How to Identify Leaks in Your Drainpipes

Posted on December 30, 2022 by weilhammerplumbing

Are water leaks in your drainpipes causing water damage and high water bills? If so, it’s time to identify the source of the leak. While this may seem like a daunting task, identifying water leaks in your drainpipes can be done with some basic plumbing knowledge and common sense. In this blog post, we will discuss how you can quickly identify water leaks in your drainpipes and what steps to take for repair. We’ll also provide tips on how you can prevent future problems from occurring with proper maintenance. So, let’s get started!

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DIY Drainpipe Leak Inspection Guide

First Step

The first step in identifying water leaks is to inspect the pipes themselves. Look for visible signs of water damage such as water marks, rusting, or discoloration on the pipes. If you notice any of these issues, it’s likely that there is water leaking from your drainpipe. You should also be on the lookout for water pooling around the pipes, which could also be an indication of water leaking from the drainpipe.

Next Step

The next step is to check for water pressure in your pipes. If you have low water pressure, it could mean that water is leaking out of your drainpipe due to a hole or crack. To do this, turn on all water sources connected to your drainpipes, such as taps and showers, and then check the water pressure at each outlet. If water pressure is lower than normal at any of these water outlets, it could indicate a water leak in the drainpipe.

Final Step

Lastly, inspect all fittings and joints on the drainpipes for signs of water leaks. This could be water seeping out of the joints or water dripping from the pipes. If you notice water leaking at any fittings or joints, you likely have water leaks in your drainpipes and should call a professional for repair.

Get in Touch With an Indianapolis Plumber

Once you’ve identified water leaks in your drainpipes, it’s important to act quickly to prevent water damage and costly water bills. Call a professional Indianapolis plumbing service to assess the situation and repair any water leaks in your drainpipes. Additionally, you should take proactive steps to maintain your drainage system, such as cleaning out debris from the drainpipes regularly and checking for water leaks on a regular basis. By following these simple tips, you can help ensure that water leaks in your drainpipes don’t become a bigger problem down the road.

Are you ready to have your home or business inspected for plumbing leaks and vulnerabilities before the harsh winter precipitation surges? Contact Weilhammer Plumbing Company at 317-784-1870 for licensed and insured plumbing service in Indianapolis, Indiana for water leaks, slab leaks, inspections, and more. We serve residential and commercial clients and are state-licensed master plumbers.

Frequently Asked Questions About Slab Leaks

Posted on December 8, 2021 by weilhammerplumbing

Plumbing catastrophes are a homeowner’s worst nightmare. One such plumbing emergency that can really do some damage to homes and buildings are slab leaks. These are more serious than your average water leaks, thus requiring immediate emergency repair, and possible renovation to reverse any structural damage. It is in your best interest to learn what you can about slab leak detection, prevention, and repair. This knowledge can help you protect your property from catastrophic flooding and water damage.

Continue reading to review some frequently asked questions about slab leaks, including where to get the most trusted master plumber service in the Indy areas.

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Slab Leak FAQS

What is a Slab Leak?

Most homes and buildings are built on a foundation of concrete blocks, which are referred to as slabs in the construction industry. When water leaks form beneath these concrete slabs, it is known as a slab leak. Slab leaks can occur in residential and commercial settings, either forming slowly overtime or in an instant after an inclement event or natural disaster.

Are Slab Leaks a Plumbing Emergency?

Slab leaks are dangerous for many reasons, making them a very serious plumbing emergency. Not only can slab leaks pose a long list of structural concerns that can lead to devastating damages or serious accidents, but they also threaten the risk of a mold outbreak, which can cause severe respiratory complications in people of all ages, as well as pets. Mold exposure is especially threatening to babies, young children with preexisting medical conditions, and the elderly. It can grow beneath floorboards, carpeting, and inside walls.

What Causes Slab Leaks to Form?

The most common cause of slab leak formation is the movement of soil and clay below a home or building’s foundation. The shifting and heaving of dirt can cause an increase of pressure on the concrete slabs. As a result, the concrete itself will heave and shift, and eventually crack. Underground plumbing will also become damaged because of concrete heaving, which can lead to a fitting popping off or loosening. From there, water will leak from the underground plumbing and seep into the concrete cracks. Additional possible causes of slab leaks include plumbing pipe damage, construction errors, and burst pipes.

How are Slab Leaks Detected?

There are many signs to look for when determining if a slab leak is present in your home or office. The top signs of a slab leak include:

▷ Noticing a significant increase in your water consumption or monthly bill;

▷ Hearing the sound of running water when no water is being used;

▷ Feeling a hot spot or hot area on the basement floor;

▷ Discovering mildew growth or a mold outbreak beneath your carpeting;

To properly detect and locate a slab leak, you would need to hire a professional Indianapolis master plumber for slab leak detection services. They have the proper training, knowledge, and equipment to accurately locate a slab leak, plus recommended the best course of action for repairing it.

How Can I Prevent Slab Leaks and Similar Plumbing Emergencies?

In many cases, there is nothing a homeowner could have done to prevent their slab leak issue. However, that does not mean you cannot do your part to ensure your home’s plumbing remains in optimal condition for years to come. To prevent major slab leak damages and other types of water leaks, have your plumbing systems inspected and serviced on an annual basis. Catching a slab leak early on can save you a lot of time, stress, and money.

Who can you trust for superior slab leak detection and repair services in Indy? Contact Weilhammer Plumbing Company at 317-784-1870 for Indianapolis IN slab leak repair and inspection at an affordable price. We provide residential and commercial plumbing service and repair.

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Common Types of Plumbing Leaks and How to Spot Them

Posted on March 18, 2021 by weilhammerplumbing

Even the smallest plumbing leak is an issue that requires immediate attention and remediation. After all, almost all major leaks start out as a small leak; and by catching a leak early on in its formation, you can avoid a massive and costly renovation. Continue below to learn the most common types of plumbing leaks and how to detect them before they become a bigger problem.

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Annual Leak Detection Services

Leaks, whether small or large, are usually harder to detect unless you are actively looking for the signs. For this reason, it is wise to enlist the services of a licensed Indianapolis IN plumbing company for annual leak detection services. Although it is still important for you to learn the signs of common plumbing leaks and keep your eye out for them at all times, professional leak detection and repair services use innovative methodologies and state-of-the-art technologies that make the diagnostics process faster, more accurate, and less invasive. This saves you time, stress, and most importantly, money. That’s because the faster you can find the leaks, the faster they can get repaired and the better protected your property is against future plumbing failures.

Common Leaks to Watch Out For in Your Plumbing:

☇ Slab Leaks

Perhaps one of the most commonly seen plumbing leaks among industry professionals are slab leaks. Slab leaks occur when the water pipes or sewer lines beneath the property’s foundation suffer damage, such as cracks or fractures. Not only one of the most common, but slab leaks are also among the most destructive since they can cause massive damage to an edifice’s foundation, and can quickly turn into a larger leak if unresolved. Signs of slab leaks include warped floorboards, reduced water pressure, or a sudden increase in water bills.

☇ Sewer Line Leaks

Sewer line leaks are less common than the other types of leaks because they are usually caused by construction work, excavation, or natural disasters like earthquakes. However, sewer line leaks can also be caused by tree roots growing into the pipes. They are serious, as they are a bio-hazard, and can cause an extreme amount of damage if ignored. A professional sewer line repair service can resolve this type of leak without having to dig up your entire lawn.

☇ Water Line and Yard Leaks

Also known as “phantom leaks”, water line and yard leaks are among the most difficult to detect because they develop slowly. Common areas for these to occur are underground in your lawn, or inside walls. They tend to form in areas you cannot see without intervention. The most common sign of a water line or yard leak is a rising water bill that seems to be increasing for no reason.

☇ Gas Leaks

Gas leaks are by far the most dangerous and pressing plumbing leak. Detecting gas odors in or around the property is usually the first sign of a nearby gas leak. If you suspect you have a gas leak anywhere within your property, turn your gas off and contact a professional service for gas leak detection and repair, right away.

Do you think you might have a plumbing leak? Contact Weilhammer Plumbing Company at 317-784-1870 for professional water leak detection services in Indianapolis, Indiana. We are state-licensed master plumbers who serve both residential and commercial clients.

You Should Also Read:

Important Warnings Regarding Residential Slab Leaks
Tips for Detecting Toilet Leaks
4 Unconventional Ways to Detect a Plumbing Leak at Home

Avoid Basement Water Damage By Monitoring These Areas

Posted on June 13, 2018 by weilhammerplumbing

Most homeowners worry about water damage in their basement. After all, water damage is one of the most destructive types of damage a home can experience; furthermore, water damage is tedious, intrusive, and costly to repair. Even though most homeowners’ insurance policies will cover the cost of water damage in your basement, it is something you want to prevent at all costs. So how can you tell if you are accumulating water in your home? All you have to do is keep an eye out for certain red flags.

Continue reading to learn which areas of your basement you should pay attention to after heavy rain and precipitation in order to stay on top of water damages and repairs.

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Drain Pipes

Water and drain pipes in your basement can sometimes look as if they are sweating. This is called pipe condensation. When this situation occurs, you could face possible mold, mildew, and corrosion issues. To avoid this problem or to resolve it completely, install reliable insulation on all your pipes.

Heating and Cooling

Heating and cooling systems are not always located in the basement; however, in older homes, it is common to find them there. If your HVAC system is in your basement, be sure to maintenance and service it regularly. This includes checking the drain pans and clearing out any obstruction to ensure consistent water flow. Cleaning and replacing furnace and air conditioning filters is imperative to a smooth operating system and superior performance. All these things combined can prevent water back flow and water accumulation in your basement.

Interior Water Damage

Interior water damage includes moisture on walls and ceilings. If you notice that walls are moist or dripping with water, this could be a sign of water damage or concern in your home. Anytime a ceiling looks wet or discolored, there is a chance it is being caused by water accumulation or miss-flow. This is a huge red flag and should be looked into immediately. The longer a water leak goes untended, the worse the damage will be.

Slab Leaks

Slab leaks are serious issues that require immediate repair. In fact, they happen to be one of the riskiest plumbing problems for a property. The longer a slab leak goes unresolved, the more destruction can occur to the rest of your plumbing, including the property’s foundation as a whole. The most common signs of a slab leak include increased utility bills, floor and wall cracks, or mold growth. If you notice these signs, it is time to contact a professional Indianapolis plumbing company for slab leak detection and repair services.

If you discover a water leak in your basement, or any other area of your property, contact a state licensed Indianapolis plumber immediately. It is important to act fast before a leak can turn into a flood, which can then turn to tedious and costly renovations.

Indianapolis Plumbing Repair Pros

Weilhammer Plumbing Company 317-784-1870

Call Weilhammer Plumbing Company at 317-784-1870 for prompt and professional Indianapolis water leak detection and repair you can afford. Owner and master plumber, Mark Weilhammer, provides residential and commercial plumbing services, including 24 hour emergency plumbing repair. Our team of licensed and insured plumbers deliver safe and effective plumbing repair at an affordable price. Request a free estimate, today.

Information About Plumbing Slab Leaks

Posted on November 5, 2014 by weilhammerplumbing

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

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.