When To Call An Emergency Plumbing Service

February 15, 2017DC Plumber, Helpful Hints, Plumbing Advicematt

In many ways, a building is constructed in the same manner as the human body. The frame of the home represents the skeletal system in the body, the nervous system is the electrical system, and plumbing is the circulatory system. To live, all systems must work in unison; the same can be said about a building or home. If one system is not functioning properly, it can disrupt the entire flow of a building.

The circulatory system is a vital system in the body. It allows blood to flow freely and circulate in and out of the heart. Plumbing does the same thing within a building. Various pipes are built alongside the walls of a home, enabling water to be delivered to specific areas. If anything is clogged, in either system the outcome can be detrimental.

When Should You Seek Help?

When it comes to your body, most people know the obvious things to look for, prior to seeking help. Your home is a different story. You may think that a small problem will stay that way, if you do not do anything to make it worse. Saying this is just like saying that if your leg consistently feels numb you should just lay down for the rest of your life and stop walking. You use your home to adhere to your needs, and there is no way that you can stop using certain things inside of it, to eliminate a small problem from getting bigger.

DC emergency plumbing services should be called to your residence immediately, if your pipes have burst, your toilet is clogged, or there is gas leaking from the home. These three types of emergencies can escalate quickly if they are not dealt with accordingly. Knowing what to do if or when these situations occur can save you a lot of money on unnecessary repairs.

What To Do If Your Water Pipes Burst

Water pipes burst for various reasons, despite the cause of the issue; you need to know what to do when it arises. The first thing that happens when pipes within a residence burst is water begins to flood the residence. Water may come from ground floors or even seep in from under the walls. Prior to calling an emergency plumber, make sure that the main water valve that supplies the home is turned off.

Clogged Toilets Can Turn Into A Big Mess

Most people would not consider calling an emergency plumber over a clogged toilet. Overtime the issue can get worse if nothing is done about it. The best thing to do when you notice the toilet is not flushing is to contact an emergency plumber immediately. Toilet clogs can get messy and can become a major headache if they are left as is.

Do You Smell Something Funny?

The smell of gas in a home is enough to frighten anyone. After the gas company, has been informed of the problem you should then contact a plumber. Plumbers not only work on water pipes, they also assist with heating and furnaces. Carbon monoxide gases are not anything to play with; they are deadly if not taken care of promptly.

Top Three Kitchen Trends For 2017

February 14, 2017DC Plumber, Helpful Hints, How Tomatt

The kitchen is the heart of the home. It serves a major purpose to daily existence. This is where our food is stored, and our meals are prepared. This is the one place in your home, where food and functionality are the most important factors. It is not only vital that your kitchen serve its main purpose of providing a storage facility and preparation area, but your kitchen should also function accordingly.

To keep up with the everchanging lifestyles of modern day society, many people choose to remodel their kitchens to adhere to their specific needs. Kitchen renovations in DC can be cost-effective and one of the smartest room remodels that you can do to your home. If you are interested in altering the aesthetic of your home for your enjoyment, or to sell it, knowing which trends to look out for will help you make wise design choices.

Tuxedo Style Kitchens

Tuxedo style kitchens have become extremely popular, due to their simplicity. Chances are you have not heard of this design described as mimicking a tuxedo, but have possibly encountered it a few times. These designs have a light color block on top, and are combined with a darker color on the bottom. The darker color is typically a grey or black tone. With this type of design, details matter to make it pop. The top and bottom colors should blend together at some point.

Hidden Appliance Kitchens

Tidiness is next to Godliness is an adage that comes to mind when speaking of this design. This kitchen design concept has gained an increased amount of popularity due to its aesthetic appeal. With this design, simple ordinary appliances that one would expect to see in a kitchen are camouflaged. The effect is accomplished by creating cabinets to cover the appliance, instead of leaving it out in the open, like many design concepts do.

The hidden appliance concept gives the kitchen an uncluttered appearance. It opens counter space and room, allowing the area to provide a multifunctional effect. This is perhaps one of the top trends to look out for in 2017. New designs not only allow cabinets to be used to hide refrigerators, but other common items such as coffee makers and microwaves are being disguised.

Automation For The Kitchen

Technology shapes the way that we live, and in 2017 it is going to make a huge impact in the kitchen. Fully automated faucets that allow people of varying items to reach the faucet are already extremely popular. Some new things to keep an eye on in 2017 are going to include: fully automated appliances that work in conjunction with your smartphone, and automated cooking tools.

With new trends rolling in, it is important to also stay away from outdated trends. Short cabinets are becoming a thing of the past, taller cabinets are now a thing of the future. Granite countertops still provide an adequate amount of flair, but lighter colored granite is the new upcoming trend. The dark kitchen phase has reached its end also. In 2017, it is all going to be about making the kitchen one of the lightest and brightest areas of the home.

Three Ways To Turn Your Bathroom Into A Smart Room

February 13, 2017Bathroom Remodeling, DC Plumber, How Tomatt

It is an undeniable fact that technology has severely altered our existence. Smartphones have become the modern-day equivalent to a daily journal. The internet is where everyone goes if they need a question answered. Technology has changed the way that we act and the way that we live. Now it has also changed the functionality of the bathroom.

Many adults can recall their parents bickering at them for bringing something electronic into the bathroom with them. Parents were convinced that if something electronic were taken into the area that their children could get hurt. Now, electronics have become a part of the bathroom, and are being integrated into the room with such precision that it’s hard to tell if they are incorporated or not.

The Cool Cabinet Effect

The Cool Cabinet is a idea that does exist, and one you may be interested in if you are planning to do some bathroom remodeling in DC. On the outside, the cabinet looks like your basic medicine cabinet. It has mirrors on the outside of it, and when it opens, there is space for you to store your hygiene products. When it comes to this cabinet, looks can be deceiving. The medicine cabinet is built with a partial refrigeration system.

This system was built in to provide an area to keep cold drinks on hand, or for other items that require refrigeration. Skin products that are organically made can be stored here, instead of the fridge. Also, for people that take medications that require refrigeration, there will be no need to have to store pills next to food. Instead, the cabinet provides a perfect place to keep prescriptions cold.

The Smart Shower

There is no better feeling in the world than stepping into a hot steaming shower at the end of a hard day. The new and improved smart shower is designed to please. This shower is loaded with interactive features that make showering extremely enjoyable and unforgettable. The appearance of the shower is simple, it is the hidden gems that make it incredibly attractive.

The smart shower features a built-in control system. The system is controlled by a few flicks of the finger, using an LCD screen that can be mounted anywhere. This shower allows users to control the water pressure of their shower, the temperature of their water, and the steam that the shower is releasing. The shower provides a fully customizable showering experience for everyone in the family.

Built-in Bathroom Stereo System

Imagine turning your tub into a stereo system. The concept may sound silly, but people are doing it. There is a built in stereo system that exists that enables music to be broadcasted from the tub in the bathroom. An amplifier is placed inside of a cabinet in the room, and can be connected to a phone or a CD can be placed into it. Speakers that are not visible are placed inside of the tub, and the sound is amplified from there.

While having the stereo system installed, you can also opt for heating pads to be placed inside the inner layer of the tub as well. These pads are designed to provide a spa-like feel in your residence. Technology has made it possible to customize your life, and make it into something that you can enjoy in every facet. From the kitchen, to the bathroom, to the car, technology integration just makes sense.

Space Saver Ideas For Small Bathroom Remodels

February 10, 2017Bathroom Remodeling, DC Plumber, DIY Plumbing, Helpful Hints, How To, Plumbing Advicematt

Bathrooms are normally the toughest and most expensive room to remodel in your home. The plumbing lines that have been set to signify where the toilet, sink, and tub should be set are usually in a fixed location. If the footprint of the room is small, there may not be a lot of room to work with when considering a remodel.

There is always the option of taking out a wall to expand the space. If you are tight on cash and do not the money to do a complete remodel, there are some simple things that can be done to make the room appear larger. Five space saving ideas to consider when doing DC bathroom remodeling are to change out the vanity, eliminate shower curtains, clear out the clutter, paint the walls, and add extra light.

Change Out The Vanity

If your small sized bathroom contains a vanity, consider changing it out. The vanity can be swapped for a pedestal style sink or a console that possesses a few shelves. Removing the vanity may eliminate the room’s storage potential, but it will make the room appear spacious.

Eliminate Shower Curtains

Shower curtains can make a small bathroom appear even smaller. If the curtain is made of fabric or possess a pattern, the bathroom will have a closed in or dark appearance. To give the bathroom a spacious look, install glass sliding doors. The doors are available in varying styles, and give the room a lighter appearance.

Clear Out Clutter

Cluttered rooms give an area a smaller appearance, even if the area is large. Baskets and shelves can be used to organize the area. Consider installing floating or wall-mounted cabinets. Place the shelves at a decent height, so you can store your bathroom essentials, but low enough for you to be able to grab something if it is needed.

Paint The Walls

Dark colors make rooms appear closed in, while lighter colors open them up. If your bathroom does not get a decent amount of natural light, lighter or neutral colors should be used to brighten up the space. The right paint color can transform the bathroom in your home. A light and lively color will give the room depth, making it appear larger than its square footage.

Add Extra Light

A common reason why people opt to remodel their bathrooms is due to trends. While a bathroom that possesses pattern tiles all over the walls may have been a great look in the seventies, it is not a good look now. Changing out the light fixtures in the room can provide additional lighting that the bathroom lacked previously. Think about adding sconces along the left and right sides of the mirror, or doing wall-mounted string lines.

Some bathroom remodels can be DIY, while other remodeling ideas may require professional intervention. Before removing the fixtures in the room, such as the sink, toilet, or tub, reach out to a professional to avoid damaging anything. Remodeling a room takes skill; small bathroom remodels can be just as tedious as their larger counterparts.

Three Reasons To Thank Your Local Plumber

February 9, 2017Commercial Plumbing, DC Plumber, Sewer Issuesmatt

The phrase, “first world problems” is an adage that has become conversational in modern day society. Living in America, there are certain things that people feel they are entitled to. Clean water, waste removal, and operational bathroom facilities are a few of things that people feel they should have, without question. Although these things may seem minuscule to some, the work that others must put in to deliver these services is complex.

The Necessity of Clean Water

Water is something that every living creature needs to survive. But, years of torture on the environment, coupled with a growing population, has made it impossible to keep natural waters clean. Science has shown what the effects of untreated water have on the body. Many wouldn’t consider taking a drink of water from a muddy pond, but without DC sewer services you might have to. It is the job that these plumbers and service members do, that helps keep water safe for consumption.

The task of purifying water, and ensuring that water is delivered properly, takes interaction from two separate entities. Plumbers have the task of ensuring that your pipes are in working order, so your water can be delivered to your residence. If a pipe is busted, corroded, or clogged, this could adversely affect the water that is delivered into your home.

Imagine A World Without Waste Removal

It is a warm Saturday morning, and after pouring yourself a cold glass of water, nature decides to call. You walk into your bathroom, carry out the deed and go to flush the toilet; but the water doesn’t move. You panic, and start looking around the toilet to see if there is anything you can do to fix the problem. There is nothing wrong with the toilet, the problem is your waste services.

Just think of how quickly the issue of no waste servicing could escalate over the course of a few days. It is hard to imagine living in a world without sewer service and septic tanks to ensure that your daily waste is properly disposed of. The odor alone from waste buildup is enough to make someone sick, add onto the fact that there is nothing to eliminate the buildup, and things could get bad fast.

Daily Showers Would Be No More

Could you imagine not being able to walk into your bathroom and take a hot shower in the morning to wake you up? Or even better, not being able to take a shower or bath because your utilities in your bathroom are not functioning? Operational toilet facilities are important to residents and businesses alike. The task that goes into ensuring that these facilities remain operational falls on plumbers offering sewer repair services.

Thankfully, we can all be proud that we live in the so-called land of entitlement, because we do not have to go without the things that many people take for granted. We can wake up, pour us a cold glass of water, eliminate waste whenever nature calls, and take our morning showers without worry. It is the plumbers that decide to work in this type of field that we should all be thanking. Without them, this world would be a dirty clogged up mess.

Five Tips To Make Your Plumbing Renovation Project Run Smoothly

February 8, 2017Bathroom Remodeling, Commercial Plumbing, DC Plumber, Helpful Hints, How To, Plumbing Advicematt

Renovating your home can be exciting, but it also requires a lot of work. If you plan on doing the work yourself, or hiring an experienced contractor to perform the remodel for you, there is plenty that needs to be completed. When planning your renovation, it is vital to consider the plumbing renovations that will need to be done.

There are five things that you can do to make the renovation go smoothly. You should make it a point to hire a plumber at the onset of your project, make realistic location choices, be flexible with your design, leave an ample amount of time to get the project completed, and employ licensed professionals. These five things may sound simple enough, but they are overlooked often.

Hire A Plumber At The Onset Of Your Project

There is no telling what you will run into when renovating your kitchen or bathroom. You should not wait until after you have begun demolition to employ a contractor. A licensed plumbing professional can guide you through performing DC plumbing renovations, without endangering the plumbing system in your home. They can help you determine what needs to be replaced, allowing you to properly plan for their services in your renovation budget.

Make Realistic Location Choices

In most homes, plumbing lines are already set where they need to be. If you want to have a line moved so a fixture can be placed in a different spot, make sure your expectations are realistic. Pipes can always be moved to accommodate your location choice, but make sure that you are not making silly requests. Sometimes untrained people expect professionals to be able to perform tasks that are unrealistic.

Be Flexible With Your Design

You have a vision of what you want your project to look like once it’s completed, but sometimes it is impossible to get everything that you want. Whenever plumbing renovations are involved, you must be flexible with your design choices. Being flexible will allow your plumber to meet your expectations without compromising the plumbing system in the process.

Leave An Ample Amount Of Time To Get The Project Completed

It takes time to renovate a home’s plumbing system. Even highly skilled plumbers will still need an ample amount of time to be able to get your renovations done correctly and safely. In some cases, permits may be required to move piping systems, which can take a little bit of time to obtain. You should include waiting times for permits into your renovation schedule.

Employ Licensed Professionals

Licensure is important when it comes to plumbing renovations. Although it seems unimportant to hire a plumber who is licensed to fix a leaky faucet or a clogged drain, larger projects require a licensed professional. Licensed professionals will not only have the proper experience to complete your job, but they will also carry insurance if something were to happen while they are completing your renovation project.

Plumbing renovations are a great way to design your home to adhere to your personal preferences. Keeping the previous five tips in mind, when planning your next renovation, will ensure that it is done right. Remember that renovations take time, planning, and money to be done properly.

Three Reasons To Hire Sewer Services

February 7, 2017DC Plumber, DIY Plumbing, How To, Plumbing Advice, Sewer Issuesmatt

The importance of maintaining a functional plumbing system is often overlooked by homeowners. If the plumbing system in a building is properly maintained, an expert will rarely have to be called in to render services. Overtime, a neglected system can cause problems that will get worse as time proceeds. Proper maintenance can stop problems from occurring, but most people do not understand how important their sewage systems are until it’s too late.

The pipelines that are used in sewage systems are delicate. If the system is not adequately maintained, it can cause a company offering sewer services in DC to have to intervene to rectify the issue. There are three reasons to consider employing a professional if you begin to experience sewage issues. A professional service can properly diagnose the sewage problem, clean out blocked pipes, and help eliminate further damage to the piping system.

Properly Diagnose The Sewage Problem

Clogs within the sewage system occur when something is blocking the one of the pipelines. If a clog is not fixed promptly, this could cause the pipes that are being blocked to crack or burst under pressure. Pipes that are cracked or burst will need to be rectified by a professional. They will identify the cause of the issue and resolve it.

Clean Out Blocked Pipes

Clogged pipes happen for a variety of different reasons. The most common reasons why they occur is because of objects being flushed down the toilet that should be disposed of by a different means. Baby diapers, tissue rolls, and tampons are commonly flushed down the toilet, instead of being disposed of properly. If these items are flushed down the commode, they can cause massive problems.

It is vital that only things that are intended to be flushed down the toilet are disposed of in this matter. In most cases, only toilet paper should be put into a toilet, because it will disintegrate over time. Once an item has obstructed the flow of water, it can cause any water that is flushed into the pipes to come back up, because it has no way to pass through.

Eliminate Further Damage To The Piping System

If a clogged pipe or sewage leak is not fixed immediately, the issue can spread throughout the property. The sewage can spew over to the front lawn of your residence, basement, or any area that water is being fed to. Homeowners that attempt to fix the problem on their own, without any plumbing experience can cause further damage to their piping system.

Trained sewage professionals know what to do to ensure that further damage does not occur. These professionals will identify the cause, use their specialized equipment to fix the issue, and help eliminate any further damage to the piping system. They understand how the system runs and operates, making the task of fixing the issue seamless.

As mentioned before, the sewage system in a dwelling is complex and delicate. Maintaining the system and getting it properly fixed if anything goes wrong helps ensure the safety of your household. Raw sewage has been linked to adverse health complications. It is important to get any sewage related issues fixed properly to avoid further damage to your dwelling and your health.

Three Common Plumbing Repairs In The Home

February 6, 2017DC Plumber, Helpful Hints, How To, Plumbing Advicematt

Owning a home can be a joyous experience, but being a homeowner also comes with its headaches. As a homeowner is it your responsibility to fix any problems that could arise in the dwelling. A common repair issue that occurs in a residence comes in the form of plumbing issues. Some of the issues can be rectified on your own, but others will require intervention from a plumbing professional.

If the problem occurs in an inaccessible area, or will take a lot of time to fix, DC plumbing repairs should be done by a reputable company. DIY projects have gained a lot of popularity, but you cannot fix something yourself if you do not have a clue what you are doing. There always comes a point with DIY tasks where your scope of practice does not cover what needs to be done. This is when professionals will need to be called in.

Leave It To The Professionals

The layout of the piping system in your home can be difficult to decipher. For many homeowners, the thought of completing repairs on their own can be daunting. A professional that is employed in this line of work, understands how the piping system in your home operates. If there is an issue, they can point out its exact cause without having to guess what the problem could be.

A basic plumbing system consists of a supply side and a drain side. Water is fed into the home through the supply side and it exits the residence through the drain side. Between the supply and drain side, there are networks of pipes that supply various areas of the home. It is within these networks that the most common plumbing repair issues occur. Leaks, clogs, and fixture repairs are the most common household plumbing problems.

Leaks

Leaks occurring within a home can be visible or invisible. They may create a pool of water around a supply source, such as the kitchen or bathroom sink, or the tub. Leaks can also be spotted on the walls, causing a stain to appear in the area. After the source of the leak has been identified, the plumber can then begin repairing the issue.

Clogged Drains

There are a lot of products that can be purchased from local retailers to help unclog drains. Even though these products exist, they do a minimal job of helping with basic clogs. If the clog is deep within the piping system, or the lines are old, a DIY clog product that can be purchased through a retail provider may not suffice. Clogs occurring in the tub or sink will need to be rectified by a professional servicer.

Fixture Repairs

The term fixture repair refers to replacing a faulty fixture, such as a toilet, faucet, or showerhead. The complexity of the home can determine if these fixtures can be replaced by the homeowner, or if a professional company should complete the task. If you are unaware of how to replace these fixtures, it is in your best interest to call someone to assist. When in doubt always refer out.

Qualities Of A Good Emergency Plumber

February 5, 2017DC Plumber, Helpful Hints, How To, Plumbing Advicematt

Most people can fix minor plumbing issues that arise in their homes without calling a professional, but there will always come a time when a professional’s expertise is needed. Every household should keep a list of emergency numbers handy, whenever something occurs in their dwelling that they cannot fix. When hiring a plumber, it is imperative to do your research.

The plumber that you employ should possess certain characteristics that set them apart from their competitors. Often, people pay too much attention to price, instead of considering the other qualities that a professional should possess. The DC emergency plumber that you choose to hire should possess the following characteristics: professionalism, experience, reliability, and proper credentials.

Professionalism

Professionalism should always be displayed by the plumber that you employ. The individual or company that is dispatched to your residence should be able to answer any questions that you have regarding the service. An educated plumber will be able to explain the problem to you, answer questions you may have concerning the issue, and provide tips that can help you avoid the problem in the future.

Experience

Proper skills and experience will ensure that your job is performed correctly, the first time. Plumbing is a hands-on job, where most the job is taught through doing the task. The more experience the professional has, the better it is for your job. The job can be completed quickly and accurately, helping you eliminate the chances of the same issue occurring again. The emergency plumber you employ should be able to rectify any plumbing related issue, because they have fixed issues just like yours in the past.

Reliability

When you call or schedule to have a plumber dispatched to your residence, you want to ensure that they will come. A reputable company will put their customers first. They will show up at their assigned time, and complete the task at hand without any qualms. Reliable plumbers can be dispatched to your residence whenever an issue arises, be it day or night.

Proper Credentials

It is possible to find a handyman to fix your plumbing related issues. However, if you want the job done right the first time, a reputable plumbing service should be who you should call. Plumbing companies will hire the best of the best to perform your job. Typically, these individuals will possess certain credentials to be able to perform the plumbing task they are assigned to.

There are a few classifications of plumbers. There are apprentice plumbers, journeymen plumbers, and master plumbers. Apprentice plumbers are individuals who are still learning the craft. These people will practice underneath a master plumber, until they have received the proper credentials needed to practice on their own.

Journeymen plumbers are right above the apprentice position. These individuals will have experience in the field, but not enough experience to be considered a master. Master plumbers are the best of the best. These individuals have earned this title through schooling and on the job experience. A master plumber is a highly skilled individual that has usually dedicated their lives to the profession.

The Importance Of Plumbing And Sewer Services

January 16, 2017Commercial Plumbing, DC Plumber, Plumbing Advice, Sewer Issuesmatt

Plumbing and sewer services are essential to the health and safety and the health and safety of your family. And if you own a business, you have to consider the safety of your customers and employees as well. Plumbing and sewer services ensure the water in your home or business is safe for use. Plumbing and sewer services also efficiently carry waste and wastewater away from your home or business. If improperly handled sanitary water and sewer gases can pose serious health risks.

Examples Of Sewer Services

A professional plumber can provide a variety of sewer services including sewer and drain cleaning for both your home and your business. They can also use specialized cameras to spot breaks or clogs in your residential or commercial sewer lines that are invisible to the naked eye. Professional plumbers can remove blockages in sewer lines whether the lines are made of cast iron or ceramic materials. Professional plumbers can replace or repair sewer mains if necessary as well.

Hiring A Master Plumber Instead Of Doing It Yourself (DIY)

Hiring a professional master plumber to provide sewer services and repairs will ensure that the job is done accurately and efficiently the first time around. This will save you money in the long term because you won’t have to hire a professional to fix mistakes that you could possibly make while attempting to do the work yourself.

Finding Sewer Services In Your Area

The easiest way to find professional sewer services in your area is by word of mouth. You can ask friends, neighbors, family members or coworkers for a trusted recommendation in your area. If you’re looking for sewer services in DC for example, asking someone who you know and trust will ensure that you have a positive experience. You can also use the internet to search for a professional plumber that provides these services. However, this method will require more research on your part because you have to verify that the company is accredited by the Better Business Bureau (BBB), and offers the services that you need, at an affordable price. You should also make sure that the company you choose puts everything in writing and provides exceptional customer services. The company should be willing to accommodate your schedule and they shouldn’t hesitate to show their license upon request. And if the company provides free estimates, that’s great too.

Preventative Plumbing Maintenance

Having a professional plumber inspect the plumbing system of your home or business on a regular basis can prevent the need for costly repairs in the future. Some examples of preventative plumbing maintenance tasks include repairing small leaks, and performing routine water heater repair and maintenance. Routine preventative plumbing maintenance can help your home or business conserve water as well. And conserving water will help save money on your utility bills. Your home or business will not only be greener but you’ll be saving some green too. These are just a few of the reasons why the importance of plumbing and sewer services cannot and should not be overlooked.