Why Are My Copper Plumbing Pipes Turning Green?

Posted on August 5, 2022 by weilhammerplumbing

Many environmentally and budget-conscious property owners are choosing copper plumbing these days. Even properties with plumbing systems constructed with conventional materials have a few copper pipes somewhere in the works, especially in water heaters and boilers.

Although highly-durable, fire-resistant, and less harmful to the environment, copper plumbing can encounter some frustrating drawbacks, like turning green. If you have noticed that your copper plumbing pipes have taken on a green crust or color, you may be concerned, and you would be right to be.

Continue below to learn why your copper plumbing pipes are turning green, plus what you can do to prevent this from happening in the future.

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Copper Pipes are Prone to Oxidation

The greenish, or sometimes blue-ish, powdery tint on copper pipes is the result of oxidation, which is a type of corrosion. When copper is exposed to moisture (water or humidity) and oxygen (air) for long periods, it will begin to oxidize. Although harmless and non-toxic, oxidation will disintegrate copper plumbing pipes over time, making it a plumbing problem that requires urgent attention.

Copper is Excellent at Conducting Heat

If you think your property is void of copper plumbing, think again. Any plumbing appliance or water line that circulates hot water will require copper piping, including water heaters, boilers, dishwashers, washing machines, and even radiant heating systems. Copper is an excellent conductor of heat, capable of withstanding high temperatures.

What To Do About Oxidized Copper Plumbing

Like rusty steel, oxidized copper plumbing will eventually corrode and fail. The problem is, most copper plumbing is hidden behind walls or beneath flooring, which makes it hard to spot a corrosion issue. Look at the areas where the pipe meets the wall or opening and check for signs of oxidation. These areas tend to be higher in moisture, giving way to oxidation.

If your copper plumbing is already experiencing oxidation, your first step is to contact a licensed Indianapolis plumber for guidance on plumbing remediation or replacement. You could have a hidden water leak or dampness issue inside the walls, thus causing the copper plumbing to oxidize. A licensed and insured plumber can identify the issue and make the proper adjustments to ensure no future corrosion.

How to Prevent Oxidized Copper Pipes

The best way to prevent copper plumbing oxidation and similar corrosion issues is to have your property’s plumbing system inspected by a licensed and insured master plumber on an annual basis. This annual service will help catch plumbing problems early on before they can turn disastrous or costly.

Are you looking for a trusted Indy plumbing company that can help you renovate your property’s plumbing system? Contact Weilhammer Plumbing Company at 317-784-1870 for professional plumbing service and repair in Indianapolis, Indiana and its surrounding counties. We serve residential and commercial clients.

How to Clean Around the House Using Lemons

Posted on May 13, 2022 by weilhammerplumbing

Whether you go organic, large, small, or pre-squeezed, there are several ways to use lemons and lemon juice for cleaning around the house. Whether at home or on the road, you can trade the normal methods for everyday cleaning with a fresh-smelling, antioxidant, and Eco-friendly alternative: lemons! Manage upholstery stains, smelly laundry, clogged drains, limescale, mold, bacterial growth, and much more!

Continue reading for all the creative and non-toxic ways to clean around the house with store-bought lemons and a few other household ingredients.

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How to Clean With Lemons Around the House

Clothing Stain Removal

Aprons, clothing, uniforms, sheets, blankets, upholstery, curtains, tablecloths, place mats, serving napkins, and more can fall victim to staining. Blood, grease, dirt, rust, and grass stand no chance when using fresh lemon juice. It can help remove these types of stains and more! Simply dab equal parts of salt and lemon onto the stain and allow it to sit for an hour, then wash normally using detergent.

Disinfecting

Lemons can be used as disinfectants for several types of surfaces. For example, kitchen cutting boards are perfect hosts for lingering bacteria and germs. Lemon juice can eliminate these hazards, as well as, stains, with a simple and quick ten minute soak. Pour or squeeze the juice of a lemon onto a wood cutting board and allow it to sit for ten minutes before rinsing. And simple repeat if necessary.

You may also rub the exposed part of the lemon all over the surface for added effects. It is a fantastic way to kill germs naturally. Use on other surfaces as well, like tables and sinks. They are naturally scented too, making them free of chemicals that replicate the fresh smell of lemons people commonly associated with cleanliness. Never use lemon juice on granite or marble surfaces.

Hardwood Floors and Furniture

Polish hardwood furniture and floors the natural way by combining a cup of olive oil with a half cup lemon juice! Dab first on a cloth and use sparingly in circular motions. Buff the floors out with a clean dry microfiber cloth afterwards.

Kitchen Cleaning

You can clean dishware with just lemons and baking soda. Cut a lemon in half and dip the exposed portion into a pile of baking soda. Then just use the lemon as if it were your dishcloth! Citric acid is an effective de-greaser and will cut-through and loosen grime on dishware. You can also place a cup of lemon juice in the bottom of an empty dishwasher and run a cycle to deodorize it naturally.

The same goes for microwaves. Deodorize and eliminate bacteria inside a microwave by placing lemon slices in a microwave-safe bowl of water and heat for one minute. This kills the bacteria and humidifies the inside, allowing grease and stuck-on food to loosen. Just wipe the inside of the microwave out with a clean rag afterwards!

Drain Cleaning

To clean drains, pour half of a cup of baking soda down the drain and then pour a cup of hot lemon juice down afterwards. Allow this mixture to work itself in for a few minutes, then rinse with hot water. To clean and deodorize garbage disposals, drop a few citrus peels down the drain and run the disposal with cold water from the faucet. Lemon wedges can be placed inside a refrigerator to eliminate bad odors as well.

Mold Remover

No matter what color of mold you have or where it may be, you can use lemon juice and good old fashioned elbow grease to remove it. Tiles, plumbing fixtures, and other surfaces can be scrubbed clean of mold with a pasty mixture of lemon juice and salt.

Limescale and Soap Scum Remover

Aside from mold, lemons can also be used to clean soap scum, limescale, hard water deposits, and other similar residues. For this, mix two parts of bicarbonate soda and one part lemon juice, and then apply the paste to the soiled area. Allow to sit, then scrub with cloth or toothbrush. Rinse thoroughly.

Additional Lemon Cleaning Applications:

◾ Glass Cleaner
◾ Mirror Polisher
◾ Shoe Shiner
◾ Metal Polisher
◾ Laundry Bleacher
◾ Air Freshener

Are you plumbing fixtures damaged limescale? Did a water leak cause a mold outbreak in your home? Perhaps you are ready to update some kitchen and mudroom appliances? Contact Weilhammer Plumbing Company at 317-784-1870 for Indianapolis Indiana plumbing services for water heaters, water softeners, water leaks, kitchens, bathrooms, and more. We provide residential and commercial plumbing services all throughout Central Indiana.

A Quick Guide to Mold Colors

Posted on March 17, 2022 by weilhammerplumbing

Whether your mold is yellow, green, pink, brown, or black, it is hazardous to your health and should be treated immediately. Continue reading to learn what the color of your mold means, including what it is and where it comes from.

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A Brief Explanation of Mold Colors

Mold breaks down organic matter, which means it serves a vital purpose in our universe, but not in our households. According to the Mayo Clinic, common symptoms of mold overexposure include respiratory complications like wheezing, coughing, sneezing, allergies, and even asthma. It can also cause a person to develop other health issues, like headaches, rashes, and in serious cases, brain infections and blood poisoning (sepsis). Furthermore, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), some molds produce toxic substances called mycotoxins.

Mold Color Guide

◎ Pink – Pink mold is often seen in the bathroom or kitchen, but it is not actually mold at all. It is a bacteria called Serratia marcescens. Although not a mold, it still presents hygiene and health issues, like urinary tract and respiratory infections.

◎ Green – Green mold is very vague since it can be any kind of unpleasant fungus. There are literally thousands of species of green mold, so green mold doesn’t tell you much, expect that it needs to be removed.

◎ Greenish-Black – Mold that appears greenish-black in color could be Stachbotrys genus, which is also known as “black mold.” Exposure to such mold has been linked to serious health conditions. It commonly grows on high-cellulose, low-nitrogen surfaces, such as drywall, gypsum board, paper, dust and lint that is constantly exposed to moisture.

◎ Black or Gray – Mold that is black or gray might be Alternaria, which is one of the most common types of outdoor mold. It mostly grows near damp, dusty areas, as well as, soil and plants. It is often found in household dust, so be sure you keep up with your routine cleaning.

◎ Blue, Green, or White – Molds of these colors generally point to the Penicillium genus. Several years ago, this species of mold was used to make penicillin. Nowadays, it is usually found growing on food or on walls. It can cause allergic reactions, allergies, and other respiratory problems.

◎ Yellow, Green or Black – Mold that appears yellow, green, or black could possibly be Aspergillus mold. According to the CDC, we breathe these molds in almost every day without getting sick. However, concentrated exposure can be hazardous, especially for those with existing lung problems or suppressed immune systems. In individuals like these, it can cause aspergillosis, which presents itself as coughing, wheezing, and sinus inflammation.

◎ Olive Green, Gray, Brown, or Black – Molds that appear in these color formations likely belong to the Cladosporium genus. You can find this mold growing indoors and outdoors on plant leaves, soil, walls, insulation, and damp carpeting. According to the CDC, they are most commonly linked to minor health complications like skin, eye, and sinus infections; but they have also been known to brain infections like fungal meningitis.

Mold should be removed as soon as it is discovered, regardless of color or quantity. After you outsource mold remediation services, contact a trusted Indianapolis plumbing repair company to resolve the underlying water leak issues that have been causing mold to grow.

Are you looking for an affordable solution to your residential or commercial water leak problems? Contact Weilhammer Plumbing Company at 317-784-1870 for economically-priced water leak repair services in Indianapolis, Indiana. We provide residential and commercial plumbing service and repair.

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What to Do if Your Pipes Froze Over and Burst Open

Posted on February 16, 2022 by weilhammerplumbing

The climate got pretty cold this winter. But with these warmer temperatures coming through out of nowhere, all the recent snow and ice is beginning to melt away. You might think that frozen plumbing pipes are a common phone call to the local plumber, but the truth is, the melting of snow and ice is when the calls start coming in. Once the ice within frozen plumbing pipes start to melt, pipe ruptures become apparent because they present themselves in the form of water leaks.

If you have just discovered that one of your indoor or outdoor plumbing pipes burst as a result of the recent freeze-thaw cycle, continue below to learn a step-by-step guide on how to deal with it, safely and in the best interest of your budget.

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Frozen Pipe Prevention Advice

Prevention is key when it comes to managing frozen plumbing pipes every winter. The best preventative maintenance for this seasonal plumbing threat is pipe insulation. It is helpful to insulate your plumbing pipes, which can protect them against pipe ruptures if water freezes within them.

If you are leaving for a trip in the winter, it helps to keep your faucet dripping just slightly to prevent the water inside the pipes from freezing while you are away. Overall, a licensed plumber can help you develop the right plumbing plan for your home or office, and effectively safeguard your property against frozen pipes and similar plumbing disasters.

How to Manage a Frozen Pipe Burst

So, your pipes frozen over this winter, and now you have found a ruptured connecter joint pivot or small leak in your piping? Act quickly, and do this:

1) Shut Off the Main Water Supply

You do not want the pipe to continue spewing water all over the place, so immediately react by shutting down the water to the property. Even if it is a small leak or dribble, turning off the water will stop the leak from worsening, or even exploding due to a buildup of pressure.

2) Clean Up Water Spillage

Grab your mop, bucket, and a whole bunch of towels. You do not want the water leakage to sit for a longer period of time. This can cause damages to drywall, floorboards, insulation, and more. Clean up whatever water has pooled around the burst pipe, and standby to clean up more if the leak persists for a while.

3) Warm Up the Pipes With Warming Tape

Please take note: This step might not be something you are capable of doing. Many burst pipe scenarios happen in a location of the plumbing system that is not easily accessible, or even visible, by the average homeowner. If this is your case, move onto step 4, which is to contact a licensed Indianapolis master plumber. They are equipped with the property resources and technologies to locate and identify frozen pipes and pipe ruptures.

On the other hand, you may be able to see and access the frozen pipe if it is, for instance, beneath the sink. If you can access the frozen pipe, your next step would be to attempt to thaw it out. Wrap thermostatic control warming tape around the frozen pipe or use hand warmers. You can purchase this at your local home improvement store or online retailer. Expect to pay between $20 and $200, depending on the length you need. You can also slowly add in heat from heating lamps or hair dryers. But be careful not to apply too much heat.

4) Call a Licensed Plumber

You can’t live with your water shut off forever. So, your next step is to contact a licensed and insured plumbing company in Indianapolis for frozen pipe plumbing repair service. They can address all the specific issues surrounding your pipe burst, and repair all ruptures in a timely manner.

5) Contact Your Insurance Company

Now that you have help on the way and your mess has been mitigated, you are ready to contact your insurance company to discuss what your policy covers. You may need to make a claim for repair.

Are you looking for a qualified plumber to help you deal with a water leak issue in your home or office? Contact Weilhammer Plumbing Company at 317-784-1870 for frozen pipe repair and water leak repair in Indianapolis, Indiana. We serve residential and commercial clients.

Should I Call a Plumber Tonight or Tomorrow?

Posted on February 8, 2022 by weilhammerplumbing

Not sure if your current plumbing breakdown is an emergency or not? Can it wait until the morning? Can it wait longer than that? Or should you just call an emergency plumber right now? Continue below to learn which kinds of plumbing situations call for emergency plumbing repair and which kinds can wait a day or two before being addressed.

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Emergency Plumbing 24 Hours a Day

Plumbing emergencies happen all the time. That is why there are 24 hour emergency plumbing services. But keep in mind, these services come at a premium, so be sure your plumbing mishap is truly one that requires immediate attention. Below we will touch on some common plumbing emergencies and non-emergencies to help you gauge where your current situation stands. In all cases, just to be safe, the first thing you should do is shut off your main water supply.

Common Plumbing Emergencies

A real plumbing emergency is one that requires immediate professional attention. Even if it’s the middle of the night or in the wee early morning hours, if you are experiencing any of these plumbing failures listed below, you will need to get on the phone right away with a licensed Indianapolis plumber. But first, as always, shut off your main water supply.

► Ruptured or Burst Pipes
► Basement Flooding
► Crawl Space Flooding
► Sewer System Backups
► Major Water Leaks
► Gas Leaks

Less Serious Plumbing Emergencies

Some plumbing emergencies are less serious than others, but emergencies, nonetheless. If you are experiencing any of the plumbing breakdowns listed below, you may be able to get away with waiting a day, or at least until morning, before contacting a professional plumbing company for repair.

► Water Heater Malfunctions
► Overflowing Toilet
► Washing Machine Hose Leaks
► Clogged Drain
► Dripping Faucet
► Water Softener Problems
► Broken Spigot
► Broken Plumbing Fixtures

Do You Have a Plumbing Problem Right Now?

Whether emergency or not, all plumbing breakdowns and malfunctions should be addressed by a licensed plumber within a reasonable time frame. Be sure to choose an experienced Indianapolis IN plumbing company that provides the necessary services for your residential or commercial plumbing emergency repair needs.

Are you looking for a trusted local plumber in Indy who can help you with all your bathroom, kitchen, basement, garage, and outdoor plumbing repair needs? Contact Weilhammer Plumbing Company at 317-784-1870 for year-round emergency plumbing repair in Indianapolis, Indiana. We serve residential and commercial clients.

Small Plumbing Problems That Might Be Big Repairs

Posted on January 14, 2022 by weilhammerplumbing

As veteran plumbers who’ve seen just about everything in this industry, we are always emphasizing the importance of catching small plumbing problems early on in order to prevent larger, costlier issues down the road. Although something as small as a faucet drip might seem unsuspecting, it could be hiding a much larger plumbing repair need; one that costs a lot more and requires more invasive work to resolve.

Continue reading to learn some small plumbing problems that often turn out to be larger problems than they appear, plus who to call for the most trusted emergency plumbing services in Indianapolis and its surrounding counties.

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These Plumbing Issues Might Be Warning You of a Bigger Plumbing Problem

Leaky Faucet

How long has that faucet been dripping in the bathroom? Or perhaps you have a leaky kitchen sink faucet? Oftentimes, homeowners wrongly assume that a little drip of the faucet is nothing to worry about. But this is quite the contrary. Remember how we talked about catching small plumbing problems early on in order to prevent them from turning into bigger ones? Well, a barely-dripping faucet is one of those small problem problems. Faucet leaks could be an indication of all sorts of other internal plumbing issues. And where there is excess water, there’s potential for trouble.

Toilet Running

Compared to a leaking faucet, a running toilet issue poses a much larger threat in terms of water damage and plumbing repair. Although it might seem like your toilet lever is just malfunctioning, a running toilet can indicate a long list of other related plumbing problems. It is important to have this issue checked out if you cannot resolve it on your own within 24 hours. In fact, this applies for any toilet flushing issues you run into.

Stinky Water

If you think your tap water smells a bit funky, do not think it will resolve itself on its own. Smelly water is a bad sign and can indicate all sorts of plumbing and water quality issues. A common odor-causing culprit in tap water is sulfur, which smells like rotten eggs. The most common cause of this smelly, gaseous tap water is a water heater malfunction. When your water heater operates at a very low temperature, or not at all, for an extended period of time, it can cause this tell-tale bacteria buildup and hydrogen sulfide production in your plumbing pipes and connected water lines.

Drain Clogs

If your sink drain is draining slowly, you might not think anything of it; but you should. Slow drainage issues can represent a long list of other plumbing problems, ones that can lead to very costly and invasive repairs. Obstructed, underground pipeline can be the root of a slow draining sink, which may lead to pipe replacement renovations and even foundation repairs. Always have a clogged or slow-draining sink examined by a licensed plumber in Indianapolis if it does not clear up on its own within a few days.

Are you experiencing plumbing problems like a slow draining sink, smelly water, or running toilet? Contact Weilhammer Plumbing Company at 317-784-1870 for professional plumbing service and repair in Indianapolis, Indiana and its surrounding counties. We serve residential and commercial clients.

The Most Effective Water Conservation Tips to Try in the New Year

Posted on December 30, 2021 by weilhammerplumbing

The New Year is right around the corner. Have you thought about your 2022 resolution? Why not do something great for the environment and your wallet all at the same time? We are talking about water conservation! Not only can you reduce your water consumption to abate wasting water, but you can also decrease your water and energy bills every month! This can add up to hundreds or even thousands of dollars in savings each year!

Continue reading to learn some of the most effective tips for conserving water at home and in the office, plus how to ensure your plumbing systems are performing with optimal efficiency, year-round.

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How to Conserve More Water on a Daily Basis

According to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), the average person uses as much as 88 gallons of water every day. Now, since it is suggested that the average household has 2.5 occupants, you can do the math on how much water is consumed by a family in just 24 hours! When referring back to a well-revered 2014 Government Accountability Report, study data suggests the average household spends over $1,000 each year on water expenses.

There are countless methods of conserving water at home and in the office, but the top 4 strategies that have proven to be the most effective are:

Repair Water Leaks in Plumbing ASAP

Water leaks can really cost you. Not only can water leaks generate a massive amount of structural damage that requires invasive and timely renovations, but they can also waste a lot of water and energy, which results in higher home energy costs each month. It is critical to your water conservation goals to detect a plumbing leak and repair it as soon as possible. Consider a water leak an emergency plumbing need. Even a tiny faucet drip can signify a major pathway for destruction. A good way to identify a hidden plumbing leak is to monitor your water meter.

Do Not Leave the Water Running

As you brush your teeth, wash the dishes, or water the garden, try not to let the water run when you are not using it. By simply shutting the faucet off in intervals, or strategically watering your lawn with a sprinkler system, you can save a noticeable amount of water, which will reduce your water bills significantly. Start with some practice, and before you know it, you will barely run the water in excess!

Install Low-Flow Volume Restrictors

Replace your shower head with a low-flow model to reduce the volume of water you use when bathing. You can also install low volume water restrictors in your bathroom and kitchen sink faucets to achieve the same goal. The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) suggests that a low-volume shower head alone can render between 25% and 60% savings in water costs each year.

Install Energy Efficient Appliances

Energy Star-rated and approved plumbing appliances, like water heaters, water softeners, dishwashing machines, washing machines, and boilers, will work wonders to reduce your daily water consumption. With a higher level of energy efficiency, you will use less water and save on your monthly utility costs. When replacing your plumbing fixtures with new ones, choose brands with a WaterSense label. These are specially designed to conserve water and reduce waste.

Are you looking for a qualified Indy plumber who can help you transform your home into a water-conserving, energy efficient residence? Contact Weilhammer Plumbing Company at 317-784-1870 for Indianapolis Indiana plumbing services at an affordable price. We provide residential and commercial plumbing service and repair.

Bathroom Plumbing Repair Hacks for the Handy Homeowner

Posted on December 20, 2021 by weilhammerplumbing

Your bathroom might arguably be the most important room in your house. Just think about it. If you were forced to get rid of a room in your house, the bathroom would not even be on the list of options! From the bathtub and shower to the toilet, sink, drains, and more, no one can live without a functioning bathroom. So, when plumbing problems present themselves, the frustration and inconvenience meters tend to go off the charts.

If you live in a home with fussy bathroom plumbing, you would be smart to equip yourself with some DIY knowledge. This can help you get yourself out of jam without the help of a plumber. Of course, there are times when you absolutely need a plumber.

Continue reading to learn some helpful bathroom plumbing repair hacks, plus which plumbing company to trust for emergency service in Central Indiana!

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Bathroom Hacks for Plumbing Problems

Toilets

You don’t want your toilet in the fritz, especially if it’s the only one in the house! Not only is a broken toilet inconvenient, but it can also lead to some nasty messes. Common toilet problems include slow flushing, clogged toilet, backed up toilet, running toilet, loose lever, loose toilet seat, toilet leaks, and even toilet stains.

First, do not flush things down your toilet that don’t belong! But more importantly, toilet leaks are the most serious toilet plumbing issue, so it’s important to test your toilet to ensure it is leak-free. Do this by using some household food coloring. Do not use blue if you have a toilet bowl insert that already turns your water blue. Add a few drops of food coloring into the toilet tank, not the bowl. Then flush the toilet. Wait a few minutes, then lift the lid. If you see color in the toilet bowl, you might have a leak. Call an Indy plumber right away.

Sinks

Sinks are notorious for having low water pressure. If your faucet is showing signs of low water pressure, you may need to clean the aerator. It’s easy! Just grab an old toothbrush that you can dedicate to dirty work, then simply unscrew the faucet tip. You might need a wrench if it’s on tight. Scrub the aerator clean with warm water and then reassemble. If you have hard water problems, you may need to repeat this hack on a routine basis.

Clogs are another common bathroom sink problem. Install a drain strainer to prevent unwanted constituents from clogging it all up, like hair and dental floss.

Bathtubs

Your bathtub is a sanctuary. So, when it begins to lose water mid-bath, the luxury of it all seems to go down the drain with it. A simple repair hack for a checking the sealant on your bathtub’s drain stopper is to simply fill the tub with water, mark the water line, and then wait. After an hour, see if the water level has dropped. If so, you may need to re-caulk the drain or replace the stopper.

Showers

The biggest problem with showers is reduced water pressure. And a cakey shower head is the most common culprit. To open your shower head nodules and spouts back up, disconnect your shower head and place it in a bag filled with distilled white vinegar. Allow it to soak overnight and then rinse it clean in the morning before reattaching. The vinegar will dissolve the limescale buildup and improve your shower head performance.

Drains

Clogs are by far the most frequent problems with bathroom drains. Install a drain strainer or mesh cover to prevent unwanted objects from obstructing them, like hair, cotton swabs, dental floss, soap residues, makeup, and more. Also, get yourself a good, old-fashioned drain auger, also called a snake. These can help unclog any drain.

Is your bathroom in need of emergency plumbing assistance? Or perhaps some routine plumbing service? Contact Weilhammer Plumbing Company at 317-784-1870 for a wide range of professional plumbing services in Indianapolis, Indiana. We serve residential and commercial clients and offer free advice.

Frequently Asked Questions About Slab Leaks

Posted on December 8, 2021 by weilhammerplumbing

Plumbing catastrophes are a homeowner’s worst nightmare. One such plumbing emergency that can really do some damage to homes and buildings are slab leaks. These are more serious than your average water leaks, thus requiring immediate emergency repair, and possible renovation to reverse any structural damage. It is in your best interest to learn what you can about slab leak detection, prevention, and repair. This knowledge can help you protect your property from catastrophic flooding and water damage.

Continue reading to review some frequently asked questions about slab leaks, including where to get the most trusted master plumber service in the Indy areas.

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Slab Leak FAQS

What is a Slab Leak?

Most homes and buildings are built on a foundation of concrete blocks, which are referred to as slabs in the construction industry. When water leaks form beneath these concrete slabs, it is known as a slab leak. Slab leaks can occur in residential and commercial settings, either forming slowly overtime or in an instant after an inclement event or natural disaster.

Are Slab Leaks a Plumbing Emergency?

Slab leaks are dangerous for many reasons, making them a very serious plumbing emergency. Not only can slab leaks pose a long list of structural concerns that can lead to devastating damages or serious accidents, but they also threaten the risk of a mold outbreak, which can cause severe respiratory complications in people of all ages, as well as pets. Mold exposure is especially threatening to babies, young children with preexisting medical conditions, and the elderly. It can grow beneath floorboards, carpeting, and inside walls.

What Causes Slab Leaks to Form?

The most common cause of slab leak formation is the movement of soil and clay below a home or building’s foundation. The shifting and heaving of dirt can cause an increase of pressure on the concrete slabs. As a result, the concrete itself will heave and shift, and eventually crack. Underground plumbing will also become damaged because of concrete heaving, which can lead to a fitting popping off or loosening. From there, water will leak from the underground plumbing and seep into the concrete cracks. Additional possible causes of slab leaks include plumbing pipe damage, construction errors, and burst pipes.

How are Slab Leaks Detected?

There are many signs to look for when determining if a slab leak is present in your home or office. The top signs of a slab leak include:

▷ Noticing a significant increase in your water consumption or monthly bill;

▷ Hearing the sound of running water when no water is being used;

▷ Feeling a hot spot or hot area on the basement floor;

▷ Discovering mildew growth or a mold outbreak beneath your carpeting;

To properly detect and locate a slab leak, you would need to hire a professional Indianapolis master plumber for slab leak detection services. They have the proper training, knowledge, and equipment to accurately locate a slab leak, plus recommended the best course of action for repairing it.

How Can I Prevent Slab Leaks and Similar Plumbing Emergencies?

In many cases, there is nothing a homeowner could have done to prevent their slab leak issue. However, that does not mean you cannot do your part to ensure your home’s plumbing remains in optimal condition for years to come. To prevent major slab leak damages and other types of water leaks, have your plumbing systems inspected and serviced on an annual basis. Catching a slab leak early on can save you a lot of time, stress, and money.

Who can you trust for superior slab leak detection and repair services in Indy? Contact Weilhammer Plumbing Company at 317-784-1870 for Indianapolis IN slab leak repair and inspection at an affordable price. We provide residential and commercial plumbing service and repair.

How to Fix a Leaking Water Heater

Posted on November 11, 2021 by weilhammerplumbing

It is never a good sign to see pooling water around any major appliance in your home. When the standing water is found around your hot water heater, it is even more disconcerting. Standing water suggests a leak, which can lead to serious water damage, making time of the utmost essence.

Continue reading for some tips on how to detect the source of a water heater leak, how to stop the leak on your own, and what to do if you have a more serious water heater leak problem than you originally thought.

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Detecting the Origin of a Water Heater Leak

Typically, a puddle of water around your water heater means leakage. Fortunately, there is probably a simple solution for this leak. Before calling your local Indianapolis IN plumbing company, try to put a stop to the leak on your own. The sooner you can do this, the less water damage is likely to occur. Plus, you don’t want higher water and energy bills because of wasted water. You will need to examine where the water is coming from to better gauge the underlying issue.

Is the Leak Coming From Under the Water Heater?

There is a valve located at the bottom of the water heater, called a temperature and pressure relief (T&PR) valve. In most minor water heater leaks, this is the culprit. You see, water heaters only have three connecting lines, the hot water outlet line, the cold water inlet line, and a third water line that is attached to a brass valve with a lever on it. When there is an accumulation of water around the water heater, it usually means the T&PR valve is doing its job. It is a safety mechanism that is designed to relieve the excess water pressure inside the appliance, which prevents water pressure from overheating and causing an explosion.

So, if you see a leak coming from under your hot water heater, it usually suggests that the temperature and pressure relief (T&PR) exceeds the appliance design limitations. Generally, the heat limit is 120 degrees. At this point, the T&PR valve is designed to release this excess water and pressure. It is a sign that your water heater is reaching unsafe temperature levels. If you know how to refute this problem yourself, then do so with this newfound information, otherwise, call a professional plumber to take a look and fix the problem.

Side of Tank Leaks

If you notice that the leak is coming from the side of the water heater tank rather than from beneath it, you may have a shell rupture. In this case, you would need to call a plumber for emergency water heater service to plug the leak and repair the water heater shell.

The Importance of Annual Water Heater Inspections

Once a year, you should test your T&PR valve by simply lifting the lever attached to the third connecting line, as mentioned earlier. Once you release some water by lifting this lever, let go to see if it closes back up and stops the hot water flow. This simple test that only needs performed once a year can greatly reduce the need for repairs and reduce the cost of repair altogether by discovering water heater issues early on.

Is your hot water heater in need of service or repair right now? Contact Weilhammer Plumbing Company at 317-784-1870 for Indianapolis Indiana plumbing services for water heaters, today. We provide residential and commercial plumbing services all throughout Central Indiana.