Sudden drops in water pressure usually point to a failing pressure-reducing valve (PRV), sediment buildup inside older pipes, or a leak somewhere in the system. Many Massachusetts homes and businesses have aging copper or galvanized pipes that corrode over time, making this a common issue. A quick pressure test can pinpoint the cause.

This is often “water hammer”—a shockwave caused when valves shut off quickly. High water pressure, unsecured pipes, or older copper lines can make the problem louder. Installing water hammer arrestors or adjusting the pressure in homes and businesses typically solves it.

Massachusetts winters put pipes at risk, especially in unheated areas. Keep your heat above 55°F, let faucets drip during extreme cold, insulate exposed pipes, and open cabinet doors to keep warm air flowing. If a pipe freezes, shut the water off immediately and call a plumber to prevent a burst.

Recurring clogs in MA homes often come from aging cast-iron pipes narrowing from corrosion, tree roots in the sewer line, or buildup from grease, soap, and hair. If clogs keep returning, the problem is usually deeper in the system and needs a camera inspection.

Warning signs include rising water bills, moldy or musty smells, warm spots on floors, water stains, or hearing running water when no fixtures are in use. Hidden leaks are common in basements and behind old plaster walls.

Most water heaters last 8–12 years, depending on water quality. Many Massachusetts towns have hard water, which speeds up sediment buildup and shortens the lifespan. If your unit is over 10 years old, making noise, water turning brown, smelling weird, or heating inconsistently, it may be nearing the end.

No. Massachusetts state plumbing code requires all water heater installations—gas or electric—to be performed by a licensed plumber. This ensures proper venting, safety, and code compliance.

Basement flooding can be caused by sump pump failure, sewer backups, rising groundwater, or poor drainage outside the home. Many Massachusetts homes built before the 1960s have older drainage systems that struggle during heavy storms.

Usually the flapper valve, fill valve, or float has worn out. Sometimes high water pressure can force water past old parts. Fixing it prevents wasted water and lowers your bill.

Common causes include hidden leaks, running toilets, leaking irrigation lines, or faulty shut-off valves. A quick inspection can identify the issue before it causes water damage.

A failing heating element, sediment buildup, bad mixing valve, or an undersized water heater can cause this. In winter, incoming water is much colder, so your heater has to work harder — making hot water run out faster.

This smell usually comes from bacteria reacting with the anode rod inside the water heater. It’s especially common in homes with well water in Massachusetts. Replacing the anode rod or flushing the heater often solves the problem.

Cold winter temperatures make incoming water much colder, so heaters work overtime to raise the temperature. Sediment buildup or an aging water heater can make this worse.

Food debris trapped in the disposal, buildup in the P-trap, or grease in the kitchen line can cause odors or backups. Older Massachusetts drains with cast-iron piping can hold onto debris more easily.

Clogged discharge lines, power outages, stuck float switches, or pumps that are undersized for the home can all cause failure. Many Massachusetts homes have pumps that haven’t been serviced in years — making them vulnerable during storms.

Sediment buildup at the bottom of the tank causes water to boil underneath it, creating popping sounds. This is very common in hard-water areas of Massachusetts. Flushing the tank usually helps.

Signs include white mineral buildup on faucets, dry skin, dingy laundry, or cloudy dishes. Hard water is widespread in Massachusetts. 

Air in the system, low water pressure, or mineral buildup can cause noise. Older boiler systems in Massachusetts multi-families and colonials often need bleeding or maintenance to stay quiet.

Once a year, ideally in the fall. Annual maintenance keeps the system efficient, reduces breakdowns, and extends the life of your heating equipment.

This can happen if there’s air in the lines, blocked baseboards, thermostat issues, a failing circulator pump, or a zoning problem. Older homes with additions often experience uneven heating.

For comfort and efficiency, Mass Save recommends 68°F when home and 60–62°F when asleep or away. Smart thermostats can help lower energy costs.

Dust burning off the system is common early in the season. If the smell is metallic, smoky, or chemical, shut the system off and call for service.

Yes, if you hear gurgling or your radiators are cold at the top. Bleeding removes trapped air and restores full heat output.

High bills often come from an aging boiler, clogged filters, poor insulation, thermostat issues, or leaking ducts. Massachusetts winters make these problems more noticeable.

Most boilers last 15–30 years, depending on maintenance, brand, and water quality.

Many homeowners and business owners in Massachusetts switch from oil to gas for better efficiency, lower cost, and easier maintenance. Heat pumps are also becoming popular thanks to Mass Save rebates.

Check thermostat batteries, boiler pressure, the power switch, and your fuel level. If the home drops below 55°F, call a plumber immediately to avoid pipe freezing.

If your system runs constantly, struggles to reach the set temperature, or certain rooms never warm up, the boiler may be undersized. A heat-loss calculation can confirm this.

This usually means air is trapped in the system. Bleeding the radiators can help. Otherwise, a circulator pump or zone valve may need attention.

Bleed your radiators annually, replace filters, seal drafts, use programmable thermostats, service your boiler, and keep baseboards clean and unobstructed.

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