Tag Archives: emergency plumbing services

6 of the Most Common Plumbing Emergencies

November 16, 2022Blog, Plumbingemergency plumbing services, plumbing issues, plumbing northern VA, plumbing problems, plumbing solutionsTDobson

Plumbing emergencies can ruin a homeowner’s, renter’s, or landlord’s day. Such difficulties impact everyone in a household and create an all-consuming source of stress. Nevertheless, you need not wait around hoping the issue will resolve itself. Expert plumbing repair services can resolve most plumbing emergencies in hours. Your property need not go without running water or basic necessities for days or weeks.

Homeowners in Ashburn, VA, can turn to R.A. Dobson for drain cleaning, faucet installation or repair, sewer line repair, sump pump installation or repair, and more plumbing-adjacent services. Indeed, our team has served Northern Virginia residents for over 45 years with home technology installations, maintenance, and repairs. Visit our website to see our available coupons and learn more about R.A. Dobson. To schedule an appointment, call (703) 481-3700.

Let’s explore some of the most common plumbing emergencies and how R.A. Dobson can assist with fixing them:

1. Clogged Drains

Faced with a clogged sink, many homeowners scrounge up a bottle of drain cleaner to fix the issue. After all, slow-draining sinks and bathtubs usually indicate the presence of a clog in the line. However, homeowners should avoid using such products if they can help it; at the least, they should use no more than the bottle’s directions instruct.

When they fail to clear an obstruction, the corrosive substances in drain cleaners will sit in the pipes and start to destroy them. Additionally, these substances harm the environment and—if consumed—people. Thus, let a plumber use their equipment to unclog sinks and tubs.

2. Leaky Pipes

Leaks are one of the most common plumbing problems homeowners experience, and it’s not uncommon for them to ignore minor leaks for some time before contacting a plumber. However, unaddressed leaks can lead to significant, long-term problems.

Some side effects of even minor are mold growth, high utility bills, and reduced water pressure. You should act on such common signs of plumbing emergencies without delay. Given enough time, a plumber can replace or fix leaking components without service disruption.

3. Clogged Toilets

Virtually everyone has faced a clogged toilet, but many fix such instances with some elbow grease and a plunger. Yet if a child drops an item into the toilet and flushes it or someone uses paper towels instead of toilet paper, a clog may form that no amount of plunging will fix.

Improper toilet paper may not only clog a toilet clog but also wear down and damage some mechanical parts over time. Contact an emergency repair by an expert plumber whether you face a clogged or malfunctioning toilet.

4. Burst Pipe

Most people think of a burst pipe when they imagine a plumbing emergency. Certainly, pipes crack during extreme winter weather, but the blame may also rest with old lines that can’t handle the water pressure any longer and break suddenly.

If a burst pipe causes an indoor flood, homeowners must contact their plumbing repair professional to mitigate the potential disaster. Water damage may result in catastrophic devastation to a building and cost several thousand dollars to repair.

5. Sewage Backup

The “nightmare scenario” plumbing emergency is a sewage backup where waste begins leaking into the home through a drain or toilet. Not only may a sewage backup damage the structure, but it may also create a dangerous health hazard for the homeowner and their family.

If you ever detect a sewage smell in your home and feel confident that all the toilets are flushed, call for plumbing repair. Your swift actions can fix the problem before it becomes a catastrophe.

6. Equipment Failures

Virtually everything in the average home requires replacement at one time or another. However, an ill-timed equipment failure may lead to an expensive plumbing emergency. Such instances include toilets that never stop running, garbage disposals that no longer run, and water fixtures that cease functioning.

Imagine that someone in the home accidentally clogs the toilet, then one of the components that regulate the flushing mechanisms breaks. Even though they may fix the clog with a plunger, the continuously running toilet can create a watery mess before anyone realizes the problem. Equipment failures might not lead to immediate plumbing emergencies, but they can undoubtedly represent a cause.

Professional Plumbing Repair Available Now in Ashburn, VA

Act on a minor plumbing problem before it becomes a major emergency. Minor issues that seem like they’ll pass may require significant repairs with a huge price tag when left unattended. Get expert plumbing repair or replacement from R.A. Dobson to help keep costs as low as possible. We serve Ashburn, VA, residents with numerous home services to keep everyone comfortable throughout the year. Call us today at (703) 481-3700 for help with plumbing and maintenance needs.

2022 Spring Plumbing Checklist

March 25, 2022Blog, Plumbingemergency plumbing services, plumbing issues, plumbing northern VA, plumbing solutionsTDobson

If you don’t already, you should check your faucets, drains, water heater, and other home plumbing elements at least twice a year. Doing so, particularly in the spring, ensures that your plumbing keeps operating smoothly. If you notice an issue, you can contact a plumbing repair expert for maintenance and a thorough inspection before the problem turns into a plumbing emergency.

Northern Virginia residents and businesses can rely on R.A. Dobson for such services. Our company offers heating, cooling, and plumbing services. Specifically, we provide installations, maintenance, repairs, and replacements for these home appliances. For over 45 years, our technicians have helped folks remain comfortable in their homes. When you need a home services provider, contact R.A. Dobson for reliable work and excellent customer service.

Below, we provide a list of plumbing parts you should check this upcoming spring:

Plumbing Features to Check During Spring

Faucets

Begin by examining the faucets in your kitchen, bathrooms, and outdoor sinks. To test their operation, check their water’s pressure level, flow, and color.

Inspecting these outlets is a good starting point in determining your plumbing system’s condition. It also helps your faucets remain efficient. If you notice problems with their water flow or pressure—or if the faucets are rusted and outdated—you may need a plumbing repair specialist.

Drains

Next, check the drains connected to your plumbing system. Drains often provide the first signal that your system is clogged or leaking. If any of your sinks receive little use, you should pour a gallon of water in them now and then to prevent odors from rising.

Run a mild drain cleaner through your drains every so often to break down any buildup in them. If you still notice issues, like water draining from your sink too slowly, the system may have a clog or another drainage issue.

In that case, contact the plumbing professionals at R.A. Dobson. We can perform a quick inspection and make the necessary repairs, whether that involves a quick fix or intricate work.

Water Heater

You should also look into the condition of your water heater. You need not wait for spring to do so—inspect your water heater as winter approaches. Since they receive constant use for many years, they tend to wear down quite a lot.

Look for leaks around its base, including the cold water inlet pipe and the temperature and pressure relief valve. Check the top as well, particularly around the hot water exit pipe.

You should have a trustworthy plumbing service perform regular maintenance on your water heater. Additionally, you should flush your water heater at least once a year to remove harmful sediment and clean the burner. These steps can greatly increase the lifespan and efficiency of your water heater.

Sump Pump

If your basement or another space has a sump pump, you should check its functioning as well. While not a major part of your plumbing system, a sump pump protects the lower floors from flooding and water from damaging your property. Checking it only requires you to fill the sump pit with water. The pump should activate and flush the water out.

Of course, if you lack a sump pump system in your basement, contact a home plumbing and a drainage professional for R.A. Dobson. We install top-of-the-line sump pumps to protect your home and property.

R.A. Dobson, Inc: Qualified Plumbing Repair Experts in Northern Virginia

Checking your home plumbing system helps you to avoid expensive repairs. You should also have a professional plumbing repair and maintenance service on call, like R.A. Dobson. Our home appliance technicians handle HVAC, heating, and plumbing services as well as generator installations, thermostat replacements, and more. If you need professional help with your plumbing or HVAC system, contact us at (703) 481-3700 and learn more about our services today.

4 Signs of a Plumbing Emergency

November 10, 2021Blog, Plumbingemergency plumbing services, plumbing issues, plumbing northern VA, plumbing problems, plumbing solutions, service professionalsTDobson

The symptoms of a plumbing emergency in your home include low water pressure from faucets, a lack of hot water, and the sound of running water when no taps are open. If you notice these signs or other odd changes to your water supply or temperature, reach out to a qualified emergency plumbing service with years of experience under its belt.

R.A. Dobson is a top plumbing and HVAC service with over 45 years of industry experience that operates in Ashburn, VA, and Northern Virginia. Our team of veteran technicians will repair your home’s most important utilities, including heating, air conditioning, electrical, and plumbing. If you notice any issues with your home’s air or water quality, contact R.A. Dobson to find out what we can do for you.

Here, we describe 4 signs that your home has a plumbing emergency:

Low Water Pressure

Reduced water pressure from faucets is a concerning sign. However, whether it requires emergency plumbing assistance depends on the number of outlets experiencing the issue. If one faucet has low pressure, it’s likely a localized problem with the plumbing or drainage in that particular spot.

However, if multiple faucets have lost water pressure, the issue may lie in your water main, supply line, or another major component of your home’s plumbing system. If you have several faucets with low water pressure, call a swift emergency plumbing service like R.A. Dobson.

Standing Water

The appearance of standing water is another problematic sign for your home’s water system. Puddles often indicate a serious leak coming from either appliances—dishwasher, refrigerator, sink, etc.—or a portion of your home’s plumbing.

If unaddressed, standing water can cause not just severe damage but also the growth of dangerous mold and bacteria. These, in turn, bring health and safety concerns into your home.

If you see standing water and cannot identify its source, talk to an emergency plumbing specialist from R.A. Dobson. We can solve the issue and ensure your home is free of any potential plumbing issues.

No Warm Water

A lack of warm water can also indicate a major issue with your water system. For instance, it may be a sign that your water heater system is malfunctioning. On the other hand, if it occurs suddenly, then the issue may lie in your water heater tank. Cold water in your tank gets distributed throughout your home.

If your water has grown cold over time, your water heater tank may have a leak, which would spill the hot water rather than distribute it throughout your home. Call R.A. Dobson when you need a plumber to help with emergency plumbing repairs and maintenance.

Running Water Sounds

The sound of running water when no of your faucets are open constitutes a sure sign of a plumbing emergency. The most likely culprit is a burst water pipe somewhere within your home—a consistent winter plumbing issue for many homes.

A burst pipe must be taken care of immediately by an emergency plumbing professional to prevent water damage to your house. If left unaddressed, it can increase the cost of your water bills due to the overwhelming amount of leakage.

R.A. Dobson: Reliable Emergency Plumbing in Ashburn, VA

R.A. Dobson is a top plumbing and HVAC service company operating in Ashburn, VA, that serves home and business owners throughout Northern Virginia. Our technicians have sharpened their skills throughout our 45 years in the industry. We not only perform high-quality emergency plumbing services but also install and repair heating, cooling, and more systems. Contact us today at (703) 481-3700 and find out how we can help you maintain your home’s utilities.

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.

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.