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

January 9th, 2015

Slab Leaks: What Are the Causes of Slab Leaks? 

 

Cedar Falls PlumberSome 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.

Cedar Falls Slab LeaksOn 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.

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

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! 

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Must-Know Information About Your Home's Furnace

December 19th, 2014

Dealing With Your Furnace

 
In the dead of winter, the last thing someone wants is an issue with their furnace. However, as with most mechanical items in our homes there can be common problems that could cause it not function correctly and therefore not produce the warm home we need. Some of these problems you may experience include a furnace that produces no heat which could be caused by a thermostat problem, a pilot light that is out, or maybe even an electrical issue.

Another issue you may have is that your furnace is not producing enough heat. This could be as simple as an obstructed air flow problem or your gas burners needing adjustments. Alternatively your furnace could have problems that cause it to turn off and on in an excessive amount. This might be caused by the dirty air filter or something more serious such as a problem with the blower motor.

Benefits of Timely Repairs

There are several reasons why you should conduct timely repairs on your furnace and your overall HVAC system. First, it will cost you less over the life of your system if you conduct the maintenance and repairs when they are called for vice waiting until you need the system to be functional because of the weather outside.

Second, these systems are mechanical in nature and engineers are constantly looking for ways to improve them. Waiting to make the repairs could put your system in danger of becoming an out of date and obsolete system. When this occurs there are no longer repair parts and it may call for a total replacement of your system. Another reason and the most important reason for conducting the timely repairs on your furnace are for the safety of your home and system. As previously mentioned, these furnace systems are mechanical in nature that are run on either electricity or gas. An issue with these systems could be a sign of a serious problem that could potentially be a fire hazard.

When to Call a Professional

Furnace RepairWith any potential repair of an HVAC system, a homeowner needs to understand what they can do themselves and when it’s time to call a professional. For this there is a simple litmus test, first can you identify what is wrong with your system? Second, is the repair within your rational scope of knowledge? Obviously some repairs such as changing out an air filter, or thermostat, or maybe relighting a pilot light are probably easy fixes for most homeowners. But the idea of changing out a blower motor, or checking its belts maybe something that is better left to a professional HVAC contractor.

Looking to hire professional HVAC technicians for your Cedar Falls home’s furnace repair? Call Dalton Plumbing, Heating, & Cooling Inc. at (319) 266-3513 for our quick and efficient services. 

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Forgot About The Air Filter Again?

December 12th, 2014

Air Filter Replacement

 

Cedar Falls Heating & CoolingChanging your air filter is a chore that many of us tend to forget about. It is a simple task that we over look and take for granted. Though air filters are a small part of the home they pay a major role. Switching air filter’s in a timely manner can help to maintain a safe and comfortable environment while saving you money.

When you change your air filter in a timely manner you are helping to keep your home safe and free from particles that can cause an allergic reaction or trigger asthma. Failure to change your air filter will result in various particles being circulated back into your home. This can become dangerous for you and your family. Dust, pollen, and other particles can trigger an asthma attack, allergic reaction, or cause other repertory issues to develop. Keep your family safe by changing your air filter in a timely manner.

Air FilterIn addition to helping keep your family safe, changing your air filter in a timely manner can help maintain the comfort level in your home. An air filter that is not changed in a timely manner can cause your HVAC system to accumulate dirt and become clogged. When this occurs, your HVAC system can stop working properly. A malfunctioning HVAC system will not be able to provide an ample amount of heat during the cold months or cool air during the hot months. Don’t put your family’s comfort at stake, make sure that you change your air filter in a timely manner is order to make sure your HVAC continues to provide heat and cool air when needed.

Finally, changing your home’s air filter in a timely manner can help to save you money. Failing to change your air filter, will more than likely lead to an HVAC system that is clogged with accumulated dust and other particles. This clog will can cause your system to work harder in order to provide your family with needed heat or cool air. A system that works harder than usual means that more electrical current will be used to power these particular efforts. More electrical use by your HVAC system will lead to a hike in your utility bill. Also, you HVAC system can become damaged due to being overworked or clogged resulting in repair costs. Don’t let this happen to you, be sure to change your air filters in a timely manner in order to help save money.

Does your Cedar Falls home need urgent air filter replacement? Dial (319) 266-3513 now to contact Dalton Plumbing, Heating, & Cooling Inc. top notch services. 

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Must Know Home-Owning Information

December 5th, 2014

Maintaining a Garbage Disposal

 

Garbage DisposalThe 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?

Cedar Falls PlumberYour 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. 

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Save Money With A Thermostat Today!

November 28th, 2014

Benefits of a Thermostat Upgrade

 

Thermostat InstallationWi-Fi thermostats are quite popular and easy to use. They can control your home or business temperatures from anywhere. This product can make your life easy and uncomplicated. Initially, there is additional costs to get it going but the money you save on energy will more than pay for that initial cost.

Wi-Fi Thermostats can be Controlled Anywhere

What makes this product so useful is that it can literally be controlled anywhere in the world. For example, if you want your home to be warm and inviting before you get home from a cold and windy day outside, simply set the setting for your home from your office or other location and your home will welcome you with warm and comfortable temperatures. It is important to note that you can use your cellphone, tablet or laptop to control the settings of your wi-fi thermostat.

Improves Efficiency and are Easy to Use

Keep in mind, a wi-fi thermostat also gives you updates and alerts about the maintenance of your thermostat. For instance, if the air filter needs to be changed, it will tell you so. The wi-fi thermostat makes your heating and cooling systems work more efficiently and productively.

Wi-Fi Systems are Precise, Energy Efficient and Look Great!
It’s a known fact that a wi-fi system is more precise. The variations and swing are much less compared to regular thermostats. You will also enjoy the savings that come with wi-fi thermostats. It is definitely user friendly. Most people are able to save 20 percent more than with a traditional thermostat. Most importantly, wi-fi thermostats have a unique, contemporary and trendy look, which adds to the beauty of your home. Some may not know it but you can change its display so that it matches the interior of your home.

Alerts also come with the Wi-Fi Thermostat

Most importantly, you can receive alerts to your email or smart phone concerning the variations of your home’s temperatures. For example, if you home is getting too hot or too cold, your applications on the Wi-Fi can easily take care of that.

To conclude, Wi-Fi thermostats are loaded with benefits! Talk with your heating and cooling contractor or check out your local hardware store!

Is the varying temperature in your Cedar Falls home making you consider a thermostat installation? Call Dalton Plumbing, Heating, & Cooling Inc.  today at (319) 266-3513 for top quality installation services.

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Top Drain Hygiene Hacks For Your Home

November 21st, 2014

Drain Clog Prevention

 

Drain CleaningOne 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. 

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The One Home Tip You Must Never Forget

November 14th, 2014

Heating & Cooling Systems’ Air Quality

 
Indoor air quality is one of the most important things going in your building. Your workers need to have quality air to breathe, but you also need to have a clean building to work in. When you are trying to make your building a clean place to work, you must consider several options that make this possible.

What Does An Air Handler Do For You?

An air handler is a large air filter that helps to clean the air in your building. It is a large unit that sits in front of your heating and air units. Your air handler can be set to any air quality you like, and it can help you control the air quality in the building all during the day.

Why Do You Need This?

HVAC ServicesThe air quality in your building impacts your workers more than anything else. Low air quality in your building will cause people in your building to get sick more often, productivity will go down and you will spend an incredible amount of money on paid sick days. If your workers are being paid an hourly wage, you are going to hurt their monthly paycheck.

Also, clean air in your building can help to make your building a better place to work. People who work in research and development need to have clean rooms where they can develop new products. A hospital needs to have sterile air to protect the patients, and operating rooms need to have air that is perfectly clean.

Installing These Items

When you want to have these items installed in your space, you need to make sure that you install the right type of device. We can measure the size of your building to make sure we offer you the right unit. We can also provide you with a number of different filters that will help to control the quality of the air.

When you take notice of the air quality in your building, you will find that your workers do not get sick, your development wing has a nice place to work and your business is a better place to be.

Concerned about the air quality inside your Cedar Falls home? Take action and call Dalton Plumbing, Heating, & Cooling Inc.  today at (319) 266-3513. 

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Must Know Home Owning Tip!

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.

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Handling the Dangers of a Leak In Your Home

October 24th, 2014

Precautions For Water Leaks

 

Cedar Falls PlumberThe time to take precautions when you discover a leak in the home is sooner than later. Each day that you allow the water leak to continue you run the risk of doing more damage inside the home. Leaks in the ceiling or walls are an indication the problem is so severe that the pooling water has compromised the integrity of those materials and leaked into the home. Water will continue to damage surrounding areas until you find the source of the leak and make the repair today.

How Do I Stop the Leak from Getting Worse?

If you can not locate the exact source of the leak, it is important to shut of the water to that areas as soon as possible. If the leak is around a bathroom appliance, you can shut off individual water shut offs that control the flow of water to the sinks or toilet. If the leak is in the ceiling or walls, you may have to shut off the main water supply until you can get the problem addressed.

Why is it Important to Fix a Leak Issue?

The water will simply continue to leak until it is fixed. if the ceiling has a water spot and is leaking, chances are the water has been traveling the ceiling beams and pooling up inside the insulation. Once the insulation becomes saturated, the water will continue traveling downward. It can be a real challenge to find a leak in the ceiling, and the longer you do not fix it the more damage will eventually occur.

What are the Advantages to Calling a Professional Plumber?

Water LeakYour local plumbing professional has made these types of repairs hundreds of time this year already. They have the experience to be able to follow the trail back to the source and make the necessary repair before the damage worsens. Once they have located the source of the leak, they will do an inspection of the surrounding area to determine if the issue is minor or an indication of a much bigger problem. Your plumber will then consult with you on a course of action to make the repair and restore the flow of water through the house.

If you have a leak in the home, your best course of action is to allow a professional plumber to find the source and make the repair today. This will ensure your property and your home are protected from further damage.

Is there a pesky leak troubling you? Call Dalton Plumbing, Heating & Cooling Inc. today at (319) 266-3513 for quick and effective plumbing services in the Cedar Falls area.

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