How Much to Upgrade Your Electrical Panel in Massachusetts

How Much to Upgrade Your Electrical Panel in Massachusetts

  • Electrical
  • Uncategorized
How Much to Upgrade Your Electrical Panel in Massachusetts - Milltown Plumbing

If you’re experiencing electrical issues or planning to add new appliances or circuits to your home, you may need to upgrade your electrical panel. But how much does a panel upgrade cost in Massachusetts, and what permits do you need? In this guide, we’ll discuss everything you need to know about upgrading your electrical panel in MA.

Cost to Upgrade an Electrical Panel in MA

The cost to upgrade an electrical panel in Massachusetts can vary widely depending on factors like the size of the panel, and the complexity of the installation. In general, you can expect to pay between $1,000 and $3,000 for a standard panel.

Signs That You Need an Upgrade

If you’re experiencing any of the following signs, you may need a panel upgrade:

  • Frequent circuit breaker trips or fuses blowing
  • Lights flicker or dim when you turn appliances on
  • Outdated or unsafe wiring
  • Adding new appliances or circuits that exceed your current electrical capacity

Permits for an Electrical Panel Upgrade

In most cases, you will need a permit to upgrade an electrical panel in Massachusetts. The exact permit requirements can vary depending on your location, so it’s important to check with your local building department or code enforcement agency. In general, a licensed electrician will need to submit an electrical permit application and obtain the necessary inspections and approvals to ensure that the work is done safely and up to code. We do not recommend that you do a service panel upgrade on your own due to the possible dangers.

How to Apply for a Permit

An electrical contractor will usually apply for a permit on your behalf. To apply for an electrical permit in Massachusetts on your own, you’ll need to follow these steps:

  1. Contact your local building department or code enforcement agency to determine the specific permit requirements for your project.
  2. Submit an electrical permit application, including the project scope and details, the licensed electrician’s information, and any required fees.
  3. Wait for permit approval and any necessary inspections to be completed before starting the upgrade.

Upgrading your can provide a safer and more reliable electrical system for your home. If you’re experiencing any signs of electrical issues or planning to add new appliances or circuits, it’s important to consider an upgrade. By understanding the costs, permit requirements, and application process, you can ensure a smooth and safe upgrade in Massachusetts.

Call Milltown Plumbing for more information and to schedule your electrical panel upgrade.

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By Milltown Plumbing

Common Household Objects You Should Not Flush Down The Drain

Common Household Objects You Should Not Flush Down The Drain

  • Uncategorized

We’ll be up front: your toilet is not magic. It seems like common sense to say that, but you’d be amazed at the things some people flush without regard for the complicated mechanisms and plumbing systems that make it all happen. Like any tool or appliance, improper use of your toilet can and will result in damage that is going to cost you a pretty penny in the long run. The best solution to these problems is to not let them happen to begin with, since many toilet-related calls we receive stem from improper flushing etiquette. Below we’ll break down some of the most commonly flushed items that should just be thrown in the trash. 

Medication 

This one is a big one. Old pills and the like should always be disposed of properly and never through the toilet. Most pills are resistant to water, meaning they do not break down safely. This leads to the chemicals within them to be absorbed into the water and cause harmful environmental effects and potential health problems. 

Baby/Sanitary Wipes

We know the box says they’re flushable. They’re not. They go down the drain when you flush them, sure, but in reality, they are prime candidates for getting stuck in the pipes and causing massive, sticking clogs and backups that require a professional hand to properly eliminate. 

Dental Floss

Like most other items on this list, dental floss can cause clogging. Unlike most items on this list, large amounts of flushed floss can string together and act as a net catching otherwise safe debris and causing even larger issues. 

Cigarette Butts

Smokers may find it convenient to dispose of their old cigarettes down the toilet. While not known to cause particularly nasty clogs, cigarettes are filled with toxic materials that absorb into the water. Don’t do it. 

Feminine Products

Widely believed to be safe, even intended, to be disposed of in the toilet, feminine hygiene products are among some of the most dangerous items to flush. These products are meant to act as absorption agents. Meaning that, once flushed, they absorb water and expand, clogging pipes and causing backups over time.

Diapers

Dirty or otherwise, all diapers should be disposed of in a diaper receptacle or the trash bin. Like feminine hygiene products, diapers are built to absorb water, causing blockage. 

Pet Fish

This one surprises a lot of people when they first hear it. Flushing a dearly departed pet fish has become something of a cultural stereotype: it’s just what you assume people do. And while it seems to be the ubiquitous way to send off a fishy friend, it’s not the best for your plumbing. Fish are very slow to decompose in water, and are usually consumed by scavengers in the wild after passing. This is an obvious clog risk, especially if it’s a larger animal. Given this information, consider giving your next pet fish a more traditional send off. 

Paper Towels/Non Toilet Paper Paper Products

Paper towels are heavy and bulky. Great for cleaning up messes, not so great for flushing down the drain. These are the number one cause of drain clogs, hands down, and it’s because folks assume paper products dissolve like toilet paper. That’s an entirely fair assumption to make, but it is not the case. Save yourself the headache later on and walk that paper towel to the trash bin for a proper disposal. 

Call the professionals at Milltown Plumbing!

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By Milltown Plumbing

Common Causes of Clogged Drains

Common Causes of Clogged Drains

  • Plumbing
  • Uncategorized
MillTown Plumbing, Heating, Air Conditioning and Drain Cleaning 131 Stedman St #6, Chelmsford, MA 01824 (978) 616-7412 Drain Cleaners

Clogged drains are an inconvenient problem that can develop into a serious threat to your home and your health. At the first sign of a clog or backup, you should call a Milltown Plumbing professional to assess the situation. When your wastewater can’t exit your property it will begin overflowing through your drains. This can lead to standing water, waste, and other contaminants in sinks, toilets, and showers. Not only is this unhealthy, but it can result in costly water damage as well.

Common Causes of Clogged Drains

Clogged drains can be a major inconvenience in your home. While they may not always be avoidable, it’s helpful to know what may be causing them in your home and on your property:

  • Offset pipes. If your plumbing is old, it’s possible that over it may have shifted over time. When the ground moves around the pipes, their support structure changes. This can be caused by several things, like heavy rains or animals burrowing nearby. Old concrete and clay pipes are especially at risk of becoming offset.
  • Tree roots. One of the most common causes of clogs is due to tree roots! As the roots grow, their search for nourishment continues. They need a source of water, and its likely that they will try and break into your pipes to get it! The larger the roots grow, the more damage they can cause to your pipes.
  • Grease. Grease buildup happens very quickly. Typically introduced through a kitchen drain, grease cools and hardens on its way down your system. With every new layer that hardens, the diameter of your pipes constricts. As it sticks to the walls of your pipes, it can grab other debris on their way down and quickly cause a clog.
  • Soap. You use some sort of soap in your bathrooms and laundry room. It accumulates over time and like grease, it can cause a blockage.

Items You Should Never Put Down Your Drains

One of the most common causes of clogged drains is foreign objects that get lodged in your pipes. Resisting the temptation to dump household wastes down the drain is difficult, but important. It seems so convenient just to pour that bacon grease into the sink after cooking breakfast, but doing so can have negative, long lasting results. Not to mention, fixing issues that may arise can be costly. Improper disposal of waste in your toilet or sink can result in clogs, backed up drains, or other malfunctions.  Here are some things that should never be introduced into your plumbing system: 

  • Diapers, Flushable Wipes, and Feminine Hygiene Products
  • Hair and Dental Floss
  • Fats, Oils, and Grease
  • Paper Towels, Cotton Balls, and Swabs
  • Motor Oil, Transmission Fluid, and Anti-Freeze
  • Coffee Grounds
  • Egg Shells, Bones, or hard Foods
  • Stickers or Band-Aids

We understand that accidents happen. In the event of a clog, don’t hesitate to call Milltown Plumbing. One of our trained professionals will be able to locate the source of the clog and get your plumbing back up and running in no time.

For all of your plumbing needs, call Milltown today! 

 

By Milltown Plumbing