Do Your Research on the Plumbing Myths

May 29th, 2015

Popular Plumbing Myths Debunked

Some plumbing myths have become so prevalent over the years that many people now genuinely believe them.

Plumbers are often called out to deal with problems that are caused by these myths, and if you are fooled into thinking they are real, they could cause you no end of problems, both financially and in terms of hassle.

So what are the most Popular Plumbing Myths Debunked?

1. Do-It-Yourself Is Easy

There are now countless books to read and online videos to watch, all providing tips for DIY plumbing.

Although many of these can be useful when it comes to fixing minor issues and, especially, preventing some problems from occurring, it is also responsible in part for the growing belief that plumbing is easy.

In short, it’s not. Tradespeople require years of training and special qualifications to carry out work on people’s pipes and fittings, and thinking that you can learn everything from a five-minute video is misguided. Plumbers sometimes find when they are called out to deal with a problem it can be that the owner has tried to have a go and ended up causing more problems as a result.

2. If Food Can Fit Down the Sink It Won’t Cause Any Problems

Most people have some notion of the idea that some things can cause bathroom and kitchen sinks to become blocked. However, many people still assume that if items of food, hair, and other such matter are small enough to go down the sink, they cannot cause any problems.

In fact, most blockages are caused by exactly such things. The ideal is to only allow water to go down the sink. Obviously that is not always practical, but the effort should be made to prevent as many solids from going down the plughole as possible–and that includes oil.

3. Hiring a Professional is Expensive

Although hiring a qualified tradesperson is not always cheap, you have to put the cost into perspective. Plumbers who are called out to local households perform an invaluable job, and they are always well worth the money.

For example, if you have a leaking pipe and you put off calling a tradesman, the damage can be catastrophic and can end up costing many times more than if you had just hired a one to start with.

Or, if you decide to do some DIY but you really don’t know what you are doing, the damage can again be incredibly expensive.

So it always pays to put these issues into perspective, and even if it does cost you money, the chances are that you are making a good financial decision.

Banish the Myths

Myths such as the ones above are so prevalent that many people end up causing themselves no end of problems by believing them.

Plumbers can be a very worthwhile investment when something goes wrong, so steer clear of these myths and save yourself money and hassle.

Don’t let the myths get to you in your Waterloo home. Call Dalton Plumbing, Heating & Cooling at (319) 266-3513 today, and overcome these plumbing myths!

Beat the Summer Heat this Year

May 22nd, 2015

10 Simple Ways to Prepare Your Home for the Summer Heat

As the warm weather of summer approaches, there are many things you can do to keep the home cooler and cut down on excessive utility costs. Here are ten simple ways to prepare your home for the summer heat.

1. Dark Curtains

Invest in some darker curtains, they will help to keep the direct sunlight from penetrating and heating up the interior of each room.

2. Sun Reflecting Blinds

Blinds that reflect the sunlight and keep the rooms dark can help to cool the home and reduce your air conditioning cots. These blinds can reduce the sunlight entering rooms with direct sunlight exposure.

3. HVAC Tune UP

Call your local HVAC repair company and schedule an inspection and maintenance immediately. Your cooling system will be running much harder, and if it is tuned up, will run more effectively this summer.

4. Replace Cooling Air Filter

Run down to the hardware store and purchase a few HVAC air filters, and replace one immediately. The cleaner the filer, the easier for the system to operate this summer.

5. Cleaning Near the Foundation

Remove any weeds, shrubbery, or plants growing too close to the house foundation. These attract a variety of insects who will then try to find easy access to the home to escape the heat.

6. Seal Exterior Holes

Patch any holes or cracks along the perimeter of your home. Rodents will try to escape other predators and the heat, looking for safe refuge in your garage or attic.

7. Wash the Screens

While the daytime will be hot, many times the evening will be very comfortable. Clean the window screens so that when you do open the windows you are not confronted with nasty filth.

8. Clean Out the Garage

If your garage is full of clutter from this winter, now is the time to start cleaning so you can get your vehicle out of the heat and inside the cool garage.

9. Patch Any Screens

With the windows open many nights, you want to repair any holes in the screens now so insects are not gaining access to the home each time you open the windows.

10. Cleaning the Outside Fan

During the winter, the outside HVAC fan can accumulate, branches, twigs, and even the occasional rodent nest. Have your local HVAC professional open the unit and carefully clear out any debris.

Don’t let your A/C suck the fun out of summer. Call Dalton Plumbing, Heating, & Cooling at (319) 266-3513 for greener HVAC services in the Waterloo area!

Make Sure You Choose the Right Brand

May 15th, 2015

What are the Top 10 Plumbing Fixture Brands Recommended by Plumbers

Selecting Fixture Brands

Many excellent brands of plumbing fixtures exist today. A plumbing company may offer recommendations about several of these items, based upon a number of different selection criteria.

Property owners ultimately make decisions that reflect their specific, individual needs. Some of the factors that enter into a favorable recommendation by plumbers include the following:

How long will the fixture typically remain in good condition?
Does the fixture reflect high-quality craftsmanship?
Are parts metal or plastic?
What is the quality of the fine finishing detail?
Are replacement parts readily available?
Is the price range reasonable?

In some situations, a fixture proves suitable for a home, yet exceeds the price a property owner considers affordable at the time. For example, durable brass faucets typically cost considerably more than plastic ones utilizing metal cladding.

A high quality brass faucet will likely last considerably longer than one using metal-coated surfaces. Additionally, the overall quality of various fine finishing details may vary, based in part on price ranges.

Some Excellent Brands

Bearing in mind that ultimately, a property owner makes the decision about purchasing particular fixtures, here are some of the top ten brands many plumbers recommend.

Fine Brass Faucets

A number of English and German firms produce outstanding brass faucets. These items tend to run in the upper price ranges. Some noted brands include:

Dornbracht: A leading German manufacturer of upscale faucets;
Samuel Heath: A well respected English company known for its brass faucets and fixtures;
Barber Wilsons: This family-owned firm has manufactured metal faucets for over a century;
Waterworks: This respected manufacturer of high grade metal faucets also accepts customized individual orders.

High Range Fixtures

One company with a great product line including high grade faucets and shower heads and pull-out faucets is Rohl: rohlhome.com. The firm began manufacturing in 1983.

High Middle Range Faucets

Grohe: This company produces roughly 8% of faucets and sanitary fittings sold globally;
Hansgrohe: A firm founded in 1901.
Delta: A popular brand.

Fixtures

Two popular high-quality American brands include:

American Standard: Manufactures toilets, bathtubs, faucets and other fixtures.
Moen: High quality faucets, sinks, shower accessories.

Plumbers today recommend many other excellent brands also.

If you’re in need of plumbing fixtures in your Waterloo home, these are recommended the best! Call Dalton Plumbing, Heating, & Cooling at (319) 266-3513 for installation.

Breathe in the Fresh Air You Deserve

May 8th, 2015

The 5 Best Ways to Handle and Prevent Indoor Air Pollution

According to studies, indoor air pollution is trumping outdoor air pollution, at least in terms of health hazards. As a homeowner, your job is to use preventive measures and nip the problem at the source.

Most homeowners try to keep the four major indoor air hazards at bay – mold, chemical emissions, particulates and pollutants.

However, with the help of some simple steps, you can get a complete hold over the problem. The following are 5 best ways to handle and prevent air pollution.

Install Proper Ventilation

Because of better energy efficiency, indoor air pollution has become a real problem. However, instead of going back to the days of high energy bills and wasted energy, you can improve ventilation in certain areas of your house. This includes your basement, attic and bathrooms as these are the biggest problem areas.

Get An Indoor Air Quality Assessment

Everything smelly in your air need not be a pollutant in the same way that there are a lot of pollutants that you can’t smell. Radon, for instance, is a gas that cannot be smelled and yet, is also one of the most dangerous indoor air pollutants. Getting an air quality assessment would help you formulate your plans accordingly.

Reduce Chemical Use

Go for organic cleaners for keeping your house dust, debris and pest free. When you buy products, keep a close eye on the back label.

Activities like dry cleaning should also be done sparingly because chemicals are used in the clothes and when you bring them into your house, you are increasing pollutants in the air.

Use Better Furnace Filters

Advanced furnace filters have an ability to trap almost all air particulates, thereby making the indoor air clean and healthy.

Apart from investing in such filters, you also need to maintain your HVAC systems with the aid of trained and qualified professionals.

Invest in an Electronic Air Cleaner

Electronic air cleaners might be expensive but they do their job 30 times better than regular air filters. You would also benefit from these cleaners for a lot of years to come.

If price is something of an issue, it is best to buy a portable one that works pretty well and doesn’t drill a hole in your pocket.

You should call prefer professional HVAC companies because then, you could enjoy customized tips to keep your indoor air free from pollution.

Make sure you’re breathing in the fresh air in your Cedar Falls home. Call Dalton Plumbing, Heating, & Cooling at (319) 266-3513, and get the experts to solve the problem.

Let the Spring Savings Begin

April 24th, 2015

How to Make Your Home Energy Efficient this Spring

While 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.

Consider 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.

Get Back to Breathing with Clean Air

April 17th, 2015

3 Ways To Allergy-Proof Your Home This Spring

The home is where a lot of allergies can build up. Fortunately, there are plenty of ways to fight allergies in your home. This goes beyond taking medication whenever you suffer symptoms.

There are preventive measures that you can take so that you don’t even have to suffer allergies.

Many of these methods are rather simple and do not require all that much skill and time. It is very important to act sooner than later.

Avoid Tracking

A lot of allergies that you suffer in the home come from the outside. Often times, you pick up a lot of dirt and dust from the ground. When you get back home, you tend to track them into the home.

This can be prevented with welcome mats. When you walk into the home, you just have to rub your feet on the mats in order to avoid tracking any allergens in. Another option is to take your shoes off.

Have an Advanced Vacuum Cleaner

Your vacuum cleaner could actually be doing you and your home more harm than good when it comes to allergens. One type of vacuum cleaner that you need has a HEPA filter for trapping tiny particles and allergens.

Replace Air Filters

Those air filters in your air conditioner traps a lot of the allergens. At some point, they lose the ability to trap the dust and other allergens. As a result, the air conditioner will fill the room with all the dust and other things that you are allergic to.

The owners manual of the air conditioner should tell you when you should change out your air filter. If you don’t change out your air filter, not only will your air be dirty, but your air conditioner might break down a bit sooner.

Allergies are a big problem, but they do not have to be endured. These are a few of many ways to fight allergies in your own home. A good combination of methods can actually go a long way towards fighting your more severe allergies.

With a doctor, you can know what you need to watch out for when it comes to allergies. This will also help you with the methods that are the most effective for your allergies.

Constantly sneezing in your Cedar Falls home? Call Dalton Plumbing, Heating & Cooling at (319) 266-3513 today, and breathe in the fresh air.

Don't Use Cleaning Solutions! Call a Plumber!

April 10th, 2015

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

The 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

There 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.

Get Informed on Your SEER Rating

April 3rd, 2015

What is a SEER Rating?

Do 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 obtain 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.

Let the Professionals Handle the Hydrojetting

March 27th, 2015

Five Benefits of Hydrojetting You Should Consider

It 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.

An 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.

Upgrade Your Home with a Digital Thermostat

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.