Category Archives: Plumbing Advice

How To Find A Qualified Plumbing Professional

December 18, 2016DC Plumber, Energy Efficiency, Helpful Hints, How To, Plumbing Advicematt

Finding a qualified plumber to make repairs in your home or business can be difficult. It’s important to make sure that the plumber that you hire is a licensed master plumber. A licensed master plumber can assist you with a wide variety of plumbing issues such as leaks and clogs as well as drain and sewer services. They will also repair your water heater or install a brand new one if necessary. They will even provide emergency plumbing services for both residence and commercial areas. A master plumber should provide you with everything in writing and give you upfront pricing so you’ll know exactly how much you’re paying for plumbing services or repairs.

How To Find A Professional Plumber In Your Area

If you’re looking for a professional plumber in your area, it’s a good idea to ask friends, family members or co-workers for a recommendation of a company that they’ve used in the past. For instance if you’re looking for a DC plumber, just ask around or search online to find the information that you’re searching for.

Other Services That A Professional Plumber Offers

A professional plumber can help you with your kitchen or bathroom remodeling or renovation projects too. Now is the perfect time to give yourself the gift of that brand new kitchen or bathroom that you and your family have always dreamed of. So if you’re considering a home improvement project, don’t take any chances by trying to do the work yourself. Hire a professional instead. You’ll be glad you did. And your holiday guest will be absolutely blown away by the transformation of your home.

Preventative Maintenance Plumbing Tips

If you have a plumbing problem, the best way to solve it is to contact a plumbing professional. However, there are a few plumbing maintenance tasks that you can do in between plumber visits in order to ensure that the plumbing system in your home or business has what it takes to handle the extra use that it will get this holiday season.

Garbage Disposal Maintenance

Maintaining your garbage disposal is an easy way to prevent plumbing issues in your home. This can not only prevent the spread of both odors and germs in your home, it can also prevent your pipes from corroding. Never pour cooking oil or kitchen waste in your garbage disposal or down the drain. You can use a combination of bleach and hot water to clean your garbage disposal and keep odors away at the same time. Baking soda also works wonders and it’s a lot more environmentally friendly than harsh chemical cleaners.

Reduced Water Pressure In Your Shower

A simple fix for low water pressure in your shower is to soak the showerhead overnight in a mixture of vinegar and water. Then use a toothbrush to scrub away any remaining mineral deposits.

Water Conservation Tips

Run your washing machine and dishwasher during the evening hours in order to conserve water. You may also want to ask your plumber about installing a new water-saving low-flow toilet which will also save water and save you money on your water bill.

Why Sewer Services Are Needed For Your Home Or Business

December 17, 2016DC Plumber, Helpful Hints, How To, Plumbing Advicematt

You might not give the sewer system in your home or business much thought. But sewer services are essential to the health and safety of your family, guests, employees and customers. Properly maintaining the sewer system of your home or business allows the sewage to move safely and invisibly through pipes and drains. Without proper maintenance, sewer system backups can create dangerously unsanitary conditions. They can also require costly repairs. Some common signs that you may need sewer services or repair in your home include, backups, noxious odors, or on extreme cases, the presence of mold in your home.

How To Find Sewer Services In Your Area

If you need sewer services in your area, the best way to find them is to ask a friend or family member for a trusted recommendation. You can also search for sewer services online. If you need sewer services in DC, for example a quick search internet search should help you find the information you need.

Sewer Service Is Especially Important During The Holidays

Keeping your sewer system running smoothly is a necessity all year-round. But it’s especially important during the holidays. Did you know that the kitchen and the bathroom are the most frequently visited rooms in your home? Here are a few easy tips to help keep your sewer and plumbing systems in your home running efficiently this holiday season.

Kitchen Plumbing Tips

One of the most important plumbing tips to remember in the kitchen is to avoid pouring cooking oil or kitchen waste down the sink or the drain. Doing this can clog the pipes and damage the plumbing system in your home. And the same goes for your garbage disposal. Never put oil or food waste there either. Throw it away in the trash instead. You should also run your dishwasher and your wash machine only in the evening to help conserve hot water for you and all of your holiday guests. To keep odor away from your garbage disposal, use a combination of bleach and hot water.

Use Drain And Washing Machine Hose Screens

In order to keep your sink, drain, and washing machine running properly, use drain screens in your sink to prevent food from getting caught in the drain. You can also use a screen for your washing machine hoses in order to keep them from getting clogged. Drain screens can be installed on both hot and cold water hoses of your washing machine. Clogged hoses can cause the valves and pumps of your machine to break down or run less efficiently.

Keep Faucet Handles Loose

If the faucet handles are too tight, it can cause the washers in your faucet to wear down over time. Snug is good, super tight is not.

Bathroom Plumbing Tips

In order to avoid unnecessary wear on your water heater, you should wait at least ten minutes between showers. You should remember that your water heater’s temperature should never go above one hundred and twenty-five degrees Fahrenheit (125 F) to prevent injury.

Improve Water Pressure In Your Shower

If your shower has weak pressure, you can improve it by soaking the showerhead in vinegar overnight and removing any remaining mineral deposits with an old toothbrush. These plumbing tips will ensure that your home plumbing system will be able to handle the extra use during the holidays.

A New Bathroom Makes The Perfect Holiday Gift

December 16, 2016Bathroom Remodeling, DC Plumber, Helpful Hints, Plumbing Advicematt

The holiday season is the perfect time to give yourself the gift of a brand new bathroom. Your family and holiday guests will be able to enjoy it for years to come. So why not consider a bathroom renovation or remodel to refresh your home for the New Year?

Choosing The Right Professional Plumber Or Contractor For The Job

Picking the right plumber or professional contractor to renovate or remodel your bathroom can be a challenge. How can you make sure that you choose the right one? You can search online or ask a friend or family member for a trusted recommendation in your area. It’s a good idea to get several estimates before you make your decision too. You might also want to be sure that the plumbing company that you choose does plumbing upgrades as well as remodeling and renovation projects. If you’re in DC for instance, look for a company that does DC plumbing upgrades. You should make sure that the plumber or contractor that you hire to complete your home improvement or renovation project is a skilled master plumber with the experience and certification to back up their work. A professional plumber should also provide you with honest, up-front pricing so you know exactly how much you’re spending. A professional plumber will not hesitate to give you everything in writing.

Why You Should Hire A Professional Instead Of Doing The Project Yourself

A professional plumber or contractor will use the highest quality tool and parts during the whole remodeling or renovation process. And a professional plumber or contractor will make sure that the project gets finished in a timely manner, and stays within your budget. They can also help you choose the most energy efficient and environmentally friendly toilets and plumbing fixtures. But maybe you need help choosing the right flooring or lighting too? No problem. A master, certified, licensed plumbing professional can help you with that too. A home improvement project like this might give you a lot of ideas. And the possibilities might seem overwhelming. A professional plumber or contractor can help you reign in your ideas and decide what’s both practical and feasible for you and your family. They will walk you through the step-by step process of creating your new bathroom without any extra frustration or stress. Hiring a professional plumber or contractor from the beginning of your home improvement, remodeling or renovation project will save you money and time in the long run. You and your family will be glad you did it.

Other Services That A Professional Plumber Can Provide

Besides renovating or remodeling your kitchen or bathroom a professional plumber can provide a wide variety of other services as well. For example, they can assist you if you have a problem with the water heater in your home. If you have no hot water or not enough of it, that’s a sign that something is wrong with your water heater. And you don’t want a houseful of holiday guests who can’t take hot showers on cold nights. A professional plumber can also fix clogs in your drains or pipes. They can repair leaks in and around your home. And they will even provide emergency service if you need it.

Hiring A Professional Plumber Vs. DIY

December 14, 2016Bathroom Remodeling, DC Plumber, DIY Plumbing, Helpful Hints, Plumbing Advicematt

Hiring A Professional Plumber Vs. DIY

Do you need plumbing renovations for your home or business? If so, you should consider hiring a professional plumber rather than doing the project yourself. You can trust professional plumbers because they have the knowledge and experience to complete your plumbing renovation quickly and easily. And you know they’ll do it right the first time, so you won’t have to worry about hiring someone else to fix any mistakes that you might make if you try to finish the job yourself. Hiring a skilled professional such as a master plumber or master gas fitter will eliminate unnecessary stress and frustration and save you money in the long run. A professional plumber will make sure all installation and upgrades are done using only the highest quality materials, tools, and parts. A home renovation would make a great gift for you, your significant other or family member. And it’s sure to impress all of the guests that will be stopping by for a visit during the busy holiday season.

Kitchens And Bathrooms

The two rooms in your home that are most likely in need of renovation are your kitchen and your bathroom. A professional plumber can help you renovate one or both of these rooms in your home that are sure to get a lot of traffic this holiday season.

What Kinds Of Renovation Questions Can A Professional Plumber Answer?

When you’re considering a home improvement project you’re sure to have a lot of questions. And a professional plumber can help you answer them. They can help you choose the right lighting, fixtures, faucets, toilets, and even flooring in your new dream bathroom. And if you’re renovating the kitchen, they can help you pick the most energy-efficient appliances to not only make your home greener, but save you some green too. A professional plumber can also help you make sure that the design ideas you have are feasible within the existing space. And the two most important things that a professional plumber can help you do is keep your home improvement on schedule and on budget.

How To Find The Best Plumber For Renovations In Your Area

The best way to find a professional plumber in your area is to ask a friend, family, member or a co-worker for a trusted recommendation in your area, let’s say you’re looking for DC plumbing renovations for example. Asking someone you know and trust for a recommendation may save you time and money if you’re looking for the right plumber to complete your home improvement project. Another possible way to find a professional plumber is to search online. No matter which selection method you choose, hiring a professional plumber will be much easier, faster, and safer than trying to do the project on your own. You’ll be so happy with your newly renovated kitchen or bathroom that you’ll wonder why you didn’t do it sooner.

Common Water Heater Problems

December 4, 2016Helpful Hints, Plumbing Advice, Water Heatersmatt

You may not give much thought to your water heater, but it’s an important appliance in your home. And with colder temperatures right around the corner, keeping your water heater running efficiently is even more important. Here are a few common problems to look out for when it comes to your water heater. The first and most obvious problem that can go wrong with a water heater is a lack of hot water. If you have no hot water or not enough hot water you should contact a licensed, certified plumbing professional right away.

Common Problems

One common problem with water heaters is discolored water. Discolored water can not only stain your clothes, sinks, tubs, and toilets, it can cause wear and tear on your appliances and fixtures. It is also unsafe for you and your family to use. If you have discolored water, call a plumber as soon as possible. And never drink water that’s discolored because it can pose serious health risks. A noxious smell like rotten eggs is another indication that you may have a problem with your water heater. And finally if you hear any strange rumbling or popping noises coming from your water heater, it could mean there’s a problem with your unit. If you’re experiencing any of these issues get in touch with a professional plumber as quickly as possible to make the necessary repairs.

Preventing Problems With Your Hot Water Heater

There are a few things that you can do to prevent problems with your hot water heater. For example, you can have a certified, licensed plumbing professional conduct seasonal maintenance checks on your water heater to avoid problems in the future. Things like flushing, temperature checks, and testing the pressure release valve are important things a professional should do. You should also make sure that the water heater that you purchase has an extended warranty so you’re not responsible for repair costs. And it’s a good idea to buy a high efficiency water heater. This can save you up to twenty-five percent on your utility bill.

Choosing The Right Company To Repair Your Hot Water Heater

If you do have a problem with your water heater, there are a few things to keep in mind when you select a company to repair it. For instance, make sure that the company offers twenty-four hour emergency service. And if the company has to replace and repair your water heater, ensure that they will complete the job as quickly as possible so you’re not without a functioning water heater for an extended period of time. And finally, check to see that the company has good reviews and that the service technicians are trained, certified, and licensed.

Finding Water Heater Repair In Your Area

Finding the right company to repair your hot water heater is simple. The internet is your best resource. If you’re in DC for example, simply type DC water heater repair into your preferred search engine. If this doesn’t give you the information that you need, try asking a friend, family member or a co-worker for a trusted recommendation. These simple tips will ensure that your water heater is running efficiently for years to come.

Water Heater Maintenance Tips

December 3, 2016Helpful Hints, Plumbing Advice, Water Heatersmatt

Maintaining your water heater on a regular basis will keep your family warm and comfortable no matter what time of year it is. You might not think much about your water heater until there’s a problem. But keeping the unit well-maintained will prevent the need for costly repairs and will save you from the inconvenience caused by the lack of hot water in your home. Without hot water, you and your family won’t be able to take baths or showers, wash dishes or do the laundry. So keep these maintenance tips in mind in order to keep your unit running smoothly year round.

Leave Water Heater Maintenance To A Trained Professional

If you’re in need of water heater maintenance or repair, don’t try to do it yourself. Hire a certified, licensed, trained professional. A professional plumber will be able to flush the water heater’s tank for you or complete any other necessary repairs. Flushing the tank is important because doing so will remove any sediment that can clog your water lines and cause the unit to leak or run less efficiently. In addition to flushing your hot water heater’s tank, a plumbing professional can also check the unit’s temperature pressure and relief valves, light a pilot that has gone out (if you have a gas water heater) as well as repair any leaks or drips in your unit.

Installing A New Water Heater

When and if you need to have your water heater replaced, a professional plumber that offers water heater repair in DC can do that for you too. And it doesn’t matter if your water heater is gas or electric because an experienced plumber will know how to install both types. No matter what type of water heater you have, it’s important to ensure that it’s well-insulated and inspected regularly by a trained professional. This is the best way to prevent problems with your water heater in the future. A professional plumber can also switch types, like from a conventional storage tank water heater to a tankless. They can also handle any additions and changes to the plumbing needed to upsize or downsize from the current size you have.

Water Heater Installation Costs

The cost of installing a new water heater will vary depending on the type of water heater you choose. You need to discuss this with your plumber, as he can first explain the pros and cons for what types of water heaters fit your situation and needs. Not all types will work in all homes without major changes being necessary. He can also help you narrow down which type will benefit you the most within your budget. Some models are more energy efficient and may save you money after the initial investment, and might be worth it in the long run. Talking to a professional plumber is the best way to find out what kind of water heater is right for your family, your budget, and your home. Using these tips will help with your water heater decisions and maintenance.

Freshen Your Bathroom

December 2, 2016Bathroom Remodeling, DC Plumber, DIY Plumbing, Helpful Hints, How To, Plumbing Advicematt

If your home needs a facelift, consider a bathroom remodel. But a bathroom remodel can be a daunting and costly task, if you don’t hire a professional. Here are some tips and things to consider if you’re thinking about doing a bathroom remodel in your home.

Do Your Research

The most important thing to do before you decide to do any kind of remodeling project in your home is to do your research. Know what kind of changes you want to make, how much time the process will take, and how much money you’re willing to spend. Watching home improvement programs may help to give you some ideas. But don’t go overboard. Those programs can be misleading because they often make big projects seem easier than they actually are. And if you watch too many of those shows all the designs begin to look the same after a while.

Have All Your Materials Before You Start

Even though counter tops and custom cabinets will take extra time to arrive, you can save yourself time, money and frustration if you purchase small items like fixtures, lighting, tile, and even the tub before you start the remodeling project.

Consider All The Choices

You’re going to be using this newly remodeled bathroom for a long time. So don’t rush into anything. Shop around at home stores for the best deals; look in magazines and shop online until you find exactly what you want.

Shower Shelves

When you’re planning your dream bathroom, don’t forget to include shelves for your soaps, shampoos, body washes, razors, and other items. Plastic shelves are less expensive but they’re also not as durable as ceramic tile shelving, or built-in wall-shelving.

Removing Old Flooring

One of the most difficult parts of any remodeling project is removing the old flooring. This can be particularly tough in the bathroom because of water damage that can occur near the toilet. Tell your professional contractor to use one-quarter inch plywood or cement board before you lay a new tile or vinyl floor. Vinyl flooring is easier to clean than tile and doesn’t require any grout like tile does. Vinyl flooring is also more durable and will not have to be replaced or repaired as often as tile flooring.

Install A Curved Shower Rod

A great way to save space in your shower is to install a curved shower rod. Curved shower rods cost more than straight ones, but they’re more aesthetically pleasing and stronger so you don’t have to worry about them falling or being pulled down. They give you more elbow room in the shower, without taking away extra floor space, which is usually at a premium in a bathroom.

Lighting

Choosing the right lighting for your bathroom can be tough. It’s important to make sure the lights are bright enough for you to see comfortably. But you may also want to have the ability to use softer lighting for those moments when you want to relax after a long stressful day. Recessed lighting is a great way to accomplish this. You may also want to ensure that the lighting you select is designed specifically for bathrooms.

Finding The Right Contractor

Finding a contractor for your bathroom remodel might seem like an expensive proposition. But it’s much better in the long run to hire a professional rather than doing it yourself. If you do it yourself and make a mistake, it will cost you more to hire a professional to make the repairs than it would have to hire a professional in the first place. To find the right contractor for your bathroom remodel, simply use the internet to guide you. For example, if you’re in DC simply search for DC bathroom remodeling online. It may also be a good idea to ask friends, family members or co-workers to recommend a good contractor. Use these tips and you’ll be on your way to having the bathroom of your dreams.

What To Do During A Plumbing Emergency

December 1, 2016DC Plumber, How To, Plumbing Advice, Water Heatersmatt

Plumbing emergencies can happen when you least expect them. But what do you do if a plumbing emergency does happen? Well the first thing that you should do is call a licensed certified DC emergency plumbing professional to take care of the problem for you. But here are a few tips that might make dealing with a plumbing emergency a little less stressful.

Shut Off The Water

If you’re in the middle of a plumbing emergency, one of the first things you may need to do is turn off the main water supply to your home. This will prevent flooding in an emergency situation. In order to shut off the main water valve, most often you will have to turn the valve clockwise. It is always good to locate your shut off valve prior to any problems, so you know where to go in case of an emergency situation.

Spot Small Leaks

Look around your home for any small leaks that you can take care of as soon as possible. Put rags, towels, or buckets around leaks to temporarily address the problem until a professional plumber arrives. It may be a good idea to have some plumber’s tape handy as well.

Watch Your Water Heater

In a plumbing emergency be sure to keep an eye on your water heater. You may need to turn it off in order to prevent further damage. Water heaters, electric, and gas are dangerous things and should only be worked on by professionals. If you feel you may need to turn off your water heater, explain what is happening to the plumber on the phone, and ask him if you need to do anything before he arrives. He’ll know best, and be able to offer guidance.

Drains And Spigots

After you shut off the main water supply, there will be water in the pipes. Remember to open the drains and spigots so that the water can drain away. This holds true for drains and spigots on both the inside and outside of your home. Don’t use any harsh chemical drain cleaners, because they can cause even more damage.

Listen

During an extreme emergency you may be ordered to leave your home for your own safety. If you’re instructed to do so, do as you’re told. It could save the lives of both you and your family in an emergency situation.

Examples Of Common Plumbing Emergencies

So how do you know if your plumbing problem is an emergency? Plumbing emergencies are any situation that compromises the health or safety of you or your family. Some examples of plumbing emergencies are things like extremely hot water. If your water is hot enough to burn your skin, it’s an indication of a problem with your water heater. Leaking water heaters should also be considered a plumbing emergency. Other examples of plumbing emergencies are things like frozen pipes or leaking pipes, overflowing toilets, waste smells, gas leaks or noisy garbage disposals. If you encounter any of these situations call a professional plumber right away.

How To Avoid Plumbing Emergencies

November 30, 2016DIY Plumbing, Helpful Hints, How To, Plumbing Advicematt

Plumbing problems can not only be a nuisance, but they can also be costly and time consuming to repair. Not to mention the health risks that they can pose to you and your family. Sometimes plumbing emergencies cannot be avoided. In those types of situations you should contact a licensed, certified, plumbing professional as soon as possible. If you do need an emergency plumber right away, the best way to find one is to search online. If you’re in DC for instance, just type DC emergency plumber into your favorite search engine. But there are also a few simple tips that you can use to avoid plumbing problems in the future.

Preventative Plumbing Maintenance

Regular plumbing maintenance can prevent common plumbing problems like clogged drains or leaking faucets. For example, the easiest way to prevent a clogged drain is to avoid pour cooking oil down the drain in your kitchen sink. Pour the used cooking oil into an empty milk carton or can and throw it in the garbage.

Garbage Disposal Maintenance

Another easy way to prevent plumbing problems in your home is to routinely maintain your garbage disposal. It’s easy to maintain your disposal if you follow these simple tips. Don’t let food build up in your garbage disposal. This can not only cause bad odors but the acids from food can corrode the pipes. Use cold water when you run the disposal and run it for at least thirty seconds to ensure the waste is flushed away. If the disposal jams, turn it off right away. Then wait for several minutes before trying to reset it.

What Not To Put In Your Garbage Disposal

You should only use your garbage disposal to dispose of food waste. Never put metal, plastic, string or rubber bands in it. And you should never put flour or cooking oil down it either. And you should also avoid putting peels in the disposal. They can easily build up and clog your pipes.

Preventing Odor In Your Disposal

Use a mixture of bleach and hot water to deodorize your disposal. Fill your sink with hot water, then add a cup of bleach and let it sit for ten minutes before draining. Not only does this deodorize your sink, the bleach sanitizes it, too.

Use Drain Screens

Another simple way to prevent clogged drains is to use a drain screens. Drain screens are inexpensive, and are usually made of plastic or metal. You place them over the drain in your sink or bathtub, and they catch food, hair, soap, or other small items that can clog the drain. But remember to empty, rinse, and replace the drain screens regularly ,too.

Baking Soda

You can also prevent your drain from becoming clogged by mixing one quarter cup of baking soda, warm water, and vinegar. Let the mixture sit in the drain overnight before draining. Doing this procedure once a month can help eliminate the need for harsh drain cleansers and will be safer for both your family and the environment.

Faucet Handles

In order to ensure that your faucets don’t leak, make sure the handles aren’t too tight. Don’t crank the faucet too hard either because that will wear down the washers of the faucet over time.

Washing Machine Hose Screens

Just like a drain screen, a washing machine hose screen can make your washing machine last longer. A professional plumber can install screens on both the cold and hot water hoses so that the pumps and valves of your washing machine don’t get clogged. These are just a few of the things that you can do around your home to help prevent plumbing emergencies.

Why Sewer Services Are Important

November 29, 2016DC Plumber, Helpful Hints, Plumbing Advice, Sewer Issuesmatt

Sewer services are important because they keep the plumbing system of your home or business running safely and efficiently. Without quality sewer service, you’re putting the health and safety of your family, customers, or employees at risk.

Types Of Sewer Services

There are a wide variety of sewer services that reputable plumbing companies offer. Some examples of commonly offered sewer services include things like pipe rodding, preventative maintenance, leak repair and noise elimination services, as well as the use of specialized underground cameras to pinpoint drain and sewer issues that are invisible to the naked eye.

Holiday Plumbing Help

With the holidays right around the corner, it’s important to make sure your plumbing system is in working order. Here are a few simple tips to avoid time consuming, costly and embarrassing plumbing problems during the holiday season when your house is filled with guests.

Kitchen Plumbing Tips

One of the most important things to remember when it comes to kitchen plumbing is to never pour cooking oil down the drain. This can clog the pipes or cause serious damage to your home’s plumbing system. You should also avoid putting kitchen waste down your garbage disposal. Another invaluable tip is to run your dishwasher or wash machine in the evening to save hot water for you, your family, and your holiday guests to use.

Bathroom Plumbing Tips

When you have a house full of out of town guests, there’s bound to be a lot of showers taken and a lot of toilets flushing. And this can take a serious toll on the plumbing in your bathroom. Here are a few simple tips to keep your bathroom plumbing running smoothly. Avoid taking showers one right after another. Instead spread them out throughout the day. If you have to take a shower right away, try to wait at least ten minutes between showers. You may also want to turn up the water heater to ensure there is enough hot water for you and your guests to use. However, the temperature of your water heater should not exceed one-hundred-and twenty five (125 degrees) Fahrenheit so you don’t burn yourself or your guests. If your shower has weak water pressure, fill a plastic bag with a cup of vinegar and place it over the showerhead. Let it soak overnight. In the morning remove the bag and use an old toothbrush to remove any mineral deposits that are left behind. This may help remove any buildup and get the water flowing correctly.

Frozen Pipes

Another plumbing hazard to avoid in the fall and winter months is frozen pipes. In order to keep your pipes from freezing, make sure they are installed in a well-insulated location. You should also make sure the location is properly heated. Outdoor pipes should be buried below the frost line. All your pipes should also be covered with pipe sleeves. And finally, let the faucets drip in extremely cold temperatures to keep pipes from freezing. If your pipes are already broken or frozen, the first thing you should do is turn off the main water line in your home to prevent flooding. The next thing you should do is contact a certified, licensed plumbing professional to fix the problem as soon as possible. Choosing one known for DC sewer services and drainage issues will be a good choice.