Category Archives: Plumbing Advice

WHY YOU NEED A SEWER INSPECTION

May 28, 2017DC Plumber, Helpful Hints, Plumbing Advice, Sewer Issuesmatt

A sewer is something that is used in homes mostly during the day. As long as it is working properly, you have no reason to have a conversation regarding the sewer pipes. However, this does not mean that a problem cannot arise in your sewer line. When a problem begins to build within your sewer pipes, it may still go undetected. Most often, when you realize there is a problem with your sewer, the problem has been ongoing for quite some time. It has only become noticeable because it is either severe or critical. Once you realize there is something wrong with your sewer system, it may be time to call a plumbing service for a sewer inspection. The following are the three major reasons why you need a sewer inspection in DC.

Tree Roots Love Sewer Lines

The first common cause of sewer issues is roots of trees. Trees do not have to be very close to the sewer pipes for them to cause a problem. Trees with deep roots that extend far below the ground can grow around the sewer pipes causing excessive damage to the pipes when the roots crush or poke the pipes. The roots sneak into the tiny openings of the pipes and then expand with time, blocking the flow of the sewer line eventually causing damage. In case you notice that your sewer pipes are not draining properly; there could be a serious problem with the sewer. The first thing that you should do is to schedule for a sewer inspection. The inspection may help you identify the issue, and also assist in the repairing of the damage caused by the roots.

Natural Wear And Tear

Even new sewer systems can experience leaks, or get blocked from time to time although older sewer systems are at a higher risk. Your home’s sewer system may have been constructed prior to the modern sewer system, relying on clay and cesspools. These old sewer systems erode and collapse over time. If you are not sure of the state and the type of your sewer system, it is a good idea to have an inspection done to prevent any possible damage to your home.

Sewer Repairs Are Expensive

DC Sewer inspections are not expensive, and they can be done within a short time. On the other hand, sewer system repairs can be very costly and mostly they are not covered by your insurance since it’s a result of natural wear and tear. Furthermore, sewer backups can be very messy leading to leaking and flooding of the sewer. This type of leakage is not healthy and should be avoided at all costs. Most often, a sewer inspection will detect a problem before it causes some irreparable damage.

In conclusion, spending a minimal investment and a little time will save you from costly future problems. In case you see some signs of a potential sewer issue, or you just want to prevent future issues, schedule a professional in DC to inspect your system, and it will give you some peace of mind. Regular inspections will also help you gain a baseline of system health and enable you budget appropriately for any future plumbing repairs.

SIGNS THAT SHOW YOUR SEWER LINE NEEDS REPAIR

May 26, 2017DC Plumber, Helpful Hints, Plumbing Advice, Sewer Issuesmatt

Every homeowner probably knows that the sewer system helps in transporting waste water from their homes to the underground sewer lines. Beyond that, most homeowners give very little thought to their sewer lines until an issue comes up. A sewer problem can lead to sewer backup coming out of the drains. This can lead to significant damage to a home and a costly sewer line repair or replacement. If you see a warning or a potential sewer issue, contact a plumbing service for inspection immediately. The inspection can save you from severe sewer and plumbing issues. The following are some of the signs of a broken or deteriorating sewer line that needs DC sewer repair.

Sewer Gas Odor

If you can smell sewer odor in or around your home, this is a clear sign that there is a crack somewhere in your sewer system. A sewer is usually air tight everywhere apart from the vent stacks on the roof that allows the sewage to move downhill. This means that you should never experience any sewer odor unless there is an opening or a crack in your sanitary sewer system.

Sewer Blockages And Backups

Sewer backups usually occur in the lowest open drain, and they are caused by a blockage somewhere in the sewer line. If you are experiencing sewer backups every time you run water down your bathroom drain or sink, the most common problem is likely to be in your main sewer line since all your drains rely on the main sewer line to drain properly. If the backups are limited to only one drain, then your problem could be isolated to that specific drain. You can seek the services of a plumber in DC to clean your pipes, and the drains will work properly once more.

Slow Drains

If your toilet, sink or bathtub is draining very slowly even after the sewer line is cleaned, you may have some underlying issues such as tree roots intrusions or cracks invading the sewer pipes. A slow drain may be an indication that something is forming up in the sewer system which may lead to a sewage backup. You should not use chemicals to solve slow drainage since the chemicals will eat away the pipe causing more damage.

Septic waste Pooling In Your Yard

Septic waste pooling in your home is a clear indication that there is a break in your sewer line. The problem may be a cracked main line, a broken septic tank or clogged drain fields. Most often, the problem is found directly under the pool of the sewer waste water.

Foundation Cracks And Sinkholes

Extreme signs of sewer system deterioration include foundation problems like cracks in the foundation slab, settlement and in some cases sinkholes. If the mainline that runs under the slab develops a leak that remains unattended for a long period, a void will develop in your foundation. This may lead to foundation issues such as cracks, settlements in the building or more worse a sinkhole. If you spot any of these problems, you should contact a foundation repair specialist immediately.

In conclusion, if you are experiencing any of these warning signs of a broken sewer system, you should have a sewer inspection done by a professional plumber immediately. Plumbing systems can fail terribly and cause excessive damage to your property. There are various methods of repairing the sewer out there so you should seek the advice of a plumber in DC before you make any decisions.

DC Water Heater Repairs

May 24, 2017DC Plumber, Energy Efficiency, Helpful Hints, How To, Plumbing Advice, Water Heatersmatt

A water heater is a vital item in your household. Water heaters enable a household to function as a modern home by providing hot water for dish cleaning, washing clothes, bathing and cleaning in a sanitary manner. It is frustrating to get into the shower only get some ice cold water after turning the hot water knob. With some little understanding, you can take care of some problems yourself, and also be better prepared to understand your options when it is time to call a professional plumber for the repairs.

Symptoms of a Faulty Water Heater and Repairs

The problems with a water heater may be smelly or rusty-colored water, but the most common problems are a lack of enough hot water and leaks which call for the water heater repairs. Below is a list of some of the symptoms and the corresponding repairs that should be carried out on each one of them.

Not Enough Hot Water

In case there has not been an increase of use of water, and it’s not a new installation of a water heater, the first thing to do is check the thermostat to ensure that it has not been set too low accidentally. If the dip tube is corroded, then this could be the cause of your problem. The scale of your heating elements and the buildup of sediment in the tank may also leave you with a very unsatisfying shower. Apart from a faulty thermostat, the other likely alternative for electric models is that one of the heating elements may have burned out. In case of a gas model, the burner is either working very well or not working at all.

No Hot Water

For electric fueled models, the absence of hot water could be caused by a tripped circuit breaker, a faulty thermostat or both heating elements burning out. For gas fueled models there are many possible causes. The first thing is to check whether the pilot light is burning. If it is not burning, follow the instructions in the user manual of the unit to re-light it. Otherwise, the problem of the heater could be anywhere along its chain between the pilot and the burner.

Strange Noises

Tapping noises are normal when your tank is heating up and cooling down quickly. However, loud thuds and pops come as a result of the scaling breaking off to become sediment. A boiling noise should be considered as an emergency. This is because the noise indicates a failure of the safety device that limits the pressure and the temperature and this leaves you at a risk of a steam explosion. If you have some strange noises, contact the services of a plumber in DC to check your water heater to prevent damage to your property.

Leaks

Water heaters have several ports and openings in the tank, such as the pressure relief valve, drain valve, and the heating elements. Check all the ports and the plumbing above the water heater for any leaks. If you can’t find any leaks and there is a lot of water on the floor, the other probability is that the water heater tank is leaking and it cannot be repaired. Consider replacing your water heater tank, and only a professional plumber can do this. DC water heater repairs can solve the problem for you and give you peace of mind.

In conclusion, you can find instructions on the web for maintenance of your plumbing system, but a minor mistake can lead you to a more difficult and expensive problem. To avoid this, seek the services of a professional plumber in DC for fast, reliable and lasting DC water heater repairs.

Affordable DC Plumbing Upgrades That You Should Consider Installing

May 22, 2017Bathroom Remodeling, DC Plumber, DIY Plumbing, Energy Efficiency, Helpful Hints, How To, Plumbing Advice, Water Heatersmatt

Plumbing upgrades to any household affect the entire plumbing system of that residence. Whether you are considering selling your home, adding value to it or finding a return on your investment, plumbing upgrades are becoming inevitable. The new fixtures and plumbing line will not only enhance the appearance of your kitchen or bathroom, but they will also incorporate new functionalities that will make your life easier and more convenient. If you are in DC, there are many professionals who can help you with your DC plumbing upgrades. The following are some of the affordable upgrades you can use to boost the value of your home and increase its beauty.

Kitchen Faucet

The trending kitchen faucets are the hands-free and the touch-activated faucets. While these two technologies have been readily available in the public bathrooms throughout our cities, maybe it was not yet the time for you to make upgrades in your kitchen. Every major plumbing company manufactures these new faucets, hence they are readily available and pretty convenient. The selection of the styles and finishing for your kitchen faucets are many, so make sure you select the right one for your kitchen. Moreover, these kitchen faucets will add value to your kitchen and give you convenience that is usually underrated.

Self-Cleaning Toilet

In order to save time and get your toilet cleaned in a short while, manufacturers have designed a self-cleaning toilet. Using the modern technology and at an affordable price, this toilet has become a new trend in the modern homes and also in bathroom remodels. Just by the push of a button, your toilet is refreshed and scrubbed clean using the chemicals that pour into the bowl. To save you from embarrassment during parties and when entertaining guests, this toilet is worth the investment.

Showers

There is nothing as good as a hot shower. Nowadays, a shower is no longer a routine rather it has become an experience. With the advancing plumbing technology showers are becoming soothing, refreshing and more interesting. The technology that is trending currently is the rain shower head. Unlike the normal shower heads that come out of the wall, the rain shower head comes from the ceiling simulating rain. With this shower, there is no angling of the shower head or ducking underneath it in case you are tall. The rain shower head also comes with LED lighting installed. This lighting keeps changing depending on the temperature of the water. This shower head provides you with an ambiance during your morning shower experience and also lets you know when the temperature is the way you like it.

Water Heater

Traditional water heaters waste a lot of resources due to the fact that they let hot water sit in the pipes until it cools. This means that you will always have to run the water for it to be heated, wasting a lot of energy. To avoid this waste, you can opt for a modern water heater that has an on-demand circulation pump. These modern systems do not waste as much energy, and you won’t have to run the shower a few minutes for you to get hot water. The modern water heater will save you a lot of money in the long run and also provide you with great comfort and convenience.

In conclusion, in case you have not upgraded your plumbing system and fixtures for some time, you could be incurring losses unknowingly. However, there are many ways in which you can cut on your water expenditure. This will not only help you save money on your bills, but it will also add value to your home. Upgrading your plumbing system does not have to be a huge ordeal. You can seek the advice of a plumber in DC for professional advice on which DC plumbing upgrade to install as well as hire them for quick installations and maintenance services.

Factors to Consider When Starting your DC Plumbing Renovations

May 20, 2017Bathroom Remodeling, DC Plumber, Helpful Hints, How To, Plumbing Advicematt

When renovating your home, the rooms that require special attention and care are the bathroom and the kitchen. In case you are renovating your kitchen plumbing or remodeling your bathroom, planning is everything. This is because renovations can be quite costly if they are not planned well. You should spend ample time with a professional plumber in order to discuss your plumbing needs and design that will work seamlessly with the new architectural parameters of your renovated home. The following are some of the things to consider when carrying out DC plumbing renovations for your kitchen or bathroom.

The Space

The best way to gain more space without extending to your floor area is by installing features in the cavity space. This is a great way to save your bathroom space when renovating the bathroom plumbing. You might be in a position to fit in a niche into a cavity space in your shower to make a shelf or install a small shaving cabinet. Your plumber will tell you where the plumbing pipes are and give you ideas that will suit your intended design or layout.

The Plumbing Renovation Layout

One of the most significant ways to ensure that you get satisfied with your bathroom or kitchen renovations in the future is by planning the layout carefully. Take enough time and draw the layout of your space. You should then consider the possible ways in which space can be future-proofed in order to ensure mobility of all the occupants. In case you would want to update the finishes and colors once they get outdated, avoid the expenses of changing the layout and the shell all over again by ensuring that you get it right the first time.

Cost-Effective Renovations

When you are planning for the plumbing layout during a renovation, you should consider your budget carefully. Making a complete changeover may seem like a good idea, but it might not be cost-effective for you. Consider whether the renovations will outweigh the benefits before you make major changes. Most of the major changes will require qualified professional to complete. You should seek the services of a plumber in DC to advice you on how you will marry the changes with your budget.

Set Your Budget and Stick To It

During a renovation, it is very easy to go overboard. Avoid over capitalizing by looking for fixtures and accessories that will fit within your budget. When renovating your house for the purpose of selling it, consider the cost of renovation against the return on investment.

Leave It to the Professionals

With most of the bathroom and kitchen renovations, you can do the work yourself. But for the most part, it is advisable to leave the work to the professionals. Apart from the plumber, you may also require a reliable cabinet maker, electrician and a tiller. Take your time to get quotations on all the tradesmen needed to execute your layout plan. To save time and cost, you can contract one company for the renovation project to ensure the work is done well and on time.

In conclusion, before making any major decisions, you should seek expert advice from professionals to complete your renovation. Employing DC plumbing renovations expert who experienced in kitchen and bathroom plumbing renovations will help you a great deal.

DC Emergency Plumbing Services

May 18, 2017DC Plumber, Helpful Hints, How To, Plumbing Advicematt

Plumbing emergencies are inevitable in our homes and offices, and at a time we can’t afford to wait to get them fixed. Your water heater may stop heating water when you enter your shower. Your dishwasher may break down when you are cleaning up after dinner. The toilet or sink may clog when you are leaving for work, or one of your pipes may leak or burst during the night. Before you contact an emergency plumbing service in case of such emergency, you should turn off your water supply. If it’s a broken pipe, a faucet that’s leaking or a water heater that stopped working, ensure you discontinue the flow of water. This will reduce water wastage hence lower charges on your water bill. However, by doing this, you will prevent any flooding event if there is a serious leakage.

The best residential and commercial plumbing services will provide you with the best emergency repairs, replacements, and maintenance to help you avoid damage in case of a leak or clog. If an emergency occurs in DC, it will be comforting to have a plumbing service on speed dial to fix the problems before they worsen. The following are the three important reasons why you should have DC emergency plumbing services contact at all times.

Avoiding Property Damage

One thing that is a nightmare to every homeowner is damage to property. Property damage may come as a result of plumbing failures and freezing pipes. Most often, property damage due to water leaks end up costing the homeowner a lot of money leading to a complete remodel of the kitchen or bathroom. Emergency plumbing services will limit the damage done to your home and save you a lot of money in the long run.

Getting To Use Your Fixtures Once Again

If there is a pipe disruption or breakage in your plumbing system, it becomes impossible to use your toilet or sink. For very obvious reasons, you cannot afford to have these things not working for a long period. DC Emergency plumbing services or a plumber in DC will enable you to continue with a normal life in case such events occur.

Plumbing System Inspections

When there is a leak or clog in your plumbing system, the best emergency service will perform a keen inspection of the entire system to ensure there are no more lingering issues. For instance, if your sewer system is more than 30 years old, it may require replacement. An emergency plumbing service will notify you this at no cost as they come to fix your emergency issues.

In conclusion, the plumbing system in your business or home is very complex and at any time disaster can strike leading to damage of property. It is therefore important to look for DC emergency plumbing services as a method of home improvement. It is also crucial to have contact information of a qualified plumbing company or a plumber in DC in the case of emergencies and especially the life-threatening ones. Most of the plumbing companies offer plumbing services 24 hours, seven days in a week throughout the year.

Uncovering Issues In Your DC Home

May 12, 2017DC Plumber, DIY Plumbing, Helpful Hints, How To, Plumbing Advicematt

Often, when issues arise in our homes, we have a pretty clear idea of what the problem is. If the air-conditioner goes out, for example, we know we have to call an HVAC service company here in DC. Some problems, however, are not so cut and dry. Some issues that we deal with as homeowners may take some serious investigating to properly diagnose. This article will cover some of those issues, providing tips on how to uncover them, and who you can turn to in the DC-area to fix them.

Detecting Mice In Your Home

Mice can be a huge problem for DC homeowners, as they get into food, eat away at the structure and wiring of your house, and can even spread diseases. Unfortunately, these creatures can be very hard to detect, as they can squeeze through pin-sized holes, and tend to hide in the walls of your house. If you do happen to see a mouse scurrying across your floor, there are probably several more that you don’t see. Typically, you will know that you have a mouse infestation by paying attention to several clues: scratching or scurrying noises from within your walls, the presence of mouse feces, and food that seems to have been gotten into are all common signs of a mouse infestation. If you suspect that there are mice in your house, try setting traps. There are traps that kill mice outright and traps that simply capture them so that you can release them away from your house. Which type of trap you purchase is up to you, but it is important that you buy a few and make sure they are spread out around your house. Be sure to put them in places where you will not step on them! While we have all seen the cheese on the mousetrap in cartoons, peanut butter is actually the recommended bait, as mice love it, and its stickiness makes it hard to eat without setting off the trap. If you suspect that your mouse problem is serious, call a professional exterminator here in DC.

Detecting Leaks In Your Plumbing

A plumbing leak is another household problem that is not so obvious. In fact, leaks can be very hard to spot. As with mice, there are some common signs that can indicate a probable plumbing leak. A sudden and unexplainable increase in your water bill is a big red flag, as leaks naturally tend to cause increased water usage. The presence of mold and mildew, with an accompanying musty smell is another sign that there could be a leak in your plumbing. If you suspect that you have a leak, call a DC leak detection service to come out and examine your plumbing. This is definitely a task best left to the professionals, as finding a leak can sometimes be as difficult as finding a needle in a haystack. However, a good plumber will use their expert knowledge – as well as high-tech gadgets such as mini video cameras – to pinpoint your leak. Once found, the plumber should be able to fix the leak for you with relative ease.

Where To Go When You Need A Quick Repair Here In DC

May 10, 2017DC Plumber, DIY Plumbing, Helpful Hints, How To, Plumbing Advicematt

There are many joys when it comes to being a homeowner. It is wonderful having your own piece of property, that you can decorate or upgrade however you see fit. That being said, there are some headaches to being a homeowner as well. When something needs repaired, you cannot simply call a landlord or superintendent to come and fix it. It is up to you to take care of any problems with your home. One of the great perks of being a homeowner here in Washington, DC is that there are countless repair services who are able to help you out. This article will describe some common repairs that you might need to call a DC-area service provider to come out and help you with.

Plumbing Repairs In DC

If you own a home for several years, you will likely need to make several calls to a DC-area plumber. This is an unfortunate fact of life as a homeowner. One of the most common reasons that homeowners here in DC place calls to plumbers is drain clogs. A drain clog can be a huge inconvenience for you and your family, as it can prevent you from using your sink, shower, or even your toilet! Many homeowners attempt to fix these clogs themselves, either with chemicals or with a “snake” (a motorized metal coil, that reaches deep into drains and breaks up clogs). For minor clogs, this can work, but for major clogs, it is recommended that you call a DC clog service. When you make this call, a service technician will come out to your house and inspect your drain, often using a small video camera. Once the clog is located, the service tech will be able to break it up using sophisticated plumbing equipment.

Electric Repairs In DC

It is a good idea to have the contact information of a knowledgeable and reputable electrician here in DC, as electrical problems can literally pop up in the blink of an eye. Unless you really know what you are doing, it is recommended that you do not attempt to make electrical repairs yourself. Working with electrical systems is very dangerous, as it can lead to electric shock. With a quick call, though, a DC-area electrician will be able to come out to your house and inspect your wiring, then make any repairs that are necessary.

HVAC Repairs In DC

DC is known for many wonderful things: beautiful weather is not one of them. Summers here are hot and humid, while winters are downright cold. For this reason, it is important that you have a working air-conditioner and a working heater. If either of these essential appliances should ever stop working when you need them most, call a local HVAC service technician right away. A good HVAC service technician will be able make the necessary repairs and have you feeling warm and cozy – or nice and cool – again in no time.

A Quick Guide To Commercial Repairs Here In DC

May 8, 2017Commercial Plumbing, DC Plumber, Plumbing Advice, Sewer Issuesmatt

Businesses, like homes, need structural repairs sometimes. Such repairs can range from a quick fix to a lengthy repair project. While the latter can certainly be a huge headache for business owners, DC-area business owners are lucky in that they have scores of reputable service providers to choose from for their repair needs. This article will highlight some of the common repairs that need done in commercial facilities, as well as steps that DC-area business owners can take to ensure that the repairs are done right.

Commercial Plumbing Repairs

Plumbing repairs are one of the costs of doing business, for any company. There are several plumbing issues that could arise at some point. One of the most dangerous, for a business, is leaky pipes. If left unrepaired, a leaky pipe could cause your company’s water bill to skyrocket, and it could cause structural damage to your building. If that weren’t bad enough, it could even damage important documents and equipment (for this reason, and many others, it is important to have a disaster recovery plan in place). If you do suspect that one of your pipes is leaking, call a DC commercial plumber to come fix it right away. Your business could also face sewer issues, often because of a broken or worn-out sewer line. Problems with your sewer line can lead to costly and inconvenient backups. For an issue like this, you will want to call a DC commercial sewer repair company to come out and inspect your sewer line right away.

Commercial Electric Repair

Electrical problems can also be a huge hassle for your company, as loss of power equals loss of production time, which in turn equals loss of money. Furthermore, problems with electrical wiring can even cause fires! If the electrical system at your business needs repairing, call a licensed DC commercial electrician to come out to your business right away. Do not simply have one of your employees try to fix this problem, as that could lead to even more issues, as well as compromise employee safety.

Similar to electrical problems, your company’s internet and computer server will likely need occasional repairs as well. If you have an IT person or department, they should be able to handle most repairs. Major crashes, however, will likely require additional hands. Often, the vendor who sold you the equipment will be able to send out a service technician to help with repairs. If this is not an option, call an IT repair person here in DC to come out and assist you.

Structural Repairs To Your Office

Sometimes, you will need to make repairs to the structure of your office or facility itself. Repairs might include fixing the roof of your office (especially after a storm) and even repairing damaged walls. In this case, you can call a contractor here in the DC area to come out and inspect your property. You might have to work around the contractor while repairs are being made, but such repairs are essential to the success of your business.

How To Handle Sudden Repairs In Your DC Home

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

As homeowners, there are some repairs that we are prepared for. Perhaps we have an old oven that needs replacing, or an air-conditioner that has been running on its last leg for quite some time, and can go out any minute. We expect to make repairs on such appliances, and often have money saved up for repairs. Some repairs, though, seem to come completely out of the clear blue sky. Something could be running just fine, then – next thing you know – it’s broken. This article will help you figure out how to handle sudden repairs such as these, and will highlight DC-area service providers that you can call when these unfortunate situations arise.

Sudden Appliance Repairs

Unfortunately, major appliances often break down without warning. This goes for refrigerators, ovens, washers and driers, as well as air-conditioners and heaters. If a major appliance breaks down without warning, it is important to get the right DC service technician out to your house to make the repair. The type of technician that you end up calling will vary depending on which appliance broke down. If your air-conditioner or heater is needing repair, for example, you will need to call a local HVAC (Heating, Ventilation, and Air-Conditioning) technician. An HVAC technician specializes in heating and air-conditioning repair, and will be able to have your unit running good as new in no time. There are also plenty of DC-area technicians who specialize in kitchen appliance repair, as well as technicians whose work is solely devoted to washer and dryer repair. Call one of these technicians as soon as you realize there is a problem with one of your appliances, and they will be able to come out and give you an estimate. Sometimes they will recommend that you replace the appliance altogether, but repairs can usually be made.

Sudden Plumbing Repairs

Plumbing issues often pop up without any prior notice. That is the bad news. The good news is that there are many plumbers here in DC who are able to come out to your house and make repairs with very little notice. Many local plumbers even provide twenty-four-hour service, seven days a week! Leaks, for example, seem to happen out of nowhere (and always seem to pop up at the worst possible time!). If you have a leak, it is recommended that you call a DC leak service to come out to your house, and the sooner the better! Leaks can cause excessively high water bills, as well as structural damage to your house. Leak repair will likely involve a two-step process, in which the plumber inspects your pipes to determine the location of the leak, then goes about fixing it. Another plumbing situation that takes many DC homeowners by surprise is clogs. If the water in your sink, tub, or toilet is not going down the drain, you likely have a clog on your hands. A DC plumber will be able to inspect and fix your clog as well.