Category Archives: Water Leaks

Advised Maintenance for Vital Plumbing Systems in the Home

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All too often, homeowners only resort to calling a plumber once their plumbing issue turns into more of a plumbing emergency. But you should always contact a plumber as soon as you notice changes in any plumbing system, far before an emergency can develop. You see, regular plumbing maintenance and inspections can drastically reduce the chances of another plumbing disaster or repair. A small plumbing issue can become a larger and more costly repair if not caught in time. Basement flooding, water leaks, burst pipes, and more can cause thousands of dollars of damages that could have otherwise been avoided with some simple routine maintenance and repair. Fortunately, there are several things a person can do to prolong the life of their plumbing system and prevent plumbing emergencies.

Continue reading to learn how to care for your home’s plumbing, properly, and who you should call if you require plumbing repair services.

Indianapolis Plumbing Service and Repair 317-784-1870
Indianapolis Emergency Plumbing Service 317-784-1870

Basic Plumbing Maintenance and Care

Always remember that a little preventative maintenance goes a long way for a residential plumbing system. Preventing emergencies like clogged drains, toilet overflows, water heater failures, and more can feel very good to a homeowner’s budget. Preventing these issues also prevents larger disasters from occurring. This saves a household thousands of dollars each year! A properly cared-for plumbing system simply won’t require as much repair and replacement. Check out some DIY methods below to prolonging and caring for your home plumbing and start preparing your system for the long-haul!

Water Leak Inspections

Regularly inspect all areas of your home for potential water leaks. This means checking the faucet for excessive dripping, inspecting all water-using appliances for possible leaks, looking out for moisture accumulation on pipes or walls, and more. This should be done at least one time a year. Finding a water leak in its beginning stages can stop possible flooding situations, structural damages, and mold problems, saving a home owner a lot of money.

Septic Tanks and Sump Pumps

Septic tanks can cause severe home disasters. For anyone who has experienced a septic tank flood will tell you it’s a nightmare and costs thousands of dollars to cleanup and repair. Severe storms and system defects can cause septic tanks to malfunction or overflow, causing extreme home damages. It is strongly encouraged to install a battery-powered back-up sump pump for emergencies. Also, have your tank checked by a licensed master plumber at least once a year; or more if your city experiences higher precipitation levels and rainy seasons.

Water Heaters and Water Softeners

Water pressure can be an indication that something is not quite right with your plumbing. Check the shower heads and faucets for reduced water pressure. This can be a sign that you have sediment buildup in your plumbing system, or worse, a faulty water line. You may also have sediment buildup in your water heater, causing loss of performance and corrosion. It is important to have a licensed master plumber empty your water heater, and clean the sediment from your system a few times a year. This can reduce several costly problems and repairs.

Gas and Water Shut Off Valves

Every homeowner should know where their gas and water shut off valve is located, and how to operate it in the case of an emergency. If you ever need to turn your water off, be sure to also turn off your water heater so to not damage the heating elements within it. If you ever smell gas, act immediately. Turn your gas valve off and leave your home. Also, at the same time, do not flip off light switches or use anything that can create a spark. Just leave the premises and call for a master plumber to inspect your home. Gas leaks can be fatal, so it is vital to always take immediate action if you think you smell gas. 

Plumbing maintenance can prevent very expensive plumbing disasters, emergencies, and repairs, and even save lives. Don’t wait any longer to have your plumbing inspected by a licensed professional. You can save yourself thousands of dollars by catching a plumbing problem ahead of time, and having it fixed by a trained plumber.

The Indianapolis Emergency Plumber to Call for Fast and Affordable Service

Call Weilhammer Plumbing Co. Inc. at 317-784-1870 for trusted and affordable emergency plumbing services in Indianapolis, Indiana. We offer a wide range of standard and master plumber repair services for both residential and commercial properties, including home plumbing inspections, water heater repair, water softener repair, septic tank repair, and appliance sales. We also offer free estimates, free plumbing advice, and even free haul-away for old plumbing appliances. Request a free estimate, today.

4 Unconventional Ways to Detect a Plumbing Leak at Home

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Plumbing leaks are scary because they can go undetected for long periods of time, and eventually evolve into a devastating and costly renovation project. As a homeowner, it is important to learn how to detect plumbing leaks early, far before they can turn into a financial disaster. What’s worse is, some homeowners insurance policies do not cover certain water leak damages if they occurred as a result of homeowner negligence. For this reason and more, it is vital to take good care of your plumbing system, and have any small damages repaired as soon as they arise, including plumbing leaks.

There are several ways to detect plumbing leaks in your home, including looking for bubbling paint or wallpaper on the walls, stains on the ceiling, peeling wallpaper, dripping noises inside the walls or ceiling, and visible puddles on the floor or around the home’s foundation. But interestingly enough, many homeowners are unaware that there are other ways, unconventional ways, to detect leaks within plumbing system.

Continue reading to learn the top four, as well as, what to do if you find a water leak at home.

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

Your Lawn

In the summertime especially, lawns are subjected to inconsistent precipitation, causing them to experience patches of discoloration. So, if your lawn is typically patchy or dry, but all of a sudden you see lush green patches of grass in your yard, it could be indicative of an underground plumbing leak. Similarly, areas of your lawn that are experiencing heightened growth might also be a spot that is experiencing an underground water leak within the plumbing pipes. Even more indicative of an underground water leak is seeing standing water or puddles on your lawn, especially in areas that are not near any sort of plumbing fixture or water source.

Your Water Bill

Have you taken a closer look at your water bill lately? If your water bill seems to be increasing more and more every month, yet your daily water usages remain the same, it could be indicative of a plumbing leak. Plumbing leaks cause water waste, which in turn causes your water consumption to increase whether you are aware of it or not. Always be sure to record your monthly water bill totals, so that you can keep track of your monthly water consumption. Even if your water bill is only going up a fraction of amount, it could still be indicative of a water leak. It is best to have your plumbing system inspected by an Indianapolis plumber as soon as possible. As mentioned, you want to catch plumbing problems early on, far before they can turn into a plumbing disaster.

Your Water Meter

In addition to your water bill, you can take a look at your water meter to check for signs of a plumbing leak. See our blog, “How Your Water Meter Can Confirm Plumbing Leaks” to learn exactly how you can read your water meter, and how to apply the results to a water leak evaluation. Water meters are located outdoors, along the side of the house with the gas and electricity meters. Keep in mind, water meters can also malfunction, so if you see the signs of a water leak by reading your water meter, it is important to have it inspected by a licensed plumber for accurate results.

Your Toilet Bowl

Did you know you can add dye to your toilet bowl water to test for plumbing leaks? It’s true. Toilets are a prime spot for plumbing leaks to take place, so this toilet tank dye test is a great option for anyone who suspicious of having leaks within the plumbing system. Steer clear of clothing and fabric dies, and simply opt for your pantry’s food coloring. Add a few drops to all the toilet tanks in the house (not the bowl), but do not flush the toilet. After waiting several minutes, look in the toilet bowl. If you see the food coloring appearing inside the toilet bowl water, you can safely assume you have a toilet leak. In this case, you would need emergency plumbing services.

Indianapolis Plumbing Leak Repair and Water Leak Inspection Services

Call Weilhammer Plumbing at 317-784-1870 for prompt and professional Indianapolis plumbing repair for water leaks, slab leaks, and home plumbing inspection services at an affordable price. Master plumber, Mark Weilhammer, is happy to answer your questions about plumbing repair, replacement, installation, maintenance, and more. We offer free advice and estimates as well.

Is Your Plumbing Repair an Emergency or Can it Wait?

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During this unique and challenging time, you often find yourself asking whether or not something is essential. From work and grocery store trips, to shopping, healthcare, expenses, and more, there are many facets of life where this question can be beneficial. But when it comes to plumbing repairs, the same back-and-forth contemplation can overcome you. You are anxious to know if your plumbing issue an emergency, or if it can wait until regular business hours to be repaired?

Continue reading to learn which questions to ask yourself in order to determine how serous your plumbing repairs needs are at this time.

Emergency Plumbing Repair in Indianapolis
Emergency Plumbing Repair in Indianapolis 317-784-1870

Plumbing Repair Questions to Ask Yourself

To determine whether or not you have a plumbing emergency on your hands, ask yourself these important questions:

► Do You Need the Affected Plumbing System Right Away?

Perhaps you only have one toilet or shower in your home. In this case, you likely have a plumbing repair that requires immediate attention. Otherwise, you might be checking into a hotel for access to working plumbing system! In another example, you might have a water leak. In this case, you would not want to waste any time having it repaired since water leaks tend to worsen very quickly, and lead to some of the costliest structural damages.

In contrast, if you have multiple bathrooms and only one toilet breaks down, or you have a minor leak under the sink that can be controlled by shutting off your main water valve, you can wait until the plumbing office opens the next morning to have it repaired.

► Can You Shut Off Your Water?

Most water leaks can be controlled by simply shutting off the main water valve. Not sure where yours is? Generally, you will find it in the utility room, or near the water softener and water heater. Most often, this valve can be adjusted manually, but sometimes, older valves are more stubborn, and might require a set of pliers or a wrench. If you cannot control the plumbing issue by turning off your main water supply, or you simply cannot get it to turn, you have a plumbing emergency on your hands.

► Will Letting the Plumbing Repair Sit Cause More Damage?

In some cases, a minor plumbing repair can quickly worsen, and therefore, lead to a large amount of costly structural damage. So, if your current plumbing issue is one that will get worse if you let it sit overnight, such as a water or pipe leak, you have a legitimate emergency plumbing repair need. If waiting until morning to contact a local plumber has no negative effect on the issue, you are not dealing with a plumbing emergency.

For more advice on confirming a plumbing emergency, see our blog, “What is a Plumbing Emergency?” to review several more examples.

Emergency Plumbing Service You Can Trust

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

Will Heavy Snow Affect My Home Plumbing?

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This time of year, Indiana is known to get unanticipated snow fall. In fact, Hoosiers can be hit with a snowstorm all the way to May! So, waking up this morning to steady snow should be no surprise, whether you read the weather report for the week or not. When it comes to managing your property during times of snow, it is common to be concerned about the systems that are most affected by colder climate and precipitation. Your home’s plumbing is one such system, and a vital one to upkeep, nonetheless.

If you are wondering what you can do to keep your home’s plumbing protecting during times of heavy snow, it helps to understand how snow can affect it in the first place. Continue reading to do just that!

Indianapolis Plumbing Services
Indianapolis Plumbing Services 317-784-1870

Gutters and Drains

Your gutters, downspouts, and drains are all subject to damage during heavy snow. They can break from too much weight, crack from freeze-thaw cycles, or clog from organic debris and ice. It is important to keep up with snow fall as it’s happening by clearing these areas of dirt, trash, solid matter, and ice. This will reduce clogs, as well as, prevent water damage to roofing, siding, and the foundation.

Foundation

Once the snow begins to melt, your home’s foundation can be affected by the increase in standing water. The excessive amounts of water will seep into the soil around the home’s foundation. If your foundation is not in the best condition, water can seep inside, into the basement or lower floors of the home. You must have your home’s foundation repaired or enhanced to prevent slab leaks.

Sump Pump

Large snow buildup around your home may also affect the operation of your sump pump. Be sure to inspect the sump pump check valve after a heavy snowfall to ensure that it is properly fitted. If you notice that the pump is running too frequently, it could be an indication of a bad check valve. It is important to have a bad check valve replaced because it prevents pumped water from returning back into the line.

Plumbing Pipes

When a home gets too cold during snowfall, plumbing pipes can freeze, which can result in damaging freeze-thaw cycles, and eventually, busted pipes. Not only is this an invasive plumbing repair, it is a tedious and costly one as well. You can prevent this from happening by keeping your house warm enough during the winter.

Indianapolis Plumbing Services You Can Trust

Call Weilhammer Plumbing at 317-784-1870 for prompt and professional Indianapolis plumbing repair service at an affordable price. Master plumber, Mark Weilhammer, is happy to answer your questions about plumbing repair, replacement, installation, maintenance, and more. We offer free advice and estimates as well.

The Dangers of In-Home Flooding

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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.

Indianapolis Emergency Plumbing Company 317-784-1870
Indianapolis Emergency Plumbing Company 317-784-1870

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.

The Two-Step Method to Fixing a Clogged Toilet

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No one expects a toilet to clog. They always backup when you least expect them to. For larger families, especially with young kids, you never know what’s being put into your commodes, making it like plumbing-roulette every time someone in your family flushes the toilet. However, you can place your clogged toilet anxieties aside with this easy and fool-proof method.

Indianapolis Bathroom Plumbing Service
Indianapolis Bathroom Plumbing Service 317-784-1870

How to Quickly Unclog a Toilet

Keep in mind that for larger toilet backups, you will need to implement some further strategies, including turning off the mail water shutoff and using a toilet auger to release major obstructions. For all other minor to moderate toilet clog ordeals, you can rely in the fool-proof, failsafe unclogging strategy outlined below.

What You Will Need

For this easy, two-step toilet unclogging method, all you need is a plunger and some patience. In addition to these items, you may want to add on some disinfectant cleaner, bleach, odor removal products, and other supplies that might alleviate the aftermath of a clogged or overflowing toilet.

⚠ WARNING: DO NOT FLUSH A SECOND TIME!

As a toilet begins to overflow after a flush, do nothing except perhaps grab some towels! The worst thing you can do is try to flush the toilet again before you implement your strategy. Flushing a second time will only send more water to the bowl and further increase the volume of the overflow. Basically, you will have contaminated toilet water all over the floor.

What To Do Instead

Instead of flushing again, wait for the toilet to stop flushing. Then continue to wait another 10 minutes, or until the water level in the bowl has dropped. If the water level does not drop, you might have a more serious toilet clog than you can deal with on your own. In this case, go ahead and try the two-step method, but if it does not work, or makes too much of a mess, contact an emergency plumber for professional repair.

✨ THE TWO-STEP TOILET UNCLOGGING METHOD:

ONE: Use your plunger to release the clog. Place it over the top of the opening inside your toilet bowl, and them push and pump the plunger 2 to 3 times. Once you are done

TWO: Flush the toilet to see if the clog has been released. If the toilet completes a flush successfully, you have fixed the issue! If it does not, repeat the two-step method. If it still does not work, contact a licensed Indianapolis plumber for help.

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.

Can Your Plumbing Repair Wait or is it an Emergency?

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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.

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

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.

Advice for Shutting Off Your Water When Away From Home

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When you preparing to leave your house for an extended period of time, there is a list of certain duties you tend to in order to protect your home from certain disaster while away. From turning off all the lights but one, to locking all doors, putting a stop on your mail, charging your exterior security devices, and more. But of all the important tasks that must be done before you depart, it can be argued that the most crucial point of interest is the main water.

Continue reading to learn what you need to know about shutting off your main water prior to taking a trip.

Indianapolis Master Plumbers for Water Heaters
Indianapolis Master Plumbers for Water Heaters 317-784-1870

Flood and Water Damages

Most homeowners, and even tenants, know to turn off the main water when leaving for a long period of time. Too often, people have come back from a vacation or business trip to find their living room under water. This is not something anyone wants to deal with, as the costs and time involved in restoring flood and plumbing damage can be quite extensive. Fortunately, water damage and flooding accidents can be virtually 100% avoidable so long as you turn off your main water valve before taking off.

Main Water Shut Off

You must plan around your personal water needs on the day of your departure. You don’t want to turn off your water, and then realize you still want to brush your teeth or wash your hands one more time. Be sure to take care of all your tap water-related needs before turning it all off.

It is recommended to turn off your water a few minutes before leaving the house. This way, you can give the system some time to adjust, and you can check to see that it’s fully off. In order to turn off your main water supply, you must know where the valve is located. Generally, you will find it in the utility room, or near the water softener and water heater.

Most often, this valve can be adjusted manually, but sometimes, older valves are more stubborn, and might require a set of pliers or a wrench. If you have never adjusted the main water valve before, it is strongly encouraged to ask someone for help a few days before you are set to depart. This “dry run” will give you the confidence to locate and adjust your main water valve as needed.

When You Come Home

Once you arrive home from your trip, you will likely want to wash up as soon as possible. For this reason, the first thing you should do after setting down your bags and switching on the lights is to turn your water back on. While you bring the rest of your house back to life, the water system can adjust and your water heater can warm up.

Keep in mind, it can take up to 48 hours (yes, 2 days) for your water heater to warm your water back up to the temperature you are used to. If your water does not warm up sufficiently after a few days, check the temperature setting to see if it was turned down. If it is still set where you want it, contact a local Indianapolis water heater plumber for an emergency inspection and service.

Indianapolis Water Heater Repair Plumbers

Call Weilhammer Plumbing Co. Inc. at 317-784-1870 for professional plumbing 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.

What is the Color of Your Mold Telling You?

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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
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.

How to Use Plumber’s Putty for Everyday Plumbing Fixes

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Plumber’s putty is one of those products that can instantly broaden your world of DIY household repairs. It is basically a pliable sealing compound that is designed to provide air-tight seals against water leaks in plumbing pipes and fixtures around the house. If you have some issues with things like dripping faucets, leaky drains, and cracked hose lines, Plumber’s putty might be right for you.

Continue reading to learn the best ways to apply this popular and effective plumber’s product to your everyday plumbing fixes.

Indianapolis Plumbing Installation and Repair 317-784-1870
Indianapolis Plumbing Installation and Repair 317-784-1870

Plumbing Putty Basics

Plumber’s putty is a bit outdated for most plumbing repair applications, and nowadays, is often replaced with caulk. However, there are still many areas of plumbing repair and maintenance that are better suited for putty. In fact, it is still a staple in every plumber’s tool bag. The main difference between Plumber’s putty and caulk is that Plumber’s putty is not adhesive. Silicone and similar plumbing caulks are designed with adhesive properties, while putty is not.

Benefits

So why do plumbing pros still use it? Plumbers still choose to use plumbing putty because it stays soft, which means it does not dry out and crack prematurely. Also, Plumber’s putty can be easily removed and replaced down the line, while caulk and silicone would require extensive scraping and caulk removal. Furthermore, not only is silicone difficult to work with, it does not retain the same amount of density as plumber’s potty, making it a poor choice for wide gaps and holes. Lastly, caulk products take a long time to dry, whereas Plumber’s putty is instantly ready to go, making it the best choice for certain plumbing applications.

Using Plumber’s Putty

There are many applications for plumber’s putty. It can be used on drains, faucets, sink and bathtub fixtures, garden hoses, and more. Plumber’s putty is often a go-to choice for sealing the undersides of sink strainers and pop-up drain fittings. The general rule of thumb is to apply it along the base of plumbing fixtures before setting them into place so that it remains hidden underneath a flange, lip, or edge. Simply follow manufacturer’s instructions to learn how to use it for your intended repair or installation, or refer to the quick guide below!

STEP 1 – Scoop out a small, ball-sized quantity of Plumber’s putty with your fingers.

STEP 2 – Using your palms, roll the putty back and forth until you create a rope or snake-like shape. The diameter of your putty snake should be slightly bigger than the hole you need to fill.

STEP 3 – Place the putty in your intended seal, working in a continuous circle until you meet back at your starting point. Then tear off any excess ends.

*Putty rope too short? Better to start all over from the beginning.

STEP 4 – Very gently press down the putty, but only enough to keep it in place when you flip the component upside down. Be very careful not to deform the shape.

STEP 5 – Install your desired part or fixture and tighten it down all the way. If excess putty squishes out, that is a good sign that you used enough. Wipe away any excess putty.

If You Need the Help of a Licensed Plumber, Don’t Hesitate to Call…

Weilhammer Plumbing Co. Inc.

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.