Category Archives: Plumbing Advice

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!

Upgrading Your Washington, D.C. Home

March 14, 2017Bathroom Remodeling, DC Plumber, DIY Plumbing, Plumbing Advicematt

As you know, housing prices in the D.C. area are through the roof! Finding a move-in ready home, with all the bells and whistles, that fits your budget can be a very tall order indeed! What you will likely have to do, as a D.C. area homebuyer, is purchase a fixer-upper and turn it into your dream home. Not only will this increase the home’s resale value—it will allow you to add your own personal touches. Not only that, it will give you a sense of accomplishment at having taken an active role in your home’s transformation. This article will describe some of the ways that you can upgrade your D.C. home, so that it can become your D.C. dream home.

D.C. Window Upgrades

If you bought a fixer-upper, chances are your windows need some serious TLC. Luckily, there are many window companies here in the D.C. area who will not only sell you new windows, but will also come and install them! Storm windows are a popular upgrade as they provide maximum insulation, keeping the cold air out and the warm air in. If security is your main concern, consider purchasing glass block windows on your ground floor or basement. These thick blocks of glass are nearly impossible to break, and will give you a feeling of security.

Plumbing Upgrades

There are many reputable plumbers who provide plumbing upgrades in DC. One plumbing upgrade that can be very beneficial – and perhaps necessary – to your D.C. home is the repair of the actual pipes themselves. If your pipes are old and weak, consider upgrading to cast iron piping. Not only is this one of the most durable pipes around, it is also “quieter” than other pipes, so that the typical plumbing sounds you might hear in a house will not be as loud. Another popular upgrade is a whole house water filter, which will filter all water that comes out of your tap, no matter which faucet it comes out of. Speaking of faucets, most D.C. plumbers are able to upgrade your faucets, sinks, and showerheads as well. This will insure that your plumbing fixtures have the sleekest look and the most efficient performance. Finally, if you feel that your water is too “hard” (high in mineral content), try installing a water softener. This will make the water in your house much gentler on your clothes, skin, and pipes!

Cosmetic Upgrades

If the D.C. home you purchased is not exactly a sight to behold, don’t worry. There are many aesthetic upgrades that you can do at relatively low cost. The good news is, whatever hideous decorating decisions that the previous homeowners made can usually be undone. Ugly carpet can be removed, hideous wall paper can be stripped, and awkward paint colors can be painted over. These are all improvements that you can do yourself, with a little time and elbow grease. There are also various little touches that you can add to make your home more beautiful and more valuable: crown molding, granite counter tops, recessed lighting, and tile backsplashes are all very popular. With these upgrades, you are well on the way to owning the home of your dreams!

Upgrading Your Washington, D.C. Office Or Place Of Business

March 13, 2017Commercial Plumbing, DC Plumber, Helpful Hints, Plumbing Advicematt

If you are a business owner here in the Washington, D.C. area, then you are in luck: there are many local contractors and service providers who can help you upgrade your business or office so that it is outfitted for maximum comfort and efficiency! This article will examine some of the ways you can ready your D.C. office for business in the twenty-first century.

Go Wireless

A lot of us have wireless internet in our homes, but you would be surprised how many businesses are still going online the old-fashioned way, with modems and cables. There are many internet service providers here in the D.C. area who can upgrade your whole office with wireless internet. There are many advantages to having wireless internet in your office. For one, it allows greater mobility for your employees. Work can be done on a laptop, tablet, or smart phone from any area in the office. They will also be more connected, as they will be able to check emails and other electronic correspondence even while on breaks. Additionally, excess cords and cables can be both an eyesore and safety hazard, and wireless internet will greatly cut down on that!

Upgrade Your Plumbing

Often times, commercial plumbing upgrades happen after a plumbing issue pops up. Maybe a leaky pipe or a malfunctioning sprinkler system let you know (loudly and clearly) that it is time for an upgrade. As with most upgrades, plumbing upgrades are best taken care of before an issue ever arises. A good commercial plumber will examine the plumbing in your place of business and let you know if an upgrade is needed. It is essential that you hire someone with a reputation for honesty, who will not fabricate unnecessary “upgrades” and repairs just to increase their bottom line. If you are looking for an honest commercial plumber in DC, there are many places you can turn. Try asking other business owners who they work with, or checking a website that archives reviews of D.C. area commercial plumbers. This is an important upgrade that cannot be taken lightly!

Upgrading Your Breakroom And Common Areas

Employee morale is essential to every successful business, and making sure that your employees have enjoyable areas in which they can spend their downtime is a crucial tool for morale-building. There are many steps you can take to upgrade your company’s break areas from tolerable to downright enjoyable! One way you can do this is by adding vending machines. Work with a vending machine company in D.C. who will make sure your employees have access to delicious food and drinks while on breaks. And it doesn’t stop at soda and candy either: many offices have vending machines that feature hot coffee, microwavable entrees, even essential personal care items! These can go a long way toward making your employees feel more comfortable and satisfied. Another great way to achieve this goal is by adding games, such as foosball, Ping-Pong, or even billiards. After exciting diversions such as these, your employees should return to work satisfied and productive, especially if they won!

How To Conserve Energy In Your D.C. Home

March 12, 2017DC Plumber, Energy Efficiency, Helpful Hints, Plumbing Advice, Save Money, Water Heatersmatt

Our nation’s capital is a very green city. Many D.C. area residents are extremely environmentally conscious and their lifestyles reflect it. This mindset affects all areas of life here in D.C.: shopping, dining, transportation, even the daily aspects of home life. Regarding the latter, if you are a homeowner here in Washington, chances are you are looking for new and creative ways to cut down on energy use. Doing so is not only helpful for the environment, it is helpful for your utility bill as well! Given the skyrocketing prices of energy here in D.C., energy saved is money earned! This article will highlight some ways that you can do your part for the environment, while saving some serious cash.

Cut Down On Water Use

This is one of the easiest lifestyle changes you can make. There are simple steps that you can take to greatly reduce the amount of water used in your home. For one, try not to leave the water running when it is not being used. This might seem like a simple step, but it is one that many people sadly neglect. How many times do we leave the water running while brushing our teeth, for example? All of that water just goes straight down the drain! Another, slightly more radical, step is to turn the shower off during the actual lathering and washing process. This is known as a “navy” or “combat” shower, due to its use in the military. And try not to shower for too long. It may be comforting to stand in the hot water, but this leads to gallons and gallons of waste! Speaking of hot water, make sure that your water heater is as efficient as possible. Any leaks or malfunctions can lead to huge water waste. If you have this problem, there are many D.C. water heater repair companies who are able to fix it, and get you back to optimal efficiency.

Cut Down On Electric Use

As with water, this is another simple lifestyle change. It could involve something as cheap and simple as changing your current lightbulbs for more energy-efficient bulbs. Speaking of lights, always turn them off when they are not needed. This is another simple, obvious energy-saving step that many people forget about. Also, while summers can be very hot and humid here in D.C., avoid using your air-conditioner as much as possible—it is a huge energy guzzler! Try opening windows and using fans to get air flowing throughout your house, using the air-conditioner only at times when it is unbearably hot.

Outfit Your House For Maximum Energy Efficiency

There are energy-saving changes that you can make to the physical structure of your house itself. And no, this doesn’t have to involve solar panels (though they are a great idea). Installing more energy-efficient windows that reduce air leakage can greatly cut down on energy use over the course of a year. Speaking of air leakage, make sure your home is properly insulated, and that there are no cracks or leaks in the walls or roof of your house. Finally, installing a fireplace can greatly cut down on heater use, and save you energy during those chilly D.C. winters!

What To Do When Disaster Strikes At Your D.C. Business

March 11, 2017Commercial Plumbing, DC Plumber, Helpful Hints, Plumbing Advicematt

As a business owner here in Washington D.C., you don’t like to think of major disasters occurring at your office, warehouse, or business location. Unfortunately, though, they do happen. Preparedness is key to reducing any losses from such a catastrophe. By having a plan in place, and the means to execute that plan, you can greatly cut down on any costly consequences following an unfortunate occurrence at your place of business. Sometimes, this preparation can literally be the deciding factor in whether your business fails or succeeds. This article will highlight some of the ways that you can make sure your business maintains success even in the face of catastrophic events.

Make Sure That Your Building Can Hold Up When Disaster Strikes

For the success of your company, as well as the safety of your employees, it is important to make sure that your building and systems are disaster-ready. This means having a tornado shelter, if your business is in an area where tornadoes are prevalent. It also means having emergency exits, working alarms, and an emergency warning system. Additionally, it means that the structure of the building is designed for maximum safety. Make sure that your building is well-insulated, to help prevent fires from spreading. You also need to make sure that your building has an adequate sprinkler system, to cut down on fire damage. If your sprinkler system needs upgrading, there are several D.C. commercial plumbing services who can work with you on this essential upgrade. Not only can this upgrade potentially save your building and all of the files and equipment in it, it can also save your employees’ lives. At the end of the day, making sure that all of your employees get home safely is the most important thing.

Have A Disaster Recovery Plan In Place

The best way to handle any potential disaster that may strike your business is to have a recovery plan in place. To be honest, formulating such a plan means visualizing things you would rather not think about. It also means an honest assessment of your facilities and workforce. Perhaps most importantly, it involves asking the hard questions and making sure that you have detailed answers for them. Such questions might include, “What is the best place to store important documents, inventory, and/or equipment?” “Is offsite storage a viable option?” “What would we do if all documents, inventory, or equipment were lost?” “How will employee roles change following such an event?” “How will we train employees to effectively do their jobs following such an event?” This is just a sample of some of the questions you will likely need to answer in drafting your disaster recovery plan. The important thing is to make sure that you have a thorough plan in place, and that all of the recommendations are implemented. This is where communication is key. Communicate these expectations to your employees. If further training is needed, invest in that training. If additional purchases are needed, do not put them off. Disaster can strike at any moment. How well you handle it depends on your preparation.

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!

Plumbing Upgrades To Consider For Your Washington, D.C. Home

March 9, 2017Bathroom Remodeling, DC Plumber, Helpful Hints, Plumbing Advice, Sewer Issuesmatt

There are many great plumbers here in the Washington, D.C. metro area who are able to help you with any plumbing upgrades and repairs you might need for your home. Undertaking such upgrades and repairs may seem like a daunting task, but with a little help from the professionals, it can be a breeze. This article will list some of the many plumbing upgrades and repairs that might be necessary for your home.

Shower Repair

For many of us, the morning (or evening) shower is the most relaxing part of our day. With a shower upgrade, it can be even more relaxing. A good D.C. area plumber will be able to adjust the water pressure exactly to your tastes. They will also be able to repair or replace your showerhead, so that the water flow is exactly how you like it. Such upgrades will not only make your shower more comfortable, they will actually save you money, as leaky showers are a major source of water waste here in the D.C. area. If you have recently purchased a brand-new shower or bath, a plumber will be able to help you install your new purchase.

Drain and Sewer Upgrades

If you are looking to perform a major renovation on your home or property in the city of Washington, you need to be aware of the D.C. drain and sewer codes, as it is necessary that your property is always in accordance with these codes. Before you begin your upgrade, consult with a local plumber. They will tell you exactly how your plans will alter the drainage and sewer system on your property. If needed, they can provide the necessary adjustments, so that you are still in-line with local regulations, even though your property underwent a dramatic change. A good plumber can also perform drainage and sewer repairs on your property. If your sewer line is broken, or your septic tank needs repaired or replaced, a good plumber will be able to get your property back in tip-top shape.

Emergency Plumbing Repairs

Let’s face it: plumbing emergencies happen, especially in old houses. Washington, D.C. is home to many beautiful, charming, historic houses. Unfortunately, with all of that charm and history often comes old, rusted pipes and outdated plumbing systems. And let’s not forget that even newer homes can have plumbing problems every now and then. If you find yourself waist-deep in a plumbing emergency, whether it is a clogged drain, a broken pipe, a broken water heater, or a backed-up toilet, you need to have a D.C. plumber who you can call at a moment’s notice, and who you can rely on to fix the situation promptly and for a reasonable price. This may seem like a very tall order, but fortunately, there are many plumbers here in Washington, D.C. who provide 24-hour services. If you can find a go-to plumber here in the D.C. area, all of the sudden your plumbing emergency becomes much more manageable.

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.

Finding The Best Service Providers Here In Washington, D.C.

March 7, 2017Bathroom Remodeling, Commercial Plumbing, DC Plumber, Plumbing Advicematt

One of the greatest perks of living in Washington, D.C. is the sheer variety of what is available. Looking to go out to eat? You have countless restaurants – serving every type of cuisine – to choose from. Looking to go to a museum? You could spend months touring all of the amazing museums here in Washington! Looking to go shopping? Whatever you are looking to buy, chances are, there is a store in D.C. that has it. This same variety applies to service providers as well. As a new homeowner here in D.C. you have endless contractors, plumbers, landscapers, roofers, and repair companies to choose from. This variety can be a blessing and a curse: you have access to so many different service companies that choosing one can seem like a monumental task! This article will offer some pointers that will help you narrow down your search here in the D.C. area.

Do Not Be Afraid To Ask Around

Information is power here in the capital, and your connections can go a long way to ensuring your success! Use those same connections when searching for the perfect D.C. service provider for your home. Whether you are looking for D.C. plumbing services, electricians, roofers, or any other type of service provider, chances are good that your friends, acquaintances, and colleagues have ample experience working with all of the above. In almost every case, they will be more than willing to share their insider information with you. This way you can figure out who will provide you with superior service and whose work may be…well…less than stellar. What’s more, if you have a personal connection to a D.C. area service provider (in a “friend of a friend” sort of way) they may offer to provide service at a discounted rate. While this is not a guarantee and certainly should not be expected, it could be a pleasant surprise!

Utilize The Internet For Your Search

The internet is a great tool for finding a wonderful service provider here in the Washington, D.C. area. There are several sites that, like the yellow pages of old, list all providers in a given field of service. Since D.C. is such a populous area, any comprehensive list will be several pages long. Luckily, the internet can help you separate the good from the bad as well. There are many sites that not only offer contact information for various local service providers, but also reviews from actual customers here in the D.C. area! This can be an excellent way to get an opinion (and even a second, third, and fourth opinion!) on a service provider that you think might be a good fit. Another word to the wise: the internet can also be a great tool for finding deals. Many service providers offer discounts on their website that you can take advantage of. You can also try checking local coupon and deal sites to see if you can save any money on your next estimate or service appointment!

How To Handle Housing Mishaps In The D.C. Area

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

Things sometimes go wrong in homes–that is a fact of life. Unlike an apartment, where a landlord or maintenance person can (usually) come by at a moment’s notice to fix any problem that might arise, when something goes wrong at your house, you the homeowner are on the hook. This might seem like a huge inconvenience at first, but with enough experience, you will be able to fix any problem your D.C. home might throw at you. And if you lack the tools or skillset to fix your housing mishaps, you will know the right people to call. There are many service providers here in Washington, D.C. who will be able to take care of whatever housing mishaps you might be faced with, whether the problem is in the electrical wiring, plumbing, roofing, or windows. Read below to learn about some problems that might arise in these areas, and the steps you can take to fix them.

Electrical Problems

This is one area where you should not try to handle any repairs yourself, unless you happen to be a master electrician. Luckily, there are many great electricians here in the D.C area who you can call at a moment’s notice. If you are in a house long enough, you might find that you have problems with the wiring in your home. This can happen for a variety of reasons: wear and tear, storm damage, or mice chewing at your wires (in this case, you might want to call an exterminator as well as an electrician!), just to name a few. Whatever the reason might be, a good D.C. area electrician will have everything back up and running in no time!

Plumbing Problems

Unfortunately, there are many plumbing problems that can arise in your D.C. area home. One of the most common problems is the dreaded clogged drain. A clogged drain can make life quite miserable for you and your family. Fortunately, there are many plumbers who provide drain services in D.C.—and some who will come out at any hour! Try calling one if your drains are so clogged that household chemicals will not do the trick. You might also be faced with leaking pipes, either because your pipes are very old and need updated, or they were damaged in some way. Whatever the cause may be, a good D.C. plumber will be able to take care of this problem as well, and the sooner the better!

Window Repair

Windows break. Whether that broken window is the result of a storm, a “stress crack” caused by extreme changes in temperature, or an errant baseball, you should get your broken window repaired or replaced as soon as possible. If the damage is to a single pane of glass, no need to get the whole window replaced: there are many glass companies here in D.C. that can replace a single pane of glass, often for less than $100. If the window damage is extensive, however, you may need to replace the whole window. Doing so can be costly, but is highly recommended, for your comfort and safety!