Signs That You Need To Have Your Drains Cleaned

DIY Plumbing, Helpful Hints, Plumbing Advice,

When the drains in your home get backed up, there could be plenty of reasons why. It is a very annoying thing to have to deal with, but there are many professional plumbers that can give you advice on when and how to have your drains cleaned. Following these tips will not only help you to have cleaner drains, but you will also have less plumbing issues to deal with in the future.

Calling Your Local Plumber For Help

 

There are specific signs that you will see that will let you know when it is time for a drain cleaning. DC plumbing services can help you with all of these needs. As soon as you have seen some of these signs, it is very important to call your plumber immediately. You do not want to have continuous buildup in your drains or you may have to deal with other repairs in the long run. Many different drain problems may not even require a plumber. For most of these issues, you can use a drain opener that you can buy from your local hardware store.

Accumulation In The Shower

 

DC plumbing services

 

When you notice that your drains are frequently stopped up, this is the sure sign that you have a drain problem. Many people notice this right off in the shower or bath. This is one of the easiest drains to clog because of the amount of hair that tends to get accumulate. This is one drain that you can use the store bought products in. If you see that it continues to happen after buying hair catchers and other drain products, it will be time to call your local plumber. They will be able to explain to you more about why this is happening so frequently.

Smells Are A Sign

 

Bad smells that are coming from your drain are another way to tell that you have a clogged drain. This may mean that you have more than you think backed up in your drains. You may actually have some serious waste problems that you will need to get help for. When you call your plumber, let them know that you have bad smells coming out of your pipes. They will be able to help you with the problem, especially if it is a sewer drain problem.

Slow Draining

 

If your drains are running and draining very slowly, you have a backup. This is one of those situations that can be taken care of with store bought drain openers. If the problem is too bad though, you may need your plumber to come out to repair it. There are simple ways to fix it yourself, but unless you have some plumbing skills under your belt, you probably should not attempt the repair on your own. Once you are aware of these problems, it is imperative that you have them looked at right away.

Tips On Making The Change To Plastic Pipes

DIY Plumbing, Plumbing Advice

Many homeowners are deciding to put plastic pipes in their homes. A lot of them are switching from copper and bronze because of the wear and tear. Plastic has become one of the most popular types of pipe to use in the home recently. Is it right for your home? There are a few tips from professional plumbers that can help you decide.

What Are The Advantages?

There are quite a few reasons that home owners decide to make the switch to plastic pipes. A plumber in DC will make sure that you know all there is to know about changing over to plastic pipes. These pipes are very flexible. Most of them have been made to be joint free which means that they will not leak as much as your current pipes. Less leaks means that you will have fewer problems with your pipes.

Plastic pipes are much easier to install and they cost less. This will save you money on parts and labor when you go to make the switch. Plastic pipes have also been shown to last much longer than others. Some tests show that these pipes will last up to 100 years longer than bronze or copper pipes. Lastly, plastic pipes can be used again and recycled. This seems to be the best choice for those thinking of the earth.

The Different Types Of Pipes

There are quite a few types of plastic pipes to choose from. PVC and CPVC are two of the most well-known of these pipes. PVC pipes are mostly used for colder water whereas CPVC are used for hot water. PVC pipes are the white, plastic pipes that are very rigid. PE pipes are a type of plastic pipe that is incredibly flexible. These types of pipes have been shaped and curved in a very specific way so that there is no need to fit the pipes together. This also helps to keep the leaks away. Finally, there is ABS piping. This is made out of black plastic and is quite rigid as well. This type of piping is mostly used for drainage lines. This type of plastic piping is actually cheaper than PVC pipes.

You can probably walk around your local do-it-yourself store and see the sudden change in the piping sections. You will see that plastic pipes seem to be taking over in the world of plumbing. If you are seriously interested in making the switch, your local plumber can give you quite a lot of helpful tips and information that can help you decide. Making the change can be difficult to grasp, but once you have decided, you will be saving more money and even energy. The pipes that you have in your home are probably very old and could use a remodel. Changing them out will even give you a cleaner water supply and you will have less of a chance of having freezing pipes in the winter time. Talk with your local plumber about making the switch today. 

Helpful Advice About The Cleanliness Of Your Home’s Water

Helpful Hints, Plumbing Advice

There is quite a lot of talk about the cleanliness and safety of water these days. With all of the chatter about the terrible water problems faced in Michigan, it is no wonder that Americans are scared of finding lead or other contaminants in their water supply. You are probably worried about how safe your water is to drink. There are some steps that many professionals will suggest to you in order to make sure your water is safe.

What Do I Need To Know?

DC water conditioning

 

Having your pipes checked is one of the best ways that you can be sure that there is no lead in your water. This can be done by your local plumber when they come to do any standard DC plumbing repairs. When homes were being built in the very early 20th century, there was little or no concern about how dangerous lead was to the homeowners and their families. Most of the pipes that were installed at that time in homes were all lead pipes. Once your plumber does a little more investigating into your pipes, they will be able to tell you if they are lead. Most of these home have had the pipes replaced, but there could be a few laying around that got missed.  Your local plumber can even help to replace the pipes if you do have any lead ones in your home.

 

Water Treatment Systems

 

One way to keep lead out of your water is by having a water treatment system installed. This will keep all of the toxins and contaminants out of your drinking water. Your plumber can install this for you as well. Once you have it in place, your water will be much cleaner and safer for you and your family to drink. The great thing about a water treatment system is that if your city has lead in the water, you won’t. You will be drinking the cleanest water in the city because of the treatment system that you have installed.

Ways To Reduce Exposure

 

Many homeowners find out that their homes and pipes have been exposed to lead and that is why they have a problem with their water. There are many rules of thumb to remember when drinking and cooking with water. It is important that you never use hot or warm water to cook with or to drink. There are chances of the amount of lead in warm water being higher than with cold water, even directly out of the faucet. When getting drinking water, you should run the water until it is as cold as it can get. Then fill up a pitcher or bottle and place it in the refrigerator until you want to drink it later in the day. If you do not have water filters, this is the best way to know your water is clean.

The quality of your water is important and if you are unsure on how clean it is, ask your local plumber to help you out. He can test your water & suggest solutions for your specific needs and budget.

What Happens When My Pipes Freeze In The Winter?

How To, Plumbing Advice

Everyone dreads the cold weather for many reasons. One of those reasons is that they are not prepared for what to do if their pipes freeze. All of the professionals say to leave at least one faucet dripping in order to make sure that the pipes do not freeze. We are human, however, and we may forget. It is going to happen and the thing to do is to stay calm and listen to some of the advice from professional plumbers.

Winter Proofing Your Home

A DC plumbing company will gladly give you some advice on how to make your home winter proof and ready for the cold. There are some days that the temperature will drop below freezing and it is important that you leave the faucets in your home dripping. Your local plumber will walk you through all of the steps that it takes to winter proof your home. If you ever have any questions about the faucets, do not be afraid to ask them. They are here to help you out. They can also do a winter check-up on your home to make sure that you have everything in place that you need. They will make sure that your pipes are in good condition going into the colder months.

If you are unable to winter proof your home appropriately, there may be some consequences. When the pipes in your home freeze, there is no simple way to repair them. If your pipes are frozen, chances are high that they have begun to crack, too. The big problem is when they thaw out and there is a lot of extra water running throughout your walls and into your home.

Calling Your Plumber Now

Once you have noticed this problem, there is nothing you can do except give your local plumber a call. Hopefully, they will be able to take care of this problem before it has gotten too far gone. They will come out and check all of the pipes in your home. If they get to the problem soon enough, they can help to keep your home from flooding. They can do some testing in the walls and in the pipes that will make sure that you will not have a huge mess to clean up. Letting them take a look at the issue is one the best ideas. Even if you do not have a problem, it never hurts to have your plumber look at the pipes anyway.

Frozen pipes can be a huge problem, but with the proper plumber to take care of them, you can be sure that your home will be safe from extra water and leakage. Your pipes are important and expensive, so be sure to leave those faucets dripping if you hear of any drop in the temperature. 

Tips On Keeping The Kitchen Drain Clean

DIY Plumbing, Helpful Hints

One of the hardest drains in the home to maintain is the one in the kitchen. Many homeowners have garbage disposals and that happens to be one of the easiest types of drains to become dirty and clogged. For those homeowners who do not have a disposal, it seems that food is constantly getting caught in the drain and causing the kitchen drain to be the most clogged in the entire house. There are many ways of keeping the kitchen drain clean and maintained and some professional plumbers have tips for you.

Wear And Tear

 

When you hire a plumbing company in DC, they will more than likely inspect your kitchen sink drain once you tell them there could be a possible clog. Kitchen drains are not the easiest to maintain. These drains have quite a lot of wear and tear that they endure because of how much is used on a daily basis. Those with garbage disposals see even more wear and tear.

Grease, Oils, and Fats

 

There are items that you should never put down the drain in the kitchen. These items are some of the worst for your drains and could cause severe damage. Grease, oils, and fats are three items to never throw down the kitchen drain. When these items are thrown down the drain, they are usually hot, considering the fact that you probably have been cooking with them. Once they cool, they end up becoming very hard and freeze up all over the drain. For those that have a disposal, they freeze up onto the blades of it. This will immediately cause damage to the garbage disposal and you will have to call your local plumber to come out and do some repairs. If you do cook with these materials, it is best to just throw them away.

Getting Rid Of Unwanted Drain Waste

 

a stainless steel kitchen sink drain detail

 

There are a few ways that you can get rid of the unwanted waste in your drains. One of the best ways is by pouring boiling water down the drain. The hot water helps to really loosen up all of the extra food waste that is piling up in the drain. If you have made the mistake of pouring oils or grease down the drain, this is a great way to keep it from hardening onto your disposal blades. This is not the way to get rid of all of the food waste in your drain, but this will really help to loosen it up so your plumber won’t have too hard of job when they come to make drain repairs for you.

Keeping your kitchen drain cleaned and well-maintained will allow you to not have to deal with bad smells, clogs, or a disposal that won’t work. If you have noticed any of these things and cannot get a drain cleaner to work, it is time to call your local plumber. They will be able to help repair some of the damages and wear and tear.

How Tankless Water Heaters Can Save Money

Energy Efficiency, Helpful Hints

Sometimes, when it you are enjoying a nice hot shower, it can turn cold quickly. Do you ever notice just how fast that pesky cold water sneaks in? This has happened to all of us, but what if there was a way to stop it? What if there was a way to have as much hot water, in the shower and everywhere else, every day? There actually is! By having a tankless water heater installed in your home, you will be able to enjoy the hottest showers every single day of the week. There will no longer be those cold water interruptions.

The Perfect Temperature Every Time

When purchasing a tankless water heater, it is important to know that your DC plumber can install it for you. They can also answer any questions that you may have about buying one before you decide to do so. Tankless water heaters are unlike traditional water heaters because they are able to keep a constant temperature and also save you some money. They are smaller than most of the traditional water heaters on the market today. Many of them can actually be put outside of your home. They can be hung on the side of the house. You can preset the temperature of your choice to stay warm every time in the shower.

When you have had the water heater properly installed, you will begin to feel the difference immediately. You will notice that all of the faucets will give off the hottest water. You may need to adjust the thermometer a few times before getting the temperature perfect. This process will be well worth it, though. You enjoy, essentially, limitless hot water.

How Can This Save Money?

Most traditional water heaters have to reheat the water each time it is turned on and off. This causes your electricity to be used ,causing the bill to get higher and higher. Tankless water heaters are not constantly running the way other traditional heaters are. This helps you to save more power and energy and keep the electric bill lower. These tankless water heaters also help to save on water so if you go out of town or on a vacation, you will not have to worry about your water constantly running. You can be sure that it will only run when you want and need it to.

The addition of a tankless water heater to your home may cost more than a traditional one. The cost will actually work itself out, though, with the amount of money that you are saving on your water and power bills. You will also be doing your part to save the environment and conserving water. That should be enough for you to make the decision to make the switch. Traditional water heaters are just wasting water and money. Making the switch to tankless will be a great decision on your part. 

Dealing With The Aftermath Of A Flood

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Floods and storms a couple of the ways that can cause a basement to flood. It is important that as a homeowner, you are prepared for any type of weather. If you have a basement, you will need to have a sump pump in order to keep the water from flooding your basement. There are actually a lot of steps that you can take that will keep your basement and home from flooding.

 

A Sump Pump Can Help

 

One of the first things that a plumbing company in DC will tell you to do after a flood is to get rid of all of the water in your basement. If you do not have a sump pump, this may be a little bit more difficult than you would think. It is the easiest way to get rid of the water and you can rent them from home improvement stores in your area. Once you have gotten rid of all of the water, it is important to get all of your possessions out of the basement so they will not get ruined. Some homeowners are too late in this process and end up losing quite a lot of their things. One thing to know about basements is that they do have a tendency to flood. If you have a lot of valuables, it would be best not to store them in the basement.

 

After you have gotten most of the water out of the basement using a sump pump, start looking around at the items like papers and cardboard boxes that you can move out of the basement. These items will just soak up the access water. These boxes are also a breeding ground for mildew and mold which you do not want lingering in your basement.

 

The Drywall And Carpeting

 

If your basement has carpeting, you will want to make sure that you get all of the water out of it. If you do not, it will start to form mildew and mold. This can be very hazardous to your health. Consider pulling the carpet up and removing it from the basement. The cost of mold removal and the health hazards produced are a lot worse than the cost of pulling up carpeting. Remember that you want to think of your family, too. The drywall in your basement may show some damage from the water as well. If you get your local plumber out to your home, they will be able to tell you if you need to replace it as well.

 

All of these tips are to keep your home and your family safe from mold, mildew, and excess water after a flood. By having a sump pump handy, you can save a lot of time and money. This pump will help you get your basement free of all of the extra water. 

The Differences Between Distilled Water And Reverse Osmosis

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When making sure that drinking water is as pure as it can be, there are two different options for purifying it. These options are distilled or reverse osmosis. These are very common ways to ensure that the drinking water is safe for people to drink. There are a few differences between the two of these processes. If you are unfamiliar with them, the methods may be a little confusing unless they are explained properly by your local plumber.

 

Explaining The Different Purification Types

 

There are many different reasons why both of these purifications work. Reverse osmosis is a purification method that removes all of the harmful contaminants from the water. There are specific types of filters that can be used that will absorb any of the harmful chemicals that are left in the water. When filtered through reverse osmosis, water will be free of chemicals like arsenic, lead, and aluminum. When having DC plumbing repairs done, your local plumber will be able to explain more about reverse osmosis to you.

 

Distillation is a method to purify water that removes all of the contaminants by boiling the water and then evaporating the water. This will make it pure enough for anyone to drink. This is the oldest way to purify water. Regardless of which type of purification that you choose, you will be able to have the cleanest, purest water in your home.

 

The Advantages Of Reverse Osmosis

 

Aside from removing all of the contaminants in the water, reverse osmosis has many different advantages. By using this process, you will be able to drink clean water and not have to worry about any harmful chemicals. The dangerous elements will no longer be living in the water you have in your home. A reverse osmosis treatment system installed by your local plumber will make your tap water taste incredibly clean and fresh. There will never be the taste of lead or chemicals in your tap water again. You will never have to buy bottled water again or spend money on filtering your own water once you have a system installed.. You will begin to taste the difference in everything that you make with the water in your kitchen. The foods and beverages will instantly taste fresher.

 

When you make the decision to have your water treated using distillation or reverse osmosis, be sure to consult with your local plumber first. They will be able to tell you exactly what you need to know in order to get your water to the best and purest quality possible. When you have reverse osmosis filters in your home, there is very little upkeep. They are very easy to use and you will be happy that you have water that tastes so good. The great thing about these filters is that they only need to be replaced every 6 months. The whole filtering system can last many years if it is taken care of properly. To get the best tasting water that money can buy, talk to your local plumber today about reverse osmosis.  

What To Know About Tankless Water Heaters

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With many homeowners trying to live a more “green” lifestyle, tankless water heaters have become very popular. These water heaters have quite a few money saving and earth saving advantages. These tankless water heaters also last much longer than most conventional water heaters. They cost a little extra, but the money that you will save on energy bills will be well worth it.

 

The Advantages Of Tankless Water Heaters

 

Your local plumber will be glad to discuss with you the various types of tankless water heaters that you can buy for your home. A technician offering DC plumbing services will even come out and install one for you. One of the greatest advantages to buying a tankless water heater is that there is an automatic tax write off when you do so. That’s right! The federal government will give you money back when you purchase this type of water heater. Although the cost of the water heater may be a little higher than the traditional ones, you can be sure to get money back from the purchase.

 

One of the best things about tankless water heaters is that they have a continuous flow of hot water. Your showers and baths will stay hot for much longer than you are used to with your conventional water heater. The most wonderful thing about tankless water heaters is that they never run out of hot water. It sounds too good to be true, but your local plumber will tell you all about it. They will show you how you can have warmer baths and showers just by changing your water heater.

 

Longer Life And Efficiency

 

A great advantage about purchasing a tankless water heater is that it will last incredibly long. The lifespan on one of these water heaters is anywhere from 20 to 30 years. This is generally about 5 to 10 years longer than the conventional water heaters. This means that you will be saving even more money because you will probably never have to replace this tankless water heater.

 

Another advantage to buying one of these tankless water heaters is that it does not use as much energy as a conventional water heater. The energy is only used when you are using your hot water or gas heating. The amount of money that you will save on energy bills will be very large. This is one of the sole reasons that many homeowners will upgrade to the tankless water heaters. Owners of these tanks can save up to 20% on their water and energy bills.

 

The tankless water heaters are one of the best suggestions for homeowners. Unlike conventional water heaters, they do not accumulate water on the inside of the outside of the tank. This causes rust and residue and can cause permanent damage to your water heater. As you can see, there are many advantages to buying one of these water heaters. Once you have talked to your local plumber about installing one, they will show you the many options you have to cut down your energy costs and help save the environment. 

Helpful Hints And Tips To Keep Your Drains Clog Free

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No one likes to deal with a clogged drain in their kitchen or bathroom. If you do not keep an eye on your drains, a bigger problem could come out of a small clogged drain. That is why professional plumbers like to give tips on how to keep your drains clog free. In the long run, the better you take care of the drains in your home, the easier and cheaper your plumbing repairs will be.

 

It Starts With The Disposal

 

Many people think that by having a garbage disposal, they will have less of a chance of having clogs in their drains. This isn’t necessarily the truth. A plumber in DC has had many clients who think it is a good idea to pour oil and grease down their disposals when it is still hot. This is a horrible idea! The oil and grease does not get disposed of down the drain. What happens is that it will dry on the blades of the disposal and eventually this can damage the entire disposal and clog the drain. There are ways to prevent having a clogged drain when you have a garbage disposal. Many plumbers suggest washing the disposal out with very cold water at least once a day. This will keep the food particles and oils from drying up and sticking onto the blades of the disposal. There are also disposal cleaning products that you can buy to help keep the disposal clean and in great running order.

 

Flushing Too Much Away

 

A lot of people truly do not pay attention to the items that they flush down the toilet on a daily basis. The items that we flush can actually end up causing a very clogged toilet. Items like wipes, napkins, and feminine products should not be flushed. If you can put these items in the garbage, go ahead and do so. These items will only end up clogging your toilet and septic system and cost more for repairs. Just keep in mind that these items don’t really biodegrade ,either. Only toilet paper and your bodily waste should be flushed down the toilet.

 

Using Strainers On Your Drains

 

Many homeowners like to use strainers that go on top of the shower and kitchen drains. These come in handy when everyone in the house has a lot of hair. These strainers go on top of the drain and will collect the hair while you are showering. Extra hair ends up clogging your drains, so these strainers are a great investment. You can also get strainers for the kitchen sink and they will catch the extra food particles that can also end up clogging your kitchen sink.

 

By following all of these helpful tips, you can be sure that your drains will remain clean and unclogged. Be sure to think about what you are putting down the disposal or down the toilet so you can save yourself from spending extra money on repairs.