Category Archives: How To

Three Smart Home Products

August 6, 2017Commercial Plumbing, DC Plumber, DIY Plumbing, Energy Efficiency, Helpful Hints, How To, Plumbing Advice, Save Money, Water Heatersmatt

In today’s fast paced digital world, there is always newer more advanced methods, appliances, and technology being developed to revolutionize an industry or perhaps the entire worlds everyday life. This is great news for you considering the quality and intelligence of your devices and products can only get better and more convenient. Tasks that used to take a lot of time and planning now can be done 10 times better in half of the time thanks to connecting your devices to the digital realm. Appliances and devices are now becoming smart models offering more features connecting to your smart phone for your absolute convenience. Check out the options below for a more in depth look at the new possibilities.

Water Leak/Freeze Detector’s

These are excellent units that can be installed to keep track of the temperature and humidity of certain aspects of plumbing in your home. They can be synced to your smart phone and will show you recorded data from the measurements they take. This is an excellent safety feature so if a pipe or area gets too cold then you will be alerted so you can fix the problem before the problem escalates into something larger. Water leak detectors are great for letting you know if the device/setup finds any leaking water so you can catch it ASAP and avoid wasting water, money, and time. Imagine being able to monitor your home for leaks and freezes 24/7, 365 days a year all from your phone virtually maintenance free. Luckily, this can all become a reality whenever you decide it’s time to move forward and achieve these amazing upgrades.

Smart Thermostats

Another extremely convenient addition/upgrade you can easily make is installing a new smart thermostat. This will give the ability to monitor and control the temperature throughout your home by simply changing the temperature on your smart phone or tablet. It’s also excellent for keeping track of your desired temperature so it will automatically adjust and change the temperature so it is right where it needs to be even when the temperature would have gone up or down normally. This gives you total control at all times from the comfort of your smart device.

Water Heater Shut Off Valve

Finally, one last beneficial smart device that can be installed is a water heater shut off valve. This will automatically shut off water to the water heater when necessary while leaving all the other fixtures in perfect operation unaffected. It can also detect leaks and warn you if a problem arises so you can make a change or turn something off to avoid a bigger problem. Any and all of these devices will surely make your home more manageable, enjoyable, and hassle free. You can also catch issues early before they develop into something bigger while saving energy with better tracking and recording. Be sure to pick the model and brand that suits you and your family best before purchasing. For further help or services, contact a professional that offers water heater repair in DC.

Try These Three Easy Steps For Better Air Quality

August 4, 2017DC Plumber, DIY Plumbing, Helpful Hints, How To, Plumbing Advice, Uncategorizedmatt

The quality of the air that circulates throughout your home may be overlooked even though it can have a large impact on your overall health over time. Poor air quality containing particles, allergens, dust, and other impurities could lead to breathing problems and other undesirable illnesses. The good news is that there are devices specially made that will quickly fix the issue and eliminate harmful particles in no time. Read through the information below to learn more about how to get your air purity back.

Benefits Of Installing An Air Purifier

For starters, browsing different air purifying models is a great initial step towards drastically improving the air you will breathe in on a daily basis. They come in several different brands, models, and sizes so you can find the one that best suits your home’s needs while also not costing you a fortune. Be sure to pick an air purifier that will fit in your home as well as understanding how to properly use it. The unit will detect a number of different particles and impurities in the air so be sure to read the manual/directions/features so you can identify the results and react accordingly.

Adding An Allergen Detector

Another excellent device that can greatly benefit your health if you struggle with certain allergies or seasonal changes is an allergen detector. Certain brands and models will offer different or perhaps more specific options along with more or fewer features. It all depends on what your budget is and how advanced of a model you need. Allergen detectors are an excellent tool for warning you ahead of time if toxins or allergies start to accumulate in the air so you can react and make adjustments before it becomes an issue to your health. They can be digitally set up for your specific needs and measure/calculates the different particles in the air so you know exactly where you’re at in air quality. These two devices will show you humidity, temperature, allergens, air pressure, carbon monoxide, ozone, carbon dioxide, particulate matter, and other airborne chemicals. As you can see, these two devices will monitor and regulate the air quality and purity in your home in just about every single aspect possible.

Make Your Devices Smart Devices For Added Convenience

Just when you thought the improvements couldn’t get any more advanced and exciting, they can by connecting your smart phone to your air purifying/detection devices. This is a huge benefit and convenience since you can directly connect to your smart phone through wi-fi and then set up the settings on the device through the company’s app. This means everything can be set up and managed through your phone as well as using notifications like a text message whenever the device detects a problem or change in air quality. These are excellent ways to improve the quality of air in your home so you breathe clean every day. If you need help installing these devices or others like humidifiers and air cleaners on furnaces, or just have questions, don’t hesitate to contact a plumbing company in DC for professional service.

Water Heater Replacement Process

August 3, 2017DC Plumber, Energy Efficiency, Helpful Hints, How To, Plumbing Advice, Save Money, Water Heatersmatt

The first and foremost step that comes before anything else in the process of replacing your water heater is understanding how long one can usually last and how to get the most out of it. The typical lifespan for a water heater runs right around 8 to 12 years depending on the model and year it was manufactured. The following article shares some helpful information for determining your best course of action, if your water heater isn’t performing optimally.

Understanding A Water Heater and Its Lifespan

An excellent tip to remember when talking about the life of a water heater is to have your next purchase and installation planned out ahead of time so you can replace it before it completely breaks, leaving your home without hot water availability. Be sure to keep an extra close eye on the condition and efficiency of your heater as it starts to get higher up in years in its life span so you can keep up on necessary maintenance and catch problems early before they become not fixable. Draining out the sediment build every couple months is an excellent tip to help prolong the life, effectiveness, and efficiency of your unit.

When It’s Time To Look For A New Unit

When it does becomes time to replace your water heater because it no longer works correctly or it has become completely unusable, making the right purchase will mean the difference of how much money you spend and what kind of performance the heater will deliver in your home for several years to come. When getting a new heater you’ll most likely want to get the same type of heater as last time meaning if it was a gas or electric water heater so the connection procedure is the same. You should also strive to get the most efficient model that will also be big enough to handle all of your needs as this will be a major difference on how much money you spend each year on the cost of running it. The more you know about the water usage in your home and how much money you can spend, the better chance of making the best possible purchase. Discussing this with your plumber and having them handle your replacement is wise, as they can guide you and often get a better deal on the water heater itself, as they purchase and install them everyday.

Removing The Old And Installing The New

Once you have purchased your new water heater and are ready to use it you will need to remove the old one if you haven’t already. To do this first turn off the water supply and then run all the hot water out in the sinks in the house. Then if you use a gas hookup be sure to turn off the gas valve before disconnecting. Next, you’ll need to hand cut all the plumbing lines hooked up to the unit. Finally, now you can then remove the water heater which will be heavy so be careful and get some help. When hooking up the new one you will first want to get the water heater placed in the right spot and connect all the needed water hoses. Then you will want turn on the water supply while still leaving the hot water faucet open so they can run for one minute before turning them off. Lastly, you can then reconnect the wires to the new unit, turn the power on, and wait for the water to start to heat up. If you have any issues or questions about water heaters you can reach out to an expert that specializes in DC water heater repair for professional advice and service.

Year Round Irrigation System Maintenance

August 1, 2017DC Plumber, DIY Plumbing, Helpful Hints, How To, Plumbing Advicematt

Here is some helpful information to make maintaining your irrigation system easier and simpler, freeing you up for other items on your to-do list. Note that observation and winterization are key factors to perform.

Steady Observation Is Key For Starters

If you are planning on having an irrigation system installed at your commercial property or residence, it is worth considering having a master plumber handle the installation. This will greatly reduce problems and save you time. If you are one of many that have already installed or had your irrigation/sprinkler system installed, then your job is going to be observing the efficiency of where the water is being dispersed and how much. Ensuring each day that every nozzle and mechanism is moving and cycling correctly is important to know, so if a problem does develop you can catch it early. Letting a problem go unfixed for a while could severely change the balance of color and life in your yard and landscaping, leaving areas not watered, brown and dead. Mismanagement and inaccuracy of irrigation could also leave large amounts of water in places that you don’t want, causing other unwanted problems as well. Be sure to inspect each day that the placement, pressure, accuracy, and movement are all in check and working the way they should be to maximize the output and success of your irrigation system.

Winterizing Your Irrigation

Next on the list of necessary steps especially for anyone who lives in a region that experiences freezing weather would be properly winterizing the hoses, sprayers, and water supplied to each area. Always be sure that the water is shut off ahead of time so the weather doesn’t surprise you and leave you frozen lines or ruined mechanisms. You will also need to get all the water out of the entire sprinkler system, including sprinkler heads, hoses, nozzles, and spigots. Sometimes due to the complexity of the system, gravity alone is not enough. If water is trapped or too far down in a line or area to reach then compressed air or a specially made blower for pools and plumbing will help you push the remaining water out. When the weather rolls back around and things have thawed out thoroughly, cleaning and inspecting the whole sprinkler system before use is essential for maximum success when running. Debris can create clogs and can increase the pressure leaving an area damaged and unable to perform.

When A Problem Arises

Lastly, on the list of actions to take for getting the most out of your irrigation system is knowing how to respond when you encounter an issue. Even if you take extra special care of your sprinkler/irrigation system every day year after year, problems and accidents can still happen, unfortunately. If you encounter a leak you will need to figure a way of closing up the leak ASAP so water is not wasted and an area is not getting soaked. Running across a broken line or nozzle will most likely require disassembling the system and installing a new part to solve the issue. The more you know and understand the specifics of your system, the more you’ll be prepared to resolve the issue in a number of different possible situations and circumstances. If you experience something that you are unsure how to install, replace, or fix altogether, you may need to contact a professional that specializes in emergency plumbing services in DC for further assistance.

Prepping Your Home Before Vacation

July 29, 2017DC Plumber, DIY Plumbing, Energy Efficiency, Helpful Hints, How To, Plumbing Advice, Save Money, Water Heatersmatt

Planning and packing for vacation is fun and hectic. In the hustle and bustle, make sure to take care of a few things in and around the house to maintain safety and cleanliness. Unplugging appliances, adjusting the furnace and water heater thermostats, and setting alarms are important, and so are the useful tips that follow.

Shutting Down Any Water Source

Before leaving your home for an extended period of time for a vacation, for example, there are a few extremely crucial steps to take so you aren’t returning home to a mess or a costly disaster. When you are home, having the main water valve on is an obvious must so water can go where it needs to go throughout your home. However, when you are gone you will want to shut off your main water valve in the case of a leaking or broken pipe, since you won’t be there to react to an issue that arises. Failure to shut off the main valve could leave you with a flooded house or worse when you return if something were to go wrong. Another good preparation tip to act on is making sure that no outdoor water is left on such as a sprinkler system for example. A drip all day for several weeks adds up to a large amount of wasted water. The first step is to always be sure that all the water is turned off.

Tending To Indoor And Outdoor Pumps

The next step for ensuring the efficiency of your home inside and out while you are away is checking on any pumps such as sump pumps and pool pumps as a couple examples. Ensuring that your sump pump in the basement works is very important for guaranteeing that your basement won’t flood. If the gutters fail and allow water to come in the basement, a sump pump will save you from a lot of water damage. To check the sump pump simply dump some water in the pump pit so it raises the water level, then see if it ejects the water correctly. If it fails then you could try to solve the issue or contact a professional for help before leaving. Another pump that should be left on is the swimming pool pump. By turning it off for long periods of time, algae build-up can occur so always set it at the optimal operating setting for long term efficiency.

Preventing The Build Up Of Mold And Bacteria

Lastly on the list of preparation steps for a lengthy vacation is eliminating the chance for the buildup of mold, bacteria, and other unsanitary substances. Always clean dirty dishes and unload the dishwasher so bacteria can’t develop on food covered dirty dishes. Next, you should check the refrigerator and freezer for foods that have a short expiration date and either consume before leaving or properly dispose of them before departure so they can’t rot and form mold. Rotting foods for a period of time will become unsanitary and leave very unpleasant long lasting odors. Properly following these three tips will greatly improve the condition of your home when you return and also decrease the chance of a catastrophe happening that could cost you a fortune. If you have any further questions or concerns on preparation actions or simply general plumbing issues, contact a professional that offers plumbing upgrades in DC.

3 Step Grease Trap Preparation

July 26, 2017Commercial Plumbing, DC Plumber, DIY Plumbing, Helpful Hints, How To, Plumbing Advice, Sewer Issuesmatt

High amounts of oil, grease, and fats from cooking can interrupt the natural breakdown of said oils in septic tanks & sewer facilities, so it is a good idea to install a grease trap at your home or business if you do a lot of food preparation.

Determine The Necessary Grease Trap Size

The very first step in grease trap preparation for your home or business is understanding your needs and which model will suit those needs. Traps come in several different sizes and models to best fit each circumstance and specific purpose. Whether you have a home or business, the size of grease trap necessary will be determined by the amount of water that goes through your drainage pipes. As a general rule, restaurants and other businesses that dispose of large amounts of grease down the drain on a regular basis should pick a grease trap with a capacity of at least 40 KG. Even if you don’t own a business, you may still consider getting a larger capacity trap if you don’t plan on cleaning it often. For homes, smaller buildings, and general use, a smaller regular capacity grease trap should be able to handle the work load with little to no trouble. Upgrading your plumbing system to include a grease trap is a good way to help protect the environment, while protecting you from blockages, clogs, and plumbing problems.

Location Of Installation

The next step in the process of installing and getting the most out of your grease trap is determining the best place to put it for maximum efficiency and effectiveness. In most cases, the best place to install a trap is right under the kitchen sink for convenience, however, in other circumstances, a different location may be more appropriate. For houses or small buildings with several sinks, outdoor setup is better suited for all of the drainage pipes that can be connected to one pipe outside connected to the grease trap. Figure out first if having it inside or outside is better and then determine the exact location to meet the drainage pipe/pipes from there.

Connecting The Grease Trap To The Pipes Or Pipe

The exact hookup procedure will vary depending on what model you are installing so be sure to read the instruction manual over to be sure the process is done correctly. On most models, 3 different connections will need to be made. First off, there should be a connection made to the holding tank vent. Next, a connection to the sink or the source of the water should be made and is usually located on the left side of the unit. Lastly, the connection to the pipe that leads to the sewer system should be established. This is usually located on the bottom right side of the grease trap unit. Never allow any solid waste to go down the sink and enter the grease trap. Instead, ensure that the sink is effective at catching all solid objects preventing them from entering the grease trap. A very useful tip to remember and practice is to run some hot water after disposing of grease down the drain. This will aid in the breakdown of grease in the grease trap so a buildup is less likely to develop. Remember and use these tips so installing a grease trap can be a piece of cake. If you are experiencing difficulty or just have a question don’t hesitate to reach out to a DC sewer and drain expert for professional assistance.

Three Easy Tips To Conserve Water In The Bathroom

July 21, 2017Bathroom Remodeling, DC Plumber, DIY Plumbing, Energy Efficiency, Helpful Hints, How To, Plumbing Advice, Save Moneymatt

Conserving water is an important thing everyone should do, worldwide. “Going green” can be accomplished by doing small, simple things that help the environment. Read on for some useful tips you can employ in your own bathroom to help reduce your water usage, and save yourself a little money while you’re at it.

Ensure You Don’t Have Toilets Leaking Water

The first method in using less water in your home is to make sure you aren’t wasting/leaking water such as a leaking toilet for example. Testing a toilet for leaks is virtually free and can be done quickly and hassle free. Simply remove the tank lid and drop 10 drops of food coloring or dye in the tank. Next, wait 10 to 15 minutes and then check inside the toilet bowl for any sign of the food coloring/dye. If you do see it then your toilet is indeed leaking and wasting water day after day and should be fixed as soon as possible. When fixing the leak or buying a new toilet consider installing a new low flush toilet which uses a lot less water on every flush saving you money on bills and using far less water per year helping to preserve the environment. It is very important to ensure that all of your plumbing and appliances are working correctly free of leaks and problems since they can waste tons of energy, water, and money when not operating up to par.

Use Less Water When Bathing

Second, on the list of useful steps to help save water and money happens every day with your bathing ritual. Many people are completely unaware that taking baths uses far more water on average than that of a normal five-minute shower. Taking fewer baths will add up over time to water conserved and you will most likely notice savings on your water bill as well. Also, you can also change out your old shower head out for a newer modern low-flow shower head. These are designed to spread the water out using a lower psi so it still feels satisfying and does the job while saving a large amount of water over time. These new low-flow shower heads are also built with high quality and often can be mobile in the shower with more options and better features for your convenience.

Use Less Water At The Sink

Lastly, on the list of ways to use less water in the bathroom comes when using the sink in several different manors. One way to use less water at the sink is turning the water off while brushing your teeth and only using it when rinsing. This is an extremely common mistake people continue to make even though a lot of water can be wasted if the water is run for 3 to 5 minutes while brushing your teeth. Another very useful upgrade that can be made is by installing low-flow faucet aerators for the sinks. This will help decrease the steady psi of water that comes out so less water is wasted when washing your hands, shaving, brushing teeth, and much more. Installing a low-flow faucet aerator can cut the water usage in half with every single use. These are three excellent ways to help save a ton of water and money on your water bill day after day. For any further questions regarding plumbing concerns, contact a professional that offers DC clog services for further help and advice.

Preparation Measures For Seasonal Plumbing

July 18, 2017DC Plumber, DIY Plumbing, Helpful Hints, How To, Plumbing Advicematt

The changing seasons bring an array of plumbing concerns. It is easy to forget about preparing for upcoming fall & winter. Here are some helpful tips to keep ahead of the weather.

Anticipating Seasonal Temperature Changes

The first step in preparing the plumbing in and around your home is understanding the weather patterns in your area that you live. It is crucial to know when temperatures have a chance of dropping below freezing so you can eliminate the chance of a pipe freezing or even busting. Places that experience multiple seasons and temperatures per year create a larger amount of upkeep and observation to ensure nothing freezes or ruins. As the months roll by, it is imperative to keep up with the temperature/weather forecast as a new season approaches. This will help you avoid waking up one morning to a massive problem like a completely frozen solid outdoor line or worse. Always be sure to stay ahead of the weather so you aren’t surprised by any huge temperature drops as the weather patterns begin to transition.

Removing And Turning Off Outdoor Water

Next on the list of necessary steps to take to keep plumbing safe from freezing weather is the removal and elimination of water to outdoor lines, pipes, hoses, and faucets. Turn off all water lines that run outside as well as letting hoses and things that trap water drain out completely before storing and winterizing. If you have pipes that run inside your home but are also exposed to cold are such as the garage, for example, you may need to cover exposed pipes so the temperature drops won’t freeze the water in the pipe. Keeping the garage warmer is a good way to help combat pipes from freezing. Be sure to know where all indoor/outdoor pipes could potentially be exposed to freezing temperatures even if it’s just a small amount of plumbing. Also, be sure the walls have sufficient insulation to keep pipes above freezing temperatures as they run through the walls all throughout your home. Lastly, for pipes that could be exposed to freezing air in the attic, crawlspace, or garage, you can use inexpensive foam pipe insulation. If the weather gets extremely cold then you can also consider temperature controlled heat tape for your exposed pipes.

If A Pipe Does Freeze

Last on the list is how to react if worst comes to worst and you do encounter a nearly or completely frozen pipe/water line. If a pipe freezes that also runs inside to your home, you’ll need to approach the situation with safety and planning in mind. There are several methods in thawing a frozen pipe and some are riskier than others depending on the exact situation. For smaller pipes or a faucet, you can use boiling water with a towel wrapped around the pipe to trap the heat and melt the ice. Another less safe method is using a propane torch which can force steam and pressure to build, resulting in a pipe that bursts if it thaws to quick. If you are unsure or worried don’t hesitate to contact a professional to get the problem solved safely free of injury. For questions or concerns contact an expert that offers DC drain services for professional assistance.

Professional Plumbing Tips And Tricks

July 15, 2017DC Plumber, DIY Plumbing, Helpful Hints, How To, Plumbing Advice, Sewer Issuesmatt

Knowing a few “tricks of the trade” can help you in a pinch when a plumbing issue may arise. The following hints can save the day, or at least help prevent a major problem.

Fixing A Leaky Faucet

Leaky faucets are annoying, wasteful, and counterproductive. Luckily, they can be fixed relatively easy the majority of the time. To start you’ll want to turn off the water to the faucet and cover the drain to prevent pieces and parts from falling down in there. Next, determine what kind of faucet you are fixing, maybe it’s a ball or cartridge faucet for example. After that, you need to unscrew each handle and then remove the nut using a wrench. The next stop on the list would be pulling out the stem followed by removing the seat washer. After that, you can replace the seat washer with a new one and reassemble everything back together. If you have a certain type of faucet like a ball faucet then you will most likely need to buy a replacement kit to replace several parts in order to properly resolve the problem.

How A ShopVac Can Save The Day

A shopvac is an inexpensive machine that could help you a huge amount in several situations, especially when it comes to plumbing concerns. Shopvacs are an excellent tool in trying to unclog any type of drain as well as providing a quick way to clean up a large amount water from a basement flood or leaking pipe. Let’s say your ring or an important piece of jewelry just accidentally fell into the kitchen sink, a shopvac provides a good chance of using suction to retrieve the object for you. Shopvacs are even great with cleaning out fish tanks, aquariums, and just hard to reach areas.

Main Water Line Advice

The main water line is the most important aspect when it comes to using water for anything in your home. From washing the clothes to taking a shower, to using the dishwasher, it’s all powered by the main water line. Unfortunately, nothing lasts forever and eventually one day the main line will go bad and need some type of fixing or replacement. Since the water line is almost always below ground and not visible, it can be difficult to detect any type of problem developing before it becomes a full-blown catastrophe leaving you without water for several days or more along with a hefty cost. A good idea is to schedule a professional camera inspection of the main line about every two years. This is an excellent way of staying on top of the condition of the line and allows you to be sure that a massive problem isn’t right around the corner. Over time rust, sediment buildup, and tree roots can pose large threats to the condition of the main water line. Keep large shrubs and trees away from the line, and don’t plant any nearby. If you are experiencing issues and are not sure whether or not to replace the line, it’s usually best to let a professional assess the situation and form a plan to best protect your plumbing from large scale problems now and in the future.

If you experience an issue with your pipes or plumbing on any level, don’t hesitate to give a professional a call that specializes in plumbing, from DC sewer inspection to water heater replacement, to help get everything fixed and working smoothly.

Making Plumbing Add Value To Your Home

July 13, 2017Bathroom Remodeling, Helpful Hints, How To, Plumbing Advice, Save Money, Water Heatersmatt

Sometime we don’t think about the many ways that plumbing can add value not only to our lives, making them easier and more enjoyable, but it can add value to our homes, as well. The following three ways can help add value, add enjoyment, and/or add savings to your bank account.

Jetted Tubs

It’s probably safe to assume that most people can benefit and enjoy soaking in a hot jetted tub from time to time. There are several known health benefits of using jetted tubs such as providing relief for sore muscles and helping ease certain types of injuries. Jetted tubs can also provide a relaxing experience to help you unwind, relieve stress, and even loosen you up after intense physical activity. It is also proven that soaking in a hot bath for 10-15 minutes before bed can help you get a better night’s sleep. A lot of people look for a garden tub, jetted tub, or soaking tub when buying a house, so it is a good idea to include them in your remodel of new build, as they add to the resale value of the home.

Walk-In Bathtubs

If you struggle with mobility, balance, or have a disability that makes stepping over the traditional bathtub side dangerous then installing a walk-in bathtub could make all the difference. Buying and installing one of these safer and convenient designs comes with a price, however, if you can afford it, they can offer great benefits and safety features. They provide a nice sized enclosure with a swinging water tight door to open and close, making the trip in and out a breeze. The only downside is waiting for the tub to fill when inside and then waiting for it to completely drain when done so you can open the door. They also provide a seat inside so you can be seated if you like while bathing for your comfort and convenience. These walk-in bathtubs usually start around $2,000 and can go all the way up to $10,000. They can also add value to your home when included in a bathroom remodel. If you have any questions or concerns about plumbing, sewer, appliances, or gas lines don’t hesitate to contact a professional who is qualified as a DC master gas fitter.

Solar Power And Water Heaters

With modern technology today, we have the luxurious opportunity of switching from traditional methods over to energy efficient methods. This can save you a large amount of money spent on energy along with also greatly reducing the number of harmful carbon emissions into the environment. Many people use solar panels to power the main electrical grid of their home which is great. However, some people are now using solar power for everyday household appliances. Water heaters are larger units that are used every day and can add up quick in costs if overused or used incorrectly. By switching to a solar powered water heater, you have the potential of saving up to 50-80 percent of the total yearly water heater budget. Solar powered appliances are also a great way to boost your homes resale value as well.