Tag Archives: service professionals

Drain Cleaning Ashburn VA

4 Drain Maintenance Resolutions

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The transition between one year and another is an opportunity to set productive resolutions and improve yourself and your surroundings. For instance, you could make routine drain cleaning services and maintenance a New Year’s resolution to prevent your home’s drains from clogging. You might even get more specific in your resolutions by determining you’ll have rusty pipes replaced and drain strainers added. Maintaining internal systems is essential to homeownership, so why not make it a feature of the New Year? 

Ashburn, VA, homeowners have turned to R.A. Dobson for professional plumbing services since 1975. Besides drain cleaning, we can help with faucet, sump pump, and water heater installations and repairs. Our dedicated professionals deliver the expert plumbing care our customers need at reasonable rates. Call (703) 481-3700 or reach out through our website for a free estimate request. 

Below, we outline 4 New Year’s plumbing resolutions you don’t want to skip: 

1. Replace Rusted Pipes

Rusty and grimy pipes are a horror every plumber knows too well. Pipes deteriorate from daily use and little maintenance, causing leaks and water damage. Yet replacing worn pipes with new, shiny ones can prevent such disasters as well as save you stress and frustration from internal leaking. And if you don’t need your entire plumbing system replaced, hire a professional to replace only the pipes that need it. 

Many pipes are composed of galvanized steel, which suffers from rusting and corrosion. Galvanized steel pipes crop up most often in old homes, but you should always have a professional check what kind of pipes you have before determining what you can do to improve them. 

2. Use Drain Strainers

Although some sinks come with a drain guard, that may not keep out food particles and oils that can clog pipes. Therefore, whether your sink has a drain guard or not, investing in a strainer can protect the health of your plumbing system.

This device can also combat the symptoms and effects of drain blockages, such as unpleasant odors around your home. Acquiring a few simple drain strainers is thus an investment in your home’s hospitality, aiding in proper drain cleaning and maintenance.

3. Get Your Drains Cleaned Now and Then

Drain Cleaning Ashburn VA

A nightmare scenario for all homeowners involves water pooling in the kitchen sink after intense dishwashing or puddling on the floor after you run water down the drain. If you hear gurgling noises as water drains or notice it takes a long time to drain, you may have a clog on your hands. 

Fortunately, a professional can clean a clogged drain. Expert drain cleaning is critical to owning a home and should occur routinely to avoid expensive leaks. Fulfill your New Year’s resolution: call a professional to ensure the health of your pipes and drains. 

4. Keep Grease Out of Your Sink

Oil and grease from cooking contribute to pesky clogs and blockages. Grease, lard, fat, and oil solidify when they cool; they can become entrenched in your kitchen sink and grow larger as more food piles on top of them. 

Instead of pouring it into the sink, wait for the oil to cool and then dump it into a safe container or foil for your garbage. It can be hard to prevent all grease from penetrating your drains, but running hot, soapy water in your sink can fight its solidification and buildup. It’s not the solution to breaking up unwanted oils in your pipes, but it can help move obstructions through your pipes and prevent minor clogs.

Professional Drain Cleaning Now Available in Ashburn, VA

Make pipe and drain maintenance your New Year’s resolution. Although your plumbing system goes unseen in your home, that doesn’t mean repairs are unnecessary. Hiring our team of experienced professionals to handle your drain cleaning needs is a must for every homeowner in Ashburn, VA. Follow your resolution and call R.A. Dobson at (703) 481-3700 for our plumbing maintenance and repair services.

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.

Air Conditioning Installation Ashburn VA

How to Choose the Best Air Conditioning System

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With summer approaching quickly, you should determine whether your HVAC system needs repairs or replacement. To help with that, the R.A. Dobson team offers professional HVAC inspection, air conditioning installation, and routine maintenance. Plus, we can assist you in finding a new HVAC system by considering the various types, sizes, features, and more. 

R.A. Dobson has served folks in Ashburn, VA, and the surrounding area for nearly 50 years. Our expert team handles water heaters, plumbing, heating, generator, humidifier, and more concerns. We believe that excellent customer service comes from attention to detail, expertise, and treating customers like family. We honor all manufacturer warranties and offer 1 year of service warranty. Contact us to learn more today!

Below, we list and describe five factors that you should consider before purchasing a new HVAC system:

  1. Air Conditioner Type

First, examine which type of air conditioner fits your cooling needs. Although we can advise you on all types, R.A. Dobson installs and repairs central units. This kind is the traditional choice for homeowners; it pumps cool air throughout a structure via ductwork. Given their complexity, central air units require professional installation.

  1. Output Size

Once you determine your particular cooling needs, start considering what size output you require. This will depend on the square footage in your home, so we suggest that you find that output number then speak with R.A. Dobson to choose the right model.  

  1. Efficiency

One of the best reasons to purchase a new model AC unit is for their increased efficiency. Older units (even just a few years old) have lower SEER efficiency ratings than the newest models. This means that you pay more for the energy spent on an old unit.

Thus, a newer model could pay for itself in your savings on repairs and replacement parts. We offer Carrier products designed for energy efficiency, air purifying, as well as enhanced cooling. 

  1. Features

Along with greater efficiency, recent-model AC units offer a variety of features for better performance. The most popular of these: smart thermostats. These devices have all the benefits of smart technology, so they can learn your AC usage patterns and adjust accordingly. You can also control smart thermostats from your phone whenever it’s connected to Wi-Fi.

Also, almost all AC units come with a “fan only” option so that you can keep your indoor climate temperate. In addition to this, they have auto delay switches that help reduce cool air waste. It’s one more feature that can help you save money on energy bills.

  1. Warranties

One further factor that you should consider is an AC unit’s warranty. Virtually all recent-model AC units carry a warranty, which ensures that you are satisfied with the product. However, warranties differ in the length of their active periods as much as their coverages. 

For example, some warranties cover entire air conditioning units while others cover certain parts in these units. Generally, central air units have greater coverage – but you should always double-check possible purchases. Of course, R.A. Dobson offers 1 year of warranty on all our work. 

Professional Air Conditioning Installation and Repair in Ashburn, VA

Use this moment before the summer heat to ensure that you have a cool home for your family. Reach out to R.A. Dobson and schedule an air conditioning installation service or inspection. We have provided Ashburn, VA, residents support with plumbing, heating, generator, and more services since 1975. Our team offers the latest efficient heating and air conditioning technology. So, call us today at (703) 481-3700 or fill out our online form for more information!

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.