Category Archives: Helpful Hints

SIGNS THAT SHOW YOUR SEWER LINE NEEDS REPAIR

May 26, 2017DC Plumber, Helpful Hints, Plumbing Advice, Sewer Issuesmatt

Every homeowner probably knows that the sewer system helps in transporting waste water from their homes to the underground sewer lines. Beyond that, most homeowners give very little thought to their sewer lines until an issue comes up. A sewer problem can lead to sewer backup coming out of the drains. This can lead to significant damage to a home and a costly sewer line repair or replacement. If you see a warning or a potential sewer issue, contact a plumbing service for inspection immediately. The inspection can save you from severe sewer and plumbing issues. The following are some of the signs of a broken or deteriorating sewer line that needs DC sewer repair.

Sewer Gas Odor

If you can smell sewer odor in or around your home, this is a clear sign that there is a crack somewhere in your sewer system. A sewer is usually air tight everywhere apart from the vent stacks on the roof that allows the sewage to move downhill. This means that you should never experience any sewer odor unless there is an opening or a crack in your sanitary sewer system.

Sewer Blockages And Backups

Sewer backups usually occur in the lowest open drain, and they are caused by a blockage somewhere in the sewer line. If you are experiencing sewer backups every time you run water down your bathroom drain or sink, the most common problem is likely to be in your main sewer line since all your drains rely on the main sewer line to drain properly. If the backups are limited to only one drain, then your problem could be isolated to that specific drain. You can seek the services of a plumber in DC to clean your pipes, and the drains will work properly once more.

Slow Drains

If your toilet, sink or bathtub is draining very slowly even after the sewer line is cleaned, you may have some underlying issues such as tree roots intrusions or cracks invading the sewer pipes. A slow drain may be an indication that something is forming up in the sewer system which may lead to a sewage backup. You should not use chemicals to solve slow drainage since the chemicals will eat away the pipe causing more damage.

Septic waste Pooling In Your Yard

Septic waste pooling in your home is a clear indication that there is a break in your sewer line. The problem may be a cracked main line, a broken septic tank or clogged drain fields. Most often, the problem is found directly under the pool of the sewer waste water.

Foundation Cracks And Sinkholes

Extreme signs of sewer system deterioration include foundation problems like cracks in the foundation slab, settlement and in some cases sinkholes. If the mainline that runs under the slab develops a leak that remains unattended for a long period, a void will develop in your foundation. This may lead to foundation issues such as cracks, settlements in the building or more worse a sinkhole. If you spot any of these problems, you should contact a foundation repair specialist immediately.

In conclusion, if you are experiencing any of these warning signs of a broken sewer system, you should have a sewer inspection done by a professional plumber immediately. Plumbing systems can fail terribly and cause excessive damage to your property. There are various methods of repairing the sewer out there so you should seek the advice of a plumber in DC before you make any decisions.

DC Water Heater Repairs

May 24, 2017DC Plumber, Energy Efficiency, Helpful Hints, How To, Plumbing Advice, Water Heatersmatt

A water heater is a vital item in your household. Water heaters enable a household to function as a modern home by providing hot water for dish cleaning, washing clothes, bathing and cleaning in a sanitary manner. It is frustrating to get into the shower only get some ice cold water after turning the hot water knob. With some little understanding, you can take care of some problems yourself, and also be better prepared to understand your options when it is time to call a professional plumber for the repairs.

Symptoms of a Faulty Water Heater and Repairs

The problems with a water heater may be smelly or rusty-colored water, but the most common problems are a lack of enough hot water and leaks which call for the water heater repairs. Below is a list of some of the symptoms and the corresponding repairs that should be carried out on each one of them.

Not Enough Hot Water

In case there has not been an increase of use of water, and it’s not a new installation of a water heater, the first thing to do is check the thermostat to ensure that it has not been set too low accidentally. If the dip tube is corroded, then this could be the cause of your problem. The scale of your heating elements and the buildup of sediment in the tank may also leave you with a very unsatisfying shower. Apart from a faulty thermostat, the other likely alternative for electric models is that one of the heating elements may have burned out. In case of a gas model, the burner is either working very well or not working at all.

No Hot Water

For electric fueled models, the absence of hot water could be caused by a tripped circuit breaker, a faulty thermostat or both heating elements burning out. For gas fueled models there are many possible causes. The first thing is to check whether the pilot light is burning. If it is not burning, follow the instructions in the user manual of the unit to re-light it. Otherwise, the problem of the heater could be anywhere along its chain between the pilot and the burner.

Strange Noises

Tapping noises are normal when your tank is heating up and cooling down quickly. However, loud thuds and pops come as a result of the scaling breaking off to become sediment. A boiling noise should be considered as an emergency. This is because the noise indicates a failure of the safety device that limits the pressure and the temperature and this leaves you at a risk of a steam explosion. If you have some strange noises, contact the services of a plumber in DC to check your water heater to prevent damage to your property.

Leaks

Water heaters have several ports and openings in the tank, such as the pressure relief valve, drain valve, and the heating elements. Check all the ports and the plumbing above the water heater for any leaks. If you can’t find any leaks and there is a lot of water on the floor, the other probability is that the water heater tank is leaking and it cannot be repaired. Consider replacing your water heater tank, and only a professional plumber can do this. DC water heater repairs can solve the problem for you and give you peace of mind.

In conclusion, you can find instructions on the web for maintenance of your plumbing system, but a minor mistake can lead you to a more difficult and expensive problem. To avoid this, seek the services of a professional plumber in DC for fast, reliable and lasting DC water heater repairs.

Affordable DC Plumbing Upgrades That You Should Consider Installing

May 22, 2017Bathroom Remodeling, DC Plumber, DIY Plumbing, Energy Efficiency, Helpful Hints, How To, Plumbing Advice, Water Heatersmatt

Plumbing upgrades to any household affect the entire plumbing system of that residence. Whether you are considering selling your home, adding value to it or finding a return on your investment, plumbing upgrades are becoming inevitable. The new fixtures and plumbing line will not only enhance the appearance of your kitchen or bathroom, but they will also incorporate new functionalities that will make your life easier and more convenient. If you are in DC, there are many professionals who can help you with your DC plumbing upgrades. The following are some of the affordable upgrades you can use to boost the value of your home and increase its beauty.

Kitchen Faucet

The trending kitchen faucets are the hands-free and the touch-activated faucets. While these two technologies have been readily available in the public bathrooms throughout our cities, maybe it was not yet the time for you to make upgrades in your kitchen. Every major plumbing company manufactures these new faucets, hence they are readily available and pretty convenient. The selection of the styles and finishing for your kitchen faucets are many, so make sure you select the right one for your kitchen. Moreover, these kitchen faucets will add value to your kitchen and give you convenience that is usually underrated.

Self-Cleaning Toilet

In order to save time and get your toilet cleaned in a short while, manufacturers have designed a self-cleaning toilet. Using the modern technology and at an affordable price, this toilet has become a new trend in the modern homes and also in bathroom remodels. Just by the push of a button, your toilet is refreshed and scrubbed clean using the chemicals that pour into the bowl. To save you from embarrassment during parties and when entertaining guests, this toilet is worth the investment.

Showers

There is nothing as good as a hot shower. Nowadays, a shower is no longer a routine rather it has become an experience. With the advancing plumbing technology showers are becoming soothing, refreshing and more interesting. The technology that is trending currently is the rain shower head. Unlike the normal shower heads that come out of the wall, the rain shower head comes from the ceiling simulating rain. With this shower, there is no angling of the shower head or ducking underneath it in case you are tall. The rain shower head also comes with LED lighting installed. This lighting keeps changing depending on the temperature of the water. This shower head provides you with an ambiance during your morning shower experience and also lets you know when the temperature is the way you like it.

Water Heater

Traditional water heaters waste a lot of resources due to the fact that they let hot water sit in the pipes until it cools. This means that you will always have to run the water for it to be heated, wasting a lot of energy. To avoid this waste, you can opt for a modern water heater that has an on-demand circulation pump. These modern systems do not waste as much energy, and you won’t have to run the shower a few minutes for you to get hot water. The modern water heater will save you a lot of money in the long run and also provide you with great comfort and convenience.

In conclusion, in case you have not upgraded your plumbing system and fixtures for some time, you could be incurring losses unknowingly. However, there are many ways in which you can cut on your water expenditure. This will not only help you save money on your bills, but it will also add value to your home. Upgrading your plumbing system does not have to be a huge ordeal. You can seek the advice of a plumber in DC for professional advice on which DC plumbing upgrade to install as well as hire them for quick installations and maintenance services.

Factors to Consider When Starting your DC Plumbing Renovations

May 20, 2017Bathroom Remodeling, DC Plumber, Helpful Hints, How To, Plumbing Advicematt

When renovating your home, the rooms that require special attention and care are the bathroom and the kitchen. In case you are renovating your kitchen plumbing or remodeling your bathroom, planning is everything. This is because renovations can be quite costly if they are not planned well. You should spend ample time with a professional plumber in order to discuss your plumbing needs and design that will work seamlessly with the new architectural parameters of your renovated home. The following are some of the things to consider when carrying out DC plumbing renovations for your kitchen or bathroom.

The Space

The best way to gain more space without extending to your floor area is by installing features in the cavity space. This is a great way to save your bathroom space when renovating the bathroom plumbing. You might be in a position to fit in a niche into a cavity space in your shower to make a shelf or install a small shaving cabinet. Your plumber will tell you where the plumbing pipes are and give you ideas that will suit your intended design or layout.

The Plumbing Renovation Layout

One of the most significant ways to ensure that you get satisfied with your bathroom or kitchen renovations in the future is by planning the layout carefully. Take enough time and draw the layout of your space. You should then consider the possible ways in which space can be future-proofed in order to ensure mobility of all the occupants. In case you would want to update the finishes and colors once they get outdated, avoid the expenses of changing the layout and the shell all over again by ensuring that you get it right the first time.

Cost-Effective Renovations

When you are planning for the plumbing layout during a renovation, you should consider your budget carefully. Making a complete changeover may seem like a good idea, but it might not be cost-effective for you. Consider whether the renovations will outweigh the benefits before you make major changes. Most of the major changes will require qualified professional to complete. You should seek the services of a plumber in DC to advice you on how you will marry the changes with your budget.

Set Your Budget and Stick To It

During a renovation, it is very easy to go overboard. Avoid over capitalizing by looking for fixtures and accessories that will fit within your budget. When renovating your house for the purpose of selling it, consider the cost of renovation against the return on investment.

Leave It to the Professionals

With most of the bathroom and kitchen renovations, you can do the work yourself. But for the most part, it is advisable to leave the work to the professionals. Apart from the plumber, you may also require a reliable cabinet maker, electrician and a tiller. Take your time to get quotations on all the tradesmen needed to execute your layout plan. To save time and cost, you can contract one company for the renovation project to ensure the work is done well and on time.

In conclusion, before making any major decisions, you should seek expert advice from professionals to complete your renovation. Employing DC plumbing renovations expert who experienced in kitchen and bathroom plumbing renovations will help you a great deal.

DC Emergency Plumbing Services

May 18, 2017DC Plumber, Helpful Hints, How To, Plumbing Advicematt

Plumbing emergencies are inevitable in our homes and offices, and at a time we can’t afford to wait to get them fixed. Your water heater may stop heating water when you enter your shower. Your dishwasher may break down when you are cleaning up after dinner. The toilet or sink may clog when you are leaving for work, or one of your pipes may leak or burst during the night. Before you contact an emergency plumbing service in case of such emergency, you should turn off your water supply. If it’s a broken pipe, a faucet that’s leaking or a water heater that stopped working, ensure you discontinue the flow of water. This will reduce water wastage hence lower charges on your water bill. However, by doing this, you will prevent any flooding event if there is a serious leakage.

The best residential and commercial plumbing services will provide you with the best emergency repairs, replacements, and maintenance to help you avoid damage in case of a leak or clog. If an emergency occurs in DC, it will be comforting to have a plumbing service on speed dial to fix the problems before they worsen. The following are the three important reasons why you should have DC emergency plumbing services contact at all times.

Avoiding Property Damage

One thing that is a nightmare to every homeowner is damage to property. Property damage may come as a result of plumbing failures and freezing pipes. Most often, property damage due to water leaks end up costing the homeowner a lot of money leading to a complete remodel of the kitchen or bathroom. Emergency plumbing services will limit the damage done to your home and save you a lot of money in the long run.

Getting To Use Your Fixtures Once Again

If there is a pipe disruption or breakage in your plumbing system, it becomes impossible to use your toilet or sink. For very obvious reasons, you cannot afford to have these things not working for a long period. DC Emergency plumbing services or a plumber in DC will enable you to continue with a normal life in case such events occur.

Plumbing System Inspections

When there is a leak or clog in your plumbing system, the best emergency service will perform a keen inspection of the entire system to ensure there are no more lingering issues. For instance, if your sewer system is more than 30 years old, it may require replacement. An emergency plumbing service will notify you this at no cost as they come to fix your emergency issues.

In conclusion, the plumbing system in your business or home is very complex and at any time disaster can strike leading to damage of property. It is therefore important to look for DC emergency plumbing services as a method of home improvement. It is also crucial to have contact information of a qualified plumbing company or a plumber in DC in the case of emergencies and especially the life-threatening ones. Most of the plumbing companies offer plumbing services 24 hours, seven days in a week throughout the year.

Uncovering Issues In Your DC Home

May 12, 2017DC Plumber, DIY Plumbing, Helpful Hints, How To, Plumbing Advicematt

Often, when issues arise in our homes, we have a pretty clear idea of what the problem is. If the air-conditioner goes out, for example, we know we have to call an HVAC service company here in DC. Some problems, however, are not so cut and dry. Some issues that we deal with as homeowners may take some serious investigating to properly diagnose. This article will cover some of those issues, providing tips on how to uncover them, and who you can turn to in the DC-area to fix them.

Detecting Mice In Your Home

Mice can be a huge problem for DC homeowners, as they get into food, eat away at the structure and wiring of your house, and can even spread diseases. Unfortunately, these creatures can be very hard to detect, as they can squeeze through pin-sized holes, and tend to hide in the walls of your house. If you do happen to see a mouse scurrying across your floor, there are probably several more that you don’t see. Typically, you will know that you have a mouse infestation by paying attention to several clues: scratching or scurrying noises from within your walls, the presence of mouse feces, and food that seems to have been gotten into are all common signs of a mouse infestation. If you suspect that there are mice in your house, try setting traps. There are traps that kill mice outright and traps that simply capture them so that you can release them away from your house. Which type of trap you purchase is up to you, but it is important that you buy a few and make sure they are spread out around your house. Be sure to put them in places where you will not step on them! While we have all seen the cheese on the mousetrap in cartoons, peanut butter is actually the recommended bait, as mice love it, and its stickiness makes it hard to eat without setting off the trap. If you suspect that your mouse problem is serious, call a professional exterminator here in DC.

Detecting Leaks In Your Plumbing

A plumbing leak is another household problem that is not so obvious. In fact, leaks can be very hard to spot. As with mice, there are some common signs that can indicate a probable plumbing leak. A sudden and unexplainable increase in your water bill is a big red flag, as leaks naturally tend to cause increased water usage. The presence of mold and mildew, with an accompanying musty smell is another sign that there could be a leak in your plumbing. If you suspect that you have a leak, call a DC leak detection service to come out and examine your plumbing. This is definitely a task best left to the professionals, as finding a leak can sometimes be as difficult as finding a needle in a haystack. However, a good plumber will use their expert knowledge – as well as high-tech gadgets such as mini video cameras – to pinpoint your leak. Once found, the plumber should be able to fix the leak for you with relative ease.

Where To Go When You Need A Quick Repair Here In DC

May 10, 2017DC Plumber, DIY Plumbing, Helpful Hints, How To, Plumbing Advicematt

There are many joys when it comes to being a homeowner. It is wonderful having your own piece of property, that you can decorate or upgrade however you see fit. That being said, there are some headaches to being a homeowner as well. When something needs repaired, you cannot simply call a landlord or superintendent to come and fix it. It is up to you to take care of any problems with your home. One of the great perks of being a homeowner here in Washington, DC is that there are countless repair services who are able to help you out. This article will describe some common repairs that you might need to call a DC-area service provider to come out and help you with.

Plumbing Repairs In DC

If you own a home for several years, you will likely need to make several calls to a DC-area plumber. This is an unfortunate fact of life as a homeowner. One of the most common reasons that homeowners here in DC place calls to plumbers is drain clogs. A drain clog can be a huge inconvenience for you and your family, as it can prevent you from using your sink, shower, or even your toilet! Many homeowners attempt to fix these clogs themselves, either with chemicals or with a “snake” (a motorized metal coil, that reaches deep into drains and breaks up clogs). For minor clogs, this can work, but for major clogs, it is recommended that you call a DC clog service. When you make this call, a service technician will come out to your house and inspect your drain, often using a small video camera. Once the clog is located, the service tech will be able to break it up using sophisticated plumbing equipment.

Electric Repairs In DC

It is a good idea to have the contact information of a knowledgeable and reputable electrician here in DC, as electrical problems can literally pop up in the blink of an eye. Unless you really know what you are doing, it is recommended that you do not attempt to make electrical repairs yourself. Working with electrical systems is very dangerous, as it can lead to electric shock. With a quick call, though, a DC-area electrician will be able to come out to your house and inspect your wiring, then make any repairs that are necessary.

HVAC Repairs In DC

DC is known for many wonderful things: beautiful weather is not one of them. Summers here are hot and humid, while winters are downright cold. For this reason, it is important that you have a working air-conditioner and a working heater. If either of these essential appliances should ever stop working when you need them most, call a local HVAC service technician right away. A good HVAC service technician will be able make the necessary repairs and have you feeling warm and cozy – or nice and cool – again in no time.

How To Handle Sudden Repairs In Your DC Home

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

As homeowners, there are some repairs that we are prepared for. Perhaps we have an old oven that needs replacing, or an air-conditioner that has been running on its last leg for quite some time, and can go out any minute. We expect to make repairs on such appliances, and often have money saved up for repairs. Some repairs, though, seem to come completely out of the clear blue sky. Something could be running just fine, then – next thing you know – it’s broken. This article will help you figure out how to handle sudden repairs such as these, and will highlight DC-area service providers that you can call when these unfortunate situations arise.

Sudden Appliance Repairs

Unfortunately, major appliances often break down without warning. This goes for refrigerators, ovens, washers and driers, as well as air-conditioners and heaters. If a major appliance breaks down without warning, it is important to get the right DC service technician out to your house to make the repair. The type of technician that you end up calling will vary depending on which appliance broke down. If your air-conditioner or heater is needing repair, for example, you will need to call a local HVAC (Heating, Ventilation, and Air-Conditioning) technician. An HVAC technician specializes in heating and air-conditioning repair, and will be able to have your unit running good as new in no time. There are also plenty of DC-area technicians who specialize in kitchen appliance repair, as well as technicians whose work is solely devoted to washer and dryer repair. Call one of these technicians as soon as you realize there is a problem with one of your appliances, and they will be able to come out and give you an estimate. Sometimes they will recommend that you replace the appliance altogether, but repairs can usually be made.

Sudden Plumbing Repairs

Plumbing issues often pop up without any prior notice. That is the bad news. The good news is that there are many plumbers here in DC who are able to come out to your house and make repairs with very little notice. Many local plumbers even provide twenty-four-hour service, seven days a week! Leaks, for example, seem to happen out of nowhere (and always seem to pop up at the worst possible time!). If you have a leak, it is recommended that you call a DC leak service to come out to your house, and the sooner the better! Leaks can cause excessively high water bills, as well as structural damage to your house. Leak repair will likely involve a two-step process, in which the plumber inspects your pipes to determine the location of the leak, then goes about fixing it. Another plumbing situation that takes many DC homeowners by surprise is clogs. If the water in your sink, tub, or toilet is not going down the drain, you likely have a clog on your hands. A DC plumber will be able to inspect and fix your clog as well.

How To Deal With Clogged Drains Here In DC

May 4, 2017DC Plumber, DIY Plumbing, Helpful Hints, How To, Plumbing Advice, Sewer Issuesmatt

Clogged drains are more or less a fact of life for most homeowners here in DC. Drains can clog for a variety of reasons, which this article will explain. Whatever the reason is, if your drain has a major clog, you will likely need to call a DC plumber to come and unclog it. When you are dealing with a clog, you may think that your drain will never run like normal, but a good local plumber will have your drain running smoothly again in no time. This article will highlight some reasons that your drain may clog, as well as some tips on how to find a great plumber here in DC.

Why Drains Clog

There are many reasons that your drain may clog. One of the main reasons that a drain clogs is build-up of grease, hair, or other particles. As a helpful tip, you should never pour grease down your sink (or any other drain). Instead, store it in a container to be disposed of in your garbage. A drain grate (a metal or plastic cover with small holes that allow liquids to move through, but not solids), should be placed on all drains in your house. This prevents food and hair particles from building up in your drain. Another reason for drain clogs, believe it or not, is sewer backups. When there is something wrong with your sewer line, it can affect your entire plumbing system. This could result in your toilet overflowing and water pooling in your shower. Sewer lines are rather fragile, and can be damaged by changes in the soil, including tree roots growing in the path of the line. For this reason, you should call a DC sewer and drain specialist, so that any issues with your drain – whether it be a clog or a sewer issue – can be resolved.

How You Can Deal With Drain Clogs

You will be able to deal with smaller drain clogs on your own. Liquid drain cleaners – such as Drain-O – can break up small clogs. It is a good idea to keep a bottle of such a cleaning agent on hand. You might even wish to pour some down your drain periodically, even if you do not have a noticeable backup. This will break up any clogs that might be in the process of forming. For clogs that are a little larger, you might need a “drain snake.” This is a durable metal coil, attached to a motor, that will reach deep down your drain. When you turn the power on, the coil twits rapidly, breaking up any clogs in your drain. While this can break up many clogs, there are some clogs that neither the cleaner nor the snake will be able to break up. This is when you would want to call a reputed plumber here in DC. Ask around or search online forums to find a plumber who provides consistent and reliable service. Again, it is important to find a DC plumber who specializes in sewer line repair as well, as that could potentially be the cause of your clog.

Tips For Building Your Dream Home Here In DC

May 2, 2017Bathroom Remodeling, DC Plumber, Helpful Hints, How To, Plumbing Advice, Sewer Issues, Water Heatersmatt

As all Washingtonians know, the DC area is home to a vast array of beautiful housing stock, which tends to get sold as soon as it hits the market. For this reason, many local homebuyers are choosing to buy land and have their houses custom-built. One of the great advantages of custom-building a house is that you have a say in all of its design and construction elements, as you are present for every decision regarding the build. While this means that you are able to create the DC home of your dreams from the ground up, it also requires a lot of dedication and attention to detail on your part. This may seem like an arduous task, but the end result is so worth it. This article will provide some pointers on custom-building your house here in the DC area.

How To Find The Right Help For Your Project

You will likely need many professionals to help you with your custom home-build. Of course, you will need an architect and a contractor to design and construct your house, respectively. That is obvious to most people. What many people do not realize, however, is that there are several other aspects of a home-build that require the help of several other professionals. For one, you will need a plumber to install the plumbing in your house, and connect you to your city or county’s water service. This is a very important and difficult job, and it is recommended that you hire a DC licensed master plumber to do this work for you. You really should not take any chances with this! Equally important is the electrician who will wire your house. For this, you will want a licensed electrician who is known for providing top-notch service here in the DC area.

Having A Plan And Sticking To It

As anyone who has built their own home can tell you, having a highly-detailed plan for your build is crucial. Without one, things can spiral out of control quickly, as decisions pile on top of decisions. There are bound to be some decisions that you are forced to make on the spur of the moment, but try to make as many as you can before you begin your home-build. Even seemingly small decisions like what type of doorknobs and faucets to install are important to hash out up front. This is not only important for your sanity, it is important for your budget as well. Before beginning a project such as this, it is imperative that you take stock of how much you are willing to spend on the construction of your home, and get realistic estimates for each phase of the project. Your estimates may not be perfect, and there will surely be some expenses that you were not able to account for up front, but drafting a budget ahead of time is a great way to ensure that you do not break the bank.