Category Archives: Helpful Hints

Top Three Kitchen Trends For 2017

February 14, 2017DC Plumber, Helpful Hints, How Tomatt

The kitchen is the heart of the home. It serves a major purpose to daily existence. This is where our food is stored, and our meals are prepared. This is the one place in your home, where food and functionality are the most important factors. It is not only vital that your kitchen serve its main purpose of providing a storage facility and preparation area, but your kitchen should also function accordingly.

To keep up with the everchanging lifestyles of modern day society, many people choose to remodel their kitchens to adhere to their specific needs. Kitchen renovations in DC can be cost-effective and one of the smartest room remodels that you can do to your home. If you are interested in altering the aesthetic of your home for your enjoyment, or to sell it, knowing which trends to look out for will help you make wise design choices.

Tuxedo Style Kitchens

Tuxedo style kitchens have become extremely popular, due to their simplicity. Chances are you have not heard of this design described as mimicking a tuxedo, but have possibly encountered it a few times. These designs have a light color block on top, and are combined with a darker color on the bottom. The darker color is typically a grey or black tone. With this type of design, details matter to make it pop. The top and bottom colors should blend together at some point.

Hidden Appliance Kitchens

Tidiness is next to Godliness is an adage that comes to mind when speaking of this design. This kitchen design concept has gained an increased amount of popularity due to its aesthetic appeal. With this design, simple ordinary appliances that one would expect to see in a kitchen are camouflaged. The effect is accomplished by creating cabinets to cover the appliance, instead of leaving it out in the open, like many design concepts do.

The hidden appliance concept gives the kitchen an uncluttered appearance. It opens counter space and room, allowing the area to provide a multifunctional effect. This is perhaps one of the top trends to look out for in 2017. New designs not only allow cabinets to be used to hide refrigerators, but other common items such as coffee makers and microwaves are being disguised.

Automation For The Kitchen

Technology shapes the way that we live, and in 2017 it is going to make a huge impact in the kitchen. Fully automated faucets that allow people of varying items to reach the faucet are already extremely popular. Some new things to keep an eye on in 2017 are going to include: fully automated appliances that work in conjunction with your smartphone, and automated cooking tools.

With new trends rolling in, it is important to also stay away from outdated trends. Short cabinets are becoming a thing of the past, taller cabinets are now a thing of the future. Granite countertops still provide an adequate amount of flair, but lighter colored granite is the new upcoming trend. The dark kitchen phase has reached its end also. In 2017, it is all going to be about making the kitchen one of the lightest and brightest areas of the home.

Space Saver Ideas For Small Bathroom Remodels

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

Bathrooms are normally the toughest and most expensive room to remodel in your home. The plumbing lines that have been set to signify where the toilet, sink, and tub should be set are usually in a fixed location. If the footprint of the room is small, there may not be a lot of room to work with when considering a remodel.

There is always the option of taking out a wall to expand the space. If you are tight on cash and do not the money to do a complete remodel, there are some simple things that can be done to make the room appear larger. Five space saving ideas to consider when doing DC bathroom remodeling are to change out the vanity, eliminate shower curtains, clear out the clutter, paint the walls, and add extra light.

Change Out The Vanity

If your small sized bathroom contains a vanity, consider changing it out. The vanity can be swapped for a pedestal style sink or a console that possesses a few shelves. Removing the vanity may eliminate the room’s storage potential, but it will make the room appear spacious.

Eliminate Shower Curtains

Shower curtains can make a small bathroom appear even smaller. If the curtain is made of fabric or possess a pattern, the bathroom will have a closed in or dark appearance. To give the bathroom a spacious look, install glass sliding doors. The doors are available in varying styles, and give the room a lighter appearance.

Clear Out Clutter

Cluttered rooms give an area a smaller appearance, even if the area is large. Baskets and shelves can be used to organize the area. Consider installing floating or wall-mounted cabinets. Place the shelves at a decent height, so you can store your bathroom essentials, but low enough for you to be able to grab something if it is needed.

Paint The Walls

Dark colors make rooms appear closed in, while lighter colors open them up. If your bathroom does not get a decent amount of natural light, lighter or neutral colors should be used to brighten up the space. The right paint color can transform the bathroom in your home. A light and lively color will give the room depth, making it appear larger than its square footage.

Add Extra Light

A common reason why people opt to remodel their bathrooms is due to trends. While a bathroom that possesses pattern tiles all over the walls may have been a great look in the seventies, it is not a good look now. Changing out the light fixtures in the room can provide additional lighting that the bathroom lacked previously. Think about adding sconces along the left and right sides of the mirror, or doing wall-mounted string lines.

Some bathroom remodels can be DIY, while other remodeling ideas may require professional intervention. Before removing the fixtures in the room, such as the sink, toilet, or tub, reach out to a professional to avoid damaging anything. Remodeling a room takes skill; small bathroom remodels can be just as tedious as their larger counterparts.

Five Tips To Make Your Plumbing Renovation Project Run Smoothly

February 8, 2017Bathroom Remodeling, Commercial Plumbing, DC Plumber, Helpful Hints, How To, Plumbing Advicematt

Renovating your home can be exciting, but it also requires a lot of work. If you plan on doing the work yourself, or hiring an experienced contractor to perform the remodel for you, there is plenty that needs to be completed. When planning your renovation, it is vital to consider the plumbing renovations that will need to be done.

There are five things that you can do to make the renovation go smoothly. You should make it a point to hire a plumber at the onset of your project, make realistic location choices, be flexible with your design, leave an ample amount of time to get the project completed, and employ licensed professionals. These five things may sound simple enough, but they are overlooked often.

Hire A Plumber At The Onset Of Your Project

There is no telling what you will run into when renovating your kitchen or bathroom. You should not wait until after you have begun demolition to employ a contractor. A licensed plumbing professional can guide you through performing DC plumbing renovations, without endangering the plumbing system in your home. They can help you determine what needs to be replaced, allowing you to properly plan for their services in your renovation budget.

Make Realistic Location Choices

In most homes, plumbing lines are already set where they need to be. If you want to have a line moved so a fixture can be placed in a different spot, make sure your expectations are realistic. Pipes can always be moved to accommodate your location choice, but make sure that you are not making silly requests. Sometimes untrained people expect professionals to be able to perform tasks that are unrealistic.

Be Flexible With Your Design

You have a vision of what you want your project to look like once it’s completed, but sometimes it is impossible to get everything that you want. Whenever plumbing renovations are involved, you must be flexible with your design choices. Being flexible will allow your plumber to meet your expectations without compromising the plumbing system in the process.

Leave An Ample Amount Of Time To Get The Project Completed

It takes time to renovate a home’s plumbing system. Even highly skilled plumbers will still need an ample amount of time to be able to get your renovations done correctly and safely. In some cases, permits may be required to move piping systems, which can take a little bit of time to obtain. You should include waiting times for permits into your renovation schedule.

Employ Licensed Professionals

Licensure is important when it comes to plumbing renovations. Although it seems unimportant to hire a plumber who is licensed to fix a leaky faucet or a clogged drain, larger projects require a licensed professional. Licensed professionals will not only have the proper experience to complete your job, but they will also carry insurance if something were to happen while they are completing your renovation project.

Plumbing renovations are a great way to design your home to adhere to your personal preferences. Keeping the previous five tips in mind, when planning your next renovation, will ensure that it is done right. Remember that renovations take time, planning, and money to be done properly.

Three Common Plumbing Repairs In The Home

February 6, 2017DC Plumber, Helpful Hints, How To, Plumbing Advicematt

Owning a home can be a joyous experience, but being a homeowner also comes with its headaches. As a homeowner is it your responsibility to fix any problems that could arise in the dwelling. A common repair issue that occurs in a residence comes in the form of plumbing issues. Some of the issues can be rectified on your own, but others will require intervention from a plumbing professional.

If the problem occurs in an inaccessible area, or will take a lot of time to fix, DC plumbing repairs should be done by a reputable company. DIY projects have gained a lot of popularity, but you cannot fix something yourself if you do not have a clue what you are doing. There always comes a point with DIY tasks where your scope of practice does not cover what needs to be done. This is when professionals will need to be called in.

Leave It To The Professionals

The layout of the piping system in your home can be difficult to decipher. For many homeowners, the thought of completing repairs on their own can be daunting. A professional that is employed in this line of work, understands how the piping system in your home operates. If there is an issue, they can point out its exact cause without having to guess what the problem could be.

A basic plumbing system consists of a supply side and a drain side. Water is fed into the home through the supply side and it exits the residence through the drain side. Between the supply and drain side, there are networks of pipes that supply various areas of the home. It is within these networks that the most common plumbing repair issues occur. Leaks, clogs, and fixture repairs are the most common household plumbing problems.

Leaks

Leaks occurring within a home can be visible or invisible. They may create a pool of water around a supply source, such as the kitchen or bathroom sink, or the tub. Leaks can also be spotted on the walls, causing a stain to appear in the area. After the source of the leak has been identified, the plumber can then begin repairing the issue.

Clogged Drains

There are a lot of products that can be purchased from local retailers to help unclog drains. Even though these products exist, they do a minimal job of helping with basic clogs. If the clog is deep within the piping system, or the lines are old, a DIY clog product that can be purchased through a retail provider may not suffice. Clogs occurring in the tub or sink will need to be rectified by a professional servicer.

Fixture Repairs

The term fixture repair refers to replacing a faulty fixture, such as a toilet, faucet, or showerhead. The complexity of the home can determine if these fixtures can be replaced by the homeowner, or if a professional company should complete the task. If you are unaware of how to replace these fixtures, it is in your best interest to call someone to assist. When in doubt always refer out.

Qualities Of A Good Emergency Plumber

February 5, 2017DC Plumber, Helpful Hints, How To, Plumbing Advicematt

Most people can fix minor plumbing issues that arise in their homes without calling a professional, but there will always come a time when a professional’s expertise is needed. Every household should keep a list of emergency numbers handy, whenever something occurs in their dwelling that they cannot fix. When hiring a plumber, it is imperative to do your research.

The plumber that you employ should possess certain characteristics that set them apart from their competitors. Often, people pay too much attention to price, instead of considering the other qualities that a professional should possess. The DC emergency plumber that you choose to hire should possess the following characteristics: professionalism, experience, reliability, and proper credentials.

Professionalism

Professionalism should always be displayed by the plumber that you employ. The individual or company that is dispatched to your residence should be able to answer any questions that you have regarding the service. An educated plumber will be able to explain the problem to you, answer questions you may have concerning the issue, and provide tips that can help you avoid the problem in the future.

Experience

Proper skills and experience will ensure that your job is performed correctly, the first time. Plumbing is a hands-on job, where most the job is taught through doing the task. The more experience the professional has, the better it is for your job. The job can be completed quickly and accurately, helping you eliminate the chances of the same issue occurring again. The emergency plumber you employ should be able to rectify any plumbing related issue, because they have fixed issues just like yours in the past.

Reliability

When you call or schedule to have a plumber dispatched to your residence, you want to ensure that they will come. A reputable company will put their customers first. They will show up at their assigned time, and complete the task at hand without any qualms. Reliable plumbers can be dispatched to your residence whenever an issue arises, be it day or night.

Proper Credentials

It is possible to find a handyman to fix your plumbing related issues. However, if you want the job done right the first time, a reputable plumbing service should be who you should call. Plumbing companies will hire the best of the best to perform your job. Typically, these individuals will possess certain credentials to be able to perform the plumbing task they are assigned to.

There are a few classifications of plumbers. There are apprentice plumbers, journeymen plumbers, and master plumbers. Apprentice plumbers are individuals who are still learning the craft. These people will practice underneath a master plumber, until they have received the proper credentials needed to practice on their own.

Journeymen plumbers are right above the apprentice position. These individuals will have experience in the field, but not enough experience to be considered a master. Master plumbers are the best of the best. These individuals have earned this title through schooling and on the job experience. A master plumber is a highly skilled individual that has usually dedicated their lives to the profession.

Décor Trends For 2017

January 14, 2017Bathroom Remodeling, Commercial Plumbing, DC Plumber, Helpful Hints, Plumbing Advicematt

If you want to give your home or office a fresh new look for the New Year, there are quite a few popular options to consider. Here are some of the most anticipated interior design trends for 2017.

Green Is The New Black

Green will be the most popular interior design color choice in the New Year. And you don’t have to limit yourself to any specific shade either. Whether it’s emerald, mint or chartreuse, green is definitely the new black this year. So, don’t be surprised if you see the color pop up in any shade in accessories, knick knacks or upholstered furniture.

Texture

Texture is yet another highly anticipated interior design trend for 2017. While in the past homeowners have chosen to favor bright colors, they are now beginning to choose simpler color palettes with textured elements. Elements of texture are now being spotted not just in fabrics, but also in art, wall treatments, and lighting as well.

Organic Patterns And Prints

When it comes to fabrics and prints for your home, interior designers are predicting a rise in the popularity of organic patterns and prints. Interior designers are also predicting that worn or vintage prints will once again gain popularity too.

Ceramics

You’ll probably see more homes decorated with ceramic objects in 2017. The presence of ceramic objects will give your home an earthy artistic feel that’s becoming very popular at the moment. Whether you’re talking vases, lamps, or light fixtures, you’re sure to see a lot of ceramics in the near future.

Layers And Colors

You’ve probably heard the term less is more. Well, in 2017, it seems that the opposite will hold true. Instead of a minimalist approach as in years past, homeowners and interior designers alike will start to favor layers of prints and colors throughout their homes.

Living Finishes

Instead of filling your home or office space with brass and chrome, it seems that unpolished brass and unfinished metals will become more popular this year. Designers and decorators are now favoring living rather than shiny finishes.

Raw Wood Textures

Raw wood textures are gaining more popularity over the polished, finished looks of the past few years. You’ll see more raw wood popping up in furniture, accessories and cabinetry this year.

Kitchen And Bathroom Renovation And Remodeling

And if you’re thinking of giving your home or office space a face-lift in the New Year, it’s important not to overlook your kitchen or bathroom. Hiring a professional plumber to assist you with your improvement project will help keep the renovation or remodel both or schedule and on budget. A professional plumber will even be able to help you decide which of these interior design trends are right for your space. They can also help make your new kitchen and bathroom more energy-efficient by installing low-flow toilets, faucets and well as state of the art appliances.

Plumbing Services For Your Business

Contacting a professional that provides DC commercial plumbing services is a good idea, as they will be able to assist with the remodel, keep all your plumbing and HVAC up to code, and are familiar with zoning regulations.

Whether you’re redesigning your home or office interior, or renovating or remodeling your kitchen or bathroom, there are many new and exciting trends to consider this year.

Ideas For Upgrading Your Bathroom In The New Year

January 13, 2017Bathroom Remodeling, DC Plumber, Helpful Hints, Plumbing Advicematt

If you’re looking for some ideas to upgrade your bathroom for the New Year, it’s a good idea to hire a professional plumber to help and advise you. But before you pick up the phone or start researching on the internet searching for a professional DC plumber, here are a few ideas that can make your ordinary bathroom feel more luxurious in 2017.

Glass Shower Enclosure

When you think about renovating or remodeling your bathroom, you may want to start with your shower. To make your bathroom feel more open, choose to install a glass shower enclosure instead of a plain old shower rod and curtain.

Steam Showers

Another way to upgrade your shower and make it feel a little fancier is to add a vent in the ceiling of your glass shower enclosure. This creates the same effect as a steam shower, but it’s less expensive than a traditional steam generator. These vents can also open or close, just in case you don’t want every shower to be a steam shower.

Shower Benches

Shower benches are a great option if you have problems with mobility. They can be installed directly into an existing shower and can be customized with tile in order to match the rest of the space. These benches are specifically designed to be waterproof and can also include built- in shelves for toiletries like shampoo, body wash, razors and soap.

Handheld Shower Heads

Handheld shower heads are yet another option if you struggle with mobility. They are an easy way to make your shower experience easier and more relaxing. If you enjoy a full-coverage shower experience, rain showers are perfect for that. They also give the illusion of standing in the rain.

Heated Floors

There’s nothing more uncomfortable than stepping out of a hot shower onto a cold floor. So consider heated floors when you’re discussing the renovation or remodel of your bathroom with a professional plumber. They can be quite expensive, but your bare feet will thank you.

Vanity Storage

You’ll need plenty of storage in your newly renovated or remodeled bathroom to store all your belongings and avoid clutter. A large mirror is also a great investment. Consider carefully where you install lights, as certain places may cast less than flattering shadows on your face.

Reasons To Hire A Professional Plumber For Your Bathroom Renovation Or Remodel

A professional plumber can discuss these bathroom upgrade ideas with you and help you decide which ideas are right for you and your family. A professional plumber can also help keep your renovation or remodeling project both on schedule and on budget. Making the most of an existing space can be difficult when you’re overwhelmed with options. A professional plumber can help you with this too. Choosing the right lighting, tubs, sinks, and plumbing fixtures is yet another decision that a professional plumber can assist you with. They can also install low-flow faucets and toilets so that your new dream is as environmentally friendly as possible. So keep these tips in mind if you’re considering a bathroom upgrade in 2017.

How Do You Know When You Need Emergency Plumbing Services

January 12, 2017Commercial Plumbing, DC Plumber, Helpful Hints, How To, Plumbing Advice, Sewer Issues, Water Heatersmatt

Plumbing emergencies can jeopardize the health and safety of you and your family. But how do you know if the plumbing problem you’re experiencing is a plumbing emergency and not just a common plumbing problem? Here are a few situations that should be considered plumbing emergencies. If you experience any of these situations, you should consult the help of a professional plumber as quickly as possible.

Drainage And Sewer System Backups

Clogged sinks, toilets, tubs, and showers can be a sign of a serious plumbing emergency. If left unattended for too long a clogged drain can quickly go from draining slowly to overflowing or flooding. A professional plumber can help you assess and fix these situations before they turn into an emergency.

Water Heater Repair Or Replacement

A water heater is an essential part of any residential or commercial plumbing system. The water heater is what delivers hot water to your home or business. Your water heater gets used more frequently when the temperature drops, but it should be tested and maintained on a regular basis to ensure maximum efficiency and conserve water in your home or business. And since proper water heater maintenance will conserve water, it will also save you money on the utility bills for your home or business. Either a shortage of or the absence of hot water is a sign of a problem with your hot water heater. Having no hot water puts the health and safety of you and your family at risk. And if you own a business, it can make your fellow employees, and customers sick as well. So if you’re experiencing one or both of these issues, you should consider it an emergency and contact a professional plumber immediately.

Leaks

A leak might seem like a minor problem. But if it’s not repaired as quickly as possible, it can lead to even bigger plumbing problems. For example, a leak in your wash machine hose, can lead to a major flood in your home’s laundry room. A professional plumber can assist you with the repair of all types of leaks in your home or business including drains, pipes, plumbing fixtures, and toilets. A professional plumber can even help you with the heating and cooling (HVAC) system in your home or business too. If you have a leak in your home or business, don’t hesitate to get in touch with a professional plumber right away.

Reliability

If you do have a plumbing emergency like the ones described above, you can count on a professional plumber to resolve the problem quickly and efficiently without disrupting your daily routine or your busy schedule. A professional plumber will also provide exceptional customer service and be willing to answer any questions that you may have.

Finding Emergency Plumbing Services In Your Area

If you’re looking for emergency plumbing services in your area, word of mouth is the best way to find them. If you need a DC emergency plumber for instance, you can ask a friend, family member, or a neighbor for a recommendation. You can use the internet as well but in an emergency you may not have the time to do all the extra research that will be required. These tips should help you determine if you’re experiencing a plumbing emergency and how to find a professional plumber to help you.

The Importance Of Regular Routine Water Heater Maintenance

January 11, 2017DC Plumber, Energy Efficiency, Helpful Hints, Plumbing Advice, Water Heatersmatt

Your water heater is an essential part of the plumbing system for your home or business. Because your water heater is the device that delivers hot water throughout your home or business, it’s important to keep your water heater in good condition. Your water heater should be both tested and maintained on a regular basis in order to ensure that it’s running efficiently. A professional plumber is the best person to test and maintain your water heater.

Save Money On Utility Bills

Keeping your water heater in good condition will help your home or business save money on your utility bills. And since your water heater is used more frequently when cold weather strikes, saving money on your utility bills is pretty important.

Types Of Water Heaters

There are many different types of water heaters such as gas, electric, and hybrid water heaters. A professional plumber has the skills and knowledge to repair or replace any type of commercial or residential water heater.

Routine Upkeep And Maintenance

Regardless of the type of water heater that you have routine upkeep and maintenance are essential in order to keep the unit running properly. You should have a professional plumber test and flush your water heater on a regular basis typically in autumn before the weather gets too cold. Testing the water heater ensures that it’s running like it should. Flushing the water heater is the process that removes the sediment that can build up in the unit over time and cause it to run slowly or to break down.

Other Simple Tips To Get The Most Out Of Your Water Heater

There are a few simple things that you can do to both conserve water in your home or business while getting the most out of your water heater. For example if you run your wash machine and dish washer only during the evening hours it can reduce the stress on your water heater and save water at the same time.

Spacing Out Your Showers

Taking showers one right after the other, not only puts unnecessary stress on your water heater, but it also causes the hot water to run out faster. And since no one likes a cold shower, it’s a good idea to wait at least ten minutes between showers. And if you have overnight guests in your home, politely ask them to do the same.

Find Water Heater Repair In Your Area

If you need to find a professional plumber to make water heater repairs in your area, word of mouth is the best way to go about this. If you’re looking for DC water heater repair, for instance you can always ask a friend, family member, a neighbor or even someone you work with for a trusted recommendation. You can use the internet too but that may require more research and effort on your part. Word of mouth recommendations are a quick and easy way to find a company that provides the specific services that you need. And when you ask someone you know for a recommendation you can also ask questions about pricing and customer service that may not be shown on a company’s website.

Home Decorating Tips

January 10, 2017Bathroom Remodeling, Helpful Hints, Plumbing Advicematt

Since it’s a new year, you may be looking for some simple and affordable ways to give your home a new look. If you’re not sure where to begin, here are a few ideas.

Open Spaces

One of the easiest ways to give your home a fresh look is to emphasize open spaces. A home with an airy feel is not only aesthetically pleasing but it can also make you, your family and your guests feel more relaxed. So don’t over decorate or design. A simple way to create a more open home is to make sure that there’s open space between large pieces of furniture like tables and dressers.

Essential Oil Diffusers

Using an essential oil diffuser in high traffic areas in your home, will not only make the space smell great, but it will also ease tension and create a more tranquil environment for entertaining guests. Lavender and rose oils can also reduce anxiety.

Fresh Flowers

Fresh flowers are a great way to bring a little bit of the outdoors into your home. Flowers will not only beautify your home but they can also reduce stress and make you feel happier.

Comfortable Bedding

Your bedroom is one of the most important rooms in your home so you should choose bedding that’s soft to touch and feels light on your skin. This will ensure that you go right to sleep every night and that you don’t toss and turn all night long.

Organic Fixtures And Soft Lighting

Using soft lighting in your home or even on your desk at work, in the form of a Himalayan salt lamp, is not only trendy but it can also help you sleep and breath better and fill your home or office with positive energy.

Blackout Curtains

Blackout curtains are a simple, decorative way to manage the amount of outdoor light that you let into a room. These curtains are available in a variety of colors, textures, and patterns. So they are not only stylish but they can also be a helpful if you suffer from tension headaches or anxiety.

Paint Colors

Since different colors can affect your emotional state in different ways, it’s important to be strategic when you’re selecting paint colors. Red can cause feelings of anger and chaos and too much blue can over stimulate your brain. So choose serene colors like green, lavender, or light pink instead.

Cut Out The Clutter

Reducing clutter in your home will not only improve your mood, but it will also make you healthier. Since knick knacks and clutter collects dust which can cause allergies, eliminating them is a good idea.

Kitchen Or Bathroom Renovations

Renovating your kitchen or bathroom is another great way to refresh your home. Imagine soaking in a brand new tub filled with fragrant bath salts. A professional plumber can help you make the right design decisions and keep your project on schedule and on budget too. It’s easy to find a professional plumber in your area. Maybe you’re looking for DC plumbing renovations for your home? No problem, just use word of mouth or the internet and pretty soon you’ll have an upgraded bathroom for the New Year.