News & Media

A poster of a water heater, highlighting signs of trouble like discolored hot water—a common indicator your water heater may be failing.

Rusty or Discolored Hot Water: Is Your Water Heater Failing?

Key Points Rusty hot water with clear cold water usually means water heater problems.  A deteriorating anode rod is the most common cause of rusty hot water in traditional tanked water heaters. Sediment buildup from hard water at the bottom of your water heater tank speeds up corrosion and produces discolored water. Brown or orange […]

Two electrical panels mounted on a wall, with the text "Should I Replace the Main Panel or Add a Subpanel?"—exploring main panel replacement and electrical panel upgrade options. Features Spencer Home Services logo.

Should I Replace the Main Panel or Add a Subpanel?

Key Points A main electrical panel sets the total electrical capacity for your home, while a subpanel adds circuit space without increasing available power. Homes with high electrical demands and outdated panels often require a full electrical panel upgrade rather than a subpanel addition. Subpanels may be a better option when the main panel’s capacity […]

A man in safety gear stands by electrical panels with a sign reading, "Is it time for an electrical upgrade from 100 amp service to 200 amp service?" and a Spencer Home Services logo.

Is It Time to Go from 100 Amp to 200-Amp Service?

Key Points A 100-amp service handles smaller loads, while a 200-amp service handles much higher loads required for today’s modern appliances and devices. Homeowners should be aware of the signs they need to upgrade to a 200-amp service, including frequent breaker trips and flickering lights. Spencer Home Services Plumbing, HVAC, Drains, and Electrical provides professional, […]

A plumber stands with folded arms next to text that reads, "Kitchen Drain Smells Bad? Drain Odor or Plumbing Issues Could Be the Cause." Spencer Plumbing logo appears in the corner.

Kitchen Drain Smells Bad? Plumbing Issues Causing the Issue

Key Points Bad odors coming from a sink typically come from organic debris, grease buildup, bacterial buildup, or a dry P-trap. The odors are stronger when there is a vent blockage or problems with your plumbing vent system. North Shore humidity and Peabody’s older housing create unique challenges for kitchen plumbing. Simple DIY fixes include […]

A pipe in a hole could indicate sewer line issues; watch for common sewer line signs to avoid a broken sewer line.

How to Tell If Your Sewer Line Is Broken [7 Red Flags]

Key Points Common signs of sewer line damage include slow drains, sewage backups, pest activity, and foul odors. Some reasons sewer lines break include shifting soil, high pressure from major clogs, age, improper installation, and tree root intrusion.  Spencer Home Services provides quick, effective plumbing solutions for Massachusetts residents, including traditional and trenchless sewer repair […]

A gray boiler heater stands upright next to text asking, "Why does my boiler keep turning on and off?"—highlighting common boiler troubleshooting concerns—with Spencer Home Services branding in the corner.

Why Does My Boiler Keep Turning On and Off?

Key Points Boiler short cycling occurs when a boiler repeatedly cycles on and off for brief intervals, which can lead to premature wear and reduced efficiency. Some common causes of boiler short cycling include dirty components, low water pressure, and thermostat issues. Cold temperatures can cause boiler short-cycling if the boiler is oversized, the home […]

Drain Cleaning: What Homeowners Need to Know

Drain Cleaning Explained Clogged drains and sewer lines are a common household nuisance that can quickly escalate into a plumbing emergency. Sewer line clogs can cause major inconveniences and lead to more severe and messy problems when not addressed. Homeowners can prevent them from escalating by understanding the signs of a clogged sewer line that […]

Secure Your Plumbing System Before Going on Vacation

How to Secure the Plumbing for Prolonged Absences Summer can be the best time of year for families, especially when they have adventures planned. Family vacations provide lifelong memories and well-deserved breaks from routine. But before households pack their bags and leave on vacation, they should take precautions to ensure their plumbing system is functioning […]