Dalton Plumbing, Heating, Cooling, Electric and Fireplaces, Inc. Blog: Archive for the ‘Cedar Falls Plumber’ Category

Upgrade Your Home with a Digital Thermostat

Friday, March 20th, 2015

What are the Advantages of Having a Digital Setback Thermostat?

Did you know that you can save hundreds of dollars a year on your heating and cooling bill simply by upgrading your thermostat? With traditional thermostats you must remember to adjust the temperature throughout the day.

Adjusting your temperature for when you are at work or are asleep can drastically lower heating and cooling costs. A digital setback thermostat has a clock built in and operates on a schedule you create so you can go through your day and save money without having to worry about adjusting your thermostat.

Digital Setback Thermostats Do the Thinking

Let’s say you work 9 to 5 and prefer your home at 72 degrees during the heat of the summer. On especially warm days your air conditioner will have to run more often to keep the house at this temperature.

You could tell your digital setback thermostat to start keeping the temperature at 76 degrees when you leave for work, and then have the house back to 72 degrees by the time you get home. During the winter you could tell your thermostat to keep the house a bit cooler while you’re sleeping so the heat doesn’t have to run as often.

Different Features of Digital Setback Thermostats

Digital setback thermostats come in a wide range of configurations and price points. On the more basic end, you’ll get what appears to be a standard thermostat but allows you to program a schedule into it. In the mid-end, you’ll get a thermostat with a larger display and options to create different schedules for different days.

At the higher end, you can get “smart” thermostats that can be controlled with your smartphone, tablet, or computer. Some thermostats in the mid to high range also include a touchscreen for easier programming. Digital setback thermostats range in price from $25 for basic models to $300 for high-end models.

You Can Easily Take Advantage

Digital setback thermostats come in a wide range of configurations and you’ll easily be able to find one that is compatible with your current HVAC unit. In most cases, you can change your thermostat yourself with only basic wiring experience.

Simply remove the old thermostat, make the proper connections to the new thermostat, and mount it to the wall. Thermostats typically come with simple to follow instructions. Once installed, you’ll be on your way to saving hundreds a year on your heating and cooling.

Upgrade your Cedar Falls home thermostat today! Just Call Dalton Plumbing, Heating & Cooling at (319) 266-3513, and see what advantages a new digital setback thermostat can do for your home.

Posted in Cedar Falls Blog, Cedar Falls Plumber, Thermostat Installation | Comments Off on Upgrade Your Home with a Digital Thermostat

Clean Your Drains Annually For Best Performance

Friday, March 13th, 2015

Drain Cleaning: What Are the Benefits of Annual Drain Cleaning?

Home maintenance is a responsibility that all homeowners should adhere to in order to see the greatest returns on investments. Home properties are considered to be among the most valuable assets individuals and/or families can own.

Therefore, properly maintaining the property will always work to their advantage. Let our professional plumbers help you.

Why Home Maintenance Is Important

There are many areas within a home an owner should regularly inspect to ensure their property is kept in proper working condition. If all of the home’s components are well maintained, they will have the opportunity of either retaining its value or potentially increasing it.

Wearing and Tearing is Inevitable

The inspection stages should consist of the homeowner looking over the areas that are utilized most often. Since a home’s amenities, appliances and components are utilized on a regular basis, they will become prone to undergoing the natural effects of wearing and tearing over time.

Therefore, it is imperative for them to ensure that they pay special attention to the areas that are used most often first. This way, they will prevent any possibilities of such areas deteriorating due to negligence.

The Complexity of a Home’s Plumbing System

Some of the most commonly utilized components are attached to a home’s plumbing system. The plumbing system is interconnected to a myriad of components, including: toilets, sinks, bathtubs, showers, pipelines, sewage lines, garbage disposals, refrigerators, outdoor sprinkler systems, swimming pools and water heaters.

Due to the vastness of connections, the plumbing system plays an important role in a home’s qualities of functionality and efficiency. A homeowner’s proactive measures of maintenance and due diligence can have a significant amount of positive impacts on the value of their home.

Why Every Homeowner Should Consider Acquiring An Annual Drain Cleaning Service

An annual drain cleaning is highly recommended for homeowners that not only care about maintaining the conditions of their home and retaining its overall value, but also for those that are seeking to keep costs of utilizing the home’s components on the lower end while living a comfortable life full of quality.

An annual drain cleaning alleviates the problems of accumulated dirt, grime and debris within a home’s plumbing system. By acquiring such a service, a homeowner will be able to avoid pipe clogs, bursts, leaks, floods and many other problematic occurrences.

Unclog that drain with the experts at Dalton Plumbing, Heating, & Cooling, just Call (319) 266-3513, we offer the best drain cleaning services in the Cedar Falls area.

Posted in Cedar Falls Blog, Cedar Falls Plumber, Drain Cleaning | Comments Off on Clean Your Drains Annually For Best Performance

The Advantages of a Garbage Disposal

Friday, February 27th, 2015

Top 10 Reasons to Install a Garbage Disposal

Are you considering installing a garbage disposal in your kitchen?

Here’s the top 10 reasons why choosing the cost effective and efficient method of food disposal will improve your health, home, and life, in addition to having an impressive positive contribution to the environment.

1. Standing Food Waste

Old food sitting in your trash is prime real estate for bacteria and viruses. A sink garbage disposal can put potentially putrid waste in it’s place, holding disease causing bacteria at bay. A garbage disposal is a more healthy alternative to traditional trash.

2. Garbage Smell

Spoiled food stinks and the odors can linger for days. Garbage disposal is clean, convenient, and won’t leave you holding your breath.

3. Low Utility Cost

Modern garbage disposals are electrically efficient and inexpensive to operate.

4. Waste Incineration

Waste incineration can lead to the release of environmentally hazardous gaseous materials. Garbage disposal actively reduces the amount of solid waste incinerated, and limits the distribution of gaseous and particulate pollutants.

5. Waste Transport Emissions

Waste disposed down the drain won’t require collection and transport to a landfill. A garbage disposal would reduce the contribution by waste management vehicles to atmospheric carbon dioxide, the number one human contributor to climate change.

6. Methane Emissions By Landfill Waste

Decomposition of organic food waste in landfills releases greenhouse gasses like methane into the atmosphere. Methane is the second largest human contributor to climate change after carbon dioxide.

7. Production of Renewable Methane Energy

Water treatment facilities are increasingly adopting a method of collecting and treating methane gas emitted from food waste decomposition. This process utilizes methane gas as an alternative, renewable energy source. Food put through garbage disposals are a major contributor of organic waste necessary for methane production.

8. Recycled Food Waste Fertilizer

After methane collection, the remaining organic waste is processed and recycled. This product is used in agriculture and home gardening as an effective fertilizer.

9. Pests

Food waste and odor are major contributors to the attraction of insects and other pests. A sink garbage disposal will eliminate this factor and reduce the appeal of your home to harmful pests.

10. Fewer Trash Bags

Trash bags are non-biodegradable and not environmentally friendly. Reduced waste from a sink garbage disposal will decrease usage of trash bags and further reduce environmental impact.

The convenience offered by sink garbage disposal, in addition to the environmental and health benefits, make this decision easy. A garbage disposal would be a great addition to any home.

Smelling a stink in the sink in your Cedar Falls home? That means you need a garbage disposal, just Call Dalton Plumbing, Heating, & Cooling Inc. at (319) 266-3513, and have an expert install one today!

Posted in Cedar Falls Blog, Cedar Falls Plumber, Garbage Disposal | Comments Off on The Advantages of a Garbage Disposal

Broken Faucet? Might Be That Time for Replacement

Friday, February 13th, 2015

Faucet and Sink Fixture Services

Faucets are one of many things that people take for granted. They make it possible to wash dishes, pots, pans, hands, and make water available in general. However, overtime, faucets start to wear down and lose their top performance.

A bad faucet may show symptoms such as rusty water, clogs, or in extreme cases, leaks. There are a few signs to look out for in determining whether or not it’s time to get a new faucet.

It’s important to note that replacing a bad faucet all together is a whole lot more cost effective than simply fixing the faucet.

When Is It Necessary to Replace My Faucet?

One of the biggest signs of a bad faucet is leaking water. Over long periods of time, the inner washers become shot and rusted, causing leaks. If this is the case then the faucet definitively needs to be replaced.

However, uncommon sings of a needed faucet replacement are air bubbles and rust water. Another symptom of a bad faucet is weak water output. In time, debris builds up inside the water faucet, which in turn reduces the amount of water that comes out. The faucet then needs to be replaced in this case.

What Are Some Signs of Damage?

Again, signs of damage to a faucet include problems such as low water output, rusty water, or leaks. Visibility of a large amount of water deposits such as calcium also count as damage.

Basically, anything that is different about the water faucet than when it was first installed counts as a sign of damage. In any case where the faucet isn’t functioning properly, a faucet replacement should be considered.

How Can I Avoid My Faucet from Being Broken in the Future?

Gentle use of anything is the best way to prevent damage. One should turn the faucet valves gentles instead of abruptly.

Also, sometimes big pots and pans have the tendency to hit the faucet while washing dishes.

This can dramatically reduce the life of a faucet. On the other hand, avoiding it can dramatically increase faucet life. Having a clean water system can also increase faucet life by preventing water deposits, thus preventing blockage.

Having the proper faucet and sink fixture is vital for your Cedar Falls home. If this needs repairing, Call Dalton Plumbing, Heating, & Cooling Inc. at (319) 266-3513, we have the best pair of experts to get the job done.

Posted in Cedar Falls Blog, Cedar Falls Plumber, Faucet Repair | Comments Off on Broken Faucet? Might Be That Time for Replacement

If It's an Emergency, Call the Plumbers Today!

Friday, January 30th, 2015

Emergency Plumber 101

Why Use an Emergency Plumber

Chances are you have never needed to use an emergency plumber. If this is the case than that is good.

However, should you find yourself in an emergency, than knowing who you can call and having this option is necessary as it is going to save you thousands, if not tens of thousands of dollars in potential repairs later on down the road.

Of course, not all problems constitute an emergency, so if you are able to wait a day without your home sustaining damage, than chances are you cain wait for the traditional plumbing service.

However, if your home is sustaining damage or if there is a potentially life threatening problem at hand, you need to bring in the emergency plumber.

What are the Advantages of Emergency Plumbing Services?

Naturally, the main one is to help you save thousands of dollars by avoiding costly repairs. In the event of a burst pipe or similar situation, it can cause hundreds of gallons of water to fill up in a basement or other room.

This may force you to remove the flooring, walls, insulation and even later remove other elements of the room due to the development of mold. This all becomes extremely expensive and is why you need to use an emergency plumbing service should you find yourself in such a situation.

How Can I Prevent an Emergency Plumbing Incident?

There are a few ways you can do this. If you are leaving on vacation during the winter months, make sure the heat for your home is not turned off but left in the low 50s range.

This is going to prevent your pipes from freezing. Freezing makes the water expand, which can potentially burst a pipe. It is also a good idea to have someone stop by occasionally and have them run the water for a bit.

This keeps the water from settling too long, which can also help prevent the water from freezing. Beyond this, you need to have a regular inspection of your plumbing.

This way, you can avoid costly problems and repairs later on down the line. It also can help you identify problems you have now, so you can take care of the issues before it develops into a major situation and you need to contact the emergency plumbers.

For an Emergency Plumbing job in the Cedar Falls area, Dalton Plumbing, Heating, & Cooling Inc. is the company for you! Call (319) 266-3513 and get the experts on it.

Posted in Cedar Falls Blog, Cedar Falls Plumber, Emergency Plumbing | Comments Off on If It's an Emergency, Call the Plumbers Today!

Water is Off, and Still Hear Water Running? Common Issue of the Slab Leak

Friday, January 9th, 2015

Slab Leaks: What Are the Causes of Slab Leaks?

Some of the most frequent questions from our customers deal with the unfortunate intrusion of a slab leak within the home. A slab leak is a water leak below the concrete foundation of a home or property.

These leaks are breaks in the pipeline that lead to a small or large amounts of water spilling out somewhere near the foundation.

What Causes Slab Leaks?

There are many reasons why slab leaks occur. The four most common reasons are: corrosion of the pipe, pressure placed on the pipe, abrasion or vibration within the pipe, and improper construction. We will break down each of these four reasons for slab leaks to give you a better idea of the root cause of the leak.

While many home and property owners associate fear slab leaks due to the inevitable expense of repair, there are also severe health risks that can develop from leaks.

Leaking water will inevitably lead to mold and mildew. Breathing mold-saturated air can lead to long-term respiratory issues. Leaks left untreated can also lead to the rotting of supporting structures in your home, hurting your property value.

How to Tell if you Have a Slab leak

Some of the most common signs of a slab leak are: the sound of water when all faucets are off, excessive mold or mildew, an abnormally high water bill, consistent low water pressure or a hot spot on the floor. If you notice any of these issues, it’s advisable to call your plumber immediately to confirm the location of the leak and repair it before further damage is done.

Repairing a Slab Leak

Repairing a slab leak is not as trying of a process as you may think. Most repairs can be done within three days. During the first day, your plumber use electronic equipment to detect the actual source of the leak, as well as any outside factoring contributing to the occurrence of the leak.

On the following day(s), your plumber will repair the actual leak. In rare cases the leak may not be able to be repaired quickly. In that instance, your plumber will install a temporary water line so that your water being shut off doesn’t affect your day-to-day routine.

A slab leak is an unfortunate occurrence. However, when working with a capable plumber you can repair the leak in a timely, cost-effective manner that will prevent future damage.

Are you seeing signs of a slab leak in your Cedar Falls home? No time to waste here, Call Dalton Plumbing, Heating, & Cooling Inc. at (319) 266-3513 to see what is causing that slab leak.

Posted in Cedar Falls Blog, Cedar Falls Plumber, Slab Leaks | Comments Off on Water is Off, and Still Hear Water Running? Common Issue of the Slab Leak

A Regular Plumber Won't Tell You This About Bathroom Remodels

Friday, December 26th, 2014

Possible Problems With Bathroom Remodeling

It’s time to remodel your bathroom and you’re thinking of doing it yourself. Before going down the DYI path, consider how working with a professional plumber can help in unexpected ways.

Common Plumbing Issues

• Will your existing plumbing work for your new bath design? Before starting your plumber will evaluate the condition of existing plumbing and determine if it will compliment your new bath design. Weak pipes will be replaced and if necessary, rerouted to work with your plan.

• Can anything be more aggravating then discovering that you forgot a part? A bath has lots of parts. From the obvious sink and toilet to the small hidden fittings behind the walls your plumber will provide the expertise to point out the parts you’ll need to pick out and fill in the rest himself.

• Do you want to play with the hazardous combination of water and electricity? A bath remodel brings together the most hazardous elements of home renovation— water and electricity. Your plumber knows how to safely handle these components.

What Local Codes Need To Be Followed?

An experienced plumber will be knowledgeable with regards to local codes and during his work may also discover old code violations he can correct. Fixing these violations during the building process is better than having them discovered by an inspector later.

When Should You Replace Your Shower or Tub?
If you are doing a bathroom renovation, it’s the perfect time to evaluate and adjust for tub or shower use. For example, if an aged family member will be using the room exclusively, an easy to step into shower may work best. If this is the going to be your own private sanctuary it’s time to shop for that two person whirlpool you’ve always dreamed of.

Another very necessary time to replace your tub or shower is when it’s cracked or leaking. Cracks and leaks don’t get better. If left broken, water from these leaks can ruin floors as well as ceilings in the level below. Moisture also promotes growth of mold which can spread throughout your home.

Working with your professional plumber can mean the difference between an okay remodel job and creating the bathroom of your dreams. He offers the valuable expertise to get the job done right. Talk to a professional plumber today.

Call Dalton Plumbing, Heating, & Cooling Inc. at (319) 266-3513 right now for bathroom remodeling services. Our experienced technicians will service your Cedar Falls home in no time!

Posted in Bathroom Remodeling, Cedar Falls Blog, Cedar Falls Plumber | Comments Off on A Regular Plumber Won't Tell You This About Bathroom Remodels

Must Know Home-Owning Information

Friday, December 5th, 2014

Maintaining a Garbage Disposal

The garbage disposal helps to reduce the trash being thrown away and keep it from the landfill. When operating perfectly, the garbage disposal chops and churns the food particles into liquid, allowing them to flow easily down the pipes with water. The problem is that many foods that should not be in the disposal get trapped in the pipes and begin to solidify. They start to smell soon after and can cause a terrible odor in the kitchen area.

Why Does the Disposal Smell So Bad?

When foods that are recommended enter the disposal, they are chopped into such small pieces they easily flow right out of the home. It is those items that should not be chopped that do not break down small enough, becoming easily trapped to the inner walls of the pipes. There, the food particles simply begin to rot each day, emitting that terrible odor into your home.

What Can a Plumber Do to Fix The Smell?

Your local plumbing professional will open the pipes and scrub clean the interior surface of the pipes with an organic cleaning solution. This solution will remove any rotting food that is causing the smell, and the coating will also act like a barrier for future particles to simply slide right off. The food that is liquified by the garbage disposal will now flow right down the pipes like they were intended to. It is important to have your local plumber do a cleaning at least once a year to keep the pipes clear. This will get rid of that odor coming from the pipes in your kitchen.

What Shouldn’t I Put into my Disposal?

Obviously, bones of any sort should never be placed in the disposal because they can damage the blades and get stuck in pipes where another food particles will be attracted to. Never put oils or grease in your garbage disposal, they will eventually solidify overnight and cause the pipes to clog. Egg shells are very dangerous to the blades of the disposal, the membranes easily attach themselves to the metal and make it hard for the blades to properly chop other foods. Read the owners manual of your garbage disposal, many fruit and vegetable skins are also not recommended in the disposal. Rice and macaroni will continue to expand in the disposal, so throw them in the trash and not down the drain.

If your home is in need of garbage disposal services, call Dalton Plumbing, Heating, & Cooling Inc. at (319) 266-3513 for the best services in the Cedar Falls area.

Posted in Cedar Falls Blog, Cedar Falls Plumber, Garbage Disposal | Comments Off on Must Know Home-Owning Information

Top Drain Hygiene Hacks For Your Home

Friday, November 21st, 2014

Drain Clog Prevention

One of the most common and annoying problems that many people have with their plumbing systems is clogged drains. Clogged drains happen all the time, and many people wonder why it keeps happening to them. The answer is simple: Drains clog because of what you put down them. Unfortunately, many people consider sink, drains and toilets as some kind of liquified waste and garbage disposal systems. Part of the solution to preventing clogged drains lies in educating people about the limitations of their plumbing systems, however, the best solution is always calling professional Drain Cleaning services.

Generally, plumbing drain systems are designed to carry certain waste materials combined with a limited amount of paper and other minimal bi-products with a larger amount of water. It is the force of the water alone that pushes debris out of the drain and eventually into the main sewer line. Eventually, the debris in a drain or sewer line can build up to the point where the water can no longer move them, resulting in a clogged drain line.

How Can I Prevent Drain Clogs
One of the best ways to prevent drain clogs is to pay attention. During the coarse of your everyday activities, you should pay attention to what is going down your drains and toilets. Make sure that nothing goes down your toilet except waste and a reasonable amount of toilet paper. Also, make sure that you have a good strainer on all of your sinks. The strainers will catch unwanted debris such as food waste and hair. These things will clog up your drain real quick.

While it is a good practice to take every precaution you can to keep your drains free and clear, you will need the help of a professional plumber to ensure that your plumbing system is running at its best.

Professional Drain Maintenance

Regular and routine drain maintenance is essential in keeping your plumbing system functioning at its best. A professional plumber has the knowledge, skill and equipment to provide a wide variety of drain maintenance services that will keep your home’s plumbing operating perfectly.

Professional plumbers will come to your home with equipment that is specifically designed to clear out your drains. Professional plumbers s plumbing “snakes” of all sizes to clear out each and every drain in your house. They will use specialized hydro-jetting equipment to completely clear out your main sewer line; leaving it aw clean as it was when it was new. Only a professional plumber can ensure that your drains are as clean as they should be.

Are you looking for Drain Cleaning services in the Cedar Falls area? Look no further than Dalton Plumbing, Heating, & Cooling Inc. , call us today at (319) 266-3513.

Posted in Cedar Falls Blog, Cedar Falls Plumber, Drain Cleaning | Comments Off on Top Drain Hygiene Hacks For Your Home

Must Know Home Owning Tip!

Friday, November 7th, 2014

Saving Money With Preventive Plumbing Maintenance

When it comes to you home, you want to make sure everything is up to par and working properly. By routinely checking things around your home, you could actually be saving money. Instead of waiting until the last minute to repair things around your home, stay on top of everything and repair them before the repairs become too costly. When it comes to plumbing maintenance, this is a must as water damage to your home can cost you hundreds, and maybe even thousands, of dollars to fix.

Preventative plumbing maintenance can not only save you money, but it can also improve the efficiency of your pipes and faucets. This in turn lowers the amount of water consumption. Another way to save on water consumption is to replace you old shower heads, which can save you up to 8 gallons of water per minute. If you notice a leaky faucet in your home, you want to look into getting this fixed right away. A leaky faucet can waste up to 3,000 gallons a year if left alone. It’s also a good idea to check on your water heater every once in a while to make sure the temperature isn’t too high as this could be costly. If you notice that your water meter has drastically changed, this could be an indication that you have an undetected leak somewhere in your house.
Another way for homeowners to save money is by checking the plumbing of your home throughout the different seasons. For the spring and fall, make sure your gutters, downspouts, and yard drains are free of debris and aren’t blocked. As the weather gets colder, you’ll want to disconnect your hose and store it away for the winter. Keeping your hose connected will cause the hose to freeze and connecting pipes can also freeze and break.

If you notice standing water after a heavy summer downpour, this can be the result of broken or leaky pipes. This is never a good sign as standing water is a breeding ground for insects and germs, making it unsafe for everyone in your home, especially kids and pets. You’ll need to hire a professional plumber to help take care of this problem and get the area professionally cleaned before making use of this area once again.

There are many things homeowners can do to prevent plumbing damage to your home. By catching things right away, homeowners can save money and prevent further damage in their home.

Looking to save money in the long run? Call Dalton Plumbing, Heating, & Cooling Inc. today at (319) 266-3513 for plumbing maintenance services in the Cedar Falls area.

Posted in Cedar Falls Blog, Cedar Falls Plumber, Plumbing Maintenance | Comments Off on Must Know Home Owning Tip!