Category Archives: DC Plumber

Tips For Becoming A D.C. Area Super Chef

March 8, 2017DC Plumber, Helpful Hints, How To, Plumbing Advicematt

D.C. is a foodie’s dream town. From our wonderful variety of restaurants – running the gamut from world-renowned fine dining to delicious greasy spoons – to our independent grocers and markets, to our rich variety of ethnic cuisine, the capital is truly a culinary gem. This rich culinary tradition can and should extend to your own kitchen. This article will offer some tips on how you can take advantage of D.C.’s rich food culture while preparing meals for you and your family.

Make Sure Your Kitchen Is Chef Friendly

A great kitchen does not make a great chef, but it can certainly help one. Making sure that your kitchen is outfitted to meet your cooking needs – whether that means upgrading the stove, the refrigerator, or even the layout itself – is a great first step toward cooking some killer meals here in Washington. Kitchen renovations in D.C. are very popular these days, and there are many contractors who can help you make your D.C. dream kitchen a reality. It is also important to make sure that your kitchen is stocked with the tools you need: knives, blenders, mixers, pots, pans, and whatever else you feel are essential for preparing your favorite recipes. Once your kitchen is decked out, you will be ready to rock.

Take A Cooking Class

D.C. is a very diverse city with countless culinary traditions. You might as well learn from them! There are many cooking classes that will help you master a variety of cuisines and cooking styles. If you are already a pretty advanced cook, try taking a class that will expand your boundaries and maybe push you outside your culinary comfort zone. Try learning to make a cuisine that you have always loved at restaurants, but never dreamed of cooking at home. The more you learn, the more well-rounded your cooking skills will become. And who knows, you might even make a few friends in some of these classes!

Take Advantage Of D.C.’s Great Markets And Independent Grocers

The D.C. area has plenty of national supermarkets that you can turn to for convenience, but the richest, freshest, and most unique foods are usually found when you venture outside of the national chains. Here in Washington, we are lucky to have a diverse array of local food stores: farmer’s markets, butcher shops, produce shops, bakeries, and ethnic markets will have you whipping up fresh, delicious food from all over the region and globe. For maximum flavor and freshness, take advantage of the rich bounty of foods that are produced in our region. Virginia and Maryland are home to some amazing seafood (crab cakes, anyone?), meats (Virginia hams are second to none), poultry, and produce. When you buy some of these fantastic foods from local vendors, you are not only improving your personal menu, you are stimulating the local economy in a big way. With so many culinary traditions from all over the world and wonderful ingredients sourced right here in the D.C. area, there is no reason that every meal can’t be a hit.

Finding The Best Service Providers Here In Washington, D.C.

March 7, 2017Bathroom Remodeling, Commercial Plumbing, DC Plumber, Plumbing Advicematt

One of the greatest perks of living in Washington, D.C. is the sheer variety of what is available. Looking to go out to eat? You have countless restaurants – serving every type of cuisine – to choose from. Looking to go to a museum? You could spend months touring all of the amazing museums here in Washington! Looking to go shopping? Whatever you are looking to buy, chances are, there is a store in D.C. that has it. This same variety applies to service providers as well. As a new homeowner here in D.C. you have endless contractors, plumbers, landscapers, roofers, and repair companies to choose from. This variety can be a blessing and a curse: you have access to so many different service companies that choosing one can seem like a monumental task! This article will offer some pointers that will help you narrow down your search here in the D.C. area.

Do Not Be Afraid To Ask Around

Information is power here in the capital, and your connections can go a long way to ensuring your success! Use those same connections when searching for the perfect D.C. service provider for your home. Whether you are looking for D.C. plumbing services, electricians, roofers, or any other type of service provider, chances are good that your friends, acquaintances, and colleagues have ample experience working with all of the above. In almost every case, they will be more than willing to share their insider information with you. This way you can figure out who will provide you with superior service and whose work may be…well…less than stellar. What’s more, if you have a personal connection to a D.C. area service provider (in a “friend of a friend” sort of way) they may offer to provide service at a discounted rate. While this is not a guarantee and certainly should not be expected, it could be a pleasant surprise!

Utilize The Internet For Your Search

The internet is a great tool for finding a wonderful service provider here in the Washington, D.C. area. There are several sites that, like the yellow pages of old, list all providers in a given field of service. Since D.C. is such a populous area, any comprehensive list will be several pages long. Luckily, the internet can help you separate the good from the bad as well. There are many sites that not only offer contact information for various local service providers, but also reviews from actual customers here in the D.C. area! This can be an excellent way to get an opinion (and even a second, third, and fourth opinion!) on a service provider that you think might be a good fit. Another word to the wise: the internet can also be a great tool for finding deals. Many service providers offer discounts on their website that you can take advantage of. You can also try checking local coupon and deal sites to see if you can save any money on your next estimate or service appointment!

How To Handle Housing Mishaps In The D.C. Area

March 6, 2017DC Plumber, Helpful Hints, Plumbing Advicematt

Things sometimes go wrong in homes–that is a fact of life. Unlike an apartment, where a landlord or maintenance person can (usually) come by at a moment’s notice to fix any problem that might arise, when something goes wrong at your house, you the homeowner are on the hook. This might seem like a huge inconvenience at first, but with enough experience, you will be able to fix any problem your D.C. home might throw at you. And if you lack the tools or skillset to fix your housing mishaps, you will know the right people to call. There are many service providers here in Washington, D.C. who will be able to take care of whatever housing mishaps you might be faced with, whether the problem is in the electrical wiring, plumbing, roofing, or windows. Read below to learn about some problems that might arise in these areas, and the steps you can take to fix them.

Electrical Problems

This is one area where you should not try to handle any repairs yourself, unless you happen to be a master electrician. Luckily, there are many great electricians here in the D.C area who you can call at a moment’s notice. If you are in a house long enough, you might find that you have problems with the wiring in your home. This can happen for a variety of reasons: wear and tear, storm damage, or mice chewing at your wires (in this case, you might want to call an exterminator as well as an electrician!), just to name a few. Whatever the reason might be, a good D.C. area electrician will have everything back up and running in no time!

Plumbing Problems

Unfortunately, there are many plumbing problems that can arise in your D.C. area home. One of the most common problems is the dreaded clogged drain. A clogged drain can make life quite miserable for you and your family. Fortunately, there are many plumbers who provide drain services in D.C.—and some who will come out at any hour! Try calling one if your drains are so clogged that household chemicals will not do the trick. You might also be faced with leaking pipes, either because your pipes are very old and need updated, or they were damaged in some way. Whatever the cause may be, a good D.C. plumber will be able to take care of this problem as well, and the sooner the better!

Window Repair

Windows break. Whether that broken window is the result of a storm, a “stress crack” caused by extreme changes in temperature, or an errant baseball, you should get your broken window repaired or replaced as soon as possible. If the damage is to a single pane of glass, no need to get the whole window replaced: there are many glass companies here in D.C. that can replace a single pane of glass, often for less than $100. If the window damage is extensive, however, you may need to replace the whole window. Doing so can be costly, but is highly recommended, for your comfort and safety!

The Basic Services Offered By Commercial Plumbers

February 18, 2017Commercial Plumbing, DC Plumbermatt

Commercial plumbers are individuals that take care of the plumbing needs of business owners. These individuals work on large piping systems that supply large-scale buildings with water and waste services. DC commercial plumbers are called in whenever plumbing emergencies arise. Anything that could disrupt the daily activities of a business needs to be rectified immediately. Businesses cannot afford to shut themselves down whenever a maintenance issue arises.

Upon arrival, a plumber will assess the issue and provide a quote for their services. Once the quote has been provided, it is up to the business owner if they would like to proceed. If the quote is accepted, the plumbing professional will begin their work to rectify the issue. The quicker that the plumber can fix the problem, the better it is for the business that has employed them.

Categories Of Commercial Plumbers

There are different types of plumbers that concentrate on various parts of a plumbing system. While some plumbers choose to deal with repairs to the piping system, others concentrate on fixing heating systems, or installing new fixtures. Natural gas disturbances are something that plumbers deal with as well. In buildings that utilize natural gas, a plumber will need to repair, install, and maintain the appliances, to protect the safety of the public.

The Plumbers Role

It is the plumbers job to install, repair, or fix issues that could arise within the water supply system. Plumbing is a dirty job, and requires the men and women who work in the industry to not be afraid of getting their hands dirty. When installing new lines, or putting in drainage systems, plumbers must dig into the earth to set up trench systems. The systems are then connected to the main water supply or sewage system for proper disposal.

Contaminants will need to be monitored, ensuring that they do not enter the piping system. After laying the outdoor system, the indoor plumbing tasks will need to be completed. These tasks involve installing any water sources the business will need. Fountains, toilets, sinks, sprinklers, and showers are some of the indoor fixtures that require a water source.

Maintaining Indoor and Outdoor Water Sources

Maintenance is an important aspect of commercial plumbing. Drainage and heating systems will need to be closely monitored to ensure that they adhere to their job function. Catching a plumbing issue early can help business owners save massive amounts of money on costly repairs. Not to mention, it helps to ensure that the business does not have to shut down to have repairs fixed.

Plumbers are given a lot of tasks to take care of, when it comes to commercial buildings. While performing their job, they will need to adhere to all health regulations and local codes for commercial infrastructures. Therefore, it is vital that a professional is called upon to provide commercial services, using an unlicensed or novice plumber is frowned upon.

Plumbing Upgrades For An Aging Population

February 17, 2017Bathroom Remodeling, DC Plumber, DIY Plumbing, Helpful Hints, How To, Plumbing Advicematt

Time is one factor that no one can control. As time passes, things continue to age. The circle of life is no mystery to any of us. The task of coping with the changes that are to come can be troublesome. One area of the home where the most injuries occur in older individuals is the bathroom. To protect yourself, parent, or loved one from injuring themselves in this common area of the home, there are a few upgrades that can be done.

Some upgrades you can do on your own, while other upgrades will require the assistance of a professional. The do-it-yourself upgrades are generally the first things that are attempted, before outside assistance is called in. The upgrades that can be done without any professional assistance include: changing door knobs, installing grip bars, and purchasing a nonslip bath mat for the tub.

DIY Plumbing Upgrades

Door knobs may need to be replaced, if they are hard to grasp. It is important to remember that as you age, you may not have the same amount of strength you once had when you were a young chap. It is important that the knobs in your residence adapt to your capabilities. If a knob is too hard to turn, then it needs to be replaced.

Grip bars can be installed to allow an easy transition from a sitting position to a stance. The nonslip liner for the bath is a given. If your legs get wobbly from standing in a place for too long, adding water into the picture can make the task dangerous. Along with an anti-slip mat a waterproof chair or bench can greatly improve safety. Most injuries occur in the shower, because wet slippery surfaces can put people with mobility issues in danger.

When To Call In A Professional

Simple alterations can be made to a bathroom to make it safer for elderly people. Small changes and additions can make tasks less daunting. However, if any major alterations need to be made to the bathroom or kitchen, these DC plumbing upgrades should be completed by a professional. Raising or replacing a sink, installing slip resistant flooring, and installing a special toilet all require professional intervention.

Raising Or Replacing A Sink

Elderly individuals that have issues bending over may elect to have their sink raised to make the task easier. A professional should be called in to complete this service, to ensure that it is done correctly. Wheelchair bound individuals may also need to have their sinks lowered to accommodate their needs. Homes are not readily equipped or sold with these modifications, so they will need to be done at some point by a professional servicer who offers DC plumbing services.

Installing Slip Resistant Flooring

Slippery surfaces are a danger zone for elderly people. Not only is an elderly’s person’s mobility jeopardized, but if they were to fall, it could have detrimental effects. If the tile in your bathroom is glossy or slippery when wet, to avoid accidents, have it replaced.

Installing A Special Toilet

The shower and the toilet are two of the most important parts of a lavatory. If an elderly person has a problem getting up from the toilet, or sitting on it, a special toilet can be installed. These special devices can be adjusted to a height to eliminate the danger of going to the bathroom. No one wants to hear that a loved one has gone to the bathroom and is unable to vacate the facility, or has been injured attempting to do so.

Four Signs Of A Faulty Water Heater

February 16, 2017DC Plumber, Helpful Hints, Water Heatersmatt

Water heaters do not warrant must discussion, unless there is a problem. Most people, unless they work in the plumbing field are unaware of what to do if their heater starts to fail. Hot water is not only a want, but it is a need. There are four things that indicate a faulty system.

The Age of The Water Heater

With age, things start to break down and deteriorate; this is the normal pattern of life. The problem is most unskilled people, are unaware of how to locate the age of their heating systems. The manufacturer does provide the age of the unit on all heating systems. Deciphering what the unit’s age is can be daunting, if you are unsure what you are looking for.

The manufacturer’s sticker contains the unit’s serial number and age. The age of the unit is not written in standard date format. A general date code will look something like “G105023786”. Each letter and number represents a piece of a code.

G is used to represent the month that the system was made. G is the seventh letter in the alphabet, meaning the system was made in July. The following two digits represent the year. In this case, the system was made in July 2010. Water heaters should be replaced every ten years, so if your system is younger than its specified replacement age, consider water heater repair in DC.

Rusty Colored Water Is Released

Rusty colored water resembles a light colored can of soda. If you notice that the hot water that is released into your home has a brown color to it, this could mean it’s time to replace your water heater. Before calling a professional, drain some of the water out of the heater and see if the color changes. Fill up at least five gallons of hot water, and if by the third or fourth bucket, the rusty color remains, contact an expert.

Loud Rumbling Noise Escapes From The Water Heater

Built-up sediment is the primary reason why water heaters last ten years. Overtime, sediment will settle at the bottom of the tank, and this soft sediment will eventually begin hardening. When the hardening occurs, it is common to hear rumbling noises escape from the heater whenever it is attempting to heat water. The rumbling will progress into banging, signaling that the heater needs to be repaired or replaced.

The Water Heater Is Leaking

Moisture around a water heater can mean one of two things, one of the pipes feeding the water heater is busted or the heater has a slight fracture. Check all the pipes that are connected to the heating unit before narrowing the problem down to the water heater. If there is a crack or fracture in the tank, it will become evident quickly.

If all connections to the heating unit are dry, then the issue is the heater. The leak will typically occur whenever the heater is heating water. During the heating process, the metal will heat up causing the unit to expand, releasing any water from cracks. If the unit is leaking, calling for plumbing service and replacement is the only option.

When To Call An Emergency Plumbing Service

February 15, 2017DC Plumber, Helpful Hints, Plumbing Advicematt

In many ways, a building is constructed in the same manner as the human body. The frame of the home represents the skeletal system in the body, the nervous system is the electrical system, and plumbing is the circulatory system. To live, all systems must work in unison; the same can be said about a building or home. If one system is not functioning properly, it can disrupt the entire flow of a building.

The circulatory system is a vital system in the body. It allows blood to flow freely and circulate in and out of the heart. Plumbing does the same thing within a building. Various pipes are built alongside the walls of a home, enabling water to be delivered to specific areas. If anything is clogged, in either system the outcome can be detrimental.

When Should You Seek Help?

When it comes to your body, most people know the obvious things to look for, prior to seeking help. Your home is a different story. You may think that a small problem will stay that way, if you do not do anything to make it worse. Saying this is just like saying that if your leg consistently feels numb you should just lay down for the rest of your life and stop walking. You use your home to adhere to your needs, and there is no way that you can stop using certain things inside of it, to eliminate a small problem from getting bigger.

DC emergency plumbing services should be called to your residence immediately, if your pipes have burst, your toilet is clogged, or there is gas leaking from the home. These three types of emergencies can escalate quickly if they are not dealt with accordingly. Knowing what to do if or when these situations occur can save you a lot of money on unnecessary repairs.

What To Do If Your Water Pipes Burst

Water pipes burst for various reasons, despite the cause of the issue; you need to know what to do when it arises. The first thing that happens when pipes within a residence burst is water begins to flood the residence. Water may come from ground floors or even seep in from under the walls. Prior to calling an emergency plumber, make sure that the main water valve that supplies the home is turned off.

Clogged Toilets Can Turn Into A Big Mess

Most people would not consider calling an emergency plumber over a clogged toilet. Overtime the issue can get worse if nothing is done about it. The best thing to do when you notice the toilet is not flushing is to contact an emergency plumber immediately. Toilet clogs can get messy and can become a major headache if they are left as is.

Do You Smell Something Funny?

The smell of gas in a home is enough to frighten anyone. After the gas company, has been informed of the problem you should then contact a plumber. Plumbers not only work on water pipes, they also assist with heating and furnaces. Carbon monoxide gases are not anything to play with; they are deadly if not taken care of promptly.

Top Three Kitchen Trends For 2017

February 14, 2017DC Plumber, Helpful Hints, How Tomatt

The kitchen is the heart of the home. It serves a major purpose to daily existence. This is where our food is stored, and our meals are prepared. This is the one place in your home, where food and functionality are the most important factors. It is not only vital that your kitchen serve its main purpose of providing a storage facility and preparation area, but your kitchen should also function accordingly.

To keep up with the everchanging lifestyles of modern day society, many people choose to remodel their kitchens to adhere to their specific needs. Kitchen renovations in DC can be cost-effective and one of the smartest room remodels that you can do to your home. If you are interested in altering the aesthetic of your home for your enjoyment, or to sell it, knowing which trends to look out for will help you make wise design choices.

Tuxedo Style Kitchens

Tuxedo style kitchens have become extremely popular, due to their simplicity. Chances are you have not heard of this design described as mimicking a tuxedo, but have possibly encountered it a few times. These designs have a light color block on top, and are combined with a darker color on the bottom. The darker color is typically a grey or black tone. With this type of design, details matter to make it pop. The top and bottom colors should blend together at some point.

Hidden Appliance Kitchens

Tidiness is next to Godliness is an adage that comes to mind when speaking of this design. This kitchen design concept has gained an increased amount of popularity due to its aesthetic appeal. With this design, simple ordinary appliances that one would expect to see in a kitchen are camouflaged. The effect is accomplished by creating cabinets to cover the appliance, instead of leaving it out in the open, like many design concepts do.

The hidden appliance concept gives the kitchen an uncluttered appearance. It opens counter space and room, allowing the area to provide a multifunctional effect. This is perhaps one of the top trends to look out for in 2017. New designs not only allow cabinets to be used to hide refrigerators, but other common items such as coffee makers and microwaves are being disguised.

Automation For The Kitchen

Technology shapes the way that we live, and in 2017 it is going to make a huge impact in the kitchen. Fully automated faucets that allow people of varying items to reach the faucet are already extremely popular. Some new things to keep an eye on in 2017 are going to include: fully automated appliances that work in conjunction with your smartphone, and automated cooking tools.

With new trends rolling in, it is important to also stay away from outdated trends. Short cabinets are becoming a thing of the past, taller cabinets are now a thing of the future. Granite countertops still provide an adequate amount of flair, but lighter colored granite is the new upcoming trend. The dark kitchen phase has reached its end also. In 2017, it is all going to be about making the kitchen one of the lightest and brightest areas of the home.

Three Ways To Turn Your Bathroom Into A Smart Room

February 13, 2017Bathroom Remodeling, DC Plumber, How Tomatt

It is an undeniable fact that technology has severely altered our existence. Smartphones have become the modern-day equivalent to a daily journal. The internet is where everyone goes if they need a question answered. Technology has changed the way that we act and the way that we live. Now it has also changed the functionality of the bathroom.

Many adults can recall their parents bickering at them for bringing something electronic into the bathroom with them. Parents were convinced that if something electronic were taken into the area that their children could get hurt. Now, electronics have become a part of the bathroom, and are being integrated into the room with such precision that it’s hard to tell if they are incorporated or not.

The Cool Cabinet Effect

The Cool Cabinet is a idea that does exist, and one you may be interested in if you are planning to do some bathroom remodeling in DC. On the outside, the cabinet looks like your basic medicine cabinet. It has mirrors on the outside of it, and when it opens, there is space for you to store your hygiene products. When it comes to this cabinet, looks can be deceiving. The medicine cabinet is built with a partial refrigeration system.

This system was built in to provide an area to keep cold drinks on hand, or for other items that require refrigeration. Skin products that are organically made can be stored here, instead of the fridge. Also, for people that take medications that require refrigeration, there will be no need to have to store pills next to food. Instead, the cabinet provides a perfect place to keep prescriptions cold.

The Smart Shower

There is no better feeling in the world than stepping into a hot steaming shower at the end of a hard day. The new and improved smart shower is designed to please. This shower is loaded with interactive features that make showering extremely enjoyable and unforgettable. The appearance of the shower is simple, it is the hidden gems that make it incredibly attractive.

The smart shower features a built-in control system. The system is controlled by a few flicks of the finger, using an LCD screen that can be mounted anywhere. This shower allows users to control the water pressure of their shower, the temperature of their water, and the steam that the shower is releasing. The shower provides a fully customizable showering experience for everyone in the family.

Built-in Bathroom Stereo System

Imagine turning your tub into a stereo system. The concept may sound silly, but people are doing it. There is a built in stereo system that exists that enables music to be broadcasted from the tub in the bathroom. An amplifier is placed inside of a cabinet in the room, and can be connected to a phone or a CD can be placed into it. Speakers that are not visible are placed inside of the tub, and the sound is amplified from there.

While having the stereo system installed, you can also opt for heating pads to be placed inside the inner layer of the tub as well. These pads are designed to provide a spa-like feel in your residence. Technology has made it possible to customize your life, and make it into something that you can enjoy in every facet. From the kitchen, to the bathroom, to the car, technology integration just makes sense.

Space Saver Ideas For Small Bathroom Remodels

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

Bathrooms are normally the toughest and most expensive room to remodel in your home. The plumbing lines that have been set to signify where the toilet, sink, and tub should be set are usually in a fixed location. If the footprint of the room is small, there may not be a lot of room to work with when considering a remodel.

There is always the option of taking out a wall to expand the space. If you are tight on cash and do not the money to do a complete remodel, there are some simple things that can be done to make the room appear larger. Five space saving ideas to consider when doing DC bathroom remodeling are to change out the vanity, eliminate shower curtains, clear out the clutter, paint the walls, and add extra light.

Change Out The Vanity

If your small sized bathroom contains a vanity, consider changing it out. The vanity can be swapped for a pedestal style sink or a console that possesses a few shelves. Removing the vanity may eliminate the room’s storage potential, but it will make the room appear spacious.

Eliminate Shower Curtains

Shower curtains can make a small bathroom appear even smaller. If the curtain is made of fabric or possess a pattern, the bathroom will have a closed in or dark appearance. To give the bathroom a spacious look, install glass sliding doors. The doors are available in varying styles, and give the room a lighter appearance.

Clear Out Clutter

Cluttered rooms give an area a smaller appearance, even if the area is large. Baskets and shelves can be used to organize the area. Consider installing floating or wall-mounted cabinets. Place the shelves at a decent height, so you can store your bathroom essentials, but low enough for you to be able to grab something if it is needed.

Paint The Walls

Dark colors make rooms appear closed in, while lighter colors open them up. If your bathroom does not get a decent amount of natural light, lighter or neutral colors should be used to brighten up the space. The right paint color can transform the bathroom in your home. A light and lively color will give the room depth, making it appear larger than its square footage.

Add Extra Light

A common reason why people opt to remodel their bathrooms is due to trends. While a bathroom that possesses pattern tiles all over the walls may have been a great look in the seventies, it is not a good look now. Changing out the light fixtures in the room can provide additional lighting that the bathroom lacked previously. Think about adding sconces along the left and right sides of the mirror, or doing wall-mounted string lines.

Some bathroom remodels can be DIY, while other remodeling ideas may require professional intervention. Before removing the fixtures in the room, such as the sink, toilet, or tub, reach out to a professional to avoid damaging anything. Remodeling a room takes skill; small bathroom remodels can be just as tedious as their larger counterparts.