Category Archives: Helpful Hints

Warning Signs Of A Clog In The Sewer Line

April 2, 2017DC Plumber, DIY Plumbing, Helpful Hints, How To, Plumbing Advice, Sewer Issuesmatt

Chances are, if you have a clog in your sewer line, you will not be able to see it. Sewer clogs can cause an extensive amount of damage. Most homeowners are aware that sewer lines help transport waste from the home into sewer mains located underground. Beyond this, homeowners do not give any thought to their homes sewage system, until something goes wrong.

Clogs within the sewer lines can cause raw sewage to backup into other drains around the home. As the other drains clog with waste, the damages that occur can be massive. Not to mention, the longer a homeowner waits to fix a sewage issue, the more expensive the repair. Homeowners that acknowledge warning signs quickly can eliminate expensive repairs. There are a few things that homeowners need to pay attention to.

Clogged Drains Or Toilets

A common red flag that signifies a possible sewer problem is water coming back up out of the drain. Gurgling sounds may accompany the issue, as the water raises to the surface of the sink or tub. According to DC sewer services, your home will speak to you if there is a sewage issue.

In a residence, all plumbing lines run together. If you start noticing after using your washing machine, that the toilets start making noises, or there is water around the basement floor drain, this could be a sign of a sewage problem. Most clogs will occur within the main sewer line or in one of the secondary lines supporting it.

Tree Roots

Tree roots are another common cause for clogged sewer lines. This occurs a lot in older homes. In newer homes, clogs commonly occur due to feminine hygiene products, thick toilet paper, or paper towels, being flushed down the toilet. Older pipes are different from newly laid pipes.

In places where vegetation is abundant, tree roots can crush piping systems. Remember, older piping systems were not built like modern systems. Overtime, the pipes will start to deteriorate, requiring them to have to be replaced. Slow flowing drains, and gurgling sounds coming from toilet bowls are the first signs to tell if the clog is caused by tree roots.

Shut Off The Water Source

If there is a clog in your plumbing system, and you suspect that the issue is caused by a sewer drain, there is one thing you must do first. You need to shut off the water at the source of the problem. If you do not know where the source of the issue is coming from, simply turn all water off in your home.

Homeowner that can access the sewer cleanout line in their homes can remove the cap to release the pressure in the line. The sewer cleanout line is normally a round, short, white pipe that has a rubber cap on top of it. Releasing this line will force the water that is clogged in the pipe, to be released outside, instead of coming back into your residence.

To maintain the sewage system in your home, fill your sinks to the top twice a month, and then let them drain. The added pressure ensures proper flow. This will help move any waste that is trapped in the line.

How To Fix A Smelly Drain

March 28, 2017DC Plumber, DIY Plumbing, Helpful Hints, How To, Plumbing Advicematt

Considering the tasks that they carry out, it is miraculous that our sanitation systems do not smell up a home. The good thing is when operating properly, they do not. If your drains suddenly start dispersing a smell, this could mean one of two things. Your drains are clogged, and sewer gas is present. Generally, resolving a smelly drain issue is not difficult.

How To Determine Where The Smell Is Coming From

Before attempting to resolve the issue, you need to identify which drain is releasing the pungent odor. To determine which drain is causing the problem, cover the suspected drain with a plastic bag or some tape. This should prevent the smell from escaping, if this is the drain causing the issue. Once the culprit has been identified, you can either call DC drain and sewer service or attempt to fix the problem on your own.

Clogged Drains

Drains that are clogged or possess lots of gunk can carry a smell. There are a few ways to determine if this is the culprit. A slow drain is one way to determine if this is the cause for the smell. Drains that are partially clogged will not be able to eliminate waste properly, which will lead to buildup in the pipes.

This could eventually lead to a severe problem, if it is not dealt with promptly. A foul odor in the air is usually the first sign that crud buildup could be the culprit. The bathroom sink, kitchen sink, and shower are all areas that are prone to clogs.

Sewer Gas Is In The Air

If it smells like raw sewage in your home, that is exactly what it is. Every drain in your residence should have a trap device. A trap is a U-shaped piping piece that holds onto a small amount of water. The amount of water held by the pipe creates a plug that prevents sewage gases from rising out of the drain.

There are a few reasons why these gases may escape into a residence. One reason is there was not a trap installed in the piping system. If no trap is installed, you will smell gas always. If the drain has not been properly vented, this can cause a suction effect, forcing gases to release into your home.

Clogs Can Be Tough

Most people upon initially encountering a stinky sink will pour some chemical down it to eliminate the odor. If you suspect that the problem is a clog, chances are you may pour some drain cleaner down into the pipes to unclog it yourself. The problem is if there is a clog, then the drain cleaner will not do anything.

The only thing the cleaner will do is turn your home into a chemical site. This is the reason why plumbers choose to use snakes or pressurized water to eliminate the clog, not chemicals. In ordinary clogs, these simple things can fix the problem. The next time that you assume that a stinky drain may be caused by a clog, do not attempt to use chemicals to treat the problem. Instead, call a professional plumber to fix the problem for you.

Five Crazy Things People Do To Ruin Their Plumbing

March 26, 2017DC Plumber, DIY Plumbing, Energy Efficiency, Helpful Hints, How To, Plumbing Advice, Sewer Issuesmatt

If you are searching for a career with job security, consider becoming a plumber. This advice is based on two inevitable truths. First, people are always going to need access to plumbing that works properly. Also, people are always going to do questionable things to stop their plumbing from functioning correctly. Keep in mind that being a plumber is an admirable job.

The crazy things that people do to ruin their plumbing can be remarkable. There are five things that create plumbing issues that can be avoided. To some, avoiding a plumbing issue may seem like common sense. There are people that are unaware of what they should do to maintain their homes’ plumbing systems correctly.

Do Not Leave Hoses Connected In The Wintertime

Leaving a hose connected to the water faucet outside is a common plumbing error. Unlike Christmas lights, water hoses can damage your plumbing, if not removed during colder seasons. If the hose freezes onto the spout, this can impact the faucet and the supply line. Not to mention, you will have to replace your hose as well.

Do Not Use Lots Of Drain Cleaners

When used properly, drain cleaners can effectively help clear clogged drains. But anything can be hazardous when it is used in excess. If too much drain cleaner is used, it can corrode the drain materials, and make the clog worse.

Do Not Pour Grease Down The Kitchen Drain

Most people can recall watching their mothers or grandmothers cooking, and pouring the grease from their meals into the kitchen sink. If this has become a habit for you, stop doing it. Pouring grease down your sink can destroy your piping system. Grease is one of the most common reasons why drains clog.

Do Not Put Anything Into Vent Pipes

Most people do not understand what the significance of a vent pipe is. There have been people who have run electrical lines such as television cable into their homes through their plumbing vent pipes. Contrary to widespread belief, vent pipes do serve a purpose.

The pipes are put into place to allow air to flow through the drains. This helps to promote drainage, and prevent suction. The air flow also helps eliminate sewer gases that come through the sewer main. If a hole is cut through the vent pipes, sewer air will seep into your home, requiring you to call on sewer services in DC to fix the issue.

Do Not Throw Trash In Your Toilet

Not throwing trash into a toilet seems like common sense. But one of the most common reasons why plumbers are called into a residence is to fix a clogged toilet that is caused by an object. There are lots of people that believe if they flush something down the toilet, they will be rid of it forever.

When something is flushed down the toilet, it does not disappear into the great beyond. Instead, it will lead to a drain pipe that is roughly three inches around. This pipe leads into a different drain pipe that controls the drainage in your entire home. Trash can accumulate in one space, causing a huge clog in your entire piping system.

How To Choose A Good Plumbing Service

March 25, 2017DC Plumber, Helpful Hints, How To, Plumbing Advicematt

For most people, it can be a challenge to locate a reputable plumbing company in DC. In the fast-paced world that we live in, the internet has become the easiest way to locate a professional. However, it is important that you do some research on various companies prior to employing the services of a plumber.

In the past, finding a reputable plumber was a trial and error scenario. People would fetch their phonebook and call the first plumber that they saw serviced their area. There was no way to determine if the plumber was reputable, or possessed the skills to complete their job. Things were simply left to chance.

When searching for a plumber online, there are a few things that you will need to do. You should investigate their website, search for online reviews, and check their licensing. These tasks can be accomplished quickly, online.

Investigate Their Website

Most businesses will have a web site that displays their services. Make sure that you visit the plumber’s website and peruse through it. If the website looks cheap, or does not have a lot of information, this could be a bad sign. This could mean that the company does not pay attention to detail, or their information is simply outdated.

Also, check to see when the website was established. This can give you an indication of how long the company has been operational. The internet has been around for a while; an established company will have an established online presence.

Search For Online Reviews

If the company has been around for a while, there should be some reviews regarding their services. A Google search inputting the companies name and their location can reveal various reviews for you to read over. Remember, that just because a company may have a few poor reviews, this does not mean that they are a poor company. Take some time to carefully read over the reviews, before jumping to assumptions.

Check Their Licensing

Licenses for trades and services are public records. It is possible to check the licensing of a company prior to employing their services. Most companies will state that their plumbers are licensed, but doing a little bit of investigative work, will help you solidify their claim.

If you are unable to find anything about the companies licensing, you should reach out to the company directly. A reputable company will inform you of the licensing that their plumbers hold. Their main objective is to get customers, so they should openly reveal this information to you, without any qualms.

The internet has made it possible to locate information about plumbing services, without having to reach out to the company directly. You can perform various tasks online, to determine if you want to use one plumbers service over the other. Before calling a plumber to rectify your plumbing tasks, you should investigate their website, read some reviews of their services, and check on the company’s licenses.

These tasks can be performed with minimal effort. Performing a few basic searches will reveal the information that you require. If you cannot locate the information online, call a few companies and request the information directly.

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.

Four Reasons To Call An Emergency Plumber

March 23, 2017DC Plumber, Helpful Hints, Plumbing Advice, Water Heatersmatt

When plumbing problems arise, either in your home or business, your life can suddenly come to a halt. Focus is instantly put on resolving the problem, before things get worse. Knowing when to call DC emergency plumbing services, to rectify the issue is important.

There are four reasons why an emergency plumber will need to be called. An emergency plumber’s services will be required for burst pipes, clogged drains, toilets overflowing, and a failed water heater. If any of these issues arise, it is wise to call a professional immediately.

Burst Pipes

One of the most common plumbing problems is pipes bursting. The temperature can have a lot to do with this issue occurring. In colder areas, pipes can freeze, forcing the water pressure to build up to a certain point. When the pressure becomes too much, the pipes will burst, ripping any welds or cuppings when they do.

Buildings with older piping systems are prone to bursting pipes as well. With age and stress the piping systems wear down. Free-flowing water and sewage in your bathroom, does not provide a welcoming area for anyone. In the event of a cracked pipe, call a professional immediately.

Clogged Drains

Clogged drains are another common emergency plumbing dilemma. Clogged drains, if not fixed immediately, can lead to other problems. Sewage can back up in the line, and hazardous waste water can be released as a result. Commonly, people will attempt to fix their clogged drains themselves.

If DIY methods and using various chemicals to remove the clog do not work, a professional is needed. To save yourself the hassle of using useless products, you can opt to call a professional at the first site of a clog. Typically, emergency services are required when the issue escalates.

Toilets Overflowing

Toilets overflowing are the things that nightmares are made from. An overflowing toilet can do a lot of damage. Not only is the smell of the sewage seeping through the lines unbearable, but when a toilet begins to overflow it can be hard to stop it. At the first site of a clogged toilet, you should call a professional. If a plunger does not fix the issue, do not wait until it gets to the point of overflowing.

Failed Water Heater

Hot water is essential for homeowners and business owners alike. Hot water is used to sanitize things. Without it, germs can wreak havoc in the area. Faulty water heaters can be caused from a variety of things. If the heater fails, make sure that you contact a plumber immediately, especially if the water heater runs off gas.

Emergency plumbers, do as their name suggests, they rectify plumbing issues that need to be taken care of immediately. Many emergency plumbing services are open twenty-four hours a day. If an issue does arise, you should have no problems locating a service to come fix the problem immediately. Four plumbing issues that should always be fixed promptly are burst pipes, clogged drains, an overflowing toilet, and a failed water heater. Neglecting to fix these issues immediately could lead to costly home repairs.

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.

Three Differences Between Commercial And Residential Plumbers

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

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

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

Size Of The Plumbing System

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

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

Working On Multiple Floors

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

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

Variety Of Other Issues

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Sewage Emergencies

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

Leaks And Floods

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

Clogged Drain

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

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

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

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

Go Wireless

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

Upgrade Your Plumbing

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

Upgrading Your Breakroom And Common Areas

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