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 Brief Look at a Home’s Plumbing System

Posted on December 8, 2015 by weilhammerplumbing

Water Hammer Repair 317-784-1870

Whether a property owner or renter, it is wise to have a basic understanding of your home’s plumbing system and set-up. This general plumbing knowledge and comprehension can better protect you from costly and messy plumbing issues and repairs later on. It can also better help you manage easy plumbing repairs on your own, like clogged toilets and leaky faucets. But most importantly, knowing how your home’s plumbing system works will allow you to prevent major plumbing problems in the future and give you more confidence when hiring a plumber.

Although plumbing repairs and services are generally very complex and technical, understanding a home’s plumbing system is actually not as complicated as you would think. You see, your home’s plumbing is divided into two separate sub-systems: one to bring fresh water in, and another to eliminate waste water outside.

Water Supply System

The fresh water supply system brings clean water in the house to use for washing, bathing, cooking, drinking, and laundry. Your home, like all others, have a water meter located on the outside of the house or building. It measures and records all the fresh water taken into the home. This is how the water utility company bills you for water consumption. The most important operation within this particular sub-system is water pressure. Without sufficient water pressure, the fresh water system cannot adequately pump clean water to all levels and areas of a home.

Generally next to the water meter, you will find your home’s emergency water shut-off valve. It is vitally important to know where this valve is located and how to operate it in the case of a burst pipe or indoor flood. It will start and stop all water flow to the house. Many home appliances, like toilets and water heaters, have their own water shut-off valves, and can be used instead of the home’s main shut-off valve in the case of overflows, leaks, and floods.

When fresh water is taken into the home, it is cold and ready to use. But if you are requesting warm or hot water, it must pass through your plumbing pipes, and then through the water heater, to be heated to the demanded temperature. Then it is sent through your home’s hot water lines to the specific area of request, such as a shower or kitchen sink. The water temperature for your home can be preset on your water heater. It is generally recommended to have it set anywhere between 120 and 140 degrees, a bit lower for homes with children. Anything higher can result in accidental scalds and burns.

Water Drainage System

The waste water drainage system is equally important as your home’s fresh water supply system. It eliminates all the water that is flushed or drained in the home. This includes toilets, showers, bathtubs, sinks, water softeners, and water heaters. Whether your residence operates on a septic system or sewer system, they basically provide the same service.

Unlike your home’s supply system, the drainage system does not rely on water pressure. Instead, it requires properly positioned drainage pipes, angled (pitched) in a downwards angle to release the waste water by means of natural gravity. These “pitched” drainage pipes lead to either a septic tank or farther into sewer lines and eventually to a sewer treatment facility.

If you are experiencing plumbing problems, contact a licensed and experienced plumber right away. It is important to stop a plumbing issue before it can turn costly and tedious. Avoid extreme plumbing repair bills and invasive renovations by calling a qualified plumber before it’s too late.

Weilhammer Plumbing Co. Inc.

Weilhammer Plumbing Company 317-784-1870

Call Weilhammer Plumbing Co. Inc. at 317-784-1870 for plumbing repair in Indianapolis, Indiana. Master plumber Mark Weilhammer is eager to help solve your plumbing problems at the fairest price in town. With more than 100 years in business, and more than 50 years of experienced, you can trust we know our stuff! We offer free estimates, free advice, and free haul-away service for both residential and commercial properties. Call 317-784-1870 for affordable and fast plumbing service and repair in Indianapolis, IN today.

Tips for Winter Plumbing Maintenance

Posted on December 1, 2015 by weilhammerplumbing

Wintertime in Indiana can either be really mild, really harsh, or somewhere right in between. Basically, we never really know what to expect come winter season when you live in Indiana; but one thing is for sure, it’s going to be cold! Cold temperatures and precipitation can negatively affect your home’s plumbing system, so it is important to take some necessary precautions and stay informed on proper winter plumbing maintenance. Continue reading to review some winter plumbing tips, and be better prepared for whatever weather we will soon face.

Indianapolis Plumbing Repair 317-784-1870

Water leaks

Water leaks can create a long list of expensive and time-consuming problems. Be sure all pluming leaks are properly repaired and sealed before temperatures drop too low. When temperatures are at freezing, a plumbing leak can quickly turn into a huge, costly issue. So be sure to regularly inspect your exposed plumbing pipes (i.e. under sinks, outside, attic, crawl space, indoor appliances, etc.) throughout the winter time to avoid water leaks and frozen pipes. When you catch a leak early on, you can save yourself a substantial amount of time, money, and inconvenience.

Pipe Insulation

If you haven’t already, it is a good idea to insulate your plumbing pipes to prevent freezing, water leaks, and more. Simply wrap all exposed plumbing pipes with plumbing insulation foam. This is not only inexpensive, it is easy to install and easily removable. They also enhance energy-efficiency and prevent air leakages. Be sure your pipes insulation is well-kept during the winter time, and replace as needed to maintain proper insulation.

Swamp Cooler

If you have a swamp cooler, also called evaporative cooler, it needs to be drained before the harshest part of winter arrives. You must turn off all power and water to the unit before draining it. The water supply line should be drained as well. It is also a good idea to change the pads and filters within the cooler at this time as well.

Pump House

If your water supply comes from a well, it is important to take certain precaution to prevent freezing well water issues. Do this by making sure your pump house is well-insulated and checking that your heating is working properly. Without sufficient heat, your pump house can freeze up even if it’s insulated.

Hose Bibs

Everyone hates to forget to unscrew their garden hoses before the temperatures hit below freezing. Freezing water trapped inside a hose bib can result in hose and faucet damages. Prevent these frustrating circumstances by getting a head start before the snow, and removing all hoses from outdoor faucets before temperatures drop too low. Then be sure to drain all your hoses entirely and store them in a dry, warm place to prevent them from becoming brittle.

Weilhammer Plumbing Co. Inc.

Call Weilhammer Plumbing Co. Inc. at 317-784-1870 for winter plumbing service and repair in Indianapolis, Indiana. Owner and master plumber, Mark Weilhammer, is happy to help you prepare your home’s plumbing for plummeting temperature and harsh winter weather! We offer a wide range of plumbing service and repair at the most competitive prices in town. Whether commercial or residential, Weilhammer Plumbing Co. Inc. has everything it takes to provide professional plumber service to any size property. Call 317-784-1870 for information about our plumbing repair services in Indianapolis, IN today.