The 2 Basic Types of Water Shut-Off Valves

Posted on December 13, 2016 by weilhammerplumbing

Indianapolis Plumbing Repair 317-784-1870

When it comes time to buy a new water shutoff valve for your home or office, it is important to start by learning the two different types. By learning the two different types of water shutoff valves, you are more likely to choose the one best-suited for your property. When you begin to shop around for water shutoff valve stops, you will notice that you have the option of choosing between a multi-turn valve and a quarter-turn valve.

Keep in mind that there are several more options within these two categories since all water shutoff also come in two versions, either angled or straight; and they also come in several other designs for different plumbing applications, including compression fittings, barbed fittings, threaded fittings, push fittings, sweat fittings, and more. Continue reading to learn more about these two water shutoff else, so that you may make the proper selection.

Multi-Turn Water Shut Off Valve Stops

Multi-turn water shut off valves stops are the cheaper option in comparison to quarter-turn stops. They are manufactured and designed with a plastic stem and compression washers. These valves will require you to turn this damn several times in order to stop the water flow completely. As they get older, it is common for these valves to leak since they are left in the “ON” position for a long period of time. This means that they will require periodic maintenance and inspection.

Quarter-Turn Water Shut Off Valve Stops

Quarter -turn water shut off valves stops are a little more expensive than multi-turn valves, however, they are more dependable because they are manufactured really well. These stops use a positive action ball valve to control the flow of water to the property, and only require a quarter turn to open and close them. They are most admired for being hassle-free and consistent.

The price points for both valves depend on the retailer. You can find both valves, and several versions of each, at any local home improvement or hardware store. You may also find products available through online vendors.

Indianapolis Plumbing Service

Weilhammer Plumbing Company Indianapolis Indiana

Weilhammer Plumbing Company 317-784-1870

Call Weilhammer Plumbing Company at 317-784-1870 when you need a reliable Indianapolis plumber that will show up on time and ready to work. Owner, Mark Weilhammer, and his team of licensed and insured plumbers, retained decades of experience in the plumbing industry. We offer a wide range of plumbing service and repair for both commercial and residential properties.

Call 317-748-1870 to request free estimate for plumbing service in Indianapolis, Indiana.

How to Handle a Flooded Bathroom

Posted on November 14, 2016 by weilhammerplumbing

A flooded bathroom is a disaster, but that doesn’t mean you can’t handle it. Whether you botched a DIY plumbing project or it comes as a surprise, all bathroom floods can be managed with the right knowledge and resources. Continue reading to learn how.

Bathroom Plumbing Repair 317-784-1870

Bathroom Floods

Bathroom floods can happen for a whole list of reasons, but most often, it comes down to a burst pipe or clog. Sometimes the aftermath is simply a puddle that can be soaked up, but other times, the flood is much more than that. When you are faced with a major bathroom flood, it is important to follow some highly-recommended steps in order to get yourself out of trouble as quickly and safely as possible, while also working toward leaving behind as much water damage as possible. Here’s how:

Turn Off the Water Supply (and Perhaps Electricity Too)

As soon as you discover a flooded room (in this case, a bathroom), the first thing you need to do is turn OFF your main water supply to the home. This will put a temporary stop to all incoming water flow so you can control the flooding. This is why it is important to know exactly where all your water shut-off valves are located in your home, both inside and out. If the water is high, and is in close proximity to electrical outlets, it is important to turn your power off as well. Once the water supply is stopped and the repair is complete, you can turn your water and power back on. In fact, you can turn the power back on as soon as the water is drained.

Damage Control

After you have shut off your water, it is time to assess the damage and clean up. Use mops, towels, and cloths to absorb and remove as much water as possible. You may need to use a wet-dry vacuum for excessive amounts of water. Open up all cabinets and drawers to air them out and prevent mold growth, and rescue any salvageable belongings (i.e. furniture, clothing, décor, etc.). Place fans all over the room facing the flooded area to encourage faster drying. Allow the fans to operate for several days to ensure complete dryness. If there is too much water to clean up yourself, you will need emergency plumbing repair service. Contact an Indianapolis plumber for fast help with a bathroom flood. They have the equipment and resources to get the job done efficiently and effectively.

Organize

After you have cleaned up all the water, it is a good idea to take video or pictures for insurance purposes. In fact, it may be a good idea to take pictures before as well. Pull back a corner of carpeting to see if there is water damage to the floorboards, and if so, take pictures of this too. Also check to see if water is dripping from the ceilings underneath the flooded area. Take inventory of all the damages and damaged goods to use as a reference for your claim.

Contact a Plumber

Even if you had a small flood that you were able to clean up on your own, you will still need to hire a licensed plumber to investigate the cause behind the flood. They will need to repair the issues that lead to your flooding disaster, otherwise, it is very likely it will happen again. Once the underlying problem of a bathroom flood is repaired, you can rest assure that your plumbing woes are far behind you.

Indianapolis Plumbing Company

Weilhammer Plumbing Company 317-784-1870

Call Weilhammer Plumbing Co. Inc. at 317-784-1870 when you need an emergency plumber in Indianapolis, Indiana. Owner, Mark Weilhammer, is a state-licensed master plumber that offers a wide range of residential and commercial plumbing services, including repairs, replacements, installations, maintenance, routine service, and even sales of certain plumbing appliances. Call our Indianapolis plumbing company at 317-784-1870 to learn more about our prices, availability, and service areas!

The 5 Rules to Avoiding Plumbing Disasters

Posted on September 8, 2016 by weilhammerplumbing

Whether the sink, toilet, tub, or drain, when you take on a DIY home plumbing job, it can go from “manageable” to full-on “disaster” in a matter of minutes. Many homeowners will start a plumbing project, but quickly end up over their heads in tools, parts, blueprints, sludge, and water. So it is important to protect yourself from plumbing catastrophes like this with proper knowledge, practice, and assistance. Continue reading to learn the top five rules to avoiding do-it-yourself plumbing mishaps and regrets.

Avoid Direct Copper-to-Steel Connections

Indianapolis Plumbing Repair 317-784-1870

When replacing parts of your plumbing pipe, avoid connecting copper pipes and galvanized steel pipes directly. And a thin layer of thread sealant or Teflon tape won’t cut it either. Steel plumbing pipe can begin to corrode as soon as the connection to copper is made tight. Instead, use a fitting device called a dielectric union to connect copper plumbing pipes to galvanized steel plumbing pipes. It is essentially a metal collar that uses isolation brushings, one half steel and the other half copper. That way, each part is kept separate.

Know the Proper Plumbing Code for Big Projects

There are rules to home plumbing and construction, namely codes. These codes are very complex, with meticulous and detailed rules that dictate how, what, and where you can do plumbing work. For instance, you must know how far you can place certain fixtures from a drain waste vent-line according to its pipe diameter and other specifications. These details are important to know if you want to ensure the safety and integrity of your residence and all its utility systems. Purchase a copy of the Uniform Plumbing Code (UPC) and a book called Code Check before attempting any major DIY construction projects.

Know the Exact Location of Your Plumbing Pipes

Before taking a hammer or drill to your drywall, it is important to make sure you know what you are drilling or hammering into. A common mistake homeowners make is rupturing copper or plastic supply or drains inside walls. Purchase a stud sensor to check your walls before any sort of demolition. This device will detect both pipes and electrical wiring.

Always Perform a Water Leak Test Before Finishing Up

At the conclusion of your plumbing project, it is important to always check for water leaks before sealing everything back up. If installing new valve components, you’ll want to check that it opens and closes, and also run hot and cold water through it to see that it drains properly. In fact, you’ll want to check drains and faucets like this. You can purchase a leak detector detergent at a hardware or home improvement store to check for gas line leaks as well.

Never Over-Tighten Plumbing Connections and Components

Since you cannot always trust the fit or quality of all plumbing components, you may be tempted to over-tighten connections to ensure a good fit. But this is not only in-effective, it is detrimental to your plumbing components. A simple half-turn past the tension point is all you need to properly tighten and close up all your connections. Things like brass copper gas fittings are more susceptible to wrench damage than steel plumbing pipes, but in all cases, proper tension should be used.

Weilhammer Plumbing Company

Weilhammer Plumbing Company 317-784-1870

Call Weilhammer Plumbing Company at 317-784-1870 for professional plumbing advice and plumbing service in Indianapolis, Indiana. Owner and master plumber, Mark Weilhammer, is eager to help you find affordable and effective solutions to your plumbing problems. Our licensed, bonded, and insured plumbers provide a wide range of residential and commercial plumbing services at the most competitive prices in town. Call 317-784-1870 to speak with a licensed Indianapolis plumber, today.

5 Contemporary Faucet Styles for Bathroom and Kitchen Sinks

Posted on August 11, 2016 by weilhammerplumbing

Indianapolis Plumbing Repair 317-784-1870

If you need a bathroom or kitchen upgrade that’s within your budget, there is no better place to start than with plumbing fixtures. Sink faucets are used frequently in your home, which means they are focal points for bathrooms and kitchens. So they are a great place to add some interior style and individuality without committing to a huge or costly remodeling overhaul. Continue reading and check out the most popular contemporary faucet styles and fashions on the market today!

Ultra-Modern Faucets

If you are really looking for something up-to-date, and even a bit ahead of our time, then the ultra-modern faucet styles are the ones for you. These modern styles offer sleek, simple, and shiny geometrical designs, as well as, innovative technologies like touch and infrared sensors, waterfall flows, and more. You can choose from a variety of colors, designs, and more.

Extendable Faucets

For those who use the kitchen a lot, an extendable faucet has a lot to offer. These have become popular among homeowners who cook frequently because they make dish rinsing more efficient and convenient. This makes them good for mudroom and garage sinks too. They are also great for those who have small dogs that take baths in the sink! These pull-out designs come in a vast selection of lengths, colors, finishes, and more. And they are reasonably priced for such modern style.

Industrial Faucets

Similar to pull-out faucets, industrial faucets also offer convenience and efficiency in the kitchen. They have gained popularity thanks to the trendy cooking shows on television. Many homeowners, chefs, and cooking enthusiasts prefer the industrial faucets not only because they look so professional, but also because they extend and flex, and provide more room in the sink, making dish management much easier.

Hands-Free Faucets

Loved by busy moms and multi-taskers everywhere, hands-free faucets are taking the lead in today’s modern plumbing fixture market. Not only do these faucets save water and prevents the spread of germs, they come in an array of colors, finishes, sizes, and more. They are highly-efficient, operating by either infrared or motion sensors to turn on and off, or by a single touch anywhere on the faucet.

Antique Faucets

We don’t mean real antique faucets (unless they’ve been exceptionally refurbished)! Instead, there is a current trend of old world style faucets that resemble antique designs, colors, and finishes. These faucets usually come in rustic finishes, and designed with more intricate detail. They make the perfect upgrade for anyone who loves old-fashioned, historic charm.

Indianapolis Faucet Repair

Weilhammer Plumbing Company 317-784-1870

Call Weilhammer Plumbing Co. Inc. at 317-784-1870 for professional faucet repair in Indianapolis, Indiana and its surrounding counties. Owner and master plumber, Mark Weilhammer, knows how easily faucets can spring a leak, or how suddenly drains can clog. He and his team of licensed, bonded, and insured plumbers are eager to get your plumbing system back on track, and at a price you can afford! We have decades of experience providing a wide range of plumbing services, from major commercial plumbing work, to routine plumbing repair for residential properties. Call 317-784-1870 to speak with a friendly Indianapolis plumber about your faucet problems, today.

The True Price You Pay for Water Damages

Posted on July 7, 2016 by weilhammerplumbing

Water Leak Inspection 317-784-1870

If you are a homeowner, then water damage is most likely a constant concern. This is because our walls, ceilings, and floors are equipped with appliances and plumbing that transport water on a constant basis. At any time, a defect or clog can cause a leak to spring. And leaks can go unnoticed for months on end, depending on size and location. When this occurs, homeowners are left with water damages, which lead to costly repairs and renovations.

But what is the real price homeowners pay for water damages, and why? The answer varies depending on the extent of damage, but on average, water damages are not cheap. This is why routine water leak inspection and plumbing service is so important. Preventative maintenance is the only effective solution for water leaks and water damages in properties equipped with a plumbing system.

Cost Factors

When water damage occurs, whether as a result of a broken appliance or plumbing defect, costs are bound to generate. The extent to which they generate depends on the individual circumstances, including how long the leak or defect went unresolved and how much water was lost. For instance, general costs involved in water damage includes the cost of increased water bills for lost water, as well as, the cost to repair an appliance, the cost to repair or replace the defective piping, and the cost of labor to provide these services. And aside from structural damage costs, there are several potential costs associated with health hazard renovations as well.

Mold and Mildew

Water damage leads to moisture, which can cause mold, Mildew, and fungus growth in cold dark places. These bacteria can grow at rapid rates, spreading hazardous mold spores throughout a property. This can irritate existing upper respiratory issues like asthma or allergies, and can also cause respiratory illnesses and irritations, including coughing, sneezing, congestion, difficulty breathing, sore throat, running nose, and more. To remove this problem, mold remediation services are generally required, which can
be costly depending on the extent of damage.

Structural Damage

The most common result of water damage is structural deterioration. Concrete slabs, foundation, insulation, flooring, ceilings, walls, and more are all weakened and warped by water. This can be a devastating expense if the water damage was extensive and caused foundation problems. In any case of structural damage, property owners can expect to pay for labor, parts, and supplies to repair or replace drywall, insulation, paint, and anything else that was effected.

Property Damage

In cases of a severe flooding or extensive water damage, personal property is often destroyed or badly damaged. Things like furniture, electronics, carpeting, filed paperwork, family heirlooms, and even food are common commodities damaged by water leaks and floods. Many of these things can be replaced with money, but several others are often priceless.

Electrical Damage

When water comes into contact with electrical systems, wiring, fuses, boxes, or devices, it is a potential electrocution and fire hazard. Not only does this jeopardize safety, it can cause fires and electrical hazards that are expensive to repair.

Weilhammer Plumbing Co. Inc.

Weilhammer Plumbing Company 317-784-1870

The health and budget risks associated with water damage can be prevented. Call Weilhammer Plumbing Co. Inc. at 317-784-1870 for prompt and professional water leak inspection services in Indianapolis, Indiana. Owner, Mark Weilhammer, provides a wide range of plumbing services for both residential and commercial properties, including water leak inspection and prevention. At the most economical prices in town, why choose any other Indianapolis plumbing company? Call 317-784-1870 for a free estimate or plumbing advice, today.

My Basement is Flooded! What Do I Do?

Posted on June 15, 2016 by weilhammerplumbing

Indianapolis Plumbers 317-784-1870

A flooded basement is a dreaded home disaster that no one wants to face as a property owner. But the reality is that basements can and do flood, whether from defective plumbing or inclement weather. For this reason, it is wise as a home owner to learn what to do in case of a basement flood emergency. Continue reading to gain this knowledge, and be better prepared to manage a flooded basement if it were to ever happen to your home.

Act Fast

The most important thing you can do when you discover that your basement is flooding is to act fast. Take immediate action to reduce the ultimate amount of water damage as much as possible. By neglecting to reverse a water leak, you risk causing further damage to your home, and paying thousands of dollars in repairs and renovations. The sooner you effectuate a remedy, the better your chances are at recovering more efficiently in terms of money and time.

In the case that your basement floods, here’s what to do:

1. Shut Off the Water Supply. Find your main water shut off valve and immediately turn the water supply off to the home. If you know the exact source of the water flow, you can just turn off that water source, such as a water heater or water softener. It is best to first turn off the main water supply to be sure the overflow is stopped immediately. In the case of a sewage backup, refrain from using any appliances that use water, such as dishwashers and washing machines.

2. Do Not Walk Through the Water. Assess the damage from a distance first. This will protect you from electric shock and other potential, unforeseen hazards that can occur as a result from indoor floods. If you believe it is 100% safe, and choose to walk through the water, turn off the power supply to the entire home first. And be sure to wear protective gear, especially if the flood waters come from a sewer pipe.

3. Check for Gas Leaks and Structural Damage. While still at a distance, also look for possible gas leaks and damage. If you cannot tell, do not enter the water and move on to the next step.

4. Call a Licensed Plumber. They retain the proper tools, training, and knowledge to manage your basement flood and repair the source of the plumbing problem. Most plumbing companies that have been established for some time even offer 24 hour emergency service for indoor floods.

5. Contact Your Insurance Provider. Once you have a plumber on the way, immediately contact your home owners’ insurance company. Do not hesitate to make this call! Because the longer you wait, your chances of getting approved for coverage lessen. And be sure to take extensive photos of all the damage, and save all documents and receipts for repairs and related purchases.

6. Take Preventative Measures. Preventative maintenance is the best method for avoiding another basement flood or plumbing emergency. Ask your plumber what you can do to prevent future plumbing problems, and your options for in-home plumbing security.

Weilhammer Plumbing Co. Inc.

Call Weilhammer Plumbing Co. Inc. at 317-784-1870 if you have a flooded basement in Indianapolis, Indiana and its surrounding locations. Owner and master plumber, Mark Weilhammer, is happy to provide emergency plumbing services 24 hours a day and 7 days a week for indoor residential and commercial floods, pipe bursts, water leaks, and more. We have been in business for over 100 years, so you know you can trust our licensed and insured plumbers. We also offer free plumbing advice and information any time. Call 317-784-1870 for 24 hour emergency plumbing service in Indianapolis, IN today.

The Common Signs of Leaky Plumbing Pipes

Posted on May 17, 2016 by weilhammerplumbing

Water Leak Inspection 317-784-1870

If you are a property owner, it is important to know how to catch water leaks before they become a larger, costlier problem. Knowing what to look for is the first step to detecting a water leak in your plumbing pipes. The second step is to get a professional plumber involved.

Continue reading to learn the most common indications of leaky pipes, and what to do if you find similar plumbing leaks in your home or office.

Rust

Seeing rust on or around your exposed plumbing pipes is an indication of water leaks. It suggests that water is coming into contact with the outside of the pipe, causing the rust and corrosion over time. Look for reddish or orange-yellow stains on the bottoms of kitchen and bathroom sink cabinets, as well as, rust buildup on any exposed plumbing pipes.

Moisture

When you notice consistently wet or visibly-moist areas of your property, you may have found another common sign of a pipe leak. Condensation can form on walls, appliances, floors, and even ceilings, and can quickly turn into a moist mess. Also, bubbling on ceilings and walls is another indication that moisture is collecting as a result of a leaky plumbing pipe.

Wall and Ceiling Stains

If you have grayish, yellow-orange stains on your walls or ceilings, you can bet that there is a water leak somewhere nearby. Plumbing pipes often run through the inside of walls and ceilings in certain areas of the home. If a water leak occurs in these pipes, the accumulation of moisture and water will cause the exposed surface to discolor.

Mold

Mold is never a good sign, and seeing it inside sink cabinets, exposed plumbing pipes, and anywhere else is a sure indication that water is leaking from somewhere or something. Black mold and mildew are not only a clear sign that you have leaky pipes, it is a dangerous health hazard that should be addressed right away. Mold remediation can be tedious and expensive, so catching a mold outbreak early on is in your best interests.

Indianapolis Water Leak Inspections

Weilhammer Plumbing Company 317-784-1870

Call Weilhammer Plumbing Co. Inc. at 317-784-1870 for water leak repair in Indianapolis, Indiana. Owner, Mark Weilhammer, is a state-licensed master plumber that offers a wide range of commercial and residential plumbing services, including water leak inspection and repair, slab leak repair, and more. Our plumbers are highly trained and qualified to provide quality service, no matter how small or large the job. Call 317-784-1870 for Indianapolis water leak inspection services you can trust!

The Best Way to Repair a Leaky Faucet

Posted on March 9, 2016 by weilhammerplumbing

Indianapolis Plumbers 317-784-1870

When you notice a dripping faucet in your home, you usually don’t pay too much attention to it at first. Perhaps this is because most leaky taps are considered minor problems with simple solutions.

But the truth is, if a dripping tap is not fixed in a timely manner, it has the potential to get worse and turn into a large, messy, and costly repair later on. So long as a leaking faucet is not entirely neglected, bigger plumbing problems can be avoided down the line.

Your Only Step for Faucet Leak Repair

The best solution for a leaky faucet is professional plumbing service. Calling a licensed plumber should always be the first step to repairing a plumbing leak in your home or office. You may think that a dripping faucet is not a big deal and something that can be fixed easily, but this is not always true. Sometimes, there are many things that could be causing a faucet leak to happen. This is why you need professional water leak diagnostics that only a licensed plumber can provide. It is important to investigate whether or not your leaky faucet is indeed a simple problem with a simple fix, and to ensure that a larger plumbing problem is not being overlooked or ignored.

For Simple Leaky Faucet Repair, a Plumber Will Start By…

1. Determining the Cause of the Water Leak
2. Disassembling the Faucet Fixture
3. Provide Any Necessary Part Replacements
4. Reassemble the Faucet Fixture

A professional plumber has the training, knowledge, and experience to quickly find the root of a faucet leak and provide affordable and efficient solutions for repair. You never want to assume any water leak is minor no matter how small it may appear. As mentioned, there are countless reasons why a water leak might occur in or around your home, which is why it is vital to have a licensed plumbing contractor investigate the cause for you. Catching a small leak early on can prevent large, costly floods and more down the line.

Weilhammer Plumbing Co. Inc.

Weilhammer Plumbing Company 317-784-1870

Call Weilhammer Plumbing Co. Inc. at 317-784-1870 for professional water leak repair in Indianapolis, Indiana. Master plumber, Mark Weilhammer, and his team of licensed plumbing contractors, provide a wide range of residential and commercial plumbing services at the most competitive prices in town. With more than 100 years in business here in Indiana, you can trust you are getting the most reputable and proficient plumbing service and repair in Indianapolis. Call 317-784-1870 and learn more about our affordable plumbing repair services, price, and availability today.

Plumbing Tips for the Laundry Room

Posted on February 18, 2016 by weilhammerplumbing

Indianapolis Plumbers 317-784-1870

The recent generations might not appreciate the standard washer and dryer, since they are not old enough to remember what life was like without them. As a reminder, hand-washing clothes was tedious and tiresome, and very hard work. So the washing machine is a very important and integral part of the modern, everyday household, and without it, we are taken back to the difficult days before indoor plumbing.

For this reason, it is wise to ensure your washer is in good condition and plumbed properly at all times. Continue reading to learn some helpful plumbing tips for the laundry room that can prevent problems and costly repairs.

Prevent Plumbing Problems in the Laundry Room with these Useful and Effective Tips:

Many laundry rooms also house other appliances powered by fuel, like water heaters and gas furnaces. If your laundry room is similar, never store flammable products or liquids near this area. It goes without saying, but it could easily start a fire or cause an explosion.

Try to only run a load of laundry in the washing machine when you have a full load. Not only does this reduce stress on the washer, it saves on energy and water.

Replace old, worn out washing machines with newer, front-load models. Although a notable initial investment, the savings you gain across the board more than make up for the initial cost. Newer models are more energy efficient and produce better results. This saves homeowners money on energy and water bills, clothing, soap, and more.

Regularly inspect the hoses and attachments on your washing machine for damage or wear and tear. Rubber hoses that look worn should be replaced with upgraded hoses like stainless steel, braided attachments. These not only resist cracks and water leaks, it has a longer lifespan.

Keep all drains clean and clear by using a strainer to prevent hair and other debris from clogging the plumbing pipes. If your laundry room has a sink or floor drain, be sure to occasionally pour a gallon of water down them to keep the trap seal full. This
prevents sewer gases from entering your
home through infrequently-used drains.

Consider installing a flood alarm to warn you against serious water leaks in the washing machine or water heater. Catching a flooding issue or water leak early on can save a homeowner time and money.

Install a strainer on your washing machine hose. You can purchase one that fits your model at any local hardware store for a reasonable price. This will prevent debris like fabric sheets, lint, and more from clogging the line.

Install pipe shields to laundry drain lines. This will prevent lint, detergent scum, and more from building up inside the lines and causing clogs.

Call a professional plumber for residential plumbing repair and service. A licensed master plumber can accurately diagnose plumbing problems, as well as, recommend and implement cost-effective solutions.

Weilhammer Plumbing Co. Inc.

Weilhammer Plumbing Company 317-784-1870

Call Weilhammer Plumbing Co. Inc. at 317-784-1870 for a licensed master plumber in Indianapolis, Indiana. Master plumber, Mark Weilhammer, and his team of plumbing contractors, have several decades of experience in the plumbing industry. They offer a wide range of plumbing services for residential and commercial properties. As a family owned business for more than 100 years, you can trust that we are honest and hardworking. Call 317-784-1870 for Indianapolis plumbing repair services, today.

Plumbing Tips for the Basement

Posted on January 22, 2016 by weilhammerplumbing

Water Hammer Repair 317-784-1870

The most common consequence of basement plumbing problems are basement floods. Flooded basements happen as a result of a number of reasons, most of which can be prevented. This is why regular plumbing maintenance for basements is so important. It will not only protect and preserve your basement plumbing systems, it will also reduce the chances of costly plumbing repairs down the line.

Common plumbing systems in basements include water heaters, water softeners, boilers, sump pumps, septic tanks, sprinkler line valves, washing machines, bathrooms or kitchens, and more. All home plumbing systems are different, but they will all have one thing in common in terms of basement plumbing: the need for regular maintenance. Continue reading to learn some tips for proper basement plumbing care, and who to call when you need a master plumber in your neighborhood.

Where to Start…

It is important to first consider safety when you are inspecting and servicing your basement plumbing appliances and systems. Never store flammable liquids or chemicals near water heaters, gas furnaces, or any other type of fuel-powered appliance. This includes gasoline, propane tanks, liquid adhesives, solvents, and anything else that has a flammable warning. On the topic of natural gas, it is important to make sure sewer gases are not building up too much within household drains, mostly drains that are not used as often like basement floor drains. To prevent sewer gases from backing up, simply pour a bucket of clean water down the drain every other month to keep the trap seal full.

Moving on, you should always inspect and pump your home’s sump pump periodically to prevent costly repairs like filter field replacement. Do this every three to five years, depending on the size of the home and the age of the sump pump. Another area of concern for basement flooding is your washing machine. Be sure to regularly inspect the machine and the connective hoses to check for bulges, leaks, and kinks. Catching a washing machine problem early on will not only save money on potential flooding repairs and renovations, it will also avoid having to buy a new washing machine.

If you like to save energy, be sure to also maintain a moderate water heater temperature setting. Not only does this reduce energy consumption, it also prevents dangerous scalding accidents. A good temperature setting for water heaters is anywhere between 110 and 120 degrees Fahrenheit. If your water heater temperature is set above 120, consider lowering it a bit for safety and energy efficiency.

If you have water hammering problems, or loud noises from water usage, consider installing shock absorbers. These absorb vibrations in the water lines, muffling the obnoxious sounds made from water hammering. And for water leaks, there is an easy way to test for them that should be done every month or so. During a time that water is not being used in the house, simply read your water meter, taking notes on what you see, then check the meter again 12 hours later to see if anything has changed. If there has been a radical change in the past 12 hours that water was not used, it could be an indication of a leak. In this case, you would need to call a master plumber for professional water leak diagnostics and repair.

Weilhammer Plumbing Co. Inc.

Weilhammer Plumbing Company 317-784-1870

Call Weilhammer Plumbing Co. Inc. at 317-784-1870 for licensed plumbing repair in Indianapolis, Indiana. Master plumber Mark Weilhammer is happy to answer your questions about basement flooding, sump pump repair, water heater repair, water softener repair, and all other plumbing problems! We offer a wide range of plumbing services for both residential and commercial properties. Just call 317-784-1870 to speak with a licensed master plumber in Indianapolis, IN today.