Facts About Slab Leaks That Will Help Prevent Plumbing Emergencies

Posted on September 29, 2021 by weilhammerplumbing

If your home or building is constructed with concrete slabs, and it probably is, then you need to know more about the signs and possible consequences of slab leaks. Continue reading to learn some vital slab leak facts that can help you make the best home maintenance decisions and prevent costly and invasive plumbing emergencies.

Indianapolis Slab Leak Repair 317-784-1870

Concrete Slab Leaks

Water leakages that occur below or within concrete slabs are appositely called slab leaks. As a property owner or real estate developer, it is important that you know how to detect the signs of a slab leak in order to prevent costly flooding, water damages, and subsequent plumbing disasters. By knowing where to look and what to look for, you can better mitigate water damage catastrophes like slab leaks and more.

Common Causes of Slab Leaks

Slab leaks are generally caused by the movement of clay and soft soils below the foundation of a house or building. Such movement, like swelling and shifting, can place a lot of pressure on the concrete slab. As a result, the concrete slab can heavy, move, and ultimately crack in different places. Because plumbing systems are connected to concrete slabs in certain areas, damage can occur to water lines, and thus lead to a leakage.

Clay is usually to blame because it is prone to swelling and shrinking as a response to moisture conditions. Water can cause clay to swell and expand, and then shrink when it dries out. This kind of movement can cause concrete slabs to move and shift, and eventually rupture. These ruptures and cracks are where water seeps in and forms slab leaks.

Slab Leak Detection Tips

The first place you want to check for a potential slab leak is your water bill. If your water bill is unusually high, it could be caused by a hidden water leak or slab leak. In this case, contact a local Indianapolis plumber for water leak inspection service. The sooner you catch a water leak, especially in concrete slabs, the less damage will occur.

Since slab leaks occur below or within the concrete slabs, the next place you want to inspect for signs of water leakage is the basement or lower level of your property. You may also start outside where the property’s foundation meets ground.

Listen for running water. If you hear water running, but no water is turned on in the house or building, you could have a slab leak.

Take your socks off and walk around barefoot. Do you feel any hot spots? If so, it could be indicative of a hot water line rupture below the floor.

Pull back a corner of the carpeting. Do you see mold or mildew? Can you smell it? If so, it could be caused by an undiagnosed slab leak.

Do you see visible cracks or water seepage on the exposed foundation on the outside of your home or building? It could be due to a slab leak.

Do you suspect that your home or office is experiencing water leak problems? Contact Weilhammer Plumbing Company at 317-784-1870 to schedule an Indianapolis IN home plumbing inspection for water leaks and slab leaks and more.

You Should Also Read:

The Dangers of In-Home Flooding
Common Signs of a Sewer Line Leak
How to Fix a Leaky Garbage Disposal

Indianapolis Indiana Master Plumbers 317-784-1870

How to Spot a Hidden Plumbing Leak in the House

Posted on September 16, 2021 by weilhammerplumbing

Plumbing leaks are a serious problem at any degree. Even the tiniest water leak has the ability to worsen over time and lead to costly and invasive water damage repairs and flooding remediation. It is in your best interest to routinely inspect your home or business establishment for signs of plumbing leaks, which often remain out of sight unless you exclusively look for their common signs.

Continue reading the learn how to spot hidden plumbing leaks in the house, including what you can do to prevent catastrophic water leaks and plumbing disasters from ever happening.

Water Leak Repair Indianapolis IN 317-784-1870

Top 4 Signs of a Plumbing Leak in Your Home

The sooner you catch a plumbing leak, the better your chances are at avoiding a massive construction or repair to your home. You must address a potential plumbing leak immediately. So, how do you know if your home has plumbing leaks or not? There could be infinite signs that suggest your home or business has a plumbing leak hidden somewhere within the system. However, it seems that the top four most common signs of a plumbing leak include higher-than-usual utility bills, leaky plumbing fixtures, continuously moving water meter, and spots of dead grass in your lawn.

Unusually High Utility Bills

As someone who regularly pays your water and energy bills, you know when something is a little off. If you are utility bills are higher than usual, or have seen a sudden spike in cost, it could be an indication that you have a hidden plumbing leak somewhere in your system. First, contact your utility company to confirm that your bill is correct, and if it is, your next step is to contact in licensed plumber for a home plumbing inspection in Indianapolis.

Leaky Plumbing Fixtures

Take a closer look at your plumbing fixtures that dispense water, such as your bathroom and kitchen sink faucets, your shower heads, and even your outdoor spigots. If they are leaky, even when turned off (don’t forget the old saying, “lefty-loosey righty-tighty” to be sure), it could be that you have a leak somewhere in your plumbing system. This type of concealed leak is the exact kind that can get worse, fast; so, it is important that you immediately contact in Indianapolis plumbing company for emergency plumbing repair.

Dying Patches of Grass in the Lawn

You wouldn’t immediately think that poor lawn quality could indicate hidden plumbing leak in your house or building, but it actually can. Noticing large spots of dead or dying grass in your lawn is indicative of an underground plumbing pipe leak. This could be caused by a pipe rupture, cracked sewage lines, pipe burst, or even a poorly sealed gasket or connecting hardware. Oftentimes, property owners also notice puddles of standing water in their lawn, which is a sign of an emergency water leak plumbing repair.

Running Water Meter Dial

A common way for homeowners to check if they have a concealed water leak within the plumbing system is to examine the water meter dial. To do so, take a pen and paper out to your water meter and write down the number the dial is pointing to. Wait 20 to 30 minutes, and then go back to see if the dial has moved. If the dial continues to move, it is indicative of a plumbing leak. In this case you should contact in Indianapolis master plumber right away.

Do you suspect that your home or place of business has a hidden plumbing leak or repair need? Contact Weilhammer Plumbing Company at 317-784-1870 to schedule an emergency home plumbing inspection for water leaks in Indianapolis. Our state-licensed master plumbers serve both residential and commercial clients all throughout Central Indiana. Request free advice, anytime.

You Should Also Read:

How to Fix a Leaky Garbage Disposal
How to Fix a Leaky Pressure Relief Valve on a Water Heater
Common Signs of a Sewer Line Leak
Tips for Detecting Toilet Leaks

Why You Should Schedule Water Leak Inspection Service Right Now

Posted on April 14, 2021 by weilhammerplumbing

Weilhammer Plumbing Company Will Find Any Leaks FAST!

Do you own a home, business, or any plumbed structure for that matter? Are you confident that your property is free of any water leaks or water damage? If not, now is the time to have your home inspected for water leaks before any disasters or damages can sneak up on you this Spring and Summer. Fortunately, water leak inspection services are offered through Weilhammer Plumbing Co. Inc. by master plumber and owner, Mark Weilhammer himself!

The Importance of Bi-Annual Water Leak Inspections

One of the most critical preventative maintenance services you can choose to safeguard your indoor comfort and quality of life is to have your property inspected for signs of water leaks or water damages. Catching a water leak early on, or before it can even happen, will save you thousands of dollars in renovations and repairs, as well as time and stress.

Signs of a Water Leak:

⇢ Hot Spots on Floors
⇢ Pools of Water Around Appliances
⇢ Cracks in Walls/Flooring
⇢ Increased Utility Bills
⇢ Hot Spots on Floors
⇢ Pools of Water Around Appliances
⇢ Cracks in Walls/Flooring
⇢ Increased Utility Bills

Weilhammer Plumbing Co. Inc. is your neighborhood master plumbing company that provides economically-priced plumbing services for both residential and commercial properties throughout Indianapolis and the surrounding Central Indiana areas. You can rest assure that your plumbing needs are met with the highest level of professionalism and integrity, including your budget, your safety, and your comfort.

Why Choose Us?

At Weilhammer Plumbing Co. Inc., our state licensed (#106214) and insured master plumbers offer the most comprehensive and trusted water leak inspection services in town. Owner and master plumber, Mark Weilhammer, and his team of licensed plumbers are equipped with the latest technologies and state-of-the-art equipment to implement any plumbing repair efficiently and effectively, regardless of size or scope. Not only do we locate and identify water leak vulnerabilities, but we can also repair them at the most competitive and economical prices around!

Are you ready to schedule your water leak inspection? Contact Weilhammer Plumbing Company at 317-784-1870 for professional plumbing services for water leaks in Indianapolis, Indiana. We serve both residential and commercial clients all throughout the central parts of the state.

You Might Also Like:

Common Types of Plumbing Leaks and How to Spot Them
Do I Need My Plumbing Inspected?
Important Plumbing Questions New Homeowners Should Ask

How Your Water Meter Can Confirm Plumbing Leaks

Posted on April 23, 2019 by weilhammerplumbing

Did you know that your water meter can detect leaks in your home’s plumbing? It’s true! Continue reading to learn how to read a water meter for water leaks, and who to call for trusted Indianapolis water leak repair at an affordable price.

Water Leak Inspection Service 317-784-1870

Water Meter Basics

Your water meter is a device set up and regulated by the city that measures and records the amount of water your home uses in a given time period, all for the purpose of billing. It is generally located on the outside of your home, typically near your gas and electricity meter, which are used in the same way by the city. Although your utility company is in charge of supervising and tending to your water meter, it is helpful to learn how to read it yourself, and even more helpful to check it every so often to ensure your residence is leak-free.

Here is how to check a water meter for plumbing leaks:

Step 1: Turn Off Your Water
Find your main water shut-off valve and close it so that your home does not have any running water activity while you check your readings.

Step 2: Check the Flow Indicator
The flow indicator is a small rotating wheel that detects water movement and flow. Open the cover of the water meter to find it.

Step 3: Detect Movement or No Movement
Is the flow indicator wheel moving? If so, you might have a water leak somewhere in your property. If it’s not moving, your home is likely leak-free.

No Flow Indicator?

If there is not a flow indicator on your water meter, simply grab a pen and paper, write down the numbers that you see on the meter and the number on the hand of the larger rotary dial. Wait one hour and then check the numbers again for any changes. If you see changes, you could have a leak. Either way, regardless of your findings, you need to call a licensed plumber for help.

But Take a Plumber’s Word For It

Although a water meter can indicate a plumbing leak, sometimes, it is actually due to a faulty water meter. For this reason, it is vital that you contact an Indianapolis plumber for help diagnosing a water leak. Water leaks can lead to a vast amount of costly damage and destruction, so never wait around to take action. Read our blog, “Important Warnings Regarding Residential Slab Leaks” to understand the importance of routine water leak inspections and maintenance.

Indianapolis Plumbing Service and Repair

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.

Important Warnings Regarding Residential Slab Leaks

Posted on July 6, 2018 by weilhammerplumbing

Slab leaks create serious problems for homeowners. A slab leak is water leakage from pipes in your plumbing system. These pipes are located under the concrete foundation of a home, which is where the complications come from. When a slab leak is discovered, it is important to take action right away by contacting a professional plumbing repair company for immediate emergency service.

Continue reading to learn what you need to know about slab leaks, including which signs to look out for and what to do if you suspect a water leak in your plumbing system.

Indianapolis Slab Leak Repair 317-784-1870

Underground Plumbing Pipes

Plumbing contractors favor underground piping systems for a number of reasons. For one, it is less expensive and easier to connect the main line to the in-home fixtures when you use an underground approach. This is because there is no need for drilling, extra materials, and fastening various pipes to the interior walls.

Another reason has to do with insulation. Under the ground, the piping is shielded from high and low temperatures, making it naturally insulated from extreme weather conditions. So no extra insulation is required. These are just a few reasons why plumbing contractors prefer to install home plumbing systems under the concrete slabs of the house. Although there are many advantages to installing underground plumbing pipes, there are also some downfalls, in particular, slab leaks.

Slab Leak Repair

Slab leaks are very hard to detect because they are underground and out of site. When a slab leak actually occurs, most cases require the floor to be excavated in order to reach the water leak. This is why slab leak repair is costly and complex. Slab leaks are easier to repair when they are discovered early on. Less water accumulation and saturation under your floors is faster and easier to restore. Long term leakage can result in major excavation and restorations.

If you hear the sound on flowing, running, or dripping water anywhere within your walls or basement, then you may have a slab leak. Also, an unusually high water bill is another sign of water leakage. If you see saturated wet areas of your yard, basement, or other areas of the home, it could mean a slab leak as well. In this case, you would need to contact a licensed Indianapolis master plumber for professional detection and repair services.

Indianapolis Slab Leak Repair

Weilhammer Plumbing Company 317-784-1870

Call Weilhammer Plumbing Co. Inc. at 317-784-1870 for trusted Indianapolis slab leak repair in Indianapolis, Indiana. Our licensed master plumbers provide a wide range of residential and commercial plumbing services at the most competitive prices in town, including water leak detection and repair. Request a free estimate, today.

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.

Indianapolis Water Leak Plumbers 317-784-1870

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.

How to Prepare Your Plumbing for Cold Weather

Posted on October 10, 2016 by weilhammerplumbing

Indianapolis Plumbing Repair 317-784-1870

Seasonal plumbing preparation is important for both commercial and residential properties. As the climate and temperatures change, so should the routine maintenance for your plumbing. Depending on the condition of your plumbing system, this can include annual inspections, professional service, part replacements, cleaning, and much more. Although most plumbing maintenance requires professional service, there are many household tasks you can do on your own to prepare your plumbing for the
upcoming winter season.

Continue reading to find out what they are and how to get started!

Outdoor Plumbing Preparations

Before temperatures can drop low enough to freeze water, it is important to manage all of your outdoor plumbing systems, including outdoor faucets, spigots, valves, drains, and hoses. This will prevent a large number of frustrating frozen water plumbing problems. Here’s what to do:

Disconnect all of your outdoor hoses. Store them away for the season. Failing to do so can cause hoses to freeze and expand, which can then cause connecting faucets and plumbing lines to break.

Check all outdoor faucets for water leaks. If you find a leak, contact a plumber for professional water leak repair services. Failing to prepare water leaks can cause cracks and pipes, which can lead to severe water damage and flooding disasters.

Note: For homes with interior water shut-off valves that lead to outside faucets, be sure to drain all water from the outside lines in turn themselves off.

Purchase Styrofoam faucet insulation covers and install them on all outdoor faucets. You can purchase these covers for a fee dollars apiece at any local home improvement store.

Clear gutters and down spouts mud, leaves, twigs, and other organic matter.

Indoor Plumbing Preparations

Test the temperature and water pressure relief valve (T&PR valve) on your water heater. Refer to your owner’s manual to learn how to properly perform a T&PR valve test. When operating properly, the valve should produce a burst of hot water in the drainpipe. If the valve does not respond properly, call a licensed plumber for water heater repair service.

On the subject of water heaters, be sure to have your flushed. You can do this on your own if you know how, otherwise it is best to have it serviced professionally.

Inspect and clean your sump pump pit and septic system. Refer to the owner’s manual for proper cleaning instructions, or contact a local plumber for professional septic system services.

Indianapolis Plumbing Service

Weilhammer Plumbing Company Indianapolis Indiana

Weilhammer Plumbing Company 317-784-1870

Call Weilhammer Plumbing Company at 317-784-1870 for prompt and professional plumbing repair and service in Indianapolis, Indiana. Owner and master plumber, Mark Weilhammer, and his team of licensed plumbers, but answer your questions about plumbing repair and more. We offer a wide range of residential and commercial plumbing services, all at the most competitive prices in town. Call 317-784-1870 to request a free estimate for Indianapolis plumbing service, today.

How to Manage the Aftermath of Water Damages in Your Home

Posted on March 13, 2015 by weilhammerplumbing

Indianapolis Plumbers 317-784-1870

Water damages are among the most upsetting and frustrating circumstances for any home or property. So many negative outcomes can result from water damage, including costly structural damage repairs, loss of significant assets, stressful insurance claims, and much more. For these reasons and more, it is vital to protect your property from potential water leaks, burst plumbing pipes, and indoor flooding. It is strongly encouraged to consult a master plumber about scheduling an assessment of your home for plumbing problems such as these. Stopping a small leak or vulnerability in your plumbing pipes can prevent serious water damages from happening the in the first place.

Continue reading to learn how to manage the aftermath of water damages in your home, and who to call for expert advice and service regarding this issue.

Water Damage Repair

Most homeowner insurance policies do not cover water damages caused by plumbing disasters that occurred as a result of negligence or improper maintenance. Be sure to discuss these principles with your insurance company before any disasters occur so that you know exactly where you are covered and where you are not. A proper policy will cover hotel fees, reimbursement for personal belongings lost in the damages, mold remediation, home repairs, restorations, and more. If your homeowners’ insurance does not offer coverage for these kinds of incidents, you have the option of purchasing a policy through a third-party insurance provider. In other cases, home insurance policies do cover plumbing emergencies and water damages. It differs from company to company.

Once you have settled with your insurance company, it is important to locate a master plumber to come in and implement professional diagnostics in order to identify all weak spots, vulnerabilities, and needed plumbing repairs. This is vital if you wish to prevent further water damage and future floods. Once the plumber has been contacted and scheduled, you can then look for a reputable general contractor company for any needed structural or foundation repairs. This includes drywall, carpet, floors, windows, ceilings, beams, and more.

Weilhammer Plumbing Co. Inc.

Weilhammer Plumbing Company 317-784-1870

Call Weilhammer Plumbing Co. Inc. at 317-784-1870 for information about water leak repair and plumbing inspections in Indianapolis, Indiana. Owner and master plumber, Mark Weilhammer, has decades of experience and training in the plumbing repair industry. He and his team of fellow master plumbers can identify all plumbing issues in a commercial or residential property in an effort to prevent flooding and water damages. Call 317-784-1870 to speak with a licensed master plumber about water leak plumbing repair in Indianapolis, IN today.