The Dangers of In-Home Flooding

Posted on January 9, 2020 by weilhammerplumbing

When a house floods indoors, the immediate and obvious threat is structural damage. But what many homeowners do not realize is that floodwater poses a much longer list of hazards; ones that threaten both your health and safety. Continue reading to learn why indoor floodwaters are dangerous and how to safely manage an indoor flood if it happens to you.

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Indoor Floodwater Hazards

An indoor flood is a messy and dangerous situation. Not only is your house going to suffer a serious amount of damage, floodwaters will pose several other hazards, all of which can affect both people and pets. The top four most threatening risks of floodwater include injury, electrocution, drowning, and contamination.

Injury – Floodwaters can pose several accidents, namely slips and falls, but also, several others. As a result, orthopedic injuries, muscle strains and tears, and even concussions can take place. For this reason, it is important to avoid flooded areas of your home until they are under the control of professionals.

Electrocution – If your home is not completely disconnected from the town’s power grid, including generators, making even the slightest form of contact with floodwater that covers electrical outlets can cause serious electrocutions. Never under any circumstances enter a flooded basement until a licensed professional has confirmed your home is not connected to any electrical power suppliers.

Drowning – Drowning is an extreme and devastating threat posed by floodwaters. In most moderate cases, such as residential indoor flooding, pets are mostly at risk of drowning. However, infants, children, and elderly individuals are also highly susceptible to drowning accidents when an indoor flood occurs.

Contamination – Contamination is a commonly overlooked threat of indoor flooding. Mold, bacteria, and other organisms that develop as a result of standing water can pose serious health implications for both people and pets. Most often, mold outbreaks cause or worsen upper respiratory conditions, especially in those with weakened or suppressed immune systems.

The Meaning of Floodwater Colors

The color of floodwater can tell you the extent of threat they pose. Clean floodwater is deemed safe and not an immediate threat to your health. Common examples of clean floodwater include appliances, toilet tanks, melted snow, and rain. These are the types of floodwaters that are generally safe to clean up yourself; however, clean floodwater can turn into grey waters in as little as 2 days.

Grey floodwaters, also known as sullage, are considered wastewater, and therefore, a much higher threat than clean floodwater. Although grey floodwaters do not contain fecal waste, they do contain a long list of other hazardous, illness-causing contaminants. Furthermore, they can quickly develop into the most dangerous and destructive floodwaters in just 48 hours.

Known as blackwater, this type of floodwater generally happens on a larger scale, such as the result of a hurricane. However, they often develop in residential homes if unaddressed for a period of time. Black floodwaters contain bacteria and pathogens that will cause illness. They also will destroy anything they come into contact with, including carpets, flooring, drywall, upholstery, and furniture.

What to Do if Your House Floods

The first thing you should do if you discover a burst pipe or flooding incident in your home is TURN OFF THE MAIN WATER SHUTOFF VALVE. This will disconnect your water supply and stop the floodwaters from increasing.

Once you have cut off your water supply, your next step should be to do your best to mitigate the water. Use towels, wet vacs, bowls, buckets, and anything else you have on hand to get as much water out of your house as possible. IMPORTANT: Do not do this step if there is risk of electrocution. Only try to clean up flooding if you discover it right away. Higher floodwaters can pose risk of electrocution.

Your last step is to contact a licensed Indianapolis plumber for emergency plumbing service. They will drain your floodwater, and then repair the plumbing issue that caused the flood to happen.

Emergency Plumbing Service You Can Trust

Call Weilhammer Plumbing Co. Inc. at 317-784-1870 when you need emergency plumbing services in Indianapolis 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.

Common Christmas Plumbing Mishaps to Avoid This Year

Posted on December 19, 2019 by weilhammerplumbing

Are you hosting a Christmas party, dinner, or family get-together soon? If so, be sure you take the necessary precautions to prevent certain plumbing disasters that are quite common during the holiday season. Continue reading to learn some of the most frequent plumbing mishaps that happen around this time of year, and what you can do to abate such messes.

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Clogged Toilets

Clogged toilets are among the most common plumbing repair during the holidays. For starters, we are consuming more food during the yuletide celebration, and it’s not necessarily the healthiest, giving way to more bathroom breaks. We are also drinking a bit more, as the champagne and cozy cocktails tend to flow more easily this time of year. This also requires us to take more bathroom breaks.

Combining these factors with overnight guests, feeding a crowd, and playing children who like to flush things (like tree ornaments), clogged toilets are a frequent plumbing mishap around Christmas. It can be a bit tricky trying to prevent clogged toilets. The best approach is to simply mention to your guests to be mindful of what they flush. You can even slyly imply that your toilets are a bit fussy.

Garbage Disposals

Like children who like to flush tree ornaments down the toilet, you might also have a guest or two drop things down the drain without your knowledge. So later, when you try to use the garbage disposal, you get that wonderful crackling, screeching noise you loathe so much. This can do quite a bit of damage to the disposal itself, as well as the connecting plumbing lines beneath the sink.

Things like fruit wedges, eggshells, toothpicks, shot glasses, corks, and even napkins are common finds inside sink drains this time of year. Avoid this problem by designating a large garbage bin far away from the sink to encourage guests to toss their extra garnishes there. You can also add drain strainer covers to all your sink drains to stop large objects from falling inside.

Water Heaters

It is quite possible for your increased occupancy over the holidays to have an affect on your hot water supply. If you are having overnight guests stay with you this Christmas, your water heater may not be able to accommodate the added demand for hot water. In this case, you could be facing a week of luke-warm or cold showers.

To combat this issue, set up a shower schedule for everyone, with enough time in between for your water heater to regenerate. You can also turn down the temperature setting on your water heater to control the maximum amount of heat your guests can utilize per shower.

Where to Get Emergency Plumbing Repair in Indianapolis

Call Weilhammer Plumbing Co. Inc. at 317-784-1870 for professional plumbing services and water heater repair in Indianapolis, Indiana. Owner and Master plumber, Mark Weilhammer, is happy to give you free advice, anytime. Our highly trained and licensed plumbers provide a wide range of residential and commercial plumbing services. And as a family owned and operated company since 1901, you can trust us to deliver outstanding workmanship and customer support. Request a free estimate, today.

Can Your Plumbing Repair Wait or is it an Emergency?

Posted on December 11, 2019 by weilhammerplumbing

Is your plumbing repair an emergency situation? Or can it wait? Continue reading to find out what constitutes a plumbing emergency and what doesn’t, including certain plumbing repairs that can be done on your own.

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Dealing With Plumbing Problems

When something in your plumbing system breaks down, you often wonder whether or not it’s considered an emergency. Sometimes you don’t have enough money to put towards a repair until your next paycheck, or you simply don’t have the time to add in a plumbing appointment to your busy schedule. The best way to determine if a plumbing repair is an emergency is to contact a professional Indianapolis master plumber for free, over-the-phone advice you can trust.

Plumbing Repair Emergencies

A plumbing repair emergency is a break down in your plumbing system that will pose serious injury or health complications, such as gas leaks, or one that will pose serious destruction to your property, such as flooding or fires. Below is a list of standard plumbing emergencies. If your home or building experiences any of the emergencies listed below, or ones similar, you must contact a licensed plumber immediately, even if in the middle of the night.

Plumbing Emergencies:

⚠ Major Water Leaks that Can’t Be Stopped By Main Water Shutoff
⚠ Gas Leaks
⚠ Lingering Gas Smell
⚠ Flooding (i.e. carpets, floors, basement, lawn, etc.)
⚠ Condensation on Walls (“sweaty” or wet walls)
⚠ Large Amounts of Standing Water in Lawn
⚠ Burst Pipes
⚠ Frozen Pipes
⚠ Sump Pump Problems and Defects

Minor Plumbing Repairs

A minor plumbing repair is not an emergency situation. Instead, it is a break down in your plumbing system that needs to be fixed, but in the meantime, should not pose serious injury or health complications, nor destruction to your property. However, a minor plumbing repair can evolve into a plumbing emergency if it is neglected over a period of time. Below is a list of non-plumbing emergency examples. If your home or building experiences any of the breakdowns listed below, or ones similar, you must contact a licensed plumber if you cannot repair it yourself. See our blog, “3 Household Plumbing Repairs You Should Know How to Do” for some help.

NON-Plumbing Emergencies:

✅ Moderate Leaks that Can Be Stopped with Main Water Shutoff Valve (i.e. water heater, water softener, cabinet pipes, etc.)
✅ Clogged Toilet or Drain
✅ Running Toilet
✅ No Hot Water
✅ Small Water Leaks (i.e. faucet, shower head, sink, etc.)
✅ Broken Plumbing Fixture

Contact a Trusted Indianapolis Master Plumber

Contact Weilhammer Plumbing Company at 317-784-1870 for home plumbing repairs and plumbing emergencies in Indianapolis, Indiana and its surrounding counties. Our state-licensed Indianapolis master plumbers have been in the plumbing business for over 100 years because we have earned the trust of thousands of Hoosiers all across the city as a result of our professional service and outstanding results. Request a free estimate or advice, today.

How to Check if Your Plumbing is Ready for Winter

Posted on December 4, 2019 by weilhammerplumbing

There are several ways the winter ice, snow, and climate can negatively affect your home’s plumbing systems. If you do not take certain measures to protect your plumbing from winter mayhem, you might be faced with some hefty repair and renovations costs come spring. After all, it is difficult to assess plumbing damages while the ground is covered in snow and ice. In most cases, homeowners are not aware of any issues until the snow melts and the damages are revealed.

Don’t let this happen to you this year or next! Instead, learn how to properly check and prepare your property’s plumbing to ensure it is ready for winter.

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Interior Water Shut Off Valve

Every year, as soon as temperatures drop below 40 degrees Fahrenheit, it is wise to turn your inside water shut off valve to vertical to stop the outside drains from letting water flow through your pipes all winter. If you do not do this, water will continue to flow throughout the season, and thus pose the risk of frozen or burst plumbing pipes. It is important to flush out any leftover water in your irrigation lines and plumbing pipes once you are done using them for the season; otherwise, they can freeze up and lead to massive plumbing repairs and problems, overtime.

Outdoor Faucets and Hoses

After you have secured your interior water valve in a safe position for the season, implement an inspection of your outdoor faucets and spigots. Outdoor spigots, like irrigation lines, are more prone to collecting excess water. As a result, this excess water can freeze, and cause a water pressure to build up and damage pipes. See our blog, “Top 3 Ways to Prevent Frozen Outdoor Faucets” to learn how to get started. Accordingly, it is wise to organize and hang up all of your outdoor garden hoses. Water can also freeze within hoses, which can lead to rupturing come spring.

Gutters and Downspouts

Another consideration that is commonly overlooked as an area-of-focus for winter home maintenance preparation are gutter systems. Gutters can fill up with garbage and debris, which in turn collect and retain more water, and eventually freeze and thaw. All of this is bad for your house as it can cause cracking, warping, and water leaks. It is important to clean out your gutters and your downspouts before the winter season takes full effect. Otherwise, you may face several costly and invasive plumbing repairs once springtime is here.

Indianapolis Plumbing Inspections and Repairs

Call Weilhammer Plumbing Co. Inc. at 317-784-1870 for professional plumbing service and repair in Indianapolis, Indiana. Owner and Master plumber, Mark Weilhammer, is happy to give you free plumbing advice. Our highly trained and licensed plumbers provide a wide range of residential and commercial plumbing services; and as a family owned and operated company since 1901, you can trust us to deliver outstanding workmanship and customer support. Request a free estimate, today.

Top 3 Plumbing Tips for Sewer Maintenance

Posted on November 27, 2019 by weilhammerplumbing

Last week, we discussed the top three ways you can prevent your outdoor faucets and spigots from freezing over this winter. This week, we want to focus our attention on sewer line maintenance. Many homeowners are unaware that their certain precautions they can take to ensure their sewer systems remain functional and efficient all year long. Proper sewer line maintenance should be a top priority for all homeowners considering no one wants to get stuck dealing with the sewer overflow or backup.

Continue reading to learn the top three recommended plumbing tips for residential and commercial sewer maintenance.

Indianapolis Plumbing Service and Repair 317-784-1870

Risks of Sewer Overflows and Backups

In the case of a sewer overflow or backup, not only is the situation incredibly tedious and costly to resolve, it can pose several health and safety risks to people and pets. For this reason, it is important to make sure your sewer line system is always operating optimally and efficiently. Below are the top three tips you can use to enhance your sewer line maintenance plan. It is also recommended to talk to a professional Indianapolis plumber for answers to your sewer line repair and service questions.

Have Your Drains Cleaned Routinely

It is important to have your drains professionally cleaned on a routine basis. Not only can this help prevent issues of sewer lines, it can prevent several other plumbing breakdowns and implications. This saves you both time and money in repairs and inconvenience. In between professional cleanings, you can also clean your drains on your own. See our blog, “Unclog Any Drain With These 4 Simple Steps” to learn more. It is recommended to have your drains professionally cleaned at least once a year; but for homes with four or more occupants, it is better to have your drains cleaned twice a year.

Choose Your Landscaping Wisely

Many homeowners are unaware that several different types of tree and shrub species can be invasive enough to damage your underground utilities and plumbing, including your sewer lines. Trees such as Willows have heavy and aggressive root systems that can sometimes enter underground plumbing pipes and sewer lines. Even tree species that are not known to have invasive root systems can do damage. So before remodeling your landscaping, consider how it might affect your property’s underground plumbing systems.

Pay Attention to Sewer Line Clean-Outs

You know those plastic white tubes with caps sticking out of the ground on your property? These are your clean-outs, and they provide direct access to your sewer lines. Without proper routine maintenance and cleaning, they’ll eventually begin to produce a stinky gas smell, which is something incredibly off-putting for anyone who cares about their quality of comfort around their home. Every few months, give your clean-outs a check, and be sure they are filled with water. If one of the caps is a little loose, be sure to get it tightly secured again.

Indianapolis Sewer Line Plumbing Services

Contact Weilhammer Plumbing Company at 317-784-1870 for home plumbing services in Indianapolis, Indiana and its surrounding counties. Our state-licensed Indianapolis master plumbers have been in the plumbing business for over 100 years because we have earned the trust of thousands of Hoosiers all across the city as a result of our professional service and outstanding results. Request a free estimate or advice, today.

Why You Need to Stop Using OTC Drainage Cleaner

Posted on October 16, 2019 by weilhammerplumbing

When you have a clogged drain at home, do you instantly reach for a bottle of liquid drain cleaner? If so, it is time to put that habit to rest. Using over-the-counter drainage detergents is a risky and consequential approach to DIY drain clearing. Not only can it decrease the life of your plumbing pipes, it can affect your monthly water and energy expenses as well.

Continue reading to learn why OTC drain cleansers are terrible for your home’s plumbing pipes, as well as a safer alternative to do-it-yourself drain cleaning.

A Warning About Liquid Drain Cleaners

Consumers use liquid drain cleaners because they work fast; but the reality is that they only solve the issue temporarily. Long-term use of liquid drain cleaner can lead to more serious problems with your home’s plumbing, which in turn costs you a lot of money in repairs.

You see, popular OTC drain cleaners, like Drano®, are formulated with harsh ingredients, like salt, bleach, lye, aluminum, and sodium nitrate, all of which are highly damaging to galvanized piping and even copper plumbing. It can lead to toilet bowl cracks, melt PVC piping, and corrode the adhesive that connects metal plumbing pipes together.

What’s even more troubling is the fact that liquid drain detergents are incredibly caustic, and can cause severe injury to your skin, eyes, nose, throat, mouth, and lungs. This is especially hazardous to young children and pets. It is also possible to liquid drain cleaners to pollute and contaminate the local water supplies, and thus, cause harm to the surrounding environment.

Make Your Own Drain Cleaner

All you need to clear a clogged drain is a simple drain auger, also known as a drain snake, and a few safe, non-toxic household ingredients, like baking soda and distilled white vinegar. Simply poor a ½ cup of baking soda down the drain, followed by 1 cup of distilled white vinegar. Allow the drain to fizz for a few minutes, then run hot water through the drain until it is unclogged. Toss in a few push and pulls of a drain auger (or plunger), and you have yourself a fail-safe approach to drain cleaning, without all the risk!

Got a Clogged Drain That You Can’t Seem to Fix?

Contact Weilhammer Plumbing Company at 317-784-1870 when you need trusted residential plumbing services in Indianapolis, Indiana and its surrounding counties. Our state-licensed master plumbers have been in the plumbing business for over 100 years because we have earned the trust of thousands of Hoosiers all across the city as a result of our professional service and outstanding results. Request a free estimate or advice, today.

Quick Guide to Unclogging Your Bathtub

Posted on October 9, 2019 by weilhammerplumbing

When your ankles are underwater, you can’t feel really good about your shower experience. Accordingly, wiping away a residual dark ring around the perimeter of the tub is not something anyone wants to add to their daily bathing routine. Fortunately, with a quick unclogging, your bathtub will be a place of tranquility once again. Worried about the process? Don’t be; unclogging a bathtub drain is really simple so long as you have the right supplies and knowledge. You can even appoint your preteens and teens to do the job for you!

Continue below to learn what you need and how to get started, as well as, what to do if your bathtub drain is too clogged to fix yourself.

Indianapolis Bathroom Plumbing Service 317-784-1870

What You Will Need:

✑ 4-in-1 Screw Driver
✑ Drain Auger (or wire coat hanger)
✑ Rubber Gloves
✑ Trash Bag
✑ Baking Soda
✑ Distilled White Vinegar
✑ Boiling Water

Instructions:

❶ Start by removing your bathtub stopper. If it is a plug, then you can move onto the next step. To remove a drop stopper (the kind you twist and push-in), use a Philips head screwdriver. You’ll find the screw underneath the stopper head, on the shaft. For push and lock stoppers (push in to close and push in to open), you will just need to unscrew the stopper using your fingers. Then remove the shaft using your screw driver. Be sure to set your stoppers off to the side somewhere safe.

❷ Put on your rubber gloves and peek into the drain. You will most likely see a clump of hair or some slimy residue. This is normal. Grab your drain auger and trash bag. And get ready to dive in.

❸ Insert the drain auger into the bathtub drain as far down as it will go. Then pull it up and out all the way. This may take a few tries. But don’t give up. It will fit down there. You can help release some of the clog by pouring a small amount of liquid dish soap into the drain. It can help to loosen the debris and allow the auger to reach farther.

❹ Place the removed debris into your trash bag, and continue to repeat step 3 until you can no longer bring anything back up.

❺ Pour a homemade drain cleaner down the drain and follow its instructions. To use your own, pour 1 cup baking soda into the drain, followed by 2 cups of boiling water. Then pour another cup of baking soda into the drain followed by 1 cup of white vinegar. Cover the drain, allow it to sit for several minutes, and then rinse with 2 more cups of boiling water.

❻ Replace your bathtub stopper. And now you are done!

✨ If the clog persists or turns out to be too severe, contact a licensed plumber right away. They have the tools and training to deliver safe and effective solutions at a fair price.

The Indianapolis Plumbing Service to Trust

Call Weilhammer Plumbing Co. Inc. at 317-784-1870 when you need a licensed bathroom plumbing services in Indianapolis 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.

Is it Time to Replace Your Plumbing Pipes?

Posted on September 11, 2019 by weilhammerplumbing

As a homeowner, you are responsible for all of the systems in your home. Among the most important is your plumbing. Residential plumbing systems are made up of various components that all play an important role, both individually and collectively. For this reason, and many more, it is important to maintain your plumbing system to the best of your ability.

With routine maintenance and inspection, you will be able to ensure that all of your systems are in good condition. You will also be able to tell when it is time to have certain components replaced. It is easier to identify a need for replacement in many of your home’s plumbing systems, such as the water heater, washing machine, dishwasher, sump pump, and similar appliances.

However, components like plumbing pipes are a bit more challenging to supervise on a regular basis. After all, you can’t reasonably commit to crawling around your crawlspace, basements, and subareas of your property. For this, you will need the help of a licensed plumber who can diagnose plumbing pipe issues, and recommended necessary repairs and replacements to resolve any issues.

Although you will need to have a licensed master plumber inspect and service your piping, you can get a head start by learning more about plumbing pipe replacement. Continue below to learn the average life expectancy of plumbing pipes, and when you should have your plumbing system inspected for repair and replacement needs.

Indianapolis Master Plumbers 317-784-1870

Average Life of Plumbing Piping

In order to know when you should have your home’s plumbing replaced, you must first confirm which type of material the pipes are made of. Different types of metals and materials vary in life expectancy, so avoid premature or needless replacement by learning which type of plumbing pipes you have.

? Which Type of Plumbing Pipes Do You Have?

↣ Copper – 50 Years
↣ Brass – 40 to 70 Years
↣ Galvanized Steel – 20 to 50 Years
↣ Cast Iron – 75 to 100 Years
↣ PVC – For life

Contact a Trusted and Licensed Indianapolis Master Plumber

Contact Weilhammer Plumbing Company at 317-784-1870 for home plumbing inspections in Indianapolis, Indiana and its surrounding counties. Our state-licensed Indianapolis master plumbers have been in the plumbing business for over 100 years because we have earned the trust of thousands of Hoosiers all across the city as a result of our professional service and outstanding results. Request a free estimate or advice, today.

Tried and True Indianapolis Plumbing for Commercial and Residential Clients

Posted on September 5, 2019 by weilhammerplumbing

Weilhammer Plumbing Co. Inc. is not your everyday plumbing service. We have been in business, serving the Hoosier communities, for more than 100 years! That means we have been leading choice for state licensed master plumber services in Indianapolis, Indiana!

Continue reading to learn how Weilhammer Plumbing Company can meet all of your residential and commercial plumbing repair and service needs!

Weilhammer Plumbing Company 317-784-1870

Want to Know Why You Should Choose Us?

Weilhammer Plumbing Company has been family owned and operated for more than 112 years. Not only do we continue to be long-standing members of the Better Business Bureau, we are also an Angie’s List Approved plumbing company in Indiana. Furthermore, we maintain economy-based prices and remain available for 24 hour emergency plumbing repairs. And even if you have called other plumbers who have not been able to accurately identify the cause behind your plumbing issue, we guarantee that we CAN figure it out, and in no time at all!

In fact, one of our most admired attribute that sets us apart from competitors is that all work is performed by company owners, such as Mark Weilhammer, in order to guarantee superior results and exceptional customer service! This is something our clients really appreciate and thank us for on a regular basis.

Meet the Owner!

Owner and state licensed master plumber, Mark Weilhammer, has more than 50 years of experience. He and our team of licensed plumbers provide a wide selection of plumbing services for both residential and commercial properties in Central Indiana. As a family owned and operated company, we understand the value of the American dollar, which means you can rest assured knowing you are receiving the most honest and fair plumbing repair prices in town!

Comprehensive Plumbing Services

When it comes to plumbing, Mark Weilhammer and his team of licensed master plumbers can undertake any project, large or small. We are fully trained and equipped to handle the most complex plumbing repair or service, to the everyday leaky faucet or frozen pipe. We offer copper re-piing services, water heater installation and repair, water softener installation and repair, sump pump installation and repair, bathroom renovations, all plumbing repairs, water alarms, water leaks, 24 hour emergency services, and much more. Whatever plumbing service or repair you require, Weilhammer is the team to do it skillfully and in a time-frame that’s convenient for you and your agenda.

Contact Us Today for a Free Quote!

So when you need plumbing service and repair you can trust, count on Weilhammer Plumbing Company to put your mind at ease by providing affordable residential and commercial plumbing diagnostics and solutions that work for you. Contact us directly at 317-784-1870 to request a free estimate or discuss your plumbing concerns, anytime.

What is the Color of Your Mold Telling You?

Posted on August 9, 2019 by weilhammerplumbing

With dampness and darkness, you are bound to have some form of mold growth at some point in time. When it comes to your home’s plumbing system, mold is an ongoing threat that must be controlled with routine cleaning and similar maintenance. If you have mold around your home’s plumbing fixtures or pipes, it is wise to understand the cause of the mold growth, and then combat the root of the problem with adequate methods of abatement.

The first step to understanding where your mold is coming from is to determine which kind of mold species you are dealing with. Did you know that simply looking at the color of mold can tell you this?

Continue reading to learn what the color of your mold is telling you.

Indianapolis Plumbing Service 317-784-1870

Common Mold Colors and Potential Dangers

☣ Black or Gray – Mold that is black or gray might be Alternaria, which is one of the most common types of outdoor mold. It mostly grows near damp, dusty areas, as well as, soil and plants. It is often found in household dust, so be sure you keep up with your routine cleaning.

☣ Blue, Green, or White – Molds of these colors generally point to the Penicillium genus. Several years ago, this species of mold was used to make penicillin. At the present time, it is usually found growing on food or on walls. It can cause allergic reactions, allergies, and other respiratory problems.

☣ Green – Green mold is very vague since it can be any kind of unpleasant fungus. There are literally thousands of species of green mold, so green mold doesn’t tell you much, expect that it needs to be removed.

☣ Greenish-Black – Mold that appears greenish-black in color could be Stachbotrys genus, which is also known as “black mold.” Exposure to such mold has been linked to serious health conditions. It commonly grows on high-cellulose, low-nitrogen surfaces, such as drywall, gypsum board, paper, dust and lint that is constantly exposed to moisture.

☣ Olive Green, Gray, Brown, or Black – Molds that appear in these color formations likely belong to the Cladosporium genus. You can find this mold growing indoors and outdoors, on plant leaves, soil, walls, insulation, and damp carpeting. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), they are most commonly linked to minor health complications like skin, eye, and sinus infections; but they have also been known to brain infections like fungal meningitis.

☣ Pink – Pink mold is often seen in the bathroom or kitchen, but it is not actually mold at all. It is a bacteria called Serratia marcescens. Although not a mold, it still presents hygiene and health issues, like urinary tract and respiratory infections.

☣ Yellow, Green or Black – Mold that appears yellow, green, or black could possibly be Aspergillus mold. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), we breathe these molds in almost every day without getting sick. However, concentrated exposure can be hazardous, especially for those with existing lung problems or suppressed immune systems. In individuals like these, it can cause aspergillosis, which presents itself as coughing, wheezing, and sinus inflammation.

How to Clean Mold

It is strongly encouraged to wear a face mask or respirator, as well as rubber gloves, when cleaning mold. As a quick guide, start by generously spritzing the affected area with water to reduce the amount of airborne spores that have the potential of moving around when you disturb them.

Then dip a bristled brush or sponge into a soapy warm water solution, and scrub the mold off with. You can use standard dish detergent for your soapy solution. You cannot visibly see all mold, so be sure to scrub the entire area, as well as, all surrounding areas to make sure it is all gone.

When you are finished, repeat this process using bleach in place of soapy solution. If you do not have bleach or do not want to use it, distilled white vinegar works too. You can also choose to purchase a mold cleaning solution at your local department store.

Black Mold Clean Up

When it comes to black mold, you can possibly remediate on your own, however, large-scale black mold remediation require professional service. You should hire a mold remediation contractor to determine the size and scope of your mold outbreak. Aside from black mold, most mold problems can be resolved on your own with the right products and supplies, a little elbow grease, and patience.

How to Manage Mold Growth

When it comes to your plumbing, the best way to prevent or control mold growth is through routine cleaning and maintenance. Be sure to have your plumbing systems inspected and serviced professionally at least once per year. This includes all water-using appliances, such as water heaters, water softeners, washing machines, dishwashers, sump pumps, septic systems, toilets, baths, and more.

The Indianapolis Plumbing Service to Trust

Call Weilhammer Plumbing Co. Inc. at 317-784-1870 when you need a licensed plumbing service in Indianapolis 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.