Plumbing Archives - Dogtown Heating, Air & Plumbing

Heat Pump Water Heaters: An Alternative to Traditional System

October 5, 2025

When it comes to efficient water heating, today we have more options than ever before. While traditional electric and gas water heaters are still widely used, many homeowners are turning to heat pump water heaters for a more cost-effective solution. Traditional electric water heaters rely on electrical resistance to generate heat. Gas models use combustion to generate heat. In both cases, the system will consume energy to create heat. Heat pump water heaters use electricity differently. Rather than producing heat directly, they transfer warmth from the surrounding air into the water. Comparing Heat Pump and Traditional

Enzyme vs. Chemical Drain Cleaners: Which Is Safer and More Effective?

August 4, 2025

When many homeowners encounter a clogged drain, they instinctively reach for the closest bottle of drain cleaner. Unfortunately, not all products are made equally. Choosing between chemical and enzyme drain cleaners is a decision that has a lasting impact on the environment, your household health, and your home plumbing system. Read this guide from our plumbing services experts on the pros and cons of each type, and the verdict on which is best. How Chemical Drain Cleaners Work Chemical drain cleaners are usually made using potent acidic or alkaline compounds, such as sulfuric

Smart Water Monitoring Devices: Detecting Leaks Before They Cause Damage

July 2, 2025

A small leak can quietly waste gallons of water, ruin your floors, and invite mold before you even notice a problem. Traditional leak detection usually starts after the damage is done, but smart water monitors flip the script. These compact tools give you alerts before leaks become expensive repairs. From vacation homes to busy households, early detection makes a big difference. Why Catching Leaks Early Matters Small leaks don’t always look like a big deal at first. You might hear a faint drip, or maybe you notice your water bill going up. The problem is, leaks

Replacing Galvanized Steel Pipes: PEX and PVC Lead the Way

February 5, 2025

For a long time, galvanized steel pipes were the standard for plumbing systems, but now, PEX and PVC are becoming the top choices. These newer materials have a lot of benefits over steel, like being more flexible, easier to install, and resistant to corrosion. At Dogtown Heating, Air & Plumbing in Urbana, IL, we’re here to explain why switching to PEX or PVC might be the best decision for your home’s plumbing needs. Problems with Galvanized Steel Pipes Galvanized steel pipes used to be the standard in plumbing, especially for homes built before the 1970s. These pipes are coated with

Insulating Your Plumbing Ahead of Winter

November 8, 2024

The temperatures in Urbana, IL, can get quite chilly in the winter months. The average temperature in the winter is just below 40 degrees Fahrenheit. It’s not uncommon for temperatures to drop into the teens, especially at night and in the northern part of the state. When it comes to your plumbing system, it’s incredibly important that cold air doesn’t cause water in your pipes to freeze. This can lead to a plumbing disaster and extensive structural damage. Insulation is one way that you prevent plumbing issues in the winter months. What Is Plumbing Insulation?

The Future of Plumbing: Smart Toilets and Fixtures

August 8, 2024

The plumbing industry is evolving rapidly, and we’re seeing more homeowners and businesses embrace innovative technologies. Among these advancements, smart toilets and fixtures are gaining popularity for their convenience, efficiency, and environmental benefits. But what exactly are smart toilets and fixtures, and how can they improve your everyday life? Understanding Smart Toilets and Fixtures Smart toilets and fixtures are designed with cutting-edge technology to enhance the user experience. These devices go beyond basic functions, incorporating features like automatic flushing, self-cleaning mechanisms, and even heated seats. Some smart toilets can be controlled via smartphone apps, allowing you

The Role of Plumbing in Sustainable Living

June 5, 2024

In today’s world, sustainable living has become a crucial aspect of our daily lives. From reducing energy consumption to minimizing waste, every effort counts. At Dogtown Heating, Air & Plumbing, we believe that plumbing plays a significant role in achieving sustainability in our homes and communities. Here’s how effective plumbing practices can contribute to a greener, more sustainable lifestyle. 1. Installing Low-Flow Water Fixtures Water is a precious resource, and efficient plumbing systems are essential for conserving it. Modern plumbing technologies, such as low-flow faucets, showerheads, and toilets, can significantly reduce water usage without sacrificing performance. By installing these fixtures,

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