Category Archives: How To

Warning Signs Of A Clog In The Sewer Line

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

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

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

Clogged Drains Or Toilets

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

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

Tree Roots

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

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

Shut Off The Water Source

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

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

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

How To Fix A Smelly Drain

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

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

How To Determine Where The Smell Is Coming From

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

Clogged Drains

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

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

Sewer Gas Is In The Air

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

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

Clogs Can Be Tough

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

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

Five Crazy Things People Do To Ruin Their Plumbing

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

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

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

Do Not Leave Hoses Connected In The Wintertime

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

Do Not Use Lots Of Drain Cleaners

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

Do Not Pour Grease Down The Kitchen Drain

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

Do Not Put Anything Into Vent Pipes

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

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

Do Not Throw Trash In Your Toilet

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

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

How To Choose A Good Plumbing Service

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

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

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

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

Investigate Their Website

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

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

Search For Online Reviews

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

Check Their Licensing

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

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

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

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

Upgrade Options For The Kitchen And Bathroom

March 24, 2017Bathroom Remodeling, DC Plumber, DIY Plumbing, Helpful Hints, How To, Plumbing Advicematt

Whenever there is an upgrade made to a plumbing system in your residence, it can impact all the plumbing systems in the home. Most people are made aware of the various DC plumbing upgrades that are available when they purchase a new home. The same upgrade options that exist for new homes can also be installed in older dwellings.

When considering plumbing upgrades there are two rooms that are updated. These rooms are the kitchen and the bathroom. These are the two primary areas of a home that use water regularly. It only makes since that these are the areas of focus.

Kitchen Updates

There are three things that can be updated in the kitchen, regarding plumbing. These three things are the sink, the faucets, and the garbage disposals. All three of these items will require water to work properly.

The Sink

Drop style sinks that are made of stainless steel are the standard sink for new construction. The sinks are stain and corrosion resistant. Upgrades to the sink would be opting to have the sink under-mounted. With an under-mount sink, the sink is mounted underneath the counter, and clips are used to hold it in place.

The Faucets

Upgrading a faucet is simple. One of the most common updates to a faucet is to install a spout that pulls out. You can find these faucets through various plumbing fixture companies. The style and finishes of the faucet differ greatly. Make sure you do some research, to locate a faucet that adheres to your needs.

The Garbage Disposal

Garbage disposals can be useful for some. They are not necessary, but if you opt for one, there are always upgraded versions available. Garbage disposals are priced according to their horsepower; the higher the horsepower, the higher the cost.

Bathroom Updates

When considering plumbing updates, one of the main places people consider is the bathroom. The three most common renovations to make in your bathroom are the faucets, toilets, and showers. Deciding on what types of upgrades you want to have performed can be daunting.

The Bathroom Faucets

The first type of upgrade available for the bathroom faucets is the finish. You have the option of choosing between a stainless steel, polished brass, or brushed nickel finish. A widespread faucet is another upgrade that can be made to the bathroom faucets. These types of faucets have separate spouts for hot and cold water.

The Toilets

The design of the standard toilet is not aesthetically appealing. Not to mention, anyone that is over 185lbs cannot stand their design. The seat is relatively small. A few updates that can be done to the toilet are to purchase an elongated bowl, have a higher seat installed, or change the traditional white color of the unit.

The Showers

There are many updates that a shower can have performed. Everything from the walls, to the piping, to the showerhead can be replaced during a renovation. There are a variety of different types of showerheads to choose from, as well as other high-quality finishes that can be applied.

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

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

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

Sewage Emergencies

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

Leaks And Floods

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

Clogged Drain

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

How To Stay Warm During The Chilly D.C. Winters

March 15, 2017Bathroom Remodeling, DC Plumber, Energy Efficiency, How To, Plumbing Advice, Water Heatersmatt

D.C. is lucky in that its winters aren’t as severe as winters in some other cities (Have you been to Minneapolis in January?!). That said, winters in the capital can get pretty chilly and, on rare occasions, downright brutal. This article will list some ways that you can crush the cold here in the Washington, D.C. area. Hopefully these tips will help make your D.C. winters a little more pleasant. As far as traffic is concerned…well…you’re on your own there.

Winterize Your Home

There a few steps that you can take to make sure that your home is ready for a D.C. winter. Most of these steps are meant to ensure that cold air does not come into your house and hot air does not escape. One cheap and easy step is to put a thin, insulating film on your windows. These can be purchased at D.C. area home improvement stores, and can work wonders in preventing heat escape. Speaking of windows, upgrading to storm windows is the best way to make sure your windows are keeping the heat in, and the cold out. D.C. area home improvement stores also sell draft guard: thin strips of insulation that you can place beneath your door, to prevent airflow in the gap between the door and the floor. For a larger overhaul, upgrade to fiberglass insulation. Fiberglass is the optimal material for insulating your home. Finally, make sure all cracks and gaps in your home are sealed tight. Use a caulking gun to seal any cracks you might notice. These simple steps will all add up to make you a lot warmer.

Optimize Your Appliances

Obviously, it is important to make sure that your heater is in good working order. If your heater starts malfunctioning once the cold kicks in, call an HVAC company to come repair it right away. It is also important to make sure the filter in your furnace is clean. This is a simple step that you can take to optimize your furnace’s performance. Make sure your water heater is working right as well—there is nothing worse than taking a freezing cold shower on a cold winter morning! If your water heater is not working right, there are plenty of good plumbers who provide water heater repair in DC. If you do find that the water in your house is not as hot as it should be, try turning up the thermostat first. If that does not help, it is time to call the professionals.

Don’t Break The Bank On Utilities

Furnaces and water heaters are great devices for D.C. winters, but your utility bills can add up very fast. On days when it is just a little chilly, try to see if you can avoid cranking up the thermostat. Bundling up is a good option for beating the cold, even indoors. It may seem a little silly to wear a coat and hat in your own living room, but this can greatly reduce your utility bill. Oh, and if you are lucky enough to have a fireplace, use it!

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.

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.