Category Archives: DIY Plumbing

Upgrade Options For The Kitchen And Bathroom

March 24, 2017Bathroom Remodeling, DC Plumber, DIY Plumbing, Helpful Hints, How To, Plumbing Advicematt

Whenever there is an upgrade made to a plumbing system in your residence, it can impact all the plumbing systems in the home. Most people are made aware of the various DC plumbing upgrades that are available when they purchase a new home. The same upgrade options that exist for new homes can also be installed in older dwellings.

When considering plumbing upgrades there are two rooms that are updated. These rooms are the kitchen and the bathroom. These are the two primary areas of a home that use water regularly. It only makes since that these are the areas of focus.

Kitchen Updates

There are three things that can be updated in the kitchen, regarding plumbing. These three things are the sink, the faucets, and the garbage disposals. All three of these items will require water to work properly.

The Sink

Drop style sinks that are made of stainless steel are the standard sink for new construction. The sinks are stain and corrosion resistant. Upgrades to the sink would be opting to have the sink under-mounted. With an under-mount sink, the sink is mounted underneath the counter, and clips are used to hold it in place.

The Faucets

Upgrading a faucet is simple. One of the most common updates to a faucet is to install a spout that pulls out. You can find these faucets through various plumbing fixture companies. The style and finishes of the faucet differ greatly. Make sure you do some research, to locate a faucet that adheres to your needs.

The Garbage Disposal

Garbage disposals can be useful for some. They are not necessary, but if you opt for one, there are always upgraded versions available. Garbage disposals are priced according to their horsepower; the higher the horsepower, the higher the cost.

Bathroom Updates

When considering plumbing updates, one of the main places people consider is the bathroom. The three most common renovations to make in your bathroom are the faucets, toilets, and showers. Deciding on what types of upgrades you want to have performed can be daunting.

The Bathroom Faucets

The first type of upgrade available for the bathroom faucets is the finish. You have the option of choosing between a stainless steel, polished brass, or brushed nickel finish. A widespread faucet is another upgrade that can be made to the bathroom faucets. These types of faucets have separate spouts for hot and cold water.

The Toilets

The design of the standard toilet is not aesthetically appealing. Not to mention, anyone that is over 185lbs cannot stand their design. The seat is relatively small. A few updates that can be done to the toilet are to purchase an elongated bowl, have a higher seat installed, or change the traditional white color of the unit.

The Showers

There are many updates that a shower can have performed. Everything from the walls, to the piping, to the showerhead can be replaced during a renovation. There are a variety of different types of showerheads to choose from, as well as other high-quality finishes that can be applied.

Three Ways To Make Your Bathroom Water Efficient

March 22, 2017Bathroom Remodeling, DC Plumber, DIY Plumbing, Energy Efficiency, Helpful Hints, Plumbing Advicematt

Renovating an existing bathroom, can be an exciting and fun challenge. With all the things to consider, water or energy efficiency may be two factors that get neglected. The good news is it is not hard to perform bathroom remodeling in DC. This is thanks to new regulations.

It does help to familiarize yourself with the available options to make your bathroom efficient. When creating an energy efficient bathroom, there are three areas to focus on. Focus should be given to the toilets, bathtubs, and showerheads.

Toilets

When considering water efficiency in your bathroom, you need to start with the toilet. Flushing the toilets in a home account for one third of overall indoor water use. Older toilets use more water than the newer ones available. Houses that have a toilet that was made before 1994 are wasting 3.5 gallons of water, every time that the toilet is flushed.

In comparison, new toilets use 1.6 gallons or less, per flush. This equates to a significant amount of savings on your water bill. There are some models that provide separate flushing options. For liquid waste, to be flushed, these toilets use 0.8-1.1 gallons. While solid waste uses 1.6 gallons.

Bathtubs

When it comes to water efficiency, bathtubs get a bad rap. It is understandable, why they are looked at negatively, in this regard. The average bathtub holds anywhere from 30-50 gallons of water, if it is filled up. Before banning anyone from using the tub in your home, keep in mind that choosing a shower over a bath does not make a difference.

The longer you choose to shower, the more water you will use. Most people prefer to shower, and will save bathing for a few select days out of the week. Filling up a bathtub to the half-way point can help cut back on water waste.

Showerheads

The shower is another water-guzzler. Showerheads that were made before 1994 can use up to eight gallons of water per minute, when used for a basic showering session. The updated showerheads use a lesser amount. New showerheads are capped at the amount of water they disperse. The newer showerheads use roughly 2.5 gallons of water a minute.

Lesser water does not mean lesser force. The new showerheads still provide a steady stream of water, just like the previous ones. Low-flow showerheads do exist, but many people are disappointed by the way that they operate. The newer showerheads can help you get an enjoyable shower with using insignificant amounts of water.

People want to save money on their household bills, so they can afford to spend their money for other things they require. When updating or remodeling a bathroom, you need to pay close attention to the appliances that are going to adorn the area. The toilet, bathtub, and showerhead are three upgrades to consider when performing a bathroom remodel.

These three appliances are known for using substantial amounts of water to function. Updating the appliances to newer versions can help conserve water. Low-flow options are also available for added water savings.

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.

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!

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.

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.

Three Reasons To Hire Sewer Services

February 7, 2017DC Plumber, DIY Plumbing, How To, Plumbing Advice, Sewer Issuesmatt

The importance of maintaining a functional plumbing system is often overlooked by homeowners. If the plumbing system in a building is properly maintained, an expert will rarely have to be called in to render services. Overtime, a neglected system can cause problems that will get worse as time proceeds. Proper maintenance can stop problems from occurring, but most people do not understand how important their sewage systems are until it’s too late.

The pipelines that are used in sewage systems are delicate. If the system is not adequately maintained, it can cause a company offering sewer services in DC to have to intervene to rectify the issue. There are three reasons to consider employing a professional if you begin to experience sewage issues. A professional service can properly diagnose the sewage problem, clean out blocked pipes, and help eliminate further damage to the piping system.

Properly Diagnose The Sewage Problem

Clogs within the sewage system occur when something is blocking the one of the pipelines. If a clog is not fixed promptly, this could cause the pipes that are being blocked to crack or burst under pressure. Pipes that are cracked or burst will need to be rectified by a professional. They will identify the cause of the issue and resolve it.

Clean Out Blocked Pipes

Clogged pipes happen for a variety of different reasons. The most common reasons why they occur is because of objects being flushed down the toilet that should be disposed of by a different means. Baby diapers, tissue rolls, and tampons are commonly flushed down the toilet, instead of being disposed of properly. If these items are flushed down the commode, they can cause massive problems.

It is vital that only things that are intended to be flushed down the toilet are disposed of in this matter. In most cases, only toilet paper should be put into a toilet, because it will disintegrate over time. Once an item has obstructed the flow of water, it can cause any water that is flushed into the pipes to come back up, because it has no way to pass through.

Eliminate Further Damage To The Piping System

If a clogged pipe or sewage leak is not fixed immediately, the issue can spread throughout the property. The sewage can spew over to the front lawn of your residence, basement, or any area that water is being fed to. Homeowners that attempt to fix the problem on their own, without any plumbing experience can cause further damage to their piping system.

Trained sewage professionals know what to do to ensure that further damage does not occur. These professionals will identify the cause, use their specialized equipment to fix the issue, and help eliminate any further damage to the piping system. They understand how the system runs and operates, making the task of fixing the issue seamless.

As mentioned before, the sewage system in a dwelling is complex and delicate. Maintaining the system and getting it properly fixed if anything goes wrong helps ensure the safety of your household. Raw sewage has been linked to adverse health complications. It is important to get any sewage related issues fixed properly to avoid further damage to your dwelling and your health.

Things To Keep In Mind When You Decide To Remodel Your Bathroom

December 15, 2016Bathroom Remodeling, DC Plumber, DIY Plumbing, Helpful Hints, How Tomatt

Renovating or remodeling your bathroom can be a big job. There are a few things you should keep in mind once you decide to move forward with your home improvement project.

Research

Before you start any type of home improvement project, it’s important to do as much research as you can on the subject. After you’ve done your research you should know what kind of changes you want to make as well as how much time and money you’re willing to spend on the project.

Get As Many Materials As You Can In Advance

Obviously, you won’t be able to buy everything that you’ll need for your bathroom renovation ahead of time. But you can purchase smaller items such as plumbing fixtures, lighting, flooring or tile as well as sinks and tubs before you start your renovation project.

Don’t Rush

Since you’re going to be living with your newly renovated bathroom for years to come, it’s important that you don’t rush the process. Look at all your options and don’t make any snap decisions. Shop around for the best deals and take the time to browse through interior design magazines until you find everything you want to create the bathroom of your dreams.

Hire A Professional Plumber To Help

Hiring a professional plumber to assist you with your bathroom renovation project is a much better idea than trying to complete the project all by yourself. Hiring a professional eliminates the possibility of making expensive mistakes that you’ll then have to hire a professional plumber or contractor to fix. A professional plumber can also ensure that your design ideas will work the existing space that you’re renovating. A professional can also help keep your project on schedule and on budget. When you’re renovating your bathroom, you’ll have a lot of choices to make. You’ll have to think about flooring, lighting, fixtures, shower rods and storage options. A professional can help you navigate your way through the renovation jungle. They will be able to tell you pros and cons for different types of flooring, helping you decide which will hold up best for your needs. And they may also tell you to install a curved shower rod instead of a straight one in order to have more room in the shower, while saving floor space. They can even help you choose the most energy-efficient, water-saving toilet so that you’re new bathroom is not only beautiful, but environmentally friendly too.

Finding Help With Your Bathroom Renovation Project In Your Area

The best way to find the right professional plumber or contractor to help with your home improvement project is as simple as asking someone that you trust for a recommendation in your area. For instance if you’re located in DC ask a friend, family member or an office colleague for advice on DC bathroom renovations. You can also search online for professional plumbing and contracting companies in your area. If you follow these suggestions you’ll be enjoying your new bathroom in no time.

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.