Common Types of Plumbing Leaks and How to Spot Them

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
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
Indianapolis Indiana Master Plumbers 317-784-1870

Today is World Plumbing Day

March 11th, 2021 is World Plumbing Day!

Indianapolis Plumbing Services
Indianapolis Plumbing Services 317-784-1870

In honor of World Plumbing Day, here are some fun and fundamental plumbing facts, including the meaning behind today’s occasion!

Let us all thank the World Plumbing Council (WPC) for establishing World Plumbing Day in 2010! For 11 years now, World Plumbing Day has been a staple event on calendars all across the globe among both political and social organizations! What does it all mean? What is the purpose of this special day?

Well, if you think about it, you will recognize that our plumbing innovations and technologies separate us from the stone age. Without sufficient plumbing and sewage management systems, we would be living like our ancient ancestors! Plumbing is an integral part of human history and continues to be one of the most vital elements of our overall quality of life.

Respect and Appreciate All That Plumbing Does For Us!

The World Plumbing Council (WPC) speaks for the entire international plumbing community, and did so when they urged for the inception of World Plumbing Day each year! They are an inspirational and hard-working organization with the motive to support and promote the relationships between quality plumbing and sanitation, health, environmental sustainability, and exponential economic success.

How Does Everyone Celebrate World Plumbing Day?

Right now, and all day long, there are planned celebrations, events, activities, seminars, and even friendly competitions that all honor and acknowledge the importance of safe, efficient, and quality plumbing. These occasions are used to share knowledge, build relationships, and make important connections in an effort to increase access to fresh water and safe sanitation. Whether you are a part of a plumbing fraternity or a regular citizen in your community, you too can appreciate the plumbing innovations and sanitation available to you and your loved ones by celebrating with everyone else, world-wide!

Fundamental Plumbing Facts in Honor of World Plumbing Day

The definition of plumbing is expressed as, “A series of pipes, fixtures, and appliances that manage the distribution of water and sewage in and out of a property.”

Indoor plumbing dates back to 2500 B.C. (And perhaps even before!) This includes the Egyptians, Persians, Romans, Greeks, Chinese, Indiana, and more.

Copper was used by Egyptians over 3000 years ago to lay plumbing pipes; and copper is STILL the most popular material used for plumbing pipes today.

Sir John Harington invented the flushable toilet in 1596 for his godmother, Queen Elizabeth I. This is why Americans casually call it “the John.”

In the typical American household, toilet flushing constitutes up to 38% of all water-use in the home. But a low flush toilet can save you up to 18,000 gallons of water per year!

It only takes 15 minutes for a drippy faucet to fill an 8 ounce glass. That means that a single dripping faucet can waste an average of 180 gallons of water each month and over 2,160 gallons a year!

Are you in need of plumbing repair or water heater services? Contact Weilhammer Plumbing Company at 317-784-1870 for professional plumbing services in Indianapolis, Indiana. Our state-licensed master plumbers serve commercial clients, too.

You Might Also Like:

Is it Time to Replace Your Plumbing Pipes?
Can Your Plumbing Repair Wait or is it an Emergency?
Can Poor Quality Plumbing Make You Sick?

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

Facts About Backflow Preventer Inspections for Businesses

When it comes to protecting your staff, guests, and overall asset, preventing backflow problems should be at the top of your priority list as a business owner. Backflow siphonage and backpressure backflow are disasters waiting to happen if you do not stay on top of your commercial plumbing maintenance plan. Part of routine plumbing for businesses is a backflow preventer inspection, which can help ensure your business is protected against non-potable water contamination in your building’s water supply.

Continue reading to learn important facts about backflow prevention inspections, and where to get trusted commercial plumbing service near you.

Backflow Prevention Plumbing Inspection Services
A Standard Backflow Prevention Device

What is Backflow?

Non-potable water is the wastewater produced by a commercial building. This water is contaminated with everything from kitchen grease, cleaning products, and lawn chemicals, to organic matter, dirt, and the worst of them all, sewage. So, as a business owner or commercial proprietor, you do not want your building’s non-potable water supply to mix into your potable (drinkable and filtered) water supply. If this were to happen, you would be faced with a backflow siphonage situation. Not only is the reversal of a septic system flow a serious health hazard, but it can also be a messy and invasive repair. For these reasons and more, it is essential to have your property’s plumbing system routinely serviced, including an annual backflow preventer inspection.

Top Causes of Sewer Water Flow Reversal

► Water Main Break
► Freezing/Thawing Pipes
► Hose Pressure Changes
► Opening Multiple Fire Hydrants Simultaneously

Backflow Prevention Devices

The best method for preventing septic system flow reversal disasters is to install a backflow preventer device. These innovative devices work well to stop flow reversal triggered by changing pressure in hose lines, frozen pipes, water main bursts, and more. There are many kinds of backflow preventer assemblies to choose from, with the two most common mechanical options being a double check valve backflow preventer and a reduced pressure principle back-flow prevention device (RP). The best-suited assembly for your commercial building will largely depend on your property’s set up and related factors.

These devices are important, and should only be installed by a licensed master plumber. In addition to installing a backflow prevention assembly, you will also need to assert routine preventative maintenance through annual inspections. It is recommended to have your backflow preventer inspected and tested once every year to ensure your building’s plumbing is under the proper amounts of pressure, running optimally, and fully protected against sewer flow reversals.

Looking for backflow prevention and septic system service in Indianapolis, Indiana? Contact Weilhammer Plumbing Co. Inc. at 317-784-1870 to schedule an appointment, today!

You Should Also Check Out:

Why Choose Trenchless Sewer Line Replacement Services
Top 4 Signs of a Sewer Line Problem
Why Septic Tank Preventative Maintenance is So Important

Why Choose Trenchless Sewer Line Replacement Services

There are various benefits to trenchless sewer line replacement, which is why so many property owners are electing this plumbing method over standard replacement work. Not only does trenchless sewer line replacement better preserve the structural integrity of the surrounding property and landscaping, it renders a stronger and more durable sump system. But with all these noted benefits, the question of efficiency still remains. In terms of energy and water consumption, and the all-inclusive costs of both: Is it more efficient to opt for trenchless sewer line replacement? Or should you choose the traditional method of excavation?

Continue reading to answer your questions about trenchless sewer line replacement efficiency, and who to call for more information that will help you make an educated decision for your residential or commercial property.

Avoid this kind of invasive construction by choosing trenchless sewer line replacement!

The Top 3 Benefits of Trenchless Pipe Replacement Work:

It is More Cost-Effective Than the Alternative

Trenchless sewer line replacement is much more expensive than the traditional invasive method. In fact, it can cost up to 50% more. However, with the traditional method of trenchless sewer line replacement, property owners face additional costs, including landscaping repairs, time spent rebuilding landscaping, driveway demolition and replacement, patio rebuilding, and much more depending on where the lines were replaced on their property. After some time, all these costs add up, but also, they bring about a wasteful amount of unnecessary exertion and work that could have been avoided with trenchless sewer line replacement.

Installation is More Efficient Than Ever Before

The traditional methods for replacing sewer lines involves a lot of machinery, labor, and resources, not to mention, time. But for trenchless sewer line replacement, the process does not require invasive excavation, excessive equipment, extended time, and loads of labor. The trenchless method reduces the need for all of these, making it much more efficient. This is important for those who are conscience of their carbon footprint! Trenchless sewer line replacement also reduces the need for landscaping renovations and clean up following its completion.

Water Transportation Efficiency

Trenchless sewer line replacement is more efficient than its traditional method in terms of water transportation. This is because it doesn’t require the use of piping joints to connect the lines, which are prone to water leaks and water bursts. Instead, one continuous sewer line is used to replace the former ones. The continuous pipeline is also more durable and sturdier against tree roots and other underground invaders. This reduces the cost and the need for repairs later on, which is outstanding long-term efficiency.

Call Our Master Plumbers for Sewer Line Repairs in Indianapolis

Call Weilhammer Plumbing Co. Inc. at 317-784-1870 when you need plumbing services for sewer lines and underground pipes in Indianapolis, Indiana. Our licensed master plumbers provide a wide range of plumbing services for both residential and commercial properties, including home plumbing inspections for damaged sewer lines. We also offer free estimates, free plumbing advice, and even free haul-away for old plumbing appliances. Request a free estimate, today.

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

How to Tell if Your Home Could Use a Water Softener

Take a look around your property. Whether it is a commercial building or a private residence, there will be signs suggesting you could use a water softener if you don’t already have one, or a new one if your current one is experiencing an onset of aging or defects. The reality is that all properties could benefit from a water conditioning system, but some properties desperately need one if they are exhibiting signs of poor water quality, or hard water.

Continue below to learn why water softeners are so beneficial, including how to tell if your home could use one, whether as a replacement or new install.

Indianapolis Water Softener Service 317-784-1870
Dingy or Faded Laundry? Could Be Hard Water.

The Benefits of Water Softeners

Hard water is not something you want lurking through your plumbing pipes and water lines within your home. It contains dissolved minerals and metals that cause many damaging effects around the house and in your life, all of which can also cause you to spend more money than you should. When it comes to identifying a need for a water softener, simply do an inspection of your house, clothes, dishes, hair, energy bills, and water usage. If you see limescale buildup around faucets and plumbing fixtures, or you always have cloudy spots on your dishes, you have some degree of hard water. Furthermore, if your clothes do not seem to clean well, your soap doesn’t lather well, or your hair seems dingy and dull, you could have hard water.

Hard Water Signs Around the House

Take a look at all the areas of your life that can be negatively impacted by hard water in order to know what the signs of hard water look like:

Hair and Skin – Because hard water causes poor soap lather, your showers will suffer. Furthermore, it will cause shampoo residue buildup in your hair, resulting in a greasy feel and flat look, as well as itchy, dry, and irritated skin. For those with skin sensitivity issues or existing skin conditions, softer water will help mitigate flare ups and post-washing irritation.

Laundry – Not only will hard water cause laundry to fade faster and appear dingy, but it will also cause problems within your washing machine. Both plumbing pipes and water lines become caked with hard mineral despots, or limescale, which corrodes metal and decreases the appliances performance. A washing machine that is experiencing such stress will also be inefficient, which leads to higher utility bills.

Appliances – As just mentioned with your washing machine, hard water will cause limescale buildup within the plumbing pipes and water lines of your water-using appliances. This buildup can decrease appliance performance, which ultimately increases monthly energy and water bills. Appliances like dishwashers, ice-makers, water heaters, and water softeners, can all be affected by the dissolved minerals and metals in hard water.

Dishes – Hard water leaves a layer of mineral residue on everything it touches, including your plates, glassware, cups, dishes, and more. Have you seen spots on your glasses? Cloudy cups? These are tell-tale signs of hard water problems at home.

Get a Water Softener Sooner Than Later

If you do not have a water softener at all, know that it is one of the smartest investments you can make, for both your home and your finances. Water softeners abate all of the damaging effects of hard water, and will save money by protecting you against high energy bills, high water bills, water wastage, appliance breakdowns, appliance repairs, appliance replacements, hair products, skin products, and much more.

If you already have a water softener, but you have noticed signs of hard water around your home, it is time to think about an upgrade. Talk to a licensed master plumber who specializes in all things water softeners to learn your most cost-effective options. The sooner you upgrade or install a water softener, the faster you can begin to save money and protect your assets.

Indianapolis Indiana Water Softener Service, Sales, and Installation

Call Weilhammer Plumbing Co. Inc. at 317-784-1870 if you need hard water removal, or if you need water softener repair, water softener service, or if you would like to buy a new, quality water softener in Indianapolis, Indiana. Master plumber Mark Weilhammer is happy to give you all the guidance you need on selecting a new water softener, or resolving current hard water issues. With more than 100 years in business, you can trust our Indianapolis plumbing company for superior service at the right price. Contact us to request a free estimate, service, or advice, anytime.

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

Why Choose a Toto Toilet for Toilet Replacement in Indiana

So, your toilet is on the fritz again? Well, they aren’t meant to last forever, you know. When it comes time to replace your toilet, if you want one that will last for a very long time and meet all of your expectations in terms of comfort, performance, and appeal, a Toto toilet is what you are looking for. Continue reading to learn about all the wonderful product features and available models that will have you on the market for a new Toto brand toilet before the day is up!

Toto Toilet Installation Indianapolis
Toto Toilet Installation Indianapolis, Indiana 317-784-1870

The Advantages of TOTO Toilets

If you are looking for a top toilet manufacturer that offers the latest in toilet technology, Toto is the brand for you. Since their establishment back in 1917, Toto has been a leading provider of toilets fore more than a century, and continues to be a top choice among consumers all across the world. One of the most recent and popular innovations by Toto is their Washlet design, which showcases luxury features like seat warmers, bidet-style water pumps, and even built-in dryers for Eco-conscience goers.

Top Toto Toilet Models on the Market for 2021:

? ► TOTO MS604114CEFG#01 UltraMax II
? ► TOTO MS604114CEF#51 UltraMax II
? ► TOTO MS992CUMFG#01 Neorest
? ► TOTO CST244EF#01 Entrada 

Which Toto Toilet is Right For You?

Toto toilets come in a wide array of designs, including bowl shapes, heights, and features. Whether you choose a basic Toto toilet model or an innovative, luxury model, the Toto brand maintains the highest standards of excellence among toilet manufacturers, so any choice is a great one for you! The most basic models come with high-end features, such as integrated, premium seats and dual flush modes for water conservation. You can expect the more luxury-style models to offer features like bidet wands, air dryers, heated seats, night lights, automatic lids, automatic flushing, high power flushing (meant to prevent clogs), remote controls, flush options, and even automatic air fresheners.

One feature commonly overlooked by consumers on the market for a new toilet is height. The height at which your toilet seat lies is an important factor for comfort and convenience, and in some cases, even safety. Toto toilets come in two standard height options, allowing consumers to choose the ideal measurement for their bathroom needs. Standard Toto height is between 14.5 and 15 inches from the floor to the seat, while universal Toto height is between 17 and 19 inches. Although standard is the most common, universal models are becoming more popular because they are suggested to promote a more natural, and therefore comfortable, posture.

As for design, Toto toilets come in four different options: one-piece, two-piece, round-shaped, and elongated. One-piece Toto toilets are a singular, smooth unit that takes up very little space, while two-piece Toto toilets have a separate tank and bowl. Elongated Toto toilets have elongated bowls, but are the same width as round-shaped Toto toilet bowls. All Toto toilet seats are custom made specifically for Toto toilets, and will not slide around, unhinge, or crack.

Where to Get Trusted Toto Toilet Installation in Indianapolis Indiana

Call Weilhammer Plumbing Co. Inc. at 317-784-1870 when you toilet replacement in Indianapolis, Indiana. Our Indianapolis plumbers have decades of hands-on experience working with lavatory and commode systems, and provide a wide-range of residential and commercial plumbing services for all make and models, including urinals, bidets, automatic flush systems, septic tanks, and much more. We carry a full line of highly recommended TOTO® toilets, and sell them at whole-sale prices for your convenience. You can always be sure that we have the best quality plumbing appliances and products available on the market. Contact us to request a free estimate or free advice, anytime.

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

How to Make Sure Your Water Heater is Set for Winter

It may have taken a little while longer than winters’ past, but here in Indiana, the cold seasonal weather is finally upon us, and it doesn’t seem to be going anywhere anytime soon. This has many Hoosiers dashing to get their homes and businesses prepared for the winter ahead. Everything from storm drains and furnaces, to doors, windows, outdoor plumbing connections, and more, are all on the typical Hoosier’s seasonal To-Do list. But what many tend to leave off this important checklist is the water heater. During the peak of winter, you do not want to be left without hot water, especially if you have young children or elderly ones to cater to.

Continue reading to learn what you need to know about routine water heater maintenance, including how to ensure your hot water is set for the Indiana winter season.

Indianapolis Hot Water Heater Services 317-784-1870
Indianapolis Hot Water Heater Services 317-784-1870

Water Heater Inspections are Vital in Winter

Water heaters are known to break down the most during the coldest parts of the winter. A combination of the extreme climate and harsh elements can cause a long list of things to go wrong in a hot water heater, eventually causing it to perform poorly, or fail entirely. Common water heater repair calls in the wintertime include water heater bursts and water heater leaks. You see, your water heater has a cylindrical tank that stores heated water.

As you use your hot water in the home, the water heater depletes its reserves, and then pulls in cold water from outside to replenish. In the winter, it is colder, which means the water coming into your water heater is even colder than usual. As a result, the water heater must work harder to keep up with the hot water demand. If your water heater is old, between 7 and 8 years, it could have rusty parts that are not allowing it to perform as efficiently.

If your water heater is in an non-insulated area, like a garage, the air surrounding it makes the water even cooler, causing the unit to work longer to heat it on demand. Furthermore, factor in the surplus of water usage during the holidays when family and friends come to visit. All of these factors require a water heater to work continuously, which can lead to problems if it is not in tip-top shape before these winter factors become relevant.

Avoid Water Heater Breakdowns and Repairs

By having your water heater inspected and serviced prior to the harshest point of winter, you will avoid potential breakdowns, and costly damages and disasters, such as water leaks and floods. Start each season off with a full water heater inspection to check off on its efficiency, performance, and safety. For those with gas water heaters, you do not want to potentially face a water heater explosion accident, either. It is strongly encouraged to hire a licensed Indianapolis plumber for professional home plumbing inspections for water heaters. However, you can do a preliminary inspection on your own before you call a professional.

Here’s How to Inspect a Water Heater:

Look all around the outside of the water heater. Take note of any rusting, corrosion, or leaking. Also look for dents or ruptures of any kind.

Locate the installation date on the outside of the water heater tank. Take note of the age. If your unit is older than 7 or 8 years, it is in the zone for replacement.

Consider doing a water heater flush to drain and remove sediment inside the tank. Be sure to only do this if you have experience with this type of water heater service, or someone with experience who can assist you.

Tankless Water Heaters

If you have a tankless water heater, your seasonal To-Do checklist will look a little different, but you will still need to have your unit inspected routinely, especially prior to winter, to ensure it is ready to perform efficiently. Outdoor tankless water heaters will need to have proper insulation installed around the pipes.

Professional Water Heater Repair Services in Indianapolis, Indiana

Call Weilhammer Plumbing Co. Inc. at 317-784-1870 for free estimates, advice, and information regarding Indianapolis hot water heater service, anytime. Not only are we state-licensed master plumbers who specialize in water heater repair and service, we gladly provide recommendations and advice. Whether residential or commercial, we can provide all the water heater services you need. Contact us today for free advice on choosing a water heater, or to schedule service for your home or office!

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

Top 4 Signs of a Sewer Line Problem

Your sewer lines are one of the most vital plumbing systems on your property. If they break or develop an obstruction, they can create a massive disaster that takes a lot of time and money to resolve. For this reason, if you start to notice any signs that your sewer system might be experiencing some trouble, it is important to act fast and contact an emergency plumber for an inspection. Catching and resolving a small plumbing problem early on is the key to avoiding costly plumbing disasters. Not sure what sewer line problems look like?

Continue reading to learn the top 4 signs that indicate a potential breakage or blockage in sewer lines.

Indianapolis Sewer Line Plumber 317-784-1870
Indianapolis Sewer Line Plumber 317-784-1870

Bright Green Spots on the Lawn

Do some areas of your lawn look like normal-colored grass, but other spots are distinctively greener or brighter? If so, you might be looking at the most common sign of a busted or blocked sewer line. If an underground sewage pipe is leaking or cracked open, it is essentially fertilizing your lawn, which as biology shows us, renders greener, lusher grass.  

Stagnant Water on the Lawn

Some puddling every now and again after a storm is normal. But if your lawn doesn’t seem to drain its puddles fast enough, or at all, it could be a sign that your sewer line is cracked. A cracked main line, broken septic tank, and obstructions in a drain field can all cause water and sewage to release, which eventually pools into puddles on the surface of the lawn. This can also cause lingering odors, as you would imagine, which is another common indication of a problematic sewer system.

Sewer Odors

As just mentioned above, another common sign that suggests there is something going wrong within your sewer line system is a lingering sewer smell. If sewage water is leaking underground or pooling on the surface, you can guarantee it will carry its odors with it. Such odors can also attract unwanted nuisance wildlife and pests, which can be a threat to people, pets, and property.

Slow Draining

If your drains are draining slower than usual, you might want to focus your attention on your sewer lines. That is because slow drains are a common sign of a backed-up or clogged sewer line. If you have just one or two isolated drains that drains slowly, you likely have a standard clogged drain issue. But if all of your plumbing fixture drains are draining slow, such as the bathtub, kitchen sink, bathroom sinks, and showers, then it is likely your sewer lines.

How to Repair a Broken Sewer Line in Indianapolis

Call Weilhammer Plumbing Co. Inc. at 317-784-1870 when you need drain clearing plumbing services in Indianapolis, Indiana. Our licensed master plumbers provide a wide range of plumbing services for both residential and commercial properties, including home plumbing inspections for damaged sewer lines. We also offer free estimates, free plumbing advice, and even free haul-away for old plumbing appliances. Request a free estimate, today.

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

How to Fix a Leaky Garbage Disposal

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.

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

Do I Need My Plumbing Inspected?

When it comes to plumbing maintenance, an inspection is not typically on the routine To-D- list. However, they are one of the most vital plumbing services you can outsource because they are the key to unveiling small or medium problems, including malfunctions and insufficiency, before they can turn into large, costly, and invasive repairs. But how do you know you need a plumbing inspection. Well, you must keep your eyes open for the common, tell-tale signs.

Continue below to learn the most common indications that suggest you should schedule an inspection for your plumbing ASAP, and where to get a free quote for your plumbing repair needs near you.

Indianapolis Plumbing Inspections
Indianapolis Plumbing Inspections and Service 317-784-1870

Signs of Plumbing Problems

If your home or office show any signs of plumbing problems below, you can likely assume there is an internal defect or variable causing it to happen. Regardless of the root of your plumbing problem, if you do not act fast, a small issue can turn disastrous in as little as 24 hours. Don’t make the mistake of ignoring a minor plumbing problem, like a clogged or slow-draining sink. Mitigate the risk of be liable for massive repairs, replacements, and renovations by putting a plumbing inspection in the books, now.

Thudding, Banging, and Hissing Noises

If your plumbing pipes are in good shape, they should not make a sound. But if your pipes make loud whistling or thudding noises every time you turn on a faucet or stop the shower, you can safely assume that there is a problem. This type of continuous and predictable noise can be an indication of loose piping, a soon-to-be water leak, or worse, an impending pipe rupture.  

Old Age and Old Plumbing

The older the house, the older the plumbing, that is, unless the house has been renovated. If your home is older than 20 years, and you have not replaced or updated your plumbing system in that time, you would be wise to schedule a plumbing inspection to learn what you can do to improve your energy efficiency, water quality, and home comfort. Things like pipe corrosion, metal aging, and minute slab leaks are common in old homes.

Reduced Water Quality

If you are starting to notice, or have been living with, a wide scope of water quality issues, a plumbing inspection will help identify the causes, and present the workable solutions that fit your budget. Such water quality issues include poor tasting water, or beverages and soup made with your water, as well as, cloudy dishes, greasy hair, dry skin, low water pressure, hot water that takes too long to heat up, not enough hot water, poor soap lather in the bath, limescale residue all over your fixtures, and dingy or faded laundry.

Professional Plumbing Inspection and Service in Indianapolis, Indiana

Call Weilhammer Plumbing Co. Inc. at 317-784-1870 when you need a licensed Indianapolis plumber you can trust for quality plumbing inspection and service at an affordable price. We offer a wide range of standard and master plumber services for both residential and commercial properties. We also offer free estimates, free plumbing advice, and even free haul-away for old plumbing appliances like water heaters, water softeners, sump pumps, and more. Request a free estimate, today.