Category Archives: DC Plumber

Hiring A Professional Plumber Vs. DIY

December 14, 2016Bathroom Remodeling, DC Plumber, DIY Plumbing, Helpful Hints, Plumbing Advicematt

Hiring A Professional Plumber Vs. DIY

Do you need plumbing renovations for your home or business? If so, you should consider hiring a professional plumber rather than doing the project yourself. You can trust professional plumbers because they have the knowledge and experience to complete your plumbing renovation quickly and easily. And you know they’ll do it right the first time, so you won’t have to worry about hiring someone else to fix any mistakes that you might make if you try to finish the job yourself. Hiring a skilled professional such as a master plumber or master gas fitter will eliminate unnecessary stress and frustration and save you money in the long run. A professional plumber will make sure all installation and upgrades are done using only the highest quality materials, tools, and parts. A home renovation would make a great gift for you, your significant other or family member. And it’s sure to impress all of the guests that will be stopping by for a visit during the busy holiday season.

Kitchens And Bathrooms

The two rooms in your home that are most likely in need of renovation are your kitchen and your bathroom. A professional plumber can help you renovate one or both of these rooms in your home that are sure to get a lot of traffic this holiday season.

What Kinds Of Renovation Questions Can A Professional Plumber Answer?

When you’re considering a home improvement project you’re sure to have a lot of questions. And a professional plumber can help you answer them. They can help you choose the right lighting, fixtures, faucets, toilets, and even flooring in your new dream bathroom. And if you’re renovating the kitchen, they can help you pick the most energy-efficient appliances to not only make your home greener, but save you some green too. A professional plumber can also help you make sure that the design ideas you have are feasible within the existing space. And the two most important things that a professional plumber can help you do is keep your home improvement on schedule and on budget.

How To Find The Best Plumber For Renovations In Your Area

The best way to find a professional plumber in your area is to ask a friend, family, member or a co-worker for a trusted recommendation in your area, let’s say you’re looking for DC plumbing renovations for example. Asking someone you know and trust for a recommendation may save you time and money if you’re looking for the right plumber to complete your home improvement project. Another possible way to find a professional plumber is to search online. No matter which selection method you choose, hiring a professional plumber will be much easier, faster, and safer than trying to do the project on your own. You’ll be so happy with your newly renovated kitchen or bathroom that you’ll wonder why you didn’t do it sooner.

Freshen Your Bathroom

December 2, 2016Bathroom Remodeling, DC Plumber, DIY Plumbing, Helpful Hints, How To, Plumbing Advicematt

If your home needs a facelift, consider a bathroom remodel. But a bathroom remodel can be a daunting and costly task, if you don’t hire a professional. Here are some tips and things to consider if you’re thinking about doing a bathroom remodel in your home.

Do Your Research

The most important thing to do before you decide to do any kind of remodeling project in your home is to do your research. Know what kind of changes you want to make, how much time the process will take, and how much money you’re willing to spend. Watching home improvement programs may help to give you some ideas. But don’t go overboard. Those programs can be misleading because they often make big projects seem easier than they actually are. And if you watch too many of those shows all the designs begin to look the same after a while.

Have All Your Materials Before You Start

Even though counter tops and custom cabinets will take extra time to arrive, you can save yourself time, money and frustration if you purchase small items like fixtures, lighting, tile, and even the tub before you start the remodeling project.

Consider All The Choices

You’re going to be using this newly remodeled bathroom for a long time. So don’t rush into anything. Shop around at home stores for the best deals; look in magazines and shop online until you find exactly what you want.

Shower Shelves

When you’re planning your dream bathroom, don’t forget to include shelves for your soaps, shampoos, body washes, razors, and other items. Plastic shelves are less expensive but they’re also not as durable as ceramic tile shelving, or built-in wall-shelving.

Removing Old Flooring

One of the most difficult parts of any remodeling project is removing the old flooring. This can be particularly tough in the bathroom because of water damage that can occur near the toilet. Tell your professional contractor to use one-quarter inch plywood or cement board before you lay a new tile or vinyl floor. Vinyl flooring is easier to clean than tile and doesn’t require any grout like tile does. Vinyl flooring is also more durable and will not have to be replaced or repaired as often as tile flooring.

Install A Curved Shower Rod

A great way to save space in your shower is to install a curved shower rod. Curved shower rods cost more than straight ones, but they’re more aesthetically pleasing and stronger so you don’t have to worry about them falling or being pulled down. They give you more elbow room in the shower, without taking away extra floor space, which is usually at a premium in a bathroom.

Lighting

Choosing the right lighting for your bathroom can be tough. It’s important to make sure the lights are bright enough for you to see comfortably. But you may also want to have the ability to use softer lighting for those moments when you want to relax after a long stressful day. Recessed lighting is a great way to accomplish this. You may also want to ensure that the lighting you select is designed specifically for bathrooms.

Finding The Right Contractor

Finding a contractor for your bathroom remodel might seem like an expensive proposition. But it’s much better in the long run to hire a professional rather than doing it yourself. If you do it yourself and make a mistake, it will cost you more to hire a professional to make the repairs than it would have to hire a professional in the first place. To find the right contractor for your bathroom remodel, simply use the internet to guide you. For example, if you’re in DC simply search for DC bathroom remodeling online. It may also be a good idea to ask friends, family members or co-workers to recommend a good contractor. Use these tips and you’ll be on your way to having the bathroom of your dreams.

What To Do During A Plumbing Emergency

December 1, 2016DC Plumber, How To, Plumbing Advice, Water Heatersmatt

Plumbing emergencies can happen when you least expect them. But what do you do if a plumbing emergency does happen? Well the first thing that you should do is call a licensed certified DC emergency plumbing professional to take care of the problem for you. But here are a few tips that might make dealing with a plumbing emergency a little less stressful.

Shut Off The Water

If you’re in the middle of a plumbing emergency, one of the first things you may need to do is turn off the main water supply to your home. This will prevent flooding in an emergency situation. In order to shut off the main water valve, most often you will have to turn the valve clockwise. It is always good to locate your shut off valve prior to any problems, so you know where to go in case of an emergency situation.

Spot Small Leaks

Look around your home for any small leaks that you can take care of as soon as possible. Put rags, towels, or buckets around leaks to temporarily address the problem until a professional plumber arrives. It may be a good idea to have some plumber’s tape handy as well.

Watch Your Water Heater

In a plumbing emergency be sure to keep an eye on your water heater. You may need to turn it off in order to prevent further damage. Water heaters, electric, and gas are dangerous things and should only be worked on by professionals. If you feel you may need to turn off your water heater, explain what is happening to the plumber on the phone, and ask him if you need to do anything before he arrives. He’ll know best, and be able to offer guidance.

Drains And Spigots

After you shut off the main water supply, there will be water in the pipes. Remember to open the drains and spigots so that the water can drain away. This holds true for drains and spigots on both the inside and outside of your home. Don’t use any harsh chemical drain cleaners, because they can cause even more damage.

Listen

During an extreme emergency you may be ordered to leave your home for your own safety. If you’re instructed to do so, do as you’re told. It could save the lives of both you and your family in an emergency situation.

Examples Of Common Plumbing Emergencies

So how do you know if your plumbing problem is an emergency? Plumbing emergencies are any situation that compromises the health or safety of you or your family. Some examples of plumbing emergencies are things like extremely hot water. If your water is hot enough to burn your skin, it’s an indication of a problem with your water heater. Leaking water heaters should also be considered a plumbing emergency. Other examples of plumbing emergencies are things like frozen pipes or leaking pipes, overflowing toilets, waste smells, gas leaks or noisy garbage disposals. If you encounter any of these situations call a professional plumber right away.

Why Sewer Services Are Important

November 29, 2016DC Plumber, Helpful Hints, Plumbing Advice, Sewer Issuesmatt

Sewer services are important because they keep the plumbing system of your home or business running safely and efficiently. Without quality sewer service, you’re putting the health and safety of your family, customers, or employees at risk.

Types Of Sewer Services

There are a wide variety of sewer services that reputable plumbing companies offer. Some examples of commonly offered sewer services include things like pipe rodding, preventative maintenance, leak repair and noise elimination services, as well as the use of specialized underground cameras to pinpoint drain and sewer issues that are invisible to the naked eye.

Holiday Plumbing Help

With the holidays right around the corner, it’s important to make sure your plumbing system is in working order. Here are a few simple tips to avoid time consuming, costly and embarrassing plumbing problems during the holiday season when your house is filled with guests.

Kitchen Plumbing Tips

One of the most important things to remember when it comes to kitchen plumbing is to never pour cooking oil down the drain. This can clog the pipes or cause serious damage to your home’s plumbing system. You should also avoid putting kitchen waste down your garbage disposal. Another invaluable tip is to run your dishwasher or wash machine in the evening to save hot water for you, your family, and your holiday guests to use.

Bathroom Plumbing Tips

When you have a house full of out of town guests, there’s bound to be a lot of showers taken and a lot of toilets flushing. And this can take a serious toll on the plumbing in your bathroom. Here are a few simple tips to keep your bathroom plumbing running smoothly. Avoid taking showers one right after another. Instead spread them out throughout the day. If you have to take a shower right away, try to wait at least ten minutes between showers. You may also want to turn up the water heater to ensure there is enough hot water for you and your guests to use. However, the temperature of your water heater should not exceed one-hundred-and twenty five (125 degrees) Fahrenheit so you don’t burn yourself or your guests. If your shower has weak water pressure, fill a plastic bag with a cup of vinegar and place it over the showerhead. Let it soak overnight. In the morning remove the bag and use an old toothbrush to remove any mineral deposits that are left behind. This may help remove any buildup and get the water flowing correctly.

Frozen Pipes

Another plumbing hazard to avoid in the fall and winter months is frozen pipes. In order to keep your pipes from freezing, make sure they are installed in a well-insulated location. You should also make sure the location is properly heated. Outdoor pipes should be buried below the frost line. All your pipes should also be covered with pipe sleeves. And finally, let the faucets drip in extremely cold temperatures to keep pipes from freezing. If your pipes are already broken or frozen, the first thing you should do is turn off the main water line in your home to prevent flooding. The next thing you should do is contact a certified, licensed plumbing professional to fix the problem as soon as possible. Choosing one known for DC sewer services and drainage issues will be a good choice.

Plumbing 101: Good Help and Green Cleaning

November 3, 2016DC Plumber, How To, Plumbing Advicematt

Plumbing is very important to the health and safety of your home and family. So it’s crucial that you know how to find out whether or not a plumber is qualified to provide plumbing services for your home or business.

Contracts and Estimates

A skilled and experienced plumbing professional should have no problem providing you with sample contracts or estimates for you to review. Many companies even offer free estimates.

Licensing

Never let anyone claiming to be a plumber perform services or conduct repairs to your home without verifying that the company and the plumber are licensed first. Bonding and insurance are also key factors to consider when selecting a plumber. Bonding means that the company will protect you if doesn’t finish the job or doesn’t follow through on financial obligations.

Years of Experience

A qualified plumber should be able to prove his years of experience and know the history of the company. It’s important to do research on your own and find this out. Don’t rely solely on the company to provide you with this information. Check to see if the company is accredited by the Better Business Bureau (BBB) too. But again, this shouldn’t be the only factor that you consider when you select a plumbing professional.

Professionalism

A plumber should be professional and courteous to customers. Make sure they are upfront with you about pricing. And they should also talk you through every step in the service and repair process. And be sure they are willing to accommodate your busy schedule as well.

Proper Material Use

An experienced plumber will also know the proper materials to use in order to provide the highest quality services and repairs to your home or business. For example, a qualified, licensed plumber knows that the best materials to use for pipe installation and repairs is a combination of copper and PVC. These materials are easy for the plumber to work with as well as being safe for your home and family. They are also less expensive and more durable than other types of pipes. These are just a few of the things that you need to look out for when you’re choosing the right plumber for your home or business.

Searching For a Plumber in Your Area

If you’re looking for DC plumbing services for example just do a simple online search. Or ask friends or family for a recommendation. This will ensure that you find the right qualified plumbing professional for your home or business.

Green Cleaning Tips

Keeping your home or business clean is just as important as keeping your plumbing systems running efficiently. Using a few simple green and environmentally friendly cleaning tips can save you time and money. Green cleaning gets your home or business clean without using harsh chemicals that can be hazardous to your health.

Green Toilet Cleaning

An easy and green way to clean your toilet is to use a half a cup of vinegar and a spoonful of baking soda. Combine these two ingredients and pour them into the toilet bowl. After thirty minutes, clean your toilet with a toilet brush.

Sparkling Sinks and Vanities

To clean your sink or vanity in an environmentally friendly way, use a spray made from a combination of two cups baking soda, a half a cup of dish soap, one cup of water and half a cup of vinegar. To clean fixtures use a combination that’s one part vinegar and one part baking soda.

Showers and Tubs

To clean your shower and tub, you can also use a combination of baking soda and dish soap. Using these simple cleaning tips will give you a cleaner, greener home.

Why Plumbing Is Important

November 1, 2016DC Plumber, Plumbing Advicematt

You may not give the plumbing system in your home or business much thought. Even though some of us may take indoor plumbing for granted, it’s still a luxury in many places. But why is plumbing so important? Proper plumbing can prevent the spread of illness and diseases such as cholera and dysentery. These diseases are spread through contaminated water, and some parts of the world like Zaire in Africa were still grappling with them as recently as 1994.

Plumbing becomes even more important in cities where the population is large. For example, in Chicago, during the early nineteenth century, the population grew so much that too much waste flowed directly into Lake Michigan. Plumbing advances to prevent these waterborne diseases only came about in the late nineteenth century. Think about that next time you go for a swim at the beach.

Water

Plumbing ensures that water is clean and safe for bathing. Plumbing is essential for the health and well-being of your family. It’s a modern convenience that we often take for granted without meaning to. But without it we’d be living in a very different world.

Innovation and Sustainability

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) estimates that The United States could save three trillion gallons of water and up to seven billion dollars per year just by switching to eco-friendly plumbing products like low-flow toilets and aerated showerheads. Using water more efficiently reduces energy costs for homes and businesses. And it also makes the world greener and preserves water, which is a finite natural resource.

Plumbing as a Career

Another reason that plumbing is essential is because it provides a viable career path for many people. There’s a constant need for skilled plumbing professionals to install plumbing equipment or make regular plumbing repairs in homes and businesses.

Regular Maintenance

The importance of regular plumbing maintenance for your home or business cannot be understated. Staying on top of plumbing maintenance tasks can prevent costly and inconvenient problems in the future.

Common Plumbing Problems That Require Regular Maintenance

Some areas in your home that require regular plumbing maintenance and inspections are toilets, tubs and showers, and pipes. Water heaters should be checked regularly as well. Their pressure relief valves should be tested once a year, and sediment should be flushed out, also, to prevent build-up.

Plumbing Emergencies

It’s important to have a plumber that you can trust in mind for emergencies that may arise in your home or business. They are inevitable, and having a number handy can make a stressful situation easier.

How to Find a Plumber in Your Area

Use the internet or your local phone book to find a plumber in your area. You can also ask your friends, family or neighbors for a recommendation if you’re in a bind. If you’re in the D.C. area for example, simply Google DC plumbing company to get you started in your search. Don’t take your plumbing for granted! You never really appreciate something until you have to go without it in an emergency situation. That’s why it’s so important to maintain the plumbing system in your home or business. Think about that the next time you take a hot shower or flush the toilet.

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.

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.