Category Archives: Sewer Issues

Five Common Plumbing Repairs

June 22, 2017DC Plumber, DIY Plumbing, Helpful Hints, How To, Plumbing Advice, Sewer Issues, Water Heatersmatt

If you are facing some plumbing issues in your home, most probably you are not alone. Most plumbing matters are typically considered as common problems. If you are not comfortable handling the problems yourself, DC plumbing repairs have the sound knowledge and experience to tackle any plumbing issue efficiently and quickly. Below are the five common plumbing repairs that people require from time to time.

Leaking Faucets

If one of your taps is dripping and turning off the faucet is doing nothing to stop the drip, then you have a leaky faucet, which is a common plumbing problem. You can’t leave a leaking faucet for too long since it can cause damage to your house and raise the cost of your monthly water bill. If you are facing a leaky faucet, the main reason could be a worn out washer. Ensure that you check the washers and replace them if they are worn out.

Low Water Pressure

There’s nothing as disappointing as trying to take a shower with a low water pressure. Low water pressure in a shower is also a common plumbing problem. If you are facing this issue, it means there’s a buildup of limescale. If you prefer solving the problem yourself, take off the shower head and then soak it in a descaling solution to wash it clean.

Clogged Drain

If your sink is not draining properly after shaving or washing your dishes, then you are facing a common plumbing problem. Drains are typically prone to wear and tear due to their frequent use. Large residues being flushed through a drain may get stuck, blocking the flow of water and leading to a clog. However, most of the clogging issues can be sorted out using a plunger that causes suction which dislodges the stuck gunk and residues. When you are unclogging your sink, fill it with water and then plunge it fast, up and down several times.

A Clogged Or Running Toilet

Just like a clogged drain, your toilet can also back up if there is a waste buildup or if there’s flushing of large items down it. Similar to a clogged drain, a plunger can also help in unclogging the toilet. If the plunging is not solving the problem, you can also use a snake tool to help you navigate the pipes to break and release any clog. Your toilet may also have running water which means it is not filling up properly after you flush it. The primary cause of this problem may be leaking pipes or build up of sediment, making it difficult for the toilet to flush and fill up correctly. In this case, contact a professional to check it out for you.

No Hot Water

If you are not getting enough hot water or there’s no hot water at all, your water heater might be having a problem. Unlike other common plumbing problems, you should not fix a water heater on your own. Handling a pressurized container can be very dangerous especially if you don’t have the right training and experience. If you have doubts or suspect your water heater has a problem, call a plumbing service for repairs to help you avoid problems in the future and also protect your home from damage.

In conclusion, if you are facing any of these five common plumbing issues and you can’t fix them on your own, contact a company offering DC plumbing repairs, and they will get your plumbing system in working condition in no time.

DRAIN PROBLEMS IN HOMES AND WHAT TO DO ABOUT THEM

May 30, 2017DC Plumber, DIY Plumbing, Helpful Hints, How To, Plumbing Advice, Sewer Issuesmatt

The best way to avoid frustrating clogs in your plumbing system is by preventive maintenance. It is the easiest way to keep your home plumbing system clean, healthy and clog free. Unfortunately, neglected plumbing pipes are lined with years of buildup of hair, grease, rust and other chemicals that cause dangerous corrosion that leave your pipes damaged. The following are some of the drain problems you may encounter in your home and how you can tackle them.

Clogged Tub Drain

Bathtub drains do not only have water and soap running through them. Some hair and pet fur often find their way into the drain pipes causing serious tub clogs. To prevent this from happening use a strainer in order to keep hair and other elements from your plumbing pipes. Ensure you clean your strainer regularly to allow the water to drain smoothly from your bathtub. In the case of a clog, remove the strainer and apply a flat plunger on the drain. If it does not unclog after a few pushes, you may need to seek the services of a professional plumber that offers DC drain services in order to assess and also address the situation.

Floor Draining Clogs

Many homes have their floor draining located in their basements, garages, patios and laundry rooms in order to keep the excess water from flooding in the home causing damage. Since basements are the bottom-most parts of the houses, floor drains are very common in them since sewer water and rain can flow downward and flood the basements. Just like the drains of your bathtub or kitchen sink, floor drains are also equipped with traps underneath. The traps are always kept full of water to prevent the sewer odor and gases from escaping into the room. The most common issue with the floor drains is that they can become clogged with debris or dirt. In case you find that your floor drain is not working properly, contact a professional to help you clear away whatever is causing the blockage. The plumber will also give you advice on how to maintain your floor drains and prevent future clogs.

Downspout Draining Clogs And Leaks

The best way to prevent your home from flooding is to check your downspouts and gutters regularly and also after a windy day. Look for a secure ladder and remove the leaves, sticks and any other debris that has fallen in your gutters. It is also crucial to check the downspout drains since they can clog easily during rainstorms. If you are not comfortable with heights or your downspouts have serious issues, consider calling a plumbing service to ensure that your home is protected against flooding.

In conclusion, clogged drains can be such a nuisance. From your bathroom to the kitchen, a clogged drained can slow you down leaving unwanted debris behind, and this can cause all sorts of other problems. In case you run into a drain emergency, locate and shut off all the valves in your home including the main water valve if there is a major water leak. If you are not familiar with the plumbing system of your home or you, don’t feel confident making any plumbing decisions, contact a plumber in DC for all your emergency plumbing and drain concerns.

WHY YOU NEED A SEWER INSPECTION

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

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

Tree Roots Love Sewer Lines

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

Natural Wear And Tear

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

Sewer Repairs Are Expensive

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

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

SIGNS THAT SHOW YOUR SEWER LINE NEEDS REPAIR

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

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

Sewer Gas Odor

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

Sewer Blockages And Backups

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

Slow Drains

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

Septic waste Pooling In Your Yard

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

Foundation Cracks And Sinkholes

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

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

A Quick Guide To Commercial Repairs Here In DC

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

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

Commercial Plumbing Repairs

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

Commercial Electric Repair

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

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

Structural Repairs To Your Office

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

How To Deal With Clogged Drains Here In DC

May 4, 2017DC Plumber, DIY Plumbing, Helpful Hints, How To, Plumbing Advice, Sewer Issuesmatt

Clogged drains are more or less a fact of life for most homeowners here in DC. Drains can clog for a variety of reasons, which this article will explain. Whatever the reason is, if your drain has a major clog, you will likely need to call a DC plumber to come and unclog it. When you are dealing with a clog, you may think that your drain will never run like normal, but a good local plumber will have your drain running smoothly again in no time. This article will highlight some reasons that your drain may clog, as well as some tips on how to find a great plumber here in DC.

Why Drains Clog

There are many reasons that your drain may clog. One of the main reasons that a drain clogs is build-up of grease, hair, or other particles. As a helpful tip, you should never pour grease down your sink (or any other drain). Instead, store it in a container to be disposed of in your garbage. A drain grate (a metal or plastic cover with small holes that allow liquids to move through, but not solids), should be placed on all drains in your house. This prevents food and hair particles from building up in your drain. Another reason for drain clogs, believe it or not, is sewer backups. When there is something wrong with your sewer line, it can affect your entire plumbing system. This could result in your toilet overflowing and water pooling in your shower. Sewer lines are rather fragile, and can be damaged by changes in the soil, including tree roots growing in the path of the line. For this reason, you should call a DC sewer and drain specialist, so that any issues with your drain – whether it be a clog or a sewer issue – can be resolved.

How You Can Deal With Drain Clogs

You will be able to deal with smaller drain clogs on your own. Liquid drain cleaners – such as Drain-O – can break up small clogs. It is a good idea to keep a bottle of such a cleaning agent on hand. You might even wish to pour some down your drain periodically, even if you do not have a noticeable backup. This will break up any clogs that might be in the process of forming. For clogs that are a little larger, you might need a “drain snake.” This is a durable metal coil, attached to a motor, that will reach deep down your drain. When you turn the power on, the coil twits rapidly, breaking up any clogs in your drain. While this can break up many clogs, there are some clogs that neither the cleaner nor the snake will be able to break up. This is when you would want to call a reputed plumber here in DC. Ask around or search online forums to find a plumber who provides consistent and reliable service. Again, it is important to find a DC plumber who specializes in sewer line repair as well, as that could potentially be the cause of your clog.

Tips For Building Your Dream Home Here In DC

May 2, 2017Bathroom Remodeling, DC Plumber, Helpful Hints, How To, Plumbing Advice, Sewer Issues, Water Heatersmatt

As all Washingtonians know, the DC area is home to a vast array of beautiful housing stock, which tends to get sold as soon as it hits the market. For this reason, many local homebuyers are choosing to buy land and have their houses custom-built. One of the great advantages of custom-building a house is that you have a say in all of its design and construction elements, as you are present for every decision regarding the build. While this means that you are able to create the DC home of your dreams from the ground up, it also requires a lot of dedication and attention to detail on your part. This may seem like an arduous task, but the end result is so worth it. This article will provide some pointers on custom-building your house here in the DC area.

How To Find The Right Help For Your Project

You will likely need many professionals to help you with your custom home-build. Of course, you will need an architect and a contractor to design and construct your house, respectively. That is obvious to most people. What many people do not realize, however, is that there are several other aspects of a home-build that require the help of several other professionals. For one, you will need a plumber to install the plumbing in your house, and connect you to your city or county’s water service. This is a very important and difficult job, and it is recommended that you hire a DC licensed master plumber to do this work for you. You really should not take any chances with this! Equally important is the electrician who will wire your house. For this, you will want a licensed electrician who is known for providing top-notch service here in the DC area.

Having A Plan And Sticking To It

As anyone who has built their own home can tell you, having a highly-detailed plan for your build is crucial. Without one, things can spiral out of control quickly, as decisions pile on top of decisions. There are bound to be some decisions that you are forced to make on the spur of the moment, but try to make as many as you can before you begin your home-build. Even seemingly small decisions like what type of doorknobs and faucets to install are important to hash out up front. This is not only important for your sanity, it is important for your budget as well. Before beginning a project such as this, it is imperative that you take stock of how much you are willing to spend on the construction of your home, and get realistic estimates for each phase of the project. Your estimates may not be perfect, and there will surely be some expenses that you were not able to account for up front, but drafting a budget ahead of time is a great way to ensure that you do not break the bank.

What To Do For Emergency Repairs In D.C.

April 26, 2017DC Plumber, DIY Plumbing, Helpful Hints, How To, Plumbing Advice, Sewer Issues, Water Heatersmatt

Most D.C. area homeowners who have owned a home long enough are familiar with emergency repairs. These are repairs that need to be done right away, or else it could cause lasting damage to your property. In worst case scenarios, your family’s health and safety could be endangered if repairs are not done right away. This is a scary situation, which is why preparedness is crucial. This article will provide some tips on how to handle emergency repairs here in the D.C. area.

What Constitutes An Emergency Repair?

An emergency repair is a repair that would need to happen urgently in order to maintain the health and safety of you and your family, as well as the integrity of your home. Such repairs might include gas main breaks, power outages, broken pipes, and clogged drains. There are several more repair situations that would constitute an emergency, but the preceding list highlights some of the most common emergency repairs. It is recommended that you have the number of a trusted 24-hour service provider on hand, so that you are ready to call as soon as an emergency repair is needed. You should have the contact info of a variety of service providers, as your repair needs will differ. For example, you will want to have the contact information of a good electrician on hand for power outages, and the number of some plumbers or drain services in DC., in case you have a major clog.

Have A Plan In Place

Planning is key in emergency situations. If you believe that the situation is putting you and your family in urgent danger (for example, a gas leak) you will want to have a place where you can stay on short notice, until the repair is made. This could be the house of a relative or friend, or it could even be a hotel that you know will have rooms available. Sit down and make a list of some places to stay before any emergency happens, so that when it does, you know exactly where to turn. Some preparations can be made in the home itself. For example, you help can prepare for a power outage by keeping flashlights or lanterns in every room, so that you can move around safely in the dark. It is also recommended that you have an icebox and ice handy, so that your perishable food doesn’t spoil when your refrigerator stops functioning.

Do Not Panic

Sometimes, in emergency situations, people spend hours planning, but forget to act on those plans amidst the stress of the situation. For this reason, if you ever find yourself facing an emergency as a D.C. homeowner, it is important that you keep your cool and stick to your plans. Sit down with the other members of your family and communicate your plans to them, so that they are ready in case an emergency should ever pop up. By staying calm and sticking to the plan, you can stop a huge headache from becoming something much worse.

Read These Helpful Tips Before You Begin Your Next D.C. Plumbing Repair

April 18, 2017DC Plumber, DIY Plumbing, Helpful Hints, How To, Plumbing Advice, Sewer Issues, Water Heatersmatt

For most D.C. homeowners, plumbing issues happen when you least expect them, and they seem to happen at the worst possible times. Repairs can be costly, but knowing where to turn can make your plumbing repair less painful and less expensive. Read the tips below to find out how to make the most out of a bad situation, so that the next time you need a plumbing repair here in Washington, D.C., you will be ready.

Have Your Plumbing Inspected

The best way to handle plumbing repairs is to take care of any potential plumbing issues before they become major disasters. Many plumbing issues stem from worn out, corroded pipes, and clogs are often caused by buildup over time. If you suspect that you have a problem with your pipes, or even sewer line, call a local plumber here in D.C. to come over and perform an inspection. Just don’t be surprised if the plumber brings a camera! Camera inspections are the latest, most high-tech method of examining plumbing. During this inspection, a tiny camera is lowered into your pipes, and any issues that are happening are recorded in real-time. This gives you clear evidence of what is going on with your plumbing. Depending on what the inspection reveals, the plumber may need to make repairs, or even a full replacement. It is best to get a jump start on this as soon as you suspect that there is a problem.

Plumbing Appliance Repair

You may have trouble with specific appliances within your home. Try and find a plumber who specializes in servicing that appliance. For example, you might need to find a plumber who provides water heater repair in DC, or a local plumber who provides dishwasher repair. If your appliance is truly on its last leg, your plumber might recommend replacing it entirely. It is a good idea to have money set aside for such replacements, so you are not forced to charge them to a credit card. Keep in mind, a problem with an appliance could be caused by a larger problem within your plumbing system. For example, what seems like a problem with your toilet could actually be a problem with your main sewer line. Your plumber should be able to determine this during inspection.

Emergency Plumbing Repairs

No one likes to think of plumbing emergencies, but unfortunately (despite our best efforts at prevention) they do happen. This is why it is important to have the contact information of a reputable plumber who provides 24-hour service. This way, if water starts pouring out of your ceiling at three o’clock in the morning, you know who to call. Many plumbers in a city like Washington, D.C. offer this exact kind of service. Knowing that there is someone you can call any time if a true plumbing emergency arises should give you great peace of mind.

Pipe Cleaning Techniques Used To Clear Clogged Drains

April 10, 2017DC Plumber, DIY Plumbing, Helpful Hints, How To, Plumbing Advice, Sewer Issuesmatt

Pipe cleaning is not what it used to be. These days, plumbers have access to modern technology to assist them with clearing out clogged drains. The piping systems in older homes differ from those in newer dwellings. Due to these differences, clogged pipes may need to be unclogged differently.

Traditional unclogging methods were to use a large snake to push the item clogging the pipe through the system. Large snakes are still used, but in older homes they can over-stress the plumbing, leading to more issues. Leaks and other extensive repairs may be required if a snake is used to unclog a drain in an older home.

Two advanced technologies used by professional DC drain services include power-rodding and hydro-jetting. Only a professional drain service can unclog drains in this matter. Specialized training is required, to ensure the machine is being used properly.

What Is Power-Rodding?

Power-rodding is an innovative technology that emulates the design of a traditional plumber’s snake. Although the design may be the same, the tasks that can be accomplished with this tool are modern. It not only unclogs the pipes, but it also cleans them. When using the tool, a plumber will thread the pipe into the drain, to locate the clog.

Once in the drain, the tiny razor blades on the outer surface of the tool will go to work. An electric motor rotates the tools cable at high speeds. The sharp blades scour the walls of the pipe, while also eliminating the clog in the line. The clog and sludge build up is broken down into tiny pieces, and flushed out of the system.

The Hydro-Jetting Technique

Hydro-jetting uses high-pressure water to flush out clogs and clean out the pipes at the same time. A plumber will thread the tool into the pipe, and turn the water on. The cleaning head on the opposing end of the lines precision nozzles, discharge water at 3500 psi.

The pressure provided by the water, acts like a knife, cutting through any obstructions within the piping system. This method will not only clear out a clog, but it also removes any sludge in its path. The force of the water breaks down the clog and sludge into small particles, flushing it through the piping system.

Does Specialized Equipment Have To Be Used To Clean All Clogs?

Clogged drains are a common plumbing dilemma. Most people resort to calling a professional service when they are not able to remedy the problem on their own. Even though professional equipment can be used to clear clogs from a clogged line, it is not always necessary.

Usually power-rodding and hydro-jetting are used on cleaning pipes in older homes. The piping systems in older homes are delicate. Time can cause the pipes to rust or break away, making the task of cleaning a clog difficult. Advanced technologies are employed for these types of services. Small clogs will still warrant the plumber to use a traditional snake. The equipment used to clear out a clogged drain can impact the cost of the drain cleaning service.