Plumbing Archives - Dogtown Heating, Air & Plumbing

The Importance of Water Quality in Plumbing Systems

February 1, 2024

When it comes to plumbing, we often focus on fixing leaks, unclogging drains, and ensuring our pipes are in tip-top shape. However, one crucial aspect that sometimes slips under the faucet is the quality of water running through your plumbing system. At Dogtown Heating, Air & Plumbing, we believe that understanding the importance of water quality is key to maintaining a healthy and efficient plumbing setup. What’s in Your Water? Ever wondered what lurks within the water flowing through your pipes? It’s not just H2O. Different minerals, chemicals, and impurities can hitch a ride into your plumbing system,

This Is How You Protect Your Pipes From the Big Freeze

October 18, 2023

Just like you bundle up with layers of clothing during the winter months, do the same for your plumbing. Snow, ice, and cold temperatures will freeze your pipes into ice and burst when you turn on the faucet. Prevent thousands of dollars in plumbing repairs by protecting your pipes from the big freeze. Insulate Exposed Plumbing Visible outdoor pipes are more prone to freezing than pipes hidden from view. Cover those pipes with foam insulation, heat tape, or heat cables. Shield exposed valves, handles, and faucets with a faucet cover, and insulate exposed pipes in the

Should You Invest in a Tankless Water Heater?

February 21, 2023

When most people think about a water heater, they think about a tall tank that is situated in their basement. Those tall cylindrical tanks are referred to as tank-style water heaters, and they’re slowly being replaced with more modernized tankless models. If you’re in the market for a new water heater, there are a few different reasons why you should consider investing in a tankless water heater over a tank-style one. Hot Water on Demand One of the biggest benefits of investing in a tankless-style water heater is that it will produce hot water when you

3 Most Common Plumbing Repair Emergencies

December 21, 2022

Plumbing emergencies are often unexpected and can cause damage to your home if not addressed quickly and correctly. Knowing the most common emergencies and how to handle them can help you be prepared and minimize the damage. With this knowledge, you can keep your home running smoothly and save yourself from expensive repairs. 1. Burst Pipes Unlike leaks, which are generally easy to detect, burst pipes are often sudden and unexpected, causing thousands of dollars in damage. If you suspect your pipe has burst, turn off the water to the house at the main valve. You

3 Things to Consider When Choosing the Right Size Tankless Water Heater

June 13, 2022

Tankless water heaters are becoming more and more popular as people become aware of the benefits they offer. These heaters save you money on your energy bill, but they also take up less space than traditional water heaters. If you are thinking about installing a tankless water heater in your home, choosing the right size for your needs is important. Below are things to consider when choosing the right size for your home. 1. The Number of Bathrooms in Your Home Tankless water heaters are rated by the maximum flow rate they can provide. This is

What Does a Toilet Fill Valve Do?

March 15, 2022

Some parts of your toilet like the toilet fill valve can be replaced as a DIY project. The fill valve is usually found on the left side of the tank and has a tailpiece that goes through the bottom of the tank. Function of the Toilet Fill Valve The fill valve opens and closes when you flush the toilet to allow for proper water flow in the tank. It goes through natural wear and tear, so having to replace the fill valve eventually isn’t unusual. If your fill valve is an older model that uses a

3 Reasons Why Your Drinking Water Is Dirty

January 12, 2022

A healthy and clean water supply is critical to a functioning home. However, some man-made and natural environmental factors can contribute to a decrease in the quality of the water that flows out of your taps. Here are three possible reasons why your water quality is poor and what you can do about them. Industrial Pollution If you live in an area with a significant presence of industrial zones and factories, pollution can seep into your local water supply from the surface. These pollutants can include oil, chemicals, and other toxic substances. Consuming water contaminated

Going on Vacation? Shut Your Water Off

July 28, 2021

Packing, dropping the dog off at the kennel, and canceling your mail are all things that you might do before going on vacation. However, it may also be a good idea to shut off the water to your house prior to leaving for an extended period of time. Shutting the Water Off May Be Especially Helpful During the Winter The weather in Urbana, Illinois, can be extremely cold during the winter months. It isn’t uncommon for cold temperatures to make pipes brittle, which can make them vulnerable to cracks. A damaged pipe may be more

How To Hide Laundry Room Plumbing

May 13, 2021

The laundry room in your Urbana, IL, home is likely to be heavily used. All the washing, drying, treating stains, and other related tasks may cause some clutter. If your laundry room also has plumbing sticking out, you might feel embarrassed about it when guests visit. Keep reading to learn some easy ways to hide the plumbing and clutter in your laundry room. Hang a Curtain A fast, simple, and economical way to hide your laundry room’s plumbing is to hang a curtain. You could get a vinyl or washable fabric shower curtain and install a

How Does a Sump Pump Work?

April 5, 2021

If your home has a basement, you probably have a sump pump. A sump pump protects your basement from water damage. There are a few things to know about sump pumps so you can help it keep your basement dry and comfortable. Sump Pump Basics Sump pumps are placed in a small pit where water can collect. When the water reaches a certain depth, the sump pump turns on and pumps the water outside away from your house. Water is pumped out of your basement through