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.

Senior Bathroom Makeover

If you are a Senior or have one living with you, these tips will be helpful in reducing the risk of injuries from falls.

According to the CDC (Centers for Disease Control), at least 1 in 4 adults over the age of 65 falls each year.  The National Institute on Aging reports that 80% of all falls in the home occurs in the BATHROOM. Warrior Plumbing and Heating can make any bathroom safer and easier to use for Seniors or those with limited mobility. If you’d just like handrails installed or a complete remodel, please Contact Us and we’ll get started on your project right away!

7 Tips for a Senior Friendly Bathroom Design

Swap out the Bathtub

There are many reasons to swap out a standard bathtub with a walk-in type.  The main reasons are for the safety and convenience of seniors or those with limited mobility. Even with handrails, getting in and out of a standard bathtub can be risky for some people. Walk-in bathtubs are the safest option for unassisted and assisted bathers.

There are many different styles of walk-in bathtubs to choose from and prices have been decreasing as their popularity has grown. In Maryland, Warrior Plumbing can help you select and install the perfect walk-in bathtub for your needs.

Convert your Shower

People don’t often think that a standard shower can be a safety issue. For some though, having to step over even a small threshold can increase the risk of a dangerous fall. Senior-friendly showers come in many configurations and there are conversion kits available as well.

The components of a senior friendly shower can include a beveled threshold which allows for wheelchair or walker access, a bench, grab bars, handrails, support poles, a slip-resistant floor, a hand-held shower spray (accessible from the bench), an anti-scald valve, and more.

Raise the Toilet

The height of a standard toilet seat is often too low for ease of use by many seniors. This is also the case for anyone with back, hip, or knee problems. Having handrails can help but raising your toilet is an even better option.  New raised toilets are not expensive and there are no special installation requirements.

There are many raised seats which can be used with existing toilets. Depending on your needs, this could be the best option. If this bathroom will be used by seniors extensively, or if the home is in a senior living community, replacing the toilet with a toilet that has a raised seat often makes the most sense and can even add value to the property.

Manage the Lighting

Seniors will manage better in bathrooms with even lighting on all surfaces. Bathrooms which only have strong overhead lighting can produce shadows which can make it difficult to navigate or find items. Wall mounted light fixtures can provide an even distribution of light. High gloss finishes with paint and countertops should be avoided as these can produce glare and can also be confusing for the visually impaired.

Change out your Flooring

Smooth floors in bathrooms look elegant but are dangerously slick when wet.  Throw rugs or mats can help but they can also be a tripping risk. The best option for a safe bathroom flooring is a slip-resistant, cushioned material such as Rubber. Rubber flooring is available as rolls or tiles but is more expensive than other options. The advantages of using Rubber as bathroom flooring is that it is both slip and moisture-resistant and offers the most cushion in case of a fall. But as we mentioned, it is also expensive and there are limited designs as compared to Vinyl or Tile flooring. Slip-resistant Vinyl is a very good option and is much easier on the budget.  Vinyl is easy to maintain, comes in many styles, and offers more cushion than tile in case of a fall.

Add in Handrails and Grab Bars

Handrails can make a senior’s life much easier and safer. Having something to hold onto when getting up from the toilet, bath, or shower bench allows for greater independence. A sturdy well-placed handrail either outside of the bathroom or anywhere there is a step or incline will make your bathroom more Senior or limited mobility friendly.

Declutter the Room

Our last tip is often overlooked when it comes to maintaining a safe environment for Seniors or those with limited mobility. The floor is the most important area when it comes to removing clutter. Trash cans need to be kept under a cabinet, doorstops should not be used, and all items should be kept out of the walking path. Throw rugs can be a tripping hazard and should be avoided in the senior or limited mobility friendly home.

In need of a Baltimore area plumber? Contact Warrior Plumbing and Heating today to make your bathroom safe!

During the summer months, North American families use about 50 % more water than the rest of the year in an effort to stay cool and hydrated. As a result, you may see a drastic rise in your household bills during the summer season. We’ve pulled together this list of our top five summer plumbing tips to mitigate these costs:

Inspect Your Hoses

Enjoying the adventure of the great outdoors during the summer months means that your washing machine hoses and water usage will likely be utilized the heaviest during the summer season. Ensure your hoses are inspected as the summer months set in so that you can enjoy the season without needing to worry about possible leaks or damage within your home.

Use More Efficient Appliances

Certain water, gas, and electric appliances have more efficiency compared to others. When replacing old appliances, it is important to ask your licensed Warrior plumber about the durability of the new product. While it may cost more up front to purchase an efficient and reliable product, it could save you more in the long run when it comes to bill payments and probable replacements of less efficient appliance models.

Maintain and Turn Off your Water Heater

Do you have plans to go on vacation this summer? Remember that your water heater does not have to remain on while you are away from home. Turning off your water heater will save energy and, as a result, will lower your monthly bill. The average water heater should be able to last within your home between 8 and 10 years. It is important though that your water heater is maintained to ensure its durability. At least once a year, your water heater should have the sediment removed and the unit should be cleaned. If going on a vacation, it may be a good idea to schedule such maintenance with a trusted Warrior plumber while you are gone.

Avoid Clogs

The summer months often consist of family get togethers and delicious foods. As a result, your pipes and sinks may clog from time to time during the season. To prevent clogs, keep an eye out for oily or fatty foods and be careful of any stringy foods falling into the sink. These tend to clog small water pipes and are easily preventable.

Be Responsible When Watering The Garden

The best time to water your garden is either in the morning or at night. Watering in the middle of the day causes most of the moisture to be lost in evaporation whereas watering in the morning or night allows your garden to absorb most of the moisture. To save money and get the best results for your garden, you can ask your Warrior plumber to automate your sprinkler system accordingly. It is also wise to be careful about the presence of shrubs and trees in your garden. Any moisture will pull the roots further underground and may damage installed pipes around your house.

You can prepare for the summer season and avoid high bills by following these top five plumbing tips. For help in checking that your home is in proper working order for the summer, contact your licensed Warrior plumber today.

It is a seller’s market these days, but, as a seller, you may be worried about potential plumbing issues that a home inspector could find. We understand that selling a house is a difficult process so we’ve put together this checklist of easy plumbing repairs you can make now before a home inspector comes to examine your home’s plumbing.

Why do I need a home inspection?

Purchasing a home is one of the biggest investments that a buyer will make. A thorough home inspection gives a buyer details about a home’s structure, foundation, electrical, plumbing and more. A home inspector checks the areas of a home beyond what a buyer could see on the surface and allows a buyer with a peace of mind in knowing that the investment they are making is sound. It is important that a home inspection has a positive result as it will detail whether or not a new buyer will have to spend extra money fixing costly issues.

A plumbing inspection can be just what you need to secure a sale. This summer, Warrior Plumbing and Heating is offering a plumbing home inspection special. Through August 31^st, we are offering a 1-2 bathroom home inspection for the low price of $375 and a 2-4 bathroom home inspection for the low price of $475.

During an inspection, a licensed Warrior plumber will examine your home’s plumbing system to check for any leaks, drainage problems, corrosion, cracks, clogs or other issues before you list it this summer. This special includes a sewer camera inspection up to 60 ft, a sump pump inspection without radon, and a water heater inspection. Once our plumbers have completed their inspection, we will provide you with a summary of our findings and discuss possible recommendations to maintain your home’s plumbing system.

What plumbing repairs should I make?

Undetected Leaks

One of the top to-dos before scheduling a home inspection is to check your home for any plumbing leaks. Leaks can go undetected for long periods of time because most homeowners are unaware of or ignore small leaks until they lead to bigger problems. Leaks can cause serious damage to a home overtime and can lead to health concerns with the possible growth of mold and mildew. Some home inspectors use thermal imaging to discover hidden leaks so any leaks are best to be resolved before a home inspection takes place.

Dripping Faucets and Leaking Toilets

Home inspectors inspect all interior water supply and distribution systems which includes any dripping faucets and leaking toilets. These issues are usually a very easy fix and can be quickly resolved before a home inspection takes place.

Clogged and Blocked Drains

Clogged and blocked drains are plumbing issues that can lead to a negative result on a home inspection. Although these issues can have negative consequences on a home’s plumbing system, they are often an easy fix. Hiring a licensed plumber to assess and correct the problem is highly recommended.

Replace Old Water Heater

According to the U.S. Department of Energy, the water heater is the second largest (heating/air conditioning is the first) expense in a home. Faulty parts, sediment build up, or a bad winter storm can wreak havoc on a home’s water heater. Overtime, these aspects cause a water heater to utilize more energy and lose efficiency over time. While a home’s water heater should be flushed out regularly to avoid build up and prevent damage, a potential buyer would be more drawn to a home where an older water heater has been replaced and upgraded. The efficiency of home appliances is constantly improving and should be replaced with a newer “Energy Star” rating model every 10 years.

Exterior Plumbing Issues

In addition to the plumbing inside the house, a home inspector will check the plumbing on the outside of the property. This includes any pipes where water is transported from the city to the home and any sewage removal pipes. In addition, a home inspector will check the home’s water meter to ensure that it is working properly. A homeowner may be unaware of exterior plumbing issues that lead to spending too much on a water bill each month.

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

At the end of the day, preventative maintenance is always better than needing to make repairs. As a seller, there are steps you can make now to avoid the panic before a home inspector comes to examine your home’s plumbing. Contact us here or call us at 443-967-3736 to schedule a plumbing inspection and take advantage of our summer special today.

With more time spent at home lately, our home’s plumbing has been pulling extra duty which may lead to more backups that we simply do not have the time for. The good news though is that minor clogs are often easy fixes with the right tool. We’ve pulled together this list of simple tools you can have on hand to solve minor clogs yourself, save money, and get your home’s plumbing back up and running properly in a timely manner:

Toilet Plunger

While you don’t need to be superman or superwoman to use a toilet plunger, this tool does require some muscle. A good toilet plunger creates a tight seal around the toilet bowl drain to help unclog a toilet. Your first step is always to turn the water off first before using the plunger in a downward vigorous motion until the clog is released. Flush to be sure the waste and water flows down. If it does not flow down, continue until the clog is released.

Plumbing Auger/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 its 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.

Sink Plunger

A blocked garbage disposal is often the root cause of a clogged kitchen sink. Your first point of action should always be to check to see if you have a broken or overheated garbage disposal. Your next course of action is to use a household plunger. It is best to designate one plunger for your sinks separate from the plunger used for toilets. Sometimes, a clog can be in the curve under the sink. In these instances, you can use a wrench to unfasten the P-Trap and a bucket to catch the water and any other debris that may come out. If the clog is further down the system, you can use a plumbing auger or drain snake to try and break up the clog.

Natural Cleaners

Cleaners made with a concentrated mix of bacteria can break down a clog without harming your pipes. Keep a bottle of natural cleaner handy and use it periodically to both avoid clogs from occurring and solve minor issues. Be patient when using as the cleaner needs several hours to work. While it may be tempting to dump liquid drain cleaners for a quick fix, the chemicals found in those cleaners can actually damage your pipes and eat at them overtime – especially in older homes.

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

Minor clogs are often easy DIY fixes with a few simple tools. If your home’s plumbing system shows signs of repeated clogs or other issues, this may be a sign of a much larger problem. Whether they be minor or major issues, our experts at Warrior Plumbing are here to help with any concerns you have. Simply contact us to ensure your home’s plumbing system runs smoothly.

Warrior Plumbing recommends getting a camera inspection of your sewer line whenever you are experiencing system problems. While getting a camera inspection for your sewer line, Warrior Plumbing can also inspect your water line for any issues you may be unaware of. This is the type of home maintenance you’re best to stay ahead of.

This month, Warrior is offering our customers a bundle of savings. We are providing a sewer line camera inspection AND a free water line inspection for just $225! This bundle includes any water and sewer lines under 60 feet. Additional costs may apply for anything above this footage or if we need to pull a toilet to run the camera.

Call today to schedule because this offer ends March 1st, 2021.

What if I need a replacement?

When a licensed Warrior plumber inspects your water lines or sewer line, they may advise directional boring and pipe bursting solutions to fix any issues that are found.

You may be asking yourself, what on Earth is ‘directional boring’ or ‘pipe bursting’? And why is my Warrior plumber recommending it?

Directional boring equipment is used for water line replacements. Once damage has been identified with a water line inspection, your Warrior plumber will replace your line using directional boring technology. The first step is to create a ‘Pilot Hole’. This is the primary boring point to establish a connection with your underground lines. With the pilot hole formed, your Warrior plumber will use directional boring equipment to enlarge the connection for specific pipe diameters, and drill through soil according to the material being cut.

Pipe Bursting is used for sewer line replacements. Once damage has been identified with a sewer line camera inspection, your Warrior plumber will replace your line using a pipe bursting method. Through this method, your Warrior plumber will follow the same path of your existing sewer line by pulling the new pipe through the old pipe. The end result would be a replacement of your sewer line.

Directional boring and pipe bursting can completely replace lines damaged by virtually anything, which includes:

Faulty installation or poorly matched pipe joints

Cracking and breakages due to environmental pressures, such as shifting soil or temperature wear

Rusting and corrosion with age

Chemical decomposition

Combined, directional boring and pipe bursting techniques are the most affordable, non-invasive ways for homeowners to deal with underground damage. These processes offer more than just immediate savings… they offer peace of mind for years to come.

Need help? Contact Warrior Plumbing and Heating

If you’re dealing with underground emergencies, and need an affordable, non-invasive way to replace your sewer or water line quickly, there’s no better solution than directional boring and pipe bursting. For more information, contact your Warrior Plumber today.

While the holiday season may look a little different this year, the holidays are often the busiest days for us at Warrior Plumbing and Heating. Many families experience bustling activities in their homes and falling temperatures can potentially lead to disasters within your home.

To prepare your home for the upcoming holidays and the winter season, Warrior Plumbing and Heating has pulled together a list of our top five seasonal maintenance tips.

Follow these top five tips to ensure you and your home are prepared for the upcoming holidays and the winter season:

Boilers

Boilers are like the motor of your home. They not only protect your family from the winter 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.

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.

Insulate Pipes

If any of your pipes are housed in non-heated areas, it is crucial to ensure these pipes are insulated. This protection will help keep your pipes from freezing during the winter.

Outdoor Water Hoses, Faucets, and Interior Shut-Off

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, disconnect your water hoses, drain them, and store them 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 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.

Need help from a licensed 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.