Cleaning out the drains and pipes is something that every homeowner will have to do now and again. Although it is nobody's idea of a good time, it has to be done in order to keep the household up and running as efficiently as possible. But have you ever looked at the tool you use to do the job?

Instead of relying on unhealthy chemicals and other substances that can be harmful to the environment, there are eco-friendly options out there that you can try out. You might also find some of these ways are even more effective than what you had been doing in the past.

Having the right tools will be essential for you clearing out any clogged pipes. If there is a clump of hair and other debris that is stopping the water from flowing, you need to invest in a drain snake from your local hardware store. But if the problem is more immediate and you don't have a snake handy, a screwdriver should suffice.

The right green substances to use to help you clean a blockage is baking soda and vinegar. The basic reaction caused by these products will sizzle and fizz all the way down the drain, breaking up whatever is stuck down there. Once the vinegar and baking soda have done their job, you can get rid of any remnants by running some hot water.

If you are facing problems with your home's plumbing, be sure to schedule an appointment with a DC plumber from John C. Flood today! Check out the rest of our website to learn more about the services that we offer.

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One of the biggest issues with keeping your plumbing and sewer systems in good shape is recognizing when you have a problem. Your plumbing and sewer systems are not visible, for the most part, and the problems they tend to develop don?t normally have really obvious outward signs. So, how are you supposed to keep your system in good condition? With video pipe inspection.

Video Pipe Inspection

Video pipe inspection involves inserting a camera into your pipes, propelled by a set of motorized wheels. The camera moves through your plumbing and/or sewer system, transmitting images down a long cord to the plumber controlling it. This allows your plumber to find issues, and pinpoint them for repairs. When the inspection is complete, the camera is simply wheeled back up and out of the system. This is a very common component in normal plumbing and sewer maintenance, which is why scheduling maintenance appointments are so important.

Advantages of Video Pipe Inspection

Prior to the invention and widespread use of video pipe inspection, the only way to identify plumbing issues was with a lot of guesswork and occasionally digging up the pipes. This was, obviously, quite a bit more time consuming, expensive, and destructive. With video pipe inspection, there is no longer any need for simply guessing where a problem is, or how bad it is. Regular inspections are the perfect way to highlight any problems, or areas that may become problematic later on. You can save thousands of dollars in repair costs by having your pipes inspected at least once a year.

Bell Home Solutions provides video pipe inspection services throughout Denver, CO. If you need video pipe inspection, or any other kind of plumbing service, call today to schedule an appointment with one of our expert plumbers. We?ll make sure that your plumbing system stays in good shape.

8 Things You Need to KnowaAbout Tankless Water Heaters

Hot water is one of the most appreciated conveniences in the western world. It is essential to upholding day-to-day hygiene requirements and to wellness, especially during the chilly months.

Back in the days of old, it took a long time and much physical energy to heat enough hot water for bathing, but today, all you really have to do is turn on your faucet or shower for a steady stream. This is if you already have a water heater installed at home.

And speaking of water heaters, there are different kinds. A lot of homeowners in the Applegate and Fox Valley communities prefer tankless water heaters because these only provide hot water when needed and, therefore, are more energy-efficient. Water heaters are among the biggest energy consumers installed in most houses, but tankless water heaters don?t create the budget setback that conventional heaters do.

If you?re building a home and you?re not sure what type of water heater to use, here are eight things you need to know about tankless water heaters that will surely help you decide.

All in all, if you want to enjoy hot water without consuming too much energy, tankless water heaters are the smart option. Implement energy-efficient practices and your home can really lower its energy expenses. Call us today to set up your appointment!

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Should You Or Should You Not DIY Common Plumbing Problems?

Posted by Hy-Pro Plumbing & Drain Cleaning on February 23/2016 | 0 Comments

Common Plumbing Problems

Common plumbing problems are the reason why resort to the Internet instead of a professional. Why? Well, because they are common. Because it?s common, there are bound to be effective DIY solutions somewhere. Sometimes what seems like an easy repair can quickly transform into a larger job ? one that you?re in no way qualified to handle. Just as you shouldn?t feel embarrassed about deferring to the experts for a small repair, you shouldn?t feel self-conscious about throwing in the towel and admitting defeat. aDon?t struggle through any more of the repair than you have to; the faster we can arrive and take over, the earlier your home can return to normal.

Whether a client considers themselves knowledgeable or clueless about their plumbing system, our plumbers are often answering calls about the same issues. The following are some of the most common plumbing problems that require a visit from one of our experts.

Leaking Tap

A leaking tap can drive anyone crazy. No matter how hard you twist the handle, your kitchen, bathroom, or laundry tub tap insists on dripping. The noise of the water hitting the basin isn?t the only frustrating part of any leak; those drips add up to a serious waste of water that?s both bad for the environment and your wallet. Often a dripping tap is caused by a damaged washer, which is a piece of rubber that normally creates a water-tight seal on your pipes when your taps are off. You need specialized tools in order to reach and replace these washers, which not all homeowners have. Alternatively, it could be a less common problem involving the o-rings or jumper valves.

Clogged Drains

A clogged drain doesn?t always appear as a sink that?s slow (or impossible) to empty. Sometimes the only clue you have a blockage is a strange gurgling sound coming from your sinks whenever you shower or flush the toilet. However your clog presents itself, it?s caused by an obstruction of soap scum, hair, grease, or foreign objects ? or a combination of all 4.

The clog isn?t always near the drain itself, and it can run deep into your pipes. When that?s the case, you need a camera inspection of your pipes to locate the block and hydro flushing to break it up. (We?ve yet to find a homeowner who owns these two pieces of equipment). Sometimes, something more serious is causing the issue like a tree root penetrating a line or a misaligned pipe, which necessitates trench-less technology spot repair.

Running Toilet

Your toilet is made of several intricate moving parts that can be the cause behind a constantly running toilet. Adjusting the chain length doesn?t always fix this issue; sometimes a replacement of the chain, the stopper, or another piece is required; or another (hidden) issue altogether lies behind your running toilet, like a problem with your water supply line.

A Professional Versus DIY

With solutions to common plumbing problems across the world wide web, it?s unlikely that someone won?t go searching first. aFrom time to time homeowners and renters have been known to roll up their sleeves and apply a little elbow grease to their plumbing system in the hopes of saving a few dollars in repairs. We can appreciate trying to save some money, and it?s true that many individuals across the GTA have the skills and gumption to take on basic plumbing repairs. But some jobs are just better left to the professionals. The larger, more complex and invasive problems can surpass the limits of your expertise. Without the right tools, experience, or understanding of your plumbing system, a DIY approach isn?t always the best method.

The key is understanding when you?re out of your depth. When this happens is different for each of our clients. For the handy, proactive homeowners, you probably have a decentatool kitathat can help you with minor, contained problems like a clogged toilet or a plugged drain. For others, these seemingly simple repairs are far too complex. Wherever you draw the line, there?s no shame in calling one of our expert plumbers to help you with these jobs.a No task is too large or too small for our trained, insured, and certified staff.

These common plumbing problems don?t always have an obvious solution. It doesn?t matter if you?re a novice or a pro, when you notice something isn?t quite right with your plumbing system ? whether it?s one of these 3 or something completely different ? don?t hesitate to call. One of our plumbers will be at your door ready to find the source of your problem and apply a quick and affordable repair that lasts.

May 26, 2017

Having one of the following plumbing problems? You should contact a professional right away!

It is time to do some home improvements. You may consider yourself a handyman or handywoman around the house, but if you are not a licensed plumber you may just be out of your league in some areas. Please do yourself a favor and call in a professional to address all your plumbing needs.

Dripping Faucets

Is there anything more annoying than a dripping faucet? Not only is it a pain to listen to, but it can make your water bill skyrocket. Believe it or not, you could actually be wasting hundreds of gallons of water every year. Every time you turn on the faucet, water and silicone-based washers form a watertight seal that stops water from bursting out of your pipes. These washers can become damaged, which usually results in a drip. If you are experiencing a dripping faucet you are usually better off bringing in a professional with specialized tools for the job.

Low Water Pressure

Have you ever stepped into the shower and had trouble rinsing the shampoo out of your hair? In addition to the bad hair day you will be having, you are probably also experiencing low water pressure. The problem may be caused by the pipes or the municipal water supply. If you are unsure of where exactly the problem lies, you should bring in a licensed plumber who can diagnose and fix it.

Running Toilet

In addition to the dripping faucet, a running toilet can make you lose your mind. After several minutes of jiggling the handle, you probably should call a professional. There may be a complex issue at play. Unfortunately, you may actually be experiencing a silent leak.

Clogged Drains

Your plunger, tweezers and commercial drain cleaners can only do so much. If your problem goes beyond those common household items you need to bring in a professional. It is in your best interest to fix the problem before the clog worsens.

Leaky Pipes

Replacing pipes can be a messy job. They are not necessarily the hardest fix, but if you do not know what you are doing you could end up having a huge clean up on your hands. It is better to take care of leaky pipes as soon as possible before that small puddle turns into a small pond.

Helping Keep Your Plumbing in Great Shape Year-Round

Give Master Plumbing a call at (301) 650-9100 or contact us online to get more information on how our expert plumbers can help you with your noisy water heater (or just about anything else plumbing related!). We have received Angie?s List Super Service Award recognition for plumbing and drain cleaning every year since 2007, in addition to the Best Plumber Award from Best of Bethesda. We are fully licensed, bonded, and insured and our service is unparalleled. Give us a call today?you won?t regret it! To see examples of our projects, follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and Pinterest.