signs Archives - Spencer Home Services

Signs a Garbage Disposal Needs to Be Repaired or Replaced

When to Call for Garbage Disposal Service

If the garbage disposal is acting up or malfunctioning, it may exhibit signs that it needs repair or replacement. When homeowners notice these warning signs, they should call for garbage disposal service to prevent additional issues from occurring, like a leaking garbage disposal causing water damage or a faulty disposal that can lead to clogs. This post will share some common signs that indicate garbage disposal repair or replacement is needed.

Unusual Noises

When a garbage disposal is on, it will make noise. If it doesn’t turn on or make any noise, this is obviously a clear sign that it needs service. However, if the garbage disposal makes strange and abnormal sounds, this also signals mechanical trouble or another issue that demands immediate attention.

These unusual sounds often indicate internal damage or blockages that can worsen without prompt intervention. Garbage disposal noises that can indicate problems include humming sounds without grinding food waste, screeching noises, and rattling or clattering sounds. A plumber can inspect the garbage disposal unit to determine the best course of action, whether it is repair or replacement.

Garbage Disposal Leaks

Water pooling under the kitchen sink, beneath the garbage disposal, often indicates a leak in the garbage disposal unit, which can also signal that the disposal needs repair or replacement. A garbage disposal leak can occur due to issues like cracks in the unit, worn rubber gaskets, or loose mounting bolts.

A leaking garbage disposal should be repaired or replaced as soon as possible to prevent the leak from causing water damage in the kitchen. Professionals can inspect the unit to determine the cause of the leak and whether it requires a quick fix or a complete garbage disposal replacement.

Bad Smells

Persistent foul odors from a garbage disposal can also indicate issues that demand immediate attention. These unpleasant smells often stem from food trapped within the unit, and they may indicate an issue with the motor or blades that prevents the food from being chopped up sufficiently, resulting in the food getting stuck and decomposing in the machine or within the pipes.

However, not all disposal odors require the same solution. A simple cleaning of the unit can be achieved by running the garbage disposal with items such as ice cubes and citrus peels, which may help eliminate surface-level food buildup. However, deeper mechanical problems that are causing the issue will require professional repair or replacement services.

About Spencer Home Services

Spencer Home Services has over four decades of experience serving the Peabody community. They offer same-day services, straightforward pricing, and on-time services. Call them for kitchen plumbing and garbage disposal services in Peabody, MA.

Common Signs of Water Line Repairs Or Replacements

When To Schedule Water Line Services

Water line problems are not issues homeowners want to deal with. If a water line malfunctions, it causes significant water damage, which requires time-consuming cleanups and expensive repairs.

Instead, homeowners can prevent this by scheduling water line repairs or replacements at the first signs of an issue. Peabody, MA, plumbers offer tips on identifying water line problems, including corrosion, leaks, and signs of aging.

Corroding Pipes

Discolored water or unpleasant odors often indicate underlying issues with a home’s water lines, most commonly caused by pipe corrosion. If left unaddressed, corrosion can weaken the plumbing system, degrade water quality, and lead to more significant issues.

Common warning signs or corrosion include water with a brown, orange, or cloudy appearance, unusual smells or tastes, and a noticeable drop in water pressure. When these symptoms occur, it’s essential to contact a professional plumber for an inspection. A thorough evaluation can determine whether minor repairs or replacing the pipes is necessary.

In many instances, replacing corroded pipes is the best course of action. Upgrading to new piping can improve water clarity, eliminate unpleasant odors, restore proper water pressure, and ensure a more durable plumbing system. Addressing corrosion early helps prevent costly damage, avoid unexpected plumbing emergencies, and provide a safe and reliable water supply for the home. Acting promptly can save time and money while enhancing household comfort and convenience.

Wet Walls, Floors

If a water line leak develops, homeowners should promptly schedule repairs. Taking prompt action can help minimize water damage, avoid costly fixes, and protect the home from more severe complications.

Recognizing the warning signs of a leaking water line is crucial for early intervention. Some of the most common symptoms include:

Unexplained Higher Water Bills: A sudden spike in water costs often indicates a hidden leak somewhere in the system.
Wet or Damp Spots Indoors or in the Yard: Unusual soggy areas around the home or yard could mean water is escaping from a damaged pipe.
Reduced Water Pressure: Water leaking out before it reaches fixtures may cause a noticeable drop in water pressure.

Homeowners should schedule a professional water line inspection when they notice these signs. A skilled plumber will thoroughly assess the system, locate the source of the leak, and evaluate the extent of the damage. Based on their findings, they will determine whether a water line repair is sufficient or a full replacement is necessary.

Addressing water line issues early helps prevent further damage, ensures reliable water flow, and avoids the stress of unexpected plumbing emergencies.

Aging Water Lines

As pipes age, they will deteriorate, eventually requiring water line replacement. The expected lifespan of pipes depends on the material: Galvanized steel pipes generally last 40-50 years, copper pipes can endure for 50-70 years, and PVC pipes may exceed 50 years. However, these timelines can vary based on factors such as environmental conditions, usage, and the level of maintenance performed.

When water lines in a home reach 40 years or older, it’s wise for homeowners to consider planning for a replacement. Older pipes are more vulnerable to leaks, corrosion, and repeated failures, leading to expensive repair bills and potential damage to the home.

Proactively performing repiping services has significant advantages. It minimizes the risk of unexpected plumbing issues, ensures consistent water pressure and quality, and gives homeowners confidence that their plumbing system meets modern standards. Taking action before problems arise can save time, money, and stress while maintaining a dependable water supply.

About Spencer Home Services

Spencer Home Services provides quality plumbing services to Essex, Middlesex, and Suffolk counties. They offer industry-leading warranties and instant rebates. Call them today for water line repairs and repipe services in Peabody, MA.

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Have a Clogged Sewer Line? Watch for These Signs

When Homeowners Need Drain Cleaning Services

Homeowners must act quickly when a sewer line becomes clogged. The longer this problem goes on, the greater the risk of slow drains, backed-up drains, and even exposure to sewage.

Property owners should immediately schedule clogged sewer line repairs and regular drain cleaning services to avoid expensive service and health risks. In this post, plumbers in Peabody, MA, explain the signs of sewer line clogs, including odd sounds, sewage backups, and slow-draining sinks and showers.

Strange Noises Coming From Pipes

One common sign of a clogged sewer line is unusual plumbing noises. Gurgling sounds from the drains, sinks, or toilets may indicate a blockage. These strange noises are often caused by trapped air in the pipes due to partial blockages or obstructions in the main sewer line.

Partial clogs often form due to the buildup of food particles, grease, or soap scum in the pipes. Main sewer line blockages are more severe. These are usually caused by tree roots invading the pipes, waste accumulation, or foreign objects getting stuck in the line.

Homeowners should immediately look for signs of plumbing issues and contact a plumber. This will help them inspect and fix problems before they get worse.

Sewage Backups in Sinks, Toilets, Showers

A clear and unpleasant sign of a clogged sewer line is sewage backup. When the line is blocked, sewage or water can back into sinks, toilets, or showers. This not only creates a mess but also poses serious health risks. Left untreated, it can lead to costly water damage in the home.

When a blockage prevents wastewater from flowing smoothly through the pipes and out of the home’s plumbing system, pressure builds up and forces water back into the system.

Some common causes of sewer line clogs include tree roots and non-flushable items. Tree roots can infiltrate sewer lines, creating blockages, while items like baby wipes, sanitary products, and paper towels can lead to stubborn clogs if flushed.

If homeowners experience a sewage backup, they should contact a professional plumber immediately to resolve the issue safely and effectively.

Slow Draining Showers

Another sign of a clogged sewer line is slow-draining fixtures. If homeowners notice water pooling or draining slowly in sinks, showers, or tubs, it may point to a blockage in the sewer line.

Slow drains can result from several causes, including grease, soap, hair, and debris, which can build up over time, narrowing the pipes. This issue is especially common in kitchen sinks and bathroom drains. Hair and small particles can accumulate in shower and sink drains, creating clogs that slow water flow.

Recurring slow drains are a red flag that something more serious is wrong with the plumbing system. Homeowners should contact a plumber quickly to assess and repair the sewer line. Depending on the severity of the clog, the plumber might use various methods, from a drain snake to hydro jetting.