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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 indicate drain cleaning is needed. This post will share some common signs of a sewer line clog so homeowners know when to call a plumber for drain cleaning and common drain cleaning methods professionals use to clear clogs.

When Do Homeowners Need Drain Cleaning Services?

To prevent plumbing issues that can occur when a sewer line clog is neglected, homeowners must schedule drain cleaning services at the first signs of an issue. Several indicators can signal a clogged drain, including:

Slow drains: When water takes longer than usual to drain.
Gurgling noises: Unusual sounds like gurgling coming from the drains.
Foul odors: Unpleasant smells coming from drains.
Sewer backups: Sewage or wastewater backing up from drains and toilets.

What Is Drain Snaking?

When plumbers are called to unclog pipes and remove blockages, one method they can use is drain snaking. Drain snakes, also known as a plumber’s snake or drain auger, are a common method for clearing clogs. It involves using a long, flexible cable with a corkscrew-shaped tip to dislodge the clog.

They can effectively remove or break up clogs to enable proper flow. A plumber’s snake can be used for clogs made up of many materials, such as hair, food, tree roots, and other common debris and materials that are the cause of a clogged sewer line.

What Is Hydro Jetting?

If a large, stubborn clog occurs or the line clogs frequently, another drain cleaning technique called hydro jetting may be the preferred method to remove the blockage. Hydro jetting involves using high-pressure water to unclog the line. It is especially effective because it eliminates the clog and cleans the line to eliminate any additional debris or buildup that could lead to future clogs.

So, unlike drain snaking, hydro jetting also helps reduce the risk of future clogs forming. Hydro jetting can also be used for clogs made of many materials like grease, hair, food, and even tree roots if the damage the tree roots have caused the line is minimal. Homeowners should call a plumber when they notice signs of a clog, and the plumber can help determine the best method for the situation.

About Spencer Home Services

Spencer Home Services is a family-owned and operated company serving the Peabody area. They provide straightforward pricing, the latest technology, and on-time services. Call them for drain cleaning services in Peabody, MA.

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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 to avoid flooding and water damage if a burst pipe or a water leak occurs. In this post, plumbers provide a few simple steps homeowners can take to secure their plumbing and ensure a worry-free vacation.

Turn off the Main Water Supply

It might seem effortless, but turning off the main water line is one of the most effective ways to prevent major water damage while the household is away. A pipe burst or a leak from a faulty appliance can result in hundreds of gallons of water flooding the house while the family is gone.

Turning off the main water shut-off valve halts the water flow to the home, effectively minimizing the potential for flooding and significant water damage. Locating the main water valve is crucial. It’s usually near the curb stop or where the water line enters the house. Homeowners should look for a lever or handle. Turning it clockwise will shut off the water supply. They can slowly turn the valve back on when they return home to avoid pressure surges.

Switch off the Water Heater

Like the main water supply, shutting off the water heater offers an extra layer of protection. While a leak in the water heater is less likely, an issue during the household’s absence could cause flooding. Turning it off also saves energy and money, as there is no point in heating water the family won’t be using. Most water heaters have a shut-off valve near the cold water inlet pipe. Homeowners can turn the handle perpendicular to the pipe to stop the water flow. Property owners must also locate the gas control valve and turn it to the “off” position if the water heater is gas-powered. They can also refer to the water heater’s manual for specific instructions.

Check for Plumbing Problems

Before leaving on vacation, homeowners should take some time to inspect their plumbing system for any potential problems and schedule professional plumbing maintenance.

During a plumbing inspection, they should look for visible signs of leaks around faucets, pipes, and under sinks. They should also check for any water damage on walls or ceilings, which could indicate hidden leaks, and listen for unusual noises like dripping or running water when no taps are open.

Clogged drains are another concern for households. A major clog that backs up while homeowners are away can be a hassle when they return. Before leaving on vacation, homeowners should consider using a drain snake or a natural cleaning solution like baking soda and vinegar to clear any slow-moving drains.

About Spencer Home Services

Spencer Home Services is known as the provider of premier home services in Boston’s North Side. They offer an industry-leading warranty program, rebates, and financing options. Call them today for plumbing services in Peabody, MA.

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How Homeowners Can Detect a Water Leak

Identify Water Leaks Quickly

While a water leak might not seem like a big deal, even a small trickle can quickly become a major problem. Leaks can cause water damage and waste homeowners’ money on water their household isn’t using. Leaks should be caught as soon as possible so a plumber can be called to perform water leak detection and repair. Here are some different ways that homeowners can be alerted to a water leak.

Signs That Can Indicate a Water Leak

Many signs can signal a water leak. Obvious signs of a water leak in a house include physical evidence around the home, like a visible leak or dripping faucet, wet spots or puddles of water, water damage or water stains on ceilings, floors, or walls, and mold growth.

Some other signs that can indicate a water leak include reduced water pressure from the home’s plumbing fixtures and sounds like dripping or running water. If household residents notice these signs, they should call a plumber and schedule water leak detection services. This will allow the leak to be found and located so that water leak repair can be completed.

Rising Water Bill

Homeowners should also watch for changes in their water bills, as an unexpected spike in the water bill can be another sign of a water leak. They can keep track of and look at their most recent monthly water bills to see if there is a significant change that points to a leak.

Of course, a higher water bill could be due to a change in the household’s water usage. However, if there hasn’t been a noticeable change in water usage but the water costs are higher than normal, it can signal a leak. Homeowners should track and note if they have used more water than usual to account for higher water bills.

Running Water Meter

Homeowners can also check their water meters to determine if there is a water leak in their house that needs to be repaired. To see if there is a leak, homeowners should first ensure the property isn’t using any water and that all fixtures and appliances that use water are off.

Then, they should check if their water meter has a leak indicator dial. If the leak indicator turns and spins when no water is being used, it can signal a water leak. Without a leak indicator, homeowners should make a note of the water meter’s reading. After about an hour of no water being used, they should recheck the reading and compare the two readings. If it has changed when no water was used for a period, it also indicates a water leak in need of repair.

About Spencer Home Services

Spencer Home Services is a family-owned and operated company serving the Peabody area. They provide straightforward pricing, the latest technology, and same-day services. Call them for water leak detection and leak repair services in Peabody, MA.