Prepare Your Plumbing for the First Frost: A Fall Guide

October 7, 2025

Winter in Brunswick, ME can wreak havoc on plumbing systems. When the mercury plummets, hose bibs and exposed, uninsulated pipes can freeze. With temperatures dipping well below freezing, homeowners who don’t prepare can contend with significant property damage. Fortunately, you can avoid burst pipes, water leaks, and more with the tips that follow. Check out our fall guide for priming plumbing systems for the region’s first frost. Disconnect Your Hoses and Drain Them Trapped water in outdoor hoses and faucets can freeze and expand. This could damage your hoses, your hose bibs, and the connecting water supply lines.

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Preventing Plumbing Emergencies in Maine

August 6, 2025

Plumbing problems have a way of showing up when you least expect them, like when temperatures outside are below freezing or you’ve got a house full of guests. And while some issues arise unexpectedly, many are entirely avoidable with a little planning and maintenance. From burst pipes to clogged drains, keeping your plumbing system in good shape saves you time, stress, and money. Our team at Dog House in Brunswick, ME, has helped many homeowners stay ahead of plumbing emergencies, and a few tips can help prevent a disaster. Watch Out for Freezing

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Is Your Sump Ready for Spring? Signs It Needs Maintenance

May 4, 2025

Spring brings more sunshine, flowers, and warmer temperatures, but it also brings heavy rain. If you have a sump pump in your Brunswick home, you know how much you rely on it to prevent basement flooding during torrential downpours. Sump pumps can save you from dealing with costly water damage, but only if they’re working properly. Recognizing the signs that your sump pump needs maintenance ensures you don’t have to deal with a flooded basement and the stress and cost that goes with it. The Sump Pump Runs Nonstop Sump pumps shouldn’t run nonstop unless it’s

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Spring Plumbing Problems: What to Watch Out for After the Thaw

April 2, 2025

As much as we love the beginning of spring here in Maine, it does carry the risk of several plumbing problems. Almost all of them require the intervention of a plumbing professional, but you should be on the lookout for them so you know when to call for help. That being said, here are some of the most common plumbing problems you might encounter this spring. 1. Leaky Pipes Leaky pipes are a potential problem throughout the year, but they are especially likely after a harsh winter. This is often tied to the common winter plumbing

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A Step-By-Step Guide to Safely Thawing Frozen Pipes

December 5, 2024

Here in Brunswick, ME, winters get extremely cold. It can be cold enough that the plumbing in your home is at risk of freezing. It’s a good idea to take steps to protect your pipes from the cold to keep that from happening. But if you end up with a frozen pipe, you should know how to defrost it without doing further damage. Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to do that. Step One: Find the Frozen Pipe Section Before you can address a frozen pipe, you must find its precise location. That task may be

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Why Plumbing Inspections Are Important

November 8, 2024

With so many different systems and equipment that contribute to how your Brunswick, ME home functions, it’s easy to forget about plumbing inspections and maintenance. However, this is an important process that can spot minor issues before catastrophic plumbing disasters strike. Not to mention, inspections lead to maintenance and repairs that can boost the overall efficiency of your plumbing system. Let’s discuss more regarding the importance of plumbing inspections and their benefits. Consider Water Safety The water coming from your home’s various fixtures and faucets should be safe. This means it shouldn’t contain bacteria, pathogens, chemicals,

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Preventing Frozen Pipes in Maine Winters

October 4, 2024

When winter blankets Maine in icy temperatures, homeowners must be wary of a common yet serious threat: frozen pipes. Falling temperatures can cause water inside pipes to freeze, causing blockages and potentially costly damage when the ice thaws. Causes of Frozen Pipes Frozen pipes are most commonly caused by extreme cold weather, especially when temperatures drop below freezing for extended periods. When water inside pipes reaches 32 degrees Fahrenheit or lower, it can freeze, causing blockages and possible bursts. One common cause is insufficient insulation. Pipes in unheated areas, such as basements, attics, or crawl spaces,

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DIY or Professional Drain Cleaning? Why You Should Call an Expert

September 5, 2024

Clogged drains are a common issue, and when water starts backing up in your sink or tub, it’s tempting to reach for a plunger or a store-bought drain cleaner. While these DIY solutions might offer temporary relief, they often fall short of addressing the root cause of the problem. That’s where professional drain cleaning comes in. Understanding the Risks of DIY Drain Cleaning DIY drain cleaning methods can seem like a quick fix, but they can also cause more harm than good. Store-bought chemical cleaners are harsh and can corrode your pipes over time, leading to

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Important Questions to Ask Your Plumber Before Repairs

April 4, 2024

When facing plumbing issues, it’s essential to have a reliable plumber you can trust. However, finding the right plumber can be daunting, especially if you’re not sure what questions to ask. Here are some crucial questions to consider asking your plumber before proceeding with repairs. 1. Are You Licensed and Insured? Ensuring that your plumber is licensed is vital for your peace of mind. A licensed plumber has undergone proper training and possesses the necessary skills to handle various plumbing issues safely and effectively. Additionally, insurance protects both you and the plumber in case of accidents

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Signs Your Pipes Need to be Cleaned

March 4, 2024

Have you ever wondered if your plumbing system is trying to send you a message? Well, your pipes might just be whispering a few signs that they need a little TLC. Don’t worry; we’re here to decode those messages and help you understand when it’s time to give your pipes a good cleaning. Slow Draining Fixtures One of the most common signs that your pipes need attention is slow draining fixtures. If you notice your sink, shower, or bathtub taking longer than usual to drain, it could indicate a buildup of debris and gunk in your

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