Facts About Slab Leaks That Will Help Prevent Plumbing Emergencies

If your home or building is constructed with concrete slabs, and it probably is, then you need to know more about the signs and possible consequences of slab leaks. Continue reading to learn some vital slab leak facts that can help you make the best home maintenance decisions and prevent costly and invasive plumbing emergencies.

Indianapolis Slab Leak Repair 317-784-1870
Indianapolis Slab Leak Repair 317-784-1870

Concrete Slab Leaks

Water leakages that occur below or within concrete slabs are appositely called slab leaks. As a property owner or real estate developer, it is important that you know how to detect the signs of a slab leak in order to prevent costly flooding, water damages, and subsequent plumbing disasters. By knowing where to look and what to look for, you can better mitigate water damage catastrophes like slab leaks and more.

Common Causes of Slab Leaks

Slab leaks are generally caused by the movement of clay and soft soils below the foundation of a house or building. Such movement, like swelling and shifting, can place a lot of pressure on the concrete slab. As a result, the concrete slab can heavy, move, and ultimately crack in different places. Because plumbing systems are connected to concrete slabs in certain areas, damage can occur to water lines, and thus lead to a leakage.

Clay is usually to blame because it is prone to swelling and shrinking as a response to moisture conditions. Water can cause clay to swell and expand, and then shrink when it dries out. This kind of movement can cause concrete slabs to move and shift, and eventually rupture. These ruptures and cracks are where water seeps in and forms slab leaks.

Slab Leak Detection Tips

The first place you want to check for a potential slab leak is your water bill. If your water bill is unusually high, it could be caused by a hidden water leak or slab leak. In this case, contact a local Indianapolis plumber for water leak inspection service. The sooner you catch a water leak, especially in concrete slabs, the less damage will occur.

Since slab leaks occur below or within the concrete slabs, the next place you want to inspect for signs of water leakage is the basement or lower level of your property. You may also start outside where the property’s foundation meets ground.

Listen for running water. If you hear water running, but no water is turned on in the house or building, you could have a slab leak.

Take your socks off and walk around barefoot. Do you feel any hot spots? If so, it could be indicative of a hot water line rupture below the floor.

Pull back a corner of the carpeting. Do you see mold or mildew? Can you smell it? If so, it could be caused by an undiagnosed slab leak.

Do you see visible cracks or water seepage on the exposed foundation on the outside of your home or building? It could be due to a slab leak.

Do you suspect that your home or office is experiencing water leak problems? Contact Weilhammer Plumbing Company at 317-784-1870 to schedule an Indianapolis IN home plumbing inspection for water leaks and slab leaks and more.

You Should Also Read:

The Dangers of In-Home Flooding
Common Signs of a Sewer Line Leak
How to Fix a Leaky Garbage Disposal

Indianapolis Indiana Master Plumbers 317-784-1870
Indianapolis Indiana Master Plumbers 317-784-1870

General Plumbing Facts About Sump Pits

For residential and commercial properties, a sump pit brings us into the 21st century of plumbing and waste management. Fundamentally speaking, it is a man-made hole, or “pit” that is drilled into the floor and lined with concrete, or sometimes even brick, and then covered with a grate, making it look similar to a large drain. They are designed to collect water and other excess liquid runoff and debris. These are generally installed in basements or subgrade levels of a home to prevent flooding and overflow and operated by a plumbing appliance called a sump pump.

Continue reading to learn more about sump pits and sump pumps, and what to do to ensure yours stays operational.

Sump Pump Plumbing Repair Indianapolis 317-784-1870
Sump Pump Plumbing Repair Indianapolis 317-784-1870

What are Sump Pumps?

A sump pump is a device that is outfitted to a sump pit for the purpose of removing excess water and liquids from the pit. They are usually connected to a municipal sewer line or storm drain and equipped with a flotation device that forces them to clink at particular levels of flooding. If the power is out, there is a manual lever that allows people to release excess water.

If the water level reaches or exceeds a preset level in the pit, the pump initiates and sucks up enough liquid to remedy the risk of overflow. Since both the sump pit and pump are vital to the overall operation, it is important to provide periodic maintenance to ensure optimal performance and longevity.

What are Sump Pits?

Sump pits are extremely helpful for basements. This is especially true for properties located in flood zones, regions with frequent or high precipitation, and areas where the water table is higher than the subgrade level of a home. All of these factors can increase the chances of basement flooding, water leaks, and more. Namely, when the surrounding water table is higher than that of your basement floor, several problems can arise. Health concerns, structural damages, mildew growth, mold remediation, costly remodels, and tedious repairs are just a few examples.  For these reasons, it is vital to have a working sump pump and pit.

Maintenance for Sump Pumps

It is important to provide regular maintenance and cleaning for sump pits and pumps. They can grow algae and mold inside, and even become clogged with debris overtime. A professional plumber has the resources and training to implement all your sump pump maintenance and repair needs.

Do you require emergency sump pump service or repair in Central Indiana? Contact Weilhammer Plumbing Company at 317-784-1870 for Indianapolis Indiana plumbing services for sump pumps and more. We carry the most reliable back up system on the market today, the Aquanot ll® Battery Backup Sump Pump, and at the most competitive price around.

You Should Also Read:

Why Won’t My Sump Pump Turn Off After it Rains a Lot?
How to Determine Which Sump Pump Size You Need
Top 7 Reasons Why Sump Pumps Break

Indianapolis Indiana Master Plumbers 317-784-1870
Indianapolis Indiana Master Plumbers 317-784-1870

How to Spot a Hidden Plumbing Leak in the House

Plumbing leaks are a serious problem at any degree. Even the tiniest water leak has the ability to worsen over time and lead to costly and invasive water damage repairs and flooding remediation. It is in your best interest to routinely inspect your home or business establishment for signs of plumbing leaks, which often remain out of sight unless you exclusively look for their common signs.

Continue reading the learn how to spot hidden plumbing leaks in the house, including what you can do to prevent catastrophic water leaks and plumbing disasters from ever happening.

Water Leak Repair Indianapolis IN  317-784-1870
Water Leak Repair Indianapolis IN 317-784-1870

Top 4 Signs of a Plumbing Leak in Your Home

The sooner you catch a plumbing leak, the better your chances are at avoiding a massive construction or repair to your home. You must address a potential plumbing leak immediately. So, how do you know if your home has plumbing leaks or not? There could be infinite signs that suggest your home or business has a plumbing leak hidden somewhere within the system. However, it seems that the top four most common signs of a plumbing leak include higher-than-usual utility bills, leaky plumbing fixtures, continuously moving water meter, and spots of dead grass in your lawn.

Unusually High Utility Bills

As someone who regularly pays your water and energy bills, you know when something is a little off. If you are utility bills are higher than usual, or have seen a sudden spike in cost, it could be an indication that you have a hidden plumbing leak somewhere in your system. First, contact your utility company to confirm that your bill is correct, and if it is, your next step is to contact in licensed plumber for a home plumbing inspection in Indianapolis.

Leaky Plumbing Fixtures

Take a closer look at your plumbing fixtures that dispense water, such as your bathroom and kitchen sink faucets, your shower heads, and even your outdoor spigots. If they are leaky, even when turned off (don’t forget the old saying, “lefty-loosey righty-tighty” to be sure), it could be that you have a leak somewhere in your plumbing system. This type of concealed leak is the exact kind that can get worse, fast; so, it is important that you immediately contact in Indianapolis plumbing company for emergency plumbing repair.

Dying Patches of Grass in the Lawn

You wouldn’t immediately think that poor lawn quality could indicate hidden plumbing leak in your house or building, but it actually can. Noticing large spots of dead or dying grass in your lawn is indicative of an underground plumbing pipe leak. This could be caused by a pipe rupture, cracked sewage lines, pipe burst, or even a poorly sealed gasket or connecting hardware. Oftentimes, property owners also notice puddles of standing water in their lawn, which is a sign of an emergency water leak plumbing repair.

Running Water Meter Dial

A common way for homeowners to check if they have a concealed water leak within the plumbing system is to examine the water meter dial. To do so, take a pen and paper out to your water meter and write down the number the dial is pointing to. Wait 20 to 30 minutes, and then go back to see if the dial has moved. If the dial continues to move, it is indicative of a plumbing leak. In this case you should contact in Indianapolis master plumber right away.

Do you suspect that your home or place of business has a hidden plumbing leak or repair need? Contact Weilhammer Plumbing Company at 317-784-1870 to schedule an emergency home plumbing inspection for water leaks in Indianapolis. Our state-licensed master plumbers serve both residential and commercial clients all throughout Central Indiana. Request free advice, anytime.

You Should Also Read:

How to Fix a Leaky Garbage Disposal
How to Fix a Leaky Pressure Relief Valve on a Water Heater
Common Signs of a Sewer Line Leak
Tips for Detecting Toilet Leaks

Indianapolis Indiana Master Plumbers 317-784-1870
Indianapolis Indiana Master Plumbers 317-784-1870

Facts About Water Temperature Inconsistencies at Home

So, the shower temperature was perfectly fine on Monday, then a little too lukewarm on Tuesday, freezing cold on Wednesday, and today it’s nearly scalding? You are definitely experiencing water temperature inconsistencies at home; but you don’t have to live like this! Fortunately, with the right plumbing and water heating strategies, this frustrating water temperature fluctuation issue can be turned around in no time at all.

Continue reading the learn some facts about water to major fluctuations, including how to resolve them and who to trust for superior plumbing services in Indianapolis.

Indianapolis Water Heater Repair and Service 317-784-1870
Indianapolis Water Heater Repair and Service 317-784-1870

Temperature Inconsistency in the Shower or Bathtub

Although there are many reasons why you might be experiencing water temperature inconsistencies when taking a shower or a bath, the most common causes are having a water heater that is too small for your house, a broken water heater, defective valves, or nearby appliances that compete for hot water, such as dishwashers and washing machines.

A Water Heater That is Too Small

If you do not have the right size water heater for your home, then you will most certainly experience water temperature fluctuations and inconsistencies. It is important to choose the proper size water heater tank that meets the hot water needs of all of the occupants in your home, as well as all of the hot water-using appliances, such as dishwashers and washing machines.

To determine your required gallon capacity is to count the number of occupants in the home. This will let you know what size water heater you need. The general rule of thumb is:

▷ 1 to 2 Occupants: 23–36 gallon
▷ 2 to 4 Occupants: 36–46 gallon
▷ 3 to 5 Occupants: 46–56 gallon
▷ 5+ Occupants: 56 gallon or Higher

Competing Hot Water Appliances

If the underlying problem of your hot water inconsistencies have to do with competing appliances, you probably are noticing the water temperature fluctuations when these appliances are running. Try turning them off or avoid flushing the toilet before taking a shower. Then see if your hot water fluctuations are still present.

Temperature Regulating Water Heater Valves

If you have faulty temperature regulating valves on your water heater, it can cause hot water fluctuation problems. Hire a professional Indianapolis plumber for hot water heater service to ensure that all parts and components are in optimal condition at all times.

Recommended Temperature Settings for Hot Water Heaters

To determine which temperature setting to set a hot water heater, check with the manufacturer.  For most make and model water heaters, manufacturers suggest setting them at around 120 degrees in order to prevent scalding accidents. This is especially important for homes and businesses that cater to small children because scalding mishaps are all too common.

Is your hot water heater giving you grief 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.

You Might Also Like:

Advice on How to Replace a Water Heater
4 Signs Your Home is Ready for Water Heater Replacement
What You Need to Know About Selecting a New Water Heater

Indianapolis Indiana Master Plumbers 317-784-1870
Indianapolis Indiana Master Plumbers 317-784-1870