Category Archives: Plumbing

What to Do Before Calling An Emergency Plumber

May 15, 2021Blog, Plumbing, Professional Plumbingcall emergency plumber, emergency plumbing services, plumbing, plumbing issues, plumbing problems, plumbing solutionsTDobson

If you have a plumbing emergency in the middle of the night, you may want to call for help right away. Before calling an emergency plumbing service, you can assess the issue by turning off your water, investigating the root of the problem, and having a list of questions prepared for when it is time to call.

If you experience any common plumbing problems, call RA Dobson in Sterling, VA, to address and fix them. We are a second-generation family business with over 45 years of experience. Our highly trained professionals are equipped to solve any problem they are met with. Rest assured that we can get your plumbing running smoothly.

Below, we discuss how to assess plumbing problems and why you can trust RA Dobson to handle them:

How to Assess Your Plumbing Emergency

No matter where it starts leaking from, your first step to controlling a water emergency is to shut off the water supply of that fixture. If water continues to leak after you do so, turn off the water supply for the whole house.

Make sure to properly diagnose the issue and decide if it can wait until the morning to call. Even if that means not using a specific sink or shower for a few days and waiting until you can be assisted.

There is also a chance that the problem was caused by a mainline water break or sewer malfunction. Contact your water company to see if there is any they can cover to take care of.

If it is necessary to make an emergency call, make sure to follow these simple steps to get the best service and price possible: give distinct details about your issue, get a quote for the call, request a free estimate, and ask if you can speak with the plumber.

If you are unsure what the problem is or what danger it poses, call an emergency plumber. It’s better to pay a high bill and prevent a catastrophe rather than flood your home. However, it is important to know how to address your plumbing matters, so when an emergency does arise you are prepared.

Why Choose RA Dobson?

If you have a plumbing emergency, you can trust us to repair it. We offer the following services: drain cleaning, faucet installation and repair, sewer line repair, and sump pump/water heater installation and repair.

We perform excellent service for our customers and solve any plumbing issue they are experiencing. We earned Angie’s List Super Service Award in 2016 as well as a large number of 5-star reviews.

Some of our customers’ reviews have specifically noted how kind and professional our staff has been when in their homes. Through it all, providing affordable and efficient service while going the extra mile to ensure our customers’ satisfaction.

Professional Emergency Plumbing Service Available Now in Sterling, VA

Although you should assess the situation before calling, when you do have a plumbing emergency in Sterling, VA, make sure to contact RA Dobson. You will be met with high-quality service at a fair price while completing all of your plumbing needs. You can reach us at (703) 982-0111 or fill out our free estimate request form on our contact page.

Spring Maintenance Checklist

February 19, 2021Blog, Generator, HVAC Inspection, Plumbing, Professional Plumbinggenerator installation experts, generator repairs and installations, HVAC inspection, HVAC maintenance, plumbing northern VATDobson

Routine home maintenance is crucial to maintaining your home comfort even as the weather gets warmer. It also allows you to catch any problems before they worsen and result in costly repairs. Get in touch with your local HVAC inspection company in Northern Virginia to help you detect problems before they worsen.

At RA Dobson, our team adheres to the federal, state, and local government’s COVID-19 guidelines, implementing daily health checks on our technicians, wearing face masks, and providing contactless visits and quotes. If you require any HVAC or plumbing services, contact us to receive a free contactless estimate!

Here are a few items that should be on your spring maintenance checklist this year:

Clean Your Ducts

Keeping your ducts clean on a regular basis, especially before spring, helps reduce allergens and allows you to breathe easier. With dirty air ducts, you could be breathing in fungi and bacteria. Prevent your allergies from getting out of hand with professional duct cleaning.

Maybe even consider installing an air cleaner to prevent pollutants from circulating throughout your home. At RA Dobson, our team receives high-level training and can help you determine which air purifier is right for you.

Check Your Heating and Cooling Unit

If your heating and cooling system experiences frequent breakdowns, then it will likely break down again, which could lead to emergency repairs and damages to your heating and cooling systems. Even if your system is a few years old, it still requires routine maintenance to function properly.

Clean Your Drains

Dirty drains are a common problem in many households. If your drains are clogged, drain slowly, or produce a pungent odor, then have a professional plumber take a look. Have your drains professionally cleaned to keep your home comfortable throughout the warmer months.

Generator Check Up

Before Northern Virginia’s hottest temperatures arrive, ensure your generator is functioning properly. An efficiently functioning generator will be able to handle any outages that take place during inclement weather and conditions.

Receive an HVAC Inspection, Routine Maintenance, & More in Northern Virginia

At RA Dobson, we are committed to helping you maintain your home comfort and safety with comprehensive spring maintenance and adhering to our COVID-19 safety protocols. By providing professionally trained HVAC inspection technicians that are dedicated to maintaining your home comfort, we ensure that you will experience ultimate comfort right away.
We have served the Sterling, Virginia area for over 45 years, and you can trust us to provide efficient and affordable spring maintenance. Contact our team at (703) 481-3700 to receive a contactless quote today.

3 Signs Your Water Heater Needs to be Replaced

December 17, 2020Blog, Plumbing, Professional Plumbing, Water Heater Maintenancewater heater, water heater brands, water heater installation, water heater maintenanceTDobson

Among the many features of our home’s water system is its capability to heat water to a higher temperature. Hot water isn’t a luxury but an essential for proper hygiene and cleanliness. Thus, keeping tabs on the condition of your water heater is vital to avoiding a disruption in your home’s everyday living conditions.

At R.A. Dobson, we are dedicated to maintaining and sustaining the integrity of our clients’ HVAC and plumbing systems through our expertise and thorough work ethic. Our team is highly-trained in each of our many services to provide a high-quality experience. Our services include essential plumbing maintenance, heating and cooling repairs, efficient water heater installation, and more. For over 40 years, we have helped thousands of residents throughout Sterling and Northern Virginia keep their homes warm, cool, and comfy.

Here are 3 signs that indicate your water heater needs a replacement:

Decade(s) Since Manufacturing Date

Find out the date of when your current water heater was first manufactured. The date is usually somewhere on a tank, typically on a label sticking to the side. However, even if you do find the label, it can be difficult to read, but there are water heater information resources available that can help you get a grasp on how to read them.

Even with the water heater’s manufacturing date in hand, how long after does it need to be replaced?

Well, that depends on the type of water heater you have. Commonly, most homes have electric water heaters, which will last around 10 to 15 years, while some tankless water heaters will last for 20 or more.

In any case, we suggest that you consider getting a replacement after your current water heater exceeds its average life span, or at least have it checked and maintained by a professional to ensure that your home continues to have safe and running hot water.

Water Leaking From The Tank

A sure sign of disrepair in your water heater is water leaking from the tank. The first thing to do is to check if any fittings, connections, or the temperature/pressure overflow pipe is leaking. If so, that means you’ll just need a professional to replace a component and not the entire tank.

However, if you notice that there’s moisture or even puddles of water around the bottom of the tank, and you’ve found that all other components are dry, that may mean your tank has sprung a leak. It will need to be replaced for it to work properly again.

Rusty or Cloudy Running Water

When you turn on your faucet and see that the water pouring out is rust-colored or cloudy, there is a big chance that there’s something wrong with your water heater. There are one of two possible problems occurring within it:

The sacrificial anode is used to attract particles of metal and sediment within the tank and to oxidize in place of the tank itself. Rust-colored or metallic-smelling water can mean that the anode has rusted over and needs to be replaced.
The inner lining of the tank itself has been corroded with rust, making it totally unusable and must be replaced immediately.

R.A. Dobson: Expert Water Heater Installation in Sterling, VA

Looking out for these issues in your water heater provides you with a good benchmark for when you should have it replaced. However, you’ll need a professional to provide a fresh replacement, as well as an affordable water heater installation. At R.A. Dobson, our technicians are among the best and most-experienced in the Sterling, VA and Northern Virginia area. We offer numerous choices in high-quality HVAC units and plumbing appliances, as well as expert repair and maintenance services. Contact us today at (703) 481-3700 and talk to one of our qualified technicians today.

6 Things that Cause Plumbing Issues

August 10, 2020Blog, Plumbingemergency plumbing services, Loudoun County, plumbing northern VA, service professionalsTDobson

If there’s an area in your home that you don’t want broken or defunct, it’s most likely a part of the plumbing. We rely on its easy and unobstructed service, yet never really consider the importance of its upkeep. More often than not, we forget it so much that many of the issues that arise from it were almost entirely avoidable.

When you’re in need of an expert plumber, call on a technician from RA Dobson. We have over forty years of experience in furnace installation, air conditioning repair, and effective emergency plumbing for residents and businesses in Loudoun County and throughout Northern Virginia. Our team seeks the best solution for every task and budget, ensuring the customer receives everything they need from our services.

Below, we discuss some common causes for plumbing issues:

Using Drain Cleaners

A clogged drain is irritating, and it may be tempting to seek the easiest solution, which would be pouring a cleaner down the drain. While it may be the quickest solution, using a drain cleaner can degrade and cause damage to your pipes. We recommend using alternatives to unclog your drains, such as a drain snake, baking soda and vinegar, or a plunger.

Self-Caused Blockages

When it comes to major toilet clogs, a common issue we find is that someone has flushed objects other than toilet paper into the toilet. These are usually feminine hygiene products, baby wipes, paper towels, or anything that’s heavier, rougher, and less pliable even when wet.

Once such objects have been flush once or more times, the likelihood of a severe and possibly damaging clog increases. We suggest having a wastebasket close by so that you nor anyone else will be tempted to flush any such objects down the toilet.

Pouring Grease Down The Sink

It may seem harmless to pour the leftover grease from your last meal down the sink, but we’d beg to differ. What happens is that grease residue will coat the sides of your pipe, hardening into leftover fat that will eventually build up around your pipes, causing potential blockages in the future.

Instead, perform the same process but away from your pipes. Get a safe container, pour the grease in, let it solidify into fat, then throw it out.

Avoiding Replacements

This is one simple reason why plumbing issues often happen. Whether you live in an older home or a relatively new one, replacements are always crucial to ensuring your home appliances work. That not only goes for the stove or refrigerator, it also goes for the dishwasher or the washing machine.

Professionally replacing certain components, such as the hoses, with parts made of newer, more effective materials, you’ll increase your appliance’s longevity and efficiency, keeping them working for years to come.

Not Prepping for Winter

For homes in areas where temperatures drop below zero during the winter, the freezing weather can cause a strain on your plumbing system. Leaving your pipes to freeze often enough will result in them eventually expanding until they end up bursting.

We recommend insulating any outlying pipes around your home, especially ones that are outside. For unheated areas, like your garage, you can also get products like heat tape and water leak alarms to ensure your home interior is safe from damage.

R.A. Dobson: Quality Emergency Plumbing in Loudoun County, VA

Take care of your plumbing, as it’s meant to serve you through the years without any issue. However, when an issue inevitably arises, call on an expert from R.A. Dobson, who will easily mend any plumbing issues you may have.

We provide quality replacements, installations, and responsive emergency plumbing services to residents in Loudoun County, VA, and throughout Northern Virginia. We also provide a number of additional services in heating and cooling, as well as several high-quality appliances, such as generators, air cleaners, UV lights, and more.

Pre-Holiday Plumbing Checklist

November 22, 2019Blog, PlumbingTDobson

Before the holidays arrive, it’s best to make sure your home plumbing is in optimal condition, especially if you plan on hosting many guests. Our team at R.A. Dobson can provide you with a comprehensive inspection of your plumbing as soon as possible. We are here for you as one of the best plumbing services in Northern Virginia because we ensure that we fix the problem the first time around. Below, we discuss the various items that should be on your plumbing maintenance checklist for the holidays.

1. Inspect For Any Leakages

See if there are any leaks coming from the faucet, shower head, under the sink and around the toilet. Sometimes if the leak is difficult to find, monitor your water meter and utility bill. These are often good indicators and will show you how much has been used over time. If it’s higher than usual, then that may hint that you have a hidden leak.

2. Check Guestroom Plumbing

When hosting guests at your home, it is best to check the plumbing in each room, including your guest rooms, to ensure any existing problems are taken care of before they arrive. Depending on how big the leak is, you may need to shut off your water to prevent any water damage and call in a professional plumber to inspect your plumbing.

3. Clear All Drains

Implementing preventative drain cleaning is a crucial task to complete prior to the holidays. Cleaning out your drains on a regular basis will prevent buildup and debris from growing and causing blockages. Clearing out or snaking all your drains will allow your pipes to properly function, providing a better holiday stay for your family and guests.

4. Fix the Toilet

Try testing your toilet to make sure it’s functioning as it should be. To check for leaks, you can drop a dye tablet into the toilet tank and wait up to 15-20 minutes. After that, check the toilet bowl. If there’s any dye in the bowl, then that means you have a leak. If you don’t have dye tablets, you may also check the water level in the overflow pipe of the tank. If it’s above the overflow pipe, then it may reveal that you have an issue with your fill valve. Other signs of a leak in your toilet plumbing include irregular noises coming from the toilet and water leaking into the toilet bowl even when it hasn’t been flushed.

5. Call Your Local Plumbing Service Provider

While some plumbing problems may be easy to fix, there are many others that require professional assistance to ensure it is repaired accurately. If you suspect there are existing issues with your plumbing, get in touch with your local plumber to ensure it gets fixed right away.

R.A. Dobson: Convenient & Reliable Professional Plumbing Services in Northern VA

If you are encountering any issues with your plumbing, you may need to call in a qualified professional such as the experts at R.A. Dobson. We provide exceptional plumbing services in Northern VA, as we served a number of residents through the Washington D.C. Metro area. When you call us, we ensure that your home will be repaired as quickly as possible. Contact our professional plumbing technicians at (703) 481-3700 to see how we can assist you!

Your Winter Plumbing Checklist

September 17, 2019Blog, PlumbingTDobson

As the colder months arrive in full force, you should have your plumbing checked by a professional. To ensure your pipes are adequately functioning, you will want to be sure you are up to date with any maintenance and repairs. While winterizing your piping system may be a challenge, hiring a professional plumbing repair company, like R. A. Dobson, can help you find issues before they worsen, allowing your plumbing to last longer and function as necessary.

For over 40 years, R. A. Dobson has provided plumbing repair services in Northern Virginia to ensure that homeowners experience ultimate comfort in their home year-round. To help keep your plumbing system running efficiently during the colder months, here is a list of each component of a home’s plumbing that should be checked:

Kitchen and bathroom sinks
Toilets
Bathtubs and showers
Dishwasher
Washing machine
Outdoor faucets for hoses
All areas with running water

These are the first systems in which your water runs; therefore, it is important that your plumbing fixtures are up to date and hooked up correctly. In the winter, this is even more important, because frozen pipes can lead to cracks or bursts. This is why you will need to find someone you trust to help you implement proper plumbing care. Below are the two most important features of your home pipes that you should take into consideration when you are preparing your plumbing for the winter season.

Water Pipes

Make sure that your water pipes are all insulated for cold and hot water. Make sure to give your attention to the spaces that are hard to reach because they are vulnerable to freezing. This includes the basement, crawl spaces, and garages. It is also important to reduce all drafts throughout your home. It is also a good idea to turn up your thermostat whenever you are at home or out of the house. This will keep the pipes running smoothly, as they will be accustomed to the stable temperature in the house.

Check Your Spigots

Before the winter comes, make sure to check all of your spigots. If the attached spigot freezes and then expands, it can cause connected indoor pipes to burst. It is best to remove all hoses from their spigots and then drain the water from your outdoor water lines if possible. If you have any drips or leaks then it is probably time to call in your plumbing team to fix the pipes for you. If you need to tamper the leaks immediately then you should cover them quickly with Styrofoam or tape.

Hire R.A. Dobson in Sterling, VA for All of Your Professional Plumbing Needs This Winter!

As the season gets colder and the snow starts to pile up, don’t add a faulty plumbing system to your list of worries. Let a trusted plumbing repair service in Northern Virginia keep your home’s system running efficiently to make sure it withstands the weather extremes of each season. You can rely on the years of experience our team at R.A. Dobson in Sterling, VA, has to take care of all your plumbing-related needs. If your plumbing system is in need of repair or replacement, contact us at 703-481-3700 for more information. Winter’s already on its way, so schedule a plumbing repair appointment today!

Four Common Plumbing Emergency Situations

October 10, 2018Blog, PlumbingTDobson

With any emergency situation, time is of the essence and being prepared to combat the source of the problem is key. Plumbing mishaps can happen at any time and it is important to act quickly before any further damage occurs throughout your home. The best course of action is to contact a professional plumbing repair specialist immediately to fix the problem.

R.A. Dobson is a heating, air conditioning, and plumbing company in Sterling, VA that can provide efficient plumbing emergency repairs according to your needs. With over 40 years of experience under their belt, R.A. Dobson professionals have come across every emergency plumbing situation you can imagine. We know everyone has experienced at least one of these scenarios, and below are a few of the most common plumbing emergencies we have seen.

1.Leaking Pipes

At first glance, water leaks may not seem like an emergency, but over time, it can soften wall studs and absorb into the drywall. This will ultimately weaken the interior walls of the surrounding area. Similar to leaking pipes are damaged hoses such as attic AC units, water heaters, or washing machines. These appliances can last a lifetime, but the first ones to show signs of wear and tear are usually the rubber hoses and washers. Make sure to check for any cracks or bulging hoses connected to these appliances to catch any problems early.

2. Clogged Sinks

If you are the one who regularly disposes of food waste in your kitchen sink, then it is important to your daily routine to make sure it is functioning properly. When a severe blockage prevents all water flow, clogged sinks can become a real issue rendering your fixture useless. If your regular drainage cleaner doesn’t solve your problem, give a local plumbing company, like R.A. Dobson, a call to fix the issue.

3. Clogged Toilets

Nothing is worse than a clogged toilet, and what makes it even worse is procrastinating on fixing the problem. When nature calls, you can’t just push it off another day. In this situation, using a plunger can be your best friend. Allow time for the water to settle and then unclog the toilet by applying pressure vertically with the plunger. If your toilet is constantly clogged, then it may hint at more major plumbing issues you may not be aware of that requires professional plumbing assistance.

4. Pipe Bursts

In the Northern Virginia area, we are fortunate enough to experience all four seasons throughout the year. However, winter’s freezing cold weather can cause exposed pipes to burst resulting in a catastrophic plumbing problem. Bursting pipes are caused by excess pressure built up from frozen water expanding within the pipes. One trick to alleviate pressure is by turning your faucet on to allow for a very slow drip. If your pipe still bursts after taking this precaution, it would be best to contact an experienced plumber to repair it immediately.

Take Care of Your Emergency Plumbing Situations With R.A. Dobson Inc. Today!

Don’t let a plumbing emergency in your home stress you out. With R.A. Dobson, our highly-trained professionals have the ability to tackle any plumbing problem minor or severe. We can also provide plumbing as well as heating & air conditioning maintenance services to prevent further emergency situations. When it comes to an emergency plumbing situation, do not wait! Contact us at (703)-481-3700 to set up an appointment as soon as possible and don’t forget to take advantage of our available coupons this fall season too!

Signs of a Faucet Leak (Besides Water Dripping from the Spout!)

June 14, 2018Blog, Plumbing, Professional PlumbingTDobson

The sinks around your home in the kitchen, bathroom, and sometimes laundry room are used every day. Whether you are washing your hands or face, the dishes, or perhaps giving your pet a bath, it’s important to have smooth and clear running water. However, every household runs into plumbing problems, one of the biggest issues being leaky faucets. Leaky faucets are not only annoying, but they are also extremely wasteful of water.

It’s obvious that a faucet is leaking when water is dripping from its spout, but there are also many other signs that you need to call a professional like R.A. Dobson for plumbing services in Northern Virginia to repair your questionable faucet leak. Here are some of the signs to look for:

Water Damage

Water damage under and around sinks are typically due to a leaky pipe or faucet. It can cause the walls and possible surrounding cabinets to become damaged. It can also be found at the bottom of the faucet, depending where the leak is located. If you are not careful, wood may soften, or other surfaces may become ruined, so it is best to call a professional to fix the leak as soon as possible to prevent further damage.

Spitting/Spraying Water

It’s not a good sign if the water from the spout spits or sprays out when it’s turned on. This could mean that something is possibly clogged, and that your faucet needs to be looked at to determine what repairs need to be made.

Damaged Parts

Faucets are made up of many parts, and a leaky faucet could mean that something is simply broken. Maybe the handles or knobs don’t work anymore, or they completely broke off. A professional like R.A. Dobson can repair these issues or install new parts.

Unusual Noises from the Faucet

Have you ever gone to wash your hands and the faucet makes a weird, gurgling noise when you turn it on? Or maybe you’ve heard a screeching or clicking noise. The sound you hear depends on the problem your faucet may be having. There are many problems associated with these odd noises that come from your faucet such as something blocked or clogged, so getting a professional opinion is your best option.

Squeaky Handles

After a sink has been used for a while, the handles or knobs may sound squeaky when turned. A professional at R.A. Dobson can help you repair your current handles to stop the noise or install entirely new handles or knobs.

Rusty Water

Rust or mineral filled water is the last thing you want to see coming out of your sink when trying to wash dishes or hands. Although these can be common damages, you need to be careful when dealing with rust and mineral deposit, which is why you need to call a professional to handle the problem.

Leave Your Leaky Faucets to R.A. Dobson

R.A. Dobson offers a multitude of services covering heating, air conditioning, and plumbing in the Northern Virginia area. With our first-class plumbers, we can clean drains, install and repair faucets, repair sewer lines, and install and repair sump pumps and water heaters. We ensure that smooth and clean water will continue running from your faucet with help from us, leaving you worry free.

Call us at 703.481.3700 or contact us online today to receive a free estimate!