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

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

A New Furnace Means a New Wave of Heat

Friday, February 6th, 2015

The True Benefits of a New Furnace System

Why Install a New Furnace?

There are many reasons to install a new furnace in your home. Perhaps the most obvious is that your current furnace is old and worn out or is completely dead.

If a furnace is older and has been poorly maintained, it might become too expensive to repair. While many furnace problems can be fixed with minimal expense, some problems necessitate replacement such as a cracked heat exchanger.

Another common reason for replacing your furnace is to increase your overall heating efficiency in order to reduce your utility costs. This makes the most sense for homeowners who plan to be in the home for many years to come, making it a wise investment.

Replacing an older furnace with a more efficient model is also a good choice if you’re thinking about resale value. Some other reasons for getting a new furnace are concern for the environment, building an addition to the house that requires different size furnace, and even just the desire for a much quieter system.

What are the benefits of a new furnace?

One of the most important benefits of a new furnace is the peace of mind that comes with knowing you have a solid heating system in place that will serve you well for many years to come. Other benefits include reduced utility bills due to increased efficiency, a lower carbon footprint, a higher resale value for your home, and a significantly quieter system.

How do you choose the right furnace?

To choose the best furnace, you need to consider fuel economy, efficiency, size and location, and cost. One of the best ways to start your furnace selection process is to talk to a trusted HVAC professional. One of the decisions you will need to make is the type of fuel.

This is usually natural gas, but there are other options. This decision is best made by considering fuel economy as each fuel type varies in cost and efficiency and depends in part on your location.

It is also important to consider the size of your home and the furnace location, as this will impact your choice. Finally, the cost needs to be considered.

Your budget combined with your needs will narrow your decision. Your HVAC professional will help select the best model based on all of these factors.

Is the furnace in your Cedar Falls home not pushing out the proper heat? Get this taken care of by Dalton Plumbing, Heating & Cooling Inc., and Call (319) 266-3513 today to get the furnace replaced.

Posted in Cedar Falls Blog, Cedar Falls Heating, New Furnace | Comments Off on A New Furnace Means a New Wave of Heat

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!

Get the Purified Air You Deserve

Friday, January 23rd, 2015

How Does an Air Purifier Work?

Health Benefits of Air Purifiers

Without air purifiers, tons of dust, mold, and other debris would build up in the air and vents of a family’s home. This in turn can cause a wide range of health problems such as asthma, bronchitis, lung infection, and all sorts of other illnesses.

This is why having a good working air purifier is vital to the health of all inhabitants inside a house. Immediate benefits of a good working air filter include better breathing, less dust accumulations, and cleaner air. Air purifiers use very effective methods of cleaning air, such as using activated charcoal.

How Air Purifiers Work

There are many different types of air purifiers such as air cleaners, HEPA cleaners, ionizing purifiers, ozone generators, and absorbent air purifiers. However, they all use the same principle to purify air by running air through some sort of filter. For instance, air cleaners runs air through a fabric that filters and strains out all debris and dust particles, leaving fresh, clean air.

These type of air purifiers are in almost every heater/cooler system inside a house. On the other hand, there are air filters that use activated charcoal to filter air. More advanced air purifier systems use ionized electric charges to purify air.

Are All Air Purifiers the Same?

All air purifiers are definitely not the same. They may all clean air, but some do a much better job than others do. An activated charcoal based air purifier will clean air far better than a simple air cleaner, due to activated charcoal’s large surface area. An ionized filter may perform even better than an activated charcoal filter. However, it’s important to keep in mind that with better quality comes greater price.

The filters in air purifiers to need to be changed every so often. Some of the better ones can last longer before changing is needed, hence, the price. In other words, what type of air purifier a person wants will depend on their budget and needs. Although the better purifiers may cost more, they may pay off in the long run.

Want the fresh purified air in your Cedar Falls home? Call Dalton Plumbing, Heating, & Cooling Inc. at (319) 266-3513 and breathe in the purified air you deserve.

Posted in Air Quality, Cedar Falls Blog, Cedar Falls HVAC | Comments Off on Get the Purified Air You Deserve

Heating Your Home Properly Requires the Right Size Furnace

Friday, January 16th, 2015

What is the Importance of a Properly Sized Furnace System?

Everyone needs a furnace in their home or office. However, people often make a big mistake when it comes to actually purchasing it. A common assumption among many people is that bigger is always better.

On the other side, many people feel that a smaller and less expensive option is always the right choice. In reality, one of the most important aspects of a new furnace is how well it fits certain size specifications.

Associated Costs

The most practical reason for buying a furnace that’s properly sized is related to cost. The general costs for a furnace vary heavily through a number of different factors. However, it’s important to remember that the initial differences with any furnace are minor compared to a larger associated cost.

Actually operating the furnace is where the expenses really begin to build up. And a furnace which isn’t properly sized to what the building requires will come with much higher operating costs. It will either use far more power than is needed, or it will end up struggling to provide for a building’s needs.

A Refreshing Silence

Many people assume that a furnace will always be loud. This is just based on their personal experience. And they are, of course, correct in assuming that a furnace will always make noise. However, much of what people assume is normal for a heating system is actually due to a improperly sized furnace. Both one that’s too small and one that’s too large can contribute to general noise pollution within a building.

It’s either going to be struggling to keep up with the building’s requirements, or it will be blasting out a level of power which is overwhelming. What’s needed is a nice middle ground which will allow for a much quieter level of operation.

An Appropriate Amount of Space

Of course another element of the size of a furnace is the space it takes up. People often forget that a furnace can take up a rather sizable portion of an area.

And because the furnace’s size will scale to the area it needs to heat, this often means that a larger home isn’t much protection from lost space. Space is always a precious and scarce commodity. One needs to ensure that his home is as efficiently run as possible if he wants to maximize it’s value.

Are you looking for the right furnace size for your Cedar Falls home? Dalton Plumbing, Heating, & Cooling Inc. can help, just Call (319) 266-3513, to get reliable service from the professionals.

Posted in Cedar Falls Blog, Cedar Falls Heating, Proper Furnace Size | Comments Off on Heating Your Home Properly Requires the Right Size Furnace

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 Information About Your Home's Furnace

Friday, 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

With 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.

Posted in Cedar Falls Blog, Cedar Falls HVAC, Furnace Tune-Up | Comments Off on Must-Know Information About Your Home's Furnace

Forgot About The Air Filter Again?

Friday, December 12th, 2014

Air Filter Replacement

Changing 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.

In 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

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