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Plumbing Repair Northern Virginia

2022 Spring Plumbing Checklist 

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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 If you notice problems with their water flow or pressure—or if the faucets are rusted and outdated—you may need a plumbing repair specialist.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 

Plumbing Repair Northern Virginia

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.

Plumbing Repair Ashburn VA

Your 2022 Winter Plumbing Checklist

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As the heart of winter approaches and temperatures continue to drop, your home plumbing faces increased risk from the cold. Nevertheless, simple steps—like wrapping exposed pipes or getting your water pressure checked—can help protect your system from serious damage. Reach out to a professional for plumbing repair services in Ashburn, VA, who can protect your system against this winter’s weather.

R.A. Dobson is a top-rated team of HVAC and plumbing professionals that has proudly served Ashburn, VA, and the surrounding areas for over 45 years. Our seasoned technicians help with heating, air conditioning, electrical, and plumbing issues that homeowners experience. Call us today or fill out our online form and get our plumbing home inspection for $75 from our team of experts!

Below, we list 6 steps that will protect your home against 2022’s winter months:

1. Wrap All Exposed Pipes

First and foremost, the exposed pipes around your home—particularly those under or outside your house—must be insulated against the frigid air. Exposed pipes are susceptible to freezing and, even worse, bursting. Burst pipes can flood homes. Moreover, in Virginia, pipes tend to burst at 20 degrees Fahrenheit.

You can find pipe insulation at any hardware store and attempt to wrap your pipes alone. However, professionals have the expertise and experience to wrap pipes properly. So, call your heating and cooling experts at R.A. Dobson to winterize your pipes.

2. Disconnect You Outdoor Water Sources

Many homeowners damage their outdoor water systems by forgetting to turn those systems off. Out of sight, out of mind, right? Simply disconnecting your hoses, sprinkles, and all other external plumbing systems guards outdoor systems against damage due to cold weather.

3. Crank Up the Heat

With frosty nights and cold days common now, experts recommend setting your home’s heat at 68 degrees while you’re awake. Turning your thermostat 7 to 10 degrees lower during the night can save 10% on your home’s monthly energy bills. Plus, a programmable thermostat can help you navigate these shifts without hassle.

68 degrees helps protect your pipes from cold weather extremes without breaking your bank on energy expenses. If you’ll be gone for a prolonged period, you should have a friend or house sitter stop by to regulate your home’s heat and keep an eye out for freezing pipes.

4. Inspect Your Water Heater

You should have your water heater inspected annually whether you suspect an issue or not. Any damage, leaks, cracks, and odd smells/sounds coming from the water heater can indicate it needs maintenance. Moreover, call us as soon as possible for water heater repair before an issue leads to an irreparable problem!

5. Check Your Water Pressure

Your home’s water pressure can tell you a lot about your plumbing system’s status. For example, if your water pressure appears lower than normal, the system may have a leak or blockage.

If you have water pressure issues, we recommend reaching out to our plumbing repair professionals. Water pressure can be a symptom of a much larger problem. If left unattended, that issue can escalate quickly.

6. Check for Leaking Faucets and Taps

From showerheads to the kitchen sink, check all of your water fixtures for leaks. A professional can tighten leaking faucets and taps so they perform as usual. When left running overnight, a dripping faucet increases the chances of the water freezing and other issues. Again, reach out to R.A. Dobson for help with all your plumbing problems!

Expert Plumbing Repair Available Now in Ashburn, VA!

Plumbing Repair Ashburn VA

R.A. Dobson, a top plumbing and HVAC services provider, proudly serves home- and business owners throughout Ashburn, VA. Our expert technicians can help you prevent major plumbing issues with our professional plumbing repair services. We also offer online coupons to boost your savings no matter the project you have in mind. Call us today at (703) 481-3700 or fill out our online form for a free estimate to find out how we can help you!

Emergency Plumbing Ashburn VA

4 Signs of a Plumbing Emergency

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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: 

  1. 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.

  1. 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. 

  1. No Warm Water
Emergency Plumbing Ashburn VA

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. 

  1. 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.

An home in Northern VA gets a quality HVAC Inspection

Spring Maintenance Checklist

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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.

emergency plumbing Loudoun County VA

6 Things that Cause Plumbing Issues

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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. 

Contact us at (703) 481-3700 for more information about our services and get a free quote.