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.

Not all wounds are visible. Veterans and military families impacted by the traumatic experiences associated with war, face significant challenges that can have long-lasting negative mental health effects. Nearly 1 in 4 active duty members show signs of a mental health condition and it is estimated that 20 veterans die of suicide every day. As a veteran-owned business, Warrior Plumbing and Heating wants to recognize May 2022 as Mental Health Awareness Month and help improve upon the obstacles faced by the over 365,000 Veteran brothers and sisters that call Maryland home.

Our own family’s veteran, Collin, enlisted in the Marine Corps where he served two tours in Afghanistan as an 0311 Infantryman. Over the course of his service, he was awarded with the Bronze Star “V” and the Purple Heart. After being medically retired and navigating his own obstacles, Collin joined the family business and, together, the family sought to give back to the Veteran community through our “Help a Warrior” program.

The Help a Warrior program was created in 2017 and provides free plumbing and heating services to a Veteran in need each month. Warrior Plumbing and Heating is able to serve Veterans who live in Baltimore and the surrounding areas of Maryland.

Are you a Warrior? Do you know of a Warrior in need? If so, please visit our website here and fill out our form for consideration.

Resources

Knowing what resources are available is critical to ensuring our Veterans and their family members get the help they need. The resources below provide critical services and information for the Veteran community.

Veteran Crisis Services:

Veterans Crisis Line

Connects Veterans in crisis and their families and friends with qualified, caring Department of Veterans Affairs responders through a confidential toll-free hotline, online chat, or text. This resource is also available in Spanish.

The Veterans Call Center

An around-the-clock confidential call center where combat Veterans and their families can call to talk about their military experience or any other issue they are facing in their readjustment to civilian life. The staff consists of combat Veterans from several eras as well as family members of combat Veterans. This benefit is prepaid through the Veteran’s military service.

The Military Help Line

A 24 hour, free, confidential crisis support for military service members, Veterans, and their families. This resource is also available in Spanish.

The National Call Center for Homeless Veterans

A 24/7 assistance for Veterans who are homeless or at risk of homelessness. This resource is also available in Spanish.

General Resources (Including non-crisis emotional support):

NAMI Homefront

A free, 6-session educational program for families, caregivers, and friends of service members and veterans with mental health conditions.

National Resource Directory

A comprehensive website for wounded, ill, and injured Service Members, Veterans, their families, and those who support them.

Department of Veteran Affairs State Summary: Maryland

Veterans, families, and caregivers can access information about VA services like disability, pension, healthcare, eligibility, enrollment, and burial benefits, in addition to a self-service locator to find the nearest VA facility.

Maryland’s Commitment to Veterans (MCV)

A program under the Maryland Department of Health that collaborates with the United States Department of Veterans Affairs, the Maryland Department of Veterans Affairs, the Maryland National Guard, and the Maryland Defense Force to provide assistance to Veterans and their families to support a healthy transition to civilian life.

Military One Source

Offers a wide range of community resources and phone and text peer-to-peer support that serves all DoD, Active Duty, National Guard, and Reserve personnel and their direct family members. This resource is also available in Spanish.

Objective Zero

Connects Veterans, service members, their families, and caregivers to peer support via voice, video, and text. It also provides free access to wellness resources like yoga and meditation.

Legal Resources:

Stateside Legal

Provides legal help and information for military members, veterans, and their families.

The Veterans Consortium

Operates a global, federal Veterans Pro Bono Program to represent Veterans unjustly denied benefits or compensation earned from military service. This resource is also available in Spanish.

In Need of a Professional Baltimore Area Plumber?

If you are a Veteran or know of a Veteran in need of a Baltimore area plumber, please visit our website here and fill out our Help a Warrior form for consideration. Greater Baltimore area residents can also contact us at 443-967-3736 for same day, 24/7 emergency service.

The only time we tend to think about our water heaters and boilers is when we experience an immediate problem. To avoid headaches and save more money, an important issue to consider long-term is the efficiency of these systems.

Did you know?

• 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 %.

• Boilers don’t waste water as they utilize a closed system. This means that they recycle heated water repeatedly and don’t use any more energy than the majority of the other available heating systems.

• 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 2022

Your water heater needed to work harder than usual through Maryland’s cold winter months. As we move towards spring, 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 2022

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 assess your home systems today. We’re here to help! Simply fill out our contact us form or call us at 443-967-3736.

The arctic air has been brutal here in Maryland over the past few weeks and it looks as if the cold temperatures are here to stay for a little while, bringing ice and snow along with it. One of the top calls we receive in the winter months is for frozen pipes and, while we are here to fix any plumbing issue our clients may have, there are a few key areas of focus that can help prevent plumbing disasters caused by the colder weather:

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 can freeze and expand if they are left connected during colder temperatures. This expansion can cause connected faucets and pipes to freeze and break. To help prevent this, simply disconnect your water hoses, drain them of any remaining water, and store the hoses in a dry area.

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.

Home Thermostat Temperature

If you are planning to head out of town, possibly somewhere a bit warmer, keep your home thermostat above 55 degrees.

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.

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

We understand that plumbing issues such as frozen pipes may still arise, despite the very best attempts at prevention. A few common signs of frozen pipes include visible frost build-up, a lack of water, and/or sinks beginning to smell. If you notice any of these signs, we’re here to help – 24/7! Simply fill out our contact us form or call us at 443-967-3736.

Winter is coming! No, we are not talking about the white walkers, but rather our unpredictable, brutal Maryland winters. To prepare our homes for the season, we have put together this quick guide to winterizing your home.

With some preparation and a plan in place, we can endure this winter season feeling better than we did after watching the finale of Game of Thrones. To prepare your home for the upcoming winter season, Warrior Plumbing and Heating has pulled together a list of our top five winter maintenance tips:

Boilers

Boilers are like the motor of your home. They protect your family from the winter elements and 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.

Water Heaters

As the weather turns colder, 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. 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 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.

Sump Pumps

A sump pump is only activated when it is needed and is meant to pump water out of and away from your home to avoid flooding. It is often not obvious that your sump pump isn’t working properly until it is too late. If your sump pump is exposed to any extreme temperatures, it may freeze and be able unable to operate. Preventative sump pump maintenance allows your Warrior plumber to identify any issues before they cause any costly damage to your home. Your sump pump should be inspected regularly to ensure it works properly when it’s needed most.

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 during the winter.

Outdoor Water Hoses, Outdoor Faucets, and Water Shut-Off Valve

Water inside outdoor faucets can freeze and expand if they are left connected during colder temperatures. This expansion can cause connected faucets and pipes to freeze and break. To help prevent this, simply disconnect your water hoses, drain them of any remaining water, and store the hoses in a dry area. After you remove the hose, check the faucet 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. You may also have an interior water shut-off valve in your home that is connected to outside faucets and plumbing. To avoid freezing, shut off the interior valve and open the outdoor faucet valve to ensure there is no remaining water in the line that could freeze.

In need of a Baltimore area professional plumber? Contact Warrior Plumbing and Heating

Stay ahead of the winter season. We’re here to help! Simply fill out our contact us form or call us at 443-967-3736.

Fall is here and it is time to start thinking about taking care of your plumbing before heading into the winter months. Many of us are still drying out from our recent rains, but it is never too early to prepare your plumbing for the changing seasons. It’s officially time to prepare your home for the cooler air with these fall plumbing tips.

Remove Your Outdoor Water Hoses

To ensure your garden hose lasts another year, it is important to stow it away properly as the colder weather approaches. The water in outdoor faucets can freeze and expand if they are left connected during colder temperatures. This expansion can cause connected faucets and pipes to freeze and break. To help prevent this, simply disconnect your water hoses, drain them of any remaining water, and store the hoses in a dry area that will not reach freezing temperatures.

Check your Outdoor Faucets and Interior Water Shut-Off Valve

After you remove the hose, check the faucet 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. You may also have an interior shut-off valve in your home that is connected to outside faucets and plumbing. To avoid freezing, shut off the interior valve and open the outdoor faucet valve to ensure there is no remaining water in the line that could freeze.

Check Your Sewer System

Believe it or not, the roller coaster that is Maryland weather can overwork your sewer system. Warrior Plumbing highly recommends getting a camera inspection of your sewer line anytime you’ve been having problems with your plumbing system. There could be a break in your sewer line that may be causing issues you are unaware of. This is the type of home maintenance you’re best to stay ahead of. If you have had any issues in the past or would like to have preventative maintenance completed, give us a call to schedule a sewer line inspection.

Complete Water Heater Maintenance

As the weather turns colder, your water heater needs to work harder than usual. This is also the time of year when we Marylanders start pumping 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 storm can wreak havoc on your home’s water heater. Your home’s water heater should be flushed out regularly to avoid build up and prevent damage. To increase your water efficiency and save money on your utility bill this season, make sure to schedule your next water heater service with us!

Inspect Your Sump Pump

With hurricanes season upon us until November 30th, and our recent wet weather, ensure your sump pump is working properly. A sump pump is only activated when it is needed and is meant to pump water out of and away from your home to avoid flooding. It is often not obvious that your sump pump isn’t working properly until it is too late. If your sump pump is exposed to any extreme temperatures, it may freeze and be able unable to operate. Preventative sump pump maintenance allows your Warrior plumber to identify any issues before they cause any costly damage to your home. Your sump pump should be inspected regularly to ensure it works properly when it’s needed most.

In need of a Baltimore area professional plumber? Contact Warrior Plumbing and Heating

We’re here to make sure your plumbing system is prepared for the temperatures ahead! No job is too big or too small for our Warrior plumbers. Give us a call today at 443-967-3736 or schedule an appointment online here to stay ahead of the cooler weather.

Can you believe it is already September? Temperatures will soon begin to drop here in Maryland. To prepare your home for the cooler season, Warrior Plumbing and Heating has put together this quick guide to preparing your home and has bundled up our most popular (and most crucial) cool weather services to save you hundreds of dollars.

We are offering a water heater inspection, sump pump inspection, and boiler service for a bundled up low price of just $325. Typically, these services cost upwards of $500 – $600.

If you decide to take advantage of these savings, you will be entered into a drawing to WIN BIG. Once this deal ends on October 1^st, we will choose one lucky winner and refund their entire service. Your entire service could be FREE.

To bundle up and save when preparing your home for the cooler season this year, simply fill out our contact us form or call us at 443-967-3736. Keep in mind, this offer excludes high-efficiency water heaters & boilers. We’d be happy to give you a fair price on a high-efficiency bundle, however. With some preparation and a plan in place, you and your home can endure the cooler temperatures.

Water Heaters

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.

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 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.

Sump Pumps

Maryland weather can beat up our homes with rain, ice, and snow. Flooding can become quite a problem during the cooler season, especially in the more vulnerable areas of your home like basements and crawlspaces. A sump pump is only activated when it is needed and is meant to pump water out of these vulnerable areas, away from your home, to avoid flooding.

Just like any other system in your home, your sump pump can develop faults. Unlike these other systems, though, it is often not obvious that your sump pump isn’t working properly until it is too late. Preventative sump pump maintenance allows your Warrior plumber to identify any issues before they cause any costly damage to your home. Your sump pump should be inspected regularly to ensure it works properly when it’s needed most.

Boilers

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.

In need of a Baltimore area professional plumber? Contact Warrior Plumbing and Heating

Stay ahead of potential home disasters. We’re here to help! Simply fill out our contact us form or call us at 443-967-3736 to bundle up and save.