Lasiter & Lasiter Plumbing Blog | Plumbing Tips & Advice

Gas water heaters heat water faster and cost less per month to run, while electric water heaters cost less to buy and install and tend to last a couple of years longer. The better choice depends on the fuel line your house already has, how much hot water your household uses, and your local utility rates.

Most people replace a water heater maybe three times in their life. You do not think about the tank in the garage until the shower runs cold on a Tuesday morning. Then you have an afternoon to decide between an electric model and a gas model.

Both heat water well. They get there differently, and that difference follows you on every utility bill for the next decade. The comparison comes down to three things: what you pay upfront, what you pay every month, and how much hot water you get at once.

What Is the Difference Between an Electric and a Gas Water Heater?

Water leaks into a basement after heavy rain because saturated soil around the foundation builds hydrostatic pressure and forces groundwater through cracks, joints, and porous concrete. The fix starts with moving rainwater away from the house, then sealing or draining the openings it uses.

A storm rolls through overnight. You go downstairs and find a wet stripe along the bottom of the basement wall, or a puddle on the basement floor that was not there the day before. Common problem, fixable problem. What matters most is figuring out where the water came from, because a basement leak driven by rain gets handled very differently than a broken water line under the house.

What Causes Water to Leak Into a Basement After Heavy Rain?

Rain is not really the problem. Rain with nowhere to go is.

How does hydrostatic pressure force water inside?

Water weighs about 62 pounds per cubic foot. When heavy rainfall saturates the surrounding soil, all of that weight presses against your foundation wall and up against the basement floor. That force is hydrostatic pressure, and it does not need much of an opening. A hairline crack, the seam where the wall meets the floor, or the pores in the concrete will do. Concrete looks solid. Under pressure, it acts more like a sponge. read more

Typical problems encountered in residential plumbing are dripping faucets, running toilets, slow drains, low water pressure, and water heater failure. Almost all of them warn you weeks before they turn into an expensive repair.

Plumbing problems rarely show up overnight. A faucet drips a little louder. A toilet runs longer after each flush. A shower loses pressure, or the hot water runs out sooner. Those are the sounds of something wearing out. The issues that fill a plumber’s schedule are predictable, and once you know the cause behind each one, telling a quick fix from a call you shouldn’t put off gets easier. Catch a small leak early, and you avoid the water damage a late one brings.

What Are the Most Common Plumbing Issues in a Home?

Six problems account for most of the service calls we run. Each one starts with something you can see, hear, or feel. read more

Saturday marks the official start of fall. Most of us at our cooling and heating company love the cooler temperatures. We thought it would be good to share some decor ideas that will add warmth and coziness to your home.

Rustic touches

For rustic accents that are quick and easy, fill a large glass bowl filled with pine cones, colored leaves, and pheasant plumes. You can arrange the pine cones in a pyramid shape and then layer the feathers and leaves over them. For a more striking centerpiece, line the bowl with pine cones. Then arrange the feathers and leaves in a central place. It can add acorns to the bowl! read more

This article will help you save money and learn the truth about air conditioners. Rooter Hero Plumbing will dispel some myths regarding air conditioners that could cost you money. If you want to consult with a qualified air technician, or if you want to hire one, then call Rooter Hero Plumbing to get in touch with a live representative. Rooter Hero Plumbing is happy to provide a price estimate, schedule an appointment, or arrange urgent dispatch.

MYTH: Turning on the Ceiling Fan makes rooms colder

This is partially true. It can use the ceiling fan in conjunction with an air conditioner to make the room feel cooler. This benefit is only applicable if you are present in the room. Turning on the ceiling fan or any fan in the room will only make it more expensive. read more

WHAT DOES A NEW PLUMBING TECHNOLOGY MEAN FOR YOUR KITCHEN OR BATHROOM REMODEL?

Technology has played a significant role in the advancement of bathroom and kitchen products over the years. These products make your home more comfortable and can save you money on your utility bills. These are reasons to upgrade your bathroom and kitchen plumbing fixtures, regardless of whether your home is older or newer.

Technology increases the value of your home.

Is your home still equipped with its original water heater? If your home still has its original water heater and you plan to move, it may be worth upgrading to a more energy-efficient model? Manufacturers are now required to comply with new government guidelines. These guidelines are intended to make water heaters, electric, gas, or tankless, more efficient in energy consumption and water use. A water heater that is more affordable to run can bring in more buyers and increase your home’s value by a significant amount. read more

DO YOU HAVE WATER HEATER RESULTS THAT MEET THE NEXT NATIONAL STANDARDS IN YOUR HOME?

The U.S. Department of Energy’s National Appliance Energy Conservation Act is helping water heaters to get a makeover in 2015. This law, which took effect April 16, 2015, holds manufacturers accountable for meeting higher standards when producing residential water heaters. These changes, which the government does not govern, can benefit homeowners over time in terms of higher energy efficiency, lower energy bills, and longer appliance life.

What does this mean for consumers?

Consumers may experience growing pains during the transition from old water heaters to NAECA 2015-compliant heaters. Consumers will be most affected by a rise in the price of water heaters. Manufacturers may need to change how water heaters use electricity, so additional parts or steps may be required. Unfortunately, the consumer will have to pay this extra cost. What price rise can consumers be prepared to pay? This is yet to be determined. It is unlikely, but it would significantly increase, and the added cost may slightly miff some consumers. read more

Many People don’t understand the power of mold and the damage it can do. Not only can it ruin your home, but it can also make you very sick. Unlike mildew, which forms on surfaces, mold is a fungus that can penetrate porous materials. Mold is likely to be found in darkened areas or black gunk around walls and tiles.

Molds pose a health risk, particularly for those with compromised immunity and acute illnesses. To avoid these risks, we’ll show you how to clean mold from showers. We will also share tips to prevent mold growth in your bathroom or home. read more

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Installing a plumbing system for toilets is a question that plumbers around the world ask every day. When planning for a new bathroom or remodeling an existing one, it is important to select the right contractor and the right plumbing system for the job. Installing faulty systems or pipes, leaking faucets, and clogged drains can cost the homeowner more in repairs. How to install a plumbing system for toilets can save you money in the long run. Here are some tips from experts that can help you when choosing a contractor. read more

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What would a plumbing system look like without the function of plumbing vents? If your plumbers weren’t there to fix those problems when they first started happening, what would they be doing when the problem got out of hand, and then they had to replace the whole thing? Without them, a well-functioning kitchen and bathroom would have no other option but to be shut down until the repair completion.

So what happens when pipes clog plumbing vents?

How do you know if your plumbing vents are currently clogging? What needs to be done when your plumbing service cannot install plumbing on your house’s upstairs floors? Here are some things that you need to know about the installation of a washing machine vent: read more