Category Archives: Water Heaters

Tips For Detecting And Fixing Gas Line Leakages

March 18, 2018DIY Plumbing, Helpful Hints, How To, Plumbing Advice, Uncategorized, Water Heatersmatt

One of the main reasons why gas lines require proper care and maintenance is to avoid gas leak problems at home. Gas leaks usually occur where gas pipes/lines join or connect. Gas may also leak or seep through cracks in old worn-out gas pipes. Gas leaks are some of the most dangerous faults in any home. This is because natural gas and propane are very volatile and highly flammable. Therefore, a minor gas leak can cause house fires and serious gas explosions if not fixed immediately. This means that you should call a licensed master gas fitter who specializes in DC gas line services to fix your gas line leaks as soon as possible. You should always bear the following tips in mind when dealing with gas leaks in your home.

Preventing Gas Leaks

You should always try as much as possible to prevent gas-related problems in your home; because as the old adage goes — prevention is always better than cure. Gas offers many functional benefits to the user. But just like electricity, gas can be quite dangerous if handled improperly. One way of avoiding all the dangers that are associated with gas use as a fuel source in the home is to prevent gas leaks. Gas leaks can be prevented through regular inspections and maintenance of the home gas supply system. By conducting regular professional plumbing inspection runs of your home gas supply system, you will be able to identify faulty sections early on and to fix them accordingly. This is part of the whole gas line maintenance practice. You should commission a professional gas company to check all your gas lines for leaks on a regular basis. You should then implement all recommendations offered by these gas line professionals regarding the replacement of old faulty gas lines to avoid gas leaks in your home.

Detecting Gas Leaks

As much as we would like to avoid gas-related problems in our homes, we must face the fact that they are still bound to occur at one time or the other. Gas leaks can still occur despite all out inspection and maintenance efforts. In such cases, you should be extra vigilant for all the telltale signs of a gas leak in your home. You should listen for hissing sounds along your gas pipes or in your gas appliances. The smell of rotten eggs ids another key indicator of a gas leak in the home. And you can always tell if you have an underground gas leak by looking at the health of the vegetation cover above then underground pipes. Dying grass and other vegetation cover indicates a gas leak. After discovering a gas leak in your home, it’s time to call the professional plumbers and gas fitters.

Fixing Gas Faults

Gas leaks can pose catastrophic danger to your home. You should therefore never hesitate to call a gas line professional after discovering a gas leak in your home. Even if you are not sure it’s a gas leak. You should calm your doubts by seeking the opinion of a licensed master gas fitter. The hired gas line professional will recommend various solutions for the gas leak problem, including replacement of old faulty gas pipes and you should always comply accordingly.

Three Smart Home Products

August 6, 2017Commercial Plumbing, DC Plumber, DIY Plumbing, Energy Efficiency, Helpful Hints, How To, Plumbing Advice, Save Money, Water Heatersmatt

In today’s fast paced digital world, there is always newer more advanced methods, appliances, and technology being developed to revolutionize an industry or perhaps the entire worlds everyday life. This is great news for you considering the quality and intelligence of your devices and products can only get better and more convenient. Tasks that used to take a lot of time and planning now can be done 10 times better in half of the time thanks to connecting your devices to the digital realm. Appliances and devices are now becoming smart models offering more features connecting to your smart phone for your absolute convenience. Check out the options below for a more in depth look at the new possibilities.

Water Leak/Freeze Detector’s

These are excellent units that can be installed to keep track of the temperature and humidity of certain aspects of plumbing in your home. They can be synced to your smart phone and will show you recorded data from the measurements they take. This is an excellent safety feature so if a pipe or area gets too cold then you will be alerted so you can fix the problem before the problem escalates into something larger. Water leak detectors are great for letting you know if the device/setup finds any leaking water so you can catch it ASAP and avoid wasting water, money, and time. Imagine being able to monitor your home for leaks and freezes 24/7, 365 days a year all from your phone virtually maintenance free. Luckily, this can all become a reality whenever you decide it’s time to move forward and achieve these amazing upgrades.

Smart Thermostats

Another extremely convenient addition/upgrade you can easily make is installing a new smart thermostat. This will give the ability to monitor and control the temperature throughout your home by simply changing the temperature on your smart phone or tablet. It’s also excellent for keeping track of your desired temperature so it will automatically adjust and change the temperature so it is right where it needs to be even when the temperature would have gone up or down normally. This gives you total control at all times from the comfort of your smart device.

Water Heater Shut Off Valve

Finally, one last beneficial smart device that can be installed is a water heater shut off valve. This will automatically shut off water to the water heater when necessary while leaving all the other fixtures in perfect operation unaffected. It can also detect leaks and warn you if a problem arises so you can make a change or turn something off to avoid a bigger problem. Any and all of these devices will surely make your home more manageable, enjoyable, and hassle free. You can also catch issues early before they develop into something bigger while saving energy with better tracking and recording. Be sure to pick the model and brand that suits you and your family best before purchasing. For further help or services, contact a professional that offers water heater repair in DC.

Water Heater Replacement Process

August 3, 2017DC Plumber, Energy Efficiency, Helpful Hints, How To, Plumbing Advice, Save Money, Water Heatersmatt

The first and foremost step that comes before anything else in the process of replacing your water heater is understanding how long one can usually last and how to get the most out of it. The typical lifespan for a water heater runs right around 8 to 12 years depending on the model and year it was manufactured. The following article shares some helpful information for determining your best course of action, if your water heater isn’t performing optimally.

Understanding A Water Heater and Its Lifespan

An excellent tip to remember when talking about the life of a water heater is to have your next purchase and installation planned out ahead of time so you can replace it before it completely breaks, leaving your home without hot water availability. Be sure to keep an extra close eye on the condition and efficiency of your heater as it starts to get higher up in years in its life span so you can keep up on necessary maintenance and catch problems early before they become not fixable. Draining out the sediment build every couple months is an excellent tip to help prolong the life, effectiveness, and efficiency of your unit.

When It’s Time To Look For A New Unit

When it does becomes time to replace your water heater because it no longer works correctly or it has become completely unusable, making the right purchase will mean the difference of how much money you spend and what kind of performance the heater will deliver in your home for several years to come. When getting a new heater you’ll most likely want to get the same type of heater as last time meaning if it was a gas or electric water heater so the connection procedure is the same. You should also strive to get the most efficient model that will also be big enough to handle all of your needs as this will be a major difference on how much money you spend each year on the cost of running it. The more you know about the water usage in your home and how much money you can spend, the better chance of making the best possible purchase. Discussing this with your plumber and having them handle your replacement is wise, as they can guide you and often get a better deal on the water heater itself, as they purchase and install them everyday.

Removing The Old And Installing The New

Once you have purchased your new water heater and are ready to use it you will need to remove the old one if you haven’t already. To do this first turn off the water supply and then run all the hot water out in the sinks in the house. Then if you use a gas hookup be sure to turn off the gas valve before disconnecting. Next, you’ll need to hand cut all the plumbing lines hooked up to the unit. Finally, now you can then remove the water heater which will be heavy so be careful and get some help. When hooking up the new one you will first want to get the water heater placed in the right spot and connect all the needed water hoses. Then you will want turn on the water supply while still leaving the hot water faucet open so they can run for one minute before turning them off. Lastly, you can then reconnect the wires to the new unit, turn the power on, and wait for the water to start to heat up. If you have any issues or questions about water heaters you can reach out to an expert that specializes in DC water heater repair for professional advice and service.

Prepping Your Home Before Vacation

July 29, 2017DC Plumber, DIY Plumbing, Energy Efficiency, Helpful Hints, How To, Plumbing Advice, Save Money, Water Heatersmatt

Planning and packing for vacation is fun and hectic. In the hustle and bustle, make sure to take care of a few things in and around the house to maintain safety and cleanliness. Unplugging appliances, adjusting the furnace and water heater thermostats, and setting alarms are important, and so are the useful tips that follow.

Shutting Down Any Water Source

Before leaving your home for an extended period of time for a vacation, for example, there are a few extremely crucial steps to take so you aren’t returning home to a mess or a costly disaster. When you are home, having the main water valve on is an obvious must so water can go where it needs to go throughout your home. However, when you are gone you will want to shut off your main water valve in the case of a leaking or broken pipe, since you won’t be there to react to an issue that arises. Failure to shut off the main valve could leave you with a flooded house or worse when you return if something were to go wrong. Another good preparation tip to act on is making sure that no outdoor water is left on such as a sprinkler system for example. A drip all day for several weeks adds up to a large amount of wasted water. The first step is to always be sure that all the water is turned off.

Tending To Indoor And Outdoor Pumps

The next step for ensuring the efficiency of your home inside and out while you are away is checking on any pumps such as sump pumps and pool pumps as a couple examples. Ensuring that your sump pump in the basement works is very important for guaranteeing that your basement won’t flood. If the gutters fail and allow water to come in the basement, a sump pump will save you from a lot of water damage. To check the sump pump simply dump some water in the pump pit so it raises the water level, then see if it ejects the water correctly. If it fails then you could try to solve the issue or contact a professional for help before leaving. Another pump that should be left on is the swimming pool pump. By turning it off for long periods of time, algae build-up can occur so always set it at the optimal operating setting for long term efficiency.

Preventing The Build Up Of Mold And Bacteria

Lastly on the list of preparation steps for a lengthy vacation is eliminating the chance for the buildup of mold, bacteria, and other unsanitary substances. Always clean dirty dishes and unload the dishwasher so bacteria can’t develop on food covered dirty dishes. Next, you should check the refrigerator and freezer for foods that have a short expiration date and either consume before leaving or properly dispose of them before departure so they can’t rot and form mold. Rotting foods for a period of time will become unsanitary and leave very unpleasant long lasting odors. Properly following these three tips will greatly improve the condition of your home when you return and also decrease the chance of a catastrophe happening that could cost you a fortune. If you have any further questions or concerns on preparation actions or simply general plumbing issues, contact a professional that offers plumbing upgrades in DC.

Making Plumbing Add Value To Your Home

July 13, 2017Bathroom Remodeling, Helpful Hints, How To, Plumbing Advice, Save Money, Water Heatersmatt

Sometime we don’t think about the many ways that plumbing can add value not only to our lives, making them easier and more enjoyable, but it can add value to our homes, as well. The following three ways can help add value, add enjoyment, and/or add savings to your bank account.

Jetted Tubs

It’s probably safe to assume that most people can benefit and enjoy soaking in a hot jetted tub from time to time. There are several known health benefits of using jetted tubs such as providing relief for sore muscles and helping ease certain types of injuries. Jetted tubs can also provide a relaxing experience to help you unwind, relieve stress, and even loosen you up after intense physical activity. It is also proven that soaking in a hot bath for 10-15 minutes before bed can help you get a better night’s sleep. A lot of people look for a garden tub, jetted tub, or soaking tub when buying a house, so it is a good idea to include them in your remodel of new build, as they add to the resale value of the home.

Walk-In Bathtubs

If you struggle with mobility, balance, or have a disability that makes stepping over the traditional bathtub side dangerous then installing a walk-in bathtub could make all the difference. Buying and installing one of these safer and convenient designs comes with a price, however, if you can afford it, they can offer great benefits and safety features. They provide a nice sized enclosure with a swinging water tight door to open and close, making the trip in and out a breeze. The only downside is waiting for the tub to fill when inside and then waiting for it to completely drain when done so you can open the door. They also provide a seat inside so you can be seated if you like while bathing for your comfort and convenience. These walk-in bathtubs usually start around $2,000 and can go all the way up to $10,000. They can also add value to your home when included in a bathroom remodel. If you have any questions or concerns about plumbing, sewer, appliances, or gas lines don’t hesitate to contact a professional who is qualified as a DC master gas fitter.

Solar Power And Water Heaters

With modern technology today, we have the luxurious opportunity of switching from traditional methods over to energy efficient methods. This can save you a large amount of money spent on energy along with also greatly reducing the number of harmful carbon emissions into the environment. Many people use solar panels to power the main electrical grid of their home which is great. However, some people are now using solar power for everyday household appliances. Water heaters are larger units that are used every day and can add up quick in costs if overused or used incorrectly. By switching to a solar powered water heater, you have the potential of saving up to 50-80 percent of the total yearly water heater budget. Solar powered appliances are also a great way to boost your homes resale value as well.

Plumbing Hacks To Save You Some Money

July 10, 2017Bathroom Remodeling, DIY Plumbing, Energy Efficiency, Helpful Hints, Plumbing Advice, Save Money, Water Heatersmatt

Everyone wants some ideas to save money. Here are some helpful ways to save some green and maintain your plumbing systems at the same time.

Prepping Your Plumbing For A Long Trip Away

When you are planning on leaving your home for an extended period of time there are some very important preparation measures to take to avoid coming home to a catastrophe and ruined appliances. First off, check for any visible leaks throughout your home to avoid water damage/large water loss. Second, if your water heater has not been flushed in a while then it is wise to flush it before leaving to prevent sediment build up. A couple good tips to use regarding the freezer/refrigerator are turning off the automatic ice maker to prevent malfunction and throwing food away to prevent it from spoiling and creating moldy unsanitary conditions. Also, cleaning your gutters before you leave is an excellent practice to direct water away from your roof and home, decreasing chances of build-up, mold, and water damage. Next, be sure to check and turn off all outdoor sprinklers and faucets so you don’t return to an overly high water bill caused by excess water and energy usage. Lastly, if possible, turn off the main water supply to your home to prevent a giant water leak destroying everything inside.

The Major Problems With A Leaking Toilet

Toilets are certainly an important factor in day to day living anywhere you go and should be monitored regularly to decrease the chance of a problem arising. Too often someone can have a leaking toilet for a long period of time and not even know it. However, the amount of water wasted from a leaking toilet in a year could fill an Olympic-sized swimming pool. That could also explain why the bills are higher than they need to be. Luckily, checking a toilet for a leak is relatively simple, quick, and accurate. To check for a leak simply remove the tank lid and drop roughly 10 drops of food coloring in the tank. After waiting 10 to 15 minutes check the bowl to see if the food coloring is in there. If it is then you indeed have a leak and will need to have it professionally fixed. Your next step should be contacting a DC sewer and drain professional as soon as possible to help get the problem resolved and bring the water wasting to a halt.

Benefits Of Installing New Energy Efficient Units

Every day people are striving for newer more advanced methods, practices, and technology. In the world of plumbing advancements, there are always newer more efficient appliances and units being installed to save time and money. For example, new energy efficient washers and dryers can save a lot on energy bills each month while also holding their value. Another example would be new low-flow shower heads and toilets to cut way back on water used per flush/shower. By learning what energy efficient units have to offer you may realize just how much money, energy, water, and time you could save by updating your appliances and units. When it comes to any aspect of plumbing, the more you learn the more you can enjoy your home hassle free.

Useful Plumbing Tips For New Homeowners

July 5, 2017Bathroom Remodeling, DIY Plumbing, Energy Efficiency, Helpful Hints, How To, Plumbing Advice, Save Money, Water Heatersmatt

Being a new homeowner can be a little stressful. Arming yourself with some useful plumbing tips and hints can make life easier and save you some money. It can also make you more prepared if and when an issue does arise.

Water Heater Management

Most of the time doing simple things can save you from big problems and hassles down the road when talking about water heaters. One of the most basic things to be aware of about your water heater is what temperature the thermostat is set at.

Sometimes, they come factory set at a higher temperature than necessary which wastes energy and can also decrease the life of the unit. Setting your heater at a temperature of 115 degrees is usually sufficient for all your normal needs. Most units will last around 10 to 15 years so it is a good idea to start looking for a new one around 7-8 years to be safe. Another excellent tip that will help your water heater last longer and work more efficiently is to drain a quart of water every three months to reduce sediment build up in the tank. Lastly, if you heat using electricity and live in a warm sunny climate you may consider switching to a solar powered water heater to help cut down on energy costs.

Ways To Save Energy In Bathrooms

There are several very effective methods for cutting back on cost and energy used in everyday bathroom rituals. First off, taking a normal length shower in place of a bath uses far less water on average. Second, replacing your old shower head with a new modern low-flow shower head will save a large amount of water on a daily basis. Another excellent tip to remember when creating or remodeling a bathroom is to run wires for lights separately so you can use just the light you need at that time. Lastly, installing/replacing an energy efficient low flow toilet will save water on every single flush which adds up to a huge amount saved per year.

Get Familiar With The Plumbing In Your Home

The best way to fix costly and annoying problems is to stop them from happening in the first place. Just by knowing things like where your main shut off valve is and whether you have any visible leaks can save you from massive problems developing. Also, having a general knowledge of the plumbing order, location, and condition in your home will allow you to start making positive changes to save yourself money and energy expenditure. Being aware of where your pipes are located throughout your home is crucial when doing any type of remodeling or large structural changes like moving a wall for example. It would be very undesirable to knock down a wall and accidentally break a pipe open spilling water out everywhere. It also pays to have occasional inspections done on things if you are unsure or would like to make a change for the better. Fortunately, professional plumbing service is there to help get you back on track in case of an emergency or just a general problem that needs to be fixed. If you are unsure of whether you have a leaking pipe or not, considering hiring a team of professionals that provides DC leak detection.

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.

THE BENEFITS OF HIRING A MASTER GAS FITTER

June 4, 2017Commercial Plumbing, DC Plumber, Energy Efficiency, Helpful Hints, How To, Plumbing Advice, Water Heatersmatt

There are various amenities and utilities that will enable you to fully and completely enjoy your stay in your home. Some of the common utilities are telecommunications, water, electricity, drainage, gas, and security. These utilities are interrelated systems that are installed during the construction of your house. One of the most important utilities among these is the gas system. Generally, this system uses a network of pipes and tubes, and it is usually hidden from view.

However, a gas system can be very critical depending on the potential risk it can create. Whether it is LPG or natural gas, the potential danger lies in the fact that gas is highly combustible. This means that you can generate a flame in case a spark catches some small amounts of released gas, and if there was an ongoing gas leak, this can endanger lives and cause damage to property. It is, therefore, a wise idea to get a DC master gas fitter to handle your gas installations and maintenance. The following are the benefits that you stand to gain if you are in DC and you decide to hire a master gas fitter.

Prevents A Potential Disaster From Happening

The gas fitting service can inspect and also check the entire chain of your gas line. They will examine from the entry to exit for any possible breach and corrosion and any other damage to the piping network that connects your gas equipment and appliances. The gas fitting service has the tools and equipment that can enable them to detect any leaks in the pipes, connectors and connecting joints. They will correct the problems immediately if there is any and also check your pipes, outlets, and appliances, such as furnaces and water heaters, for safety and efficiency.

To Know The Actual Condition Of Your Gas System

Having a professional gas fitter check your gas system will enable you to discover some potential repairs indicated in your gas system. By doing this, you are in a position to handle the situation in time and prevent any potential dangers. In case a leak is found, your timing is done to perfection since the professionals will perform the leak correction immediately.

To Know How Your Gas System Works

You can maximize the value of the professional service fee by asking relevant questions. The professionals will be willing and happy to accommodate your questions regarding your gas system. They know that once you are satisfied with their answers and also the services they render, you will endorse them to other homeowners.

Knowing Who To Call In Case Of An Emergency

Knowing who to call if an emergency situation occurs is the most important benefits of preventing potential disasters. The initial engagement with the gas fitting service provider will serve the purpose for which they were called. And that is to inspect the gas line. Once they are done with it, you can establish a communication network for your future needs not only regarding your gas system but the other utilities as well.

In conclusion, you are responsible for ensuring the safe operation and maintenance of your gas equipment and appliances. Ensure that your gas system is checked regularly by a professional. You can seek the services of a master gas fitter in DC for all your gas installations, repairs, and maintenance needs.

DC Water Heater Repairs

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

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

Symptoms of a Faulty Water Heater and Repairs

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

Not Enough Hot Water

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

No Hot Water

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

Strange Noises

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

Leaks

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

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