Michael and Son Services

  When it comes to choosing a plumber, many of us treat it like ordering a pizza; the concern is with whats being delivered, rather than who is delivering. If you are one of those people, stop and think for a minute about how personal a visit from a plumber really is. Here are a few points to put it in perspective.

Stranger in Your Home – When you call a plumber, you are essentially inviting a stranger, usually with considerable physical strength, into your home and around your family.

Potential to Cause Damage – Without doing your due diligence, you have no idea how competent the plumber is. For all you know, he/she could be learning on the job and using your house to practice on.

Guarantee – Many times a plumber will tell you he has a guarantee but unless its in writing, its practically worthless.

An incompetent plumber can cause extensive damage to your costly appliances and plumbing system

Materials – Without proper research, you won’t know what type of materials the plumber is using or if they are being properly installed.

Honesty – If you have chosen a “fly by night” plumber, you might end up paying for repairs that were never needed or even worse, never actually completed. Always consider this; does the plumber have an incentive to tell the truth or lie?

Is this man someone you can trust? you’ll never know with doing some research

As you can see, there is a lot at risk when a plumber is picked at random. So, how can you ensure that the plumber you have selected is the right one? The easiest way is to call a reputable plumber who is well known in your area. Michael & Son handles the research end so you don’t have to. Here are some things about our plumbers that set us apart.

Background Check and Drug Screens – Michael & Son Services conducts thorough background checks for each plumber hired and requires pre-employment and post employment random drug tests.

Extensive Interview Process – At Michael & Son, interviews are a long process. Each potential candidate must meet with a variety of managers and HR representatives. The interview process goes all the way up to and ends with the owner.

License and Bonded – All Michael & Son technicians are license and bonded in the states that they work in. This is a requirement of all Michael & Son technicians.

Warrantied Work – Michael & Son Services stands behind their work and offers a guarantee for all jobs big and small.

Quality Materials – Michael & Son Services only uses the best products from companies like Ferguson. All products used by Michael & Son carries a manufacturer’s warranty.

Michael & Son sends confirmation emails with a picture and bio so you know who to expect

Emailed Profiles – Once you have booked your appointment with Michael & Son, you will receive a email confirmation. Along with the confirmation is a picture of your technician and short bio. That way, you know who to expect when the technician is at your door.

A faulty residential electrical system can cause all sorts of issues in the home; from surges that can ruin T.V’s and computers to deadly home fires. One of the best ways to keep your home electrically sound is with a Michael & Son electrical safety inspection and surge protector.

Many people don’t know it but not having a surge protector can literally destroy all your prized electronics. That’s why having a system that can handle your homes electrical consumption and a surge protector is extremely important. With a Michael & Son Electrical inspection, our friendly energy consultants will conduct an energy audit and determine your homes electrical needs. The electrical inspection includes:

  *Check GFCI’s for sensitivity

*Check smoke detectors circuitry

*Check panel for grounding system

*Check aluminum wires for oxidation

*Check main service termination

*Check wires for proper sizing

*Check surge protection at panel

* Check for ARC fault protection at panel

  While an electrical inspection requires a trained technician, there are some things you can do on your own to protect your home and family. One of the simplest and most important items in your home is a smoke and carbon monoxide detectors. They are inexpensive, easy to maintain and can be purchased in almost any hardware or department store. Here are some quick and easy tips for maintaining detectors.

*Change the batteries every time you set your clocks forward and back

*Test the smoke detectors using the test button monthly

*Purchase combo/linked unit that detect both carbon monoxide and smoke. These units will also set off all detectors in the home rather than just one.

*Make sure each room has a detector

May 6, 2013

  At Michael & Son, we believe that everyone should know the basics of home safety and repair, both men and woman. That’s why we are proud to announce the return of theMichael & Son DIY Workshops. These free seminars will give participants access to a wealth of knowledge from the industry’s leading electrical, plumbing and HVAC technicians. Here are the topics our classes will cover:

  Electrical

  In our electrical workshops, you’ll learn all about electrical safety in the home, energy efficiency and lighting designs solutions that will add style to any room.

  Plumbing

  Our plumbing workshop allows attendant to better understand common problems like clogged drains, toilet repairs and faucet replacements. You’ll also learn the best ways to conserve water and why water filtration is important.

  HVAC

  Learn all about the home’s HVAC system and what you can do to maintain and service it. From filter changes to the importance of duct cleaning, you’ll learn how to keep your HVAC system running at peak performance all year long. You’ll also learn about the importance of indoor air quality and how to provide a clean and safe breathing environment for you and your family.

  Check in with us for more information about our Free DIY Workshops which will be held the second Saturday of every month. Also, like us on Facebook, follow us on Twitter and subscribe to our YouTube page and find out about special events, fundraisers and much more!

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Watching Helping Hands on NBC4

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  In the current economic climate, a glance at the business section or a glimpse of a news program is enough to ruin your day. One sound bite about unemployment rates or a brief blurb summarizing some economists forecast of doom can send you into a panic. These days, even the “positive” economy stories are usually based on 10 and 20 year projections and offer no hope for the immediate future. To their credit, the media is only relying the news from Washington, where deadlock bickering seems to be preferred over problem solving. However, if there is one thing that all the economist, politicians and pundits agree, on it’s that if anyone is capable of turning it all around, it’s the American public, namely the American small business man. As we all know, our problem lies in the high unemployment rate. As long as people are out of work, every aspect of our economy suffers, from manufacturing to real estate.

Although it’s been tough times across the board, there are many companies who continue to profitable. However, because of the current situation, many of them are hesitant to expand their business and hire new employees until they know it’s safe to do so. While being cautious is only natural these days, it’s also a detriment to our countries recovery. In order to regain our standing as an economic powerhouse in the global arena, we need to be courageous and take calculated risk. American business owners need to be willing to take a chance on the American people and put them back to work.

Here at Michael & Son, we have taken that risk and its paid dividends. Throughout the economic decline, Michael & Son has continued to remain profitable and undergo expansion. The growth we have experienced in the last 10 years has been nothing short of extraordinary. During the ongoing growth, Michael & Son has continued to invest heavily in its employees, both new and existing, with constant and intensive training. Whether it’s the office staff or field technicians, everyone gets training on the latest and greatest technologies in their field. By providing a steady line of employment opportunities and on the job training, Michael & Son not only invest in itself but the community as well. If you are interested in Michael & Son franchising or employment opportunities, visit our website. Also, like us on Facebook, follow us on Twitter and subscribe to our YouTube page and keep up to date with special offers, fundraisers and more!

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Share your Michael & Son Experience

Many like to describe winters in D.C., M.D. and V.A. as mild but how many of those people have ever spent a winter without heat? Sharndell King and her two young children know how cold the days and nights in Maryland can get. When the family’s furnace stopped working last summer Sharndell began to worry about the fast approaching winter. After paying a few less than reputable contractors to make repairs that didn’t last, Sharndell was out of ideas and money. To make matters worse, the home was infested with bed bugs that tormented the children as they tried to sleep in their cold beds at night. One Saturday, after seeing the show Helping Hands, Sharndell decided to reach out to the Michael & Son  email and said a prayer, a week later my prayers were answered” continued Sharndell.

The Michael & Son Cares team provided the family with a new heating system, duct work and through friends of Basim Mansour, pest control. After the work was complete, the children were able to once again have a clean and warm place to sleep. “When I watched our initial interview with the family I was really moved by what the kids had to say” said Basim Mansour, Proud Son & Owner of Michael & Son Services. “It was great to see the look on their faces when we surprised them” continued Mansour. You can see the whole story, including the big surprise, when you tune into Helping Hands this Saturday at 10 am on NBC4!

If you or someone you know is currently facing a hardship and is unable to afford home repairs, please contact the Michael & Son Cares Team. At [email protected]. Michael & Son Services established their "Cares" charitable campaign in 2010 providing essential home services to local families in need.  To date, the program has assisted over 20 families in the area.  They are also proud sponsors and supporters of Dreams for kids, Saltwater Soldiers and Susan G. Komen. Michael & Son Services has been serving the greater DC metropolitan area for over 30 years with electrical, plumbing, heating, A/C, construction and handyman services. Our motto has always been, “If you can’t, we can!”

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Recently, the Michael & Son Cares Program, USO and K95 joined forces to help a military family with home repairs and renovations. The recipients had purchased a farm in Southern Virginia with the intention of building a center for at risk inner city teens. Shane Drinkwater, the recipient of the award and active duty serviceman had longed dreamed of building a place where children could come and experience the quite of the country. “This is something my wife and I have wanted to do for a long time; it could not have been possible without the help of Michael & Son Services” said Shane Drinkwater.  The project also included other home improvement companies who generously donated their expertise and materials to help with the project. The recipient’s received a new HVAC system, hot water heater, brand new windows and patio that is used as a library.

When Proud Son & Owner of Michael & Son Services, Basim Mansour, set out to create the Cares foundation, he intended it to serve two purposes; to help families in the community who are in need and also to inspire others to do the same. “Helping the Drinkwaters achieve their dream of a building a youth center is exciting for us” said Mansour. “It almost feels as if it’s an extension of what we do with the Cares Program is being left here in Southern Virginia” continued Mansour.

If you or someone you know is currently facing a hardship and is unable to afford home repairs, please contact the Michael & Son Cares Team. Michael & Son Services established their “Cares” charitable campaign in 2010 providing essential home services to local families in need.  To date, the program has assisted over 20 families in the area.  They are also proud sponsors and supporters of Dreams for kids, Saltwater Soldiers and Susan G. Komen. Michael & Son Services has been serving the greater DC metropolitan area for over 30 years with electrical, plumbing, heating, A/C, construction and handyman services. Our motto has always been, “If you can’t, we can!”  Check us out at www.michaelandson.com.

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Posted by Shadi Tahrawi 

  If you drive from the suburbs of D.C. and down through Northern Virginia, you’d hardly see any signs of the financial crisis that swept through the country. From the Mc Mansions of Fairfax and Arlington to the sprawling estates of Clifton; Northern Virginia has some of the wealthiest communities in the country. While there are many within those communities who are struggling, you could never tell from a glance. There is one place, however, that stands out among the upper class communities; Triangle. Over the last several years, Triangle, Virginia has become a virtual ghost town. Boarded up businesses and foreclosed homes fill the landscape of an area that was once a thriving part of Northern Virginia.

Just off the freeway in a dilapidated home lives a single mother named Mary and her son, Elias. Mary had to give up working to care for Elias who suffers from Spina bifida. Requiring, 24 hour care, Elias is confined to a wheel chair and unable to speak. That leaves his mother responsible for literally every single daily activity; from taking showers to brushing his teeth. Because of her inability to work, Mary could not afford the much needed repairs to her home. The list of repairs was a long one; a new roof, HVAC system and the most daunting of them all, repairs to the foundation. She had reached out to many different organizations for help but the scope and size of the job was always more than they could handle.

One Saturday morning, Mary had a rare opportunity to relax and watch TV. She caught an episode of Helping Hands and decided to send a letter requesting assistance. “When I saw the Helping Hands, I was amazed by the things Michael & Son was doing in the community” said Mary. “I just had this feeling that this was the answer” continued Mary. She was right, just days after her letter was sent the repairs on her home were underway. With the help of other local businesses, the family received all the repairs to their home at no cost.

Basim spending time with Elias, one of the recipients of the Michael & Son Cares Program

You can see the whole story this Saturday at 10:00 am on NBC4. If you or someone you know is currently facing a hardship and is unable to afford home repairs, please the Michael & Son Cares Team. Michael & Son Services established their “Cares” charitable campaign in 2010 providing essential home services to local families in need.  To date, the program has assisted over 20 families in the area.  They are also proud sponsors and supporters of Dreams for kids, Saltwater Soldiers and Susan G. Komen. Michael & Son Services has been serving the greater DC metropolitan area for over 30 years with electrical, plumbing, heating, A/C, construction and handyman services. Our motto has always been, “If you can’t, we can!”  Check us out at www.michaelandson.com.

Saying goodbye

  Basim posing for a picture with homeowner Mary Lloyd

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By Shadi Tahrawi

Do you or a family member suffer from allergies or asthma?  Are frequent nosebleeds and dry, itchy skin a nuisance you have to live with on a day to day basis? The problem may be a lack of humidity in your home. The warm air generated by heaters and furnaces dry your homes air and can cause or worsen illnesses.  Dry air not only affects you and your family’s health, it also can cause damage to any wood you have in your home; from hardwood floors to window frames.  If you have problems in your home like…

Splits or cracks in woodwork or walls

Wood doors that show gaps or no longer fit tightly

Gaps between the boards in hardwood floors.

Widening joints in cabinets or wood paneling.

Loose or wobbly chair legs and arms.

Pianos that don’t stay tuned.

Dry air can cause damage to wood furniture in your home.

If these sound like issues you have around the house, the air in your home is probably too dry. So, how can you protect your family and home from the damage caused by dry air? With a Michael & Son humidifier, you can not only protect your families’ health but your valuable furniture as well. Humidifiers work by using humidity sensing controls that release water vapors into the air as needed.

A whole home humidifier helps protect your family and valuables

January 14, 2013

By Shadi Tahrawi

In the past, we have discussed the benefits of a whole home filtration system and how it protects against contaminants in tap water. Removing things like lead, cooper and chlorine can be extremely beneficial to you and your family’s health; But what about the health of your appliances and faucets? Millions of homes have what is called hard water running through their pipes and causing damage the whole way through. Hard water just doesn’t cause damage to pipes, fixtures and appliances; it also raises your energy bills. Let’s go over how hard water affects your home in more detail.

What is hard water?

Hard water contains a high amount of calcium and magnesium. Nearly 80% of all homes in the United States have hard water.

Pipes

Hard water causes lime scale, which can wreck havoc on pipes in your home. Lime scale causes corrosion and clogs that can lead to a costly and extremely messy pipe burst.

Water Heater

Because of hard waters density, it takes longer to heat. This means your water heater has to work twice as hard every time you need hard water. Hard water also eats away at the heating elements and coils inside your water heater, that means costly repairs or replacements.

Valves

Lime scale build up around valves can be a problem for you homes pluming system as well. Valves with lime build up can’t be properly sealed and will eventually result in damaging leaks.

Shower heads and Faucets

Hard water can be especially damaging to faucets and shower heads. Because faucets and shower heads have restricted water build up, mineral deposits form at a faster rate.

Energy Cost

Hard water not only ruins the components in your water heater, it also causes it to work overtime. Because of its density, hard water takes longer to heat up, which means an increase in your energy bills.

By Shadi Tahrawi

According to the Environmental Working Group’s National Drink Water Database, analyses of municipal drinking water have shown that, despite government regulations, there are still many dangerous contaminants present in our water, even after it has gone through municipal water treatment facilities. In reality, these water treatment facilities, more often than not, contribute to the problem by adding dangerous chemicals like fluoride and chlorine to water as part of the treatment process. Chlorine and fluoride can cause a whole host of medical issues including; heart disease, immune disorders, respiratory illness and many other dangerous ailments.

Water treatment plants add harmful contaminants to your water

The Michael & Son Services whole home water treatment system uses innovative “green’ technologies that bring clean, healthy, great tasting water to your home while protecting the environment.  It’s a great choice for those who:

Want a healthier living environment

Want clean, mineral rich water

Are looking for better alternative to tap filters, fridge filters and bottled water

Know that 70% of our water exposure is though skin and bathing

Want to protect their plumbing system and appliances

Want to save money and the environment

You can protect you family against harmful containment’s in your homes water with a Michael & Son Whole Home Water Filtration System. Whole home water filtration systems work by filtering water at the point where it enters your house. Dishwashers, refrigerators, washing machines, bathtubs, and toilets all will use clean, safe water. It also protects your indoor air from chlorine vapors and chloroform gas. Whole home water filtration systems are also cost-effective, and end up saving you more money than installing individual filters for each of the water sources within your home. Call Michael & Son at 800-948-MIKE today or fill out the form below and schedule to meet with one of our home water filtration consultants. Our consultants can help you determine what system is right for you and your family.

With a Whole Home Water Filteration System, even the water from your shower pure

Benefits

Great value for the price: Our 3-in-1 system replaces all tap/fridge/jug filters and water softeners

Uses no electricity or salt: saves you money and is great for the environment

Every ounce of water is treated: no wasted water

No monthly filters to replace: easy maintenance

Reduces the formation of hard water deposits:spend less time scrubbing scale form showers, tiles and dishes

Anti-scale technology can be installed immediately after the pressure tank or water meter, thereby treating all water used within the home

Attractive appliance styling looks great any home

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November 28, 2012

By Shadi Tahrawi

One of the busiest times for plumbers is during the holidays, especially the days following Thanksgiving. Between the large meals and heavy use on the homes entire plumbing system, issues with toilets and drains are common place. These clogs are usually the result of grease and oil being poured down drains, which forms a dark colored and foul smelling substance that can only be removed by a plumbing professional. Untreated, a clogged drain can lead to leaks and even pipe burst.  Michael & Son Services offerscomprehensive drain cleaning that is perfect for the holiday season. Check out Michael & Son plumber, Cesar, on the WJLA nightly news talking about clogs and the “Plumbers Black Friday”. Also, like us on Facebook, follow us onTwitter and subscribe to our YouTube Page to find out about special offers, upcoming events and more!

Michael & Son talks holiday plumbing on WJLA news

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Preparing for Winter Pt. 3 – Electrical

November 9, 2012

By Shadi Tahrawi

In the third part of our winterizing the home series we will discuss electrical safety and conservation in the home during the winter months. One of the biggest hazards in the home during the winter months is space heaters. Not only can space heaters be a hazard, they can also add to your electric bill. Below are some tips for safely using a space heater in your home:

Keep any combustible objects away from the heater at all times

Make sure heater is plugged into a snug outlet. Loose outlets can cause fires.

Do not run cords through carpets or rugs. This can cause them to overheat and start a fire

Do not leave children unsupervised around space heaters

Do not use space heaters in wet or moist areas. Unless specifically built for that purpose, the heater can cause dangerous electrical shocks.

Do not place heaters where they can easily be tipped over

Turn off and unplug space heater when not in use.

Space heaters are dangerous and costly

Another hazard of winter is the loss of power because of a storm. In the event of a power outage, here are some tips:

Keep a supply of flashlights and new batteries handy.

In the event of a power outage, do not use candles. Instead, use flashlights and battery powered lamps.

Keep cell phones charged through the storm. Limit use through outage to only emergency calls.

Keep a supply of non-perishable can goods and bottled water in the home.

Know the route to designated emergency shelters

Call Michael & Son and ask about our generatorservices

Always keep a flash light with fresh batteries on hand, in case of a storm

November 2, 2012

By Shadi Tahrawi

As the temperature drops, the probability of issues with your home’s plumbing system rises. Winter plumbing issues can range from damaged sprinkler systems to indoor flood causing pipe burst. With just a little preparation, most winter plumbing issues can be avoided. Today, we will be going over a quick checklist to get your home’s plumbing system ready for the season ahead.

Locate Main Water Shut Off

If you don’t already know where to find it, now is a good time to look. The main valve is usually found inside a utility closet; however, each home is different. In the event of a plumbing emergency, shutting down the main water valve is the first thing you’ll want to do.

Sprinkler Systems

Of all your homes plumbing systems and appliances, the sprinkler is most exposed to the elements. Prepare your sprinkler system for the winter by shutting off the main water supply and then turning on the sprinklers. This will flush out any water that has collected in the hoses and keep them from freezing over.

Outdoor Hoses

Makes sure to disconnect and remove all outdoor hoses from the hose bib. A frozen hose can completely damage the bib, which can be a costly repair.

Outdoor sprinklers, garden hose and bibs are very easily damaged by the weather

Insulate Exposed Pipes

Exposed pipes in your home are the most likely to freeze in below zero temperatures. Insulate exposed pipes using inexpensive and easy to install foam wrap. Insulating your pipes will protect them from freezing temperatures and help cut down on your energy bills.

Repair Existing Leaks

Even the smallest leak can be a big problem when the temperature drops. Make sure to repair all leaks, no matter how minor, before the cold hits.

The slightest leak can cause plumbing problems in freezing temperatures

November 1, 2012

By Shadi Tahrawi

The garbage disposal is one of the simplest but most improperly used appliances in the home. When used correctly, a garbage disposal can last for decades and prevent plumbing issues not related to the disposal. However, a disposal that is not properly operated or maintained can result in leaks, clogs and even pipe burst. Today, we will be going over the proper use and function of a garbage and maintenance. Let’s start with what can and cannot go into the disposal:

Never Put the Following in Your Disposal:

Grease – Many people don’t know it, but grease can wreak havoc on not only your garbage disposal but the rest of your homes plumbing as well.

Hot Water – When using the grinder, do not use hot water. Hot water will liquefy grease, causing build up that will eventually result in a clog.

Combustibles – Grinding combustibles can result in damage, fire, injury and death.

Potato Peels – When mixed with water and mashed up, potato peels form a thick paste like substance that can gum up the works of your disposal and cause clogs.

Expandable Foods – Foods like pasta and rice expand when submerged in water. Even after being grinded down, they can still cause clogs.

Large Bones – Grinding large animal bones can cause damage to the grinder blades and clog pipes.

Because it will expand and cause clogs, never put pasta into your disposal

Maintaining Your Disposal

Dish Soap – While running cold water through the disposal, add a small amount of regular dish soap. Let the water run for 15 min or until bubbles stop forming.

Regular Use – Run your disposal frequently, even if you do not use it often. Running the disposal and cold water for a few minutes a week prevents rust, corrosion and will prolong the life of your disposal.

Odor Control – Your disposal deals with some pretty nasty stuff. Grinding up Citrus fruit peels will help keep foul odors under control.

Running Water – Always run cold water while using the disposal and never use hot water (see above).

Small Bones – Grinding up small bones can actually help maintain your disposal. As the bone is broken up into smaller particles, the bone shrapnel bouncing around will clean the inside of the disposal by loosening waste stuck to the walls.

Ice Cubes – Every month, grind up around 10 to 20 normal sized ice cubes. This will help sharpen the blades, break down grease and clean hard to reach areas as it melts down the drain.

Always run water cold water while using your disposal