Author: infogenix

5 Major Reasons to Call a Plumber

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Ideally, if you’re having any type of plumbing problem in your home you’ll make sure to contact a plumber for professional service. We really discourage our customers to try to DIY their own plumbing services or to go without service because they’d like to save a little money. There’s really no plumbing problem too big or too small for a professional plumbing team.

If you have a big problem on your hands and you need an emergency plumber in Frederick, MD then contact our team today. If you’re unsure if the problem you’re experiencing is something that qualifies as “emergency plumbing” make sure that you reference our list below. Plumbing isn’t always a clear service and it will help you decide what’s urgent and what isn’t.

If You Have These Problems Make Sure You Pick Up the Phone

Dripping Faucets

Having a faucet drip endlessly in your home is annoying all on its own and it becomes an even bigger problem when it raises the price of your water bill significantly. Not a lot of people consider this an “urgent” emergency on their own, but we do. All those droplets really add up over time. If you can’t seem to fix this leaking faucet on your own or the task always seems to end up at the bottom of your to-do list, make sure that you contact a plumber from our team to schedule an appointment.

Slow/ Clogged Drains

Does water linger in your sink when you wash your hands? A slow or clogged drain is a problem in any home. The last thing that you want to do in this situation is to buy a chemical drain cleaner. Chemical drain cleaners are terrible for your plumbing system and often result in a myriad of other plumbing issues. Make the smart decision and reach out for the help of a professional.

Leaky Pipes

Age, constant use, and the extreme heat and cold we experience in Frederick on a cycle throughout the year can really wear down the metal of your pipes. If you notice that your water pressure has decreased or that your bill has risen, make sure that you also keep an eye out for any wet spots on your ground or ceiling.

Running Toilets

A running toilet is another one of those problems that are definitely annoying but seemingly benign. In actuality though, a running toilet can waste up to 200 gallons of water per day. If you call a professional plumber to service your home it’s an incredibly easy fix.

Water Heater

The water heater in your home probably has a lifespan of about eight to twelve years. If your showers aren’t getting hot enough, not staying hot enough, or just never have hot water, make sure that you contact our team. We can guide you through the process of replacement or perform a flawless repair.

There are many reasons to contact a plumber. A good rule of thumb to follow is: any plumbing problem you’re having (big or small) is a good reason to contact a professional. Contact our team today to schedule an appointment with our team at Mallick Plumbing & Heating.

5 Signs You’re Due for a Drain Cleaning

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Do you have your drains professionally cleaned on a regular basis? If you’re like the average homeowner, your answer is probably a resounding “no.” We get it—it’s a seemingly unnecessary service from the perspective of anyone outside of the plumbing industry, but we can assure you that this really is an essential service.

Drain cleaning is a service that can make or break your plumbing system. You might think that you can keep any clog or drain problems at bay with a little over the counter chemical drain cleaner, but this is untrue. Not only are these drain cleaners terrible for your plumbing system, they really don’t do a great job of cleaning your plumbing system. If you’re looking for great plumbing services in Frederick, MD then we can do the job for you.

What to Look Out For

These are the signs that you need to call our team for professional drain cleaning.

  • Standing Water: Notice that your toes are pruning after taking a shower? This is an odd occurrence that really shouldn’t happen. Standing water is a sign that you’re having a problem with a slow drain. Standing water in your shower, washing machine, or sink shows that your draining problems have really become drastic. If you notice that this is a common problem in your home, contact a plumber sooner than later.
  • Foul Odors: Your drains shouldn’t smell foul. If you’re washing your hands and you smell the sewer, your drains aren’t functioning the way that they should. This is a sign that you might have a sewage backup within some portion of your pipes. We’re rounding out winter now, but this problem can accelerate and worsen when the temperatures rise. If this is a problem you’re having now, make sure you contact our team sooner than later.
  • Slow Draining: Does it seem like your sink takes forever to empty? Make sure to take note of these things in your washing machine, kitchen sink, and bathroom sinks. The drainage system in your home should be far from sluggish. A drain cleaning is a great way fortify your system and prevent a clog.
  • Fruit Flies: This is one sign of drain trouble that we really like to underscore because the connection to a failing plumbing system isn’t always obvious. Fruit flies are an annoyance and sometimes it seems like they’ve accumulated overnight in your home. If you’ve cleared your countertops and cleaned your kitchen but you still see fruit flies, it’s more than likely that they’re attracted to the food waste building up in your drain.
  • Odd Noises: Your plumbing system really isn’t an aspect of your home that should be too audible. If you’re heating gurgling, bubbling, banging, or sloshing sounds it’s a great idea to contact a professional plumber because you have a significant draining issue.

If you need a drain cleaning in your home, don’t try to cut any corners! Contact Mallick Plumbing & Heating today to schedule an appointment. We’re experts and we can meet all your plumbing needs!

Upgrading Your Water Heater? A Quick Guide

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Are you ready to upgrade from the current water heater in your home to a new system? This time of year is when many homeowners choose to do so. If you’ve started doing research about replacement on your own then you probably already know that you have many options. If you’re feeling overwhelmed you’re not alone, many homeowners feel this way.

The process of finding a new water heater for your home requires the assistance of a trained professional. If you need a water heater in Columbia, MD then make contact our team. Our staff is trained and licensed but most importantly educated in everything that you need to know.

Knowing Your Options

There are a few types of water heaters that you can choose from on the market. The main three we provide at our company are:

Tank Water Heaters

Tank water heaters are the most common type of water heater on the market. If you’re thinking of a “water heater” in your mind it’s more than likely that you’re envisioning this type of system. Tank water heaters are also known as “storage” water heaters because they store a large amount of water in a tank and keep it at a steady temperature so that it’s always ready for usage.

Tankless Water Heaters

Tankless water heaters are also known as “demand” or “instantaneous water heaters” because unlike storage type water heaters, these types of systems only provide hot water when it’s necessary. They create hot water directly as it moves through your home. Tankless water heaters are an efficient option because they eliminate the standby loss of tank water heaters.

Heat Pump Water Heaters

A heat pump water heater uses heat pump technology is to move heat from the outside of your water heater tank to the inside. This is another great option if you’re concerned about energy efficiency because the process of moving the heat is much less taxing than generating heat in the way that standard water heaters do.

Understanding Your Needs

The next step in upgrading your water heater is understanding your needs. What type of water heater you need is affected by the number of people in your home, your preferences, and how much water you use. It’s always best to have a professional work to calculate the needs of your home. We can let you know what will work for you, instead of letting your realization of your water heater’s limitations come by way of an icy cold shower.

Our technicians are knowledgeable so they can conduct a quick an efficient load calculation. Your water heater is important. Homeowners don’t always realize just how important it is but a water heater accounts for nearly 17% of your home’s energy usage. It consumes more energy than all your other household appliances combined. We’ll make sure that you can rely on the water heater you choose.

We know how stressful the process of purchasing new appliances for your home is. If you need a great water heater in Columbia, contact Mallick Plumbing & Heating today to schedule an appointment.

Why You Should Never DIY Your Plumbing Services

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So you’ve got a slow-moving drain, a clog, or a backed-up toilet—we know how tempting it is to try to fix these issues on your own. After all, you have the entire internet at your fingertips with limitless resources on how you can perform your plumbing services on your own. Trust us, we can assure you that this isn’t the right move to make. More often than not, our talented team of plumbers finds themselves on job sites cleaning up the aftermath of a failed DIY attempt.

We understand why homeowners choose to take this route. You figure that you can just find a great resource, do it on your own, and save yourself a lot of money. If you’re worried about the price, come to our team for all your plumbing in Rockville, MD. We provide quality services at fair prices.

Here’s Why You Always Need a Professional

Here are a few compelling reasons why you should always go with a professional.

Security

When you go with our team, you’ll know that the job is getting done the right way the first time. When you try to DIY services in your own home, that means that you’ll wonder if the steps you’re taking are the right ones. You won’t have to worry with our team because we’re stocked with trained professionals with extensive in-field experience.

Convenience

If you try DIY plumbing services you’re probably going to go through a fair amount of troubleshooting. These jobs that homeowners try to perform on their own also typically take much longer to complete. The longer your plumbing job takes, the longer you’ll go without essential plumbing systems. Don’t put your comfort on the line just to try to save a few bucks. Our services are priced fairly because we understand that plumbing services are essential and, on top of this, they’re convenient.

Efficiency

Here at Mallick Plumbing & Heating, we’re your trusted Greater Washington Metro area plumbers for a reason. We understand the importance of a thorough job and efficiency. Since our founding, we’ve made respect for the customer the foundation on our business. You’ll never have to worry about long, drawn-out jobs or trying to upsell you. We understand what customers here need—we always offer installation, maintenance, repair, and replacement services at a fair price.

Expertise

When you go with our team, you know you’re getting an expert. We know that sometimes you might be tempted to just call that cut-rate handyman that promises to do the job just as well for half the price but trust us: when things seem too good to be true, it’s because they are. You need a professional with the right licensing, certifications, and insurance backing them to perform these plumbing jobs for you. Our experts check off all these boxes and have training and in-field experience too. You don’t need to opt for dodgy options when our team is available.

If you’re looking for a great professional plumber here in Maryland at the right price, make sure that you contact Mallick Plumbing and Heating today.

Simple Ways to Keep Your Plumbing System in Top Shape

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We find that the plumbing system is one that stays on the backburner in homeowners’ minds. We understand why—plumbing isn’t exactly a sexy topic and the plumbing system in your home is actually quite complex. It’s not always easy to understand how your plumbing system works and that’s why we have an expert team here at our company to help you with all your heating and cooling needs.

If you’re looking to keep your plumbing system in top shape, then make sure you have service from a reliable team like ours. If you’re looking for a great plumber in Hyattsville, MD then contact our team. We’ve serviced the Silver Spring area since 1994 and we’re the number one choice in HVAC for a reason.

Watch Out for These…

When you’re having trouble with your plumbing system, it’s always a good idea to call a professional plumber. Don’t try to DIY these services under any circumstance. But, if you’d like to take care of your plumbing system on your own time then make sure that you follow these guidelines.

In the Bathroom:

Don’t make the mistake of putting these down your bathroom sink or in your toilet.

Hair: Hair going down your shower or sink drain poses a big problem to your plumbing system. Hair tends to catch itself in preexisting sludge like substances in your plumbing system. Try putting a strainer over your drain so that you can scoop this hair up and dispose of it easily after a shower or bath.

Soap Scum: Do you know what soap scum is? It’s a term that we hear commonly in commercials, but we want to make sure that you know the source. Soap scum is the cause of a soap byproduct and hard water (water with a high mineral content of calcium or magnesium) mixing together. Soap scum forms build up in your drain and causes clogging.

In the Kitchen:

These are common problems we encounter in kitchen plumbing, avoid these substances at all costs:

FOG: FOG is an industry term that stands for “fat, oil, or grease.” FOG is by far the number one culprit of any kitchen sink clogging you might have. FOG is such a big deal because it travels down your drain as a liquid but then congeals, settles, and becomes a sludge-like solid that’s the perfect consistency to capture and trap any other particles going down your drain.

Coffee Grounds: Coffee grounds cause the same problem in your drain that FOG does. Never put coffee grounds down your kitchen sink. The best way to dispose of coffee grounds is to use a spare container and dispose of them in there and then deposit them in the trash. If you’re feeling eco-friendly, coffee grounds are a great source of nitrogen and serve as great fodder for your azaleas.

Everywhere:

This is advice that applies to your entire plumbing system.

Store Bought Drain Cleaner: If there’s one thing you should avoid no matter the circumstance, make sure that its store-bought drain cleaner. We get why you’d buy it, you’re standing in the aisle at the store and reading all these fantastic claims about how this cheap product can alleviate all your slow-moving drain problems, but trust us, these caustic chemicals do more harm than good.

If you need a plumber in Hyattsville, contact Mallick Plumbing and Heating today.

How to Know When You Need a New Water Heater

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When it comes to plumbing and HVAC, the biggest factor is timing. You need to know when something has to go and do so proactively so that you don’t run into an entire system breakdown. Your water heater probably isn’t an appliance in your home that you think about daily, but we’re encouraging you to think about it today.

Your water heater is an incredibly important system in your home so when it’s time to replace it, it’s incredibly important to do so quickly. When you need a good plumber in Frederick, MD for these services then make sure that you contact our team.

Signs It’s Time for Your Current Water Heater to Go

Here are the signs that it’s probably time for your current water heater to get swapped out with a new one.

You Don’t Have Enough Water

You’re in the shower heating up on a chilly winter morning and suddenly the water runs ice cold—this is the last thing you could possibly want. If this happens to you often then you need a new water heater. So many people try to brush this off because they have a high-water demand due to their lifestyle or a large number of people living under one roof. This still shouldn’t be something that you should write off, you need a water heater that can handle the capacity of your home.

Cloudy Water

Is the water that you see in your home rusty or cloudy? This is a problem that there’s corrosion going on inside of your tank water heater. This means that even if your water heater works right now, you need to get on the market for a new one because the clock is ticking. Water heater corrosion breaks down a system quickly—call a plumber at your earliest convenience.

Popping and Rumbling

The most common problem sound you’ll hear from a water heater is popping or rumbling. If you hear either of these noises then it’s highly likely that there’s a problem with sediment build up in your system. The popping and rumbling sound is the sediment coming in contact with the heating element—it makes a lot of noise as it burns the sediment away. This is a problem that’s easily rectified but you will need a professional to flush your system.

It’s Older

How old is your water heater? If your water heater is between the ages of 10 and 15, and you have a substantial amount of problems running the water heater, then you should start thinking about replacing your water heater. Water heaters are only meant to last for so long. If you try to push this system past its limits you’ll only cause inefficiency and further problems.

We don’t expect you to know the age of your water heater off the top of your head. You can find out the age by looking at the serial number. You’ll see numbers like B101124741 or D071234790. The letters correspond to the months of the year B would be February and D would be April. The next two digits representing the year 10 would be 2010 and 07 would be 2007. Take a look at your water heater to determine the age.

If you’re ready to upgrade your water heater contact Mallick Plumbing & Heating today.

5 Signs That You Need a New Sump Pump

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If you’re a homeowner here in Maryland, it’s more than likely that you have a basement in your home. It’s still winter here in Maryland, but spring will be here before you know it and that’s the busy season for your sump pump—make sure that yours is ready. You know how important this system is for your home.

The last thing you want as things are thawing off is to realize that your sump pump is no longer able to keep your home safe, clean, and dry. If you want to know the warning signs that your sump pump is on the way out, keep reading below. If you need a plumber here in Bethesda, MD then be sure to contact our conscientious team.

Common Signs That You Need an Upgrade

If you’re experiencing any of these issues, then it might be time to replace your sump pump:

Old Age

No machine in your home can last forever. Your sump pump has a life expectancy of about ten years. If your machine is near that age and showing any of the problems below, it’s probably time for you to replace this system.

If you’re concerned about finding the right system for your home then contact our team. Our technicians are extensively trained and vastly experienced, so we can always inform you too. We work with all the best brands and we can assess your home and match you with the right make and model.

Noises

Your sump pump is never going to be completely silent, but if the system is making an excessive amount of noise, then you’ve got a problem on your hands. Frequent noise or exceptionally loud noises mean that there’s probably something wrong with the motor in your home. Make sure you listen out for any rattling, grinding, thuds, and other alarming noises.

Issues Turning it On and Off

Have you noticed that your sump pump goes through a constant cycle of turning on and turning off? It’s probably a sign that there’s something wrong with your sump pump. You might have a power issue, a float switch issue, or a sign that you need a new sump pump in your home.

Your Pump is Constantly Running

If your sump pump is continuously running or just running too much no matter what the weather conditions outside are, it’s a sign that you have a problem. The longer that you let this issue go on, the worse the issue is going to get. This could potentially lead to a system breakdown so make sure that you address issues promptly.

No Water

Your sump pump needs water in the pit to function. If you notice that the system is dry, then you probably have a problem with how the system was installed, how it’s currently connected, or because there’s a problem with your drainage system.

If you need service for your sump pump, make sure to contact Mallick Plumbing & Heating.

The Dos and Don’ts of an Emergency Plumbing Situation

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Having an emergency plumbing situation on your hands is more common than you’d think. When you need a reliable plumber, you should have our number handy and have the knowledge from this article in the back of your mind, so you can handle the problem in the best way possible. Handling this situation in a bad way leads to a loss of freshwater, backed up sewage, flooding, or a myriad of other problems.

If you have an emergency plumbing problem, it’s important to call a professional. We know that the urgency might want to make you try to rectify this problem on your own, but it’s never a good idea. We’ve handled many plumbing problems just like yours in the past so if you need emergency plumbing in Bethesda, MD contact our team.

What Not to Do

Use a Store-Bought Drain Cleaner: So, you’ve got a clog on your hands. This is an inconvenient and annoying plumbing problem that happens to homeowners far too often. If your solution is to run to the nearest store and head to the aisle stocked with cheap, liquid drain cleaners, you might think you’ve found a quick solution but you’re only doing yourself a disservice.

A store-bought drain cleaner might eat away at the clog in your drain, but the problem is that it won’t stop there: it’ll eat away at your pipe too! Drain cleaners like this are even worse if you have a particularly persistent pipe clog and the drain cleaner can’t work through it. This is common, and when this happens the drain cleaner sits on top of the clog eating away at your pipe in a concentrated area. Drain cleaner might seem like a cheap and effective solution but you shouldn’t take this route, it’s never worth it. Call a professional.

What You Should Do

Act Fast: No matter what’s going on (a frozen pipe, a burst pipe, a wedding ring down the drain, or a fixture leaking), make sure that you call a professional as soon as you can. The worst thing that you can do to your plumbing system during an emergency is to sit idly and wait because you think that the emergency isn’t urgent enough. Act quickly when you have a problem and make sure that you have a ream you can contact that’s reliable.

Call A Professional: When you act, make sure that you do so wisely. When you’re in the midst of a plumbing emergency it’s not the time to call that cut-rate “technician” that you’ve heard about or head to Google and try to accrue enough knowledge to fix a burst pipe in 20 minutes. Call a professional. You need an experienced, trained, and reliable technician that’s going to treat your intricate plumbing system with care.

Contact Our Team

If you need great plumbing work, our team is the right crew for the job. We pride ourselves on being a thorough heating and cooling company that goes the extra mile with our customers. We’ve served the Greater Washington Metro area for years and we always ensure that we provide the best installation, maintenance, repair, and replacement services the first time.

If you have a plumbing emergency, contact Mallick Plumbing & Heating today.

What to Do When You Have a Clogged Drain

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Whether it’s lots of standing water in the shower, a toilet that won’t flush, or a backed-up sink, the source is the same—a clogged drain. This is an inconvenient occurrence, but luckily not the end of the world. When you have a problem like this, it’s important to know what to do so that you don’t unintentionally worsen the issue. If you have a clogged drain in Frederick, MD, call our team. If you’d like to know how to properly handle a drain clog, keep reading below.

Handling A Clog

To properly understand how to handle a drain clog, we should start off with what not to do.

Don’t Use a Chemical Cleaner

We know what you’re thinking—“really?” But yes, really. You should never put a chemical cleaner down your drain. Although these methods are cheap and promise quick relief, this is hardly ever the actual case. The problem with chemical drain cleaners is that they’re incredibly corrosive and they don’t have an “off” switch. There are two outcomes with a chemical drain cleaner, one is that you pour this substance down your pipe and it actually does eat away at the clog. The only problem with this is that the caustic chemicals have an insatiable appetite and will start to eat away at your pipe too. The other outcome is that the chemicals aren’t powerful enough to power away at the clog and they sit in your drain corroding the pipe. It’s always a better option to call a professional and have them handle this problem with the right tools.

Don’t Use Homemade Tools

We encounter the aftermath of many homeowners’ drain disasters after they’ve stuck something down into their drain hoping to dislodge or unearth their clog. We know that this type of handy work is well intended, but it typically has a very poor outcome. Instead of going down this route, call a professional.

Don’t Use Professional Tools Either

If you’re not a professional technician, you shouldn’t use professional tools either. Although these tools are meant to handle these types of problems, they typically just cause a bigger mess when they’re put into the hands of someone without extensive knowledge, experience, and expertise. Your drain system is incredibly complicated, make sure you have a professional work on this delicate hardware.

Wondering How You Can Prevent A Clog?

Clogs are pesky and inconvenient—prevention is the best method. If you want to avoid a clog, you can do so in the following ways:

  • Avoid putting coffee grounds down your drain
  • Avoid FOG (fat, oil, and grease)
  • Use a drain catcher in your kitchen and shower drains so that you’ll avoid hair, soap scum, and other materials from clogging your drain
  • Avoid fibrous materials like celery and corn husks

Why Choose Mallick Plumbing & Heating

Here at Mallick Plumbing & Heating, we’re more than just a plumbing and heating company, we’re a family that knows HVAC. We’re committed to providing the best service at the best prices.

If you have a drain you need to be unclogged, call Mallick Plumbing & Heating today to schedule an appointment.

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