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

What’s Going on With Your Leaky Pipes?

Monday, September 11th, 2023
two hands of plumber with pliers and radiator

Leaky pipes are synonymous with being a homeowner. Seriously, if customers weren’t constantly getting leaks in their homes, then we wouldn’t be in business for this long. It’s just a natural part of homeownership, and it’s also something that can get a bit tricky when you try to fix a leaking pipe on your own.

Sure, a valve or PVC pipe might be loose and you can twist it to ensure the leak stops, but that’s a rare type of leak. Most leaks come from corroded pipes, frozen and thawed pipes, or even pipes that have been broken or moved due to issues like settling. In these cases, you’re going to have some trouble if you try to do this work on your own.

Instead, trust a professional for your plumbing services in Des Moines, IA. Our team can replace your old pipes, fix existing leaks, and ensure that no ill effects come from the leaking water.

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Why Go With Copper Plumbing?

Monday, September 4th, 2023

There are all sorts of different plumbing materials available today, from PVC to copper. But in the history of plumbing appliances, they’ve been constructed of hundreds of different types of materials. Human history is a bit of a “trial and error” experience, with people using different materials for their plumbing systems, only to find out later that they’re not very good at the job.

For instance, lead is a perfect example of what should not be used as a plumbing material. Water that flows through lead pipes can pick up some of the runoff and cause lead poisoning in anyone who drinks from that water source. Many other plumbing materials like galvanized steel and copper don’t have this problem, but there are still some preferences today towards materials like copper.

So, let’s talk about plumbing in Cedar Rapids, IA and why copper is the gold-standard material to use.

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How Do I Know Where My Water Leak Is Coming From?

Monday, July 24th, 2023

This question gets at the heart of an issue we call “leak detection.” In the plumbing industry, this is a difficult subject to approach, because everyone has their own methods and strengths when it comes to finding a leak and having it dealt with.

Some folks, for instance, have very sharp ears and can detect even the slightest “dripping” sound coming from their basement in the middle of the night. Other people might be losing their hearing, but they’ve got great vision where they can see the moisture of a pinhole leak developing on a pipe.

In fact, there are several different methods for water leak detection in Cedar Rapids, IA, and many of them can be done either by professionals or for free at home. We’re going to go over a few methods of water leak detection, from audio cues to exact measurements using your water meter. Then, we’ll let you decide if you should call us for professional services when it’s finally time to plug that leak.

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3 Great Ways to Save Water

Monday, May 29th, 2023

It can be easy to think that we have access to an unlimited supply of water. After all, over 70% of the surface of our planet is covered in water, so it’s not like we’re in need of it, right?

Well, that water is salt water, which makes it hard to filter. And even so, freshwater must be pumped or piped to your home either with the use of an electrical device or the help of your local municipality. This means that it’s not free, and the water that gets used by your home has a cost.

Water is relatively cheap where we live, but things like plumbing leaks in Cedar Rapids and broken appliances can cause our bills to go up. And, wasting water can also be bad for the environment, as we’re seeing more record-breaking droughts and periods without rain. The more you can do with a smaller amount of water, the better off you’ll be!

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The Pros and Cons of Flexible Pipes

Monday, May 8th, 2023

For many toilets, sinks, and other home plumbing appliances, it’s normal to see flexible lines leading into the appliance. They’re seriously great because they can mold any shape and fit through small spaces that other, less flexible pipes, would have trouble with.

But flexible lines are a lot more complicated than most people think. They’re a more recent invention than regular plumbing pipes, and just like every other invention, they have pros and cons. Flexible pipes might seem like a perfect solution for nearly every pipe in your home, but that’s not really true.

If you’re looking to evaluate your plumbing system, or if you’re deciding on who to trust for your next job, you can trust Dalton for plumbing service in Waterloo, IA. We’ve got you covered.

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It’s Time to Get a Sump Pump Installed

Monday, April 17th, 2023

Are you tired of your basement flooding every spring? Sure, you might not have any valuables in there that risk getting damaged, but it’s still never a fun thing to have happen. Well, what if we told you that there was a solution to the constantly flooding basement issue? Introducing the sump pump in Cedar Rapids, IA!

A substantial percentage of homeowners throughout the country deal with flash floods and basements that are ill-equipped to handle an influx of water above ground. And, with more extreme weather phenomena on the way, the problem is likely to get worse over time. So, the brilliant minds who engineer home solutions created systems like the sump pump to help us deal with this problem and to keep homeowners safe.

Today, we’re going to discuss what a sump pump is, why it’s so important, and what can go wrong without one.

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What Is Considered a Plumbing Emergency?

Monday, February 13th, 2023

No matter what age you are, whether you’re celebrating the golden anniversary this year or you just graduated high school, you probably watched cartoons at some point. They’ve always been fun and entertaining for kids, even in the Steamboat Willy era. But cartoons also have a habit of showing us less-than-realistic depictions of some real-life things, especially plumbing events.

A gushing water leak or a cartoonishly large wrench are usually the things people think about when they imagine an emergency plumbing situation. These aren’t realistic depictions of what your plumbing emergency might actually look like. Frozen pipes or a sewer clog could be a plumbing emergency, but you’ve likely never seen that on TV or in the movies!

Let’s talk about how you can better tell if you need emergency plumbing in Cedar Rapids, IA, or if you can wait a few days to schedule a normal appointment.

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Protect Your Plumbing This Holiday Season

Monday, December 19th, 2022

It’s that time of year when some of us might be hosting family members or a large group for a party or dinner. Isn’t that great? If only all of our plumbing systems would work exactly as they were designed to, then it might be the perfect season.

However, with more people using the appliances and fixtures in your home, comes more difficulties. When you’re dealing with a clogged drain in Janesville, IA, these things usually build up over the years. But it just so happens to be the moment when everyone is using these drains and plumbing appliances that they start to run into problems such as a clog or a leak.

Let’s head this off right from the start. If you’re nervous or stressed about whether or not your plumbing system will make it through this year’s holiday party, then we’ve got your back. Keep reading to learn about some strategies that can help you mitigate a potential disaster.

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What You Need to Know about Frozen Pipes!

Monday, November 28th, 2022
frozen-pipe

Temperatures are already getting quite chilly, and that means it’s time to winterize your home! You may have already taken some steps towards this, like ensuring that your heater is maintained and ready for the season. But what about your pipes? After all, temperatures can and will drop below 30°F this winter.

This means that the unthinkable could very well happen. That’s right, you can find yourself dealing with frozen pipes. While we have the resources you need to find a professional we’re happy to help you by sharing some tips on how to defend against frozen pipes before they even occur.

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Drain Cleaning: Don’t Rely on Store-Bought Solutions

Monday, November 21st, 2022
water drain in stainless sink

When you’re searching for a solution for clogged drains in your home, the simplest answer is to buy a jug of chemical drain cleaner from the store down the street. After all, these are marketed towards homeowners and renters looking to quickly clear up a drain that has slowed or stopped, particularly a bathroom drain that could be stopped up with hair or soap scum. But any professional plumber with experience in drain cleaning in Evansdale, IA is going to advise against this.

Chemical drain cleaning solutions are simply not the best solution for your clogged drains. In fact, they’re not a solution at all! We think some other products and services are a much better fit, but why?

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