How to Prepare Your Home for Warmer Weather

Written by deNovo / May 18, 2018

How to Prepare Your Home for Warmer Weather

Spring is the perfect time to schedule maintenance on your plumbing and cooling, even if you’re not experiencing a plumbing or cooling emergency. We’ve compiled a short list of services we’ve found to be beneficial to homeowners who are looking to maintain a healthy and efficient home.

Check for Leaks

Cold Iowa weather can cause pipes to freeze in the winter, meaning these pipes can and leak or burst. As the weather gets warmer, use the time to…

Prepare for Summer with an HVAC Tune-Up

Written by Jenny / April 23, 2018

It’s time to start spring cleaning! From deep cleaning your carpet to dusting your furniture, you have enough on your plate. However, there’s one thing you don’t want to forget to add to your spring cleaning checklist—an HVAC tune-up. If an HVAC tune-up isn’t something you’ve considered, taking a look at the possible benefits may change your mind.

Long-Term Cost

The worst possible time for your HVAC system to break down is when you need it most—during the hottest and most brutal days of…

What Impact Does Hard Water Have On My Home?

Written by Jenny / February 22, 2018

Have you ever washed dishes only to find water spots or a white powdery substance when they dry? Do your faucets often get clogged, causing a loss of water pressure? If you answered yes, you are likely dealing with hard water.

You may be wondering “What impact does hard water have on my home?” To discover this, it helps first to learn what causes hard water.

What is Hard Water

Hard water occurs when you have…

When to Call for Emergency Plumbing or Heating Services

Written by Jenny / February 6, 2018

Nothing can put a damper on your day like a plumbing or heating emergency. Many times these emergencies cost a homeowner thousands of dollars and can lead to even bigger issues if not addressed immediately. But what constitutes an emergency and when should you call for emergency plumbing or heating services?

Frozen Pipes/Burst Water Pipes

During the winter, frozen pipes are a major concern for Iowa homeowners. When the water inside a pipe freezes it expands as it turns…

Water in Your Basement During Winter? Here are 5 Areas it Might be Coming From

Written by deNovo / January 30, 2018

When we think of plumbing & heating issues we expect in winter, a couple of things automatically come to mind: frozen pipes and a broken furnace. One thing that might not be top of mind is water in your basement during winter – but it can definitely happen.

Walking down to your basement on a chilly winter morning to find standing water can be quite a surprise and may indicate a bigger problem. Discover the top 5 areas water…

3 Signs Your Pipes Have Frozen

Written by deNovo / January 11, 2018

With the severely cold temperatures permeating much of the United States this winter, it is important to remain vigilant when it comes to your plumbing pipes. When the temperatures dip below 32 degrees, pipes in un-insulated areas of your home that have not been insulated or wrapped in heat tape are susceptible to freezing.

1. None of Your Taps Produce Water

There are two reasons why your taps would not produce water in the winter. Either your water company has shut off the water to perform…

Energy Saving Tips for the New Year

Written by deNovo / December 27, 2017

Are you tired of high energy bills for cooling, heating and lighting? If you are, there are steps you can take to reduce your energy consumption and lower your home’s carbon footprint! The best part? Many of these fixes are low cost. Follow these energy saving tips to reduce your energy consumption!

1. Change Your Light Bulbs

If you are like most people, you’ve probably switched your old incandescent bulbs to compact fluorescent lights (CFLs), but did you know that…

What to do About a Leaky Water Heater

Written by deNovo / December 22, 2017

If you discover your water heater is leaking, follow these steps to drain it and save you from a basement full of water!

1. Turn off Fuel Source

For gas water heaters, either turn gas off at the gas meter or using a gas isolation shut-off valve.  For electric, turn it off at the breaker.

2. Switch off Cold Water Intake

Turn water off to the unit.

3. Drain the Tank

Attach a garden hose to…

Holiday Plumbing Tips to Keep Your Home Merry & Bright

Written by deNovo / November 30, 2017

The holidays are a time for families to come together and celebrate love and joy. Unfortunately, it can be a stressful time as well. If you’re having family over, the last thing you need is a plumbing disaster on your hands!

To avoid a plumbing emergency, follow these holiday plumbing tips. You can then forget about potential disasters and focus on the good times this season brings!

Holiday Plumbing Tips

Avoid pouring liquid fats and grease down your drain. As these cool, they will…

5 Tips to Prepare Your HVAC for Winter

Written by deNovo / November 13, 2017

Iowa receives up to 26 days of snowfall and 34 inches of snow each winter, with temperatures plunging below zero. To keep the occupants of your home or business safe and warm, we recommend taking steps to prepare your HVAC system for the coming winter.

1. Check Your Building Envelope

Before winter, it is always a good idea to check your building’s envelope for air leaks, especially around doors and windows, and seal any air leaks. For homeowners, this may include replacing the weatherstripping on doors,…