Common Plumbing Dilemmas

From a leaky faucet to a broken sump pump, you never know when a plumbing problem will occur. At L.D. Smith Plumbing, we've seen it all. We have compiled a list of some of the most common plumbing dilemmas and what might be the cause. Lance recently visited Life.Style. Live! to share a few of these dilemmas. Watch the video below.

Why is water backing up?

It could be a recurring clog, sewer line damage, hair or tree roots. It depends on the line.  

Why is my water heater leaking?

This could be caused by a cracked or corroded water heater tank, loose or faulty fittings and pipe connections. These problems could occur due to age of the water heater, high water pressure or thermal expansion.  

Why do we run out of hot water so fast?
There could be several reasons for this, including mechanical failure. Another reason could be your current storage tank water heater isn’t big enough to handle the needs in your home and you might need a larger water heater. There also may be sediment clogging the tank reducing the flow of water.

Is it safe to use popular drain cleaners to treat a clog?

Lance does not believe chemical drain cleaners are ever safe to use because these products not only damage metallic piping or equipment but can be harmful to the skin if there is contact or if inhaled. The best recommendation is to call a plumber to assess the problem as drain cleaners could be hiding a larger issue

I just purchased an older home. What should I know about my plumbing?

If the plumbing is all original, make sure a qualified professional inspects it. The primary concerns Lance has about plumbing in older homes are: The age of the water service and sewer line, and the age and condition of the water lines and drainage within the home.

I have multiple slow-draining sinks in my home. Is one clog the cause?  It depends if all sinks are connected to the same line, but most likely not.

Plumbing problem? Request an appointment with the experts at L.D. Smith Plumbing in Indianapolis.

VIDEO: Lance shares summer plumbing tips

The summer countdown is on! That means cookouts, picnics, and lots of gatherings in the backyard. It also means some of the plumbing in your home will get much more use than normal. During his recent visit to Life.Style.Live!, Lance Smith, owner of L.D. Smith Plumbing, shared quick tips to prevent plumbing challenges in your home this summer. Watch the video and read more tips below.

Planning a vacation? Find the location of your water shutoff

Also known as the main water valve, the water shutoff valve can help you rest a little easier when away from home. It turns off the water in your entire home. Turning off the main water supply protects your property if there is a plumbing failure while you are on vacation. You cannot predict when a pipe will burst – and it is not unusual for homeowners to return home to discover significant damage from an unexpected plumbing emergency. Look for the main water shutoff valve in your basement or outside close to your property.

Know the dos and don’ts of your garbage disposal

Large gatherings are popular in summer, which makes the garbage disposal a convenient appliance to dump leftover food. Some food does not dissolve in your pipes, causing a clogged drain. Foods to avoid tossing in the garbage disposal are: Eggshells, pasta, rice, grease, oils, and fats. Foods that work well in your garbage disposal are: Cooked meats, ice, veggie and fruit scraps.

Lower the temperature on your water heater

It’s summer. You want hot water, not HOT HOT water. Lowering the temperature in summer could reduce your energy bill. The thermostat on a gas or tankless water heater is usually on the front. Changing the temperature on an electric water heater will require a professional plumber to adjust.

Inspect your washer hoses for cracks

Make sure your washer is prepared for the massive amount of laundry this summer. Washer hoses last for less than five years. Pull the washer away from the wall and check the hoses. Replace those that appear cracked. Lance recommends stainless steel washer hoses that are much more durable than rubber.

Protect your plumbing all year with our Plumbing Protection Plan

Avoid plumbing problems this summer and all year with the L.D. Smith Plumbing Protection Plan. It is only $89 and covers a plumbing inspection – which includes washer hoses - priority scheduling for emergencies, discounted plumbing services, and much more. Get more details here.

WATCH: Lance shares fall plumbing tips on Indy Style

As you prepare for pumpkin picking, leaf raking, and all things fall, add a quick plumbing check to your to-do list. Lance Smith, owner of L.D. Smith Plumbing, visited the TV show Indy Style to share plumbing a few plumbing tips for fall. Fall is a great time to check your pipes, faucets, and other plumbing fixtures to ensure your home is ready to handle the cold weather ahead.

Check your water heater
If it’s older than 10 years old, now is the time to consider a replacement to guarantee warm
water. For energy savings, set the thermostat on your water heater to 120 degrees.

Disconnect outdoor water hose
This prevents freezing pipes and damage to your plumbing in the winter months.

Schedule major sewer line or drain repairs
No one wants to replace sewer pipes in winter. It’s no fun. Temperatures affect your sewer
pipes. Even if you have a small crack in your pipe right now, freezing temperatures can create a
bigger problem if not treated such as a flooded home or blockage. If there are any concerns
about sewer line, schedule an inspection to find leaks or cracks and treat those issues to ensure
your pipes are winter-ready.

Make it easy to access your water shut-off valve
This is very important for homeowners, especially if you have winter vacation plans. The shut-off
valve turns off water flow to your home preventing significant damage to your home in case
there is a hard freeze or flooding while you are away. Make sure you know the exact location of
your shut-off valve and have a plan for how to access it if there is heavy snow.

Check all pipes
Inspect all pipes in your home to make sure they are in a conditioned area and crawl space
vents are closed. Also, make sure no siding or insulation has been removed or damaged that
would allow cold air in.

Keep your plumbing operating efficiently year-round with our Plumbing Protection Plan for $89 annually. Learn more.