Common Types of Plumbing Leaks and How to Spot Them

Posted on March 18, 2021 by weilhammerplumbing

Even the smallest plumbing leak is an issue that requires immediate attention and remediation. After all, almost all major leaks start out as a small leak; and by catching a leak early on in its formation, you can avoid a massive and costly renovation. Continue below to learn the most common types of plumbing leaks and how to detect them before they become a bigger problem.

Indianapolis IN Water Leak Detection Services 317-784-1870

Annual Leak Detection Services

Leaks, whether small or large, are usually harder to detect unless you are actively looking for the signs. For this reason, it is wise to enlist the services of a licensed Indianapolis IN plumbing company for annual leak detection services. Although it is still important for you to learn the signs of common plumbing leaks and keep your eye out for them at all times, professional leak detection and repair services use innovative methodologies and state-of-the-art technologies that make the diagnostics process faster, more accurate, and less invasive. This saves you time, stress, and most importantly, money. That’s because the faster you can find the leaks, the faster they can get repaired and the better protected your property is against future plumbing failures.

Common Leaks to Watch Out For in Your Plumbing:

☇ Slab Leaks

Perhaps one of the most commonly seen plumbing leaks among industry professionals are slab leaks. Slab leaks occur when the water pipes or sewer lines beneath the property’s foundation suffer damage, such as cracks or fractures. Not only one of the most common, but slab leaks are also among the most destructive since they can cause massive damage to an edifice’s foundation, and can quickly turn into a larger leak if unresolved. Signs of slab leaks include warped floorboards, reduced water pressure, or a sudden increase in water bills.

☇ Sewer Line Leaks

Sewer line leaks are less common than the other types of leaks because they are usually caused by construction work, excavation, or natural disasters like earthquakes. However, sewer line leaks can also be caused by tree roots growing into the pipes. They are serious, as they are a bio-hazard, and can cause an extreme amount of damage if ignored. A professional sewer line repair service can resolve this type of leak without having to dig up your entire lawn.

☇ Water Line and Yard Leaks

Also known as “phantom leaks”, water line and yard leaks are among the most difficult to detect because they develop slowly. Common areas for these to occur are underground in your lawn, or inside walls. They tend to form in areas you cannot see without intervention. The most common sign of a water line or yard leak is a rising water bill that seems to be increasing for no reason.

☇ Gas Leaks

Gas leaks are by far the most dangerous and pressing plumbing leak. Detecting gas odors in or around the property is usually the first sign of a nearby gas leak. If you suspect you have a gas leak anywhere within your property, turn your gas off and contact a professional service for gas leak detection and repair, right away.

Do you think you might have a plumbing leak? Contact Weilhammer Plumbing Company at 317-784-1870 for professional water leak detection services in Indianapolis, Indiana. We are state-licensed master plumbers who serve both residential and commercial clients.

You Should Also Read:

Important Warnings Regarding Residential Slab Leaks
Tips for Detecting Toilet Leaks
4 Unconventional Ways to Detect a Plumbing Leak at Home

Indianapolis Indiana Master Plumbers 317-784-1870

How to Fix a Leaky Garbage Disposal

Posted on January 14, 2021 by weilhammerplumbing

Whether your garbage disposal is leaking from the top, the side, or the bottom, it needs to be an immediate priority to resolve the issue, before any permanent or costly damages can occur. Continue below to learn why your garbage disposal is leaking, and what you can do to fix the problem, correctly and cost-effectively.

Indianapolis Garbage Disposal Repair 317-784-1870

Top Causes of Garbage Disposal Leaks

There are many reasons why garbage disposals leak, from incompatible plumbing fittings to improper installation. But the top causes of a leaking garbage disposal are generally loose sink flanges, damaged or detached drain line connections, and damaged internal seals. Be sure to routinely clean and service your garbage disposal by a licensed and certified and trusted plumber to prevent major issues such as these. More importantly, if you notice garbage disposal leakage, act fast, immediately in fact, because small water leak can quickly turn into a disaster.

Garbage Disposals That Leak from the Top

The most common cause for a garbage disposal that leaks from the top is a loose sink flange. Fortunately, this is a minor and quick fix, so long as you know what you are doing, or you hire a professional to do it for you. A sink flange is a component that connects the garbage disposal to the sink. Sometimes, the plumbers’ putty can wear away, causing the flange to become loose. To fix, loosen the bolts, add some more plumbers’ putty around the seal of the sink flange, and then tighten the bolts back up. If you see that there is plenty of putty, simply check that the bolts are tight enough, as this could be the overall cause of the loose flange.

Garbage Disposals That Leak from the Bottom

A damaged, cracked, or worn out internal seal is the common cause of a bottom-leaking garbage disposal. In this case, it means that the garbage disposal is the component that needs repaired. If the water is leaking from a crack on the outside of the garbage disposal, it cannot be repaired, and instead, the entire unit must be replaced. Sometimes, the disposal unit gets shifted around as a result of storing items underneath the sink. Check that is it properly aligned, and make any necessary adjustments to put it back into its place.

Garbage Disposals That Leak from the Sides

A side leak on a garbage disposal unit typically indications a poor or lost drain line connection. In many residential kitchen systems, it is common for a dishwasher to be connected to the garbage disposal via a drainpipe, which directs all the collected debris and dirty water out of the house after the dish washing cycle. In some cases, the metal clamp that keeps the drainpipe in place can come loose or detach if the screws and rubber gasket sealing the pipe loses adhesiveness. Check this metal clamp to see if this is what’s causing your garbage disposal to leak. Tighten them back up with a screwdriver, and then check to see that the actual hose to ensure it has not been torn or compromised in any way.

Where to Get Trusted Plumbing Service and Garbage Disposal Repair in Indianapolis

Call Weilhammer Plumbing Company at 317-784-1870 for professional garbage disposal repair and water leak repair in Indianapolis, Indiana. Master plumber, Mark Weilhammer, is happy to provide free estimates, free advice, and a wide range of affordable plumbing services for residential and commercial properties, including full-service plumbing inspections to ensure you are protected against water leaks and do not have any current or impending water damage. Request a free estimate, today.

The True Price You Pay for Water Damages

Posted on July 7, 2016 by weilhammerplumbing

Water Leak Inspection 317-784-1870

If you are a homeowner, then water damage is most likely a constant concern. This is because our walls, ceilings, and floors are equipped with appliances and plumbing that transport water on a constant basis. At any time, a defect or clog can cause a leak to spring. And leaks can go unnoticed for months on end, depending on size and location. When this occurs, homeowners are left with water damages, which lead to costly repairs and renovations.

But what is the real price homeowners pay for water damages, and why? The answer varies depending on the extent of damage, but on average, water damages are not cheap. This is why routine water leak inspection and plumbing service is so important. Preventative maintenance is the only effective solution for water leaks and water damages in properties equipped with a plumbing system.

Cost Factors

When water damage occurs, whether as a result of a broken appliance or plumbing defect, costs are bound to generate. The extent to which they generate depends on the individual circumstances, including how long the leak or defect went unresolved and how much water was lost. For instance, general costs involved in water damage includes the cost of increased water bills for lost water, as well as, the cost to repair an appliance, the cost to repair or replace the defective piping, and the cost of labor to provide these services. And aside from structural damage costs, there are several potential costs associated with health hazard renovations as well.

Mold and Mildew

Water damage leads to moisture, which can cause mold, Mildew, and fungus growth in cold dark places. These bacteria can grow at rapid rates, spreading hazardous mold spores throughout a property. This can irritate existing upper respiratory issues like asthma or allergies, and can also cause respiratory illnesses and irritations, including coughing, sneezing, congestion, difficulty breathing, sore throat, running nose, and more. To remove this problem, mold remediation services are generally required, which can
be costly depending on the extent of damage.

Structural Damage

The most common result of water damage is structural deterioration. Concrete slabs, foundation, insulation, flooring, ceilings, walls, and more are all weakened and warped by water. This can be a devastating expense if the water damage was extensive and caused foundation problems. In any case of structural damage, property owners can expect to pay for labor, parts, and supplies to repair or replace drywall, insulation, paint, and anything else that was effected.

Property Damage

In cases of a severe flooding or extensive water damage, personal property is often destroyed or badly damaged. Things like furniture, electronics, carpeting, filed paperwork, family heirlooms, and even food are common commodities damaged by water leaks and floods. Many of these things can be replaced with money, but several others are often priceless.

Electrical Damage

When water comes into contact with electrical systems, wiring, fuses, boxes, or devices, it is a potential electrocution and fire hazard. Not only does this jeopardize safety, it can cause fires and electrical hazards that are expensive to repair.

Weilhammer Plumbing Co. Inc.

Weilhammer Plumbing Company Indianapolis Indiana

Weilhammer Plumbing Company 317-784-1870

The health and budget risks associated with water damage can be prevented. Call Weilhammer Plumbing Co. Inc. at 317-784-1870 for prompt and professional water leak inspection services in Indianapolis, Indiana. Owner, Mark Weilhammer, provides a wide range of plumbing services for both residential and commercial properties, including water leak inspection and prevention. At the most economical prices in town, why choose any other Indianapolis plumbing company? Call 317-784-1870 for a free estimate or plumbing advice, today.

The Common Signs of Leaky Plumbing Pipes

Posted on May 17, 2016 by weilhammerplumbing

Water Leak Inspection 317-784-1870

If you are a property owner, it is important to know how to catch water leaks before they become a larger, costlier problem. Knowing what to look for is the first step to detecting a water leak in your plumbing pipes. The second step is to get a professional plumber involved.

Continue reading to learn the most common indications of leaky pipes, and what to do if you find similar plumbing leaks in your home or office.

Rust

Seeing rust on or around your exposed plumbing pipes is an indication of water leaks. It suggests that water is coming into contact with the outside of the pipe, causing the rust and corrosion over time. Look for reddish or orange-yellow stains on the bottoms of kitchen and bathroom sink cabinets, as well as, rust buildup on any exposed plumbing pipes.

Moisture

When you notice consistently wet or visibly-moist areas of your property, you may have found another common sign of a pipe leak. Condensation can form on walls, appliances, floors, and even ceilings, and can quickly turn into a moist mess. Also, bubbling on ceilings and walls is another indication that moisture is collecting as a result of a leaky plumbing pipe.

Wall and Ceiling Stains

If you have grayish, yellow-orange stains on your walls or ceilings, you can bet that there is a water leak somewhere nearby. Plumbing pipes often run through the inside of walls and ceilings in certain areas of the home. If a water leak occurs in these pipes, the accumulation of moisture and water will cause the exposed surface to discolor.

Mold

Mold is never a good sign, and seeing it inside sink cabinets, exposed plumbing pipes, and anywhere else is a sure indication that water is leaking from somewhere or something. Black mold and mildew are not only a clear sign that you have leaky pipes, it is a dangerous health hazard that should be addressed right away. Mold remediation can be tedious and expensive, so catching a mold outbreak early on is in your best interests.

Indianapolis Water Leak Inspections

Weilhammer Plumbing Company 317-784-1870

Call Weilhammer Plumbing Co. Inc. at 317-784-1870 for water leak repair in Indianapolis, Indiana. Owner, Mark Weilhammer, is a state-licensed master plumber that offers a wide range of commercial and residential plumbing services, including water leak inspection and repair, slab leak repair, and more. Our plumbers are highly trained and qualified to provide quality service, no matter how small or large the job. Call 317-784-1870 for Indianapolis water leak inspection services you can trust!

The Best Way to Repair a Leaky Faucet

Posted on March 9, 2016 by weilhammerplumbing

Indianapolis Plumbers 317-784-1870

When you notice a dripping faucet in your home, you usually don’t pay too much attention to it at first. Perhaps this is because most leaky taps are considered minor problems with simple solutions.

But the truth is, if a dripping tap is not fixed in a timely manner, it has the potential to get worse and turn into a large, messy, and costly repair later on. So long as a leaking faucet is not entirely neglected, bigger plumbing problems can be avoided down the line.

Your Only Step for Faucet Leak Repair

The best solution for a leaky faucet is professional plumbing service. Calling a licensed plumber should always be the first step to repairing a plumbing leak in your home or office. You may think that a dripping faucet is not a big deal and something that can be fixed easily, but this is not always true. Sometimes, there are many things that could be causing a faucet leak to happen. This is why you need professional water leak diagnostics that only a licensed plumber can provide. It is important to investigate whether or not your leaky faucet is indeed a simple problem with a simple fix, and to ensure that a larger plumbing problem is not being overlooked or ignored.

For Simple Leaky Faucet Repair, a Plumber Will Start By…

1. Determining the Cause of the Water Leak
2. Disassembling the Faucet Fixture
3. Provide Any Necessary Part Replacements
4. Reassemble the Faucet Fixture

A professional plumber has the training, knowledge, and experience to quickly find the root of a faucet leak and provide affordable and efficient solutions for repair. You never want to assume any water leak is minor no matter how small it may appear. As mentioned, there are countless reasons why a water leak might occur in or around your home, which is why it is vital to have a licensed plumbing contractor investigate the cause for you. Catching a small leak early on can prevent large, costly floods and more down the line.

Weilhammer Plumbing Co. Inc.

Weilhammer Plumbing Company 317-784-1870

Call Weilhammer Plumbing Co. Inc. at 317-784-1870 for professional water leak repair in Indianapolis, Indiana. Master plumber, Mark Weilhammer, and his team of licensed plumbing contractors, provide a wide range of residential and commercial plumbing services at the most competitive prices in town. With more than 100 years in business here in Indiana, you can trust you are getting the most reputable and proficient plumbing service and repair in Indianapolis. Call 317-784-1870 and learn more about our affordable plumbing repair services, price, and availability today.

Are Your Water Bills Too High?

Posted on March 1, 2016 by weilhammerplumbing

Indianapolis Plumbers 317-784-1870

As a homeowner, you should know how much your utilities cost you each month. This way, you can monitor your consumption and make changes as needed. When you begin to notice changes in monthly utility costs, it is important to investigate. Of course, if your bills are too low you probably won’t mind, but when they start to get too high, it is reason for concern.

One utility that is important to monitor is water consumption. This is because your water bills can be the first place you notice a potential plumbing problem in your home. When water bills sky rocket for no apparent reason, it could be a sign of many issues, but the most common is a water leak.

Locating and Repairing Water Leaks

Many plumbing fixtures and appliances can leak water. This includes pipes, toilets, sinks, water heaters, water softeners, slabs, and more. The first sign of a water leak is often times a high water bill. As soon as you receive a high water bill, it is important to call a master plumber to inspect your property. The sooner you locate and repair a plumbing leak, the less tedious and costly it will be for you. You must catch a water leak right away to reduce the overall damages it can cause. A leak that goes unnoticed can cost a homeowner thousands of dollars over a course of several years, so even the smallest change in monthly water bills may be cause for concern.

Here is how to check for a plumbing leak:

Turn off all water (including washing machines and dishwashers) and then locate your water meter.

On the water meter, look for a triangle or circle that is either red or yellow. This is the leak indicator. If it is spinning, there is a leak in your plumbing system and you must contact a licensed plumber immediately.

If it is not spinning, then there is no leak. If your bills are high, you still need to contact a plumber to investigate the problem.

For spinning leak indicators, you must immediately shut off the main water valve to the home or risk flooding. Close it slowly so you can better control built-up water pressure. Check a faucet to make sure the water is off.

Once closed, there should be no more movement happening on the water meter. If it is still moving, then your main water shut off valve is broken or not shut all the way.

Weilhammer Plumbing Co. Inc.

Weilhammer Plumbing Company 317-784-1870

Call Weilhammer Plumbing Co. Inc. at 317-784-1870 for water leak inspection services and plumbing repairs in Indianapolis, Indiana. Master plumber Mark Weilhammer has more than 60 years of experience in the plumbing repair industry. We offer all plumbing repairs for both residential and commercial properties. Call 317-784-1870 for professional plumbing services in Indianapolis you can trust and afford!

How to Perform a Water Leak Inspection for Residential Plumbing Pipes

Posted on December 15, 2015 by weilhammerplumbing

Water Leak Repair 317-784-1870

It is important to implement regular inspections of your home plumbing pipes and system because they are one of the most significant and vital components of a modern-day household. When or if something goes awry within these pipes, major costly renovations and replacements can ensue. It is a huge liability to have leaky water pipes and water leaks anywhere on, around, or inside your property. Get in the habit of performing regular annual inspections of all areas of your home where water flows
or passes through.

Continue reading to learn which areas to examine, what to look for, and who to call for professional assistance you can trust.

Annual Plumbing Inspections

Early spring is the perfect time to plan these annual inspections for water leaks and water damages. This is when the ice and snow have melted away and plumbing pipes should be free-flowing. Although it is best to plan water leak inspections in the spring, do not wait until that time to initiate your first inspection. Finding a pipe leak early on is the best way to avoid costly plumbing renovations, re-piping, or repairs. You know a pipe has a leak if there is a thin white circle around it. This is a sign that something is not secured properly.

To begin an inspection, start with the kitchen and bathroom. Clear out any and all clutter beneath the sinks and thoroughly inspect the integrity of the pipes. Take note of any condensation or moisture, mold, mildew, cracks, and anything else that looks like it could be a problem.

Mold and pest infestations are common beneath bathroom and kitchen sinks because of the cold, dark environments. Both of these problems should be treated right away, along with any pipe leaks. Also, try to limit the amount of items you store underneath these areas because glass bottles and other items can cause damage to piping and more.

Once you have inspected the bathroom and kitchen plumbing, take your inspection a bit further and examine the condition of the plumbing pipes that connect to your water heater and water softener. Again, check for signs of a leak; such as white calcium buildup around the pipe, moisture, condensation, mold, mildew odor, and more. From there, inspect all the valves in your home. If the water shut off valve is too difficult to move, do not force it because it could break. Instead, contact a licensed plumber for assistance. Lastly, shut off all faucets and then take a look at your water meter. It should not be moving, so if it is, you can assume you have a leak somewhere. This means you need professional plumbing diagnostics from a licensed master plumber.

Indianapolis Water Leak Repair

Weilhammer Plumbing Company 317-784-1870

Call Weilhammer Plumbing Co. Inc. at 317-784-1870 for affordable water leak repair in Indianapolis, Indiana. Owner, Mark Weilhammer, is a licensed master plumber with more than 50 years of experience in the plumbers’ industry. He provides residential and commercial plumbing service at the most competitive prices in town. Whether you need water leak inspections or repairs, our licensed plumbers can do it all in a time frame that’s convenient for you! Call 317-784-1870 for professional water leak repair and inspection services in Indianapolis, IN.

A Guide to Eco-Friendly Plumbing

Posted on February 9, 2015 by weilhammerplumbing

Indianapolis Plumbing Repair 317-784-1870

There’s a new “Eco-Friendly” trend happening in today’s society that we can all be very proud of. There are thousands of ways to promote and support a healthy Eco-system, such as recycling, using chemical-free cleaners, reducing energy consumption, and more. Now, there is new technology and new ideas for “going green” with your home plumbing! So if you are motivated toward living a greener lifestyle, take some time and think about making some Eco-friendly changes to your home plumbing. Continue reading for an introduction to green plumbing practices and perhaps start making changes today!

Pipes

A great way to have a more Eco-friendly piping system is to insulate them. Properly insulated plumbing pipes promote energy preservation and efficiency. They decrease the amount of heat lost inside the pipe-works as it moves from one point to another. Insulated pipes also support better heat-preservation in hot water heaters, thus reducing monthly utility bills and energy consumption.

Water Heaters

Sometimes, an old or defective water heater can reduce your home’s energy efficiency and greatly increase utility costs. Simply by replacing your hot water heater with a more efficient one, you can save money and better support your environment at the same time!

Install New Showerhead Filters

You can safely reduce chlorine levels in your home’s showers and baths by installing chlorine filters in your shower-heads. Chemical-free water is safer for nails, hair, skin, allergies, consumption, and more. Although chlorine is used to disinfect water supplies, it can produce harmful byproducts and sediments that are bad for our homes and our bodies.

Install a Water Softener

A reverse osmosis filtration system is a great method to eliminating harmful byproducts and sediments in a home’s water supply. Laundry, drinking water, hair, nails, skin, dishes, plumbing piping, and more are all improved and protected with an energy-efficient water softener.

Install Low-Flow Fixtures

By choosing to replace your old shower-heads, faucets, toilets, and other plumbing fixtures with low-flow models can greatly reduce your water consumption. This also reduces monthly water bills!

On-Demand Circulation Pump

You can choose to install an on-demand hot water circulation pump in place of a hot water heater. This allows hot water to be ready on-demand, rather than waiting for it to heat up as it runs. This reduces water consumption and utility bills as well. And with insulated pipes, you won’t lose heat inside as the hot water sits.

Weilhammer Plumbing Co. Inc.

Weilhammer Plumbing Indianapolis Indiana 317-784-1870

Call Weilhammer Plumbing Co. Inc. at 317-784-1870 for master plumber services in Indianapolis, Indiana. Owner, Mark Weilhammer, has more than 50 years of experience in the plumbing repair industry, and provides services for residential and commercial properties. We repair, install, replace, service, and maintenance all make and model plumbing appliances and fixtures at the most competitive prices in town. We offer free estimates, free advice, and free haul-away services too! Call 317-784-1870 for state-licensed plumbing repair in Indianapolis, IN today.

Look Out For Water Damages in Your Basement

Posted on October 3, 2014 by weilhammerplumbing

Water Leak Inspection 317-784-1870

It is very common, as homeowners, to worry a lot about the threat of mold and water damages your basement. It is important to know whether or not you are accumulating puddles of water or airborne moisture in your home. How do you know if you have this problem? The answer is attention to detail and follow-through. Continue reading for tips on areas in your home that you should inspect, or pay attention to, after a heavy storm, wet weather, or periods of excessive moisture.

Where to Look for Water Damage

When it storms hard, or rains for an extended period of time, moisture and water can seep into our homes through cracks, crevices, and other vulnerable areas. It is vital to keep a lookout for red flags, indicating you have a water problem in the works, in order to prevent a small water leak or small area of damage to turn into a huge, costly repair or renovation. Here are the areas of a residential basement that should be supervised after heavy rain or moisture:

HVAC System

Although heating and cooling systems are not always installed in basements, the ones that are can be damaged by water leaks and flooding. Older homes are generally the properties that have HVAC systems in the basement. They are also properties that are more likely to experience water leaks; so beware and keep an extra eye open for water damage in the basement, if your home is older than 50 years. Basement heating and cooling systems need a little more maintenance on a routine basis to ensure proper performance and efficiency.

Be sure to check the drain pans regularly, especially after a storm, and clear them of any obstructions or debris. This will ensure consistent and normal water flow. Also, be sure to swap or clean the air filters. This can also prevent system complications that lead to water back-flow. Check for puddles around the unit itself, or condensation on the exterior of casing. If you notice excessive condensation, strange noises, or water puddles, contact an Indianapolis plumber for emergency plumbing repair.

Drain Pipes

While on the topic of condensation, check that your basement’s drain pipes do not appear “sweaty” or have moisture on them. Pipe condensation can cause mold and mildew growth which can be detrimental to your health, and lead to several more serious complications and costly repairs. It can also cause your plumbing pipes to corrode. Installing good-quality insulation for your basement pipes is an effective way to prevent this issues from occurring. Even with good insulation, it is recommended to check the pipes after a big storm or muggy climates.

Walls and Ceilings

Interior water damage can happen after excessive rain or moisture. Water miss-flow and accumulation can cause walls and ceiling areas to look saggy, discolored, wet, and even drip. This is a sign that you need immediate emergency water leak repair. A small interior water leak can quickly turn into a large and very expensive repair.

Weilhammer Plumbing Co. Inc.

Weilhammer Plumbing Indianapolis Indiana 317-784-1870

Call Weilhammer Plumbing Co. Inc. at 317-784-1870 for more information about water leak repair and plumbing services in Indianapolis, Indiana. Owner, Mark Weilhammer, is a state licensed master plumber that offers a wide range of residential and commercial plumbing services. Our company has been in business since 1901, providing reputable and effective plumbing repair that all families can afford. As a family owned and operated business, we value the dollar, and offer the most competitive and honest plumbing prices in town. See for yourself, and call 317-784-1870 for reputable and licensed plumbing repair services in Indianapolis, IN today.