Can a Hot Water Heater Really Explode?

You’ve heard the tales, but yet, you still wonder if water heater explosions are real thing. In short, hot water heaters can and do explode. Does this mean you have to be worried about your place going up in flames unexpectedly? No, especially with the right knowledge and water heater care.

Continue below to learn which conditions can cause a hot water heater to explode, plus how you can prevent any water heater problems in your home, including catastrophic explosions.

Water Heater Inspection Indianapolis Indiana 317-784-1870
Water Heater Inspection Indianapolis Indiana 317-784-1870

Facts About Hot Water Heater Explosions

Hot water heaters use a fuel source to operate, which is a combustion hazard in itself. But there is a lot more that can make these critical appliances turn into an explosive device. Although there are number of reasons why a water heater can spontaneously burst into flames or even explode, the most common causes behind water heater explosions include rise in internal temperature, rise in pressure, and gas leaks. Of course, gas leak hazards are only an issue for gas powered water heaters. Electric water heaters and tankless water heaters are also prone to explosion or combustion, but in very rare cases.

Why Do Water Heaters Explode?

Tank Pressure

Hot water heaters generate a massive amount of pressure through the process of converting water into steam. In turn, steam causes the volume of water to increase, which builds even more pressure within the tank. Without proper care and maintenance, hot water heaters can experience internal malfunctions that inhibit their ability to withstand or prevent rising pressure. As a result of a pressure imbalance, the tank can rupture and explode.

Gas Leaks

Gas-powered water heaters are subject to fuel line damages. For this reason, it is critical to provide optimal maintenance and care for gas-powered water heaters, plus keep them secured and protected year round. If the fuel lines connected to the water heater are damaged, it is possible for gas to leak out and form localized puddles inside and/or around the unit. When the pilot light flicks on, it can create an immediate explosion, just as if you were to throw gasoline into a fire.

How to Prevent Your Water Heater From Becoming a Danger

You never want to let a hot water heater sit for too long without giving it any attention. Not only should you be performing routine water heater checks yourself, but you should also be hiring a water heater repair and service technician to perform annual maintenance on your unit. Routine water heater maintenance and inspection is necessary to prevent your water heater from experiencing any problems, including becoming a catastrophic hazard. Talk to an experienced Indianapolis water heater plumber for help creating an effective water heater maintenance plan for your home or office.

Are you convinced that it’s time to schedule your annual water heater inspection? Well, you’re in the right place! Contact Weilhammer Plumbing Company at 317-784-1870 for Indianapolis Indiana plumbing services for water heaters, today. We provide residential and commercial plumbing services all throughout Central Indiana.

Related Posts:

4 Critical Steps to Prevent a Water Heater Explosion
The Dangers of FVIR Gas Water Heaters
4 Signs Your Home is Ready for Water Heater Replacement

How a Plumber Will Repair Clogged Water Lines

Just like your drains, water lines can become clogged too! If you are currently dealing with this issue, you need to educate yourself on the available options for repair. Learn the facts surrounding clogged water lines, and the most common solutions for them. Then talk to your trusted licensed plumber for advice on maintaining a healthy and functional plumbing system in order to prevent clogs like this in the future.

Indianapolis IN Water Line Repair Services 317-784-1870
Indianapolis IN Water Line Repair Services 317-784-1870

Water Line Clog Detection is the First Step

Although clogged drains are the most common type of plumbing clog homeowners tend to deal with, there are such things as water line clogs too. These kinds of backups are often noticed when water doesn’t seem to flow from the faucets as well as they usually do. In this specific situation, the lack of water flow is a common indication that the plumbing line leading to the faucet are obstructed. Sometimes a clog can be so severe, no water comes out at all!

So, what causes these obstructions? That is a great question since the answer will help you avoid messes like this in the future! Here’s what to do if you suspect your water lines are obstructed or clogged:

Inspect the point of conflict. This can either be a faucet or spigot. Look for any visible blockages or obstructions. Sometimes, a clump of hair mysteriously makes it there, or a sprightly child sticks a wad of gum over the mesh screen. If you do not see any sort of blockages, your next step is to contact a licensed plumber for assistance. They have the necessary resources, tools, equipment, and knowledge to accurately diagnose the problem and deliver workable solutions.

Most Common Solutions Provided By a Plumber:

Cleaning – The obstructed pipes can be removed and cleaned to eliminate the blockage. Before they are replaced, it is standard practice to test the flow rate, which ensures the blockage has been thoroughly removed.

Air Pressure – Attaching an air hose to the point of conflict can be helpful to eliminate any obstructions in a clogged water line. The blast of air works well to push deposits through. Just be sure to never attempt this on your own.

Replacement – In the case that cleaning and air pressure are not viable options, replacement is the go-to solution. This is common when pipes are old, corroded, or rusted. They are often replaced with corrosive-resistant materials that have larger diameters.

Are you noticing signs of clogged water lines in your home or office? Contact Weilhammer Plumbing Company at 317-784-1870 for professional plumbing services in Indianapolis, Indiana. We serve residential and commercial clients, and offer free advice.

You Might Also Read:

Can Your Plumbing Repair Wait or is it an Emergency?
Top 3 Methods of Cracked Pipe Repair
Unclog Any Drain With These 4 Simple Steps

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

Facts About Backflow Preventer Inspections for Businesses

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

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

Backflow Prevention Plumbing Inspection Services
A Standard Backflow Prevention Device

What is Backflow?

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

Top Causes of Sewer Water Flow Reversal

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

Backflow Prevention Devices

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

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

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

You Should Also Check Out:

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

4 Ways to Go Green With Home Plumbing

Anytime of year is a good time to re-plan your budgets and finances. If you are looking to save some money this season or next, a great way to do so is by going green. Remember to turn off your lights, cut back on waste, reuse as much as possible, drive less, and so forth. As for your home plumbing, it can get greener too. Continue below to learn 4 effective and lucrative ways to go green with home plumbing.

Indianapolis Master Plumbing Service 317-784-1870
Interested in installing a duel-flush toilet to save money? Call 317-784-1870 today!

Green Plumbing is a Trend That Will Never Fade Away

There is really no good reason to not save money when you can. When it comes to plumbing, there are several ways to lessen your water and energy consumption, thus reducing your monthly utility bills. As an added bonus, you and your family are doing wonders to support and preserve our Earth’s natural resources! Although there are many changes and additions to choose from in order to obtain greener plumbing practices, you can easily start by focusing on the top 4 methods recommended by other green homeowners. These include replacing shower heads and faucets, installing low volume water restrictors, updating the water heater, and switching to high-efficiency appliances.

Shower Head and Faucet Replacement

Shower heads, faucets, and related plumbing fixtures are designed to last, but not forever. At some point in time, over the course of just a few years sometimes, these fixtures begin to decrease in efficiency. In fact, you can usually tell when they need to be replaced because they begin to show problems with their performance. Not only will new shower heads and faucets support proper performance, which in turn increases efficiency, but you can take it a step further and actually opt for environmentally-friendly plumbing fixtures that are designed to use up to 30% less than standard ones.

Water Heater Upgrade

Your water heater is a prime plumbing appliance in your home. After all, without hot water on demand, we are back in the dark ages. Hot water is important for function, quality of life, and even our health. So, it is important to ensure your hot water heater is performing optimally; otherwise, you could be losing quite of bit of money due to wasted water and energy. One way to go green with home plumbing is to simply update or replace your water heater. Talk to a local water heater repair professional to learn whether or not your hot water heater requires some maintenance or a full-on replacement. There are plenty of energy-efficient water heaters on the market today that make great options for green living.

Low Volume Water Restrictor Installation

Another option for going green is to mitigate your home’s water consumption. One way to do this is to have a professional plumber install low volume water restrictors. Also known as pressure-reducing valves, low volume water restrictors lessen the amount of water forced through fixtures like shower heads and faucets. In turn, they reduce your home’s monthly water consumption without you even realizing it. Your home’s current water pressure setting is likely close to the average residential water pressure setting, which 70psi. However, pressure-reducing valves reduce this up to half the volume, which is still plenty for a comfortable living.

High-Efficiency Appliance Procurement

Another easy and instant way to go green with home plumbing is to make the switch to high-efficiency, or higher-efficiency, appliances. Appliances to consider include toilets, dishwashers, washing machines, water heaters, water softeners, and water purification systems. Take your toilets for instance; they typically use an average of 3½ gallons of water PER FLUSH. With a high-efficiency toilet, you can reduce this average to 1½ gallons or less! In fact, duel flush toilets are a popular choice for improved flush efficiency and water preservation.

Talk to a Trusted Indianapolis Master Plumber for Green Plumbing Advice and Service

Call Weilhammer Plumbing Company at 317-784-1870 for green plumbing advice or routine plumbing services in Indianapolis, Indiana. Master plumber, Mark Weilhammer, is happy to provide free estimates, free advice, and a wide range of affordable plumbing services for residential and commercial properties. Call 317-784-1870 to request a free estimate for Indianapolis water hammer repair, today.

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

Top 3 Causes of Low Water Pressure at Home

When your water pressure is not up to your standard, everything from dish-washing to taking a shower is affected in a negative way. Fortunately, there are several effective solutions for resolving water pressure issues at home. But in order to conquer your low water pressure woes, you must first determine the root of the problem.

Continue reading to learn the top 3 causes for low water pressure, and use this information to gauge which type of plumbing service or repair you might need.

Indianapolis Water Pressure Repair
Indianapolis Water Pressure Repair 317-784-1870

Get Rid of Low Water Pressure for Good

As mentioned, low water pressure problems are not something you have to learn to live with. They can be resolved, so long as you know why they exist in the first place. Although there are thousands of reasons why water pressure plummets, there are three causes in particular that seem to be the most common among Indiana home and business owners. The top three causes for low or reduced water pressure are pipe leaks, pipe corrosion, and plumbing obstructions.

Leaky Plumbing Pipes

Low water pressure that slowly becomes worse overtime is a common telltale sign of plumbing pipe leaks. It makes sense; right? If there are cracks in a pipe or fitting, the water will naturally displace, thus reducing the pressure built up on demand. Typically, in these cases, low water pressure issues will be noticeable before water bills go up. Look at your toilet first if you suspect you have a pipe leak. Toilets are notorious for having short lifespans and leaks. If it’s not your toilet, it could be that your plumbing pipe material is more prone to cracking and leaking.

Corroded Plumbing Pipes

Old or corroded plumbing pipes are simply not as efficient in terms of performance. If your plumbing pipes were installed prior to the 60’s, they are likely steel, which inevitably rusts overtime. As a result, pipes become corroded, and sometimes even clogged by the corrosion. Although copper plumbing is rust-resistant, their fittings and joints might not be, which means they too can suffer oxidation and corrosion.

Obstructed Plumbing Pipes

Clogged plumbing pipes will certainly put some drag on the level of your water pressure. Obstructions can be caused by all sorts of things, such as corrosion mentioned above. Other pipe obstructing culprits include organics, minerals, food waste, toilet paper, sand, dirt, and more. Keep in mind, clogged shower heads and faucets can also cause lower water pressure. You may need to replace your faucet’s aerators, and clean out your shower head, for improved water pressure.

If you are experiencing water pressure dilemmas in your home or business, call a licensed Indianapolis plumber for professional plumbing services and diagnostics. Adequate water pressure is more than a personal luxury, it is a true asset for any home, and can even increase a property’s overall value.

Professional Indianapolis Indiana Plumbing Repair Services

Call Weilhammer Plumbing Co. Inc. at 317-784-1870 when you need a licensed Indianapolis plumber you can trust for quality plumbing services and repair 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.

Are You Looking for Affordable Water Line Repair in Indianapolis?

If you are having troubles with your home’s water lines, you need a trusted master plumbing team to resolve your issues promptly, and at a price you can afford. Trust the master plumbers at Weilhammer Plumbing Company for superior water line repairs and installations in Indianapolis, Indiana. Continue below to learn more about water line maintenance and repair, and what we can do for you.

Indianapolis Water Line Repair Plumbing Service
Indianapolis Water Line Repair Plumbing Service 317-784-1870

Facts About Water Line Repair and Replacement

Whether in a home, office, or multistory building, water lines are not designed to last forever. At some point in time, they will wear down, and require some degree of repair, or even full replacement. Once water lines begin to break down, they can pose problems for the rest of the property. Often times, old or defective water lines can damage the foundation, as well as the surrounding landscape.

Not only can these repairs be structurally devastating to a property, they are also quite costly and invasive to repair if neglected for too long. If your home or property was built before 1960, you likely have sewer lines that are not galvanized, which means they are more prone to corrosion. In this case, you would likely need to have your old sewer lines relined, burst with new HDPE, or entirely replaced.

Our Indianapolis Water Line Repair Services are Expert Level

Don’t let a water line problem continue for another minute! Contact the licensed and insured master plumbers at Weilhammer Plumbing Company for service you can trust. When it comes to water line repairs and installations in Indianapolis, Weilhammer Plumbing Company uses the latest technologies and proven methods to ensure accurate diagnostics. We start by obtaining the proper permissions from the local municipal authorities. We then apply our expertise in locating and repairing damaged water lines with the help of innovative, trenchless technologies, such as video cameras and electronic locating devices.

Independently Owned and Operated Business With Economical Rates to Match

As an independently and locally owned Indiana plumbing business since 1901, we understand the true value of a dollar. For this reason, we stay committed to maintaining economy-based prices for all our Indianapolis plumbing services. We serve both residential and commercial clients in Indianapolis, as well as, al throughout Central Indiana. Our licensed and insured plumbers have decades of hands-on experience, making us real experts in the field.

Contact Us Today for a Free Quote!

So when you need Indianapolis water line 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.

6 Reasons Why Your Cold Water is Coming Out Hot

You go to the sink to rinse off your apple or veggies, and your cold water is warm. Or maybe it’s really hot. Either way, this is a common scenario among homeowners here in Indiana. Continue reading to learn why your cold water faucet is not as cold as it should be, and what you can do about it.

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

Is Your Cold Water Too Hot?

When you are getting warm or hot water from your cold faucets, it could be something minor, or it could be a real problem. For this reason, you cannot gamble with time. Always have this issue addressed right away, starting with learning the possible causes behind it. There could be a wide range of culprits causing your cold water to run warm, but the most common include too much water pressure, closeness of pipes, recirculating plumbing, improper installation of heat traps, water expansion tank valves, and even something known as the heating effect.

Here are some details to help you better understand and detect these possible cold water-hot water causes:

? High Water Pressure

High water pressure is a great thing, when it is the right amount of pressure. When water pressure is too high, it can begin to cause problems throughout the rest of the home’s plumbing. One such problem is cold water running hot.

? Water Expansion Tank Valves

If you have a water expansion tank installed, it will require a one-way valve or pressure lowering valve on the water meter, otherwise, hot water will flow into your cold water tap. Another possibility is that the thermostat in the immersion heater has gone defective, causing any stored water in the water heater to boil over into the cold water lines.

? Poor Heat Trap Install

When your plumbing pipes and systems are being installed, your contractors must ensure that heat trap is placed in the water heating inlet. Otherwise, hot water stored inside a water heater will flow out and integrate with the cold water lines.

? The “Heating” Effect

Near your faucets are copper lines, which can heat up from hot water usage. When this happens, the heat can transfer, and make the fixtures and cold water very hot. This heating effect is temporary, however, and will cool once all the cold water has flowed through the lines.

? Recirculating Plumbing

If your home is constructed with hot water recirculating plumbing, it could be the root cause of your cold water tap running hot. You will continue to get warm water from the cold water tap until the heated water makes it to the temperature valve that regulated re-circulation.

? Pipe Vicinity

Hot water plumbing pipes that are too close to the cold water plumbing pipes are known to cause the cold water-hot water issue. Over a period of time, this heats up the cold water pipes, which warms up the water that flows through them. This result is increased if a water heater is nearby.

How to Fix Your Hot Water Problems in Indianapolis, Indiana

Call Weilhammer Plumbing Co. Inc. at 317-784-1870 to speak directly with a licensed master plumber (License #106214) about your water heater or hot water problems. Our Indianapolis plumbers offer a wide range of standard and master plumbing services for both residential and commercial properties, including certified plumbing services for all make and model water heaters. 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 Enhance Your Shower Experience on a Budget

Everyone looks forward to that part of the day where they can clear their thoughts and melt their stress away under a hot stream of clean, fresh water. Whether you are morning, afternoon, or evening bather, your shower is special and unique to you, so it is something that is worth investing in. After all, you use your shower virtually every day; don’t you? But improving your shower situation doesn’t have to cost an arm and a leg. In fact, with a few simple additions and tricks of the trade, you can achieve the shower of your dreams, minus the invasive construction and monumental contractor bill.

Continue reading to learn some highly effective, and therefore, highly recommended, tips that will make your shower experience like a day at the spa!

Bathroom and Water Pressure Plumbing
Bathroom and Water Pressure Plumbing Service 317-784-1870

Essential Oils

Speaking of spas, have you noticed they always smell so good? But not overpowering, like the perfume department at your local mall; but rather, in a non-alarming, relaxing, comforting kind of way? With the right essential oil options on hand, you too can have this refreshing and spa-like atmosphere right inside your very own shower. Those who have tried this trick say they have never showered the old way since.

All you have to do is place 5 to 10 drops of your favorite essential oil on the wall and sides of your shower. Be sure not to place drops near where you stand, as it can cause slippery surfaces. Then turn on your shower and let it get steamy as you enjoy the instant aroma of eucalyptus, lavender, peppermint, or tea tree essence!

Fresh Flowers

Not into oils? Opt for fresh flowers instead! Simply visit your local grocery store or florist and purchase some fresh eucalyptus, lavender, honeysuckle, or whatever favorite aroma you enjoy. Then, create a bouquet by bunching all your flowers together and tying them at their stalk. Leave enough string because you will then hang this bouquet from your shower head for a luxurious and fragrant shower experience!

Luxury Sponges and Loofahs

Speaking of luxurious, nothing is more divine than a soft sponge or luxury loofah. In fact, by adding any luxury items to your shower, you can instantly increase the quality of your bathing experience. Search on Amazon for great deals, or shop at your local department store for loofahs, sponges, wash cloths, exfoliators, and more.

Water Pressure

If your shower doesn’t have good water pressure, you deserve better. Improved water pressure will instantly and drastically change your showering experience. Not only does it enhance cleanliness by more thoroughly rinsing away soap residues, it also delivers more therapeutic benefits in terms of massage therapy and muscle recovery. Talk to a local Indianapolis plumber for help improving your home’s water pressure, and look forward to a more invigorating and complete shower experience!

Modern Shower Head

In addition to improving water pressure, replacing your showerhead with a more modern version can deliver instant pleasure and improved cleanliness. There are various options to choose from on the market today, so all you have to do is focus on products that fit your shower set up and your budget. Also, look for certain features that stand out to you, such as unique stream patterns or detachable handles. Need help with showerhead installation? Contact a licensed Indianapolis plumbing company for advice or service.

Bathroom and Shower Plumbing Service in Indianapolis

Contact Weilhammer Plumbing Company at 317-784-1870 for bathroom plumbing services in Indianapolis, Indiana and its surrounding counties. Whether you need to replace a broken toilet or install a new showerhead, we can help. In some cases, we can simply give advice or instruction over the phone, for free! 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.

What You Should Learn From the Recent Hamilton County Water Boil

Earlier this month, more than 17,000 Fishers and Noblesville residents were placed on a water boil advisory issued by Indiana American Water Works Service Company. Although the ban was lifted a day later, there is a lesson to be learned from the entire dilemma. Continue below to learn some facts about the recent water boil in Hamilton County, as well as, tips for monitoring and maintaining your home or business’s water quality.

Indianapolis Water Softening Service and Repair
Indianapolis Water Softening Service and Repair 317-784-1870

Hamilton County Water Boil Advisory

As a result of the White River North water treatment facility losing a nominal amount of pressure, Indiana American Water placed a water boil advisory for its customers. During the precautionary advisory, Indiana American Water completed a series of tests to verify that their water again meets regulatory drinking water standards. Customers of Citizens were not affected by the treatment facility’s equipment malfunctions, and were not included in the cross-county advisory.

There is a standard, set and regulated by the Indiana Department of Environmental Management, that mandates water treatment companies to issue a water boil advisory when water pressure levels drop to a certain, specified value. According to the IDEM, if water pressure drops below 20 pounds per square inch in any part of a municipal water distribution system, a boil advisory must be issued.

What is a Boil Advisory?

When a water treatment company issues a boil advisory, they are suggesting boiling your tap water before ingesting it via drinking and cooking. Although it is acceptable to use water for bathing, washing, and similar uses, it is not recommended to drink or consume it until the ban is officially lifted.

Pay Attention to Your Water Quality

Although the ban has since been lifted, and your county may not have been affected at all, you may still be concerned about the quality and performance of your home’s water. It is important to pay attention to your water quality, and to take the proper steps to ensure it remains contaminant-free. Contact a local soft water professional to learn your options for improving your home’s drinking water quality.

Indianapolis Water Softening Service You Can Trust

Call Weilhammer Plumbing Company at 317-784-1870 if you would like to learn how to improve the quality of your home’s water on a budget. You have several options for Indianapolis water softening and filtration, and our licensed plumbers know exactly how to assess your home’s water quality and performance needs. Trust us for honest service at a fair price. Call today for a free estimate or advice.

How to Check if Your Plumbing is Ready for Winter

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.

Indianapolis Plumbing Services 317-784-1870
Indianapolis Plumbing Services 317-784-1870

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.