Category Archives: Water Heaters

Affordable DC Plumbing Upgrades That You Should Consider Installing

May 22, 2017Bathroom Remodeling, DC Plumber, DIY Plumbing, Energy Efficiency, Helpful Hints, How To, Plumbing Advice, Water Heatersmatt

Plumbing upgrades to any household affect the entire plumbing system of that residence. Whether you are considering selling your home, adding value to it or finding a return on your investment, plumbing upgrades are becoming inevitable. The new fixtures and plumbing line will not only enhance the appearance of your kitchen or bathroom, but they will also incorporate new functionalities that will make your life easier and more convenient. If you are in DC, there are many professionals who can help you with your DC plumbing upgrades. The following are some of the affordable upgrades you can use to boost the value of your home and increase its beauty.

Kitchen Faucet

The trending kitchen faucets are the hands-free and the touch-activated faucets. While these two technologies have been readily available in the public bathrooms throughout our cities, maybe it was not yet the time for you to make upgrades in your kitchen. Every major plumbing company manufactures these new faucets, hence they are readily available and pretty convenient. The selection of the styles and finishing for your kitchen faucets are many, so make sure you select the right one for your kitchen. Moreover, these kitchen faucets will add value to your kitchen and give you convenience that is usually underrated.

Self-Cleaning Toilet

In order to save time and get your toilet cleaned in a short while, manufacturers have designed a self-cleaning toilet. Using the modern technology and at an affordable price, this toilet has become a new trend in the modern homes and also in bathroom remodels. Just by the push of a button, your toilet is refreshed and scrubbed clean using the chemicals that pour into the bowl. To save you from embarrassment during parties and when entertaining guests, this toilet is worth the investment.

Showers

There is nothing as good as a hot shower. Nowadays, a shower is no longer a routine rather it has become an experience. With the advancing plumbing technology showers are becoming soothing, refreshing and more interesting. The technology that is trending currently is the rain shower head. Unlike the normal shower heads that come out of the wall, the rain shower head comes from the ceiling simulating rain. With this shower, there is no angling of the shower head or ducking underneath it in case you are tall. The rain shower head also comes with LED lighting installed. This lighting keeps changing depending on the temperature of the water. This shower head provides you with an ambiance during your morning shower experience and also lets you know when the temperature is the way you like it.

Water Heater

Traditional water heaters waste a lot of resources due to the fact that they let hot water sit in the pipes until it cools. This means that you will always have to run the water for it to be heated, wasting a lot of energy. To avoid this waste, you can opt for a modern water heater that has an on-demand circulation pump. These modern systems do not waste as much energy, and you won’t have to run the shower a few minutes for you to get hot water. The modern water heater will save you a lot of money in the long run and also provide you with great comfort and convenience.

In conclusion, in case you have not upgraded your plumbing system and fixtures for some time, you could be incurring losses unknowingly. However, there are many ways in which you can cut on your water expenditure. This will not only help you save money on your bills, but it will also add value to your home. Upgrading your plumbing system does not have to be a huge ordeal. You can seek the advice of a plumber in DC for professional advice on which DC plumbing upgrade to install as well as hire them for quick installations and maintenance services.

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.

How To Find The Best Service Providers Here In Washington, D.C.

April 30, 2017DC Plumber, Helpful Hints, How To, Plumbing Advice, Water Heatersmatt

Washington, D.C. is a huge area with many amenities. One of the amenities that D.C. is lucky to have is a large number of service providers who are able to work on your home: everything from D.C. landscaping services, to D.C. roofers, to DC plumbing services can be found pretty easily. The question is, with all of these choices, how do you find the best service provider? How do you find a provider who will provide consistent and quality service at a reasonable cost? Given that this is such a large area, it can be difficult to zero in on the best service providers, but this article will provide some tips to help you do just that. Continue reading if you are looking to find out how you can locate the best service providers here in the D.C. area.

Try Asking Your Friends, Coworkers, And Neighbors Here In The D.C. Area

One great way to find a good service provider for your particular needs is word-of-mouth. Washington is a town that is all about connections, and you should take advantage of your connections here in the city to find the perfect service provider. This is especially true if you recently moved to the area. Some of your neighbors and coworkers have likely been here for years, and should have some pretty good knowledge about who you should call and who you should definitely avoid. Be sure to take advantage of that knowledge! It is recommended that you do not wait until you need to make a major repair to find a good service provider. This will leave you scrambling to find someone at the last minute! Instead, you should compile a list of providers in various service areas, so that you will know who to call when it comes time.

Utilize D.C. Area Websites To Aid You In Your Search

The internet is certainly your friend when it comes to hiring service providers here in Washington, D.C. You might be surprised at the different tools available to you online. For one, you might wish to start with some popular search engines. This will allow you to find some websites for popular service providers in the area, such as DC water heater services. These websites, in turn, will allow you to get a feel for what types of service each provider offers, as well as contact information for each service provider. While this is certainly helpful, it will not give you any insight into quality and consistency of service, since companies will not post negative reviews on their website (it tends to be bad for business!). What you can do, to ensure that you are hiring the best service provider, is check local forums where users around the D.C. area post about their experiences. In some cases, it will be a simple one-sentence review, or perhaps just a rating. In other cases, though, you will get several paragraphs of very detailed information about what went right or wrong. Use this very helpful information to your advantage!

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.

Four Reasons To Call An Emergency Plumber

March 23, 2017DC Plumber, Helpful Hints, Plumbing Advice, Water Heatersmatt

When plumbing problems arise, either in your home or business, your life can suddenly come to a halt. Focus is instantly put on resolving the problem, before things get worse. Knowing when to call DC emergency plumbing services, to rectify the issue is important.

There are four reasons why an emergency plumber will need to be called. An emergency plumber’s services will be required for burst pipes, clogged drains, toilets overflowing, and a failed water heater. If any of these issues arise, it is wise to call a professional immediately.

Burst Pipes

One of the most common plumbing problems is pipes bursting. The temperature can have a lot to do with this issue occurring. In colder areas, pipes can freeze, forcing the water pressure to build up to a certain point. When the pressure becomes too much, the pipes will burst, ripping any welds or cuppings when they do.

Buildings with older piping systems are prone to bursting pipes as well. With age and stress the piping systems wear down. Free-flowing water and sewage in your bathroom, does not provide a welcoming area for anyone. In the event of a cracked pipe, call a professional immediately.

Clogged Drains

Clogged drains are another common emergency plumbing dilemma. Clogged drains, if not fixed immediately, can lead to other problems. Sewage can back up in the line, and hazardous waste water can be released as a result. Commonly, people will attempt to fix their clogged drains themselves.

If DIY methods and using various chemicals to remove the clog do not work, a professional is needed. To save yourself the hassle of using useless products, you can opt to call a professional at the first site of a clog. Typically, emergency services are required when the issue escalates.

Toilets Overflowing

Toilets overflowing are the things that nightmares are made from. An overflowing toilet can do a lot of damage. Not only is the smell of the sewage seeping through the lines unbearable, but when a toilet begins to overflow it can be hard to stop it. At the first site of a clogged toilet, you should call a professional. If a plunger does not fix the issue, do not wait until it gets to the point of overflowing.

Failed Water Heater

Hot water is essential for homeowners and business owners alike. Hot water is used to sanitize things. Without it, germs can wreak havoc in the area. Faulty water heaters can be caused from a variety of things. If the heater fails, make sure that you contact a plumber immediately, especially if the water heater runs off gas.

Emergency plumbers, do as their name suggests, they rectify plumbing issues that need to be taken care of immediately. Many emergency plumbing services are open twenty-four hours a day. If an issue does arise, you should have no problems locating a service to come fix the problem immediately. Four plumbing issues that should always be fixed promptly are burst pipes, clogged drains, an overflowing toilet, and a failed water heater. Neglecting to fix these issues immediately could lead to costly home repairs.

How To Stay Warm During The Chilly D.C. Winters

March 15, 2017Bathroom Remodeling, DC Plumber, Energy Efficiency, How To, Plumbing Advice, Water Heatersmatt

D.C. is lucky in that its winters aren’t as severe as winters in some other cities (Have you been to Minneapolis in January?!). That said, winters in the capital can get pretty chilly and, on rare occasions, downright brutal. This article will list some ways that you can crush the cold here in the Washington, D.C. area. Hopefully these tips will help make your D.C. winters a little more pleasant. As far as traffic is concerned…well…you’re on your own there.

Winterize Your Home

There a few steps that you can take to make sure that your home is ready for a D.C. winter. Most of these steps are meant to ensure that cold air does not come into your house and hot air does not escape. One cheap and easy step is to put a thin, insulating film on your windows. These can be purchased at D.C. area home improvement stores, and can work wonders in preventing heat escape. Speaking of windows, upgrading to storm windows is the best way to make sure your windows are keeping the heat in, and the cold out. D.C. area home improvement stores also sell draft guard: thin strips of insulation that you can place beneath your door, to prevent airflow in the gap between the door and the floor. For a larger overhaul, upgrade to fiberglass insulation. Fiberglass is the optimal material for insulating your home. Finally, make sure all cracks and gaps in your home are sealed tight. Use a caulking gun to seal any cracks you might notice. These simple steps will all add up to make you a lot warmer.

Optimize Your Appliances

Obviously, it is important to make sure that your heater is in good working order. If your heater starts malfunctioning once the cold kicks in, call an HVAC company to come repair it right away. It is also important to make sure the filter in your furnace is clean. This is a simple step that you can take to optimize your furnace’s performance. Make sure your water heater is working right as well—there is nothing worse than taking a freezing cold shower on a cold winter morning! If your water heater is not working right, there are plenty of good plumbers who provide water heater repair in DC. If you do find that the water in your house is not as hot as it should be, try turning up the thermostat first. If that does not help, it is time to call the professionals.

Don’t Break The Bank On Utilities

Furnaces and water heaters are great devices for D.C. winters, but your utility bills can add up very fast. On days when it is just a little chilly, try to see if you can avoid cranking up the thermostat. Bundling up is a good option for beating the cold, even indoors. It may seem a little silly to wear a coat and hat in your own living room, but this can greatly reduce your utility bill. Oh, and if you are lucky enough to have a fireplace, use it!

How To Conserve Energy In Your D.C. Home

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

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

Cut Down On Water Use

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

Cut Down On Electric Use

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

Outfit Your House For Maximum Energy Efficiency

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

Four Signs Of A Faulty Water Heater

February 16, 2017DC Plumber, Helpful Hints, Water Heatersmatt

Water heaters do not warrant must discussion, unless there is a problem. Most people, unless they work in the plumbing field are unaware of what to do if their heater starts to fail. Hot water is not only a want, but it is a need. There are four things that indicate a faulty system.

The Age of The Water Heater

With age, things start to break down and deteriorate; this is the normal pattern of life. The problem is most unskilled people, are unaware of how to locate the age of their heating systems. The manufacturer does provide the age of the unit on all heating systems. Deciphering what the unit’s age is can be daunting, if you are unsure what you are looking for.

The manufacturer’s sticker contains the unit’s serial number and age. The age of the unit is not written in standard date format. A general date code will look something like “G105023786”. Each letter and number represents a piece of a code.

G is used to represent the month that the system was made. G is the seventh letter in the alphabet, meaning the system was made in July. The following two digits represent the year. In this case, the system was made in July 2010. Water heaters should be replaced every ten years, so if your system is younger than its specified replacement age, consider water heater repair in DC.

Rusty Colored Water Is Released

Rusty colored water resembles a light colored can of soda. If you notice that the hot water that is released into your home has a brown color to it, this could mean it’s time to replace your water heater. Before calling a professional, drain some of the water out of the heater and see if the color changes. Fill up at least five gallons of hot water, and if by the third or fourth bucket, the rusty color remains, contact an expert.

Loud Rumbling Noise Escapes From The Water Heater

Built-up sediment is the primary reason why water heaters last ten years. Overtime, sediment will settle at the bottom of the tank, and this soft sediment will eventually begin hardening. When the hardening occurs, it is common to hear rumbling noises escape from the heater whenever it is attempting to heat water. The rumbling will progress into banging, signaling that the heater needs to be repaired or replaced.

The Water Heater Is Leaking

Moisture around a water heater can mean one of two things, one of the pipes feeding the water heater is busted or the heater has a slight fracture. Check all the pipes that are connected to the heating unit before narrowing the problem down to the water heater. If there is a crack or fracture in the tank, it will become evident quickly.

If all connections to the heating unit are dry, then the issue is the heater. The leak will typically occur whenever the heater is heating water. During the heating process, the metal will heat up causing the unit to expand, releasing any water from cracks. If the unit is leaking, calling for plumbing service and replacement is the only option.

How Do You Know When You Need Emergency Plumbing Services

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

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

Drainage And Sewer System Backups

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

Water Heater Repair Or Replacement

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

Leaks

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

Reliability

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

Finding Emergency Plumbing Services In Your Area

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