10 Warning Signs Your Drains or Sewers Need to Be Serviced

10 Warning Signs Your Drains or Sewers Need to Be Serviced

  • Plumbing
drain and sewer service

Maintaining the health of your sewers and drains is important because it eliminates foul odors and prevents water overflow issues, as well as prevents expensive home repairs and health problems. Read on to discover our 10 warning signs that your home needs drain and sewer service.

1.Multiple Clogged Fixtures

Multiple clogged fixtures are the most common sign of drain and sewer problems. Fixtures that frequently pose a threat include bathtubs, toilets, and showers. These clogs are caused by a buildup of debris, such as hair, excess paper, and non-flushable items.

2. Slowly Draining Fixtures

Common causes of slowly draining fixtures are soap scum build up and an accumulation of hair and other debris, including foreign objects.

3. Wet Spots on Landscapes

Wet spots on landscapes are eyesores, and they kill your home’s curb appeal. Wet spots are puddles of standing water that make your lawn look like it is flooded in different places. Standing water not only attracts mosquitos and suffices as a perfect breeding ground, but it also causes your grass and plants to become over-hydrated.

4. Unpleasant Odors

Unpleasant drain odors derive from venting problems, dry p-trap, and sewer line issues. Unpleasant odors that come from the drain due to sewer problems are an indication that there is a block or a break within the sewer line.

5. Gurgling Noises

Gurgling noises in your drains are the result of grease and dirt buildup. Due to this buildup, air bubbles cannot flow freely through the pipes. This causes water to drain slowly and creates a gurgling noise.

6. Frequent Drain Clogs

Kitchen sinks clog more than any other drain in the home. Common causes of frequent drain clogs include food, grease, hair, and small objects. Items that should not be placed down the kitchen drain include paper towels, egg shells, coffee grinds, produce stickers, and corrosive substances.

7. Overflowing Toilets

Overflowing toilets are more common than many people think, especially in a home with three or more people living there. Toilets overflow because of a blockage within the pipes.

8. Leaking Pipes

The different causes of leaking pipes include strong pressure within the pipes, the amount of oxygen in the water, and the water’s pH. An abundance of oxygen in water causes pipes to corrode rapidly. An imbalance in water’s pH causes pipes to rust and deteriorate.

9. Water Damage

Broken and leaking pipes are the common cause of water damage. Other causes of water damage include sewer backup, overflowing bathtubs, and broken toilets.

10. Expensive Household Bills

Water and sewer bill expenses are based upon consumption. When you have leaking pipes and other sewer and plumbing problems, your sewer or water bill can skyrocket. Some leaks in the home are easier to locate than others. Bathroom leaks are easier to find than kitchen leaks because kitchen sinks have more complex piping systems.

Situations That Occur When Sewer and Drain Issues Are Ignored

When sewer and drain issues are left unattended, they can increase or be compounded with other problems. Homeowners suffer a great deal of discomfort, inconvenience, and expense when their services have to be interrupted or when they are unable to use their plumbing fixtures. Homeowners put themselves at higher risk for additional pipe leaks, malfunctions, and even more expense. The most devastating problem when sewer and drain issues are ignored is sanitation. Flooded toilets and sinks are the perfect breeding ground for germs and bacteria. With a decreased level of sanitation, you and your family are at risk for contracting and spreading diseases and developing health issues.

The Benefits of  Drain and Sewer Service Issues In a Timely Manner

Handling issues with your sewer and drain as soon as problems arise has many advantages, including improved longevity of plumbing fixtures and reduced risk of water damage. Plumbing fixtures that are maintained properly will save money because you will not have to frequently replace the fixtures. Sewers and drains that work properly have a reduced chance of experiencing leaks, which reduces the risk of water damage. The level of sanitation is improved because germs and bacteria will stay where they belong. To add an extra layer of protection from germs and to control the amount of bacteria, you can routinely pour bleach down your drains and use it when you clean your toilet. Peace of mind is a benefit that cannot be compared to any other benefit. You do not have to stress yourself worrying about the health of your family and the condition of your home. You can sleep peacefully knowing your sewer and drains are functioning correctly. The misery of spreading germs and bacteria, household damage, and expensive repairs is a thing of the past.

Do not ignore what appear to be simple sewer and drain issues. What seems minimal at the time could be progressing into a major problem.

If you need drain and sewer service, call MillTown today and avoid back-ups in your home!

By Milltown Plumbing

4 Benefits of a Sewer Camera Inspection in Massachusetts

4 Benefits of a Sewer Camera Inspection in Massachusetts

  • Plumbing
sewer camera inspection in Massachusetts by MillTown

Are your plumbing systems acting strange? Is your toilet backing up despite not having an obvious clog? It might be time for a sewer camera inspection in Massachusetts! Sewer cameras consist of a camera at one end of a long, flexible rod that connects to a computer to show a live feed of what’s inside your sewer pipes. Call our highly-skilled professionals, and we’ll be able to get your pipes cleaned out. But how does sticking a camera into your pipes help you get your pipes fixed?

Here are four ways a sewer camera inspection in Massachusetts can help solve your plumbing problems:

Get the right fix the first time

There are a variety of reasons your drain pipe may not be working. Things flushed down the toilet or the sink drain may have caused a blockage, tree roots might have grown into the pipe, or the sewer line may be cracked or disconnected. There’s also the possibility you have a water leak. Each problem requires its own unique solution, and a sewer line camera can help us figure out exactly what we need to do to fix it.

Avoid unnecessary digging

Usually, the only way to get a good look at your pipes is to dig into your yard and look at the pipes. Not anymore! Sewer camera inspections offer a non-intrusive way to look at your pipes without tearing up your garden.

Receive a reference video for insurance

When we check out your pipes with a sewer line camera, you also get a video of the footage for your own use. This can be useful if you have to explain to your insurance agency what happened.

Much cheaper

As well as being cheaper and faster than digging for pipes, a sewer camera inspection can help you locate early warning signs of bigger problems. By finding these issues and dealing with them quickly, you can save more money by not undergoing serious repairs.

Why choose MillTown to fix my plumbing problems?

MillTown has been helping homeowners in Northeastern Massachusetts and Southern New Hampshire with their homes for forty years. Our certified experts and devotion to high-quality performance are the reasons we’re a trusted name in the areas we cover. Our uniformed plumbers will arrive with a truck fully stocked with the latest in plumbing technology, ready to make your plumbing like brand new. If you need a sewer camera inspection in Massachusetts or New Hampshire, call MillTown today and we can make your pipe dreams a reality!

 

Same Day Service

By Milltown Plumbing

Warning Signs That Your Main Sewer Line Needs Repair

Warning Signs That Your Main Sewer Line Needs Repair

  • Plumbing
main line excavation & repair

No homeowner wants to deal with dysfunctional plumbing, especially when it can cost thousands in repairs. Your homes plumbing goes beyond just the pipes inside your house to the main sewer line that connects to them. Most major plumbing problems usually happen on the main line, and it’s best to avoid them as much as possible. Damaged sewer lines can result in bathrooms flooded with sewage, busted pipes, and costly repairs.

Signs Your Main Line is in Trouble

It can difficult to determine when the issue has to do with your main sewer line. Your plumbing is complicated, and some problems are impossible to detect without professional help. Problems such as clogging are fairly common, but a damaged main sewer line is a much bigger issue that can put a dent in your wallet when it comes to repairs. If there is a problem with your main sewer line, here are warning signs to watch out for:

  • Sewage backup and blockages. Sewage backups can happen every now and then, but if sewage backs up every time you flush the toilet, the problem could be your main sewer line. All your home’s drains rely on the main sewer line in order to drain properly. If you start experience blockages in more than one drain, it’s definitely an issue with your main sewer line.
  • Foul odors. An intact main sewer line should be airtight, meaning no odors should escape the pipes. If you start to smell something foul, however, that could mean a leak in the main sewer line. If the scent of rotten eggs and sewage starts leaking out of your drains, it’s time to call a plumber.
  • Mold. Mold can be the culprit of several problems, but the culprit could be a damaged main line inside your home’s walls. A crack in the line can cause enough water to leak into your home which can result in mold growth over time. Mold is harmful to your health, so if you notice mold starting to spread on your walls or ceilings, contact a plumber immediately.
  • Slow drains. A slow drain can be a common plumbing issue, and most clogs can be solved with a simple fix such as a plunger or drain cleaning. If the simple unclogging methods don’t work to solve the slow drain, the issue can be a deeper blockage somewhere in the main sewer line. Unfortunately, mainline clogs are usually much bigger clogs than require more than simple unclogging methods, but digging into the line itself to access the source of the problem.
  • Lush patches of grass. Your lawn may be looking extra lush than usual, but it may not be a good thing. Sewage acts as a great fertilizer, and if you start to notice very green patches of grass in your lawn, it could be from a leaking sewer line.
  • Lawn indentations. Besides lush lawns, also be on the lookout for lawn indentations. If your main sewer line is cracked, it will saturate the soil around it, eventually causing to dissipate and dip. Walk around where your sewer line is buried, if you notice any shifts in your lawn, it could be time to call a plumber.
  • Foundation cracks. A damaged main sewer line is more than just a plumbing nuisance; it can cause great structural damage to your home. Broken sewer lines left untreated over time can lead to cracks in your home’s foundation, a settled foundation, or even sinkholes.
  • Pools of septic waste. One of the more obvious outdoor signs is if you can see sewage pooling in your yard. If your yard smells foul and there’s a puddle that just won’t go away, the problem could be a cracked main sewer line.
  • Pests. Unfortunately, a damaged main sewer line can also result in unwanted pests inside your home. Rats and insects can easily squeeze through cracks and gaps in your sewer line and find their way into your plumbing. These pests can be very harmful to your health. If you suspect you have pests in your plumbing, a plumber can conduct a visual inspection of your sewer line.
  • Common fixes don’t solve the problem. If it seems you’re constantly experiencing plumbing problems, it’s most likely an issue you can’t fix without professional help. A licensed plumber can not only detect that cause of the problem but safely repair or replace your main sewer line if needed.

Leave it to the Professionals

Plumbing problems can be a major inconvenience and disruption to your home and daily routine. Some plumbing issues can be fixed without professional help, but if the issue is with the main sewer line, you need to call a specialist. In order to make sure the problem is completely fixed, you should leave it to the professionals.

Don’t wait for a major problem to happen with your main line – call Milltown at the first sign of a problem. 

By Milltown Plumbing