Oct 17
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What Is A Slab Leak?

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According to the National Association of Home Builders, nearly 96% of homes built in Florida are built on concrete slab foundations. These slab foundations are responsible for bearing the entire weight of your home, keeping groundwater out, and acting as a barrier for all potential vapors that could seep into your home. These slab foundations also house the water lines and sewage lines for your home.

One of the most common reasons concrete slab foundations fail is because of slab leaks. If one of those lines springs a leak, water will collect beneath your home. That water can damage your concrete foundation and compromise your home’s structural integrity.

What Causes a Slab Leak?

There are three common causes of concrete slab leaks, which include:

  • Long-term corrosion of copper pipes.

  • Poor installation or damage during construction. This makes your pipes more vulnerable to leaks.

  • Shifts in the foundation. Earthquakes can weaken pipes or put pressure on pipes that were already weak.

How To Detect a Slab Leak

If you suspect a leak, find it and fix it quickly to avoid damaging your concrete foundation. Here are some common leak indicators:

  • Rising water bills

  • Moving water meter dial even though no water is presently running

  • Mildew or moisture underneath your carpet

  • Standing water outside of your house

  • Poor water pressure

  • Cracks in the baseboards or walls

Don’t risk the integrity of your home’s foundation. If you suspect that your home could have a leak, contact the leak detection experts at TRUST ROOTER 954-707-6556

Apr 10
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How to Reset an Electric Water Heater in Two Easy Steps

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Picture this. It’s a subzero Monday morning. You’ve hit the snooze button six times—and if it weren’t for your spouse threatening to suffocate you in your sleep, you would’ve hit it a seventh time. Instead, you sigh deeply, toss back the covers, and scurry to the bathroom. You turn on the shower, wait for the glorious steam to bubble over the curtain, and hop in. And then, two milliseconds after you soap up, your nice hot shower practically turns to sleet. “GAAAAAAAAH!” you scream. “What bleeping-bleep-bleep happened to the hot water?!”

OK, admittedly, there are worse plumbing “situations” one could have. But that one? The one with shampoo streaming into your eyes? The one in which you’re groping blindly for a towel in an attempt to stop your teeth from chattering? That definitely makes our list of Top 10 No-Fun Moments in Home Ownership.

 

Why Electric Water Heaters Quit

So, what causes Hot-Showers Interruptus? If you have an electric water heater, it’s possible that the unit’s reset button tripped. Every once in a while, those buttons randomly trip. Often, though, it happens because:

  • The unit’s thermostat is faulty.
  • The reset button itself is malfunctioning.
  • The part of the unit that prevents water from getting too hot—the high-limit switch—is no longer working.
  • The heating element has a short.
  • There’s a loose wire somewhere.

Keep in mind that a water heater’s reset button serves an important purpose—interrupting power in the event of a malfunction, such as a power surge or a faulty thermostat. If your water heater loses power repeatedly, there’s likely a problem that should be addressed by a professional at TRUST ROOTER. And please remember that the combination of electricity and water is dangerous—even deadly. Never hesitate to call in a pro to check things over.

For the purposes of this post, we’re assuming your water heater typically minds its manners and this isn’t a recurring issue. With that understanding, let’s walk through two simple steps to get it going again.

 

First, check your electrical panel.

Head to your electrical panel (usually in the garage, basement, or storage closet), and locate the circuit labeled “water heater.”

  • If the breaker’s in the OFF position: Flip it to ON. If it stays there, you can probably assume all this unpleasantness was a fluke and you can go on about your business. But if it flips back to OFF—either immediately or shortly thereafter—call an electrician.
  • If the breaker’s in the ON position: Flip it to OFF.

Then, push the water heater reset button(s).

Somewhere on your electric water heater, you’ll find a reset button. It’s usually red and often located near the thermostat. It may also be hidden behind a removable metal panel on the unit—and then behind some insulation. Once you find the button, push and release it. While you have the access panel off, see if there are a second thermostat and second reset button.

If the button trips again immediately after you push it, something’s not working correctly, and you should call in a pro. Otherwise, replace the access panel, then flip the relevant circuit breaker back to ON.

  • If your water heater now has power, you’re all set. (Way to go!) Just keep in mind it’ll take a few hours to reheat the water in the tank.
  • If your water heater still doesn’t work, flip the breaker to OFF, and call us so we can determine what’s happening and get hot water flowing again.
  • If your water heater starts working but the reset button trips again, switch that breaker back to OFF, and let us have a look. Again, your reset button is a safety feature, so if it keeps tripping, something’s not quite right.

Is Your Water Heater Trying to Tell You Something?

One suddenly cold shower is (sort of) funny. But when it keeps happening, that’s an aggravating problem. We’d be honored to stop by and figure out what’s going on, so give us a call today at 954-707-6556. You deserve nice hot showers!

Apr 09
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More Attention to Improving Water Efficiency

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You need special attention to improving water efficieny. Water use in buildings will depend on the plumbing-fixture type – how the building is used and the type of equipment installed. For instance, the water consumption of kitchens and cafeterias in commercial buildings is higher compared to those in a residential setting.

However, while these may have higher water consumption, they are not the majority users of water. Instead, restroom plumbing fixtures, like showers, urinals, lavatories, and water closets consume more than half of the total water usage in offices and other commercial buildings.

Since restroom fixtures account for most water use, the best chances for improving efficiency can be found there. The great news is, the availability for high-efficiency plumbing fixtures is increasing. 

What You Should Do:

To make the facility more water-efficient, you must understand first how water is used. Installing sub-meters and monitoring the different areas of the building will allow you to know more about water usage. This will also help you and building engineers determine problems within the water systems of the building. This way, you can plan and implement projects to reduce water usage effectively.

  • Replace older and high-flow flush valves and water closets with new models that meet or exceed recent Uniform Plumbing Code (UPC) and International Plumbing Code (IPC) specifications.
  • Consider changing the current plumbing fixtures with high-performing fixtures that meet or exceed recent UPC and IPC specifications.
  • Use dual-flush valves on your water closets.
  • For more information contact us or call us.
Apr 08
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Water Filtration Improves Your Home Drinking Water

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Healthier Water

Drinking plenty of water is an essential part of achieving optimal health. When you feel unsure about the drinking water in your home, it can be difficult and expensive to replace tap water with bottled water. Water filtration can remove contaminants such as:

  • Lead
  • Radon
  • Parasites
  • Giardia
  • Pesticides
  • Nitrates

Better Taste

Water that has been filtered often has a better taste than untreated water. A filtration system can help to remove harmful chemicals and other particulates that can alter the taste of your water. Our TRUST ROOTER professionals have experience installing water filtration systems, so you can be sure that your water will taste better. We will provide you with a system that fits your exact needs and we will have it installed as quickly as possible so you can start to enjoy it.

If you want cleaner water in your home that tastes good, contact us, at 954-707-6556 today to see how our filtration services can help keep your water free from harmful substances and make it drinkable right from the kitchen sink.

Sep 20
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Water Heater

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Water Heater Installation and Repair

Cold showers? High energy bills? It may be time for a new hot water heater. But in order to reap the benefits of a new energy-efficient appliance, you’ll need to have it installed properly. A water heater that is not installed correctly can result in water damage, scalding temperatures, or even a fire. That’s why installation is best left to professional plumbers who know the ins and outs of your plumbing system.

Call your local TRUST ROOTER for safe and reliable heater installation and repair.

Why Choose TRUST ROOTER to Install Your FHeater?

  • TRUST ROOTER installs hot water heaters of all makes and models.
  • All installations adhere to building codes, local laws, and regulations.
  • We ensure all cold and hot water pipes are routed correctly to avoid issues with water pressure.
  • Our plumbers ensure your heater has the proper venting so it isn’t a fire hazard.
  • If you’re concerned about the time it takes hot water to reach the faucet, TRUST ROOTER can install hot-water-circulating systems, which keep hot water in your pipes, ready for use at a moment’s notice.
  • Our workmanship and parts are guaranteed!

Our Hot Water Heater Installation Services

  • Gas water heater installation
  • Electric water heater installation
  • Tankless water heater installation
Water Heaters

How Much Does Water Heater Installation Cost?

The cost of installation depends on a number of variables, including the type of heater and your current plumbing configuration. TRUST ROOTER, we believe in up-front, flat-rate pricing. Connect with TRUST ROOTER to discuss the details of your project. You can also give us a call at (833) 346-8787.

How to Select a Water Heater

Selecting a water heater isn’t as easy as it used to be. Which is actually a great problem to have. Thanks to advances in technology, there are options for different budgets, energy sources, and household sizes. Modern heaters are more efficient than older units, as well as longer lasting and easier to service. Let’s explore the different types of heaters and find which one is best for your needs.

Tips for Buying:

What may be best for your neighbors down the road isn’t necessarily best for you.

  • What energy source do you have?
    Gas water heaters use propane or natural gas to heat the water. Electric water heaters are plugged into your home’s power supply. Research the cost of these utilities in your area, and see which one is the most affordable. Your existing utilities should guide your choice.
  • How much hot water do you need?
    Hot water heaters come in different sizes and are rated to supply a certain amount of gallons per hour (GPH). To narrow down your decision, ask yourself how much hot water you or your family need. Do you use water at an average rate, or do you need a little extra?
  • How much space do you have?
    Traditional and hybrid hot water heaters take up a lot of space, whereas tankless heaters are compact. Ask yourself where the heater will be installed and how much room you have.

Finding the Perfect Hot Water Heater

Let’s break down the pros and cons of gas and electric water heaters:

  • Gas Water Heaters: These have a higher up-front cost and must be vented outside, but they are more affordable to operate long-term. Gas water heaters also have a higher recovery rate, which is the time it takes to reheat the water after it is depleted.
  • Electric Water Heaters: These are easy to maintain and install, but they cost more to run and have a slower recovery rate than gas. Electric water heaters are a better option for homes that do not already use gas for other appliances.
  • Water Heater Size Considerations:The size of traditional hot water heater you need depends on the amount of people in your home. Most manufacturers provide guidelines for their units. A family of four should typically look at 50-gallon water heater or larger models.Don’t just rely on the capacity of your water heater to determine if it is large enough. You should also look at the first-hour rating (FHR), which tells you how much water the unit will heat in a set amount of time. When you’re shopping for a new unit, ask about the FHR or consult this water heater size guide from the Department of Energy.

How to Choose a Tankless Hot Water Heater

Homeowners like tankless hot water heaters because they’re compact. They’re also more efficient, since they do not keep a tank of hot water ready to go. They can deliver an endless supply of hot water for even the longest-shower takers. They come in both electric and gas models, so simply choose the one that’s most compatible with your home and your utility bills.

How to Choose a Traditional Water Heater

Once you’ve landed on the correct size of a traditional water heater, as explained above, the next matter to decide is which energy source to use. If other appliances in your home already use propane or natural gas, it makes sense to buy a gas water heater. Otherwise, electric is a better option, since it can be expensive to install gas utilities for a water heater.

How to Choose a Hybrid Water Heater

Hybrid water heaters have a high up-front cost but are significantly more efficient than their counterparts. They have more moving parts, which can complicate maintenance, and they also require regular filter cleaning. They also require a drain, since they produce condensation. Finally, they require a lot of space. Hybrid water heaters are ideal for warmer climates or climate-controlled rooms, as they’re sensitive to extreme temperatures.

Point-of-Use Hot Water?

Point-of-use hot water systems deliver hot water to only one faucet or sink. They’re perfect for utility rooms, tiny homes, or areas of the home where running plumbing for hot water is cost prohibitive.

Professional Water Heater Installation

Once you’ve found the right water heater, give TRUST ROOTER a call for water heater installation. We’ll take care of all the necessary installation procedures and adhere to local building codes to ensure a reliable and efficient installation. Give us a call at (833) 346-8787

This blog is made available by TRUST ROOTER LLC, for educational purposes only to give the reader general information and a general understanding on the specific subject above. The blog should not be used as a substitute for a licensed plumbing professional in your state or region. Check with city and state laws before performing any household project.