Category Archives: Plumbing Advice

Plumbing Maintenance Advice For New Homeowners

September 13, 2016Helpful Hints, Plumbing Advicematt

Buying your first home can be exciting. But if you’re a new homeowner, there are some plumbing maintenance tips that will come in handy when it comes to maintaining your home.

Move Everything But The Plumbing

Sometimes when you move into a new home things aren’t exactly the way you want them. But if you are considering a home renovation, don’t move the plumbing without careful consideration to difficulty and price. A bathroom remodel can be costly. If you can remodel by installing new fixtures and not rearranging plumbing, you may save some money. If you do need plumbing systems and pipes moved, it is best to consult a professional plumber. This ensures your project is done right from the beginning, and that things are safe and up to code.

Rings Down The Drain

If your ring, or other small item, accidentally falls down the drain, you may not need to call a professional plumber. The bling is most likely caught in the P-Trap (the pipe underneath your sink). And you can retrieve it yourself fairly easily. Turn off the water and place a bucket under the sink. Then disconnect the pipe. Remove the pipe and retrieve your lost treasure and then put the pipe back together.

Housewarming

If you have a new home, you will probably have a lot of guests. Make sure your plumbing is prepared by checking for slow or clogged drains, leaky faucets, or slow-flushing toilets. And make sure the trash cans in all the bathrooms are empty so that nothing gets flushed down the toilet that shouldn’t!

How To Unclog A Toilet

Sometimes you can unclog a toilet without the help of a plumbing professional. First, turn off the water to the toilet. If the toilet is overflowing wait ten minutes for the water to go down. Then use a plunger, going back and forth between hard and gentle plunges. If the plunger doesn’t solve the problem, use a hand-held plumbing snake. If the plumbing snake fails too, then you should consult a licensed, certified, plumber in your area for help.

Weather Related Plumbing Issues

Snow, ice, and heavy rain can cause big problems in your new home. Melted ice from your roof and gutters can form puddles next to your house. This can cause unsightly and expensive damage to your home’s walls and flooring. During the winter months, remember to keep your gutters and downspouts clear. Your downspouts and gutters should be maintained twice a year or more often if you are experiencing issues with them.

Appliance And Water Heater Maintenance

You can replace any leaking hoses on your washing machine yourself fairly easily. But, when it comes to the shut-off valves and the supply pipes themselves, it may be best to call a professional plumber. If any other part of the washing machine is malfunctioning like the pump, the tub, or the door seals, you should consult a certified, licensed professional repair man. Likewise, if have a problem with your water heater you should consult a professional plumber as soon as you notice the issue. With water heaters, the sooner the better is the best way to treat the situation.

Basement Plumbing Basics

If there is water on your basement floor or if the walls are leaking, your sump pump or a leaking pipe may be the culprit. Consult a plumber right away.

New Home Maintenance Tasks

New homeowners might not be familiar with some of the simple plumbing maintenance tasks that should be performed on either a monthly or an annual basis. Once a month, it’s a good idea to do things like clean your dishwasher’s drain, inspect and clean your gutters (see above), change and inspect your heating and air conditioning filters, and run water and flush toilets in rarely used areas of your home. Once a year you should do the following: flush your water heater, caulk bathtubs and windows, test your sump pump, check your faucets and toilets for leaks, and make sure your pipes are properly insulated.

Ask The Right Questions

Whether you’re looking for DC commercial plumbing services or residential plumbing services, be sure to ask some questions when you call. Can they give estimates over the phone for your particular issue? Is the estimate free if they need to come out and see it?

What form of payment do they accept? Knowing the answers to these queries will get you on the right track to taking care of the problem.

Green Plumbing Tips

September 13, 2016Energy Efficiency, Plumbing Advicematt

Climate change is a major issue in our world today. So it is important to be as environmentally conscious as possible, especially when it comes to your plumbing because it can save you money. There are a lot of things that you can do to make your home greener, healthier, and more energy efficient. Here are just a few helpful tips.

Know Your Water Supply

It is helpful to know what kind of water supply you have in your home just in case there are issues. This will be beneficial if you ever need to consult a professional plumber, because knowing the type of water supply will let them know exactly what kind of service needs to be provided.

Filters And Filtration Systems

Chlorine filters can be installed on your shower head to reduce the level of the chlorine in your water. You can also install a whole house water filtration system, which not only makes the water cleaner and healthier but can also make your water heaters and plumbing fixtures last longer. Carbon filters can also be added to sinks, faucets, and shower heads to purify water for everyday use.

Install Water-Saving Faucets, Showers And Toilets

Installing water-saving (low-flow) faucets and showers can reduce water usage by as much as sixty percent. The average toilet uses twenty eight gallons of water per person per day. A water-saving (low-flow) toilet uses three to five times less water.

Faucet-Flow Reducers

Faucet flow reducers are easy to install on the end of your faucet where the water comes out. This simple addition can cut water waste by as much as forty percent. Protecting the planet by using less water will reward you with lower utility bills.

Energy-Efficient Appliances

Installing energy efficient (or Energy-Star rated) appliances like dishwashers, refrigerators, washers, and dryers can reduce the water usage by up to fifty percent. Electricity and gas usage is also reduced for further savings on the environment, as well as your wallet.

Where Does Your Water Go?

Most of the water that’s used in your home is used for toilet flushing, clothes-washing, and gardening. But you can set up an efficient and inexpensive water collection system and use up to fifty-five percent less water. This water collection system can be as simple as a drum or a tray that’s placed outdoor wherever excess water can be collected. You can also place a tray on your roof to collect rainwater. But if you’re going to set up a water collection system, remember that it’s not safe to use this water as drinking water.

Dollars And Sense

Let’s talk dollars and cents. How much money will you save by making your home greener and more energy efficient? Following even just a few of these simple steps can save you and your family about four-hundred dollars a year. With that much savings making your home greener is not only easy, it just makes sense!

Plumbing Emergencies

But even green and energy efficient homes can sometimes experience plumbing emergencies. And a plumbing emergency can definitely put you in the red if you make the mistake of trying to repair it yourself. Always consult a certified, licensed plumbing professional in the event of a plumbing emergency. This will ensure that the problem is solved quickly, efficiently, and safely. If you need DC emergency plumbing services, simply go online, look in you local phone book or consult a friend or family member for a recommendation.

Understanding How The Plumbing Works In Your Home

September 12, 2016Helpful Hints, Plumbing Advicematt

If you’re a homeowner it’s a good idea to learn a few basics about how the plumbing works in your home. If you understand the basics of plumbing, you may be able to solve a lot of common household plumbing problems on your own, without having to consult a plumbing professional. The plumbing works a bit differently in every room in your home.

Bathroom Plumbing Basics

One of the most important things you can do to ensure that your bathroom plumbing is working properly is to maintain your faucet. You should replace or repair any leaking faucets as quickly as possible. If you don’t do this it can cause even more damage over time as well as wasting a valuable resource: Water. A leaking faucet wastes the same amount of water that’s required to take 180 showers! You should also keep your faucets clean. Lime and sediment can block the opening of the faucet and causes low water pressure or leaks. The part of the faucet that causes this problem is called the aerator (the ring that connects to spray head of the faucet where the water comes out). You can clean this small but mighty part of your faucet very easily. But first, you have to remove it. To do this, you have to turn the aerator counterclockwise. You should be able to do this by hand. If you have any trouble use masking tape or pliers. Remove the spray head from the aerator. Clean it with vinegar and then put it back together.

Keeping your showerhead clean is just as important as maintaining your faucets. The process of cleaning a showerhead is very similar to the process of cleaning the aerator of your faucet. Take apart the showerhead with an adjustable wrench or pliers. Clean the holes in the showerhead using a piece of thin wire. Then rinse the showerhead with clean water, before putting it back together.

In addition to maintaining your faucet and shower head, it is also important to maintain your toilet. It is easy to check your toilet for leaks with just a few steps. The first step is to adjust the fill valve if there is water running into the overflow pipe. Next, test the flush valve mechanism by putting a few drops of food coloring in the tank. If the water in the toilet bowl changes color it means that the ball or flapper of the toilet is leaking and should be replaced. And finally, do not flush things that should be placed in the trash.

Kitchen Plumbing Basics

Many of the same principles of plumbing that apply to the bathroom are true for the kitchen as well. Like in the bathroom, it is important to clean your faucet and aerator (see above). Never put food waste down the drain, unless you have a garbage disposal. You should also never pour liquid grease, down the drain, disposal or not. It will solidify and clog up your pipes.

Basement Plumbing Basics

It is important to know where the water shut off valve is located in your home. In most homes the shutoff valve is located where the water supply pipe enters the house through the basement floor. This is helpful to know in case you ever have to turn this off. Check your water meter for leaks. You should do this while no water is being used. Look at the meter again ten hours later. If the meter has moved it indicates a leak somewhere in your home. And finally, you should have your septic tank cleaned and inspected every three to five years to prevent the need for costly repairs.

Laundry Room Plumbing Basics

The laundry room is yet another area in your home where plumbing issues can occur. Here are few things to remember about the plumbing in your laundry room to help avoid problems. First, you should only run your wash machine on a full load. Check your washing machine’s hoses for wear and tear. Any rubber hoses should be replaced with stainless steel ones because they’re and more resistant to leaks or cracks. Examine exposed pipes under the sink for leaks. Sometimes you should also pour a bucket of water down the sink to ensure that the drain is working properly.

Plumbing Emergencies

While the tips mentioned above can be helpful, remember that you should always consult a plumbing professional for emergency situations. If you live in the Washington D.C. area and have a plumbing emergency, you can search for a qualified DC emergency plumber online or ask a friend or family member for a trusted recommendation.

What Are Sewer Services?

September 12, 2016Plumbing Advicematt

If you own a home, there’s a good chance that you’ll need sewer services at some point. So it may be a good idea to become familiar with what the term actually refers to. Sewer services refer to any services related to the septic or sewer system in your home. Sewer services can be something as simple as a clogged drain, or as complicated as complete sewer line replacement. Many plumbing companies are now equipped with special cameras that can see problems in a sewer system by being tun thru the pipes, eliminating unnecessary digging.

Where Are You Mostly Likely To Need Sewer Services In Your Home?

But which rooms in your home commonly require sewer services? Sewer services can be required in a variety of places throughout your home including, kitchens, bathrooms, laundry rooms, and basements. Since the water and sewer system also run outside your home, sewer services are sometimes required outdoors as well. Outdoor sewer services can include things like cracked or frozen outdoor pipes, problems with outdoor faucets or drains, and septic system problems.

Water Conservation Tips

It may not seem like it but conserving water can sometimes prevent plumbing problems from occurring in your home. And it’s easier than you might think to conserve water. For example, only use a small amount of laundry detergent or bleach when doing laundry, because the chemicals that these common household items contain can be harmful to the natural bacteria in septic systems. Another simple suggestion to conserve water is to ensure that your toilet is running efficiently. Did you know that a leaking toilet is not only unsanitary, but it can also increase your water usage by as much as forty percent? In order to keep your toilet running as efficiently as possible make sure that both your toilet’s flapper and the fill valve are working properly. You should also replace old shower heads and repair leaking faucets in your home. Replacing an old shower head with a new one can save up to 7.5 gallons of water per minute. A leaking faucet wastes eight gallons of water per day. So replacing it can save 3,000 gallons of water per year. Another easy way to conserve water and save energy in your home is to make sure that the temperature of your water heater should not exceed one-hundred and twenty degrees. If you have an older water, just make sure it’s set to medium.

Seasonal Plumbing Tips

There are different things that you can do to reduce the likelihood that you will need to call a plumbing professional. These time and money saving strategies can vary, depending on the time of year. In autumn, for example, you should disconnect outdoor water hoses to prevent pipes or hoses from freezing. And you should also seal air leaks around doors and windows. It’s a good idea to clear leaves from your gutters, too. And finally make sure that your sump pump is clean and in working order. During the winter months, keep your kitchen and bathroom drains clear. In spring it is important to maintain your toilets, faucets, and shower heads (see above). Empty the lint trap on your washing machine, too! And in everyone’s favorite season, summer, keep an eye out for toilet leaks. Check to make sure that the toilet is flushing properly. And never flush items that should go in the trash down the toilet!

How Do I Find Sewer Services in Washington DC?

A simple Google search is a good start. Just Google DC sewer services to find a qualified plumbing professional in your area. You can also ask your friends and family for a recommendation, too.

Professional Advice On What Not To Flush

September 12, 2016Helpful Hints, Plumbing Advicematt

The toilets in your home are very important. Without them, you would be in trouble! That is why it is imperative that you know exactly what you should not flush down the toilet. Many of these items will only cause problems in the future to your toilet and your sewer system. If you are questioning whether you should flush it, the answer is probably no. Here is a very large list of items that your professional plumber would suggest you not flush, in order to keep your sewer system happy and healthy. This can also save you a lot of money and visits from your local plumber.

Prescription Drugs And Cat Litter

Many people are not aware of this, but prescription drugs and cat litter are two of the most lethal objects that you could possibly flush down your toilet. Contact your local professional that offers sewer services in DC for help and advice if you have flushed either of these down the drain. Prescription drugs are never to be flushed because of all of the chemicals that are in them. They are not made to be in water and many times when they break down, the chemicals in them will cause your water to be contaminated. This can leak into someone else’ s water system as well and could end up killing people and animals.

Pet owners all over the world will throw used cat litter down their toilets and this is a huge problem! There are two major ingredients in cat litter that can instantly clog any type of drain and that is clay and sand. When cat litter has been used, it has many toxins and parasites in it that will contaminate your water supply. This is another reason why you should never flush it!

Dental Floss, Tampons, And Flushable Wipes

Even though many household and bathroom items say that they are flushable, they are not exactly good for your sewer system. Dental floss is one that many people think that they can just throw down the toilet. It is not biodegradable, so even if it doesn’t clog your toilet, it will be harmful to your water supply and to the environment. It can also get caught up in the pipes because it is easy to get tangled up. Tampons are another thing that many people think you can flush. The cotton that tampons are made of can create a clog because it does not biodegrade quickly. This is one of the main clog problems that plumbers see daily. The face and body wipes that are marked flushable may also cause a huge clog in your toilet. The wipes do not break down easily when they are in water, hence they can cause quite a clog.

If you have been flushing any of these items down the toilet, be sure that you stop immediately. There are many of these that can contaminate your water and make you very sick, and none of them are good for the health of your sewer or septic system.

The Lowdown On Commercial Plumbing Emergencies

September 9, 2016DC Plumber, Plumbing Advicematt

Commercial plumbing is very important when it comes to a business, and having the best working plumbing possible for customers and employees reduces closings, lost revenues, and lost wages.. With commercial plumbing, there is quite a lot more that can go wrong, due to the increased number of fixtures and volume of use. Because retail, corporate, and commercial companies service so many people, plumbing should always be in the best condition possible.

When emergencies happen in your company, this could be a threat that makes you have to close down your company for a few days. This always looks bad for business, so it is important to know exactly what these emergencies are and how you can make sure that you don’t lose any clients because of the plumbing.

Sewer Backups And Gas Leaks

Two of the worst possible plumbing emergencies that your company can have are sewer backups and gas leaks. There are DC commercial plumbing services that can repair these problems as quickly as possible, and calling them sooner, rather than later, will help to eliminate long closings and shut downs. A sewer backup can be caused by many different problems and it is important that you look out for these, especially if you are running a very busy company. Simple clogs in the toilets can cause a sewer backup, so it is very important for you to keep an eye on the bathrooms at your office. Sewer backups can also be caused by the pipes breaking down and not functioning properly. If your company’s building is much older, this could be the reason for it. Have your pipes examined properly before you move into the building and get on a regular maintenance schedule in order to keep the sewer from backing up and reduce pipes becoming clogged.

Gas leaks are another problem that many companies see. Once again, if you are in an older building, it is important to have appliances and gas lines tested before you move in, and then regularly to ensure no new leaks have sprung up. If a gas leak is suspected, call a plumber immediately who employs master gas fitters and clear the area until they confirm it is safe.

The Broken Pipe Emergency

A final type of commercial plumbing emergency that your company may have to face is that of broken pipes. This can be caused by a myriad of things such as tree roots and corrosion. Older pipes seem to be much easier to burst and break than those that are new, of course, so again, it is important for commercial properties to be on a routine plumbing maintenance schedule. Many companies overlook these important check-ups, or don’t want to take the time or funds to schedule them. They are then in the dark about the health of their plumbing and gas systems, and operate on the hopes that nothing will go awry. Blind luck does not hold our forever, and an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure, especially where commercial plumbing is concerned. Schedule the maintenance, it could end up saving your company thousands of dollars in the long run.

Is There Really A Technique For Using A Plunger?

September 9, 2016DIY Plumbing, Plumbing Advicematt

Repairing your company’s indoor plumbing can be an easy process, but it can also be a bit tricky. We all depend on our bathroom sinks and toilets so much that when one of them gets clogged, we are suddenly in crisis mode. Not to worry, there are minor clogs that you can clear all by yourself. If you have just the right tools of the trade, you can unclog that pesky drain or toilet in no time without assistance.

To Plunge Or Not To Plunge

Although you may need to call your local DC commercial plumber, it is always important to have the right tools around if you need to attempt the repairs yourself. This is when that plunger will come in very handy. It is also a great idea to have a drain snake in your toolbox, as well. This can help with those much bigger jobs. How do you know if you should use the plunger? If your toilets are clogged, generally a plunger is the best tool to start with.

There are many different types of plungers, so how do you choose the right one? If your company has many different toilets, you will probably need to use a plunger that is made for harder jobs. This is called a flange plunger. It has extended parts which make it much easier for those tough jobs. If you do not have that many people using the restrooms of your company, you can buy a standard plunger. Just make sure that with both of these plungers, the cup of the plunger is a bit larger than the drain itself. Then you can choose what plunger you think is best for your commercial bathrooms.

Got The Plunger, Now What?

Once you are happy with the plunger that you have found, now you must know exactly what to do with it. You may not be able to control the water level in the drain, but it is very important to know if you have too much water or not enough. You can always add more water or take water out. Just be sure that when you are taking water out of the clogged toilet, you wear gloves. If there is too much water, you can end up with a mess all over the floor and you. If there is not enough water, you will have trouble plunging because of the dryness.

When you are ready to attempt the clog, before you begin to plunge, put a very small amount of petroleum jelly on the rim of the plunger cup. This will help to create a better seal. The handle should always be held upright. Plunge the drain for about 30 seconds up and down. If you need to repeat it, do so 3 to 4 times. If you have no luck after that, it will be time to call your commercial plumber.

If you follow these tips, it will be a breeze to get that drain unclogged. The right tools really can help you to have great success with your commercial plumbing issues.

Common Problems a Plumber Can Help With

July 6, 2016Helpful Hints, Plumbing Advicematt

There are many common problems that can arise within a home with the plumbing system. Working with a plumber can help you repair and replace the issues so that you do not have to worry about something happening. When you have this done, you can feel more confident regarding the work that they’re doing and getting your life back in order. Plumbing problems that seem small can easily turn into larger issues later on down the road. Here are some of the plumbing issues that a plumber is able to help you with.

Leaky Pipes

Leaky pipes anywhere in the home is not only something that is annoying, but it can quickly turn into a disaster if it is not taken care of. Whether you need to have pipes tightened, removed and replaced or just something new put in the area to help with the leak; the professional is able to provide you with the necessary help so that the leaks do not do too much damage in the process.

New Installation

If you’re building a new home or need to have old plumbing replaced, the right professional can come in and replace or install new plumbing fixtures throughout the entire home. With newer plumbing fixtures and pipes, the water throughout the home will be more efficient and you may come across less problems. This is something a lot of older homes are currently doing to ensure that they’re not using older, outdated pipes that tend to break or corrode much easier.

Clogged Toilet

Clogged toilets are no fun, and this includes the other drains throughout the home. When you have one, you might not be able to get it unstuck. This is where the real issues lie. When you need to have someone come in to remove the clog in the drain, you need to trust that they have many different methods to help with the clog. You might have already tried plumbing it, but if this did not work, then other methods would have to be used instead. A professional would know which methods to use.

Other Plumbing Issues

Whatever the issue is that is happening inside your home, a plumber in DC is able to help fix it for you. Not only can they diagnose the issue, they can also assess the problem and repair or replace it. You need to speak with the plumber to find out if they’re capable of handling the specific issues that you’re having. You want to feel confident about having them come over and actually fix the problem, instead of making it worse.
Never worry about any plumbing issues that you’re having. Always trust in a plumber to come in and assess the work that needs to be done. Many professionals in the area have emergency numbers that you can contact them through, as well. This allows you to work with someone, no matter what time it is, so further damage to your home is not an issue.

Questions to Ask a DC Plumbing Company

July 5, 2016DC Plumber, Helpful Hints, Plumbing Advicematt

When the time comes to call on a plumber in the area, you have to consider all of the options. You need to work with someone that knows what they’re doing, that can help and can provide you with the essentials needed to get started. Knowing what questions to ask the plumbing company prior to hiring them for the job can give you an idea of how they operate and whether or not they’re the right company for you to hire in the process.

Make sure to ask these, and any other questions you might have to the plumbing company you want to hire.

How Long Have You Been Plumbing In DC?

Knowing how long they’ve been in the trade is always a good idea to start off with. You want to know that they’re knowledgeable when it comes to fixing things and not just from the books that they study from, but also from hands-on, real life experiences that they might have had in the past.

Are You Licensed and Insured?

Licensed and insured companies are better to work with because they’re professionals and have something to show for it. It shows that they took the time to make sure they’re recognized as such. Insurance is also good for not only you, but for them in case something happens. They should have both.

Do You Carry All of Your Equipment With You?

If you need to have a repair or replacement done that day, then you want to know that they carry the necessary items with them. Of course, you’d let them know the issue beforehand, the model and make of the problem area so they can be more prepared, but knowing they are not going to have to wait weeks to get a part is also a good thing.

Do You Have an Emergency Number?

In the event of a plumbing emergency, the DC plumbing company needs to have an emergency line for you to contact them on. This is an essential for those searching for the best company to work with. If they do not have someone on call, then it can cause a problem for many. If something is leaking, don’t let it go overnight or throughout the weekend – call a plumbing company that can come out and handle it.

Do You Work on a Contract?

If they do not work on contracts or provide receipts, then they should be a no-go. You need someone that is not going to rip you off, take your money ahead of time and not do the work. Believe it or not, this happens all too often.
Hiring a plumbing company means that you’re going to have to learn more about them and what they do. You’re going to have to ask questions of your own to get to know them. Checking all of this information is going to cover you when you hire them for plumbing work.

Professional Tips On Using A Pressure Tank To Improve Water Pressure

June 3, 2016Helpful Hints, Plumbing Advicematt

Taking a shower after a long day is one of the best feelings in the world. There is nothing greater than feeling that hot water gently flowing all over you. A great shower can turn sour when the water pressure is too low or too high. There are many reasons why the water pressure can be off. Some of these reasons may have to do with where your home is located, but professional plumbers think that there are other sources for the problem. These plumbers suggest that a pressure tank may make the water pressure better for you and your family.

Too High Is Not Good

Many homeowners fret about not only having low water pressure, but also high pressure. If the water pressure is too high in a home, your plumber in DC will help you to get it to a normal rate. High water pressure can cause some serious damage to the faucets and the fixtures in your home. It can also do some severe harm to the entire plumbing system.

Too Low Is Annoying

Low water pressure cannot do harm like this, but it is very annoying when you have low pressure in the shower. People love to take a good shower and with low water pressure, this is impossible.

Aside from the obvious, there are ways to test your water pressure. There are testing kits that your plumber can suggest for your home. Once your plumber sees the results of this test, they can get to the bottom of your low pressure problem. This pressure could be caused by a leak in your home and if that is the case, your plumber will repair that as soon as possible. If the low pressure is not being caused by a leak, but it is caused by something from another source, there is the option of installing a pressure tank to change your water pressure.

Installing A Pressure Tank

Installing a pressure tank is not a job for someone who does not have extensive plumbing knowledge. This is not a do-it-yourself type of job. You will need your plumber to help you with this. The pressure tank will keep your water pressure at a speed that you can enjoy at all times. There is a pump that goes along with the tank and this is where the job gets tough. This is why you should call on your local plumber to help you out with this.

Once your plumber has installed the pressure tank, you can begin to enjoy a much greater water pressure. Your plumber will show you the proper settings on the tank, in order to keep your water flowing at a very steady pace. Your showers will feel much better and will help you to better relax after a really long day.