The following infographic gives you tips on how to conserve water outdoors during the hot summer months. For instance, did you know that a 20 minute watering of the average lawn can use more water than taking 130 showers?..Now that’s a lot of water. Feel free to share this with your neighbors and friends.
Not all plumbing companies are created equally, and before you choose a plumbing company for your next project you should read this:
There are basically two types of plumbing companies: small-scale family-owned plumbing companies, and larger-scale oriented corporations.
The large companies are usually well known because of their catchy radio ad jingles, tv commercials and newspaper and direct mail advertisements. This is one of the primary reasons they are generally more expensive than the smaller mom and pop plumbing company.
Corporate plumbing companies tend to be more expensive also because their plumbers and technicians work on commission — and that encourages them to oversell you on goods and services that you may not actually need. In essence, many corporate plumbers are salesmen whose first priority isn’t fixing your clogged drain for the lowest price possible — it’s improving their employer’s bottom line.
Many times when you’re gathering estimates for a particular project their prices will be twice the price of a smaller company. They may even show you their price book, to show you that they aren’t overcharging you!
Don’t be fooled. A plumber’s price book only tells you what his company charges; every company’s book is different.
Commission-based sales aren’t the only reason larger corporate plumbers are more expensive. They also have to deal with overhead issues that smaller family-run businesses don’t, like maintaining large truck fleets and paying for worker’s comp insurance.
The next time you’re looking to find the right plumber at the right price, be sure to follow these tips:
1.When possible, get references. Nothing beats a word-of-mouth recommendation. Before getting any contractor estimates, make sure to ask your friends and neighbors if they have a preferred plumber.
2. Get a minimum of three estimates. Knowledge is power, so always get at least three estimates before agreeing to have any work done. Otherwise, you may end up paying a lot more than you need to.
3. Avoid plumbers who advertise on radio and television. Those ads cost big money. That means higher prices for you. Speaking of ads:
Beware of misleading ads. Larger plumbing corporations often use website and phone book ads featuring a random family photo to give the impression that their company is a small family-owned business.
Focus on small family-owned plumbing businesses. Smaller family-owned businesses have lower overhead, and they usually pass the savings on to their customers. They also don’t work on commission — so you’re less likely to be oversold on services you don’t need. Typically smaller advertising budgets also make self-employed plumbers more dependent on repeat business and word-of-mouth, so customer satisfaction is paramount.
4. Ensure your plumber has a contractor’s license. Licensed contractors are required to complete work in compliance with state mandated procedures that are designed to protect us from shoddy workmanship and potential serious health issues resulting from improper plumbing practices.
5. Check out your state contractor’s web site to verify the status of any licensed plumbing company, including any registered complaints and ownership details.
6. Get an itemized parts estimate and then comparison shop. Plumbers usually get their parts from wholesale outlets not open to the general public. The parts are usually comparable in price — but sometimes they’re not.
7. Coupons and discounts don’t guarantee competitive prices. Plumbers will often try to lure you in with coupons or the promise of a price discount.
8. Schedule work on weekdays. Plumbers charge a premium for working weekends, holidays, and after hours, so avoid those times if you can.
9. Be certain that you’re getting a licensed plumber for your project some larger companies use Apprentices and/or technicians and charge you as if they’re licensed and certified professional plumbers.
10. Check out the Washington Suburban Sanitation Commission’s website for a list of plumbers in your area that are licensed and certified to perform plumbing services in our area. http://www.wssc.com
Just remember, no matter when you schedule your plumber, tell him to keep his price book in the truck.
Most basements in the Washington DC-Baltimore, Maryland area have a sump pump. Our area generally gets a lot of rain in the spring and summer months and our fair share of winter snow and ice. Sump pumps are the first line of defense to keep water out of your basement and to protect your possessions from excessive water damage.
That’s why we(Durance Plumbing) recommend that you check your sump pump at least once a year to be sure that all the components are intact and the pump doesn’t show any extraordinary wear. A basement sump pump should always be covered, not only to keep debris from falling into it, but to keep radon and bad odors from entering your home.
At times, we may recommend an increase in the horsepower rating of your current sump pump, particularly if it’s determined that the current model is not doing an efficient job of getting the water out and away from your home.
If your sump pump failed during hurricane Sandy and you need it replaced, contact the Durance Plumbing professionals at (301) 270-6663. Our experts can evaluate, replace or repair your sump pump. If you haven’t checked your sump pump in a while, don’t hesitate any longer, because if there’s one thing you can be assured of is that’s it’s going to rain again! 
If so, this video explains the process to take to remain in compliance.
DURANCE PLUMBING IS LICENSED BY THE WSSC TO TEST, REPAIR AND REPLACE ANY BACKFLOW DEVICE. WE ARE WSSC APPROVED TO REGISTER BACKFLOW TEST RESULTS ON THE WSSC WEBSITE.
For more information Contact WALTER DURANCE – Phone Number: 301-270-6663
MASTER PLUMBER AND CERTIFIED BACKFLOW TESTER WSSC #71643
Some plumbing problems you just can’t avoid, due to faulty materials, poor installation, or simple wear and tear over time. However, there are ways to prevent clogged drains in your home or business by being careful never to allow certain materials to enter into the system. Therefore Durance Plumbing believes certain plumbing problems can be avoided by taking proper precautionary measures.
Following are some basic techniques to save yourself from unnecessary spending and unwanted plumbing headaches:
One of the simplest plumbing problems – and easiest to prevent – is that of clogged drains. How do you keep from blocking up your plumbing in such a way?
Your home’s plumbing is a major investment, and one that you will need to last for many years to come. Don’t take any chances with faulty plumbing materials or installation. Put all of your plumbing needs in the hands of competent, locally owned, trustworthy professionals like us, Durance Plumbing.
We can be reached by telephone at 301-270-6663, or via email: Kirk@DurancePlumbing.com.
Have you ever awakened early with visions of jumping into a warm steam shower, only to find that your shower is freezing cold? Is it taking longer for your water to heat up to the desirable temperature? If so, then you understand what a hindrance it can be to have a problem with your hot water. Fortunately, in many cases, this problem is easily solved . . . as long as you know what is causing it. Here are some reasons why your hot water may have stopped working:
The pilot light. This is the simplest and easiest hot water problem to fix. Check your water heater to make sure the pilot light is still on (check your owner’s manual if you need helping finding the pilot light, as it is well hidden). If the pilot light is out, then you should follow the manufacturer’s instructions for how to re-light it.
Gas hot water heaters. If you have a gas hot water heater, then your problem may be caused by a leak in the gas line leading to the appliance. If this is the case, you may notice a rotten egg smell around the water heater. This is a very dangerous problem and should only be handled by professionals, so call your plumber immediately.
Heating element. In the case of not enough hot water, or hot water that is not hot enough, it may be that you need to replace the heating element on your water heater.
Sediment buildup. Over time, water contaminants can build up and harden in the bottom of your water heater, reducing its ability to produce ample hot water. You can combat sediment buildup by cleaning your water heater regularly, softening hard water with a water softening agent, and reducing the temperature of the water heater to 130 degrees. However, if the tank itself is rusty, you cannot remove that buildup and you will have to replace the water heater altogether.
Thermostat problems. If you have some hot water, but it’s just not hot enough, it may be that you need to adjust the temperature on your water heater thermostat. It may even be that your thermostats are not working correctly, in which case you may need to replace them.
Your home’s plumbing is a major investment, and one that you will need to last for many years to come. Don’t take any chances with faulty plumbing materials or installation. Put all of your plumbing needs in the hands of competent, trustworthy professionals like us, Durance Plumbing. Durance Plumbing has been serving the Washington DC metro area for more than 20 years. We service electric and gas hot water heaters, contact us for a diagnostic and cost estimate if you’re experiencing plumbing issues. We can be reached by telephone, at 301-270-6663, or via email: Kirk@DurancePlumbing.com.
Winter is on its way, and with it comes the need to winterize your home. Durance Plumbing believes the one area you can’t afford to take any chances with, is that of preparing your plumbing pipe-work for the freezing cold weather. We are listing three of the simplest things you can do to prevent frozen pipes in your home this winter. If you’ve ever been unfortunate enough to experience a frozen pipe problem, then you are well aware of the risks of bursting pipes and the resulting water damage. Avoid this common winter mishap by adhering to these three simple ways to prevent frozen pipes:
Keep pipes warm. You may find exposed pipes in your home’s crawlspace and/or attic area. Simply surround pipes with insulation material – the more the better. If you live in an especially extreme winter weather area, then you may even want to wrap your pipes with heat cables (controlled through your thermostat) or heat tape. Simply follow the manufacturer’s instructions for the proper installation method. Additionally, when the temperature drops, make it a point to open all of your cabinet doors in order to allow the heat into the back wall spaces where your pipes are located.
Seal air leaks. Even the tiniest leak from the outside in can let in enough cold air to freeze your pipes. Examine your home thoroughly for any spaces that might be vulnerable to an air leak (spaces around outdoor-to-indoor pipes, electrical wiring, air ducts, and dryer vents are the most common culprits, as well as attic spaces and crawl areas), and then seal off any leaks you find with a combination of caulk and insulation, as is appropriate for the space.
The water system. It is a good idea to leave a faucet running (with warm water) throughout the day and night whenever the freezing winter weather kicks in. If you can, choose a faucet connected to an outside wall, as the cold can very easily come in through even the smallest outdoor pipes (garden hose pipes, for example). If you are planning on leaving your home unattended for an extended period of time during the winter, then you should shut off your water supply and drain the water system completely before going on your travels.
Your home’s plumbing is a major investment, and one that you will need to last for many years to come. Don’t take any chances with faulty plumbing materials or installation. Put all of your plumbing needs in the hands of competent, trustworthy professionals like us, Durance Plumbing. We can be reached by telephone, at 301-270-6663, or via email: info@duranceplumbing.com.
It may be tempting to attempt to do your own home repairs in order to save some money. However, there are some circumstances in which you absolutely should call in the experts. In this article we are identifying three reasons you may need to call a professional plumber. If your repair need has to do with your home’s water system or plumbing, then it is a good idea to know when you can handle a job on your own, and when you should turn to the expertise of a plumbing professional. Here are the top three reasons you might need a plumber:
It can be hard to identify the real problem. Sure, you may be able to easily determine that you have a water leak, or that your water pressure is too low. However, are you aware of the several different causes that may lead to the same problems you are experiencing? A reputable plumber will be able to approach your repair issue from a variety of angles, in order to correctly identify the real culprit, rather than just attacking the symptoms of the problem.
Plumbers can see into the future. No –not in a “crystal ball” kind of way – but rather in the “we have experience and know what your current problem can lead to in the future” kind of way. If you don’t know a whole lot about your current repair need, other than the immediate ways in which you might be able to fix it, then you need to stop and consider the fact that your small problem might in fact be related to something much bigger in your home’s overall plumbing system. In turn, this means that your small problem could erupt into a much bigger problem down the road, if you don’t take proper precautions now. A good plumber will be able to assess your situation more accurately, according to years of experience.
You could make a bad problem worse. It may seem simple enough to replace a pipe or two, but are you equipped to handle unforeseen repair issues that may arise while you are working on that seemingly isolated problem? Most likely, the answer to that question is “no,” in which case you should recruit the help of a professional.
Your home’s plumbing is a major investment, and one that you will need to last for many years to come. Don’t take any chances with faulty plumbing materials or installation. Put all of your plumbing needs in the hands of competent, trustworthy professionals like us, Durance Plumbing. We can be reached by telephone, at 301-270-6663, or via email: info@duranceplumbing.com.