Editorial policy
How these drain pages are researched and checked
Every page on this site is researched from named public sources, reviewed on a regular cycle and corrected openly when wrong. Images are AI-generated illustrations, not photos of real jobs.
Where do the facts on this site come from?
- RegulationsMassachusetts plumbing rules (248 CMR) for permits and licensing.
- Local governmentCity of Somerville pages for water, sewer, 311 and inspectional services, and regional bodies such as the MWRA.
- Reference worksEncyclopedic sources for neighborhood history, housing types and pipe materials.
- The ruleA factual claim about codes, utilities, history or housing is published only with a source listed on that page. We do not publish statistics, response times or reviews we cannot verify.
Are the images real photographs?
No. Images on this site are AI-generated illustrations created to show typical drain problems and equipment. They do not show real Somerville properties, real customers or work by any specific contractor. Alt text describes what each illustration depicts.
How is AI used in writing pages?
Drafts may be prepared with AI assistance. Before publishing, claims are checked against the cited sources, local details are confirmed, and wording that promises things the service cannot deliver, such as guaranteed arrival or round-the-clock availability, is removed.
How often are pages reviewed?
Pages are reviewed at least every six months, and sooner when a cited regulation or city program changes. The date a page was last reviewed appears on the page. Links to sources are rechecked during each review.
How are corrections handled?
If something is wrong, it is fixed promptly and the page's updated date changes. Substantive corrections, such as a changed permit rule, are rewritten in place rather than hidden. Since this is a call-in service, you can raise an error by calling the number on the site.
Independence from contractors
Contractors do not write or approve this site's content. Pages explain drain problems neutrally and do not push a particular method to sell a service. See about this service for how referrals work, and the guides for examples of sourced articles.
FAQ
Questions about our editorial standards
Who writes the drain guides on this site?
Pages are prepared by the site's editors, sometimes with AI assistance, then checked against public sources before publishing. Contractors you may be connected with do not write, pay for or approve the content on these pages. Each page lists the sources it relies on.
Why do pages list sources at the bottom?
So you can check claims yourself. Any statement about Massachusetts plumbing rules, Somerville city services or local history is tied to a listed source, and claims we cannot source are simply not published. Links are rechecked at each review.
Are the pictures from real Somerville jobs?
No. All images are AI-generated illustrations of typical drain problems and equipment. They are not photographs of real homes, real customers or any contractor's finished work, and alt text describes what each one shows. They are illustrations, not evidence of work.
How do I report a mistake on a page?
Call the number on the site and describe the error and the page it is on. Confirmed mistakes are corrected in place, and the page's updated date changes to show it has been reviewed. Significant fixes are rewritten in place.
Have a drain question these pages do not answer?
Call to be connected with an independent Somerville drain contractor.