Spring Water Heater Warning Signs You Shouldn’t Ignore

April 1, 2026

It’s normal for water heaters to work harder during the freezing winters in Brunswick, ME. You need to take time now to make sure your appliance is ready for spring and summer. Besides, risking leaks or cold showers could interfere with enjoying the warm weather activities you look forward to. Why Heavy Winter Use Causes Spring Water Heater Failures The water that flows from your well or municipal pipes is much colder during the winter in Maine than it is in the summer. This means your water heater works twice as hard to reach the desired

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Simple Steps to Keep Your Pipes From Freezing in Coastal Maine

January 10, 2026

Winters can get bitterly cold in Maine, which means possibly dealing with frozen pipes in your home. Frozen plumbing will not only leave you without the use of your kitchen and bathroom sinks, but it could also do hundreds or thousands of dollars’ worth of damage if a pipe bursts. Fortunately, there’s plenty that you can do to keep your pipes from freezing or bursting this winter. Know When Pipes Can Freeze Water freezes at 32 degrees Fahrenheit, but it usually needs to get colder than that for the water in your pipes to freeze. Your plumbing provides

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Tips for Avoiding Holiday Plumbing and HVAC Disasters

December 4, 2025

Plumbing and HVAC systems undergo a lot of wear and tear throughout the year. However, they’re especially strained during the holiday season. There’s typically an increase in cooking and entertaining, both of which can take their toll on your systems. Understanding some of the top ways to prevent problems can help keep your holidays merry and bright. HVAC System Proper heating is crucial in Brunswick, where January low temperatures can drop into the single digits. You can’t risk your HVAC system breaking down at the worst possible time. Following a few major tips can help get your system

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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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