Three Reasons To Replace Your Old Water Heater

August 31, 2017Uncategorizedmatt

When you need a water heater plumber to replace your old water heater, you may not always know when to call them. Sometimes it can be hard to figure out when your water heater needs to be replaced. After all, if it is in good working condition, there is no need to call anyone, is there? Do you wait until a problem occurs, and then get on the phone with your local DC plumber? It may be best to start now, even if nothing has happened yet. Here are three reasons why you should get ready to upgrade and start making changes.

You Want A Larger Water Heater

If you have experienced in change in a family size, or just find that you are taking too many showers, and running too many loads of laundry and dishes, it may be time for you to upgrade to a larger water heater. This is useful since you will not have to wait for water to warm up, and your household can keep on going with a busy lifestyle. You shouldn’t have to slow down just because your water heater isn’t meeting demands, and neither should your busy family.

You Are Hearing Noises

If you are hearing strange noises that are coming out of your water heater, it may be time to call a DC water heater plumber. The noises can be associated with sediment building up inside the water heater, and having negative effects on the heating element. Sometimes this can mean that you are having someone come out for frequent repairs, which can add up over time, and be more costly than you might have been expecting. Either way, it is better to repair the problem once you start hearing loud noises, and have the water heater replaced before more problems occur.

Your Water Heater Is Older, But Not Causing Problems Yet

This might sound like inviting disaster when you choose to replace the water heater before anything actually occurs. By choosing to be proactive about the problems associated with older water heaters, you can avoid them breaking down and being without a hot water heater from a few hours to a day, while it is being replaced. It is always easier to fix something before it becomes a major problem, which is why it is better to handle hot water heater issues early on.

When you are on the fence and trying to decide if you should replace your hot water heater, you should know that there are many legitimate reasons to do so. If you need a larger water heater, it is better to put one in rather than to wait for a problem, so your household does not have to schedule showers and washing things around water heating up. You should also replace the heater anytime you hear loud, rumbling noises. Finally, if your hot water heater is older, but has not broken down yet, now is the perfect time to have it replaced to avoid being without one for days.

How A Plumber Can Keep Your Toilets In Perfect Working Order

August 29, 2017Uncategorizedmatt

Toilets are a fact of life for everyone. When problems occur, such as a blockage, leaks, or putting in a replacement toilet, it is always best to have a DC toilet plumber come in and help assist you with any issue you may be having. It is always best to have a professional come in and assist you with fixing the problem to ensure that it is dealt with correctly the first time. Here are three ways that a professional plumber can focus on keeping your toilets in working order at all times.

They Can Help You Upgrade Your Toilet

Calling a DC toilet plumber can be beneficial when you choose to upgrade your toilet. This is because they can assist you in finding the right type of toilet, and can advise you what can save you money. There are newer toilets on the market that are designed to be water saving, and this can also be beneficial for your wallet as well. When you are finally ready to select the right toilet, they will help you put it in, and ensure that everything is done correctly without leaving you to worry about leaks or other problems that can occur.

They Can Do Routine Checks

You can schedule to have a plumber come in and review your plumbing. Although it is not mandatory that they check your toilet, you can have them do so, and rest in confidence knowing that your toilet will be working properly. If the plumber does discover something they perceive to be an issue, you can schedule for them to come in and fix the problem. This could be anything from loose bolts to problems with the toilet not flushing correctly. Finding problems while they are still small is usually a cheaper, quicker, and easier fix than trying to deal with them before they become a larger issue.

Plumbers Can Find Small Leaks And Correct Them Early On

A plumber can find small leaks and correct them before they become larger ones. If you have a toilet that is above a room, or even a basement, this can lead to a real problem if it is not treated. By checking for the leaks and handling them early on, the plumber can keep you from having leaks that will ruin your flooring or home.

By having a skilled plumber who knows how to handle toilets, you can keep your toilet in working condition no matter if you are having it checked or completely replaced. A skilled plumber will be able to help you upgrade your toilet and find something that can save you money in the long run. They can also fix small problems before they become bigger ones. Finally, plumbers can notice when leaks are present, and fix them before they cause flooring problems and become worse. By keeping up on the maintenance of your toilet, you will know that it will always be in the best working condition possible.

Three Sewer Services You Need A Plumber For

August 26, 2017Uncategorizedmatt

Sewer services is not something that most people want to think about unless they have to (let’s face it, sewers are not something one enjoys thinking about unless there is a need), but there are several reasons why one might need a plumber to help them. Plumbers can actually be well-versed in many different types of services relating to keeping sewers functioning properly and healthy. Here are three instances where a plumber can help with sewer issues.

Blocked Sewer Pipe Problems

When dealing with sewer services can include a host of different issues, one of the major ones being blocked sewer pipes. Pipes can become blocked because there is some type of object in there that has become lodged. This can result in major blockages that cause further problems. Sewer lines can also accumulate grease, and other substances that make draining difficult and/or next to impossible. Having a company that specializes in DC sewer services can be a helpful resource to turn to. Blockages can be frustrating, especially when you do not know what the cause is. Having a company that can perform a camera inspection and fix the issue quickly is one of the best ways to handle the problem.

Broken Sewer Pipes

Sewer pipes can (and do!) break. Pipes can become broken when something happens, such as construction, and the soil is being moved around. Or, it can occur from freezing weather, which can lead to freezing and thawing, resulting in cracking. Broken sewer pipes should be repaired as quickly as possible, and having a company that understands the importance of this issue can be helpful when trying to get it repaired quickly, in order to avoid any future problems.

Trees Affecting Sewer Lines

Often, tree roots will grow into the sewer line and damage it. This can make it difficult to properly clean the sewer line, and can create other negative affects if it is not handled. A company that understands how to take care of roots invading a sewer line can have the roots removed, and then focus on doing a proper cleaning that will prevent any major issues going forward.

A plumber that is skilled in providing sewer services can effectively treat different sewer issues. Problems such as blocked sewer pipes and even broken sewer pipes can easily be repaired quickly, when the plumber knows what to look for. These pipes can easily be replaced, allowing the homeowners to feel comfortable knowing that their sewer pipes are in working order. Plumbers can also handle more difficult issues, like tree roots growing into a sewer line, and fix it so it is no longer a problem, and the roots are cleaned out. No matter what the issue is, having sewer lines that are working properly is important to ensure functioning plumbing and maintaining safety.

Three Types Of Services You Will Want A Plumber For

August 22, 2017Uncategorizedmatt

Many people think that plumbing services are something limited to emergencies, such as when the toilet overflows or a water heater breaks down and needs to be replaced. Of course, these are perfectly normal reasons to have someone come over and fix any problems you are experiencing. But, there are other instances when you might want to have a professional come over, rather than trying to do an installation yourself. Here are a few times when it pays to have a professional come out and help you get everything situated.

Having A Bidet Installed

Plumbing services can include having items put in for the first time. Bidets are items that are catching on in popularity. Individuals find they allow them to feel cleaner, and they find them a nice, personal touch that makes their bathroom feel more like home. Although there are bidet attachments that can fit on a regular toilet, people have found that nothing comes close to having an actual bidet. Having someone handle the installation of the bidet is the easiest, and ensures that it is put on properly, and avoids problems in the long run.

Upgrading A Water Heater

There might be a variety of reasons why someone would want to upgrade their water heater. It can hold more water, thus making it easier for large families to take baths, run the dishwasher, and have their clothes cleaned on a consistent basis. Upgrading a water heater is not a difficult thing to do, but having a professional do it is usually the best thing to do. This prevents problems, ensures that the water heater is hooked up correctly, and the plumber can let you know how your new heater will work and what to expect in how long it will take water to heat up.

Having A Dishwasher Put In

Dishwashers are lifesavers for many people. They allow them to get dishes done without standing over the sink for long periods of time, and it frees up time for other things that may be more pressing. Of course, there are some homes that do not have dishwasher, and home owners who want to make improvements. Rather than trying to put your own dishwasher in, it is best to have a professional do it for you. This avoids problems related to leaks and other things that can occur with improper installation, and gives you the confidence you need to delegate a household chore.

Rather than trying to install your own appliances, it is best to have the help of a professional who provides DC plumbing services and can make a difference and help make your life easier. From installing a bidet in your bathroom, to having a dishwasher put in, and even upgrading your water heater, you can feel confident that your plumbing has been installed correctly the first time. This will ensure there are no problems after something has been put in, and you can start using your appliances right away.

Why You Should Have A Professional Handle Your Repairs

August 19, 2017Uncategorizedmatt

People who need DC plumbing repairs may think that it is better to try and handle the issue themselves, rather than outsource the work to a professional. While it might seem easier to do it this way, there are some drawbacks. Having a professional provides many opportunities for individuals to not only ensure that their plumbing is being repaired correctly, but the professional can also alert them if there are any other problems and let them know. Here are just a few reasons why it pays off to have a pro plumber handle different issues.

A Professional Can Fix It The First Time

Getting a problem handled correctly the first time is always important. Be it a water heater, a toilet, or a dishwasher, having a professional handle the issues can save a lot of time. Many people might try to diagnosis a problem themselves, without understanding the problem could be tied to something else. They may spend more time, money, and resources as they try to fix their toilet, not understanding there is something wrong with a sump pump, for example. During this time they are working on the issue, they are without proper plumbing, which can be frustrating. Having a professional fix it correctly the first time makes it easier.

Professional Plumbers Can Save Money

People might view a plumber as a luxury, and feel that they will save money if they just try to correct everything themselves. It is better to have someone with experience fix the problem, however, because they can assess an issue in a matter of minutes, and get it fixed shortly after that. They can get straight to the problem, without trying out different tools and techniques for something they are already familiar with, and know is a simple fix.

Plumbers Can Suggest Improvements

DC plumbing repairs can do more than fix problems. These professionals can also make suggestions for things that the home might benefit from. For example, they can suggest a water-saving toilet or other benefits that can be helpful to someone who needs to change or upgrade plumbing in their home, but isn’t sure what is the best course of action to take in order to get the results they are looking for. No matter what types of items need to be fixed or improved, a professional can offer their experience and advice for the best course of action.

There are many reasons to seek the help of a professional when trying to make home improvements or repairs. Having a plumbing professional means that they can assess a situation, and suggest the best course of action. They can also save homeowners money, since they can figure out what the problem is, and how it should be fixed. Finally, plumbers can correct a problem the first time, and find a way to ensure that it does not reoccur, leaving the home working in a safe and functioning manner for the family who lives there.

Professional Kitchen Renovation Tips

August 15, 2017DC Plumber, DIY Plumbing, Helpful Hints, Plumbing Advicematt

The kitchen is an extremely commonly used area, whether you are throwing dinner together after work or sitting down with friends and family to a nice meal for a special occasion. One thing is for sure, it gets used often for many different things, so functionality is one of the most important aspects. Having enough room, appliances, and units in the right places will make all the difference in how much you can efficiently accomplish when tackling your kitchen tasks. Creating a working layout from the beginning will help avoid problems and headaches from developing. Read through the list below for expert tips to save time and gain productivity.

What The Stove Can Really Do

Obviously, the stove is used for cooking; however, the stove also serves as a visual centerpiece in the entire perception of the kitchen. It is highly recommended that if you can only replace one item in the kitchen it should be the stove. The stove is the most visible and most used appliance, so it serves the biggest purpose visually and functionally. There are also other things you can do if you have a decent budget for extra details and features. Adding a hood can make a big visual statement while also providing extra ventilation. No matter what you decide, always keep in mind the importance of the stove.

Score With A New Floor

Flooring options are vast and complex when deciding what is appropriate and affordable. There are many different types of floors that will look, feel, and hold up differently. In the kitchen, you need to be aware that food can fall on the floor and accidents will happen, so you need something durable. Also, the fewer seams/cracks there are, the less food and debris will get trapped in there. Floating vinyl floors are very durable and easy to install, and they come in different colors and patterns. Italian porcelain is also an excellent choice since it’s extremely durable and easy to keep clean. You can also take it a step further and install a heating mechanism underneath the tile, making the floor stay warm for those early mornings when making coffee. The floor is another aspect that has a huge impact on the look, feel, and functionality of the kitchen; so for many reasons do your research and choose wisely.

Counter Top Tips

Lastly, there are a couple things to remember when picking new counter tops. First off, always get something that will be durable and water resistant so they don’t show wear quickly. Secondly, counter tops should hang over the edge slightly for visual appeal and so food that falls goes on the floor instead of on the cabinets. Marble, granite, quartz, and Corian are all very visually pleasing choices that hold their value pretty well over the years. For any other questions or problems don’t hesitate a professional that specializes in kitchen renovations in DC.

Bathroom Remodeling Tips For Success

August 13, 2017Bathroom Remodeling, DIY Plumbing, Helpful Hints, Plumbing Advice, Save Moneymatt

Remodeling or fixing up your bathroom can be a pricey, lengthy, and overwhelming process if you don’t have any experience in this particular area. Whether you are doing it all yourself or hiring a professional, you will want to develop a realistic plan from the beginning to map out everything in order from goals to specifics materials that will be needed. Sometimes, hiring a professional such as a designer may seem like an unnecessary expenditure but if the job is larger than average then you can actually save time and money in the long run with their efficiency and methods. You can also trust that the final result will be exactly the way you want it with excellent quality and attention to detail. Check out some more tips below for bathroom remodeling and renovations.

Try To Stick With Original Plumbing Placement

One very important aspect to understand in the planning process and development stage is to avoid moving the utilities like the toilet and bathtub location. Moving these will cost a lot more and be a much more complex process to demolish walls and change pipes that lead to the fixtures. This will tack on a lot of extra time to the entire project as well. Always keep the plumbing fixtures where they already are, if possible, to save yourself a ton of extra time and money.

Saving Money On A “New Look” Toilet

A common mistake that many people make is replacing the entire toilet when trying to give the bathroom a new look or style. Instead of buying a brand new toilet and paying to have it professionally installed on top of that, you can always just get a new toilet seat and lid to serve the purpose as a new look or theme of whatever you are striving for. Luckily, you can browse from many different styles, sizes, colors, and designs to best fit your needs and interests. If you do change the whole toilet, consider a new, low-flow one to save water.

Let There Be Light

One of the most common upgrades that people wish to tackle when remodeling their bathroom is adding more and better quality lighting. This is an excellent way to drastically change the visibility and the feel of the bathroom in a hurry. Fortunately, it can all be done in an affordable manner as well so you don’t have to break the bank on this one. Home improvement and specific lighting stores can offer great deals on exactly what you are looking for. You could also always take it a step further and investigate the possibility of installing a skylight for natural light. The lighting is an excellent and fast method of bathroom improvement and overall, any or all of these tips listed will surely help you achieve a newer look with more efficiency for less money.

Form a plan, seek professional advice, and take things one step at a time so you can get the most out your bathroom remodeling experience. For any other questions or assistance, contact an expert that offers bathroom remodeling in DC.

Excellent Summer Plumbing Tips

August 10, 2017DC Plumber, Helpful Hints, Plumbing Advicematt

Summertime means more activities, more action, and more things that require water to take place. After a long and cold snowy winter, life booms outside yet again, and things like swimming pools, sprinkler systems, and outdoor water lines are used for a number of different things. Water usage all together sky rockets in the summer. Unfortunately, a huge amount of water also gets wasted. Luckily, when remembering and practicing a few tips, you could save a huge portion of that wasted water. Listed below are three excellent and common methods to help save water, as well the overall plumbing efficiency of your home, both inside and outside.

Be Kind To The Washing Machine

Summertime will just about always drive up the usage and workload of the washing machine for families considering the temperature goes up and people go through clothing much faster. It is recommended that you pull the washing machine away from the wall to prevent the hose from kinking. Also, the hose should be replaced about every 3 years, and when you do replace the hose consider getting a stainless steel hose for the best quality and durability. Another excellent tip to use with saving life/energy on a washing machine during the summer is to plan out your loads more carefully so you can get the most out of them and have fewer loads altogether. This will save water, life on the unit, and money or your monthly energy bill. Always take good care of your washing machine and check for any leaks or bulges so they can be fixed or have it replaced when necessary.

Check The Sprinkler System Often

Sprinkler systems can be an excellent tool to manage the balance of water over your property helping keeps your lawn green and prevent flooded areas. However, without proper maintenance, they can become problematic and create the opposite effect. A broken sprinkler head can leak a large amount of water in an undesirable place. Also, if the set up is in the wrong location, water could be accumulating in the wrong areas, resulting in a huge waste and even water damage in rare cases. Proper planning, installation, maintenance, and winterizing the sprinkler system are essential to ensure that water is not being wasted and put in the wrong areas.

Make Sure Water Is Off When Not Being Used

During the summertime, more activities are being done outside that require water like car washing, pressure washing, and even water balloons for a few examples. No matter what the water is being used for, make sure that it gets turned off after you’re done using it. Children often forget to do this and you could be left with a hefty water bill while also having a negative impact on the environment.

Following these summertime tips can have very positive impact on the overall productivity and efficiency of your summer. These tips apply to businesses, as well. Depending on what type of business you have, water usage is often increased in summer months, just like at residences. If you have any other questions or concerns you can contact an expert that offers DC commercial sewer repair, as whey will be well-versed in plumbing advice and how to handle commercial plumbing accounts.

Crucial Plumbing Checks To Stay Up On

August 8, 2017DC Plumber, DIY Plumbing, Helpful Hints, Plumbing Advicematt

Many people fail to understand the importance of monitoring the plumbing throughout their home on a regular basis. Also, sometimes people do realize the importance but still choose not to keep up with it, thinking that nothing will happen. Both of these ideas/habits are equally harmful to adopt, considering that your plumbing doesn’t care if you are ready for a problem or not. An issue can happen at any time for a number of unexpected reasons and will most likely get worse until properly addressed and fixed. You shouldn’t regret spending a little extra time checking your plumbing every so often if it means you can possibly avoid a major and costly issue from developing later on. Read through the list below for three excellent and specific routine plumbing checks to help ensure the plumbing in your home is all functioning properly.

Checking The Water Pressure

This tip often gets overlooked while being very obvious on a daily basis whenever using any fixture that uses water. The shower and sinks are excellent visual indicators if you are experiencing an issue with too much or too little water pressure. Too much water pressure can damage appliances, fixtures, and pipes, while not enough water pressure is a major inconvenience and may be caused by another underlying issue. Purchasing a water pressure gauge will help you get an accurate reading on where you stand in the range of psi. You will want to test the static pressure of a water valve that is close to your main water valve for an accurate reading. You will also need to turn off any fixtures or appliances in your home that use water so you don’t get a false reading. The test should be done a couple of times for reassurance that the reading is correct and then a diagnosis can be made. The pressure should be between 50 and 75. If it is above 75 or below 50 you will need to act accordingly to achieve the desired psi for your home.

Checking For Leaking Pipes

This is especially important to monitor and keep an eye out for any sign of a leaking pipe in your home. Leaking pipes can waste tons of water, create water damage, and lead to a much larger more costly repair. If you notice wet spots underneath pipes, in the ceilings/walls, or anywhere else, further investigation is crucial so you can locate the exact cause and decide what the best method of fixing the issue would be.

Corrosion Can Be Problematic

The last thing to visually inspect is your pipes, fixtures, and toilet tank for any signs of corrosion or rust, which is a byproduct of corrosion. Corrosion can greatly affect the entire water system in your home and if left untreated may require an entirely new plumbing system. Large amounts of copper can lead to corrosion over time so the copper level in the water can also indicate a potential problem ahead of time. If you do see rust, corrosion, or sediment build up on any of your water pipes or sewer lines, call an expert to evaluate the situation. Don’t hesitate to reach out to a professional that offers DC sewer repair for any questions or concerns you may stumble upon.

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.