Category Archives: DC Plumber

Three Differences Between Commercial And Residential Plumbers

March 20, 2017Commercial Plumbing, DC Plumber, Helpful Hintsmatt

When it comes to plumbing, there are lots of people that question the difference between a commercial service and a residential service. The truth is that to an extent, both services are the same. The same materials are used for residential and commercial repairs. Both services perform the same basic functions.

Generally, companies that provide commercial services will also provide residential, and vice versa. Even though the company may be one in the same, there are different obstacles that a DC commercial plumber may face. Three of the obstacles they may encounter are the size of the plumbing system, working on multiple floors, and a variety of issues.

Size Of The Plumbing System

The size of the plumbing system is the obvious difference between a residential service and a commercial service. Commercial plumbing will require more pipes and drainage systems to be employed, in comparison to residential systems. Businesses not only have to provide sinks and toilets for their employees to use, they also must provide a bathroom facility for their customers.

Even small businesses will have two separate bathrooms for customers and guests. With the added bathrooms, additional piping is required to bring water into the area. Commercial buildings demands are increased and residential systems cannot suffice.

Working On Multiple Floors

Commercial buildings are usually bigger than residential homes. Most residential plumbing jobs entail performing work on one to two floors. Office buildings may have multiple stories. Each story will require access to a sink or toilet for employees and customers.

Gravity can adversely affect the way that pipes function. Water pressure can become an issue in buildings that possess multiple stories. Plumbers that regularly work on commercial piping systems understand how much work can go into fixing a plumbing issue in an office building.

Variety Of Other Issues

Most residential plumbing issues are variations of the same basic problems. The pipes are clogged, a pipe has busted, or a foreign object has been flushed down the drain, are the most common issues. Commercial plumbing issues may not be as simple. Due to the size of commercial piping systems, it is vital that you hire a plumber that understands how these systems work.

Commercial plumbers must be trained on how to work on the piping systems of businesses. They need to know city codes for removing or replacing pipes. They also need to be prepared for any other problems that may occur as they are rectifying the present issue.

Residential plumbers have the required skills and mindset to handle most plumbing problems that occur in homes. If there is plumbing issue at an office or business, you will require the skillset of an expert that can handle a job of that magnitude. The professional should be aware of other issues that may occur while fixing the current problem.

A commercial plumbing service will perform various tasks to identify the problem, if the business has not informed them of the issue. The size of the business, along with the number of stories within the building can complicate the job. A professional commercial plumber will know how to handle things, if something does not go as planned.

Plumbing Emergencies To Look Out For In Your D.C. Home

March 16, 2017DC Plumber, DIY Plumbing, Helpful Hints, How To, Plumbing Advicematt

If you have owned a home for a long enough time, chances are you have seen your fair share of emergencies. Perhaps you have dealt with a blown fuse, a power outage, an infestation, storm damage, or any number of home emergencies. Perhaps you have even dealt with plumbing emergencies in your D.C. home. If you haven’t yet, sorry to burst your bubble, but you will in time. Unfortunately, plumbing emergencies are a part of life. The good news is, there are many emergency plumbing services in DC who are able to help you in your time of need. This article will highlight some potential plumbing emergencies to look out for.

Sewage Emergencies

This is certainly not a pleasant emergency to think about (although what emergency is?), but it does happen. Such an emergency can have many causes: old, rusty sewer lines that eventually break, stray tree roots that damage your sewer lines, clogged drains, and septic tank issues. Whatever the reason might be for your sewage emergency, there many D.C. plumbers who can take care of the problem for you, either through repair or replacement. As a general pro tip: if you experience any kind of emergency – plumbing or otherwise – have the contact information of a 24/7 plumber that you can have “on call” for same day service. Ideally, this is a plumber who you have worked with many times before, and who you know you can rely on in a pinch. If you don’t have such a plumber (maybe you are new to the D.C. area) try asking around or doing an internet search.

Leaks And Floods

Weather you have a leak or a flood, chances are you have a whole lot of unwanted water in your house. This water is not only a nuisance, it can actually cause big problems. Leaking or standing water can cause serious structural damage to your home. Additionally, due to mold build-up, it can pose a serious health risk to you and your family (including your pets). If you should find yourself in this unfortunate situation, call a plumber who can pump the water out. This plumber should also be able to repair any leaks you might have before (or even after) they become a serious issue.

Clogged Drain

Clogged drains can prevent you from using the water you need. They can also cause messy and annoying backups. You should be able to clear up minor clogs yourself, often with chemicals that you can pour down the drain. If you own a metal “snake” (A long metal cable attached to an engine. The coil spins when the engine is activated, allowing you to break up deep clogs), this can help you take care of more serious clogs. Some clogs, though, require the help of a professional. This is where you would want to call one of the many emergency plumbers here in the Washington, D.C. area.

How To Stay Warm During The Chilly D.C. Winters

March 15, 2017Bathroom Remodeling, DC Plumber, Energy Efficiency, How To, Plumbing Advice, Water Heatersmatt

D.C. is lucky in that its winters aren’t as severe as winters in some other cities (Have you been to Minneapolis in January?!). That said, winters in the capital can get pretty chilly and, on rare occasions, downright brutal. This article will list some ways that you can crush the cold here in the Washington, D.C. area. Hopefully these tips will help make your D.C. winters a little more pleasant. As far as traffic is concerned…well…you’re on your own there.

Winterize Your Home

There a few steps that you can take to make sure that your home is ready for a D.C. winter. Most of these steps are meant to ensure that cold air does not come into your house and hot air does not escape. One cheap and easy step is to put a thin, insulating film on your windows. These can be purchased at D.C. area home improvement stores, and can work wonders in preventing heat escape. Speaking of windows, upgrading to storm windows is the best way to make sure your windows are keeping the heat in, and the cold out. D.C. area home improvement stores also sell draft guard: thin strips of insulation that you can place beneath your door, to prevent airflow in the gap between the door and the floor. For a larger overhaul, upgrade to fiberglass insulation. Fiberglass is the optimal material for insulating your home. Finally, make sure all cracks and gaps in your home are sealed tight. Use a caulking gun to seal any cracks you might notice. These simple steps will all add up to make you a lot warmer.

Optimize Your Appliances

Obviously, it is important to make sure that your heater is in good working order. If your heater starts malfunctioning once the cold kicks in, call an HVAC company to come repair it right away. It is also important to make sure the filter in your furnace is clean. This is a simple step that you can take to optimize your furnace’s performance. Make sure your water heater is working right as well—there is nothing worse than taking a freezing cold shower on a cold winter morning! If your water heater is not working right, there are plenty of good plumbers who provide water heater repair in DC. If you do find that the water in your house is not as hot as it should be, try turning up the thermostat first. If that does not help, it is time to call the professionals.

Don’t Break The Bank On Utilities

Furnaces and water heaters are great devices for D.C. winters, but your utility bills can add up very fast. On days when it is just a little chilly, try to see if you can avoid cranking up the thermostat. Bundling up is a good option for beating the cold, even indoors. It may seem a little silly to wear a coat and hat in your own living room, but this can greatly reduce your utility bill. Oh, and if you are lucky enough to have a fireplace, use it!

Upgrading Your Washington, D.C. Home

March 14, 2017Bathroom Remodeling, DC Plumber, DIY Plumbing, Plumbing Advicematt

As you know, housing prices in the D.C. area are through the roof! Finding a move-in ready home, with all the bells and whistles, that fits your budget can be a very tall order indeed! What you will likely have to do, as a D.C. area homebuyer, is purchase a fixer-upper and turn it into your dream home. Not only will this increase the home’s resale value—it will allow you to add your own personal touches. Not only that, it will give you a sense of accomplishment at having taken an active role in your home’s transformation. This article will describe some of the ways that you can upgrade your D.C. home, so that it can become your D.C. dream home.

D.C. Window Upgrades

If you bought a fixer-upper, chances are your windows need some serious TLC. Luckily, there are many window companies here in the D.C. area who will not only sell you new windows, but will also come and install them! Storm windows are a popular upgrade as they provide maximum insulation, keeping the cold air out and the warm air in. If security is your main concern, consider purchasing glass block windows on your ground floor or basement. These thick blocks of glass are nearly impossible to break, and will give you a feeling of security.

Plumbing Upgrades

There are many reputable plumbers who provide plumbing upgrades in DC. One plumbing upgrade that can be very beneficial – and perhaps necessary – to your D.C. home is the repair of the actual pipes themselves. If your pipes are old and weak, consider upgrading to cast iron piping. Not only is this one of the most durable pipes around, it is also “quieter” than other pipes, so that the typical plumbing sounds you might hear in a house will not be as loud. Another popular upgrade is a whole house water filter, which will filter all water that comes out of your tap, no matter which faucet it comes out of. Speaking of faucets, most D.C. plumbers are able to upgrade your faucets, sinks, and showerheads as well. This will insure that your plumbing fixtures have the sleekest look and the most efficient performance. Finally, if you feel that your water is too “hard” (high in mineral content), try installing a water softener. This will make the water in your house much gentler on your clothes, skin, and pipes!

Cosmetic Upgrades

If the D.C. home you purchased is not exactly a sight to behold, don’t worry. There are many aesthetic upgrades that you can do at relatively low cost. The good news is, whatever hideous decorating decisions that the previous homeowners made can usually be undone. Ugly carpet can be removed, hideous wall paper can be stripped, and awkward paint colors can be painted over. These are all improvements that you can do yourself, with a little time and elbow grease. There are also various little touches that you can add to make your home more beautiful and more valuable: crown molding, granite counter tops, recessed lighting, and tile backsplashes are all very popular. With these upgrades, you are well on the way to owning the home of your dreams!

Upgrading Your Washington, D.C. Office Or Place Of Business

March 13, 2017Commercial Plumbing, DC Plumber, Helpful Hints, Plumbing Advicematt

If you are a business owner here in the Washington, D.C. area, then you are in luck: there are many local contractors and service providers who can help you upgrade your business or office so that it is outfitted for maximum comfort and efficiency! This article will examine some of the ways you can ready your D.C. office for business in the twenty-first century.

Go Wireless

A lot of us have wireless internet in our homes, but you would be surprised how many businesses are still going online the old-fashioned way, with modems and cables. There are many internet service providers here in the D.C. area who can upgrade your whole office with wireless internet. There are many advantages to having wireless internet in your office. For one, it allows greater mobility for your employees. Work can be done on a laptop, tablet, or smart phone from any area in the office. They will also be more connected, as they will be able to check emails and other electronic correspondence even while on breaks. Additionally, excess cords and cables can be both an eyesore and safety hazard, and wireless internet will greatly cut down on that!

Upgrade Your Plumbing

Often times, commercial plumbing upgrades happen after a plumbing issue pops up. Maybe a leaky pipe or a malfunctioning sprinkler system let you know (loudly and clearly) that it is time for an upgrade. As with most upgrades, plumbing upgrades are best taken care of before an issue ever arises. A good commercial plumber will examine the plumbing in your place of business and let you know if an upgrade is needed. It is essential that you hire someone with a reputation for honesty, who will not fabricate unnecessary “upgrades” and repairs just to increase their bottom line. If you are looking for an honest commercial plumber in DC, there are many places you can turn. Try asking other business owners who they work with, or checking a website that archives reviews of D.C. area commercial plumbers. This is an important upgrade that cannot be taken lightly!

Upgrading Your Breakroom And Common Areas

Employee morale is essential to every successful business, and making sure that your employees have enjoyable areas in which they can spend their downtime is a crucial tool for morale-building. There are many steps you can take to upgrade your company’s break areas from tolerable to downright enjoyable! One way you can do this is by adding vending machines. Work with a vending machine company in D.C. who will make sure your employees have access to delicious food and drinks while on breaks. And it doesn’t stop at soda and candy either: many offices have vending machines that feature hot coffee, microwavable entrees, even essential personal care items! These can go a long way toward making your employees feel more comfortable and satisfied. Another great way to achieve this goal is by adding games, such as foosball, Ping-Pong, or even billiards. After exciting diversions such as these, your employees should return to work satisfied and productive, especially if they won!

How To Conserve Energy In Your D.C. Home

March 12, 2017DC Plumber, Energy Efficiency, Helpful Hints, Plumbing Advice, Save Money, Water Heatersmatt

Our nation’s capital is a very green city. Many D.C. area residents are extremely environmentally conscious and their lifestyles reflect it. This mindset affects all areas of life here in D.C.: shopping, dining, transportation, even the daily aspects of home life. Regarding the latter, if you are a homeowner here in Washington, chances are you are looking for new and creative ways to cut down on energy use. Doing so is not only helpful for the environment, it is helpful for your utility bill as well! Given the skyrocketing prices of energy here in D.C., energy saved is money earned! This article will highlight some ways that you can do your part for the environment, while saving some serious cash.

Cut Down On Water Use

This is one of the easiest lifestyle changes you can make. There are simple steps that you can take to greatly reduce the amount of water used in your home. For one, try not to leave the water running when it is not being used. This might seem like a simple step, but it is one that many people sadly neglect. How many times do we leave the water running while brushing our teeth, for example? All of that water just goes straight down the drain! Another, slightly more radical, step is to turn the shower off during the actual lathering and washing process. This is known as a “navy” or “combat” shower, due to its use in the military. And try not to shower for too long. It may be comforting to stand in the hot water, but this leads to gallons and gallons of waste! Speaking of hot water, make sure that your water heater is as efficient as possible. Any leaks or malfunctions can lead to huge water waste. If you have this problem, there are many D.C. water heater repair companies who are able to fix it, and get you back to optimal efficiency.

Cut Down On Electric Use

As with water, this is another simple lifestyle change. It could involve something as cheap and simple as changing your current lightbulbs for more energy-efficient bulbs. Speaking of lights, always turn them off when they are not needed. This is another simple, obvious energy-saving step that many people forget about. Also, while summers can be very hot and humid here in D.C., avoid using your air-conditioner as much as possible—it is a huge energy guzzler! Try opening windows and using fans to get air flowing throughout your house, using the air-conditioner only at times when it is unbearably hot.

Outfit Your House For Maximum Energy Efficiency

There are energy-saving changes that you can make to the physical structure of your house itself. And no, this doesn’t have to involve solar panels (though they are a great idea). Installing more energy-efficient windows that reduce air leakage can greatly cut down on energy use over the course of a year. Speaking of air leakage, make sure your home is properly insulated, and that there are no cracks or leaks in the walls or roof of your house. Finally, installing a fireplace can greatly cut down on heater use, and save you energy during those chilly D.C. winters!

What To Do When Disaster Strikes At Your D.C. Business

March 11, 2017Commercial Plumbing, DC Plumber, Helpful Hints, Plumbing Advicematt

As a business owner here in Washington D.C., you don’t like to think of major disasters occurring at your office, warehouse, or business location. Unfortunately, though, they do happen. Preparedness is key to reducing any losses from such a catastrophe. By having a plan in place, and the means to execute that plan, you can greatly cut down on any costly consequences following an unfortunate occurrence at your place of business. Sometimes, this preparation can literally be the deciding factor in whether your business fails or succeeds. This article will highlight some of the ways that you can make sure your business maintains success even in the face of catastrophic events.

Make Sure That Your Building Can Hold Up When Disaster Strikes

For the success of your company, as well as the safety of your employees, it is important to make sure that your building and systems are disaster-ready. This means having a tornado shelter, if your business is in an area where tornadoes are prevalent. It also means having emergency exits, working alarms, and an emergency warning system. Additionally, it means that the structure of the building is designed for maximum safety. Make sure that your building is well-insulated, to help prevent fires from spreading. You also need to make sure that your building has an adequate sprinkler system, to cut down on fire damage. If your sprinkler system needs upgrading, there are several D.C. commercial plumbing services who can work with you on this essential upgrade. Not only can this upgrade potentially save your building and all of the files and equipment in it, it can also save your employees’ lives. At the end of the day, making sure that all of your employees get home safely is the most important thing.

Have A Disaster Recovery Plan In Place

The best way to handle any potential disaster that may strike your business is to have a recovery plan in place. To be honest, formulating such a plan means visualizing things you would rather not think about. It also means an honest assessment of your facilities and workforce. Perhaps most importantly, it involves asking the hard questions and making sure that you have detailed answers for them. Such questions might include, “What is the best place to store important documents, inventory, and/or equipment?” “Is offsite storage a viable option?” “What would we do if all documents, inventory, or equipment were lost?” “How will employee roles change following such an event?” “How will we train employees to effectively do their jobs following such an event?” This is just a sample of some of the questions you will likely need to answer in drafting your disaster recovery plan. The important thing is to make sure that you have a thorough plan in place, and that all of the recommendations are implemented. This is where communication is key. Communicate these expectations to your employees. If further training is needed, invest in that training. If additional purchases are needed, do not put them off. Disaster can strike at any moment. How well you handle it depends on your preparation.

Tackling Your Renovation In Washington, D.C.

March 10, 2017Bathroom Remodeling, DC Plumber, Helpful Hints, How To, Plumbing Advicematt

In D.C.’s blazing hot housing market, homeowners are always looking for new ways to get their resale value even higher. The sky is truly the limit here in Washington! One great way to increase home values is through renovation projects. This can seem like a daunting task, not only in terms of the actual sweat and labor, but even in terms of the planning! Don’t worry though: if you own a home here in the Washington, D.C. area, and are looking to undertake a major renovation, this article has you covered.

Renovating Your Bathroom

D.C. bathroom renovations are becoming more and more popular. These days, it seems like every bathroom in the capital has recently undergone some amazing renovation project. This is one of those cases where it is a great idea to “keep up with the Joneses”! Renovating your bathroom can add great value to your home, as a beautiful bathroom can make a great impression on potential buyers. There are many ways that you can beautify your bathroom. Adding new tile is certainly a popular upgrade. Updating the lighting in your bathroom can also add a little extra touch of elegance. For better functionality, try replacing your sink with a double vanity. This convenient feature allows two people to use the sink at the same time—no more fighting over who gets to brush their teeth first!

Remodeling Your Kitchen

A kitchen renovation can add big bucks to your resale value, and we mean big! There are many popular upgrades that you can currently see at kitchens all over D.C. One of the most popular upgrades here in the D.C. market is granite countertops. Granite is durable, sturdy, easy to clean, and really catches the eye. This is a rather costly upgrade, but it will do wonders for the resale value of your home. You might also consider adding a backsplash (tile is a very popular choice) to add that extra eye-pleasing touch. Consider updating your appliances as well—it is hard to find a high-end kitchen here in the D.C. area that doesn’t feature stainless steel appliances. Not only will new appliances add value to your home, they will make storing, cooking and cleaning food that much easier, allowing your culinary skills to truly shine.

Remodeling Your Bedroom

Bedroom remodels are another popular way for D.C. homeowners to increase their resale value. There are many things you can do to your bedroom to really set it apart. For one, try raising the ceilings, to give the bedroom a more spacious, more palatial feel. Speaking of ceilings, installing a skylight to allow for some extra natural light can be another great addition to your bedroom. Repainting or papering the walls is a relatively cheap upgrade that can really make the room pop! Choose complimentary colors and patterns that reflect your personal taste and style. All of the these bedroom renovations will not only make your bedroom more comfortable to sleep in, it will make it a hit with potential buyers!

Renovating Your D.C. Area Home

March 9, 2017DC Plumber, Helpful Hints, How Tomatt

The word “renovation” may elicit sighs, groans, looks of sheer terror, or images of years spent hammering, sawing, and sweating, but this does not have to be the case. With the right team working for you, a renovation can be quick and relatively painless. What’s more, when the renovation is over, your house will be much nicer and much more valuable. There are many great companies here in the Washington, D.C. area who can help you tackle that big renovation that you have always wanted to do, but were too scared to begin. In this article, you will find some great ideas for transforming your D.C. house into the home you have always wanted.

Plumbing Renovations

Plumbing renovations in DC do not have to be a nightmare. If you are looking for help with your next plumbing overhaul, you have plenty of great local plumbers to choose from. You might be looking to replace your pipes with stronger, more durable, maybe quieter material. On the other hand, you might be looking to replace your sink, shower, bathtub, or water heater. There are plumbers here in Washington who can provide all of those services, and then some. These plumbers can be a great asset for your plumbing makeover. Also, keep in mind, if you are planning a major addition to your house, you will likely need to expand your plumbing as well. Plumbers here in D.C. can connect the pipes in the new wing of your house to the rest of your house in a seamless way.

Yard Renovations

The beautiful landscape of the D.C. area is one of the things that makes being a homeowner here so special. Perhaps you want to beautify your yard even more with a major landscape project. This could include adding a patio, beautiful gardens, a stone path, a fountain, or even a swimming pool. You could tackle some smaller landscaping projects yourself, but for the bigger or more detailed ones, it is best to call the professionals. Luckily, there are many professional landscapers here in the D.C. area who can totally redesign your yard. Having an amazing yard certainly makes the D.C. springs and summers much more enjoyable!

Structural Renovations

Unfortunately, your housing dollar does not go very far here in D.C. What D.C. area homebuyer hasn’t had that bewildered look on their face when they see a several hundred-thousand-dollar price tag on a home that doesn’t look all that much bigger than a treehouse? While it is true that you don’t get a lot of home for your buck here in Washington, there are renovations that you can do to make your home seem more spacious in comfortable. To start with, you can increase the actual square footage in your home by adding an addition. If this step is too extreme for you, try knocking out some non-load-bearing walls to create a more fluid, open space. If you feel a little cramped while standing up, try vaulting the ceilings. This can make the house seem much bigger, while making it more comfortable for you. Whatever renovation route you choose, there are many great contractors here in D.C. who can help you every step of the way.

Plumbing Upgrades To Consider For Your Washington, D.C. Home

March 9, 2017Bathroom Remodeling, DC Plumber, Helpful Hints, Plumbing Advice, Sewer Issuesmatt

There are many great plumbers here in the Washington, D.C. metro area who are able to help you with any plumbing upgrades and repairs you might need for your home. Undertaking such upgrades and repairs may seem like a daunting task, but with a little help from the professionals, it can be a breeze. This article will list some of the many plumbing upgrades and repairs that might be necessary for your home.

Shower Repair

For many of us, the morning (or evening) shower is the most relaxing part of our day. With a shower upgrade, it can be even more relaxing. A good D.C. area plumber will be able to adjust the water pressure exactly to your tastes. They will also be able to repair or replace your showerhead, so that the water flow is exactly how you like it. Such upgrades will not only make your shower more comfortable, they will actually save you money, as leaky showers are a major source of water waste here in the D.C. area. If you have recently purchased a brand-new shower or bath, a plumber will be able to help you install your new purchase.

Drain and Sewer Upgrades

If you are looking to perform a major renovation on your home or property in the city of Washington, you need to be aware of the D.C. drain and sewer codes, as it is necessary that your property is always in accordance with these codes. Before you begin your upgrade, consult with a local plumber. They will tell you exactly how your plans will alter the drainage and sewer system on your property. If needed, they can provide the necessary adjustments, so that you are still in-line with local regulations, even though your property underwent a dramatic change. A good plumber can also perform drainage and sewer repairs on your property. If your sewer line is broken, or your septic tank needs repaired or replaced, a good plumber will be able to get your property back in tip-top shape.

Emergency Plumbing Repairs

Let’s face it: plumbing emergencies happen, especially in old houses. Washington, D.C. is home to many beautiful, charming, historic houses. Unfortunately, with all of that charm and history often comes old, rusted pipes and outdated plumbing systems. And let’s not forget that even newer homes can have plumbing problems every now and then. If you find yourself waist-deep in a plumbing emergency, whether it is a clogged drain, a broken pipe, a broken water heater, or a backed-up toilet, you need to have a D.C. plumber who you can call at a moment’s notice, and who you can rely on to fix the situation promptly and for a reasonable price. This may seem like a very tall order, but fortunately, there are many plumbers here in Washington, D.C. who provide 24-hour services. If you can find a go-to plumber here in the D.C. area, all of the sudden your plumbing emergency becomes much more manageable.