Dishwashers are among the most practical large appliances found in modern kitchens. According to the U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA), over 80 million American homes have a dishwasher, and over 54% of homeowners use the appliance at least once per week. While dishwashers help homeowners save time and manual labor, these appliances can also emit foul odors that can alter the atmosphere of your kitchen. Although it’s easy to tell when something smells bad, it’s often harder to pinpoint the exact source. A look at the top causes of dishwasher odors can provide guidance for choosing the best way to address these unpleasant smells.

Why Does Your Dishwasher Smell?

There are several reasons your dishwasher may smell. Common reasons include clogged filters, food residue, hard water, unit damage, or an aging appliance. Each source can result in a different smell that ranges in severity.

Clogged Filter

Most dishwashers have a filter that helps trap food scraps. By trapping food particles, the filter helps prevent loose debris from circulating throughout the unit and redepositing on clean dishes. If the filter becomes clogged with old food residue, however, the entire unit can start to stink. While some dishwashers have self-cleaning cycles to tackle the filter, others require you to remove and clean the filter at least once per month. Consult with a plumbing professional if you’re unsure about the type of model you have or if you suspect the obstruction may have resulted from something more serious like broken dishes or glass.

Trapped Melting Plastic

A burning smell is often a sign of melting plastic. For example, a plastic utensil or piece of non-dishwasher-safe cutlery can start to melt if it comes in contact with the appliance’s heating element. In more serious instances, problems with the dishwasher’s wiring can cause the plastic casing to melt and emit a burning odor as it disintegrates. Since wiring problems can constitute a safety hazard, be sure to turn off the unit and contact a professional for repairs.

Greasy Residue

If you never clean or sanitize your dishwasher, the interior can become coated with greasy residue and soap scum. This residue can coat the walls as well as components like the spray nozzles or utensil baskets. The accumulation of buildup often produces a rancid odor. Since this residue can trap and harbor bacteria, experts recommend pre-rinsing dishes and using a dishwasher cleaning cycle to reduce the occurrence of greasy buildup.

Clogged Drain

If your dishwasher is connected to kitchen sink pipes, the gray wastewater usually exits the dishwasher through the garbage disposal before draining outside. While this system is highly efficient, it also means that any clog or obstruction near the drain can result in bad smells. These odors are often similar to sewage and can emanate from your wall plumbing. This interior plumbing issue is a job for professionals. A plumber can identify potential clogs within your garbage disposal or wall plumbing and can provide suggestions to help prevent recurrence.

Hard Water

Hard water contains a high concentration of minerals, like calcium carbonate or magnesium carbonate. The consistent flow of hard water through your dishwasher can leave behind mineral deposits that result in limescale buildup. Excessive limescale can give your dishwasher a metallic or sulfuric odor. The limescale can also clog functional components within the unit. In the worst instances, it can result in corrosion. Since mineral deposits are hard to remove with store-bought dishwasher cleaners, solving the issue may require professional descaling to eliminate the odor and improve the performance of your unit. A plumber may also install a water softener to reduce the concentration of carbonates within your pipe water.

Mold or Mildew

Mold thrives in damp and dark environments. If there is trapped water or improper drainage in the hard-to-reach areas of your dishwasher, the appliance may become the perfect breeding ground for mold spores. Similar biological contaminants like mildew, algae, or other fungi can grow in areas like the door gasket or drain tubes. Mold tends to produce a musty or earthy odor, and mold spores can cause health problems or exacerbate respiratory issues. The last thing anyone wants is for mold to contaminate freshly washed dishes. A plumber can inspect your dishwasher for mold and conduct repairs if there are culprits like drainage issues.

Leaking Unit

If there are no obvious problems but you notice persistent or sour smells coming from your dishwasher, a hidden leak might be to blame. Leaking dishwasher elements can seep beneath your appliance and result in bacteria growth. In the worst-case scenarios, these leaks can rot the wooden flooring beneath the unit. Many homeowners may not realize there is a leak until they notice dampness on nearby cabinets or beneath the sink. Reach out to a professional about sour or rotting odors to rule out plumbing leaks.

Damaged Hose

Damaged hoses, sprayers, or nozzles can also cause unpleasant dishwasher smells. Without a functional hose, your dishwasher will be unable to remove odor-causing food waste or debris from pots and dinnerware. This under-performance means that the organic waste can remain trapped within the appliance and eventually start to stink. Plumbers can repair or replace damaged hoses so that your unit performs as intended.

Poor Initial Installation

Bad dishwasher smells can also result from poor initial installation. The most common installation errors include misalignment or loose connections among drain hoses. These errors can cause dirty dishwater to flow backward into your appliance and emit unhygienic odors. If your dishwasher is pretty new but you notice a bad stench and gray water pooling at the bottom of the unit, poor installation is typically the culprit. An expert plumber may be able to correct installation problems.

Aging Dishwasher

Although dishwashers are reliable, all major appliances have a finite lifespan. If your dishwasher is over 10 years old and constantly smells, it may simply be time to pick out a new unit. Older dishwashers gradually become less efficient and can emit stronger odors while completing each cleaning cycle. Upgrading to a new dishwasher can restore efficiency, improve the ambiance of your kitchen, and may even help you save money. For example, the Department of Energy reports that a standard-sized ENERGY STAR-certified dishwasher costs only around $50 per year to operate and can save between 3,870-5,800 gallons of water over the course of its lifetime.

What Can You Do About Dishwasher Smells?

Experts recommend smart practices when using your dishwasher. Try to pre-rinse dishes before loading them into the appliance, and remember to routinely use the cleaning cycle if it is available on your model. You should also practice good plumbing habits in general. For example, dishwasher inspections are often included in annual plumbing inspections or maintenance. Plumbers can check for any defective components or leaks and fix these issues as needed. A professional plumber is also best equipped to handle serious repairs, like problems with the drain line or mold removal. In addition, a plumber can also install water-efficient or ENERGY STAR models that help save money on utility bills.

How We Can Help

Foul dishwasher odors can turn your kitchen’s time-saving appliance into a smelly and unhygienic nightmare. But if you are struggling with bad dishwasher smells, there’s no need to panic. The experts are here to help. Full Swing Plumbing, Heating, & Air offers dishwasher services for homes in Norwell, MA and the surrounding areas. We offer inspection and troubleshooting of this major kitchen appliance and can conduct repairs as needed.

Our plumbers can also install new dishwashing units and help you upgrade to energy-efficient models to benefit the whole household. In addition to dishwashers and kitchen plumbing, we also work with boilers and gas lines. Our plumbers can service your existing water heater or help you upgrade to an efficient tankless water heater. We can address water quality issues and can even help you customize a plan for kitchen remodeling. No matter the issue, we can help. Contact Full Swing Plumbing, Heating, & Air today for all plumbing needs.

Like all major industries, the plumbing world is changing rapidly today. From smart plumbing technologies to changing water usage habits, homeowners have a lot to keep up with. How do you know which projects are worth doing, though? If you want to avoid the hype and focus on practical solutions, pay attention to the following five plumbing trends in 2025.

1. Smart Plumbing Technologies

Smart home technology is transforming how we interact with our home’s plumbing systems. Wireless sensors installed in or near pipes, water heaters and appliances monitor water flow and detect potential leaks in real time. These tiny devices work like digital watchdogs, sending instant alerts to homeowners’ phones if they detect unusual water flow levels or pressure changes.

If an extreme leak or failure occurs, some smart systems can even access valves to automatically shut off water flow. This significantly reduces the risk that you might come home to a flood because of a leak that happened while you were at work or on vacation. Leak detection systems use advanced math to understand normal household water usage patterns, too. When something goes wrong, such as a constantly running toilet, the system can intervene to prevent waste and avert possible water damage.

Some smart plumbing systems track water usage by fixture. They show exactly how much water each shower, sink and appliance uses throughout the day. Data analytics play a crucial role in these new systems. By collecting information about water flow, temperature and usage patterns, these systems identify inefficiencies. The best smart plumbing technologies even perform predictive maintenance. Such smart technologies can calculate the decline of an aging system and tell you when it might be time to have our plumbers install a new dishwasher or water heater.

2. Water Conservation and Recycling

Water-saving systems are increasingly popular for home use. Low-flow showerheads and toilets now work great while using less water. For example, a new showerhead can cut water use by almost half in a typical household that uses an older design. Likewise, systems like aerators for sink faucets can reduce water usage in a household.

Homeowners can start reusing water from sinks and washing machines to water their yards and gardens. The process is known as gray-water recycling. Gray water in this case refers to leftover water from activities that ensure it isn’t great for drinking but that doesn’t completely foul the water, such as doing the dishes. Pipes can redirect water that would normally go down the drain into a tank for use in other activities. Many gardeners like to reuse gray water for their plants, for example.

3. Sustainable Materials

The plumbing industry is working on new ways to reuse or manufacture pipes and fixtures using sustainable methods. Recycled copper gives old metal a second life, turning scrap from industry and demolished buildings into brand-new piping. Materials and fixtures from sources like buildings and industry are popular choices for use in bathroom and kitchen remodels, too. This means less waste in landfills and fewer raw materials needed to make plumbing supplies.

Plant-based manufacturing processes for making new pipes are changing how we think about plumbing materials. Made from renewable resources like beets, corn and sugar, these materials are more biodegradable at the end of their service life than traditional plastic pipes. The best of the available modern bio-materials are easily strong enough to handle water pressure for residential applications. Consequently, homeowners don’t have to choose between plumbing performance and environmental sustainability.

4. Better Appliances and Plumbing Components

Modern washing machines and dishwashers have become remarkable examples of engineering efficiency and mechanical performance. Today’s appliances use advanced technology to minimize water and energy consumption while delivering superior cleaning. Washing machines now integrate sensors that precisely measure load size and fabric type, adjusting water volume and temperature with impressive accuracy. High-efficiency front-loading washing machines represent a significant leap forward. Many of these models use nearly 50% less water than traditional top-loading designs, spinning clothes in a tumbling motion that requires minimal liquid to clean effectively.

Dishwashers have similarly transformed. Modern units employ sophisticated spray arm designs and targeted water jets that clean dishes more thoroughly while using significantly less water. Sensors inside these appliances can detect food particle density, adjusting water pressure and volume in real time. The most advanced models consume around three gallons per cycle, a dramatic reduction from machines just a decade ago that frequently used 10 to 15 gallons. Especially if you don’t currently have a dishwasher or are using an older model, we strongly recommend upgrading.

Tankless water heaters make hot water available by only heating water when needed. These systems eliminate the energy waste associated with traditional storage tanks that have to keep reheating water to provide a ready supply. Compact units use advanced heat exchangers to rapidly warm water as it passes through, reducing standby energy consumption significantly. Tankless models only activate when a hot water line opens, providing on-demand heating with a high level of precision.

Water softeners have also undergone technological improvements that reduce water and salt consumption. Modern salt-free water conditioning systems can prevent mineral buildup without the traditional salt-based process. These systems eliminate the need for frequent backwashing, which otherwise wastes significant amounts of water during the softening cycle. Some advanced salt-based models can reduce salt usage by up to 75% compared to conventional water softeners. They also minimize water waste during the treatment process by cycling less often.

5. Improved Water Quality

Homeowners care more about indoor water quality today than ever before. Adding water filters, UV purifiers or acid neutralizers makes a big difference. Filters catch dirt and chlorine. UV purifiers kill germs. Acid neutralizers fix water acidity to improve taste, and they also protect pipes and appliances.

Plumbing materials also affect water quality. Safer options like PEX or stainless steel keep harmful chemicals out of your water. Older materials like lead or outdated PVC can leach dangerous substances into the water. Removing these components makes your water safer, and it also will bring your home’s plumbing system in line with local codes and industry standards.

Contact Us Today

Full Swing Plumbing, Heating, & Air is a family-oriented contractor that has been in business since 2015. We tackle residential and commercial plumbing jobs for folks in Norwell, Hingham, Rockland, Whitman and Pembroke, MA and the surrounding areas. Our plumbers have the know-how needed to handle installation, repairs, upgrades and maintenance. We also offer emergency service.

We are a Rinnai PRO Dealer. Our team is highly familiar with systems from major brands like Kohler, A.O. Smith, Simmons, Delta, Viessmann and IBC. You can trust us to work on water heaters, gas lines and fittings and water softeners. We also welcome plumbing jobs attached to kitchen and bathroom remodeling efforts. Check our specials page online to find ways to save on your planned work. Qualified buyers may want to take advantage of financing to make payments at great interest rates, too. If you’re excited about any of the big trends in plumbing in 2025, contact Full Swing Plumbing, Heating, & Air today to get your project rolling.

You should have the drains in your Norwell, MA home professionally cleaned each year. Regular drain cleaning prevents problems like drain gnat infestations, slow-moving drains, and foul drain odors. However, the sewer line that serves your drains needs cleaning, too. All of your drains converge onto your sewer line en route to the municipal sewer main. This pipe can develop the same build-ups of grease, hair, sediment, soap scum, and biofilm. If your sewer line is dirty or blocked, your drains will underperform. Read on to determine the best schedule for sewer line maintenance for your home.

General Recommendations for Sewer Line Cleaning

According to most plumbers, homeowners should have their sewer lines inspected and cleaned every 18 to 22 months. For homes with healthy, high-functioning drains and limited risk of sewer line encroachment, this schedule is sufficient for keeping wastewater flowing in the right direction and moving swiftly. However, you may need to have your sewer line cleaned every 12 to 18 months if have:

• Home with very hard water
• Sewer line that has already been encroached upon
• Residents regularly flushing slow-degrading items
• Large household and a highly active plumbing system

Homes with untreated hard water are prone to rapid and significant build-ups of sediment in their water supply pipes, wastewater pipes, and sewer lines. Slow-degrading items like “flushable” wipes and feminine hygiene products are often snagged on rough pipe interiors and can create partial blockages in sewer lines. With lots of people washing dishes and clothes, flushing your toilets, and bathing or showering, your sewer line will develop build-ups of body oils, slime, and other organic materials faster than a home with less plumbing system use.

Get a Home and Household-Specific Recommendation

During sewer line cleaning, plumbers use diagnostic tools to assess the health and integrity of sewer pipes. For instance, many rooter machines are equipped with sewer line cameras, clog locators, and electronic monitors. These tools help plumbers clean sewer lines and resolve blockages without damaging pipes or causing other problems. During your next sewer line service, we can use the information we collect to help you establish a needs-specific cleaning schedule.

Signs You Need Sewer Line Cleaning Right Now

Even if you’ve had your sewer line cleaned within the last 18 months, there may be tell-tale signs that now is the time to schedule another treatment.

Slow-Moving Drains

Slow-moving drains leave greasy, filmy residues in sinks, tubs, and shower pans. They can also expose residents to dangerous drain bacteria and other pathogens. If left unchecked, slow-moving drains can result in stained or dingy-looking plumbing fixtures.

If your drains are moving slowly but you’re caught up with annual drain cleaning, you likely have a dirty or partially clogged sewer line. Having just one or two slow-moving drains doesn’t usually indicate sewer line issues. However, if all of the drains in your home start moving slowly at once, you may be headed for a whole-house backup.

Drain Gnat Infestations

Drain gnats are a common issue in homes with dirty, poorly maintained drains. These troublesome pests feed on the waste in drain catches and thrive in moist, dirty conditions. Much like slow-moving drains, drain gnats can also be an indication of sewer line trouble. If build-ups in your sewer line are inhibiting the movement of wastewater, drain build-ups will accumulate faster than normal.

Rodent Problems

Dirty sewer pipes and the organic materials, rank odors, and standing water they contain are all major attractants for rats and other rodents. Worse still, if your sewer pipe has been encroached upon by tree roots or weeds, has cracks, or has another point of ingress, rodents could climb into your sewer line and exit through your toilets. If you’ve recently spied the signs of rodent activity in your bathrooms or other areas, cleaning and repairing your sewer line could be essential steps in your pest treatment.

Gurgling Noises Coming From Your Plumbing Fixtures

Gurgling, bubbling sounds coming from toilets and sinks are an indication of slow-moving water in sewer lines. These sounds occur just as slow-moving wastewater clears partial obstructions in sewer pipes. You’re most likely to hear these sounds at night when few to no people are using your plumbing system.

Malfunctioning Appliances

If your dishwasher or washing machine is suddenly having a hard time draining or won’t complete a rinse or wash cycle, the problem could lie with your sewer line. Like multi-drain issues, malfunctioning appliances are a common precursor to whole-house backups.

Frequent Drain Clogs

If you need professional clog removal service several times each year, it’s time to have both your drains and your sewer line cleaned. Built-up waste decreases the interior diameters of wastewater pipes and sewer lines. Having this waste sloughed off and flushed out will give larger and slow-degrading items more room to move through.

Tree Roots and Sewer Line Encroachment

If you have one or more large trees in your yard, you may need sewer line cleaning more frequently. Tree roots and fast-growing weed roots can enter sewer lines via surprisingly small-sized cracks. They send out ultra-thin lateral roots that work their way into openings that are millimeters thin. However, as they grow, these roots widen these cracks and gradually spread throughout the interior of sewer pipes.

Treatments like hydro-jetting, hydro-steaming, and rooter service break invasive roots up and flush them out. However, they aren’t permanent solutions. Some tree and weed roots can regrow within just 30 days of sewer cleaning. To prevent sewer line encroachment from causing a whole-house backup, you’ll need to:

• Repair or replace damaged sewer pipe sections
• Remove or replant invasive species
• Invest in stump grinding service

If you choose to cut down a tree that repeatedly encroaches on your sewer line, stump grinding will prevent its roots from spreading. Tree stumps can maintain active root systems for many years after trees are felled.

How to Keep Your Sewer Line Clean In-Between Professional Service

To keep your sewer line functioning optimally in between sewer cleaning, have your water quality tested and take steps to mitigate hard or very hard water. Installing a water softener will prevent heavy build-ups of hard water minerals in all of your home’s pipes. There are also several things that you can do from day to day to slow the accumulation of tacky, stuck-on waste in your sewer pipe.

Dispose of Grease Correctly

Cool all cooking oils, grease, and rendered fats in sealed, heat-safe containers. Throw these containers away rather than dumping them down your drains.

Don’t Flush Non-Degradable or Slow-Degrading Items

If you or anyone else in your household uses “flushable” wipes, throw these away rather than flushing them. The only things that residents should flush down your toilets are toilet paper and human waste.

Keep Your Drains Covered

Invest in well-fitted drain covers. These will prevent hard, non-degradable items from slipping into your drains and getting lodged in your wastewater pipes or sewer line. With drain covers, having someone drop a toothbrush or toy near a plumbing drain won’t be a big deal.

Plant Responsibly

Take good care of your landscape, especially around your sewer line. Regularly remove weeds from your yard or implement another effective weed control plan. If you intend to plant new trees, plant them at least 10 feet away from your sewer line.

We help homeowners in Norwell maintain clean, high-functioning plumbing systems. We offer exceptional plumbing, drain cleaning, and sewer line services. We also provide water heaters, boilers, and gas lines and fittings. If you need professional sewer line cleaning or other kinds of plumbing repair, contact Full Swing Plumbing, Heating & Air today!

Hard water is a common concern for homes across the U.S., particularly in areas like Norwell, MA. If your dishes are covered with spots after washing, your water heater is less efficient than expected, or your skin feels dry no matter what products you use, hard water might be the cause. But what exactly is hard water, how does it impact your home, and what can you do about it? Let’s break it down.

What Is Hard Water?

Hard water refers to water with high levels of dissolved minerals, mainly calcium and magnesium. While it’s safe to drink, its mineral content can cause household inconveniences and even lead to damage over time.

How Is Hard Water Measured?

Hardness is typically measured in grains per gallon (GPG) or parts per million (PPM), with higher numbers indicating harder water. For reference, water is considered “hard” when it contains more than 7 GPG or 120 PPM.

Signs Your Home May Have Hard Water

Not sure if your home has hard water? Keep an eye out for these signs:

• Spots or streaks on dishes and glassware after drying.
• Dry skin and hair, even with a reliable skincare routine.
• Soap and shampoo that don’t lather well.
• Scale buildup around sinks, tubs, faucets, and appliances.

If these symptoms sound familiar, you’re not alone. Norwell, like much of Massachusetts, is known for its hard water.

How Hard Water Affects Your Home

The effects of hard water extend beyond the visible signs. Over time, it can have a significant impact on your home and its systems.

Plumbing System

Hard water leaves mineral deposits in your pipes, reducing water flow over time. This buildup, often referred to as scale, can lead to clogs and increased plumbing costs.

Appliances

Hard water shortens the lifespan of appliances like water heaters, dishwashers, and washing machines by causing scale to form inside their components. These appliances work harder to function, leading to inefficiency and avoidable repair or replacement bills.

Laundry and Cleaning

Doing laundry in hard water often results in stiff clothes and lackluster whites. Additionally, you’ll need more detergent and effort to achieve the same level of cleanliness.

Skin and Hair

Hard water’s mineral content often leaves a residue on your skin and scalp, which can result in dryness, irritation, and even buildup on hair.

Increased Energy Bills

Mineral deposits reduce the efficiency of water heaters, forcing them to use more energy. Over time, this increases your household’s energy expenses.

How to Fix Hard Water Problems

The good news? There are effective solutions to tackle hard water and its effects on your home.

Water Softeners

Water softeners use an ion exchange system to remove the calcium and magnesium from your water, softening it. The benefits of installing a water softener include:

• Protecting your plumbing system from scale buildup.
• Extending the lifespan of your appliances.
• Enhancing the comfort of your skin, hair, laundry, and overall cleaning routines.

Water Filtration Systems

If you’re looking for more options beyond softening, water filtration systems are a great alternative. These include whole-house filters and reverse osmosis systems, which provide purified water throughout your home.

Professional Installation and Maintenance

While DIY fixes may seem tempting, professional installation guarantees the most effective and long-lasting results. Regular maintenance checks from a trusted provider ensure your system continues performing efficiently over time.

Why Address Hard Water in Norwell, MA?

New England, including Norwell, is known for its high-mineral-content water. Addressing hard water early can save homeowners from costly plumbing repairs and appliance replacements down the road. Investing in water testing and treatment solutions is not only preventative but also a cost-effective way to protect your home and enhance daily comfort.

Protect Your Home from the Effects of Hard Water

Hard water is a widespread problem, but it doesn’t have to damage your home. Whether you’re struggling with plumbing buildup, irritated skin, or inefficient appliances, treating hard water will bring immediate and long-term benefits.

For expert water quality solutions, contact Full Swing Plumbing, Heating & Air. We’re here to test your water and recommend systems that best meet your needs. Say goodbye to hard water problems and hello to a better home experience!