Tag Archives: copper pipe repair

Why Are My Copper Plumbing Pipes Turning Green?

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

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

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

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

Copper Pipes are Prone to Oxidation

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

Copper is Excellent at Conducting Heat

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

What To Do About Oxidized Copper Plumbing

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

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

How to Prevent Oxidized Copper Pipes

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

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

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Should I Switch to Copper Plumbing?
Top 5 Things That Will Destroy Your Plumbing Pipes
Do You Know How Much Longer Your Plumbing Pipes are Good For?

Information About Plumbing Slab Leaks

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Indianapolis Plumbing Repair 317-784-1870

Indianapolis Plumbing Repair 317-784-1870

Beneath most homes is solid concrete foundation. Within these foundations are the property’s interior plumbing systems and piping. Slab leaks occur when these pipes leak. There are several signs, symptoms, and causes of plumbing slab leaks; and most often, it requires a licensed master plumber or professional plumbing contractor, to properly diagnose and repair the problem. Continue reading to learn more about slab leaks, and who to call for honest and affordable plumbing repairs and diagnostics
in your local neighborhood.

Underground Piping Systems

Many modern homes are built with underground plumbing. Building contractors prefer to install interior plumbing works for several reasons, most having to do with money and labor. For one, it costs much less to simply install underground plumbing, and then have the pipes connect to the main line that leads to all the home’s fixtures and appliances. Not only does this save money, it saves time and labor too. No need for drilling or strapping pipes to the wall, and very little material is needed. Also, protection doesn’t need to be installed to cover the pipes because they are naturally insulated from harsh climates and weather.

When pipes and plumbing are built above ground, they have to have insulation around them to prevent frozen or cracked pipes in the winter, and losing cold water capacity in the summer. These reasons and more are why construction contractors and builders choose to install plumbing pipes underground; but because of this, pipes are out of sight, so not much is known about slab leaks and other plumbing mishaps that can occur beneath a home’s flooring.

Signs and Symptoms of Slab Leaks

Slab leaks are a major threat to a property. Because the signs are extremely subtle, discovering a slab leak can be difficult; and often times, as a result, slab leaks go unnoticed and cause extensive and expensive damages. As for homeowners, it is important to know what the common slab leak signs and symptoms are, in order to catch a water leak problem before it becomes a costly and tedious repair. Here are the most common signs of a slab leak:

• Increased Utility Bills, Particularly Water
• Noisy Plumbing Fixtures, Like the Sound of Running Water
• Cold Spot on the Floor
• Hot Spot on the Floor
• Soppy Wet Areas or Puddles in the Yard
• Wet Areas Inside the Home (i.e. wet walls, flooring, ceiling, etc.)
• The Sound of Running Water Coming from the Floor

Slab leaks are troublesome plumbing problems that require the astute knowledge and capacity of an Indianapolis slab leak repair contractor or licensed master plumber. Plumbing slab leaks can occur as a result of countless circumstances and sources, but the most common causes for slab leaks include the following and more:

• Corroded or Deteriorated Copper Piping
• Inadequate Insulation Fittings and Installation
• Friction Beneath the Ground
• Kinked, Cut, or Clogged Plumbing Line

When it comes to slab leak repair, there are many options available for all incomes and budgets. If pipes are corroded, however, all piping would need to be removed and replaced. This can be costly, but a reputable plumbing company may be able to work with your budget. For all other underground slab leaks, comprehensive diagnostics and pipe repair are the most effective solutions.

Weilhammer Plumbing Co. Inc.

Weilhammer Plumbing Indianapolis Indiana 317-784-1870

Weilhammer Plumbing Indianapolis Indiana 317-784-1870

Call Weilhammer Plumbing Co. Inc. at 317-784-1870 for details about slab leak repair and underground copper re-piping services in Indianapolis, Indiana. Owner and master plumber, Mark Weilhammer, is a state licensed plumbing contractor with more than 50 years of experience in the plumbing repair industry. We strongly believe in integrity, honesty, and quality service, and have remained dedicated to these values since the start of our family owned and operated plumbing company in 1901. We offer a wide range of services for both residential and commercial properties at the most competitive prices in town. Call 317-784-1870 for licensed plumbing repair and re-piping services in Indianapolis, IN and its surrounding counties today.