Common Fall Plumbing Problems and How to Prevent Them

There’s nothing quite like the crisp autumn air and the changing leaves. But as the weather cools down, there’s one thing that can ruin the perfect fall day: plumbing problems. From leaky faucets to clogged toilets, plumbing issues can pop up when you least expect them. While some plumbing problems are inevitable, there are a few things you can do to prevent them.

Continue below to learn the top 4 plumbing problems experienced by property owners in the fall, plus how you can prevent them all.

For Fall Plumbing Inspection Service in Indianapolis, Indiana, Call 317-784-1870 Today!
For Fall Plumbing Inspection Service in Indianapolis, Indiana, Call 317-784-1870 Today!

Fall Season Plumbing Damages to Watch Out For

Here are some of the most common fall plumbing problems and how to avoid them:

1. Leaky Faucets: A leaky faucet can waste up to 3,000 gallons of water per year. To prevent leaks, make sure to tighten all the screws on your faucets and replace any washers that are worn out.

2. Clogged Toilets: As the weather gets colder, the water in your toilet tank can freeze and expand, causing the toilet to clog. To prevent this, add a little bit of antifreeze to the tank.

3. Slow Drains: As the temperatures cool, grease and oil can solidify in your drains, causing them to clog. To prevent this, pour a pot of boiling water down your drain once a week.

4. Burst Pipes: As the water in your pipes freezes, it expands and puts pressure on the pipes, which can cause them to burst. To prevent this, insulate your pipes and let the water drip from the faucets during cold weather.

Schedule a Home Plumbing Inspection for Fall and Winter

Many people only think about their home plumbing when there is a problem. However, it is important to have regular inspections to ensure that everything is working properly and nothing needs repair. Plumbing problems can cause a lot of damage and be very expensive to fix, so it is best to catch them early. They will check for water leaks, corrosion, drainage issues, poor water pressure, and more.

By taking a few preventive measures, you can avoid these common fall plumbing problems and enjoy the season worry-free. Contact Weilhammer Plumbing Company at 317-784-1870 for licensed and insured plumbing inspection service and plumbing repair in Indianapolis, Indiana. We provide residential and commercial service throughout Central Indiana.

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Should I Schedule a Full Plumbing Inspection Before Buying a New Home?

If you are preparing to buy a new home or office space in Indianapolis, be sure to have the plumbing system thoroughly inspected by a licensed master plumber who retains the proper and legal certifications in both past and current state plumbing codes. That would mean that Weilhammer Plumbing Company is the right call to make for home plumbing inspections in Indianapolis!

Plumbing Inspections Indianapolis Indiana 317-784-1870
Plumbing Inspections Indianapolis Indiana 317-784-1870

Home Buyer Plumbing Inspection Services

Although you can hire a home inspection company prior to buying a home, these professionals are not qualified nor proficient in current and historic state plumbing codes in Indiana. From unsafe conditions like gas piping and gas vents that are damaged, to illegal installations and modifications that are not up to code, only a licensed Indianapolis master plumber is capable of unearthing visible and foreseeable problems within any plumbing system.

Without the knowledge and skill of a state-certified master plumbing contractor, you risk buying a home or building that requires thousands upon thousands of dollars in plumbing repairs or structural repairs caused by plumbing problems. If you identify these issues before you finalize, you can negotiate the cost of repairs into the sale of the home!

Why Choose Weilhammer Plumbing

Weilhammer Plumbing Co. Inc. is your neighborhood master plumbing company that provides economically priced plumbing services for both residential and commercial properties throughout Indianapolis and the surrounding Central Indiana areas. You can rest assure that your plumbing needs are met with the highest level of professionalism and integrity, including your budget, your safety, and your comfort.

If you are closing on a home, hire the state-licensed master plumbers and licensed plumbing contractors (#106214) at Weilhammer Plumbing Co. Inc. today! We are experts in state plumbing codes and can locate issues within any plumbing system. Not only do we have more than 60 years of hands-on experience, but we also retain the knowledge, skills, and resources to accurately reveal the truth behind a home’s plumbing.

And right now, we are offering a “New Home Buyers Plumbing Consultation and Inspection Service” for $275! Contact Weilhammer Plumbing Company at 317-784-1870 for licensed and insured plumbing inspection service for drains, pipes, and more. We provide residential and commercial plumbing services in Indianapolis all throughout Central Indiana!

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Frequently Asked Questions About Residential Plumbing

Whether you are a first-time homeowner or have owned your house for a long time, it is vital to stay up to date with your plumbing systems. Reviewing some common tips and general information from time to time can refresh your memory and help you do a better job of taking care of your home. Continue reading to review some unique, but important, frequently asked questions about home plumbing.

Residential Plumber Indianapolis Indiana 317-784-1870
Residential Plumber Indianapolis Indiana 317-784-1870

Home Plumbing FAQS You Want to Know

What is Hard Water?

Hard water is water that is polluted with high levels of contaminates, such as iron salts, calcium, and magnesium.  If you are starting to notice subtle changes in your dishes, skin, laundry, and plumbing fixtures, it may be related to a hard water issue. A water filtration system, coupled with a quality water softener, can eliminate these mineral ions plus reduce the level of hardness in your home’s water.

Why Does My Water Take So Long to Heat Up?

There are some common reasons why your water heater might be taking too long to heat your water up. Most often, the water heater is just too old or defective. Otherwise, you could have too much sediment buildup at the bottom of the tank, low volume restrictors installed on your plumbing fixtures, or too much distance between the location of the water heater and your point-of-demand. To fix this problem, you will need to contact a professional Indianapolis plumber who specializes in hot water heater repair and service.

How Do I Unclog a Backed Up Toilet?

Large debris can get stuck, like toilet paper, hair ties, and more. In this case, you will need to use your plunger to plunge the toilet bowl for 30 seconds. But before you do, be sure there is not too much water in the toilet bowl. If there is, empty as much water as needed with a separate cup or bowl. Try flushing the toilet to see if the plunger loosened up the clog. If it didn’t, try again or check to see if the flapper is the issue. If you cannot clear a clogged toilet bowl with a plunger, then you will need to call a licensed plumber for help.

How Do I Remove the Crusty Substance on the Shower Head and Faucet?

Remove the shower head by unscrewing it from the spout.  Place it in a bowl with hot water and one cup of household vinegar.  Leave it overnight then scrub it clean the next morning.  If you cannot screw the shower head off, put the vinegar solution in a plastic bag and place it over the spout, attaching and securing it with a tie.  If the substance does come off completely, re-do the process using less water and more vinegar.

How Do I Get Rid of Odor in My Garbage Disposal?

The odor most likely is coming from an accumulation of food scraps and other debris.  To remove the smell, you can put a mixture of ice cubes and lemon peels down the disposal and run it, then with disposal still running, flush it with cold water for a minute.  If this does not do the trick completely, add a few drops of dish soap with cold water for another thirty seconds. This household remedy is a popular solution to foul smelling garbage disposals.

How Often Should a Septic Tank Be Pumped?

An inspection or cleaning should be done once every few years or so, depending on the size of the make and model septic system in place.  In smaller systems, once every three years is sufficient; however, a large tank would require an inspection once every two years or less.  The larger the system, the more often it will require service.

Am I Smelling Natural Gas in My House?

Natural gas smells like rotten eggs.  If you smell this in your home or building, first, turn off all appliances that use gas. Then open a few windows or doors to let the gas air out. Once you have done this, check the range, water heater, and furnace pilot lights; if one light is out, relight it. If they are not the issue, call your local gas provider and report the smell right away.

Why Did My Plumbing Pipes Go Bad?

There are several reasons why plumbing pipes go bad. It can be due to old age, poor installation, incompatibility, material quality issues, corrosion, external structural damages, and much more.

Should I Re-Pipe or Repair the Plumbing?

In many cases, plumbing pipes do not require replaced, but rather repaired. If one or two plumbing pipes burst or incur some sort of damage, they can simply be replaced through trenchless piping or other repair techniques. However, there are other cases in which the whole house plumbing system should be re-piped. Talk to in Indianapolis plumber to determine the best course of action for your plumbing pipe renovation needs.

How Do I Know if I Have a Plumbing Leak?

As someone who regularly pays your water and energy bills, you know when something is a little off. Suddenly higher utility bills are one of the first signs of a hidden plumbing leak in the home. 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.

Do you think your plumbing system could use some TLC? Contact Weilhammer Plumbing Company at 317-784-1870 for professional plumbing services in Indianapolis, Indiana. We serve residential and commercial clients and are state-licensed master plumbers.

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How to Check For Water Leaks in Your Plumbing System

As a homeowner, it is imperative to cooperate with your home’s maintenance needs.  Part of maintaining your home is caring for the plumbing systems. Checking for leaks is one key strategy to protecting your plumbing system from sustaining major damages.  This can be a simple DIY solution with a little research. 

Continue reading to learn how to check for leaks in home plumbing systems; or where to contact a professional for advice on repairing leaky faucets and plumbing pipes in residential properties.

Water Leak Detection Indianapolis Indiana 317-784-1870
Water Leak Detection Indianapolis Indiana 317-784-1870

Leak Detection Tips

The plumbing system is one of the most expensive components in your home. Any damages or repairs can cost a substantial amount of money; but you can avoid these unexpected expenses with regular maintenance and care. To spot leaks, you have to look in certain areas.  Leaky copper pipes will show a small white circle around it. This is a prime indication of water damage and leakage. It is not a huge problem at this point; so don’t worry. As long as the issue is resolved right away, and not neglected, it will be a simple and inexpensive fix.

Sinks

When it comes to kitchen and bathroom sinks, it is important to check the structural integrity of the pipes first. Be sure to clear away any clutter so you can get a true view of the plumbing pipes. Check for moisture and leaks. It is typically not recommended to use cabinet space beneath bathroom and kitchen sinks. Clutter combined with moisture can grow mold and other harmful spores; as well as, attract pest infestations  Hard objects under the sink can know into the pipes, causing damage and potential leaks too. Take precaution when using these types of spaces for storage.

Valves

Once you have inspected the bathrooms and kitchen pipes, take a look at the valves in your home. If you have any trouble at all shutting off the valve; stop trying. This excessive force can break it. Instead, you will need to consult with a licensed Indianapolis plumber for help.   Another area to inspect is the water meter. Be sure all your faucets are turned off; then go to your meter and see if the dial is moving at all. If it is, this could be an indication of leaks within your plumbing. To properly locate these leaks, you will need to hire a professional plumbing company.

Are you worried that you might have missed a leak? Contact Weilhammer Plumbing Company at 317-784-1870 for licensed and insured plumbing inspection service for water leaks, slab leaks, and more. We provide residential and commercial plumbing services in Indianapolis all throughout Central Indiana.

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Why Are My Copper Plumbing Pipes Turning Green?

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

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

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

Copper Plumbing Repair Indianapolis Indiana 317-784-1870
Copper Plumbing Repair Indianapolis Indiana 317-784-1870

Copper Pipes are Prone to Oxidation

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

Copper is Excellent at Conducting Heat

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

What To Do About Oxidized Copper Plumbing

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

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

How to Prevent Oxidized Copper Pipes

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

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

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Money-Saving Plumbing Tips You Don’t Want to Ignore

Who doesn’t want to save a little money? More importantly, who doesn’t want to save A LOT of money? Well, with the right plumbing practices and choices, you can save loads of your hard-earned income on monthly energy and water bills, plus all sorts of other expenses, like soap, laundry, detergent, clothing, shampoo, super expensive plumbing repairs and replacements.

Continue reading to learn some money-saving plumbing tips you don’t want to miss out on, then share them with your friends and loved ones so they too can enjoy the savings!

Licensed Plumber Indianapolis Indiana 317-784-1870
Licensed Plumber Indianapolis Indiana 317-784-1870

Cost-Effective Plumbing Tips

Most people are not aware that plumbing plays a significant role in so many different elements of your quality of life. After all, without indoor plumbing, we might as well be living back in the stone ages! From drains and faucets to dishwashers, sinks, washing machines, showers, bathtubs, water heaters, water softeners, boilers, and more, plumbing is a part of our lives in almost everything that we do at home. For this reason, it is worth your while to pay close attention to your plumbing practices and choices. Not only can you modify your habits, but you can also replace current systems with more energy-efficient models too.

Here the top plumbing tips that are guaranteed to save you money:

Get To Know Your Plumber

Routine plumbing maintenance is an important part of saving money and preventing future plumbing disasters. The sooner you get a plumbing problem, the cheaper it’ll be to resolve. Not only should you retain the services of a licensed and insured plumber with extensive experience in the industry to perform such maintenance, but you should really get to know them too. The more you get to know your plumber, the better you are able to communicate your plumbing concerns and troubles with them, and in turn, this allows them to have a comprehensive understanding of your home’s plumbing needs.

When you take good care of all of your plumbing systems and appliances, you can expect them to perform well and last a long time. It is important to have your home’s plumbing systems checked every 3 to 5 years, while water heaters and water softener should be inspected and serviced annually. Talk to your local Indianapolis plumber the best routine maintenance schedule for your home or office.

Consider Lowering Your Water Heater Temperature Setting

Generally, a safe temperature setting for a water heater is between 115 and 130 degrees Fahrenheit. Homes with young to middle-aged adult occupants can safely increase the temperature up to 140 degrees Fahrenheit. However, if you’re interested in saving some money, it is recommended to turn your water heater temperature setting down. Although this might not seem like much, the slight change in temperature drop can decrease your monthly energy bill.

Insulate Your Plumbing Pipes

When plumbing pipes are not adequately insulated, a home can experience a significant amount of heat loss, which ultimately costs money. By insulated your plumbing pipes, you can instantly stop heat loss, and therefore, retain your conditioned air longer. This reduces the need to continue running your furnace or central heater, which costs a lot of money. Furthermore, properly insulated pipes protect against standby energy loss from your water heater tank.

Incorporate Energy Efficient Plumbing Appliances and Fixtures

There are many types of plumbing appliances and fixtures that incorporate efficiency into your plumbing practices. For instance, you can replace your toilets with high-efficiency models, such as a dual-flush toilet, which gives users two options for flushing: low flush mode for liquid waste and a higher flush mode for solid waste. These toilets use a mere 1.6 gallons of water per flush!

You can also install low-volume restrictors in your shower heads and faucets, which can also decrease the amount of water you waste while brushing teeth or washing hands and dishes. Additional energy efficient plumbing systems to consider for money-saving purposes include solar water heaters and tankless water softeners.

Are you experiencing plumbing problems that are costing you more money? Contact Weilhammer Plumbing Company at 317-784-1870 for professional plumbing service and repair in Indianapolis, Indiana and its surrounding counties. We serve residential and commercial clients.

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Support Earth Day This Week With These Money-Saving Plumbing Tips

Today, April 22, 2022, is Earth Day! There are many ways to show your support for this very important and special day, and we hope that you find joy in whatever you choose! As for plumbing, you can save money and back the Earth Day cause by adopting some new plumbing-related systems and practices!

Continue below to learn more about the meaning of Earth Day, plus how you can make the switch to Eco-friendly plumbing in support of the environment and your bank account!

Plumbing Service Indianapolis Indiana 317-784-1870
Plumbing Service Indianapolis Indiana 317-784-1870

What Does Earth Day Mean to You?

Earth Day was officially established in 1970, following a tremendously damaging oil spill in Santa Barbara, California that got the attention of Senator Gaylord Nelson. He came up with the idea after seeing how destructive the oil spill was to the local Eco-systems and dependent economies. He wanted the nation to realize just how important it is to preserve and protect our natural resources. Back then, the nation did not pay much attention to the damaging effects of industrial and societal pollution. Rachel Carson’s 1962 publication of “Silent Spring” was one of the first considerations of such environmental threats.

So, with gusto, Senator Nelson decided to gather up a group of trusted colleagues to brainstorm ways to increase such awareness. The result was the proclamation of April 22nd to be a “national teach-in on the environment.” Of course, we know this as Earth Day now. In fact, Earth Day was one of the catalysts of the environmental movement that lead to the formation of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and even the passing of important acts, like the Clean Air Act, Clean Water Act, and the Endangered Species Act.

Visit earthday.org to learn more!

Eco-Friendly Plumbing to Support Earth Day and Environmental Protection:

Tankless Water Heaters

By making the switch from a traditional, tank-style water heater to a tankless water heater, you can preserve natural resources and save money for years to come. According to the Department of Energy, tankless water heaters can reduce energy consumption by 25% to 50% compared to tank-style units.

Tankless water heaters are highly energy-efficient, and a trusted alternative to on-demand hot water. Water is only heated when prompted, like when you run a bath or shower. That way, you are not wasting precious energy to keep water hot in the tank. These water heaters come in electric or gas.

Water Heater Temperature Setting

Having a water heater temperature setting that is too high poses a lot of safety risks, but also wastes energy. Set your water heater at a safe and comfortable 120° Fahrenheit to conserve energy and prevent burns and scalding accidents.

Dual-Flush Toilets

Water-saving toilets save more than just water. They also save you money on utility bills, potentially hundreds of dollars a year. Consider installing a dual-flush toilet to increase the level of water preservation in your home or office. These toilets are specially-designed to provide an option for a light flush or a deep flush. Think light for liquids and deep for solids. If your toilets were installed back in the 90’s, you are likely using up to 3 gallons of water per flush. That’s too much water!

Faucet Aerators

By adding aerators to your sink faucets, you can significantly reduce water wastage in your home or office. Also called low volume water restrictors, these tiny plumbing devices do what they claim: they mix the flow of water with air, thus aerating it, which reduces the volume of water flow. This can save up to 2.2 gallons of water! Plus, they are easy to install, as they simple screw onto the end of your faucets, and they come with an inexpensive price tag.

Additionally, you can swap out your old shower heads for a low-flow showerhead, which basically works in the same way as faucet aerators. A low-flow showerhead can potentially save the average family thousands of gallons of water each year. When shopping around, look for the WaterSense label.

Drip Repair

If you have a slow drip coming from a faucet, bathtub spout, or showerhead, it is money-wise to have it repaired right away. Whether a slow drip or a continuous one, this plumbing defect can waste a lot of water. In turn, your monthly utility bills take a hit.

Pipe Insulation

If your pipes are not properly insulated, whether lacking insulation or fitted with the wrong type of insulation, it can cause massive heat loss in your home’s water. By improving or repairing plumbing pipe insulation, you can better conserve energy and water.

Are you looking for a trusted plumber that can help you incorporate some Eco-friendly elements into your home or office? Contact Weilhammer Plumbing Company at 317-784-1870 when you need professional and affordable plumbing services for water heaters, toilets, plumbing pipes, and more, in Indianapolis, Indiana. We serve residential and commercial clients.

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3 Plumbing Sounds You Do Not Want to Ignore

We are constantly faced with strange and concerning noises in various aspects of our lives, from hungry belly growls and loudly idling cars to busy internet connections, phone dings, weather alerts, smoke alarms, and much more. Most of these sounds are something we are familiar with, so we aren’t as urgent to address them. However, there are some sounds you should never wait to address, like the ones made by your plumbing.

Your plumbing system, if neglected or defective, can lead to very serious water damage and structural destruction. It can also rack up your water and energy bills, hugely. For these reasons and more, the need for plumbing repair should be taken seriously on all levels because a small plumbing issue can very quickly evolve into something much worse.

Continue reading to learn the top three plumbing sounds you should never ignore, plus what to do if you are experiencing strange plumbing noises in your home or business.

Plumbing Inspection Service Indianapolis Indiana 317-784-1870
Plumbing Inspection Service Indianapolis Indiana 317-784-1870

What Does Your Plumbing Sound Like?

Your plumbing system in whole is widespread, including all sorts of appliances, water lines, fixtures, drains, devices, and more. All of these elements can make noises, most of which are fairly normal. It is important to decipher the difference between a concerning plumbing noise and a normal one. When in doubt, contact a licensed Indianapolis plumber for quick, over-the-phone assistance.

Troubleshoot Plumbing Noises

For help understanding how your plumbing systems should sound, keep your ears open for these noises that indicate a need for repair:

➀ Bubbling

Bubbling noises are certainly strange to hear when they are coming from your plumbing. Usually originating from the drains or toilets. If you hear bubble-like sounds when you flush or when water drains in the sink, bathtub, or shower, it could be due to air trapped inside some pipes, a sewer issue, or even a bad clog. Do not let this noise continue without having it checked out by a licensed Indy plumber, otherwise, it could lead to serious water leaks and water damage.

➁ Dripping

Dripping can be normal under some circumstances when it comes to plumbing, but when you hear drips coming from inside the walls or floors, it could be something more serious. Dripping sounds are indicative of water leaks, which are not an issue you want to ignore even for a day. When you hear bubbling noises, look for an increased water bill to confirm that it is in fact a water leak.

➂ Whining

Whining and squeaking can sometimes be heard coming from plumbing pipes, both indoors and outdoors. If you are hearing the same types of sounds coming from pipes, especially high-pitched ones, it may indicate that there is a broken or faulty pressure-reducing valve somewhere in your system. Do not ignore these kinds of noises. Broken or malfunctioning valves often lead to burst pipes, overflows, and much more. Contact a plumber in Indianapolis immediately if your plumbing sounds like this!

Do you want to have your plumbing system checked out because it is making some weird noises? Contact Weilhammer Plumbing Company at 317-784-1870 to schedule a home plumbing inspection in Indianapolis, Indiana. We provide residential and commercial plumbing service and repair.

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

What to Do if Your Pipes Froze Over and Burst Open

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

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

Frozen Pipe Repair Indianapolis Indiana 317-784-1870
Frozen Pipe Repair Indianapolis Indiana 317-784-1870

Frozen Pipe Prevention Advice

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

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

How to Manage a Frozen Pipe Burst

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

1) Shut Off the Main Water Supply

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

2) Clean Up Water Spillage

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

3) Warm Up the Pipes With Warming Tape

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

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

4) Call a Licensed Plumber

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

5) Contact Your Insurance Company

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

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

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How to Prevent Frozen Plumbing Pipes This Season
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Indianapolis Indiana Master Plumbers 317-784-1870
Indianapolis Indiana Master Plumbers 317-784-1870

Small Plumbing Problems That Might Be Big Repairs

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

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

Plumbing Repair Service Indianapolis IN 317-784-1870
Plumbing Repair Service Indianapolis IN 317-784-1870

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

Leaky Faucet

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

Toilet Running

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

Stinky Water

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

Drain Clogs

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

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

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