Category Archives: How To

How To Deal With Clogged Drains Here In DC

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

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

Why Drains Clog

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

How You Can Deal With Drain Clogs

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

Tips For Building Your Dream Home Here In DC

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

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

How To Find The Right Help For Your Project

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

Having A Plan And Sticking To It

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

How To Find The Best Service Providers Here In Washington, D.C.

April 30, 2017DC Plumber, Helpful Hints, How To, Plumbing Advice, Water Heatersmatt

Washington, D.C. is a huge area with many amenities. One of the amenities that D.C. is lucky to have is a large number of service providers who are able to work on your home: everything from D.C. landscaping services, to D.C. roofers, to DC plumbing services can be found pretty easily. The question is, with all of these choices, how do you find the best service provider? How do you find a provider who will provide consistent and quality service at a reasonable cost? Given that this is such a large area, it can be difficult to zero in on the best service providers, but this article will provide some tips to help you do just that. Continue reading if you are looking to find out how you can locate the best service providers here in the D.C. area.

Try Asking Your Friends, Coworkers, And Neighbors Here In The D.C. Area

One great way to find a good service provider for your particular needs is word-of-mouth. Washington is a town that is all about connections, and you should take advantage of your connections here in the city to find the perfect service provider. This is especially true if you recently moved to the area. Some of your neighbors and coworkers have likely been here for years, and should have some pretty good knowledge about who you should call and who you should definitely avoid. Be sure to take advantage of that knowledge! It is recommended that you do not wait until you need to make a major repair to find a good service provider. This will leave you scrambling to find someone at the last minute! Instead, you should compile a list of providers in various service areas, so that you will know who to call when it comes time.

Utilize D.C. Area Websites To Aid You In Your Search

The internet is certainly your friend when it comes to hiring service providers here in Washington, D.C. You might be surprised at the different tools available to you online. For one, you might wish to start with some popular search engines. This will allow you to find some websites for popular service providers in the area, such as DC water heater services. These websites, in turn, will allow you to get a feel for what types of service each provider offers, as well as contact information for each service provider. While this is certainly helpful, it will not give you any insight into quality and consistency of service, since companies will not post negative reviews on their website (it tends to be bad for business!). What you can do, to ensure that you are hiring the best service provider, is check local forums where users around the D.C. area post about their experiences. In some cases, it will be a simple one-sentence review, or perhaps just a rating. In other cases, though, you will get several paragraphs of very detailed information about what went right or wrong. Use this very helpful information to your advantage!

Renovating Your DC Area Home

April 28, 2017Bathroom Remodeling, DC Plumber, DIY Plumbing, Helpful Hints, How To, Plumbing Advicematt

The price of real estate here in D.C. has skyrocketed in recent years, to the point where Washington has become one of the hottest real estate markets in the country! For this reason, many D.C. area homeowners have chosen to renovate their homes to meet their space and lifestyle needs, rather than trying to purchase a new home here in D.C. This is a great way to make sure that your home meets your tastes and requirements, without venturing back out into the costly D.C. real estate market. And – as an added bonus – when you renovate your home, you increase its value for when you do finally decide to sell it. Read below to find out how you can get the most out of your home remodel here in D.C.

Renovating Your D.C. Kitchen

There are many plumbers and contractors who specialize in DC kitchen renovations. The important thing is to be prepared for your kitchen renovation, and to know exactly what kind of upgrades you would like. Kitchen renovations are very popular here in the D.C. area, and tend to add great value to a home. One of the more popular local upgrades concerns your appliances. If your refrigerator, oven, and/or dishwasher are outdated, considering upgrading to stainless steel. Not only will this wow potential homebuyers here in Washington—it will provide a huge boost to the operating power of your appliances. Similarly, if your countertops are flimsy and outdated, consider upgrading to granite. This is a very sturdy and easy-to-clean material that D.C. area homeowners love. Once you go granite, you will not want to switch to anything else!

Basement Remodels

Unlike some areas of the country, houses in the Washington, D.C. area often come with basements. If you have a dank, unfinished basement, you can add huge resale value to your home by finishing it. Carpeted floors, plaster walls, furniture, even bathrooms and bars can make your basement feel like another room in your house. If you are going for a full basement upgrade, you will likely need a plumber and electrician to outfit your basement for its new purposes. A finished basement can also be a great place for kids to play, without disturbing the adults.

Bathroom Remodels

Bathroom remodels are also a popular way to increase home values in D.C. This sort of remodel will definitely require the help of a local plumber, especially if you are doing a major upgrade. If your bathroom is an outdated eyesore, you might wish to consider changing the tiles on the floors and walls, as well as applying a fresh coat of paint to the walls. This relatively simple change can work wonders for your bathroom. You might also wish to upgrade your sink. For one, you could upgrade the materials of your sink (marble is a popular choice). You could also install a “dual vanity”, which allows you to have two sinks! This makes getting ready in the morning so much easier.

What To Do For Emergency Repairs In D.C.

April 26, 2017DC Plumber, DIY Plumbing, Helpful Hints, How To, Plumbing Advice, Sewer Issues, Water Heatersmatt

Most D.C. area homeowners who have owned a home long enough are familiar with emergency repairs. These are repairs that need to be done right away, or else it could cause lasting damage to your property. In worst case scenarios, your family’s health and safety could be endangered if repairs are not done right away. This is a scary situation, which is why preparedness is crucial. This article will provide some tips on how to handle emergency repairs here in the D.C. area.

What Constitutes An Emergency Repair?

An emergency repair is a repair that would need to happen urgently in order to maintain the health and safety of you and your family, as well as the integrity of your home. Such repairs might include gas main breaks, power outages, broken pipes, and clogged drains. There are several more repair situations that would constitute an emergency, but the preceding list highlights some of the most common emergency repairs. It is recommended that you have the number of a trusted 24-hour service provider on hand, so that you are ready to call as soon as an emergency repair is needed. You should have the contact info of a variety of service providers, as your repair needs will differ. For example, you will want to have the contact information of a good electrician on hand for power outages, and the number of some plumbers or drain services in DC., in case you have a major clog.

Have A Plan In Place

Planning is key in emergency situations. If you believe that the situation is putting you and your family in urgent danger (for example, a gas leak) you will want to have a place where you can stay on short notice, until the repair is made. This could be the house of a relative or friend, or it could even be a hotel that you know will have rooms available. Sit down and make a list of some places to stay before any emergency happens, so that when it does, you know exactly where to turn. Some preparations can be made in the home itself. For example, you help can prepare for a power outage by keeping flashlights or lanterns in every room, so that you can move around safely in the dark. It is also recommended that you have an icebox and ice handy, so that your perishable food doesn’t spoil when your refrigerator stops functioning.

Do Not Panic

Sometimes, in emergency situations, people spend hours planning, but forget to act on those plans amidst the stress of the situation. For this reason, if you ever find yourself facing an emergency as a D.C. homeowner, it is important that you keep your cool and stick to your plans. Sit down with the other members of your family and communicate your plans to them, so that they are ready in case an emergency should ever pop up. By staying calm and sticking to the plan, you can stop a huge headache from becoming something much worse.

Read These Helpful Tips Before You Begin Your Next D.C. Plumbing Repair

April 18, 2017DC Plumber, DIY Plumbing, Helpful Hints, How To, Plumbing Advice, Sewer Issues, Water Heatersmatt

For most D.C. homeowners, plumbing issues happen when you least expect them, and they seem to happen at the worst possible times. Repairs can be costly, but knowing where to turn can make your plumbing repair less painful and less expensive. Read the tips below to find out how to make the most out of a bad situation, so that the next time you need a plumbing repair here in Washington, D.C., you will be ready.

Have Your Plumbing Inspected

The best way to handle plumbing repairs is to take care of any potential plumbing issues before they become major disasters. Many plumbing issues stem from worn out, corroded pipes, and clogs are often caused by buildup over time. If you suspect that you have a problem with your pipes, or even sewer line, call a local plumber here in D.C. to come over and perform an inspection. Just don’t be surprised if the plumber brings a camera! Camera inspections are the latest, most high-tech method of examining plumbing. During this inspection, a tiny camera is lowered into your pipes, and any issues that are happening are recorded in real-time. This gives you clear evidence of what is going on with your plumbing. Depending on what the inspection reveals, the plumber may need to make repairs, or even a full replacement. It is best to get a jump start on this as soon as you suspect that there is a problem.

Plumbing Appliance Repair

You may have trouble with specific appliances within your home. Try and find a plumber who specializes in servicing that appliance. For example, you might need to find a plumber who provides water heater repair in DC, or a local plumber who provides dishwasher repair. If your appliance is truly on its last leg, your plumber might recommend replacing it entirely. It is a good idea to have money set aside for such replacements, so you are not forced to charge them to a credit card. Keep in mind, a problem with an appliance could be caused by a larger problem within your plumbing system. For example, what seems like a problem with your toilet could actually be a problem with your main sewer line. Your plumber should be able to determine this during inspection.

Emergency Plumbing Repairs

No one likes to think of plumbing emergencies, but unfortunately (despite our best efforts at prevention) they do happen. This is why it is important to have the contact information of a reputable plumber who provides 24-hour service. This way, if water starts pouring out of your ceiling at three o’clock in the morning, you know who to call. Many plumbers in a city like Washington, D.C. offer this exact kind of service. Knowing that there is someone you can call any time if a true plumbing emergency arises should give you great peace of mind.

Pipe Cleaning Techniques Used To Clear Clogged Drains

April 10, 2017DC Plumber, DIY Plumbing, Helpful Hints, How To, Plumbing Advice, Sewer Issuesmatt

Pipe cleaning is not what it used to be. These days, plumbers have access to modern technology to assist them with clearing out clogged drains. The piping systems in older homes differ from those in newer dwellings. Due to these differences, clogged pipes may need to be unclogged differently.

Traditional unclogging methods were to use a large snake to push the item clogging the pipe through the system. Large snakes are still used, but in older homes they can over-stress the plumbing, leading to more issues. Leaks and other extensive repairs may be required if a snake is used to unclog a drain in an older home.

Two advanced technologies used by professional DC drain services include power-rodding and hydro-jetting. Only a professional drain service can unclog drains in this matter. Specialized training is required, to ensure the machine is being used properly.

What Is Power-Rodding?

Power-rodding is an innovative technology that emulates the design of a traditional plumber’s snake. Although the design may be the same, the tasks that can be accomplished with this tool are modern. It not only unclogs the pipes, but it also cleans them. When using the tool, a plumber will thread the pipe into the drain, to locate the clog.

Once in the drain, the tiny razor blades on the outer surface of the tool will go to work. An electric motor rotates the tools cable at high speeds. The sharp blades scour the walls of the pipe, while also eliminating the clog in the line. The clog and sludge build up is broken down into tiny pieces, and flushed out of the system.

The Hydro-Jetting Technique

Hydro-jetting uses high-pressure water to flush out clogs and clean out the pipes at the same time. A plumber will thread the tool into the pipe, and turn the water on. The cleaning head on the opposing end of the lines precision nozzles, discharge water at 3500 psi.

The pressure provided by the water, acts like a knife, cutting through any obstructions within the piping system. This method will not only clear out a clog, but it also removes any sludge in its path. The force of the water breaks down the clog and sludge into small particles, flushing it through the piping system.

Does Specialized Equipment Have To Be Used To Clean All Clogs?

Clogged drains are a common plumbing dilemma. Most people resort to calling a professional service when they are not able to remedy the problem on their own. Even though professional equipment can be used to clear clogs from a clogged line, it is not always necessary.

Usually power-rodding and hydro-jetting are used on cleaning pipes in older homes. The piping systems in older homes are delicate. Time can cause the pipes to rust or break away, making the task of cleaning a clog difficult. Advanced technologies are employed for these types of services. Small clogs will still warrant the plumber to use a traditional snake. The equipment used to clear out a clogged drain can impact the cost of the drain cleaning service.

Increase The Value Of Your Home With A Bathroom Remodel

April 8, 2017Bathroom Remodeling, DC Plumber, DIY Plumbing, Helpful Hints, How To, Plumbing Advicematt

Selling a home can be hard. If you want to get the most money out of the sale, you may need to remodel the place. The condition of your bathroom can impact the value of your home. Even though the bathroom is not the focal point of a home, its condition can affect the offer made on your home. An outdated bathroom can be the difference between getting top dollar for your home or not.

Why Is The Bathroom Important?

Most people do not see the value in remodeling the bathrooms in their homes. While you should remodel visual parts of your home first, the bathroom should not be ignored. Bathrooms are ignored in most cases, due to tight remodeling budgets. You do not want prospective buyers to step into a time warp every time they enter the space.

When performing DC bathroom remodeling tasks, the room must be updated to match the style of the rest of the home. Buyers want to buy homes that are turn-key. They want to be able to move their stuff into the dwelling, and not have to worry about updating it to their style. Remodeling the bathroom will give your home an edge over other homes on the market.

Considerations To Make When Remodeling The Bathroom

When remodeling your bathroom, there are a few things to consider. You need to decide if you are going to do a few simple repairs to spruce up the area, or an entire remodel. Simple things that can make changes in the bathroom are painting the walls and changing out the tile. With a large remodel, you will completely revamp the appearance of the area.

If your bathroom has not been remodeled in a while, you should opt for an entire remodel. Completely remodeling the area will require you to purchase new furnishings. A new toilet, tub, sink, and showerhead should be purchased for the remodel. The cost of these fixtures can impact the cost of your home.

For example, if you purchase a high-quality tub, the cost of this appliance can be added to the home’s value. If high-end furnishings fit within your remodeling budget, they should be used. Their appeal can be the deciding point between a buyer choosing to buy or walk.

Should You Hire A Professional?

With all the DIY television shows and websites, most people believe that they can remodel their bathrooms without using a professional. The extent of the remodel will dictate if a professional is needed. If you are going to be completely remodeling the area, a professional plumbing service is needed.

The bathroom can be a dangerous place, if the remodel is not handled correctly. Remember that both water and electricity run into the room. If you do not know what you are doing the remodeling project could become hazardous, quickly.

A professional remodeling service has the skills to complete the remodel safely. Professional companies are aware of what the housing codes are for your area. They will ensure that they receive the proper permissions to perform the work, and that it is done properly.

Three Features To Consider When Choosing A Showerhead

April 6, 2017Bathroom Remodeling, DC Plumber, DIY Plumbing, Energy Efficiency, Helpful Hints, How To, Plumbing Advicematt

Showers have an impact on our daily lives. They can be used as a tool to set the tone for the day, provide a resting place at night, or refuge from daily stress. The right type of shower head can make a difference when it comes to reaping the benefits of this enjoyable task.

Finding the right type of showerhead to use when performing DC plumbing renovations can be overwhelming. Before beginning your search, there are a few things that need to be considered. The water conditions of your home, water pressure, and your budget should be taken into consideration, prior to making a purchase.

Most people that choose to update their showerheads during a renovation will want the heads to perform specific tasks. These tasks include saving water, offering varying spray options, and filtering chemicals and toxins out of the water. Finding the right type of showerhead for your renovation project is important.

Saving Water

Appliances that are water efficient are popular these days. However, state and federal regulations dictate what types of appliances can be used in each state. Opt for a showerhead that uses no more than two gallons of water per minute. Checking with a local company offering water conditioning and plumbing services can ensure you get the best appliances to fit your needs.

Spray Options

Our wants and needs change daily, it only makes sense that our showerheads adhere to our moods. After a stressful day, you may choose to get into a light and relaxing shower. Or after a long workout, you may want to feel like you are standing underneath a waterfall, and increase the pressure of the spray.

The good thing about modern technology is you can get a showerhead that offers multiple spraying options. Most models have a minimum of three spray patterns to choose from. This puts you in control of how the water from your shower will hit your body.

Filter Chemicals And Toxins Out Of The Water

Most adults are aware of the chemicals that are used to filter water. Even though the water that is brought into a home has gone through a chemical cleaning process, toxins do get left behind. Water treatment facilities need to ensure the water is safe to drink and use, they do not have to ensure that it is chemically clear.

Chlorine is one chemical that is used to clean water. Most people who are sensitive to chlorine should consider having a showerhead that filters the water. Sprite showerheads are the most common type of showerhead used that filters harmful chemicals from the water. The showerhead will filter chlorine, lead, sediment, and odors.

Plumbing renovations can be fun, if they are being done because of a want and not a need. There are lots of advanced appliances that can be installed in the space. The appliances are designed to make your bathroom experience enjoyable. The showerhead is one thing that gets overlooked in many renovation projects.

Showering is an integral part of the day, and should be enjoyed. This is time for yourself to either get yourself ready to start your day, or relax yourself before going to bed. Picking the right type of showerhead with the features that you want can make all the difference.

How To Check Your Home For Leaks

April 4, 2017DC Plumber, DIY Plumbing, Helpful Hints, How To, Plumbing Advicematt

A plumbing leak can lead to an excessive amount of water waste. A plumbing leak can cause anywhere from 2000 to 20,000 gallons of water waste per year. The leak can result in structural damage, mold, and insanity. Many plumbing leaks are not visible, making them difficult to detect.

An increased water bill, or a water stain on the walls or ceiling, can signify the presence of a leak. Some leaks can easily be rectified, while others cannot. It is important as a homeowner that you know how to inspect your home for leaks. If you do notice a leak, contact a DC emergency plumber promptly.

Locating Indoor Leaks

The best way to determine if you have an indoor leak is to check your appliances and fixtures. Toilets are the most common cause of a leak. Toilet leaks can be difficult to detect, if they are not properly tested. While searching your bathroom for leaks, aside from checking the toilet and fixtures, also check the tub and flooring. Any flooring that appears to be curled up, stained, or lose can alert you of a problem.

The Tub And Shower

Aside from the toilet, the second common cause of leaks is the drain in the tub or shower. These leaks are common due to the way that the piping systems are set up. Connections to the tub and shower can separate, which will allow water to leak out of the draining body, and onto the floor. People who have shower pans or fiberglass tubs are at a higher risk of developing a leak in this portion of their home.

Indoor Sinks

Sinks will experience leaks around their rim. A leaking rim can cause damage to the cabinets and countertops. Look for stains or puddles accumulating by the sink. If there are pieces of your countertop pulled up, or the caulk around your sink is deteriorating, these are telltale signs that the sink is leaking. Before calling a professional to fix the issue, make sure that the sink is tightly sealed.

Finding Outdoor Leaks

Locating an outdoor leak can be daunting. If the leak is in a swimming pool, this can make the process even more tedious. One way to determine if your swimming pool is wasting any water, as the result of a leak, is to perform a bucket test.

Grab a bucket, and set it down onto a step in the pool. Fill the bucket to match the water line of the pool. Mark the water levels along the side and the outside of the bucket. Keep the bucket in place for twenty-four hours. Once twenty-four hours has passed, come back to your pool, and see if the water has receded underneath the lines that were drawn.

Sprinkler Systems

If you use a sprinkler or irrigation system, you will need to check this area for leaks also. Checking the system is easy. Simply turn the water on, and keep an eye on all the lines and heads of the system. There are some systems that will leak when the water is off, which signifies a valve is malfunctioning.