Emergency plumbing situations can occur at any time of year, but they are more likely to occur during the winter months. Last month on the blog, we shared the top three common winter emergency situations we see during the winter months along with preventative action you can take to best avoid the headache of navigating these circumstances. One of the most common winter emergency situations we shared (and have received numerous emergency calls about) is a lack of water and heat.

We tend to only think about the efficiency of our water heaters and boilers when we experience these emergencies, but efficiency is an important issue to consider long-term so that you can avoid the headache of an emergency situation and save money on your utility bills.

Did you know?

• US consumers are facing significantly higher heating costs this winter due to a colder-than-average winter and high energy prices.
• About 25 % of the energy used in your home goes toward heating your water.
• By choosing a high efficiency water heater (instead of a standard water heater), you can cut your energy use by 10-50 %.
• Your home could be wasting as much as 35 % of generated heat. By upgrading to a high-efficiency boiler, you can reduce wasted heat and cut fuel costs. This is a two-fold benefit. Your home gets more heat, and you save money. Some homeowners found that upgrading their boiler cut their bill by as much as 50 %.

Water Heater Efficiency in 2023

Your water heater needed to work harder than usual through Maryland’s cold winter months. To avoid emergencies and save on costs, it is important to resolve any underlying issues that could wreak havoc on your home’s water heater.

If you have a gas water heater, it’s important to check the pilot, thermocouple, and pilot control valve. In electric water heaters, it’s important to inspect the thermostat and heating elements. Additionally, sediment and other minerals tend to build up on the bottom of water heaters which can cause your water heater to utilize more energy and lose efficiency over time. A licensed warrior plumber is able to assess your water heater to ensure it is working properly, flush it out regularly to prevent damage, and help you upgrade to ensure efficiency over time. Not sure if an upgrade is right for you? Here are a few signs that may indicate its time:

Water Heater Age

Most water heaters begin to have problems when they’ve been in regular use for 8 to 10 years.

Water Heater Rust

Is your hot water less than clear? Or is rust visible on the storage tank or pipe connections?

Water Heater Noise

Water heaters should be relatively noiseless. If you notice rumbling noises increasing in volume it’s time to start shopping.

Water Heater Leaks

It pays to pay regular attention to your water heater. Catching a small leak can save you thousands of dollars in property damage.

Water Heater Temperature

If your hot water is becoming noticeably cooler, it may be in need of a new thermostat. If your heater is less than 7 years old, a new thermostat may be a good direction to go. If it’s older than 8 years old, odds are that more issues will start and you’ll be better off finding a replacement.

Boiler Efficiency in 2023

Boilers are like the motor of your home. They not only protect your family from the elements, they are needed to keep everything within your house at a temperature that it can function properly. But like anything, boilers can fail at the most inopportune moments due to faulty parts, pumps, or electrical components.

Just like your vehicle, boilers should be serviced on an annual basis to ensure they are working at optimum efficiency and properly heating your home. Unlike a vehicle though, it may not be obvious when to replace your boiler. Here are a few signs to look out for:

Boiler Age

Through consistent use, your boiler can experience wear and tear. Heating the metal can cause warping which can compromise the structure of the boiler. If your boiler is more than 15 years old, you likely need a new boiler. Older boilers will not only have warping, but compromised efficiency as well. They will lack safety features that keep everyone safe in your home. Replacing boilers now can save you money and it is best to get one before autumn and winter as demand ramps up during these seasons.

Boiler Inefficiency

Another reason to replace your boiler is when it starts to eat up more power or fuel. A boiler is an efficient system that relies on consistent heat to keep a higher temperature in your home. If your boiler stays lukewarm or takes hours before it can heat your home, you need a new boiler as soon as possible. There are many different reasons for a boiler going tepid and inefficient. Check if you can do maintenance or repair first. If the problem keeps coming back, replace the boiler with a fresh unit.

Boiler Leaks

Do you have leaks in your boiler? Are you noticing that the area around your boiler has puddles? If your boiler is leaking, you might want to buy yourself a new one. Leaking boilers tend to have a problem with the general structure of the entire boiler itself. This may come from the boiler itself or the pipes around it. A Warrior plumber can help inspect the general area when the boiler is off and replace it if needed.

Boiler Smells

A boiler’s entire process should not give off any type of odor. If you notice unfamiliar smells, you might want to put your boiler in for a repair. If the smell persists, you may need a new boiler. The range of odors that you may get from your boiler can come from rust deposits to dirt and sludge from the radiators. You may smell something metallic, which is rust. Also, make sure to check and prevent carbon monoxide poisoning. Carbon monoxide is odorless and tasteless, but if you’re feeling ill out of nowhere, check if there’s a need for repairs.

Boiler Frequent Repairs

When your boiler is getting more and more repairs, you might want to consider replacing it in full. A boiler that needs consistent replacements means there is an inherent issue in the system itself. As boilers grow older as well, they get more and more expensive. Parts availability becomes an issue, until your total repairs may cost the same as a new boiler. If your boiler is having continuous issues and is starting to need 3 or 4 major repairs, consider replacing the entire unit.

Need a Baltimore Area Plumbing Professional? Call Warrior Plumbing & Heating

Stay ahead of potential home disasters and high utility costs by assessing your home systems today. We’re here to help! Simply fill out our contact us form or call us at 443-967-3736.

Water is a daily essential that every household uses. We use it within our day to day lives so often through tasks like drinking, bathing, cooking, and cleaning that it is easy to forget how important it is and imagine what it would be like without it. Luckily, most public water here in Maryland is generally safe to drink, but every source of water contains some level of contamination. Many homes may suffer from hard water, which is contamination from environmental, biological, and even industrial pollution. However, pollution isn’t the only contributor to hard water—old plumbing systems and naturally occurring minerals can build up, and continual exposure over a long period of time can be problematic.

Most households that have hard water get through it by only drinking bottled water but the contaminants within the water can still impact the household in other ways such as through bathing. One of the best ways to rid your household of these contaminants is to invest in a whole home filtration system.

Types of Home Filtration Systems

There are a variety of home filtration systems, ranging from standard capacity to heavy duty whole house filter systems. The one you pick depends on the level of contaminants in your water. Standard capacity filtration systems work great for most homes with mild hard water whereas some homes require heavy duty whole house filter systems. While heavy duty whole house filter systems can be pricey and larger compared to standard capacity filtration systems, the initial cost is offset by their quality and durability. These filters can protect your water for up to 10 years before you need to replace it or buy a new one.

Need a Baltimore Area Plumber to Test Your Home’s Water?

Ultimately, having a professional Warrior plumber test your water with a water testing kit is a great way to examine your water and decide what level of filtration you need. If you have any questions or concerns about hard water in your home, don’t hesitate to reach out. We would be happy to answer any questions, test the water within your home, share the results, and go over water filtration options – should it be needed. Please contact us by using our form on our website or by calling us at 443-967-3736.

While emergency plumbing situations can occur at any time of year, they are more likely to occur during the winter months. Cold weather and increased hot water demand amidst large holiday gatherings tend to put a strain on our plumbing systems. Common winter plumbing emergencies we tend to see this time of year include frozen or busted pipes, lack of hot water/heat, and clogged drains. To avoid the headache of navigating these common emergencies this season, we’ve pulled together this guide to winter plumbing emergencies and winterizing tips for your home.

Savings Bundle

Warrior Plumbing and Heating has bundled up our most popular (and most crucial) winter weather services to save you hundreds of dollars. We are offering a water heater inspection, sump pump inspection, and boiler service for a low price of just $350. Typically, these services cost upwards of $500 – $600.

To take advantage of this price through 2022, simply fill out our contact us form or call us at 443-967-3736. Keep in mind, this offer excludes high-efficiency water heaters and boilers. We’d be happy to give you a fair price on a high-efficiency bundle, however.

*Additional $100 Charge for Steam Boiler Service

Common Emergency 1: Frozen or Busted Pipes

When cold temperatures cause pipes to freeze, the freeze-thaw cycle can loosen connections or cause pipes to break entirely. Busted pipes are often the result of pipes getting so cold that the water inside them freezes. As a result, the pipe expands and bursts the pipe open.

Winterizing Tips

Pipe Insulation

If any of your pipes are housed in non-heated areas, such as a basement or a garage, it is crucial to ensure these pipes are insulated. This protection will help keep your pipes from freezing.

Disconnect Outdoor Faucets

Water inside outdoor faucets are often the first to freeze and expand if they are left connected during colder temperatures. To help prevent this, simply disconnect your water hoses, drain them of any remaining water, and store the hoses in a dry area.

Check for Outdoor Faucet Leaks

After you disconnect any outdoor faucets, check for any leaks or drips that may need to be fixed. A leaking faucet can lead to water damage and severe plumbing issues during a freeze. Once your outdoor faucets are fully fixed, cover and insulate the faucets to avoid future issues.

Find the Water Shut-off Valve

Do you know where your main shut-off valve is? If a frozen pipe does burst, the first course of action is to prevent further damage by shutting off the water to your home. Ensure that you and each person who lives in the home knows where the main shut-off valve is and how to turn it off.

Common Emergency 2: Lack of Hot Water and Heat

The second most common winter plumbing emergency we see is a lack of hot water and/or heat within the home caused by malfunctioning water heaters and boilers.

With cooler temperatures, the water entering your home becomes colder. This means that your water heater needs to work harder than usual. This is also the time of year when we Marylanders want to pump more hot water into our sinks, tubs, and showers to stay warm. With this increased activity, underlying issues can emerge. Faulty parts, sediment build up, or a bad winter storm can wreak havoc on your home’s water heater.

Boilers are like the motor of your home. They not only protect your family from the elements, they are needed to keep everything within your house at a temperature that it can function properly. But like anything, boilers can fail at the most inopportune moments due to faulty parts, pumps, or electrical components causing needed boiler repair.

Winterizing Tips

Water Heater Inspection

If you have a gas water heater, it’s important to keep an eye on the pilot, thermocouple, and pilot control valve. In electric water heaters, it’s important to inspect the thermostat and heating elements. A licensed warrior plumber will be able to assess these parts for faults and ensure they are working properly.

Sediment and other minerals also tend to build up on the bottom of water heaters. This causes your water heater to utilize more energy and lose efficiency over time. Your home’s water heater should be flushed out regularly to avoid build up and prevent damage.

Boiler Service

Just like your vehicle, boilers should be serviced on an annual basis to ensure they are working at optimum efficiency and properly heating your home.

Common Emergency 3: Clogged Drains

The third most common winter plumbing emergency we see is clogged drains. The winter season often consists of large holiday get-togethers and delicious foods. As a result, your drain lines may clog from time to time during the season.

Winterizing Tips

To prevent clogs, keep an eye out for oily or fatty foods and be careful of any stringy foods falling into the sink. You also want to be careful not to flush certain items, such as “flushable wipes” down the toilet, and follow these simple tips to avoid needing a garbage disposal repair.

We can be prepared if a clog does happen. We recommend always keeping a plunger in your kitchen and bathroom. In case of drains, you can use the plunger to dislodge the clog. Another handy tool is a plumbing auger or drain snake. This is an inexpensive tool that can be found at any local hardwood store. It helps you to dislodge a clog, snag it, and bring it out of the drain. If you have littles like we do, this is especially helpful to recover legos that accidentally made their way down the drain or their favorite action figure that just wanted to save the day. If you can see the object that is causing the clog but don’t have this tool, you can try to create a home-made auger by bending a hanger. Be careful though not to scratch your toilet or sink with the metal wire of the hanger.

In Need of a Baltimore Plumber? Call Warrior Plumbing & Heating

We understand that winter plumbing emergencies may still happen, despite the very best attempts at prevention. If you need us, we’re here to help – 24/7! Simply fill out our contact us form or call us at 443-967-3736.

Finding a leak in the bathroom area is a common but stressful part of home ownership. Leaks can occur with the shower, bath, toilet, central heating, or other plumbing and can easily lead to an emergency situation. If addressed quickly though, many of these common leaks are simple and affordable to fix. We’ve put together this homeowner’s guide to identify the most common bathroom leaks and how to fix them before they become larger, more expensive issues.

Shower Leak in Bathroom

Bathroom leaks from showers can be difficult to find and can have a number of causes. These include leaks from: the shower itself, the shower waste pipe, the shower base, broken tiles/grout around the shower, the pipes feeding the shower, a broken or damaged water seal, and/or damage around the outside of the shower.

The most common form of leak caused by a shower is a splash leak. This type of leak occurs when water escapes the shower and splashes onto the walls or floor. Although this type of leak is common and often easier to address than other leaks, splash leaks can cause serious damage to your home. Signs of water damage include peeling paintwork and rotting flooring. Water puddles on vinyl flooring, for example, can cause the flooring to curl and deteriorate to such a level where it will allow water to come into contact with whatever is underneath – usually wood. These leaks can go unnoticed until water stains on the ceiling in the room below the bathroom begin to appear – highlighting a ceiling leak.

Typically, splash leaks are caused by using a bad or ineffective shower curtain, or old and worn caulking where the shower meets the floor. Even bathrooms with shower doors can be impacted though if the gasket is damaged or the frame is dislodged. These leaks can be spotted by inspecting pools of water around the outside of the shower after use. Keep in mind that water might take several minutes to appear. You might also notice damage or molding on the surrounding floor. Depending on the exact cause of the leak, a splash leak can be fixed by replacing your shower curtain, recaulking around the shower, replacing the shower door gaskets, or having a new frame installed. If severe, you may also replace your shower entirely.

If you are not aware of the cause of a shower leak or if you are in need of help, you can always consult with a Warrior professional to find the exact cause of a shower leak and get an estimate of the project cost before proceeding with next steps.

Bath Leak in Bathroom

Much like shower leaks, bath leaks can have multiple causes and be difficult to find. For example, a bath leak can be caused by: a plumbing leak to the bath, a leak from the plug or waste area, a broken or damaged overflow, damage to the seal around the bath, damage to the bath itself, and a damaged area around the outside of the bath.

One of the key differences between shower leaks and bath leaks is that, in some situations, bath leaks can lead to more emergent situations because of the volume of water involved. Often, the first sign of a bath leak is a ceiling leak in the room below. You can check all areas and seals for gaps but it is often difficult to spot leaks as the pipework can be hidden behind bathroom paneling and walls. If unable to identify where a leak is coming from or help is needed, it is best to consult a Warrior professional for further inspection and to propose an estimated cost with next steps

Toilet Leak in Bathroom

Another common source of bathroom leaks is in or around the toilet area. These leaks are typically more unpleasant as waste/sewer water can leak causing hygiene risks and bad smells. Generally toilet leaks are caused by the: plumbing to the toilet, the waste pipe from the toilet (after flushing), the mechanism of the toilet, and from a broken toilet base.

Your toilet is probably used quite often and damage can escalate quickly to become an expensive plumbing repair job. A toilet base leak can occasionally be fixed by simply tightening the bolts that connect the toilet to the floor. But you want to be careful not to tighten too much, or you can crack the base. If that does not solve the problem, you will have to remove the toilet and replace the wax gasket that connects the toilet to the flooring below.

Inspecting and replacing the base level components of your toilet is best left to a professional to ensure the issue is resolved and no further damage is done to the bathroom. Ignoring this problem can lead to water damage in other areas of your home – especially if the toilet is in an upper floor bathroom. If the leak worsens, it may be time to replace the toilet entirely.

Central Heating Bathroom Leak

A bathroom leak can occur within homes that have central heating as there is often a radiator or towel rail of some sort located within the bathroom. A radiator or towel rail located within a bathroom tends to experience daily use leading to further wear and tear. In some instances, this can contribute to the weakening of plumbing joints or connections which may then leak. Alternatively, leaks can occur from the actual radiator itself causing needed professional repair or replacement.

Need a Baltimore area professional plumber? Contact Warrior Plumbing and Heating

General plumbing leaks can surface within bathrooms where there are various connections to the water system, including the above list, as well as feeds to those items. It is no secret that ignoring these leaks in your bathroom can wreak havoc within your home, causing severe water damage and mold, which often demand large and costly project renovations in the future. If you are in need of a Baltimore area professional plumber to resolve your bathroom leak, please contact us by using our form on our website or by calling us at 443-967-3736. We are here to help with our 24/7 emergency service!

If you are a homeowner who is feeling antsy about your current home, you have two options: renovate or move. This is a tough decision, and there are many aspects to consider before deciding what is best for you and your family.

One of the most stressful life events according to 60 % of Americans is moving and, if given a choice between the two, approximately 76% of Americans would rather use a set amount of money to renovate their home instead of using the money on a down payment to move into a new home. Given our current state of the economy, we recognize that it is an incredibly expensive and difficult time to buy a home.

Warrior Plumbing and Heating has been known for its plumbing and heating expertise but we also have decades of construction experience under our MD Contracting License. If you decide renovating your home is the best option for you and your family, we can help manage your project from start to finish so that you can avoid the stress that comes along with moving and turn your home into the haven you need it to be!

Renovating your Home in 2022

Customize your Home to Fit your Needs

If you already have a house that you love, doing a remodel is the simplest way to live in a house that fits your needs. Remodeling lets you customize your current home without the hassle and stress of a big move. There are a range of customizations you can make but the most popular include:

• Updating the current design;
• Improving the ventilation to control stubborn mold/mildew;
• Increasing the storage space;
• Improving accessibility; and
• Lowering utility bills with new, efficient fixtures and appliances.

Increase the Value of your Home

Beyond having a kitchen and or bathroom that you will be proud of, there are financial reasons that also make remodeling a good idea. Renovating is one of the best ways to strategically improve your home value. If you decide to move in the future, an updated kitchen and bathroom can help your home stand out among prospective buyers which will help your home to sell faster and for more money. Grow your house’s worth with smart projects and additions, and your net profit could skyrocket down the line.

Save Money on Moving

Moving is stressful — and it’s expensive. Why spend thousands on moving costs alone when you could renovate your bathroom and kitchen for the same price? The cost of moving is especially wasteful if you are only gaining minimal equity from your home sale.

Looking for a Professional Baltimore Area Bathroom and Kitchen Renovator?

If you are ready to tackle your next renovation project and discuss the vision for your home, contact us today by filling out our contact us form or calling us at 443-967-3736.

Summer 2022 is quickly approaching, and with that, many families experience bustling activities and large gatherings within their homes. Garbage disposals are among the most popular appliances used over the summer months. These electrically powered devices located under the kitchen sink are so handy, but we often don’t realize all they do until they begin to malfunction. If not operated or maintained correctly, garbage disposals can require expensive repairs or replacement.

Garbage Disposal Maintenance

When this inconvenience hits, there are a few things you should and should not do to solve the problem. For example, if you suspect your garbage disposal is broken and decide to repair it yourself, never place your hand down the drain into the disposal. Also, never pour an over-the-counter drain treatment as it can further damage the appliance. Instead, make sure the disposal is plugged in. If it is, try pressing the reset button found at the bottom of the appliance.

If resetting your disposal doesn’t fix the problem, it’s time to contact a plumbing service. Not only is this a dangerous job for individuals to do themselves, but the slightest wrong move can damage your appliance beyond repair.

Is My Garbage Disposal Broken?

Consequently, some of the common signs that your garbage disposal may be broken include strange, humming like noises coming from the sink, leaks, or water that drains slowly. Damaged disposals are usually caused by improper disposal of food waste.

To avoid needing to replace your garbage disposal, avoid placing the following items inside the drain:

• Glass, plastic, metal
• Oils and fats
• Large or hard food items
• Potato peels
• Expandable foods like pasta or rice
• Bones, meat, skin
• Fibrous foods
• Apple seeds or peach pits

Garbage Disposal Repair Cost

Clogged drain lines should be looked at by a professional. Taking care of the matter yourself can not only further damage the disposal but endanger your safety. Hiring a reliable plumbing service is the best option and it does not have to cost you an arm and a leg. Reliable plumbing providers are also able to tell you if the garbage disposal is repairable or needs to be replaced. On average, repair costs are estimated at $225 and replacement costs are estimated at $425 but a higher replacement cost may be worth it given the damage and/or age of the appliance.

Hiring A Baltimore County Garbage Disposal Professional

Whatever the case may be, an experienced, licensed Warrior professional is able to repair your garbage disposal or install a brand new one for you in only a matter of hours, if needed. Maintenance is always best though as many plumbing problems can be prevented with a little knowledge and preparation. The best offense is a good defense and we’d be happy to schedule your annual plumbing inspection to keep your entire plumbing system healthy and efficient. For any future garbage disposal repair or replacement needs and to schedule your annual plumbing inspection, simply fill out our contact us form or call us at 443-967-3736.