Tuesday, March 22, 2016

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.
Garbage Disposal CTA

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

garbage disposal repairClogged 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

Monday, March 14, 2016

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

leaky faucetWhen 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. plumbing services

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

Tuesday, March 8, 2016

Common Kitchen Faucet Repairs : Tips From Lehigh Valley Plumber

image of a faucet that needs a repair in Lehigh ValleyA 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. faucet repair

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. CTA-Water Heater Repair Services

 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

image of Emmaus plumber finishing water heater repair jobAnother 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

Tuesday, February 23, 2016

Emmaus Plumber Talks About Toilet Repair Vs. Replacement

image of Emmaus plumber doing a toilet repairReplacing a toilet can be a costly proposition, not to mention the disruption and potential inconvenience installing a new unit can involve. There are many problems, however, that can successfully be repaired with expert help. Others will demand a full replacement. Knowing the difference can eliminate wasted time, effort, and money.  

Types Of Toilet Repairs

Among the most annoying problems open to easy toilet repair is a toilet that is constantly running. This is the result of the flush valve not closing fully. A simple check in thetank will reveal if the problem is a tangled chain above the valve, preventing it from shutting, or if the float ball needs to be re-positioned. Toilet clogs easily are remedied with a plunger. Difficult clogs can be tackled by adding one-half of a cup of dish washing liquid and a bucket of heated water, letting it stand for several hours to break up the obstruction. toilet repair services Water levels are problems that can be resolved with a simple toilet repair in Emmaus, PA. A toilet that does not flush fully may need the flush valve chain replaced or more water added to the tank. On the other hand, if the tank fills slowly, it may be that the shutoff valve needs to be loosened by turning the handle at the wall. If the problem has come on gradually, the fill line may have become obstructed, in which case it will need to be replaced. Finally, water leaking at the feed line or the bolts fastening the toilet to the floor is another situation that can be fixed without investing in new equipment. Simply locate the leak with dry hands and replace the washers at the source.
 

When Replacement Is Needed

There are some problems or situations that cannot be solved by a toilet repair and that call for a complete toilet replacement. For example, a toilet with a tank or bowl that has been cracked must be replaced right away. Even small cracks eventually can grow until the bowl breaks and floods the whole bathroom. Small items can easily get stuck too far into the system for even a plumber to reach. If, after removing the toilet and trying to remove the obstruction from beneath, the item is still stuck, it will be necessary to replace the entire unit. A toilet that wobbles or needs to be repaired often is a sign that it may be time for a new one. Any rocking or wobbling motion is not normal in a toilet. It could be a simple matter of tightening the screws holding it to the floor. Or it could mean the floor itself has suffered water damage and is rotting and in need of professional replacement. Finally, if you have an old, round-shaped toilet or are remodeling and want another color, a new replacement model will fit the bill. Older toilets are less efficient and could be running up your water bill. Also, the newer oblong shape allows more seating room for greater comfort. Toilets from the 1970s and earlier fit this description, and the bathroom could probably use a more updated tone than avocado or harvest gold. If you have any questions on a plumbing issues or toilet repair 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!

Similar articles can be viewed at: Robinson Plumbers

Monday, February 22, 2016

Mucungie Plumber Shares Kitchen & Bathroom Plumbing Design Ideas

Every year, there are some impressive design ideas that might inspire any homeowner to remodel their bathroom or kitchen. These new ideas usually focus on the being efficient and functional while incorporating aesthetically pleasing concepts. This article will display a variety of different sinks, showers, faucets, and anything associated with kitchen or bathroom plumbing. Hopefully, you will find it inspiring and get some good ideas on what you would like to do if you are planning on remodeling your kitchen or bathroom. Remodeling experts, architects, and interior designers all claim that there is a trend in 2016 to remodel kitchens and bathrooms. One of the primary reasons is because new home buyers are returning to the market. A new homeowners might not like the way that their new kitchen or bathroom looks and so a remodeling project is in the works. Below you will see the hottest kitchen and bathroom remodeling ideas that we have compiled from the pros. These include residential architects, trade associations, remodeling companies, contractors, interior designers, and retailers. Below are some of our favorite remodeling ideas from the KBIS Las Vegas 2016 Kitchen & Bath Design Trends For 2016 By Bath Expo Showroom: bathroom and kitchen remodeling ideas This would look great in your kitchen. It is pleasing to the eye while maintaining function. beautiful glass sinks These sinks are extremely artistic. They are unique and add a greatelement of color that can be used in your bathroom. kitchen and bathroom sink remodeling idea This idea is wonderful if your design ideas encompass simplicity and a minimalist look. high tech blue vanity sinkThis sink portrays a new trend that we have seen for 2016. The idea of having an accent light in your sink is quite popular while adding a modern flare. The above pictures portray the overall look and then another picture that shows a close-up. Series of faucets The above picture depicts all different types of faucets that you can use in your bathroom and kitchen. They all are very functional while maintaining elegance and simplicity. shower remodeling idea This modern shower can be easily installed in your home by your Macungie, PA plumbing expert. If you are interested in modernizing your bathroom while space wisely, this idea might be one that might inspire you. sink ideas for your home Here is another idea that we found to be trending for 2016. This idea uses space wisely and can make any bathroom look a lot bigger than it actually is. classy sink ideas This is a simple sink that can be easily installed into your home. It also shows one of the biggest trends that we have seen for plumbing remodeling projects: simplicity. trendy bathroom sink The above picture is another sink idea that is popular with homeowners this year. It encompasses a classic look that has maintained its place with trending kitchen and bathroom remodeling ideas for years.

photo & video credits: Bath Expo Showroom, Brooklyn NY   remodeling your kitchen or bathroom   If you have any questions or need ideas for your kitchen or bathroom remodeling projects, be sure to call your Macungie plumbing professionals. We have remodeled many homes and all of our clients have been extremely pleased with the end result. Save 20% when purchasing new plumbing fixtures trough Robinson Plumbing.  Also, we can assist you with any plumbing questions that you might have as well as address any of your plumbing needs. Robinson Plumbing services Macungie, PA and all surrounding areas. Call us today at (610) 351-9889 or contact us for any questions that you might have!

The following article, Mucungie Plumber Shares Kitchen & Bathroom Plumbing Design Ideas, is republished from Robinson Plumbers

Sunday, January 31, 2016

Emmaus Plumbing Contractor Talks About Plumbing Problems Homeowners Should Know About

A modern home is not complete without a working plumbing system. When the system is working properly, you may not think much about the system. When the plumbing breaks down, however, you cannot think about anything else other than how frustrating the faulty plumbing has made your life. Since plumbing is something homeowners and renters will have for eternity, it is important for everyone to learn how plumbing systems work, the main components and common plumbing problems to expect.

Emmaus Plumbers See Backed Up Kitchen Sinks Often

image of homeowner in Emmaus who needs a plumbing contractorThis is perhaps the most common plumbing problem in any home. When your kitchen sink drain pipe gets clogged, dirty water will not drain away. Instead, the sink will be filled up if you keep the water running. In many cases, this problem is caused by poor disposal of solid waste. If you allow small food particles, such as rice grains and shredded vegetables, to run down your kitchen sink drain, you can expect your drain to get clogged. The most important tool for solving this problem is a plunger, so every homeowner should have one. Since oils and greases which may have solidified can also be blamed for the clogging, pouring hot water into the drain and plunging can free up the clog.

A Continuously Running Toilet

If your toilet keeps running even after the tank is full, you may be losing a lot of water, which will also lead to a significant increase in your water bills. This may be due to a damaged flapper. The water level setting might also be higher than the overflow. All you need to do is check the water level setting and adjust it accordingly. Be sure to also inspect the condition of the flapper and the seals to decide whether a replacement is needed.

Lehigh Valley Common Plumbing Problems: Leaking Pipes

Poor installation, wear and tear due to old age as well as physical damage due to impact are common causes of water leaks. Some leaking pipes may be visible while others may be hidden within the wall or floor. The latter can only be fixed by a professional plumber. If you can see the leaking section of a pipe, all you need to plug the leak is a sheet or rubber and a sleeve clamp. wrap the rubber sheet over the leaking section and tightening it in place with a sleeve clamp. You can use the same technique to fix a leaking dishwasher drain pipe.

Clogged Shower Head

If your shower head does not produce a great spray because some holes are clogged, this may be a sign that your water supply may contain a lot of minerals. To fix the problem, use an old toothbrush and warm vinegar to remove the mineral deposits clogging the tiny holes and install a water softener to remove excess minerals from your water supply. It is important to note that there are many plumbing problems the average homeowner can deal with effectively, but there are also others which can only be dealt with by an experienced and well-equipped plumber. If you think you cannot deal with a problem effectively, do not hesitate to call a plumber.
  If you have any questions on a 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 services Emmaus, PA and all surrounding areas. Call us today at (610) 351-9889 or contact us for any questions that you might have!

The following blog post Emmaus Plumbing Contractor Talks About Plumbing Problems Homeowners Should Know About was first published to http://www.RobinsonPlumbing.com/