HVAC & Plumbing Blog by DC Cheek Heating, Cooling & Plumbing

How Professionals Handle Leak Detection

January 22nd, 2024

We’re sure everyone will agree with us that indoor plumbing is useful. You certainly wouldn’t want to do without it! But you’ll also agree that it isn’t exactly beautiful. That’s why most of your pipes are tucked away out of sight. They’re between ceilings and floors, they’re behind walls, and in some cases, they’re underneath the foundation of your house.

Now, while you wouldn’t want to have to look at your home’s plumbing all the time, having it hidden from view does pose a bit of a challenge. What if something goes wrong? If there’s a leak in a pipe somewhere, how can you tell? Detecting leaks and pinpointing their sources requires skilled professionals with high-tech equipment.

If Your Heater Won’t Make It Through Winter, What Should You Replace It With?

January 8th, 2024

There are times in life when we’re faced with big questions. Sometimes, that question is: Can I have my heating system repaired or is it time to replace it? And then, once that question is resolved—either the heating system is beyond repair, or it would cost so much that it simply isn’t worth investing all that money in an old heater—you’re immediately faced with another question.

When you do need to replace your heater, what should you replace it with? Have heating system technologies changed since you last had to purchase one? What heating system options are currently available? Which ones are good choices for this climate, for your home, for your family’s needs, or for your budget?

Old Pipe Materials in Your Home: What You Need to Know

December 25th, 2023

If you’ve purchased a home rather than building one from the ground up yourself, there are a lot of things going on behind those walls and below those floorboards that you can’t possibly know about. And depending on what year your home was built, there could be materials that you really don’t want to be exposed to, particularly in your plumbing.

You may be surprised to hear some of this information about the changing materials used in home plumbing, but it’s always better to be informed. If there are outdated pipe materials in your home, there could be unpleasant consequences you don’t want to deal with. The solution is repiping.

How to Tell You Need Sewer Cleaning for Your Home

December 11th, 2023

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Let’s be honest. Your sewer pipe is the last thing you want to have to think about. Of all the plumbing in your home, it has the most unpleasant job: carrying all the wastewater from all the drains away from your home and toward the municipal sewer line or your sewage tank. It’s not exactly a pretty picture.

But it is absolutely necessary to have a functional sewer line, or you’ll end up with an extremely ugly situation on your hands. While a sewer line can work just fine with no help for long stretches of time, sooner or later, it will need to be cleaned out. How can you tell that it’s time to have a plumber come do a professional sewer cleaning? Here are the things you should watch for.

Can I Fix My Sump Pump Myself?

November 27th, 2023

There’s never really a good time to have a problem with a sump pump. No matter the time of year, it’s important to know that your sump pump is ready to deal with any influx of water that may occur. If you’re noticing that your sump pump isn’t behaving the way it should, having that addressed promptly could save you from hugely inconvenient and expensive water damage.

What about DIY sump pump repair? Is it reasonable to attempt to fix a broken sump pump yourself? What would the risks and benefits of DIY sump pump repair be? Here’s some food for thought:

Prepare Your Heater for Winter With Professional Maintenance

November 13th, 2023

Ignoring it won’t make it go away: winter is coming. All you can do is get ready for when the cold weather hits. There are a variety of things on your to-do list, depending on your home and your family. But one thing everyone needs to do is make sure they’re ready to turn on the heat.

How will your heater do when you need to use it? Is it ready, clean, lubricated, and in tip-top condition? Only if you’ve gotten maintenance!

Signs You Need a Gas Line Inspection

October 16th, 2023

Natural gas is a great fuel to use for home heating. It’s affordable and efficient, it’s a domestic product and does not rely on foreign oil, and in most places it can be piped directly into your home so you don’t have to worry about bothersome deliveries. Many homes use natural gas not just for heating but for their stove, water heater, or even clothes dryer.

Natural gas makes some people nervous because of health and safety concerns. It’s actually perfectly safe if handled correctly, and according to the Energy Information Administration, it’s used in 61% of American homes. It is critical to ensure that your gas line and appliances are operating safely. Do you need a gas line inspection? Here’s what you should know.

When to Repair or Replace Your Commercial Water Heater: What You Need to Know

October 2nd, 2023

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If you own a commercial property, there are so many things you’re constantly trying to stay on top of. From HVAC repairs to simply replacing lightbulbs, there’s always something that needs to be done. You definitely don’t want to overlook something, like the water heater, until it becomes an emergency.

Anticipating the needs of your commercial property gives you a chance to plan ahead. If you’re concerned about your commercial water heater, find out now whether repairs will suffice or if you need to plan to replace it.

The Most Common Sources of Drain Clogs

September 18th, 2023

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It is a huge hassle when you have a clogged drain in your home! The sink (or shower, or toilet) can’t be used. Often there’s an unpleasant smell. And trying to get the drain unclogged can be a frustrating, time-consuming, and disagreeable task.

How can you best cope with drain clogs? Ideally, you’d avoid them entirely. Knowing what causes them will put you on the right track.

Why Invest in an HVAC Maintenance Program

September 4th, 2023

We talk a lot on this blog about the importance of maintenance. But we know that in your busy life, it can be easy to forget the things that aren’t immediate emergencies, especially when you’re dealing with the things that do come up suddenly. If your kids are sick and your car breaks down, HVAC maintenance is not going to be at the forefront of your mind. But lack of maintenance would make it more likely that an HVAC emergency will come up suddenly! The cost of maintenance is another concern that some folks have.

Is there a way to save money while prioritizing regular HVAC maintenance? Yes! Check out our comprehensive maintenance plan.