Author: Kevin

Rocketship on Truck in Elkridge, MD

Written by Kevin on May 20, 2025. Posted in Beltway Story.

Howard County, Say Hello to the Beltway Rocketship

There’s a new sight cruising down Route 29 and rolling through Ellicott City, Columbia, and Savage—a truck with a rocketship on top. That’s not just for show. It’s the mark of Beltway Air Conditioning, Heating & Plumbing, and we’re officially offering HVAC and plumbing services in Howard County. Before we were fixing leaks and fine-tuning furnaces in Howard County homes, our journey started with one chaotic goal: survival.

Before the Rocketship, There Was a Wrench and a Dream

The early days of Beltway weren’t glamorous. Imagine a van barely hanging on, a handful of tools, and one big question: “How do we build something that lasts?”

With more determination than resources, the founder of Beltway decided to take a chance—on himself, on his family, and on the idea that heating, cooling, and plumbing services could be delivered with more care, more pride, and a lot more heart.

He used to joke that starting the company felt like trying to fly a rocket without knowing where the launch button was. That’s where the rocketship came from—it was a reminder that even if the ride’s bumpy, you keep going. And if it looks like chaos? Just call it falling with style.

Why Homeowners in Howard County Trust Beltway

Now that we’ve landed, here’s what the rocketship is bringing to your neighborhood:

Complete HVAC Services in Howard County: Whether you need AC repair in Columbia, furnace installation in Ellicott City, or a full system replacement, our expert technicians bring precision and professionalism to every home.
Trusted Plumbing Repairs in Howard County: From water heater installations to leaky pipe repairs, Beltway’s licensed plumbers get the job done right—the first time. No shortcuts, no surprises.
Preventative Maintenance Plans: Don’t wait for something to break. We offer seasonal HVAC maintenance and plumbing inspections to keep your systems running at peak performance year-round.
The Clean Landing Guarantee: Every Beltway visit ends the same way: your home is cleaner than when we arrived. No dust, no mess—just systems that work and peace of mind that sticks around.

Local Service, Big Impact

We’re not some giant corporate chain. We’re a Maryland-grown company with roots, values, and a story—serving families who deserve more than just a “fix.” You deserve people who show up, know their stuff, and treat your home like it matters. Because it does.

Howard County, you’ve got high standards—and so do we. If your HVAC system needs service, your plumbing is acting up, or you just want to talk to a team that gets it—look for the rocket.

The journey started rough, but that’s the thing about rockets: they’re built to launch.

Need HVAC or Plumbing Help in Howard County?

Beltway Air Conditioning, Heating & Plumbing is ready for takeoff. Schedule your service today and experience what it means to fall with style.

Smart Irrigation Systems: How They Can Help Save Water and Money

Written by Kevin on May 19, 2025. Posted in Plumbing.

Many homeowners take pride in keeping their yard lush and green all summer long or in growing beautiful flowers or an abundant vegetable garden. While these things are great, the problem is that it requires a huge amount of water to keep everything healthy and vibrant. For many households, it’s estimated that somewhere between 30% and 50% of their total water usage during the warmer months comes from watering their lawns and gardens. The unfortunate fact is that much of this water is actually wasted as a result of things like evaporation from watering at the wrong times, constantly overwatering or forgetting to shut the sprinkler system off before or after it rains. This type of water waste is exactly what smart irrigation systems are designed to prevent.

Traditional vs. Smart Irrigation Systems

All automatic irrigation and sprinkler systems use a controller that turns the system on and off. The controller also signals the different valves in the system to open and close, allowing water to flow to each of the zones. With traditional irrigation systems, the controller is basically just a timer. That means you program it for the specific days and times you want the system to water and set the length of the watering cycle for each zone. Most controllers also have a relay delay feature that you can use to temporarily stop the next cycle or cycles.

While traditional irrigation system controllers are useful, they do have a few major drawbacks related to water waste. For one thing, it’s extremely difficult to tell exactly how much water a lawn really needs. The last thing you want is for your grass to start dying and turning brown. That’s why many people end up massively overwatering their lawn by either setting each watering cycle too long or having their irrigation system run more days of the week than is actually necessary.

Forgetting to use the rain delay function further contributes to water waste and overwatering, as does watering when it’s overly humid outside. Watering your lawn when it’s overly hot and dry outside is also a massive waste, since most of the water just ends up evaporating before it can soak down into the soil.

Smart irrigation systems eliminate all of these issues, helping to conserve large amounts of water and greatly reduce waste. Instead of just manually programming your watering cycles like you do with a traditional system, smart irrigation systems use advanced controllers and sensors to accurately determine exactly when the lawn or garden needs to be watered and exactly how much water it needs. The sensors allow the controller to program the watering cycles and turn the water on and off itself without you needing to do a single thing.

Climate-Based Smart Irrigation Controllers

There are two primary types of smart irrigation controllers, each of which uses different types of data to determine when the irrigation system needs to run and how much water everything should get at a time. The most common is a climate-based controller, which uses one of three methods to calculate the appropriate water schedules based on the local climate and weather. Specifically, they use this data to determine the current estimated rate of evapotranspiration, which is how quickly water evaporates from the soil and how quickly it gets taken up by the roots of plants.

Signal-based controllers use a wireless connection to continually monitor the current local weather and predicted forecasts. This allows them to continually adjust the water cycles based on things like temperature, humidity level, rainfall amounts, predicted rainstorms, etc.

Historic controllers simply use pre-programmed past weather patterns and water usage in the local area to program the watering cycles. They then continually adjust the cycles based on temperature.

On-site climate controllers just use sensors to measure the current weather at your home, including the temperature, humidity level and any recent rainfall. This can make them a bit more accurate. However, the controller doesn’t know the forecast, meaning your irrigation system could still end up running just before a major rainstorm.

Soil-Sensor Controllers

The second type is a soil-sensor controller, which uses underground moisture sensors that continuously measure how much water there is in the lawn’s root zone. This type of sensor is extremely accurate at determining exactly how much water the grass needs, ensuring it never gets overwatered or underwatered.

The one downside of soil-sensor controllers is that you still have to program the times and days you want your irrigation system to run. Some soil-sensor controllers use a suspended cycle method, which means the controller will prevent the next scheduled cycle from running anytime the ground is already sufficiently moist. With this type of controller, you also still have to program the duration of each watering cycle.

Water-on-demand controllers are more advanced. This type of controller will only run the scheduled cycle if the soil is below a certain moisture threshold. It also automatically determines the duration of each cycle and will shut the water off once the soil reaches a certain level of saturation.

The best type of smart irrigation system for reducing water usage has both a climate-based controller and soil-moisture sensors. This is the most accurate since it has more data to work with. The climate-based controller ensures the irrigation system will only run when the weather conditions are right. The soil-moisture sensors also help the controller to more accurately determine the current watering needs of the lawn. The result is that your water usage is reduced, and at the same time, you never have to worry about your lawn getting too little water and potentially starting to yellow.

How Much Can You Save With a Smart Irrigation System?

Smart irrigation systems have been repeatedly proven to reduce waste and lower water usage. Most studies have shown that smart irrigation systems lead to between a 20% and 50% reduction in water usage compared to traditional irrigation system controllers. That said, exactly how much you can save with a smart irrigation system depends on a variety of factors, including where you live, the size of your lawn, the type of grass you have and the type of soil.

Another important factor is whether your irrigation system was designed properly and is working correctly. Issues like leaky sprinkler heads or multiple heads that overlap the same area will result in wasted water, no matter whether you have a traditional or a smart irrigation system.

Dependable Plumbing Solutions

When you need a Maryland plumbing service you can trust, Beltway Air Conditioning and Heating is the company to turn to. We serve customers in Hanover, Halethorpe, Severn, Columbia, Pasadena and the surrounding areas. Whether it’s upgrading your outdoor plumbing fixtures, repairing any existing problems, or installing a new irrigation system, we’ll always make sure to do the job right. We take pride in performing quality work and offering the best prices available. To get the reliable outdoor plumbing installation services you need without having to wait, contact us today.

Rocketship on Truck in Arbutus MD

Written by Kevin on May 17, 2025. Posted in Beltway Story.

The Beltway Rocketship Has Landed in Baltimore County

If you’ve spotted a truck rolling through Towson, Catonsville, or Essex with a rocketship on top—you’re not imagining things. That’s the Beltway Air Conditioning, Heating & Plumbing crew making a Clean Landing in Baltimore County.

The rocketship isn’t just a cool visual—it’s the heart of our story.

Where the Rocketship Came From

When the owner of Beltway first started this company, things were… tough. He had more problems than tools, more passion than resources, and no idea if things were going to take off. One day, feeling the weight of it all, he picked up the phone and called his dad. “Remember that Toy Story scene?” he asked. “Where Woody yells, ‘Buzz, you’re flying!’ and Buzz goes, ‘This isn’t flying, this is falling—with style.’” That line stuck. It became the motto. Because sometimes when you’re starting something big—something real—you’re not soaring yet. You’re just doing everything you can to land it with purpose and heart. And that’s exactly how Beltway began.

Now, years later, that same rocketship is riding high on our trucks as a symbol of where we came from and the families we proudly serve across Maryland—including right here in Baltimore County.

What We’re Bringing to Your Neighborhood

HVAC Services That Keep You Comfortable: From AC repairs and installs to heating tune-ups, our licensed techs bring the tools, knowledge, and respect every home deserves.
Plumbing Solutions That Last: Clogs, leaks, sump pumps, water heaters—if water runs through it, we can fix it, upgrade it, or install it brand new.
The Clean Landing Guarantee: We don’t leave behind footprints or messes—just smooth-running systems and happy homeowners.

Baltimore County, we’re honored to bring our services to your homes and neighborhoods. From Parkville to Randallstown, White Marsh to Woodlawn—if you see the rocketship, you’ll know help has arrived. Because this isn’t just flying. It’s falling with style.

Need HVAC or Plumbing Help?

The Beltway rocketship is ready for launch.

Rocketship on Truck in Anne Arundel County

Written by Kevin on May 15, 2025. Posted in Beltway Story.

Buckle Up, Anne Arundel – The Beltway Rocketship Has Landed

You might’ve seen it flying down Route 2 or coasting into Crofton—yep, that’s a rocketship on top of the Beltway truck. No, it’s not just a prop or some gimmick. It’s a symbol of the grind, the leap, and the “falling with style” that built Beltway Air Conditioning, Heating & Plumbing from the ground up—and now it’s landing right here in Anne Arundel County.

So Why the Rocket? Let’s Rewind.

When the owner of Beltway first started out, it wasn’t glamorous. It was a mess. Barely enough tools, bills stacking higher than ductwork in an attic, and that all-too-familiar feeling of being just one call away from giving it all up. And then came the phone call—the kind that flips the script.

He called his dad. “Dad, do you remember that scene in Toy Story where Woody tells Buzz he’s flying? And Buzz says, ‘This isn’t flying… this is falling—with style.’” That was it. That was the whole plan. No safety net. Just hustle, hope, and a dream with HVAC coils and copper piping wrapped around it. That moment became the rocket fuel behind Beltway.

Where We’re Going Now

And now? That same rocket—literal and metaphorical—is riding on top of Beltway trucks all over Maryland, especially through the neighborhoods of Anne Arundel County. From Glen Burnie to Edgewater, from Pasadena to Annapolis, when you see the rocketship, you know help is here.

What We’re Bringing to Anne Arundel

Full-Service HVAC: Repairs, installs, maintenance—we do it all, and we don’t stop until your system runs smoother than Buzz Lightyear landing in Andy’s bedroom.
Expert Plumbing: Leaks, clogs, water heaters, sump pumps—our licensed plumbers handle the dirty work so you don’t have to.
Respect for Your Home: We don’t just fix things. We leave your home cleaner than we found it. It’s called our Clean Landing Guarantee—because that’s what pros do.

Beltway didn’t get here by coasting. We got here by strapping in, building a crew that knows their craft, and saying “yes” when it was easier to quit. That rocket on our truck? It’s not just for show—it’s a reminder of how far we’ve come, and how high we plan to go.

So Anne Arundel, if your AC goes silent in the summer, if your pipes are acting out, or if you just want service that flies a little different, look for the Beltway rocketship. We’re not just landing—we’re planting our flag. Ready for launch?

Call Beltway Air Conditioning, Heating & Plumbing and experience what it means to fall with style.

Garbage disposal services in Hanover, MD

When to Repair vs. Replace Your Garbage Disposal

Written by Kevin on May 12, 2025. Posted in Plumbing.

If you have a garbage disposal in your kitchen, there’s a high chance that you’ll eventually encounter some type of issue with it. Occasionally, the problem might be something you can take care of yourself in a few minutes while, in other circumstances, it’s something you should hire a plumber to fix. There are also certain problems that can’t be fixed in a practical and economical fashion and certain situations in which it just makes more sense to replace the entire disposal.

How Long Do Garbage Disposals Typically Last?

One thing you always want to think about when trying to decide whether it’s worth paying a plumber to fix your garbage disposal is how old it is. Some garbage disposals can last for 10 to 15 years, especially if they don’t get much use and are always used properly. However, the majority of units will either fail or just no longer work effectively enough after only six to eight years.

Even if a plumber can fix the issue, it almost never makes sense to repair a garbage disposal if it’s old and will likely fail again in the near future or if it already isn’t working as well as you need it to. Depending on what the problem is, you’re usually looking at paying at least $100 to $200 for a plumber to fix your garbage disposal. At the same time, you can usually get a new unit for between $100 and $350, excluding the additional cost for a plumber to install it. Even if you’re handy, it generally isn’t recommended that you try to replace it yourself. Homeowners doing this run significant risks of leaks and water damage. If your existing disposal is hardwired instead of a plug-in model, you should absolutely hire a professional due to the extreme danger of working with electrical wiring around water.

Common Garbage Disposal Issues

There are really only a few issues that can cause a garbage disposal to break or stop working effectively. The specific problem you’re dealing with is important for determining whether you might be able to fix the disposal yourself or whether you need a plumber to repair or replace the unit.

Garbage Disposal Is Leaking

If you open up the cabinet under your kitchen sink and see that water has pooled up underneath your garbage disposal, you definitely want to contact a plumber. Nonetheless, where the water is leaking from determines whether the problem can be fixed or if you need to have your garbage disposal replaced.

One common problem is that the flange or gasket that connects the garbage disposal to the drain breaks or wears out. This results in water leaking out of the connection and the water then dripping down the side of the disposal. To fix the problem, the plumber will need to unhook the disposal and then replace the flange or possibly the drain pipe. This usually isn’t that expensive of a repair. However, if your disposal is near the end of its life, you’re better off just replacing it at the same time. That’s because the parts and labor costs will be about the same whether you have a plumber just fix the leak or install a replacement disposal. You’ll obviously have to pay for the new disposal itself, but you’ll still save money in the future.

If water is leaking out of the bottom or side of your garbage disposal, replacement is your only option. This type of leak can happen because of a worn-out inner seal or because the shell of the disposal is cracked. In either case, the problem can’t be fixed and the disposal will continue leaking every time you use your sink.

Garbage Disposal Won’t Turn On

The first thing to do if your garbage disposal won’t turn on is to press the reset button. Most disposals have an internal mechanism that will shut them off in certain situations, such as if the flywheel gets jammed or the motor overheats. A power surge can also cause the same thing to happen.

If your garbage disposal still won’t turn on after pressing the reset button, it potentially means the unit isn’t receiving power. One thing to check in this situation is that the circuit breaker for the disposal isn’t tripped. If you have a plug-in disposal, you can also unplug the power cord and plug something else into the outlet to check that it still has power. If the outlet is dead, you’ll need to have an electrician repair or replace it. The other possibility in this situation is that the motor is dead, which again means you’ll need to have a plumber install a replacement.

Garbage Disposal Isn’t Spinning

The most common issue you’ll encounter is that the flywheel and impellers don’t spin when you turn your garbage disposal on. You’ll still hear a humming noise from the motor, but nothing else will happen. In this case, you can be almost certain that the disposal is jammed. Garbage disposals can get jammed as a result of a hard object getting trapped between one of the impellers and the grinding ring. It can also happen because of tough fibers getting wrapped around the impellers and flywheel, binding everything up.

There’s a slot on the bottom of garbage disposals that is specifically used for unjamming. All you need to do is insert the right size hex wrench into this slot and then turn it back and forth until the flywheel starts spinning freely again. Before turning the unit back on, you should use a flashlight and look inside for any hard items. If you see something like a bone or fruit pit, you’ll want to remove it with needle-nose pliers first. However, you need to make sure to unplug the disposal or shut the circuit breaker off before doing so, just to be fully certain that you don’t accidentally turn the unit on.

Garbage Disposal Isn’t Working Effectively

Many people think that the reason their garbage disposal no longer works effectively is because its blades are dull. It’s a very common misconception that garbage disposals have sharp blades that dice all of the food scraps up. How a garbage disposal really works is that the spinning flywheel and impellers force everything up against a stationary grinding ring, pulverizing the scraps so that they easily get washed out of the disposal and down the drain.

The grinding ring can get dulled over time or corrode, both of which can make a garbage disposal work much less effectively and lead to frequent clogs. The same thing can happen when the unit’s motor is starting to wear out. It’s possible to replace the grinding ring if needed. However, doing so is quite complex and time consuming, as it requires removing and then disassembling the unit. As such, it’s almost always going to cost you more than it would to install a replacement.

For the most dependable plumbing services in the Hanover area, rely on our team at Beltway Air Conditioning and Heating. We specialize in all aspects of kitchen plumbing from garbage disposals and drains to faucets and water lines. If you’re dealing with a garbage disposal issue or need any other help with your plumbing, contact us today for rapid, expert service.

Upgrading Outdoor Faucets and Spigots: A Homeowner’s Guide

Written by Kevin on May 5, 2025. Posted in Plumbing.

Outdoor faucets and spigots get a lot of use during the summer, from watering lawns, gardens, and flowers to filling up the pool for your kids to play in. That’s why, with summer soon around the corner, now is a good time to start thinking about whether your outdoor plumbing is in good shape and ready to meet all of your needs. Upgrading old, outdated fixtures is an easy way to prevent and overcome issues like leaks and poor water pressure. In this article, we’ll explain everything you should know about upgrading your outdoor plumbing fixtures and the reasons why you may want or need to do so.

Understanding the Different Types of Outdoor Plumbing Fixtures

There are two primary types of outdoor plumbing fixtures: faucets and spigots. While you’ll hear some people use the terms interchangeably, they’re technically two different things. An outdoor faucet is no different from an indoor faucet and is something you’ll find in outdoor kitchens and hand-washing stations. Some outdoor faucets only have cold water, but more commonly, they have both hot and cold, allowing you to adjust the temperature just like you do with an indoor faucet.

Spigots are what you use to connect hoses. You’ll also hear people refer to this type of fixture as a hose bib or sill cock. There are three different types of spigots: standard, frost-proof, and anti-siphon. That said, most standard and frost-proof spigots sold nowadays are also anti-siphon, as the plumbing code in most places now requires the use of anti-siphon spigots.

Standard spigots have a short stem that extends through the wall and connects to the water line inside the house. Frost-proof spigots have a much longer stem that extends further inside. When you shut off and drain a standard spigot before winter, you still have water right next to the wall in the basement or crawl space.

That means there’s still a fairly high chance that the water line will freeze during winter and potentially burst. This chance is greatly reduced with a frost-proof spigot since the entire water line is farther away from the wall, where the air normally stays quite a bit warmer. However, you still need to ensure that you shut off and drain a frost-proof spigot. If not, the part of the spigot that’s outside the house will remain full of water and almost certainly freeze.

Anti-siphon spigots have a vacuum breaker, which is a type of backflow prevention device that ensures water can only ever flow in the intended direction. There are situations where a sudden drop in the home’s water supply could result in water being drawn back up into the spigot through a hose and then entering the home’s water system. An anti-siphon spigot ensures this can never happen.

Reasons You May Need To Upgrade Your Outdoor Plumbing

There are a few situations where it is either recommended or necessary to upgrade or replace certain outdoor plumbing fixtures. It is necessary if you have an outdoor faucet or spigot that is leaking. Leaks commonly happen due to not fully draining a spigot before winter, and the water inside it freezes, causing the outdoor portion of the spigot to crack.

If you shut the water off inside, you won’t realize that the spigot is cracked until you turn the water back on the next year. Once you turn the water on, you’ll usually end up with water leaking both outside and inside, even when the spigot is turned off. Spigots can also leak when not in use due to a worn-out seal or because the internal shut-off valve is broken or stuck open.

Some of the situations where we definitely recommend upgrading your outdoor plumbing include having any standard spigots instead of frost-proof ones or any spigots that lack an anti-siphon valve. Installing frost-proof spigots can save you a major headache and expense by ensuring the water lines inside your house will never freeze and break during the winter.

Anti-siphon spigots are important for preventing your home’s water supply from potentially being contaminated. The concern if you don’t have anti-siphon spigots is that it can cause muddy water, fertilizers, pesticides, and other contaminants to be pulled inside. Once the contaminants enter your water supply, they can then end up coming out of your faucets, shower, etc.

The other situation where we absolutely recommend replacing outdoor plumbing fixtures is if they don’t have a shut-off valve inside the house. Without a shut-off valve, you won’t be able to drain the fixture before winter, potentially leading to both the spigot and the water line inside freezing and breaking. You also won’t be able to shut off the water to the outdoor fixture should it suddenly start leaking. That means your only option to stop the leak will be to close the valve on your main water line, shutting off the water to your entire house.

Do You Need a Plumber To Install Outdoor Faucets and Spigots?

Replacing an outdoor faucet or spigot usually isn’t all that difficult. Nonetheless, you’re still better off hiring a plumber to do it. One reason is to be fully certain that the installation is done correctly. Improper installation often leads to serious leaks, creating the potential for extensive water damage inside your home that necessitates costly and extensive repairs.

Another thing to consider is the potential insurance implications you could face if you install the fixture yourself. If you have a licensed plumber install the fixture and it ends up leaking because they didn’t install it properly, your homeowner’s insurance company will make the plumbing company’s insurance pay to repair any damage. However, if you install it yourself and it ends up leaking and damaging your home, your homeowner’s insurance usually won’t pay to repair the damage. That means you’ll be left footing the repair bill yourself.

Another reason it’s best to hire a plumber is to ensure the work is done according to code. Most places have specific code requirements regarding the types of outdoor fixtures you must use, such as being required to install anti-siphon spigots. Installing plumbing fixtures that do not meet code could result in fines and create headaches if you want to sell your house.

There are also some cases when you may be required to obtain a plumbing permit when upgrading your outdoor fixtures. You normally don’t need a permit if you’re just replacing a fixture, but you often will if the job requires more substantial changes to your existing plumbing. This includes tasks like installing a new water line and fixture or moving the location of an existing water line.

With years of experience serving Hanover and the surrounding cities in Maryland, Beltway Air Conditioning and Heating is the company to turn to for reliable plumbing services. We serve both residential and commercial customers and are ready to help when you need any upgrades, installations, and plumbing repairs. If you’re looking to upgrade any of your outdoor plumbing, we’ll make sure you get exactly what you need. For the best plumbing services in the area, contact Beltway Air Conditioning and Heating.

Troubleshooting Low Water Pressure: Common Causes and Solutions

Written by Kevin on April 16, 2025. Posted in Plumbing.

Low water pressure can quickly become an inconvenience to your daily routine. It can also leave you without enough water for tasks like cooking, washing laundry and doing dishes. You can prevent this issue by learning about the common causes and the solutions to low water pressure in your Hanover, MD home.

Cause: Clogged Pipes

Clogged pipes can drastically reduce the water pressure in your home. Debris like mineral deposits, food, grease and hair can become trapped inside the drains as you shower, cook and carry out other normal daily tasks. It can then form large clogs that disrupt normal water flow and reduce water pressure.

Solution: Clean Out the Pipes

The solution to clogged pipes involves cleaning them out thoroughly. As tempting as it might be to pour plumbing chemicals from the grocery or hardware store down them, you should hire one of our professional plumbers from Beltway Air Conditioning and Heating. Our plumbing team uses effective cleaning solutions and tools like scopes to find and remove tough clogs and restore your home’s water pressure.

Cause: Leaky Pipes

Leaky pipes can also negatively impact your home’s water pressure. Age, rust and freezing during the winter can cause damage like cracks and holes in the pipes. Water escapes before reaching the faucet and shower head, reducing the pressure when you try to wash dishes, take a shower or do laundry.

Solution: Locate and Repair the Leaks

The most practical solution to leaky pipes involves finding and repairing the leaks. Our plumbers can quickly find and repair leaks by using materials like caulk, epoxy putty, Teflon tape and rubber gaskets. They can also replace pipes that are too damaged or old to fix.

Cause: Faulty Pressure Regulator

The pressure regulator is a valve that lowers incoming water pressure to a manageable level for the plumbing system in your home. It’s located where the main water valve enters the home. When it wears out and stops working, it can reduce the water pressure coming from your faucets, shower head and washer.

Solution: Replace the Regulator

The solution to this problem involves hiring a plumber to replace the pressure regulator in your home’s plumbing system. Our plumbers know where to locate this regulator. They also know how to install a new one and calibrate it to ensure you have sufficient water pressure for your daily routine.

Cause: Corroded Pipes

Corrosion can cause pipe damage that negatively impacts your home’s water pressure. Corrosion can occur because of:

A pH imbalance in the water
Oxidation of the water in the pipes
Hard water
Chemical drain cleaners
Iron deposits from your water heater

It can also occur because of excess flux residue from cold water piping.

Solution: Replace the Pipes

The most viable solution to corroded pipes involves replacing them with brand-new pipes. Choose pipes made from materials like high-performance alloys that resist corrosion. You can also have our plumbers install coated pipes that don’t corrode as quickly as other pipe materials.

Cause: High Water Demand

High water demand in your home can cause damage to your pipes. Multiple plumbing fixtures in use at the same time can lead to an increase in water pressure. This high water pressure can lead to pipe damage that can then reduce your home’s water pressure.

Solution: Install a Pressure Booster

If you can’t stagger the water use in your home, you could prevent this problem by hiring our plumbing team to install a pressure booster in your home’s plumbing system. This device increases low water pressure and flow. It’s useful when a single pump can’t handle the water pressure demands in your house.

Cause: Faulty Pump

If your home uses well water, it could experience low pressure when the well’s pump malfunctions. The pump can stop working because of issues like a blown fuse or tripped breaker. It can also malfunction when a part inside of it wears out or breaks down.

Solution: Replace the Well Pump

The best way to deal with a malfunctioning well pump involves replacing it with a new one. Our plumbers have the training and tools to take out the broken pump and safely install a new one. They can also ensure your new pump functions normally and that your home has enough water pressure.

Cause: Pipe Freezing

During the winter, partially or completely frozen pipes can reduce your home’s water pressure. The ice inside the pipes prevents water from flowing normally. The ice can also expand and cause the pipes to break or burst. Pipe freezing occurs most often in exposed areas like the garage, utility room, basement or crawlspace.

Solution: Insulate and Drip Your Pipes and Faucets

When the weather calls for cold temperatures, you can keep the pipes warm by wrapping them with insulated tape or using pipe sleeves on them. You should also drip the indoor faucets and leave the cabinet doors open in the bathroom and kitchen to help warm air circulate around the pipes.

Keep your garage door shut and open inside doors to bedrooms and closets that have pipes running in the walls. If you can’t thaw pipes on your own or ice damages them, call one of our plumbers to thaw, repair or replace them.

Cause: Water Heater Issues

Sediment in your water heater can reduce water pressure in your home. Sediment can build up because of:

Hard water
Incorrect temperature setting
No water filter installed
Outdated plumbing

Solution: Flush the Water Heater

You can prevent sediment buildup in your water heater by flushing it out regularly. Flushing out the water heater also resolves issues like popping and rumbling noises and can also reduce the risk of corrosion inside the tank.

Cause: Airlocks in the Pipes

An air lock occurs when air becomes trapped inside your plumbing system’s pipes. Issues like a change in water temperature can cause this problem. Loose connections likewise can cause airlocks inside your home’s pipes. Airlocks can reduce the water pressure coming from your faucets.

Solution: Bleed the Air from the Lines

To resolve airlocks, you need to bleed the air from inside your home’s pipes. This job requires specialized skills and tools. You should outsource it to one of our plumbers to prevent damage to the pipework and ensure all the air escapes from your plumbing system.

Cause: Old Plumbing System

With proper care, a home’s plumbing system can last for 40 to 70 years. If your system is close to that age, you could experience lower water pressure from it.

Solution: Upgrade the Plumbing System

The ideal solution to an aged plumbing system involves replacing it with a new one. A brand-new plumbing system can provide you with reliable water pressure. It can also last for decades and offer you more peace of mind about your plumbing’s reliability and efficiency.

Allow Our Plumbers to Resolve Low Water Pressure

At Beltway Air Conditioning and Heating, we provide our customers in Hanover with free virtual estimates for our plumbing services. Our plumbers provide services like hydro jetting and drain cleaning as well as plumbing leak detection to help restore your home’s water pressure. We even work on Saturdays for your convenience. Contact Beltway Air Conditioning and Heating for water pressure repairs today.

Tankless water heater installation in Hanover, MD

The Pros and Cons of Going Tankless: A Closer Look at Tankless Water Heaters

Written by Kevin on April 9, 2025. Posted in Plumbing.

On-demand water heaters are among the hottest trends in home improvement. While they’re not a new concept, lowering prices and advancing technologies have made them more compelling. Let’s explore the pros and cons to see if a tankless system is right for your home.

Power and Fuel Options

Tankless water heaters are available in electric and fuel-burning configurations. Which type is right for you depends on many factors, including your household’s peak hot water demand.

Electric

Electric water heaters are generally cheaper to purchase and install because they’re less complex. Still, they often cost more long-term due to the cost of electricity. A small home with low hot water demand is the one scenario where an electric on-demand water heater is more economical. In other scenarios, fuel-burning systems are usually best. If you must have an electric unit, consider a hybrid heat pump water heater as a highly efficient alternative.

Fuel

For most households, fuel-burning on-demand water heaters are the most cost-effective for long-term use. Natural gas is the ideal fuel because it’s cheaper and more convenient. If your property lacks access, you can opt for either fuel oil or liquid propane.

Fuel-burning systems require gas lines and exhaust systems. If you’re converting to a fuel-burning system, the conversion will be an additional but one-time cost. With fuel-burning water heaters, you also have the option of a condensing system. These models have a second heat exchanger to help avoid heat losses through the flue.

Electrical Panel Considerations

All tankless water heaters require electricity, meaning gas models don’t function during power outages either. If you have an older home, you may need to upgrade the electrical panel to accommodate the new water heater. This may be necessary to increase the amp capacity or provide room for an additional dedicated circuit. Even in newer homes, you may need a whole-home surge protector. The National Electrical Code added it as a requirement in 2023.

Hard Water Considerations

Water hardness refers to the amount of calcium carbonate in your water supply. Hard water is a concern for all water heaters because it decreases efficiency, increases operating costs, and lowers expected lifespan. Yet, it’s even more problematic for on-demand systems because they are more sensitive and don’t have a tank. If you have moderately hard water, consider adding an anti-scale device to your new water heater. If your water ranges higher on the hard water scale, consider a whole-house water softener instead.

Equipment & Installation Costs

Tankless water heaters cost more to purchase and install than their traditional tank counterparts. Homeowners should expect to need a bigger budget by at least 25% and as much as 50%. There may be additional costs, such as a gas conversion and electrical panel upgrade. That said, you shouldn’t have to pay those costs each time you replace the water heater.

Installation Footprint

Traditional water heaters require significantly more space due to the tank. Most on-demand water heaters, on the other hand, are wall-mounted and take up little space. If you currently have a water heater closet, you can repurpose it. You can install a tankless water heater in your garage without taking up valuable storage space. Other popular installation sites include attics and basements so that the water heater equipment is out of sight.

Less Risk of Leaks and Water Damage

Leaks are a much bigger concern with tank water heaters. Consider that the average model can dump 40 gallons or more of water onto your floor quickly. Tankless water heaters do leak, but it’s generally a drip from a bad valve. They rarely result in significant water damage.

Sizing Tankless Water Heaters

Estimating the needed capacity for an on-demand water heater is more complex than with standard water heaters. Each fixture and water-using appliance requires a certain flow rate, which we measure in gallons per minute (GPM). You need a water heater that delivers a flow rate that meets or exceeds your household’s peak demand. Peak demand is the combined GPM for all the fixtures and appliances you want to run at the same time.

Another consideration is temperature rise. Rise is the difference between the temperature of your water supply and the target temperature of your hot water. Manufacturers indicate GPM within the context of temperature rise. This is why the same model will provide a lower flow rate in a northern climate than in a southern one.

Considerations for Large Homes

It’s more difficult to find the ideal location for a tankless water heater in a larger home. This is due to the longer distances the water travels. It can result in more noticeable delays and the cold-water sandwich effect. Many systems now come with a recirculating pump to help alleviate this problem. Homeowners can strategically add recirculating pumps and compact storage tanks. In very big homes, an installer may recommend installing multiple on-demand water heaters rather than a central model.

The Option to Oversize Your Water Heater

Have you ever wished you had access to more hot water, such as during the holidays? That isn’t practical with a tank water heater because you’ll pay for the added capacity daily. With an on-demand water heater, it’s an economical option. You’ll pay more initially and when you use the added capacity but not at other times.

Reduced Operating Costs & Carbon Footprint

A big selling point of modern tankless water heaters is lower energy consumption. That results in a smaller household carbon footprint and reduced month-to-month water heating costs. How much you’ll save depends on how much hot water you use. The Department of Energy estimates a 24% to 34% reduction in energy use for the average household. Average in this context means 41 gallons or less of hot water used daily. Households that use twice as much hot water or more may only experience energy savings between 8% and 14%.

Lower Total Cost of Ownership

While on-demand water heaters cost more up front, you can recoup that added expense through lower operating costs. Another consideration is that tankless water heaters typically last longer. You can expect a 15-year lifespan with regular maintenance, and many systems can last 20 years or more. You’ll notice that manufacturer warranties tend to reflect this expectancy. There are even models available with 25-year warranties.

Energy Incentives

Energy incentives can significantly reduce your initial costs and, in some cases, even your out-of-pocket expenses. The Environmental Protection Agency awards ENERGY STAR certification to water heaters that meet its energy standards. Most incentives require that label. That includes the federal tax credit. It also includes rebates available through utilities, manufacturers, and other private groups. To see which offers are available to you, you can search the ENERGY STAR website using your zip code.

Tank & Tankless Water Heater Installation in New River Valley

Beltway Air Conditioning and Heating is a residential and commercial plumbing contractor serving Hanover, MD and the surrounding areas. Our company has a wide selection of top-rated water heaters in stock and offers many specials. Our licensed plumbers install tank and tankless systems and all brands and models. To schedule an on-site installation consultation, call today, or book online through our website.

5 Water-Saving Tips to Reduce Your Utility Bills This Spring

Written by Kevin on April 2, 2025. Posted in Plumbing.

Reducing your water bills this spring doesn’t necessarily mean major changes. A few simple adjustments can help you to significantly cut back on your water consumption, allowing you to save money and resources. Keeping several tips in mind can let you see a decrease sooner rather than later in your utility bills.

1. Take Shorter Showers

Cutting your shower time in half can significantly reduce your monthly water bills. For example, if you usually take a shower that’s 10 to 12 minutes, consider shortening it to four or five minutes. If that’s too drastic of a change right away, you can shorten it by a minute every few days to ease into the new habit. Bring your phone into the bathroom with you and put it in a safe place where it won’t get wet so that you can set an alarm to know when it’s time to get out of the shower.

2. Change How You Use Your Dishwasher

You have several options to change your dishwasher habits that can help decrease your bills. For example, never run the dishwasher unless it has a full load. However, you also don’t want to overload it; otherwise, the dishes won’t get properly cleaned, and you’ll likely have to rerun the appliance.

Cleaning it is also crucial. Wipe up any messes each day, and clean the filter weekly. Deep clean your dishwasher monthly. The cleaner your dishwasher is, the more efficiently it can run and the less strain it will experience when operating, which could increase your water bills.

Make sure you’re also checking for leaks periodically. They may not be as obvious as a puddle flowing into your kitchen. Some are subtle, such as small drips coming from the drain hose. Minor drips still raise your monthly water bills and could quickly worsen into severe, costly problems.

3. Collect Rainwater

Spring is the ideal time to perfect your green thumb. Many people with gardens or indoor plants turn on the faucet or hose when they want to water their greenery. However, collecting rainwater can be a great way to reduce your water consumption and save money on monthly water bills.

You don’t necessarily need a large barrel. In many cases, putting out a few buckets can suffice. Before you start the process, make sure it’s legal in your location. Some states and jurisdictions ban rainwater collections.

After you collect the rainwater, it is a good idea to cover it if you’re not using it immediately. This keeps insects and other small animals from getting into the water container. It also helps keep the water clean and prevents leaves and other debris from getting into it.

4. Get a Plumbing Inspection

Getting a plumbing inspection is crucial to reducing your monthly water bills. We can evaluate your entire system, from your water pressure to checking for leaks under your sinks. Ideally, you will have the plumbing inspection in spring after the long winter and cold temperatures, which can both take a toll on plumbing systems.

Book an appointment with us as soon as possible. Many homeowners call us for a spring plumbing inspection: Calling early ensures you get the date and time slot that works best for your schedule.

5. Do Personal Inspections

Personal inspections of your plumbing system make it easy to notice if any problems could be causing your water bills to unnecessarily increase, even subtly. There are several spaces to check, and you’ll especially want to do so in areas of your home that you don’t often go to or see. For example, check underneath your bathroom, laundry room, and kitchen sinks to make sure there’s no water dripping, and check your water heater to ensure that there’s no water coming from it. Being proactive allows you to catch plumbing problems before they worsen and increase your water bills even more.

6. Repair Leaks

Don’t wait to call us if you notice any leaks or get a repair if we inform you that we spotted one or more. Scheduling an appointment with us to make the appropriate repairs can prevent the leaks from getting worse and can ensure your water bills don’t continue to increase unnecessarily.

7. Check Your Garden Hoses

Many gardeners are excited to hook up their hoses and water their plants in spring. However, before you do so, check your garden hose from top to bottom for leaks, cracks or other damage, and ensure there’s no water dripping from the base of the outdoor faucet.

These leaks may seem minor enough that they won’t cause a problem, but any type of leak wastes water and can cause your monthly utility bills to skyrocket. If you have a leak coming from the faucet, call us as soon as possible so we can inspect it. If you have a leak in your garden hose, you can either repair the leak yourself or replace the hose entirely to eliminate the problem and enjoy hassle-free watering all summer long.

8. Install Low-Flow Bathroom Fixtures

Installing low-flow shower heads and faucets in your bathroom can significantly reduce your water consumption and decrease your monthly water bills. As the name indicates, low-flow showerheads use less water than their traditional counterparts yet still do their jobs efficiently.

We can install these low-flow bathroom fixtures for you. Our professional plumbers install them quickly and properly to ensure they work optimally for you. Ask us to handle the task for you when you call us to schedule a spring plumbing inspection appointment.

9. Change Your Washing Machine Habits

Many families are starting to get out more during spring and enjoy the warmer temperatures, so washing machines may be used more often to clean dirt-stained clothes. More dirty clothes means using the washing machine more often and higher water bills.

Be sure to use your washing machine only when you have a full load if you want to save money on your monthly water bills. However, be careful not to overload it; otherwise, the appliance won’t be able to do its job correctly. Your clothes won’t get properly cleaned, and you’ll likely have to run the machine over again.

You also want to make sure you’re cleaning your washing machine each month. It must be clean to work efficiently, and an efficient machine uses the least amount of energy possible to wash your clothes.

When doing the laundry, make sure no leaks are coming from the hose or the machine itself. If there are, there’s a good chance it could increase your monthly water bills even if the leaks seem minor.

Taking steps now to reduce your water bills can allow you to start saving money sooner rather than later. Beltway Air Conditioning and Heating in Hanover, MD, offers many plumbing services, including plumbing inspections, water heater installations, and more, that can help you with the process. Contact us today to schedule an inspection for your bathroom or kitchen plumbing and for more information on how to reduce your monthly water bills.

Choosing the Right Whole-House Water Filtration System

Written by Kevin on February 15, 2025. Posted in Plumbing.

Ensuring the quality of your home’s water is essential for the health and well-being of your family. Installing a whole-house water filtration system can provide comprehensive protection, delivering cleaner water to every tap in your home. This not only safeguards your drinking water but also ensures that the water you use for bathing and cooking is free of contaminants. By understanding the benefits and options available, you can make an informed decision to enhance your home’s water quality.

Why Add a Whole-Home Water Filtration System?

Even after treatment, municipal water can still contain contaminants such as lead, pesticides, and residual chemicals. Additionally, treatment processes often involve adding chemicals like chlorine, which can impact both your family’s health and the water’s taste and smell. For homeowners with private wells, filtration is equally essential. Well water may contain contaminants like sediment, bacteria, or high mineral levels, as well as pollutants from nearby agricultural or industrial activity. Installing a whole-home water filtration system ensures clean, safe water throughout your home, whether you rely on a municipal supply or a private well.

Mechanical Filtration

Most whole-home water filters use some form of mechanical filtration and even multiple layers. Mechanical filtration involves removing suspended particles by passing water through a mesh filter or cartridge.

The effectiveness of mechanical filtration depends on the filter’s pore size, which determines the size of particles it can capture. For example, a filter with a larger pore size might trap only visible debris like sediment or rust. In contrast, a finer filter can remove microscopic contaminants such as silt and even some bacteria.

Many systems combine different layers of mechanical filtration, starting with coarse filters to catch larger particles and progressing to finer ones for smaller impurities. Prefilters trap the largest particles. They’re, sometimes, called sediment filters and are most necessary for homes with wells, which are more prone to having large dirt particles in their water supply.

However, prefilters are usually also incorporated into water filtration systems for homes that use municipal water. This is because they extend the lifetime of the more expensive filters deeper in the system. By removing larger debris and sediment, prefilters help prevent clogging and wear on finer filters, ensuring that the overall filtration system functions more efficiently and lasts longer.

When choosing a whole-home system, ensure that it incorporates a prefilter to keep maintenance costs down and finer filters to capture smaller contaminants. Also, keep in mind that, while mechanical filtration is excellent for removing physical impurities, it often works best when paired with other filtration methods, such as activated carbon or UV systems, to address chemical and biological contaminants.

Absorptive Filtration

Mechanical filters alone are unable to trap gases and chemical molecules because their pore sizes are too large. To address this, many whole-home water filtration systems include absorptive filter media, such as activated carbon.

Activated carbon, also known as activated charcoal, is a highly porous form of carbon that can effectively absorb gases like volatile organic compounds (VOCs) as well as chemicals such as chlorine and chloramine. VOCs are a group of carbon-based chemicals often found in water and can include substances like benzene, formaldehyde, and trichloroethylene. They can be harmful to your health and contribute to poor water quality.

Due to its large surface area, activated carbon can undergo numerous filtration cycles before needing replacement. Once it traps harmful contaminants, they are neutralized and rendered harmless, providing a safer, cleaner water supply for your home.

Activated carbon comes in two primary forms: granular carbon and carbon block. Granular carbon consists of loose, small particles, allowing water to flow through the filter quickly. While it provides effective filtration, its larger spaces between the particles can allow some contaminants to pass through. On the other hand, carbon blocks are compacted into solid form, which provides a denser surface area for filtration. This structure allows carbon block filters to capture more contaminants than granular carbon, especially when it comes to chemicals like chlorine and chloramine. When shopping for a water treatment system, focus on ones that combine granular and carbon block filters because they balance filtration performance with flow rate.

UV Light

To eliminate over 99% of pathogens in your water, consider a whole-house water filtration system that includes ultraviolet germicidal irradiation (UVGI). The UVGI process uses a UV lamp emitting ultraviolet (UV) light, effectively neutralizing harmful microorganisms like bacteria, viruses, and protozoa.

Unlike chemical disinfectants, UV light doesn’t introduce any substances into your water, so it doesn’t alter the taste, smell, or appearance. It’s a chemical-free, environmentally friendly way to ensure that your water is free from harmful pathogens without the need for chlorine or other chemicals.

UV light is highly effective at targeting a broad range of pathogens, including bacteria like E. coli, viruses like hepatitis, and protozoa like Giardia. However, it’s important to note that UV light does not remove chemical contaminants, sediment, or heavy metals. Therefore, it’s often combined with other mechanical and absorptive filtration methods to provide comprehensive water treatment.

One of the advantages of UV light is its speed. The process requires only seconds to deactivate harmful microorganisms. This makes it a very efficient option for households that need to disinfect large amounts of water quickly, like if you have a well.

When purchasing a system for your home, keep in mind that, for the most effective results, the water must be clear before it enters the UV chamber. Particles or sediment in the water can block UV light from fully reaching pathogens, reducing the system’s effectiveness. Quality whole-house systems with UV lights incorporate prefilters to ensure the water is clear before UV exposure, optimizing performance and ensuring safe, pathogen-free water throughout your home.

Water Softening

Water softeners address hard water caused by minerals like calcium and magnesium. These minerals can make it more difficult for soaps to lather, lead to scale buildup in your plumbing, and potentially reduce the lifespan of appliances. Some water filtration systems can also soften your water, or you can install one separately to improve your water quality.

The most common type of water softener is a salt-based system. These systems use a process called ion exchange, where calcium and magnesium ions in the water are exchanged for sodium ions. As hard water passes through a resin tank, the resin beads absorb calcium and magnesium, and sodium ions are released into the water in their place.

However, not everyone wants a salt-based system. For those seeking an alternative, non-salt water softeners are available. These systems use various technologies, such as reverse osmosis or template-assisted crystallization (TAC), to reduce scale buildup without adding sodium to the water. Non-salt systems are often preferred by homeowners who need to avoid increased sodium intake or those with moderately hard water.

Contact Your Local Experts

At Beltway Air Conditioning and Heating, we have served the residents of Hanover, MD and the surrounding areas for years. We are expert plumbers who can help you choose the best water treatment system for your home. Additionally, we install, repair, and maintain heating and cooling systems. Contact us today to schedule an appointment with one of our experienced team members.