Category Archives: Plumbing Advice

How Do You Know When You Need Emergency Plumbing Services

January 12, 2017Commercial Plumbing, DC Plumber, Helpful Hints, How To, Plumbing Advice, Sewer Issues, Water Heatersmatt

Plumbing emergencies can jeopardize the health and safety of you and your family. But how do you know if the plumbing problem you’re experiencing is a plumbing emergency and not just a common plumbing problem? Here are a few situations that should be considered plumbing emergencies. If you experience any of these situations, you should consult the help of a professional plumber as quickly as possible.

Drainage And Sewer System Backups

Clogged sinks, toilets, tubs, and showers can be a sign of a serious plumbing emergency. If left unattended for too long a clogged drain can quickly go from draining slowly to overflowing or flooding. A professional plumber can help you assess and fix these situations before they turn into an emergency.

Water Heater Repair Or Replacement

A water heater is an essential part of any residential or commercial plumbing system. The water heater is what delivers hot water to your home or business. Your water heater gets used more frequently when the temperature drops, but it should be tested and maintained on a regular basis to ensure maximum efficiency and conserve water in your home or business. And since proper water heater maintenance will conserve water, it will also save you money on the utility bills for your home or business. Either a shortage of or the absence of hot water is a sign of a problem with your hot water heater. Having no hot water puts the health and safety of you and your family at risk. And if you own a business, it can make your fellow employees, and customers sick as well. So if you’re experiencing one or both of these issues, you should consider it an emergency and contact a professional plumber immediately.

Leaks

A leak might seem like a minor problem. But if it’s not repaired as quickly as possible, it can lead to even bigger plumbing problems. For example, a leak in your wash machine hose, can lead to a major flood in your home’s laundry room. A professional plumber can assist you with the repair of all types of leaks in your home or business including drains, pipes, plumbing fixtures, and toilets. A professional plumber can even help you with the heating and cooling (HVAC) system in your home or business too. If you have a leak in your home or business, don’t hesitate to get in touch with a professional plumber right away.

Reliability

If you do have a plumbing emergency like the ones described above, you can count on a professional plumber to resolve the problem quickly and efficiently without disrupting your daily routine or your busy schedule. A professional plumber will also provide exceptional customer service and be willing to answer any questions that you may have.

Finding Emergency Plumbing Services In Your Area

If you’re looking for emergency plumbing services in your area, word of mouth is the best way to find them. If you need a DC emergency plumber for instance, you can ask a friend, family member, or a neighbor for a recommendation. You can use the internet as well but in an emergency you may not have the time to do all the extra research that will be required. These tips should help you determine if you’re experiencing a plumbing emergency and how to find a professional plumber to help you.

The Importance Of Regular Routine Water Heater Maintenance

January 11, 2017DC Plumber, Energy Efficiency, Helpful Hints, Plumbing Advice, Water Heatersmatt

Your water heater is an essential part of the plumbing system for your home or business. Because your water heater is the device that delivers hot water throughout your home or business, it’s important to keep your water heater in good condition. Your water heater should be both tested and maintained on a regular basis in order to ensure that it’s running efficiently. A professional plumber is the best person to test and maintain your water heater.

Save Money On Utility Bills

Keeping your water heater in good condition will help your home or business save money on your utility bills. And since your water heater is used more frequently when cold weather strikes, saving money on your utility bills is pretty important.

Types Of Water Heaters

There are many different types of water heaters such as gas, electric, and hybrid water heaters. A professional plumber has the skills and knowledge to repair or replace any type of commercial or residential water heater.

Routine Upkeep And Maintenance

Regardless of the type of water heater that you have routine upkeep and maintenance are essential in order to keep the unit running properly. You should have a professional plumber test and flush your water heater on a regular basis typically in autumn before the weather gets too cold. Testing the water heater ensures that it’s running like it should. Flushing the water heater is the process that removes the sediment that can build up in the unit over time and cause it to run slowly or to break down.

Other Simple Tips To Get The Most Out Of Your Water Heater

There are a few simple things that you can do to both conserve water in your home or business while getting the most out of your water heater. For example if you run your wash machine and dish washer only during the evening hours it can reduce the stress on your water heater and save water at the same time.

Spacing Out Your Showers

Taking showers one right after the other, not only puts unnecessary stress on your water heater, but it also causes the hot water to run out faster. And since no one likes a cold shower, it’s a good idea to wait at least ten minutes between showers. And if you have overnight guests in your home, politely ask them to do the same.

Find Water Heater Repair In Your Area

If you need to find a professional plumber to make water heater repairs in your area, word of mouth is the best way to go about this. If you’re looking for DC water heater repair, for instance you can always ask a friend, family member, a neighbor or even someone you work with for a trusted recommendation. You can use the internet too but that may require more research and effort on your part. Word of mouth recommendations are a quick and easy way to find a company that provides the specific services that you need. And when you ask someone you know for a recommendation you can also ask questions about pricing and customer service that may not be shown on a company’s website.

Home Decorating Tips

January 10, 2017Bathroom Remodeling, Helpful Hints, Plumbing Advicematt

Since it’s a new year, you may be looking for some simple and affordable ways to give your home a new look. If you’re not sure where to begin, here are a few ideas.

Open Spaces

One of the easiest ways to give your home a fresh look is to emphasize open spaces. A home with an airy feel is not only aesthetically pleasing but it can also make you, your family and your guests feel more relaxed. So don’t over decorate or design. A simple way to create a more open home is to make sure that there’s open space between large pieces of furniture like tables and dressers.

Essential Oil Diffusers

Using an essential oil diffuser in high traffic areas in your home, will not only make the space smell great, but it will also ease tension and create a more tranquil environment for entertaining guests. Lavender and rose oils can also reduce anxiety.

Fresh Flowers

Fresh flowers are a great way to bring a little bit of the outdoors into your home. Flowers will not only beautify your home but they can also reduce stress and make you feel happier.

Comfortable Bedding

Your bedroom is one of the most important rooms in your home so you should choose bedding that’s soft to touch and feels light on your skin. This will ensure that you go right to sleep every night and that you don’t toss and turn all night long.

Organic Fixtures And Soft Lighting

Using soft lighting in your home or even on your desk at work, in the form of a Himalayan salt lamp, is not only trendy but it can also help you sleep and breath better and fill your home or office with positive energy.

Blackout Curtains

Blackout curtains are a simple, decorative way to manage the amount of outdoor light that you let into a room. These curtains are available in a variety of colors, textures, and patterns. So they are not only stylish but they can also be a helpful if you suffer from tension headaches or anxiety.

Paint Colors

Since different colors can affect your emotional state in different ways, it’s important to be strategic when you’re selecting paint colors. Red can cause feelings of anger and chaos and too much blue can over stimulate your brain. So choose serene colors like green, lavender, or light pink instead.

Cut Out The Clutter

Reducing clutter in your home will not only improve your mood, but it will also make you healthier. Since knick knacks and clutter collects dust which can cause allergies, eliminating them is a good idea.

Kitchen Or Bathroom Renovations

Renovating your kitchen or bathroom is another great way to refresh your home. Imagine soaking in a brand new tub filled with fragrant bath salts. A professional plumber can help you make the right design decisions and keep your project on schedule and on budget too. It’s easy to find a professional plumber in your area. Maybe you’re looking for DC plumbing renovations for your home? No problem, just use word of mouth or the internet and pretty soon you’ll have an upgraded bathroom for the New Year.

Commercial Plumbing Is Just As Important As Residential Plumbing

January 7, 2017Commercial Plumbing, DC Plumber, Helpful Hints, Plumbing Advicematt

Commercial plumbing is as equally important as residential plumbing. The differences between commercial and residential plumbing are pretty straightforward. While residential plumbing deals with plumbing repairs, services, and upgrades on a smaller scale for your home, commercial plumbing specializes in plumbing repairs, services, and upgrades on a larger scale for businesses. If you own a business, it’s a good idea to hire an experienced commercial plumber to stay on top of routine plumbing maintenance tasks for your business. You should also be able to contact an experienced commercial plumber quickly and easily in the case of a plumbing emergency.

Services That An Experienced Commercial Plumber Will Provide

There are a variety of services that an experienced commercial plumber can provide for your business such as installing commercial sewer lines, and performing commercial water heater repairs and upgrades. Keeping your hot water heater and sewer system in good working condition is just as important for your business as it is for your home. The health and safety of your employees and your customers is just as important as the health and safety as your friends, family, and guests in your home. An experienced commercial plumber is essential for the growth and success of your business.

Safety Codes

In addition to providing expert plumbing repairs, upgrades and services for your business, an experienced commercial plumber is also aware of the necessary zoning and safety codes in the area that your business must abide by. A qualified commercial plumber can even assist you with permits and inspections so you will have peace of mind knowing that your commercial plumbing services and repairs are done quickly and efficiently. A certified, licensed commercial plumber can also help reduce overhead costs. So having a professional commercial plumber either on staff or close by will save your business money as well.

Pipes Drains, And Other Plumbing Issues

An experienced commercial plumber also has the knowledge and expertise to handle a variety of other plumbing issues that may arise for your business such as leaking pipes and clogged drains. Although these issues may seem small, just like in your home, if left unattended for too long, even the smallest leak or clog can lead to much bigger problems and much more expensive repairs. This is yet another reason why it’s important to have a qualified commercial plumber in close proximity to your business.

Finding A Qualified Commercial Plumber In Your Area

The best way to find a qualified commercial plumber for your business is by word of mouth. If your business is located in DC for example, ask employees, co-workers or even customers where to find a DC commercial plumber. But even though a trusted recommendation is important, you’ll still have to do your research when it comes time to select the right professional commercial plumber for your business. Just like when you’re choosing a plumber for your home, you should ensure that the commercial plumber that you hire for your business is licensed, insured and accredited by the Better Business Bureau (BBB). A qualified commercial plumber should not hesitate to show you their license upon request. They should also be willing to put everything in writing, answer any questions that you may have, and offer the services that your business needs within a reasonable amount of time. A good commercial plumber should always be willing to accommodate your schedule so that your business doesn’t lose money while plumbing repairs, services or upgrades are being completed. These are just a few of the reasons why commercial plumbing is essential to the success and growth of your business. And these useful and practical tips just might come in handy when you’re picking a professional commercial plumber for your business.

Bathroom Design Trends For 2017

January 6, 2017Bathroom Remodeling, DC Plumber, Helpful Hints, How To, Plumbing Advicematt

If you’re thinking of renovating or remodeling your bathroom in the New Year, there are a few popular design trends that you should be aware of. It’s a good idea to hire a professional plumber to give you a hand with your bathroom renovation or remodeling project. A professional plumber will not only be on top of these trends, but can also help you decide which of these trends are right for you.

Smart Storage

Storage should be a major consideration if you’re thinking about renovating or remodeling your bathroom. A professional plumber can help you choose the right cabinets, vanity, or countertop to transform your bathroom. An experienced plumber can help you maximize the existing space in your bathroom as well. Selecting the perfect faucets, fixtures, toilets, and tubs is something else that a professional plumber can assist you with. Staying on schedule and on budget is important too. And a professional plumber can help you make a plan and stick to it.

Dimensional Tile

In addition to making the most of the storage space in your bathroom, selecting the right type of tile is important too. A new trend in bathroom design in 2017 is the use of dimensional tile. Dimensional tile is more water resistant than traditional tile and is available in a wide variety of styles including marble, stone, or porcelain. A professional plumber can help you choose the kind of tile to fit both your design aesthetic of your home and your budget.

Freestanding Tubs

Freestanding tubs are yet another bathroom design trend that’s gaining popularity in the New Year. As the name suggests, freestanding tubs stand on their own and unlike traditional tubs, do not have platforms, surrounds, or steps. A professional plumber can help you decide what type of tub, whether traditional or freestanding is the right choice for you.

Floating Vanities

Instead of opting for a traditional vanity, another popular design choice for your bathroom renovation or remodeling project might be a floating vanity. This might be particularly useful if you have a smaller bathroom because floating vanities create the illusion of space and openness where there is none. Floating vanities are available in a variety of styles and are very practical because of the amount of storage they offer. Unlike a standard vanity, floating vanities can be installed at virtually any height, which makes them a great option for unconventional spaces.

Natural Wood

Many bathrooms are typically white with gray and neutral accents. However, in the New Year, the presence of natural wood in bathrooms is becoming more popular as well. Natural wood can be used in the bathroom cabinetry or in the tile to add a personal touch and create the illusion of the outdoors in your bathroom.

Finding A Professional Plumber In Your Area

There are many ways to find a professional plumber in your area to help you with your bathroom renovation or remodeling project. If you’re in DC for example, you can find a plumbing company in DC by using word of mouth as well as the internet. Consider these bathroom design ideas for your home if you’re thinking of renovating or remodeling your bathroom in 2017.

Top Kitchen Trends Of 2017

January 5, 2017DC Plumber, Helpful Hints, Plumbing Advicematt

Since it’s a new year, there are bound to be some new interior decorating trends to explore. If you’re thinking of renovating or remodeling your kitchen in the New Year, you may want to be aware of them. It’s a good idea to hire a professional plumber to assist you with the transformation of your new kitchen.

Simple Classic Colors

The first kitchen trend that’s on the horizon in the New Year is to keep the colors in your kitchen both simple and classic. Monochromatic colors such as gray, black and white will become very popular in the coming year. Talk to a professional plumber to make the right choices for your new kitchen including kitchen cabinets and backsplashes. Watching home improvement programs or reading interior design magazines are great ways to get ideas before you begin your kitchen renovation or remodeling project. A professional plumber or contractor can help you keep your project both on schedule as well as on budget. A professional plumber or contractor can also help you make the most of the existing space in your kitchen as well.

Bright Accents

Another popular kitchen design trend in the New Year is to add in bright accents such as painted fixtures and colored sinks. When it comes to countertops, granite is becoming much less popular than quartz.

Bold Fixtures

Like bright accents, yet another popular kitchen trend in 2017, seems to be bold fixtures. Oversized light fixtures and shades create the illusion of depth in particularly small spaces.

Storage Space

In the New Year, it’s also important to maximize the storage space in your kitchen. This is yet another reason why hiring a professional plumber is a great idea. They can help you make the most of the existing space in your kitchen. You may want to consider multi-tiered cabinets or folding doors.

High End- Appliances

High end appliances are yet another popular kitchen design trend for 2017. A certified, licensed plumbing professional can help you select the most energy efficient high end appliances for your beautifully newly renovated or remodeled kitchen. This frequently visited room is sure to be not only beautiful but also environmentally friendly as well. This is yet another reason why hiring a professional plumbing to help with your kitchen renovation or remodeling project is a great idea.

Plumbing Repairs And Upgrades

Even if you’re not interested in renovating or remodeling your kitchen in the New Year and just need repairs or upgrades, a professional plumber can help you with that too. Hiring a professional will keep you from making mistakes and also save you money in the long run. An experienced plumber will have the knowledge and expertise to assist you with plumbing repairs and upgrades in your area. It is easy to find a professional plumber to assist you with DC plumbing repairs for example. You can find the right professional plumber for you by using word of mouth or the internet. If you use these suggestions when you’re renovating or remodeling your kitchen you’re sure to be pleased with the results.

The Importance Of Plumbing Services

January 4, 2017DC Plumber, Helpful Hints, How To, Plumbing Advicematt

Plumbing services are very important to both your home and your business. A professional plumber can offer you a variety of plumbing services that are necessary and essential to the health and safety of your home, your family, your employees, and your customers.

Examples Of Professional Plumbing Services

Some examples of the services that a professional plumber can offer include commercial renovation and remodeling services, pipe maintenance, sewer and drain services, as well as water heater maintenance and repair.

Do-It-Yourself Versus Hiring A Professional Plumber

It’s a good idea to hire a professional plumber for both preventative plumbing maintenance tasks and kitchen and bathroom renovation and remodeling projects. Hiring a professional eliminates the need to pay for repairs in case you make any mistakes when trying to finish these kinds of projects yourself. A certified, licensed plumbing professional can help you choose the correct lighting, fixtures, faucets, toilets and flooring. A professional plumber can help your home or business become as energy efficient and green as possible. A professional plumber can also help maximize the existing space for a renovation or a remodel. A professional plumber will also allow you to keep your repair and remodeling projects in your home both on schedule and on budget. Hiring a professional also lets you know that the projects and or repairs will be completed accurately and efficiently.

Finding A Professional Plumber In Your Area

There are several ways that you can go about finding a professional plumber in your area. The first and most effective way to find a professional plumber in your area is by word of mouth. If you’re looking for DC plumbing services for example you can ask a friend or family member for a trusted recommendation. A trusted recommendation will hopefully keep you from having a negative experience. You can also use the internet to find a qualified experienced plumber in your area.

Things To Keep In Mind When Choosing A Professional Plumber

A qualified professional plumber’s employer should be accredited by the Better Business Bureau (BBB). You can verify this with some quick research on your part. A licensed, certified professional plumber should not hesitate to provide proof of his license upon request. A certified, experienced professional plumber should put everything in writing, and should also provide free estimates for any plumbing services and repairs that you need from your home or business.

Professional plumbers should also provide exceptional customer service and be willing to accommodate your schedule. There are also a few other considerations that you should keep in mind when choosing a professional plumber. You should ensure that the plumber is conveniently located in close proximity to your home or business. You also need to make sure that the professional plumber that you choose can provide the services that you require. Price is yet another thing that you need to consider when you’re choosing a professional plumber. These are just a few of the considerations that you need to keep in mind when you’re choosing a professional plumber.

Water Conservation Tips

January 3, 2017Energy Efficiency, Helpful Hints, How To, Plumbing Advice, Save Moneymatt

Since water is a finite resource, it’s very important to conserve it as much as possible. Although conserving water might seem like a daunting task, there are a few simple ways that you can reduce water use in your home or business to help make 2017 your greenest year yet.

Routine Plumbing Maintenance

One of the easiest ways to conserve water in your home or business is to keep up with routine plumbing maintenance tasks. Staying on top of preventive maintenance tasks such as small leaks and water heater maintenance and repair will help to conserve water in your home or business. A professional plumber can help you make sure all these necessary plumbing maintenance tasks are completed on a regular basis.

Kitchen And Bathroom Renovation And Remodeling

If you’re considering remodeling or renovating your kitchen or bathroom, it’s a great time to consider water conservation. A professional plumber can install low-flow faucets toilets, and appliances, which can help you and your family conserve water. If you’re in the DC area, it’s easy to find a plumber in DC who can assist you with making your home or business more environmentally friendly. Your new kitchen or bathroom will be not only beautiful, but environmentally-conscious as well. And conserving water will save you money on your utility bills too.

Other Ways To Conserve Water

Even if you’re not interested in remodeling or renovating your kitchen or bathroom there are plenty of other ways to conserve water. One of the simplest things that you can do to conserve water in your home is to turn off the faucet when brushing your teeth. Another way to conserve water is to run your dishwasher and wash machine only in the evening. Installing screens on both the hot and cold water hoses on your washing machine will keep your appliance running efficiently. It will also save both water and electricity.

Garbage Disposal Maintenance

Keeping your garbage disposal clean and well-maintained is another way to save water in your home. A mixture of bleach and hot water is a simple way to keep your disposal clean without using harsh chemical cleansers. Baking soda can be helpful in reducing odors in your disposal as well. Something else to remember is to never pour kitchen grease or cooking oil in your garbage disposal.

Shower Pressure

Reduced water pressure in your shower can lead to excess water usage. Soaking the showerhead in a mixture of vinegar and water overnight can improve the efficiency of your showerhead. A showerhead that runs at maximum efficiency can help you save water in your home.

Water Heater Maintenance

Keeping your water heater in good condition and repair is yet another way to conserve water. Your water heater should be flushed and tested on a regular basis, preferably in autumn when temperatures drop, which leads to more hot water usage. In order to conserve hot water, you should wait at least ten minutes between showers. This is especially important to remember if your home is filled with guests. These tips are easy ways to conserve water and save money in your home or business.

Why You Need A Professional Plumber

January 2, 2017DC Plumber, Helpful Hints, Plumbing Advicematt

There are a lot of reasons why hiring a professional plumber is a good idea. For example, a professional plumber can help with routine preventative plumbing tasks in your home or business such as water heater services and repair, sewer and drain cleaning, as well as bathroom renovation and remodeling. Professional plumbers are also familiar with the permits and zoning and safety codes associated with both commercial and residential plumbing so you know the job will be done correctly and safely.

Other Benefits To Hiring A Professional Plumber

A professional plumber can also provide emergency plumbing services if and when you need them. A professional plumber can also offer water line repair and replacement, sump pump and well pump repairs, leaking pipes, faucet repair and replacement, and backflow testing.

Camera Inspection And Gas Fitting

A professional plumber can use a specialized underground camera to spot problems that are invisible to the naked eye. Professional plumbers are both licensed and experienced so you can trust that they have the well-being and safety of you, your family, customers, and employees in mind. A professional plumber can also help you with gas fittings as well as installations and upgrades too. If you need a new sink, tub, or new faucets and fixtures, call a professional plumber, so you know the job will be done accurately and efficiently. A professional plumber’s experience will also prevent any expensive repairs that can result if you attempt to do the job yourself.

Experience And Customer Service

A professional plumber will also not hesitate to put everything in writing so you know exactly what you’re getting and what you’re paying for. Customer service is also paramount when you hire a professional plumber. They should be flexible and willing to accommodate your schedule and your budget. And don’t be afraid to shop around and ask about free estimates. A professional plumber will have no problem showing their license upon request. A company that employs a professional plumber should also be accredited by the Better Business Bureau (BBB). And you should check this before you make your final decision.

Finding The Right Professional Plumber In Your Area

Find the right professional plumber in your area can be difficult. The best way to find a professional plumber in your area is by word of mouth. People that you know can give you a recommendation based on their positive past experience. The internet is also a great way to find a plumbing company in your area, for instance if you’re looking for a DC plumbing company. But using the internet can be more difficult and time consuming because you’ll have to research each and every one of the results you find. If you select a professional plumber based upon word of mouth, you’ll already know that the company is reputable because of the recommendation that you’ve received. These are just a few of the many reasons why it’s a good idea to hire a professional plumber if you need preventative plumbing maintenance, plumbing upgrades or routine plumbing repairs for your home or business.

Businesses Need Plumbers, Too

December 19, 2016Bathroom Remodeling, Commercial Plumbing, DC Plumber, Helpful Hints, Plumbing Advicematt

When people think about plumbing, they usually think about the plumbing in their home first. The plumbing in your home is called residential plumbing. But the plumbing that’s used on a larger scale for business purposes is known as commercial plumbing. A professional plumber should have the skills and knowledge to provide plumbing services and repairs to both residential and commercial customers.

Examples Of Commercial Plumbing Services

Commercial plumbing services is an umbrella term that covers a wide variety of plumbing services for your business including installing commercial sewage lines and commercial water heater repairs and upgrades. Just like in your home, your business needs hot water too. Professional commercial plumbers are aware of zoning and safety codes and work to reduce overhead costs. They will also provide assistance when it comes to permits and inspections. Leaking pipes, clogged drains and other plumbing issues can be just as big a problem for your business as it can be for your home. If you’re experiencing any of these issues, don’t hesitate to contact a commercial plumber as soon as possible. It’s in your best interest to ensure that your business is a safe and healthy environment for you, your employees, and your customers.

Commercial Renovation and Remodeling Services

Just like when you’re renovating your kitchen or bathroom at home, renovating and remodeling on a commercial scale can be even harder. That’s why you should contact a qualified, licensed, commercial plumber to assist you large scale plumbing renovation and remodeling services for your business. A master plumber will even upgrade the plumbing and appliances for your business if necessary. If you own a business, don’t take on a project of this magnitude all by yourself. Hiring a professional will save you money, time, and stress in the grand scheme of things.

Pipe Maintenance

With colder temperatures already blanketing most of the country, it’s important to have a commercial plumber inspect the pipes for your business to make sure that they are properly insulated and there are no leaks. You want to avoid frozen pipes for your business just as much as in your home.

Finding A Commercial Plumber In Your Area

The best way to find commercial plumbing services in your area is to ask your supervisor or your coworkers for a recommendation. To find services, such as DC commercial plumbing, for example, you can search online as well. Talking to people about this allows them to share their experiences and increases the likelihood that you will have a positive experience with your business too. But just like with a residential plumber, before you hire a commercial plumber you should make sure they are experienced and licensed. A qualified commercial plumber won’t hesitate to give you a quote or to put everything in writing. And just like with a residential plumber, customer service is very important. You should apply the same strategies that you would use to find a professional plumber for your home when you’re searching for a professional commercial plumber. If you do, you’ll find the right commercial plumber for your business quickly and easily.