Category Archives: Helpful Hints

How To Conserve Energy In Your D.C. Home

March 12, 2017DC Plumber, Energy Efficiency, Helpful Hints, Plumbing Advice, Save Money, Water Heatersmatt

Our nation’s capital is a very green city. Many D.C. area residents are extremely environmentally conscious and their lifestyles reflect it. This mindset affects all areas of life here in D.C.: shopping, dining, transportation, even the daily aspects of home life. Regarding the latter, if you are a homeowner here in Washington, chances are you are looking for new and creative ways to cut down on energy use. Doing so is not only helpful for the environment, it is helpful for your utility bill as well! Given the skyrocketing prices of energy here in D.C., energy saved is money earned! This article will highlight some ways that you can do your part for the environment, while saving some serious cash.

Cut Down On Water Use

This is one of the easiest lifestyle changes you can make. There are simple steps that you can take to greatly reduce the amount of water used in your home. For one, try not to leave the water running when it is not being used. This might seem like a simple step, but it is one that many people sadly neglect. How many times do we leave the water running while brushing our teeth, for example? All of that water just goes straight down the drain! Another, slightly more radical, step is to turn the shower off during the actual lathering and washing process. This is known as a “navy” or “combat” shower, due to its use in the military. And try not to shower for too long. It may be comforting to stand in the hot water, but this leads to gallons and gallons of waste! Speaking of hot water, make sure that your water heater is as efficient as possible. Any leaks or malfunctions can lead to huge water waste. If you have this problem, there are many D.C. water heater repair companies who are able to fix it, and get you back to optimal efficiency.

Cut Down On Electric Use

As with water, this is another simple lifestyle change. It could involve something as cheap and simple as changing your current lightbulbs for more energy-efficient bulbs. Speaking of lights, always turn them off when they are not needed. This is another simple, obvious energy-saving step that many people forget about. Also, while summers can be very hot and humid here in D.C., avoid using your air-conditioner as much as possible—it is a huge energy guzzler! Try opening windows and using fans to get air flowing throughout your house, using the air-conditioner only at times when it is unbearably hot.

Outfit Your House For Maximum Energy Efficiency

There are energy-saving changes that you can make to the physical structure of your house itself. And no, this doesn’t have to involve solar panels (though they are a great idea). Installing more energy-efficient windows that reduce air leakage can greatly cut down on energy use over the course of a year. Speaking of air leakage, make sure your home is properly insulated, and that there are no cracks or leaks in the walls or roof of your house. Finally, installing a fireplace can greatly cut down on heater use, and save you energy during those chilly D.C. winters!

What To Do When Disaster Strikes At Your D.C. Business

March 11, 2017Commercial Plumbing, DC Plumber, Helpful Hints, Plumbing Advicematt

As a business owner here in Washington D.C., you don’t like to think of major disasters occurring at your office, warehouse, or business location. Unfortunately, though, they do happen. Preparedness is key to reducing any losses from such a catastrophe. By having a plan in place, and the means to execute that plan, you can greatly cut down on any costly consequences following an unfortunate occurrence at your place of business. Sometimes, this preparation can literally be the deciding factor in whether your business fails or succeeds. This article will highlight some of the ways that you can make sure your business maintains success even in the face of catastrophic events.

Make Sure That Your Building Can Hold Up When Disaster Strikes

For the success of your company, as well as the safety of your employees, it is important to make sure that your building and systems are disaster-ready. This means having a tornado shelter, if your business is in an area where tornadoes are prevalent. It also means having emergency exits, working alarms, and an emergency warning system. Additionally, it means that the structure of the building is designed for maximum safety. Make sure that your building is well-insulated, to help prevent fires from spreading. You also need to make sure that your building has an adequate sprinkler system, to cut down on fire damage. If your sprinkler system needs upgrading, there are several D.C. commercial plumbing services who can work with you on this essential upgrade. Not only can this upgrade potentially save your building and all of the files and equipment in it, it can also save your employees’ lives. At the end of the day, making sure that all of your employees get home safely is the most important thing.

Have A Disaster Recovery Plan In Place

The best way to handle any potential disaster that may strike your business is to have a recovery plan in place. To be honest, formulating such a plan means visualizing things you would rather not think about. It also means an honest assessment of your facilities and workforce. Perhaps most importantly, it involves asking the hard questions and making sure that you have detailed answers for them. Such questions might include, “What is the best place to store important documents, inventory, and/or equipment?” “Is offsite storage a viable option?” “What would we do if all documents, inventory, or equipment were lost?” “How will employee roles change following such an event?” “How will we train employees to effectively do their jobs following such an event?” This is just a sample of some of the questions you will likely need to answer in drafting your disaster recovery plan. The important thing is to make sure that you have a thorough plan in place, and that all of the recommendations are implemented. This is where communication is key. Communicate these expectations to your employees. If further training is needed, invest in that training. If additional purchases are needed, do not put them off. Disaster can strike at any moment. How well you handle it depends on your preparation.

Tackling Your Renovation In Washington, D.C.

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

In D.C.’s blazing hot housing market, homeowners are always looking for new ways to get their resale value even higher. The sky is truly the limit here in Washington! One great way to increase home values is through renovation projects. This can seem like a daunting task, not only in terms of the actual sweat and labor, but even in terms of the planning! Don’t worry though: if you own a home here in the Washington, D.C. area, and are looking to undertake a major renovation, this article has you covered.

Renovating Your Bathroom

D.C. bathroom renovations are becoming more and more popular. These days, it seems like every bathroom in the capital has recently undergone some amazing renovation project. This is one of those cases where it is a great idea to “keep up with the Joneses”! Renovating your bathroom can add great value to your home, as a beautiful bathroom can make a great impression on potential buyers. There are many ways that you can beautify your bathroom. Adding new tile is certainly a popular upgrade. Updating the lighting in your bathroom can also add a little extra touch of elegance. For better functionality, try replacing your sink with a double vanity. This convenient feature allows two people to use the sink at the same time—no more fighting over who gets to brush their teeth first!

Remodeling Your Kitchen

A kitchen renovation can add big bucks to your resale value, and we mean big! There are many popular upgrades that you can currently see at kitchens all over D.C. One of the most popular upgrades here in the D.C. market is granite countertops. Granite is durable, sturdy, easy to clean, and really catches the eye. This is a rather costly upgrade, but it will do wonders for the resale value of your home. You might also consider adding a backsplash (tile is a very popular choice) to add that extra eye-pleasing touch. Consider updating your appliances as well—it is hard to find a high-end kitchen here in the D.C. area that doesn’t feature stainless steel appliances. Not only will new appliances add value to your home, they will make storing, cooking and cleaning food that much easier, allowing your culinary skills to truly shine.

Remodeling Your Bedroom

Bedroom remodels are another popular way for D.C. homeowners to increase their resale value. There are many things you can do to your bedroom to really set it apart. For one, try raising the ceilings, to give the bedroom a more spacious, more palatial feel. Speaking of ceilings, installing a skylight to allow for some extra natural light can be another great addition to your bedroom. Repainting or papering the walls is a relatively cheap upgrade that can really make the room pop! Choose complimentary colors and patterns that reflect your personal taste and style. All of the these bedroom renovations will not only make your bedroom more comfortable to sleep in, it will make it a hit with potential buyers!

Renovating Your D.C. Area Home

March 9, 2017DC Plumber, Helpful Hints, How Tomatt

The word “renovation” may elicit sighs, groans, looks of sheer terror, or images of years spent hammering, sawing, and sweating, but this does not have to be the case. With the right team working for you, a renovation can be quick and relatively painless. What’s more, when the renovation is over, your house will be much nicer and much more valuable. There are many great companies here in the Washington, D.C. area who can help you tackle that big renovation that you have always wanted to do, but were too scared to begin. In this article, you will find some great ideas for transforming your D.C. house into the home you have always wanted.

Plumbing Renovations

Plumbing renovations in DC do not have to be a nightmare. If you are looking for help with your next plumbing overhaul, you have plenty of great local plumbers to choose from. You might be looking to replace your pipes with stronger, more durable, maybe quieter material. On the other hand, you might be looking to replace your sink, shower, bathtub, or water heater. There are plumbers here in Washington who can provide all of those services, and then some. These plumbers can be a great asset for your plumbing makeover. Also, keep in mind, if you are planning a major addition to your house, you will likely need to expand your plumbing as well. Plumbers here in D.C. can connect the pipes in the new wing of your house to the rest of your house in a seamless way.

Yard Renovations

The beautiful landscape of the D.C. area is one of the things that makes being a homeowner here so special. Perhaps you want to beautify your yard even more with a major landscape project. This could include adding a patio, beautiful gardens, a stone path, a fountain, or even a swimming pool. You could tackle some smaller landscaping projects yourself, but for the bigger or more detailed ones, it is best to call the professionals. Luckily, there are many professional landscapers here in the D.C. area who can totally redesign your yard. Having an amazing yard certainly makes the D.C. springs and summers much more enjoyable!

Structural Renovations

Unfortunately, your housing dollar does not go very far here in D.C. What D.C. area homebuyer hasn’t had that bewildered look on their face when they see a several hundred-thousand-dollar price tag on a home that doesn’t look all that much bigger than a treehouse? While it is true that you don’t get a lot of home for your buck here in Washington, there are renovations that you can do to make your home seem more spacious in comfortable. To start with, you can increase the actual square footage in your home by adding an addition. If this step is too extreme for you, try knocking out some non-load-bearing walls to create a more fluid, open space. If you feel a little cramped while standing up, try vaulting the ceilings. This can make the house seem much bigger, while making it more comfortable for you. Whatever renovation route you choose, there are many great contractors here in D.C. who can help you every step of the way.

Plumbing Upgrades To Consider For Your Washington, D.C. Home

March 9, 2017Bathroom Remodeling, DC Plumber, Helpful Hints, Plumbing Advice, Sewer Issuesmatt

There are many great plumbers here in the Washington, D.C. metro area who are able to help you with any plumbing upgrades and repairs you might need for your home. Undertaking such upgrades and repairs may seem like a daunting task, but with a little help from the professionals, it can be a breeze. This article will list some of the many plumbing upgrades and repairs that might be necessary for your home.

Shower Repair

For many of us, the morning (or evening) shower is the most relaxing part of our day. With a shower upgrade, it can be even more relaxing. A good D.C. area plumber will be able to adjust the water pressure exactly to your tastes. They will also be able to repair or replace your showerhead, so that the water flow is exactly how you like it. Such upgrades will not only make your shower more comfortable, they will actually save you money, as leaky showers are a major source of water waste here in the D.C. area. If you have recently purchased a brand-new shower or bath, a plumber will be able to help you install your new purchase.

Drain and Sewer Upgrades

If you are looking to perform a major renovation on your home or property in the city of Washington, you need to be aware of the D.C. drain and sewer codes, as it is necessary that your property is always in accordance with these codes. Before you begin your upgrade, consult with a local plumber. They will tell you exactly how your plans will alter the drainage and sewer system on your property. If needed, they can provide the necessary adjustments, so that you are still in-line with local regulations, even though your property underwent a dramatic change. A good plumber can also perform drainage and sewer repairs on your property. If your sewer line is broken, or your septic tank needs repaired or replaced, a good plumber will be able to get your property back in tip-top shape.

Emergency Plumbing Repairs

Let’s face it: plumbing emergencies happen, especially in old houses. Washington, D.C. is home to many beautiful, charming, historic houses. Unfortunately, with all of that charm and history often comes old, rusted pipes and outdated plumbing systems. And let’s not forget that even newer homes can have plumbing problems every now and then. If you find yourself waist-deep in a plumbing emergency, whether it is a clogged drain, a broken pipe, a broken water heater, or a backed-up toilet, you need to have a D.C. plumber who you can call at a moment’s notice, and who you can rely on to fix the situation promptly and for a reasonable price. This may seem like a very tall order, but fortunately, there are many plumbers here in Washington, D.C. who provide 24-hour services. If you can find a go-to plumber here in the D.C. area, all of the sudden your plumbing emergency becomes much more manageable.

Tips For Becoming A D.C. Area Super Chef

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

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

Make Sure Your Kitchen Is Chef Friendly

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

Take A Cooking Class

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

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

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

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

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

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

Electrical Problems

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

Plumbing Problems

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

Window Repair

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

Plumbing Upgrades For An Aging Population

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

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

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

DIY Plumbing Upgrades

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

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

When To Call In A Professional

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

Raising Or Replacing A Sink

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

Installing Slip Resistant Flooring

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

Installing A Special Toilet

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

Four Signs Of A Faulty Water Heater

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

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

The Age of The Water Heater

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

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

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

Rusty Colored Water Is Released

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

Loud Rumbling Noise Escapes From The Water Heater

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

The Water Heater Is Leaking

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

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

When To Call An Emergency Plumbing Service

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

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

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

When Should You Seek Help?

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

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

What To Do If Your Water Pipes Burst

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

Clogged Toilets Can Turn Into A Big Mess

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

Do You Smell Something Funny?

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