Tag Archives: plumbing solutions

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.

Sterling VA Plumbing Emergency Service

What to Do Before Calling An Emergency Plumber

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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

  1. 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.
  1. 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. 
  1. 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.
  1. 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. 
  1. 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.