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

3 Essential Plumbing Upgrades

Wednesday, April 26th, 2023

It’s time to start living in the 21st century! Seriously, you’d be surprised at some of the amazing plumbing upgrades that people have access to nowadays.

Some of them, like water filtration systems in Cedar Falls, IA, are going to be easily installed and set up by a professional. Others, like a bidet or a high-efficiency toilet, are going to save you money but also change the way you live your life.

In truth, a plumbing upgrade can be for more than just convenience. It can help shift your lifestyle to one that’s more sustainable, enjoyable, and efficient.

Today, let’s look at three great plumbing upgrades for your home and we’ll examine how they work. For each and every one of these, it can be helpful to have a plumbing professional on hand for any repairs, installations, or even the regular maintenance of these systems. Our team is always here to help you when you need it!

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Our 2023 Emergency Leak Checklist

Monday, March 27th, 2023

If you’ve been frantically searching online for what to do in this nightmare situation, then the first thing we want to say is congratulations! You’ve come to the right place. Take a deep breath, maybe grab a glass of water, and think about how far you’ve come.

Leaks can be all shapes and sizes, but they’re never good and almost always frustrating. If you have a leak dripping from your ceiling, a pipe in your basement, or even coming up from the floor, then you’re likely scared about the negative effects of it. The good news is that if you act fast and get the right professional on the job, you can mitigate most of the negative effects and get back to your normal life.

So, put those gloves on, grab your phone, and let’s get to work! This is going to be your handy checklist for dealing with a leak and getting great plumbing service in Waverly, IA.

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Does Your Water Need Treatment?

Monday, January 30th, 2023

Have you ever stayed in a part of the country, in an apartment or some kind of private living space, and you just couldn’t go near the tapwater? Some tapwater can be inundated with all kinds of bacteria that’s native to the area if it comes from a private pump, while others can have minerals in it if it’s not correctly softened. Basically, depending on where you live, your water could be undrinkable or even unusable without treatment.

But the more you look at what could be contaminating your water, the more anxious you might get. There are a lot of horror stories out there about contaminated water and homeowners being left on their own to deal with some serious issues with bacteria, viruses, and minerals. Well, this blog post is to help alleviate some of that anxiety and point you in the right direction when you need water treatment systems in Cedar Falls, IA.

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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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The Best (and Worst) Ways to Treat Your Plumbing System

Monday, June 20th, 2022
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We don’t mean to say that the most underappreciated system in your home is the plumbing, but let’s face it, it probably is.

It’s one of those modern conveniences we rely on each and every day without ever really thinking about it. But in not thinking about it, we could be making big mistakes that have dastardly consequences later on. Read on as we uncover some of the best and some of the worst ways to treat your plumbing system. And don’t hesitate to reach out when your system needs some professional help!

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Let the Spring Savings Begin

Friday, April 24th, 2015

How to Make Your Home Energy Efficient this Spring

Cedar Falls PlumberWhile many people have moved towards green sustainable living for the environmental benefits that it brings, there is a real gain for homeowners financially as well.

Going green means reducing the amount of energy that you consume and saving money as a result. There are many ways to have your home be more energy efficient and, there is no way to start like the spring. This article will provide some tips for making your home more energy efficient.

Have Your HVAC System Inspected

Your heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC) system is likely the biggest drain on your home energy usage during the summer.

Start by having your HVAC inspected by a licensed plumber who can help to see how efficiently it is designed as well as if there are any pending issues with the system that can be resolved to help make your home more energy efficient.

Sometimes easy fixes can make a big difference while other times more significant changes are needed. Simple fixes can be as easy as having new filters installed or having the space around an outside air pump cleared of foliage, while more significant changes can involve a redesign of your system or cleaning clogged or damaged air tubes. Only a trained HVAC plumber would know the best course of action for your home.

Have a Plumber Review Your System for Leaks

Sometimes efficiency in your home can be undermined by leaks in your plumbing system. A small leak can lead to big damage to your home and also take a bite out of your efficiency rating.

Having a licensed and experienced plumber visit your home to inspect and search for leaks can make a big difference on the overall energy efficiency of your home.

Cedar Falls Energy-EfficiencyConsider Other Energy Efficient Changes

Energy efficiency changes can come by having a plumbing specialist install newer and more energy efficient thermostats in your home that allow you to regulate the temperature of your home in a more effective way.

Alternatively, other fixes such as more energy efficient windows or house fans can be recommended. The exact recommendations will depend on your home setup and location. Contact a plumber to see what recommendations they have for you.

Spring time is the time for implementing new changes in your life as it is the season of renewal. Use a professional to find the right decisions for your needs and start saving with greater efficiency this coming year.

Interested in going green? Call Dalton Plumbing, Heating & Cooling at (319) 266-3513 to make your Cedar Falls home more energy efficient today.

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Don't Use Cleaning Solutions! Call a Plumber!

Friday, April 10th, 2015

What Are Some of the Dangers of Chemical Drain Cleaning Solutions?

 

Cedar Falls PlumberThe most often used solution for clearing drains is a chemical drain cleaner. There are many caveats to using these solutions to clear drains.

The higher end products are caustic and heavily concentrated. They work intermittently and can be damaging to existing pipes.

This is especially true for pipes that are suffering from corrosion or that are made from PVC. Chemical drain cleaners can weaken PVC and cause metal pipes to fail.

Why Do People Buy These Solutions?

People choose these products to clear several types of clogs including hair, human waste, soaps and grease. However, these solutions are not effective on all types of clogs as their advertisements suggest. They do not clear drains in nearly the expedient manner that is suggested also.

Drain cleaner can be problematic to pets that may sneak a drink of toilet bowl water or standing water in sinks. These solutions can kill animals even in low concentrations. In addition, they give off noxious fumes that remain for a long time after the leak has been cleared or the solution is used. These fumes can be harmful to pets and humans. It can be inexpensive to use, but they can easily be used incorrectly and be completely ineffective.

Additionally, the product on the shelves may not clear certain clogs. The most effective method for clearing drains and applying the appropriate fixes are reputable plumbing companies.

Don’t Use Low End Products At All

Using lower end products may not be a good idea. These low end products are ineffective for many reasons. The product is mixed incorrectly or are too diluted to offer an effective clearing of the clog in most cases. Many professional companies offer considerable deals with simple drain clearing.

In addition, they can utilize fixes that use no chemicals at all. These mechanical methods are effective on all types of pipes without fear of damaging the existing pipes. Professional plumbing companies can institute repairs that can cause clogs to occur less frequently.

Mechanical Reasons

Cedar Falls Drain Cleaning ServicesThere may be mechanical reasons that cause clogs to occur more frequently. The issues can be rectified indefinitely by eliminating these problems. A professional is required to assess clogs and determine if they are cause by more severe problems.

This is not possible with chemical drain cleaners. Additionally, drain cleaners can negatively affect the surrounding structure of the drain like sinks, tubs and fixtures. This amounts to added costs with using the product. This is not an issue with professional plumbing companies.

Are your pipes all clogged up in your Cedar Falls home? If you’re having trouble, give Dalton Plumbing, Heating & Cooling a Call at (319) 266-3513, so we can get down to the root of the problem.

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Get Informed on Your SEER Rating

Friday, April 3rd, 2015

What is a SEER Rating?

 

Cedar Falls HeatingDo You Know What a SEER Rating is on Your AC?

A SEER rating given to an air conditioner is the explanation of how the unit uses fuel in an average year to convert into cooling. The SEER rating is the explanation of the Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio.

The Air Conditioning, Heating and Refrigeration Institute rates a SEER based on its 2008 standard AHRI 210/240 performance rating.

SEER is figured by dividing the total energy input, in an average year, of the cooling season into the cooling output.

This Rating Affects Your Energy Consumption.

Your AC consumes almost half of your homes total energy bill. Knowing what SEER ratings are will help you decide what AC unit is best for your utility budget. A lower SEER rating uses more energy. A higher SEER rating uses less energy to operate but will cost more to purchase initially.

You will need to look at the monthly savings in operating cost verses the upfront investment cost to decide what SEER fits your short term or long term needs in your home. If you are staying in the home you will need to see how long it will take to recover your investment cost in savings.

It is Important to Know the SEER Differences and What it Means For You.

Not only does knowing what SEER is when considering a new HVAC unit but investigating the difference in SEER ratings brings you closer to seeing what your best option is. While getting a higher SEER is good for the environment how high to go is tricky.

The minimum SEER allowed to be sold in the U.S. since January 2006 is now 13 SEER. 13 SEER is the minimum but you have to go to a minimum of 14 SEER to Cedar Falls SEER Ratingobtain an energy star rated unit by the guidelines set in 2006.

So if you are hoping to cash in on the tax credits for the new system that is important to know as well.Places with a longer cooling season will obviously benefit from a higher SEER than say places with colder climates.

Now with this knowledge you can make a wise decision when buying a new AC unit. Places with a longer cooling season will obviously benefit from a higher SEER than say places with colder climates.

Go green with energy and money saving HVAC units. Call the experts of Dalton Plumbing, Heating & Cooling at (319) 266-3513 to make your Cedar Falls area home more efficient today.

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Let the Professionals Handle the Hydrojetting

Friday, March 27th, 2015

Five Benefits of Hydrojetting You Should Consider

 

Cedar Falls PlumberIt is important to keep your drains clear of debris. Clogs can cause water backup that results in expensive water damage that can also lead to the development of harmful mold, fungus, and spores.

Professional plumbers can apply hydrojetting techniques which blasts water at a rate of approximately 4000 psi, quickly clearing debris and cleaning pipes, and there are five benefits you should consider.

Keep Your Money in Your Pocket

Hydrojetting is a very thorough process, and it is concluded with your plumber using a special camera to inspect the quality of the work.

Now, instead of having your sewage lines cleaned biannually, you can go longer in between cleanings. This makes hydrojetting an investment that quickly pays back.

Health Benefits You Likely Haven’t Considered

Your pipes can become a breeding ground for harmful bacteria, and, aside from being the cause of foul odors that make your house less of a home, they can even cause illness when the problem gets out of hand.

Hydrojetting completely cleans your drains, leaving them highly clean and free of bacteria. If you have noticed unpleasant odors in your home, this could be the solution you’ve been looking for.

Good For Aging Homes

Many traditional drain cleaning techniques can pose risks to aging homes. Since hydrojetting relies on a pulse flow, however, it allows the hose to maneuver easily within the pipe.

Because of this, compromised areas of the pipe can be avoided. If you are not yet ready to replace your pipes but do require a cleaning, hydrojetting allows you to do this with confidence.

Targets All Common Residues

There are a number of residues that cause buildup within your sewage lines. From ice and mud to grease, soap scum, and more, these many sources of buildup can be difficult to pinpoint. When you rely on hydrojetting, however, the high power is enough to remove blockage and buildup in one shot.

Cedar Falls HydrojettingAn Overall Thorough Cleaning You Can Count On

If you have used a snake in the past to clear debris, you are only setting yourself up for future buildup. When you make the investment in drain cleaning, you deserve to get your money’s worth, and hydrojetting offers you the thorough, long-lasting job you are looking for.

Now’s the time to find a plumber with the equipment to offer you this valuable service.

If you suspect build-up in your lines, don’t hesitate to schedule hydrojetting services. Call (319) 266-3513 and let Dalton Plumbing, Heating & Cooling clear the pipes of your Cedar Falls home.

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Upgrade Your Home with a Digital Thermostat

Friday, March 20th, 2015

What are the Advantages of Having a Digital Setback Thermostat?

 

Cedar Falls PlumberDid 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

Cedar Falls Digital ThermostatDigital 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.

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