The Lowdown On Commercial Plumbing Emergencies

September 9, 2016DC Plumber, Plumbing Advicematt

Commercial plumbing is very important when it comes to a business, and having the best working plumbing possible for customers and employees reduces closings, lost revenues, and lost wages.. With commercial plumbing, there is quite a lot more that can go wrong, due to the increased number of fixtures and volume of use. Because retail, corporate, and commercial companies service so many people, plumbing should always be in the best condition possible.

When emergencies happen in your company, this could be a threat that makes you have to close down your company for a few days. This always looks bad for business, so it is important to know exactly what these emergencies are and how you can make sure that you don’t lose any clients because of the plumbing.

Sewer Backups And Gas Leaks

Two of the worst possible plumbing emergencies that your company can have are sewer backups and gas leaks. There are DC commercial plumbing services that can repair these problems as quickly as possible, and calling them sooner, rather than later, will help to eliminate long closings and shut downs. A sewer backup can be caused by many different problems and it is important that you look out for these, especially if you are running a very busy company. Simple clogs in the toilets can cause a sewer backup, so it is very important for you to keep an eye on the bathrooms at your office. Sewer backups can also be caused by the pipes breaking down and not functioning properly. If your company’s building is much older, this could be the reason for it. Have your pipes examined properly before you move into the building and get on a regular maintenance schedule in order to keep the sewer from backing up and reduce pipes becoming clogged.

Gas leaks are another problem that many companies see. Once again, if you are in an older building, it is important to have appliances and gas lines tested before you move in, and then regularly to ensure no new leaks have sprung up. If a gas leak is suspected, call a plumber immediately who employs master gas fitters and clear the area until they confirm it is safe.

The Broken Pipe Emergency

A final type of commercial plumbing emergency that your company may have to face is that of broken pipes. This can be caused by a myriad of things such as tree roots and corrosion. Older pipes seem to be much easier to burst and break than those that are new, of course, so again, it is important for commercial properties to be on a routine plumbing maintenance schedule. Many companies overlook these important check-ups, or don’t want to take the time or funds to schedule them. They are then in the dark about the health of their plumbing and gas systems, and operate on the hopes that nothing will go awry. Blind luck does not hold our forever, and an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure, especially where commercial plumbing is concerned. Schedule the maintenance, it could end up saving your company thousands of dollars in the long run.

Is There Really A Technique For Using A Plunger?

September 9, 2016DIY Plumbing, Plumbing Advicematt

Repairing your company’s indoor plumbing can be an easy process, but it can also be a bit tricky. We all depend on our bathroom sinks and toilets so much that when one of them gets clogged, we are suddenly in crisis mode. Not to worry, there are minor clogs that you can clear all by yourself. If you have just the right tools of the trade, you can unclog that pesky drain or toilet in no time without assistance.

To Plunge Or Not To Plunge

Although you may need to call your local DC commercial plumber, it is always important to have the right tools around if you need to attempt the repairs yourself. This is when that plunger will come in very handy. It is also a great idea to have a drain snake in your toolbox, as well. This can help with those much bigger jobs. How do you know if you should use the plunger? If your toilets are clogged, generally a plunger is the best tool to start with.

There are many different types of plungers, so how do you choose the right one? If your company has many different toilets, you will probably need to use a plunger that is made for harder jobs. This is called a flange plunger. It has extended parts which make it much easier for those tough jobs. If you do not have that many people using the restrooms of your company, you can buy a standard plunger. Just make sure that with both of these plungers, the cup of the plunger is a bit larger than the drain itself. Then you can choose what plunger you think is best for your commercial bathrooms.

Got The Plunger, Now What?

Once you are happy with the plunger that you have found, now you must know exactly what to do with it. You may not be able to control the water level in the drain, but it is very important to know if you have too much water or not enough. You can always add more water or take water out. Just be sure that when you are taking water out of the clogged toilet, you wear gloves. If there is too much water, you can end up with a mess all over the floor and you. If there is not enough water, you will have trouble plunging because of the dryness.

When you are ready to attempt the clog, before you begin to plunge, put a very small amount of petroleum jelly on the rim of the plunger cup. This will help to create a better seal. The handle should always be held upright. Plunge the drain for about 30 seconds up and down. If you need to repeat it, do so 3 to 4 times. If you have no luck after that, it will be time to call your commercial plumber.

If you follow these tips, it will be a breeze to get that drain unclogged. The right tools really can help you to have great success with your commercial plumbing issues.

Signs Of Trouble To Look For In Your Water Heater

July 8, 2016Energy Efficiency, Helpful Hintsmatt

Water heaters are tricky and they can make a lot of sounds throughout the day that perhaps you’re not used too. When it comes to hearing these sounds though, you have to find out if it means that it is time for you to replace your water heater or to have it repaired, or sometimes those sounds might just be normal for the work that it is doing throughout your home. A plumber can help when you may need to replace or repair your old water heater, so you can get back on track. Watch for these signs that show that it is time for you to replace or repair that old water heater in your home.

Leaking Water Heater

If the water heater is leaking, then generally this would be a sign that something is wrong with the system. There should not be a leak anywhere throughout the entire system. If there is a large, or even small puddle of water below the heater then this could mean that the water is coming out of somewhere. Have a plumbing service take a look and find the problem area.

Loud Clanging or Hissing Noises

You’re sitting in your living room and all of a sudden you hear loud hissing or banging noises coming from the basement. It is most likely your water heater to blame. Hearing these noises often when you did not previously hear them indicates an issue with the heater.

Corrosion In and Out of the Heater

Do you notice rust and corrosion on the outside of the heater? Is the water quality that is coming out of the water heater horrible? You need to make sure that this is not a common problem that you’re always faced with. Speaking with a company that provides DC plumbing services can allow you to have someone come out and see if the heater needs to be cleaned out or replaced. Depending on the age and condition of the water heater, you may need to just have a new one.

Age Related Issues

Just like other appliances, water heaters are only rated to be used for so long before they start to have problems. It must be replaced if it is around 15-20 years old. However, since warranties on these water heaters last around 5-10 years, the heater should last for around that long. Having something happen within this time frame would be nice, since the warranty would fix it. If something happens after this time, then it might be time to replace it.

Your water heater is an important part of your home. Make sure that you have a plumber in mind that can help you obtain the repair and replacement needed to put you back on track. Never have to worry about not having hot water when the right company is there when you need them to be. Don’t let water issues go too long, since this can mean no hot water throughout the house but also poor water quality.

Common Problems a Plumber Can Help With

July 6, 2016Helpful Hints, Plumbing Advicematt

There are many common problems that can arise within a home with the plumbing system. Working with a plumber can help you repair and replace the issues so that you do not have to worry about something happening. When you have this done, you can feel more confident regarding the work that they’re doing and getting your life back in order. Plumbing problems that seem small can easily turn into larger issues later on down the road. Here are some of the plumbing issues that a plumber is able to help you with.

Leaky Pipes

Leaky pipes anywhere in the home is not only something that is annoying, but it can quickly turn into a disaster if it is not taken care of. Whether you need to have pipes tightened, removed and replaced or just something new put in the area to help with the leak; the professional is able to provide you with the necessary help so that the leaks do not do too much damage in the process.

New Installation

If you’re building a new home or need to have old plumbing replaced, the right professional can come in and replace or install new plumbing fixtures throughout the entire home. With newer plumbing fixtures and pipes, the water throughout the home will be more efficient and you may come across less problems. This is something a lot of older homes are currently doing to ensure that they’re not using older, outdated pipes that tend to break or corrode much easier.

Clogged Toilet

Clogged toilets are no fun, and this includes the other drains throughout the home. When you have one, you might not be able to get it unstuck. This is where the real issues lie. When you need to have someone come in to remove the clog in the drain, you need to trust that they have many different methods to help with the clog. You might have already tried plumbing it, but if this did not work, then other methods would have to be used instead. A professional would know which methods to use.

Other Plumbing Issues

Whatever the issue is that is happening inside your home, a plumber in DC is able to help fix it for you. Not only can they diagnose the issue, they can also assess the problem and repair or replace it. You need to speak with the plumber to find out if they’re capable of handling the specific issues that you’re having. You want to feel confident about having them come over and actually fix the problem, instead of making it worse.
Never worry about any plumbing issues that you’re having. Always trust in a plumber to come in and assess the work that needs to be done. Many professionals in the area have emergency numbers that you can contact them through, as well. This allows you to work with someone, no matter what time it is, so further damage to your home is not an issue.

Questions to Ask a DC Plumbing Company

July 5, 2016DC Plumber, Helpful Hints, Plumbing Advicematt

When the time comes to call on a plumber in the area, you have to consider all of the options. You need to work with someone that knows what they’re doing, that can help and can provide you with the essentials needed to get started. Knowing what questions to ask the plumbing company prior to hiring them for the job can give you an idea of how they operate and whether or not they’re the right company for you to hire in the process.

Make sure to ask these, and any other questions you might have to the plumbing company you want to hire.

How Long Have You Been Plumbing In DC?

Knowing how long they’ve been in the trade is always a good idea to start off with. You want to know that they’re knowledgeable when it comes to fixing things and not just from the books that they study from, but also from hands-on, real life experiences that they might have had in the past.

Are You Licensed and Insured?

Licensed and insured companies are better to work with because they’re professionals and have something to show for it. It shows that they took the time to make sure they’re recognized as such. Insurance is also good for not only you, but for them in case something happens. They should have both.

Do You Carry All of Your Equipment With You?

If you need to have a repair or replacement done that day, then you want to know that they carry the necessary items with them. Of course, you’d let them know the issue beforehand, the model and make of the problem area so they can be more prepared, but knowing they are not going to have to wait weeks to get a part is also a good thing.

Do You Have an Emergency Number?

In the event of a plumbing emergency, the DC plumbing company needs to have an emergency line for you to contact them on. This is an essential for those searching for the best company to work with. If they do not have someone on call, then it can cause a problem for many. If something is leaking, don’t let it go overnight or throughout the weekend – call a plumbing company that can come out and handle it.

Do You Work on a Contract?

If they do not work on contracts or provide receipts, then they should be a no-go. You need someone that is not going to rip you off, take your money ahead of time and not do the work. Believe it or not, this happens all too often.
Hiring a plumbing company means that you’re going to have to learn more about them and what they do. You’re going to have to ask questions of your own to get to know them. Checking all of this information is going to cover you when you hire them for plumbing work.

5 Reasons to Use a Professional DC Plumber

July 3, 2016DC Plumbermatt

Hiring a professional plumber comes with many benefits that you would not get from hiring someone that is not a professional. When you choose the best professional for a job that you have, you’re better able to understand the issue, as well as have it repaired the right way. If you find that the issue cannot easily be resolved, the professional is there to provide you with many options to go with.

Here are the top five reasons you should use a professional DC plumber for all of your plumbing needs.

Reason 1: They Know What They’re Doing

When it comes to hiring anyone for a job inside your home, you cannot just trust in someone to come in and do what you want them to do. If they do not have a company, experience, a license or insurance to back them up; why should you trust them with the work that needs to be done? This is something that can cause further issues down the road if they’re not a licensed professional.

Reason 2: They Have the Tools Required

Tools are required for numerous plumbing jobs. If they’re not a professional, they may require you to cover the costs of the tools, as well as the materials needed to fix the issue. This should not be something you have to cover and they should just have.

Reason 3: They Provide Insight on the Issue

Worried that more damage than what meets the eye has been done? With a professional plumber, they’re able to provide you with even more information on the issue, repair or replace the issues and also ensure that further damage has not been done in the area due to the plumbing issue.

Reason 4: They Have Emergency Numbers

If there is an emergency with your plumbing and there is water going everywhere, who do you call? If they’re not a professional, they’re not going to have an emergency number to call to get a hold of them. This can be a problem. Professional plumbers generally have an emergency line in case something does come up.

Reason 5: They are Trustworthy

Letting a stranger in your home is not recommended for anyone. When you hire a professional company to do the plumbing inside your home, you can trust that they’re not going to do any damage to the inside of your home. Trust who you invite into your home.

Hiring a professional plumber is essential. You need to trust that they’re going to do the right job when it is needed. When you check each of the options in the area out, make sure to ask them questions about their qualifications and how long they’ve been doing this type of work for. You want to work with someone that has a deep history with plumbing and not someone that just states that they know what they’re doing. Trust in experts only.

We Now Offer Bathroom Remodeling In DC

June 28, 2016Bathroom Remodelingmatt

We Are Now Offering Bathroom Remodeling In DC

If you are in need of someone that can help you remodel your bathroom, please don’t hesitate to give us a call. We have been remodeling bathrooms in Northern Virginia for over 20 years, so it’s not that we don’t have experience, its that we are just now offering it in the DC area. We are very good at what we do an affordable.

You can count on the following from us:

A great price
Quality items
On Time and will always meet deadlines if possible
Polite and ready to work with you
We will always pickup after ourselves and never leave you with a mess. We clean up our mess daily.

What To Look For In A DC Plumber

Look at the quality they are offering. The last thing you want is a cheap piece of furniture in your home that is going to break in a few weeks.
Ask for a price and compare it with other plumbers. Then figure out what each plumber is offering within the price. Don’t just take the cheapest price, they may be selling you half the remodel for all you know. Always ask what is included.
Ask if they are a master plumber. I can’t tell you how many handy men think they know how to do it all and plumbing isn’t generally one of them.
Ask questions to the plumber that comes out to your home to make sure they are knowledgeable. You should never know more than the plumber.
Make sure the plumber that visits your home is well dressed, polite, and ready to work with you. The last thing you want is for someone to boss you around in your own home and you not getting what you want. You don’t want to pay someone for something you don’t like. If you are paying money, make sure you get exactly what makes you happy.

So again if you are looking for a bathroom remodeling company in DC, please give us a call so we can at least give you a free quote.

Saving Money, Time, And Headaches On Plumbing Issues

June 12, 2016Helpful Hints, Save Moneymatt

People often experience problems in their home such as leaking pipes, broken appliances, clogs, too much noise, no water, no heat, and many more. Some of these issues are unavoidable at times, but some problems could be avoided and fixed long before they every happen. A very common issue that can often fly under the radar until it hits your wallet is wasting water, either through appliances, pipes, or carelessness. A leaking pipe, toilet, or appliance is not only very negative for the environment ,but can also be hard on your finances. Wasting water can cost you a significant amount of money, running your bill up each month. Pipes, sinks, washing machines, and faucets all have the potential to create a water wasting problem, so be sure that they are running smoothly and correctly.

Sneaky Toilet Leaks

Another big waster of water that many people don’t realize is toilets. Many people are in fact not sure how to check a toilet for a leak. Luckily it is very quick and simple and wont take any money or an appointment. To check for a leak simply put a few drops of dye in the tank and let sit for 15 minutes. If after 15 minutes you see the drops of dye in the toilet bowl, then you can conclude that the toilet is leaking and costing you water and money. If you do not have a vast knowledge of fixing toilets, then it is suggested to call a professional as soon as possible for expert help and advise.

Water Heater 101

The water heater is a crucial part of anybody’s home, as it is responsible for delivering heated water throughout the entire house and to all appliances. It is important to keep an eye out for any small issues or changes in the water heater, as anything wrong could be a sign that the heater may be ready to die. Things like making sure that the flame is blue, no water is leaking out beneath the unit, and that the thermostat is set to an efficient temperature are all very important for ensuring that the water heater is functioning correctly and will continue to do so. Another thing many people don’t know is setting the thermostat to 120 degrees is best. This ensures not only will you still have hot water when and where you need it, but will also preserve the life of the water heater, preventing it from scalding over time and being ruined. For any other questions that you may have with any plumbing matter, you should contact your plumbing company in DC.

Quick Tips For Shower Drains

If your shower drain is slow or clogged, it can be very frustrating and time consuming. The good news is that you can make a big difference with some safe drain cleaner and a little time. If that doesn’t work, then you may want to remove the drain cover and use a coat hanger to try and fish out the debris. A shop vac is also a useful tool in using suction for removing whatever is causing the clog. If all else fails, don’t hesitate to call a professional for help and/or expert services to help solve the problem.

Catching Potential Plumbing Problems Early

June 7, 2016Helpful Hints, Save Money, Uncategorizedmatt

When it comes to the perception of plumbing, many people see it as confusing, problematic, and an impossible feat to tackle. Fortunately, this is far from the truth. There are endless things that you can do to take precautions, double check, maintain, and improve any area of plumbing in your home. For example, a common mistake that people often make is leaving there home for an extended period of time without having the plumbing in mind before they leave. An excellent tip to always remember to do before you leave is to shut off the main valve in your home. If a leak were to happen while you are away, it could lead to a catastrophe, leaving your home and possessions completely flooded and ruined. This could end up costing your thousands of dollars.

Another trick is to turn off appliances and units that don’t need to be running while you are away. Not only can you put your mind at ease that they wont be breaking or having a problem, but you will also notice a cut back in energy costs since they were completely off .

What To Look For Before Buying A Home

It is all too common for someone to love everything about a house and its property and then forget to inspect the septic system and finer details of the plumbing. Everything on the outside may look clean and new, but the main structure and plumbing of the house could be poor or even on the verge of large potential problems. Before buying a home, you should have the plumbing systems inspected, taste and smell the water, and you need to figure out if you have your own septic tank or if your septic system is connected to a municipal sewer. There is a big difference between having the waste pumped away to a public system and having it stored underground on your property.

Checking The Septic System

Once you understand this, and if indeed you do have a septic tank on the property, then you need to make sure that the tank and line are problem free and will not get backed up. Having a back up or break in the line that carries waste could create major heath risks for you and your family, not to mention unpleasant messes and large sums of money to repair. For any questions or concerns regarding septic systems or anything that relates to plumbing, don’t hesitate to contact your local company offering DC plumbing repairs for any questions and inspections.

Winterizing Lines Correctly Indoor And Out

A very hazardous problem that can easily be avoided is winterizing any and all pipes/lines that can experience freezing temperatures. Turning off and draining lines before they encounter freezing weather will save them from most likely freezing and then cracking, leaving you with a broken pipe and a real hassle to get fixed. If you do forget and a pipe does freeze, it important that you contact a professional as soon as possible to see about fixing it before it cracks. If you are going to try and thaw it yourself, be sure that you are properly equipped and understand how to attempt this safely.

Plumbing Tips That Can Help You Now And In The Future

June 7, 2016Energy Efficiency, Helpful Hints, Save Moneymatt

The plumbing in your home can be the culprit that devours large amounts of time and money, fixing and maintaining fixtures, appliances, and systems year after year. Luckily, there are excellent tips to help eliminate some of these unnecessary headaches and expenditures. Instead of paying to have new appliances or fixtures installed, you could always try and install them yourself if you are looking to save some money and increase your knowledge of how plumbing works.

Ensure Sources And Structural Capabilities

To install a bathtub you need to be sure that you have all the necessary parts, water supply to the area, enough space, and correct floor joints in order to support the weight of a bathtub full of water. As for other appliances such as dishwashers, garbage disposals, washers, dryers, and toilets, checking to make sure that your have all the correct water sources, electrical sources, and structural capabilities is always a must. Next you can find the correct make and model that best suits you. Lastly, you can then learn the correct method of installation to get the best and most efficient use out of your appliance.

Why Energy Efficiency Is So Important

The benefits of energy efficiency today are always on the rise and can make the difference between having more or less dollars in your pocket as well as helping or hindering the environment. Nowadays, people have the privilege of replacing old non-efficient models and appliances with new energy star rated units. Energy efficiency will offer more quality, less energy usage, save the environment, and hold its value very well. Energy efficient models can now be used in the form of toilets, washers,dryers, dishwashers, shower heads, water heaters, air conditioners, heaters, refrigerators and many more. Every time you upgrade an appliance or unit to an energy efficient one, you can expect to get more out of it while spending less. If you are unsure where to start or have any questions regarding energy efficiency or plumbing in general, contact your local company offering DC plumbing services to receive service, help, and professional advice.

Sprinkling Evenly

Sprinklers can be an excellent means of keeping your lawn and plants healthy and watered daily. However, it is important to be sure that they are specifically calibrated to the layout of your landscape and are hitting all the necessary areas. If they are set up incorrectly, then you could be stuck with more work along with bare/dead spots that have fallen behind because of the lack of water. A quick trick to use that will surly tell you if each area is getting the same amount of water in each area is using a few small containers of the same size and placing them in different watering spots. If they are all filled with the same amount of water, then you are sprinkling evenly. If not, then you may want to investigate and make an adjustment of where the water is going.

Any of the tips mentioned will surely save you time, money, or both when it comes to plumbing matters in and around your home. Remember, working smarter and saving the environment can often be done at the same time.