At Bruce Solomon Plumbing, Heating & Air Conditioning, we have a long and proud of history of helping our customers solve plumbing problems of every kind.

We also have a customer-friendly track record of helping you avoid problems in the first place.

Here are several you can employ to good advantage to help keep your plumbing systems and fixtures in top working order.

Self-Help Tips

To keep your repair costs at a minimum, here are some self-help tips we know you’ll find useful:

1. Don’t pour grease down your kitchen drain.
2. Be careful what else you put in your garbage disposal.  Fibrous foods like lettuce, cooked vegetables, and potato skins don’t easily grind up – if they grind up at all – and eventually will cause your drain to back up.
3. Use organic vs. chemical drain cleaners for the good of the environment and to help prevent internal pipe corrosion that can later cause pipe leaks and cracks.
4. Run water when you use the disposal and keep it running for a few seconds after you turn it off.
5. Don’t operate the dishwasher if you think there’s a problem. It discharges into the disposal.
6. Check your washing machine hoses from time to time for leaks and loose connections.
7. Always use a screen or filter (hair snare) over lavatory and tub drains to snag hair and other objects that otherwise can cause your drains to clog.
8. To help a blocked toilet from getting worse, keep a plunger and drain snake handy at all times.  Start with the plunger and then move to the snake.  Even if you think you’ve gotten the clog pour a bucket of water down the toilet before attempting to flush it.  If  the water doesn’t go down, the clog is still there.
9. Periodically check the pipes below your kitchen and bathroom sinks for any leaks.
10. Attaching an aerator (the small screen at the end of a faucet) will help reduce water consumption by as much as 50% with no loss of pressure. If your pressure should drop, it could be as simple as removing the aerator and cleaning it.

Of course, no matter how careful and diligent you might be, sooner or later you’re bound to experience a plumbing problem that requires professional assistance.  And that’s exactly what we’re here for, 24/7.

Contact Bruce Solomon today for the service you need…from the people you trust.

410-833-2188
Click here to schedule service now

Molds are part of the natural environment.  Outdoors, molds play a part in nature by breaking down dead organic matter such as fallen leaves and dead trees, but indoors, mold growth should be avoided.  Molds reproduce by means of tiny spores; the spores are invisible to the naked eye and float through outdoor and indoor air.  Mold may begin growing indoors when mold spores land on surfaces that are wet.  There are many types of mold, and none of them will grow without water or moisture.

Here’s how to keep an eye out for possible mold growth and how to prevent it.

The Kitchen

Where should you start when you’re trying to prevent water damage? Where many people spend the most amount of time:  the kitchen.

• The Dishwasher: Periodically check for leaks under the sink where the hose connects to the water supply. Look around the base of the dishwasher for evidence of leaks, such as discolored, warped or soft flooring materials, or water damage to nearby cabinets.

• The Refrigerator: If your refrigerator has an icemaker, make sure the hose connection is securely attached to the water supply line. Also, a wet spot on the floor may be a sign of a crimped icemaker line about to burst.

• The Sink: Replace deteriorated caulk around sinks and check the pipes under the sink for leaks. A slow-draining pipe may indicate a partially blocked drain that needs cleaning.

The Bathroom

Not surprisingly, the bathroom has several common culprits that cause water damage.

• Showers and Bathtubs: Remove and replace deteriorated or cracked caulk and grout. Water from a broken supply pipe behind the wall can leak through these damaged sealants, causing stains or soft areas around nearby walls and floors. Leaking drain pipes and shower pan leaks are also common sources of water damage. If necessary, contact a plumber or contractor for help.

• Sinks: Check under the sink for leaks from water supply lines or drainpipes. If necessary, contact a plumber or contractor for help.

• Toilets: Clogs can result from too much toilet paper or objects such as hanging bowl deodorants. Also, some chlorine tablet cleaners may corrode internal plastic or rubber parts, leading to a leak.

The Laundry or Utility Room

Here are two often hidden and very fertile breeding grounds for mold.

• Washing Machine: Check hoses regularly for bulging, cracking, fraying, and leaks around hose ends. Replace the hose if a problem is found or every 3 to 5 years as part of a proactive maintenance program. To help make sure the hose doesn’t kink, leave at least 4 inches (or 11 centimeters) between the water connection and the back of the washing machine. Be sure to read the manufacturer’s installation instructions carefully.

• Water Heater: Most water heaters last 8 to 15 years. Wet spots on the floor or a rusted tank may signal a leak. Water heaters should be installed on the lowest level of the home, next to a floor drain, or inside a drain pan piped to the floor drain.

If you’re already experiencing problems with mold, call us right away at 410-833-2188.  Other services we offer than can help prevent and stop mold growth are:

• Finding and repairing water leaks
• Whole-house plumbing inspection
• Water heater maintenance and inspection
• Sump pumps
• Back-up sump pumps
• And more.

Remember:  mold can do more than damage your home.  It can be hazardous to your health.

Contact the professionals at Bruce Solomon today.  We’re always ready to help.

410-833-2188

Click here to ask questions or schedule service now

Learn how a ductless heat pump can provide more comfortable conditions and greater energy savings for your Baltimore County home.

A ductless air system (heat pump) is a dual heating and cooling system that functions without the use of ducts.

Ductless systems have outside condensing units, just like central air conditioning.  But instead of pumping air into an air handler and then through forced air ducts, ductless units pump refrigerant directly to one or more wall-mounted air handlers.

Ductless mini-split systems combine the flexibility of room air conditioners with the whole house cooling of central systems. Although some systems provide heating and cooling, ductless mini-split heat pumps are usually installed primarily for cooling.

A single outdoor ductless air heat pump can serve the home comfort needs of up to four rooms.

Throughout Greater Baltimore, many families live in bi- or tri-level homes.  Often times, it’s far more practical and affordable to have central air conditioning in the main living level; and yet it can prove to be highly difficult to have that same system provide cooling or heating elsewhere in your home.  Let’s say, for example, that you have a family room, office, extra bedroom, and/or a bathroom on a separate level not easily reached by central air conditioning.  That’s a perfect application for ductless air.

Throughout Greater Baltimore, for example, many families live in raised ranches and other types of bi- and tri-level homes.  Here it’s usually far more practical and affordable to have central air conditioning on the main living level at the same time, it can prove to be highly difficult to have that same system provide cooling or heating in the home’s lower level.  Let’s say, for example, that you have a family room, office, extra bedroom, and/or a bathroom on a separate level not easily reached by central air conditioning:  a perfect application for a ductless air system.

Other ideal applications include a finished attic, add-on sunroom, or any other area of your home that central air can’t effectively or affordably cover.

More Features of Ductless Air Heat Pumps

• Quiet operation since, by definition, there are no noisy ducts distributing the air.
• Installation costs are typically lower than central air conditioning in homes with no ductwork.
• Ease of maintenance.
• Remote control operation.
• Multiple aesthetic and practical installation options, as the indoor air handlers can be mounted on walls, ceilings, the floor…even inside a closet.

At Bruce Solomon Plumbing, Heating & Air Conditioning, we are home comfort experts that specialize in ductless heat pump system design, installation, and ongoing maintenance.

For a free in-home proposal and quote, contact Bruce Solomon today.

Phone:                  410-833-2188
Contact us today for answers to your questions or to schedule service

www.SolomonPlumbing.com

Nobody likes to wake up in the morning, step out of bed, and feel wet, squishy flooring under their feet.

Plumbing is one of those luxuries that we tend to take for granted until the day that you can’t flush your toilet or take a hot shower. Chances are that you never thought about having a plumber out until it gets to that emergency status of a flood, backed up drain, or no hot water.

Much like you should see the doctor every year; your plumbing system needs the same attention and care. The best way to prevent a plumbing disaster is to have regular, thorough whole house plumbing inspections. Most people don’t realize that this service even exists. It does, and it can save you many headaches down the road.

When was the last time you were under your crawlspace to check and make sure that nothing was leaking? How about flushing your water heater flushed as required by the manufacturer on an annual basis? Have you had the water pressure checked, ever?

At Bruce Solomon Plumbing, Heating & Air Conditioning, we inspect all your plumbing fixtures and systems and give you a detailed written report.  If we find problems in the making, we’ll point them out and recommend the best course of corrective action.

Here’s just some of what our inspection includes for your greater comfort, convenience, and safety:

1. Leaks in exposed pipes.
2. Signs of corrosion that could indicate water or pipe issues.
3. Water pressure…if it’s too low, there could be problems in your water lines or built-up sediment.
4. Speed of drainage in sink and tub drains…if water is draining too slowly, it could mean you have a clogged drain or blocked vent pipe.
5. Water heater gas leaks…to help ensure your family’s safety and the integrity of your water heater.   In the process, we also drain the unit to remove sediment that’s settled to the bottom. Sediment build-up can cause hard water conditions and leaks in your faucets.

And that’s just a small sampling of what our inspection includes.  We invite you to call and schedule a whole-house plumbing inspection today…it’s one of our ultimate “peace of mind” services.

Phone:                  410-833-2188
Contact us today for answers to your questions or to schedule service

www.SolomonPlumbing.com

New Year’s resolutions are great things…especially if you stick to them and they help to make a positive change in your life.

Got room for one more?  Than nothing would fit the bill better than making green plumbing a high priority on your New Year’s “to do” list.  Here are three smart and very effective ways to get into the swing of things.

Low-Flow Toilets

Traditional toilets use anywhere from 3.5 to 7 gallons of water per flush. With a family of four, that can amount to hundreds of gallons of water every day. In contrast, environmentally-conscious low flow toilets use just 1.6 gallons per flush, max.  Studies show that an average family of four will save 22,000 gallons of water per year and $100 on their water bill.  Less water, greater pressure, and significant savings…that’s the beauty of a low-flow toilet.

Whole-House Water Filtration

Whole house filtration systems can eliminate the presence of chemicals, particulates, and microorganisms from every source of household water.  This, in turn, helps to extend the life of hot water heaters and plumbing fixtures,

particularly if you have high sediment levels in your water supply.  Extended life also means a lower incidence of repairs for even greater savings.  And then there’s the obvious health benefit of drinking plus cooking and cleaning with the purest water possible.

Tankless Water Heaters

Tankless water heaters heat water by activating a set of coils that become hot when the unit is turned on. Tankless units conserve energy by heating only the amount of water needed and only when it’s needed.  They conserve water, too, as there’s no waiting for the water to get hot…with tankless units, you get hot water on demand.  What’s more, tankless water heaters are available for your entire home or single water sources, such as your kitchen sink.

More Green Plumbing Tips

• Never let water run unnecessarily.
• Take a five-minute shower, not a bath.
• Run washing machines and dishwashers only with a full load.
• Fix leaky toilets and dripping faucets.
• Install aerator faucets and low-flow shower heads.

And Now for Some Green Savings!

Today, like always, the professionals at Bruce Solomon, Heating & Air Conditioning can help you go green to help conserve money and natural resources…and all while enjoying more convenient and comfortable surroundings.  And it doesn’t get much better than that!

Phone:       410-833-2188

Click here to schedule service now

Point-of-Use (also called “Undersink”) water filters can give you extra clean drinking water AND add value to your home.

As they name implies, the filter hooks up to the pipes under your sink and connects to a separate countertop tap.

Here are more benefits of a point-of-use filter.

• Water filters provide better tasting and better smelling drinking water by removing chlorine and bacterial contaminants.

• Point-of-use water filters remove lead from drinking water immediately prior to consumption, thus preventing this harmful substance from entering the body.

• Filtered water from a tap costs much less than bottled water.

• Water filters greatly reduce the risk of rectal cancer, colon cancer, and bladder cancer by removing chlorine and chlorine byproducts from drinking water.

• A solid block carbon water filter can selectively remove dangerous contaminants from drinking water while retaining healthy mineral deposits that balance the pH of drinking water.

• A water filter provides clean, healthy water for cooking, as well as drinking, at the convenience of tap water.

• Water filters reduce the risk of gastrointestinal disease by more than 33 percent.

• Drinking pure water is especially important for children. Water filters provide the healthiest water for children’s developing immune systems.

• Water filters offer the last line of defense between the body and the over 2,100 known toxins that may be present in drinking water.

A point-of-use water filter from Bruce Solomon Plumbing, Heating & Air Conditioning is a healthy choice for you and your family, all year long.  Call for a free estimate today.

Phone:                  410-833-2188

Click here to schedule service now

Buying a kitchen faucet used to be a pretty simple process. And sure, it still can be…provided you know exactly what you want, where to get it, and you have no interest in checking out other possibilities.

But that does not describe today’s “average” home owner out looking for a kitchen faucet or ideas in general to improve the room’s appearance and functionality. Well, if you’re one of those people looking for “more,” “new and better,” or simply “different,” you won’t be disappointed, especially when you start the research process online.
How has the faucet evolved from a common necessity into a high-art fixture with space-age engineering? Designers and marketers point out the kitchen is the center of the home; it’s the place where everyone gravitates. Walls are coming down to make way for more open-plan living, and entertaining is centered in the kitchen by design rather than by accident. The kitchen is becoming the cooking room, dining room and living room in one, and you want the nicest fixtures in the room where you spend the most time.
The hottest trends include the rise of modern, minimalist designs and utilitarian-chic faucets worthy of professional kitchens. On the other hand, there’s a renewed interest in classical cool models as well as rustic, farmhouse-style faucets.
A little overwhelmed? If so, you’re not alone. So to help you move your peg at least a couple of spaces along the game board, here are just a few examples of what’s new, cool, and maybe even just for you.

1. Sleek and Simple
Today’s contemporary faucets have forms pared down to their basic essence. These faucets are all about simple lines, chrome and stainless finishes, and a sleek look. Think sculptural silhouettes, single handles and a noted absence of extraneous ornamentation — which might make these faucets look a bit severe if they weren’t so gorgeously rendered. Modern fixtures also emphasize ergonomics with simple, intuitive functionality and convenient placement of controls. Finally, the smooth, often seamless surfaces of these faucets make cleaning them a breeze.

2. Industrial Chic

These faucets give serious home chefs (and those who hope to be) the industrial look of a professional kitchen and the hardworking features of a commercial-style faucet. These tall faucets (most are over two feet) add “high” drama to the kitchen. The substantial size of also helps balance the six-burner ranges and double-door fridges in our increasingly expansive kitchens. An industrial faucet is really versatile — it’s great for cleaning, and you can bring the nozzle wherever you need it. That includes using it to fill a nearby coffeemaker or pots on an adjacent cook top, to watering plants on the kitchen windowsill and even to reach more than one basin in a multi-sink work area.

3. Classic

Designers say they’re seeing increased enthusiasm for classic and even retro fixtures. Hence the return of vintage-style wall-mounts and bridge faucets, which harken back to a time when life – and plumbing – was simpler. And yet there’s nothing old-fashioned about today’s traditional faucets when it comes to functionality. These are retro styles with contemporary convenience, including pullout nozzles and single-handle options.

4. Old World

Equally at home in a Tuscan villa or a country farmhouse (or a home striving for the ambiance of either), these fixtures have rustic bodies with an authentic, handcrafted look. It’s a variation on the vintage look, but also ties into the current green movement with its reverence for natural materials and warm wood tones. Rustic fixtures are typically rendered in dark; timeworn finishes like oil-rubbed bronze, weathered pewter, wrought iron or antique copper.

5. Cutting Edge

The most cutting-edge faucets are absolutely architectural, with a dramatic geometry: Severe right angles keep L-shaped faucets looking sharp. U-shaped spouts form squared-off arcs. Metal pipes assume rectilinear shapes. Heads and handles sit square and squat. And cylindrical styles celebrate the shape of the circle, right down to the round knob spindles. If you are looking for individuality, you won’t have to look very far.

The Moral of the Story.

Looking for the perfect complement of form and function? Then contact Bruce Solomon Plumbing, Heating & Air today for help in making the right choice along with our expert installation and related kitchen and bath remodeling services.

Phone: 410-833-2188
Click here to schedule service now

Since we spend the majority of our time indoors, it’s important and “healthful” to maintain a comfortable and healthy indoor environment. ..and that includes maintaining proper humidity levels all year long.

Inadequate Humidity Levels

Insufficient moisture in the air can lead to a variety of problems, including dry and bleeding noses, sore throats, cracked and itchy skin, breathing problems, dust buildup, static electricity, and cracks and dried-out joints in wood furniture and musical instruments. Older and less energy-efficient homes are the more likely breeding grounds for less than comfortable humidity levels.

Excessive Humidity Levels

When there is too much moisture in your home, wet air can get trapped in corners, basements, and other closed areas. You’re more likely to notice this in your bathrooms, kitchen, and basements than anywhere else in your home. In these areas, moisture frequently gathers and creates mildew that is often difficult to remove.

Condensation can also accumulate on and around in windows, causing water to drip down the window and, as a result, wooden frames to rot.

Excess moisture can provide a perfect breeding ground for bacteria and mold (which can be harmful to your health if left unchecked), and also makes your home more inviting for pest and insects such as cockroaches and termites.

Benefits of a Whole-House Humidifier & Dehumidifier

A combined, whole-house humidification and dehumidification system is installed inside your duct work. The system automatically adjusts itself to maintain the most comfortable relative humidity leve

ls, typically between 35 and 40 percent.

In the process, you can expect to save 5% or more on your annual fuel bill. You’ll also add greatly to your family’s indoor comfort while helping to prevent and control problems with asthma, allergies, colds and flus, and more.

Where do the energy savings come from? Cold air is dry, and in dry air, moisture evaporates from your skin. That, in turn, tends to cool you off. So, by setting the thermostat at 69° with a relative humidity of 35%, you’ll feel just as warm as you would in 72° air with 19% relative humidity.

Bottom line, you want to dehumidify your home in warm weather, and add humidity when it’s cold.

To learn more, or to request a free quote, contact the home comfort professionals at Bruce Solomon Plumbing, Heating & Air Conditioning today.

Every home has a water heater, but many homeowners don’t really pay much attention to it provided it continues to work properly. Well, there’s a safety angle that needs to be considered here…one that pertains both to your home and family. Best of all, you don’t have to be an expert plumber to keep an eye on things. You just need to be aware of some basic water heater safety tips.

Turn it Down!
Start by lowering the water heater temperature to 120 degrees. Many plumbers may initially set your water heater to 140 degrees, a temperature that could cause scalding. Just remember to check the instructions for your particular model before adjusting the temperature control.

Check it Out!
Examine your water heater periodically. Check for water leaks which can damage your home…plus it could add up to a lot of wasted water. Check inside the combustion chamber where the flame should be burning mostly blue. The chamber should be somewhat free of dust, and the chamber roof free of rust and black soot. You should also check the burner periodically. If rust is collecting in the burner compartment, it’s time to have it serviced by a professional.

Overall, we recommend checking your water heater once a month while scheduling a professional tune-up and inspection once a year.

Clean it Up!
Keep the area around the water heater clean and clear. Dust can take years off a water heater’s life. Brooms, paint brushes and other items that commonly get stored in the utility closet can catch fire if placed too close to the combustion chamber or water heater.

Be on the Alert for Gas Leaks!
If you don’t already know how, learn how to smell or otherwise detect a gas leak. For starters you want to apply the smell test as close to the floor as possible. If you smell gas, here’s what to do next:

• Don’t turn on a light switch or touch anything that might cause static spark.
• Leave your house as immediately, leaving at least some windows and doors open.
• Call your gas supplier from a safe location outside the house.
• Turn off the main shut-off valve at the gas meter. If you don’t know what that is and want to be sure you’re doing it correctly, give us a call.

To play it even more safely, we recommend installing a gas detection meter. It will go a long way to ensuring your long-term safety.

When was the last time your water heater was properly inspected? If you can’t remember, then it’s been too long. For prompt and dependable service, with your satisfaction guaranteed, contact the plumbing professionals at Bruce Solomon today.
Phone: 410-833-2188
Click here to schedule service now

Apart from what a qualified heating service company do to help provide you and your family with warm, comfortable, and safe living conditions during the heating season, there’s plenty you can do on your own to stay warmer and keep your heating costs down.

Here’s our “top 10” list:

1. Set your thermostat at 68 degrees F during the day and 60 degrees F at night. You can save 3% on your heating costs for every degree you reduce the temperature below 70 degrees F.
2. Clean or replace furnace filters monthly. Clean filters will help your heating system run more efficiently and improve your home’s indoor air quality.
3. Inspect windows and ductwork for any air leakage. If you do feel air leaking at duct joints, use duct tape to seal them. Winterize windows with weather stripping (for all movable parts) and caulk (for non-moving parts). Eliminating these leaks can reduce heating costs up to 10%.
4. Use kitchen, bath and other ventilating fans sparingly. Leaving them on too long will suck away a tremendous amount of household heat.
5. Keep heating supply and cold air return registers clear of draperies and furniture to maintain proper air circulation.
6. Keep drapes and shades open during the day to let the sunshine in; close them at night.
7. Dust or vacuum radiator surfaces frequently. Dust and grime impede the flow of heat.
8. Keep lamps, TVs and other electrical appliances away from the thermostat. Heat from these appliances is sensed by the thermostat and could cause your furnace to shut off too soon and restart frequently.
9. Dress warmly to help retain body heat. Wear closely woven fabrics. Dressing in layers retains more heat than a single thick piece of clothing. If you’re still cold when the thermostat is set at 65°F this winter, you’re not wearing enough clothes.
10. Keep garage doors closed in the winter. An open garage door is just a giant hole that sucks warm air out of your home and lets cold drafts in.

Of course, any time you need professional assistance for ongoing maintenance, expert repairs, or recommendations on a new or replacement heating system, Bruce Solomon Plumbing, Heating & Air is always ready to answer the call.

Phone:                  410-833-2188

Click here to schedule service now