Therefore, if you live in an older home or are buying an older home, make sure that you check out the plumbing fixtures for any signs of deterioration.

3. Pipe Material That Is No Longer Used

Like technology, plumbing material upgrades over time. This happens as the industry develops and discovers new and better materials for pipes and plumbing fixtures that last longer and are sturdier. One example is polybutylene pipes. Polybutylene pipes are no longer manufactured. When you own or purchase an older home, you may find that polybutylene pipes were installed long ago. Because this material is effectively redundant, it needs a replacement to prevent mold and water damage.

4. Clogged Drains From House Movement

Because houses shift and settle in the ground over time, the pipes underneath the home are affected by this movement. Sewer pipes are normally installed first when a home is constructed. When the house shifts and settles, bellies or gaps form in the pipes. Sediment and debris will eventually start to settle in these areas, potentially causing drain stoppages. This is something that old home owners will need to especially be aware of.

5. Galvanized Pipes

Because many old homes were built using galvanized pipes, this causes problems. This type of steel is manufactured with a zinc protective layer. Over time, this zinc layer erodes. Consequently, this causes the discoloration of your water. It also makes your pipes prone to leaks.

 

Plumbing Fixtures Kutztown PA

If you own an old home, you need to carry our regular inspections on your plumbing pipes, drains and fixtures. Notify your plumber as soon as you spot any problems. It is best to let a professional plumber carry out any plumbing upgrades or maintenance. If you are considering purchasing an older house, make sure that you have it thoroughly inspected so that you are aware of any plumbing problems from the outset. Robinson Plumbing offers experienced plumbing services for commercial and residential properties. We only work with certified plumbers who have been extensively trained in the plumbing industry. When you hire us to conduct a plumbing repair, maintenance, or installation, you will receive a plumber who exhibits the knowledge and professionalism to address your plumbing needs properly. Call us to discuss any of your plumbing needs. For a list of our plumbing services, click here. We service Alburtis PA 18011, Blandon PA 19510, Bowers PA 19511, Breinigsville PA 18031, Fleetwood PA 19522, Fogelsville PA 18051, Kempton PA 19529, Kutztown PA 19530, Lenhartsville PA 19534, Lyon Station PA 19536, Maxatawny PA 19538, Mertztown PA 19539, Oley PA 19547, Stony Run PA 19557, Topton PA 19562, Trexlertown PA 18087, Virginville PA 19564, and surrounding areas. Call us today at (610) 351-9889 or contact us for any questions that you might have!

Similar content can be read at: Robinson Plumbing Blog

Top Water Conservation Tips For Summer

During the summer, the amount of water consumed by most households increases considerably, with the main reason being lawn irrigation. That said, the average homeowner doesn't think too much about their water bill, unless they have a large lawn. But the amount of water you consume doesn't solely affect your utility bill. Excessive water consumption will end up straining your local supply as well. Fortunately, all it takes to make your home more efficient is just a few simple tips.

Find And Fix Leaks

It's tempting to assume that a little drip doesn't amount to much. However, even the smallest of water leaks could waste up to 10 gallons every single day. This is why you always want to ensure that all elements in your plumbing network are devoid of leaks. To do this, you could start by examining your water bill. If it seems inexplicably high, you may have a leak in your system. From there, you should have your pipes and irrigation systems checked to identify problematic areas. Leaks should also be repaired as soon as possible. Besides reducing your household's water consumption, fixing a water leak will also protect your house from water damage.

Upgrade Your Plumbing Fixtures

From your toilets, faucets, and shower heads, you likely have a handful of water-guzzling plumbing fixtures in your home. Replace such elements with their more-efficient modern counterparts. This greatly enhances the impact of the other conservation measures you've put in place. This is especially true if your building is more than 30 years old. Furthermore, newer plumbing appliances were designed with water conservation in mind.

Water Your Yard At The Right Time

Your lawn needs at least one inch of water every week. Supplying the vegetation with too much or too little water isn't healthy. This is why you want to water your plants with one thorough soak at the right time. In most areas, the early-morning period between 6:00 and 8: 00 am is the best time to do this. This is usually the coolest and least windy time of day. Therefore, the water you apply will be less likely to evaporate. The best way to ensure your plants are watered at the right time is to adjust the controller on your automatic irrigation system. Make sure that it matches the current season. This irrigation technique is known to encourage deep root growth and stronger turf, as long as it's applied consistently. An easy way to ensure proper sprinkling is to observe your equipment to check if it's working properly. Set a timer every time you run your sprinkler to ensure you never forget to turn it off.

Switch to a Modern Salt-Free Water Softener

According to the EPA's website, salt-based water softening devices can waste about 150 gallons of water per week. This is especially true when they are set up to regenerate every few days.  If you have such equipment, it's time you consider switching to the more-efficient modern units. You'll be surprised by how much money you'll save on your water and utility bills by making the smart upgrade.

Other Techniques To Save Water And Money:

• Spend less time in the shower: Limiting your showers to a maximum of 10 minutes can help you save about 15 gallons of water. To complement this measure, it would help to ditch your old shower head and install a more efficient low-flow replacement.
• Invest in a hot water re-circulation system: With such a mechanism, hot water arrives at the shower sink/faucet much more quickly. Since you'll no longer have to run cold water down the drain as you wait, your consumption will reduce by several gallons.
• Use your dishwasher and laundry machine wisely: Whenever possible, you should only run your dishwasher and washing machine when they're full. Adjusting the water level of the latter to match load sizes could also help.

 

Plumbing Services Northampton PA

Sustainability has become one of the most important priorities for the 21st Century world. Water is and continues to become a more valuable resource. Therefore, homeowners are encouraged to look for ways to cut down their consumption. For other ideas on how to conserve water, try checking with the water department within your area. Talk with a reputable plumber about ways that you can conserve water in your home. A licensed and highly trained plumber has an understanding of ways and new innovations that will help you achieve this. Robinson Plumbing aims to offer high quality plumbing services in the entire Lehigh Valley. All of our certified plumbers have years of experience that gives them the knowledge and professionalism to address your plumbing needs properly. When you have a plumbing issue, such as a water leak, or you want to find ways to reduce the water use in your home, be sure to give us a call. We will be able to make recommendations on what plumbing fixtures should be upgraded. Also, we will be able to find water leaks that you might be unaware of. Call us to discuss any of your plumbing needs. For a list of our plumbing services, click here. We service Allentown PA 18101, Bath PA 18014, Catasauqua PA 18032, Cherryville PA 18035, Coplay PA 18037, Laurys Station PA 18059, Lehigh Valley PA 18001, Neffs PA 18065, Northampton PA 1806, Schnecksville PA 18078, Treichlers PA 18086, Whitehall PA 18052, and surrounding areas. Call us today at (610) 351-9889 or contact us for any questions that you might have!  

Top Water Conservation Tips For Summer was originally written and published on Robinson Plumbing Blog