Plumb Doctor LLC

Plumb Doctor LLC is a locally owned full service residential and commercial plumbing company located on the southside of Indianapolis! Our service area covers all of Indianapolis and surrounding areas.

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Plumbing "Secrets"

The other day we came across an article titled “What Plumbing Companies Don’t Want You to Know.” It got us thinking about why plumbing companies would keep secrets from their clients and what we here at Plumb Doctor DO want you to know! In response, we spoke with each of our experienced, knowledgeable plumbers and asked them one simple question: 

“If you could tell all homeowners ONE thing that you think they should know about their plumbing, what would it be?”

Here are their answers:

“Consider having a plumber over before buying a home so they can scope the underground drain system with a camera to check for roots, collapses, and other issues that aren’t visible to home inspectors. This is called a sewer scope or sewer line camera inspection. Having this simple check done could save you tens of thousands.”

“Know where your main shutoff is and label it in case you aren’t the one home when you have a leak! Your main shut off will typically be in the basement (if applicable) or on the outside wall in the utility room. If you ever need to shut off the valve turn it clockwise and it will shut off the water to the entire home. “

“Read your meter. If your water bill seems to be higher than normal for no reason, shut off all fixtures, including the valve on your hot water tank. If the numbers on your meter keep moving, call Plumb Doctor, you might have sprung a hidden leak inside a wall or under the floor.”

“No putting bricks in your toilet tank. There is a myth out there stating if you put a brick in your toilet tank you can save water. This is untrue and can cause your toilet to not flush properly. You should refrain from putting anything in the tank including liquid drain cleaners, detergents, and soaps. These will eat away at the pipes.“

“Do not trust the “flushable” label. Unfortunately, there are items out there that say they can be flushed down the toilet. This could not be further from the truth. These items do not break down like toilet paper does and can come back to haunt you later with clogged and/or damaged pipes.”

“Do not pour grease or fats down your kitchen sink drains, not even in the garbage disposal side while running hot water. Pouring oils down your drain while running water only pushes it further down the drain to harden up. Greases and fats can become extremely hard and can result in minor to major plumbing issues later. Instead, consider pouring it into an old can or bowl. “

“Don’t ignore drips and running toilets. Small drips can waste over eight gallons of water a day, and a continuously running toilet can waste more than 200 gallons of water, daily. If you ignore them, you will have a costly water bill coming up.”

If you ever have any questions or need plumbing advise never hesitate to call Plumb Doctor at 317-306-9343. Our top-rated plumbers are available 24/7 for plumbing repairs in the Indianapolis, Greenwood, Fishers, Carmel, Avon, Greenfield area and beyond! To see a full list of our plumbing services available visit our site here. To see our full service area, click here. We have also recently added the option to schedule your same day appointment online, making it much easier to quickly book a plumber. You can book online here!

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What you need to know when calling a plumber during the Covid-19 pandemic

You may be wondering if it is safe to call your local plumber due to COVID-19 and the answer is - yes!

Leaks and broken pipes are not going to wait due to a pandemic. With everyone working from home and kids out of school the house becomes crowded, so when plumbing issues occur you may be asking if it is a good idea to add more people into your home. Plumb doctor has remained fully operational and is taking the necessary steps to follow safety guidelines of social distancing and cleanliness. You should feel at ease calling Plumb Doctor out to take care of your plumbing needs as safety is our priority and we are taking every precaution to keep our team and our community safe.

When you call to schedule your appointment for your plumbing needs, we will ask if anyone has been sick in the home. If someone has been sick in the home or currently is, we will work with you to decide what the best and most safe option is to resolve your plumbing issue. We do this to protect you, the customer, and our technicians. Plumb Doctor understands these times are scary and uncertain and we will do whatever we can to assure all safety measures are being met.

Some other ways Plumb Doctor takes precautions are:

Wearing masks      

Maintaining social distancing   

Frequent hand sanitizing and hand washing

Options for contactless payment

The very best thing you can do during this time is to try to prevent plumbing issues!

Remember to:

Turn off the hot water system when leaving for extended periods of time.

Open the drains on the water heater twice a year to remove sediment.

 Check the caulk line on walls around tubs and showers regularly.

Inspect and test toilets for leaks annually.

Run your water at full pressure when using the garbage disposal.

What NOT to do:

Put disposable diapers into the toilet. 

Dispose of baby wipes in the toilet – ‘flushable’ or not. 

Use 'flushable' wand-type toilet bowl cleaners - they contain small plastic parts which can become lodged in the trap.

Keep wastebaskets under the sink.  Bumping drainpipes can cause leaks. 

Dispose of feminine hygiene products in the toilet. 

Pour fats or cooking oils into your sink drain.

Even taking all precautions, there are times when you may have a plumbing problem and you need to get a plumber to your home. If this occurs, know that you can trust Plumb Doctor to take your health and safety seriously. To schedule an appointment, call 317-306-9343 or schedule online here.

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CLEAN-OUTS. WHAT ARE THEY AND WHY DO YOU NEED ONE?

WHAT IS A CLEAN-OUT?

A sewer clean out is a capped pipe that connects to your home’s main sewer line. It is installed outside the home to be able to easily access your main sewer line, which is the main drainage line leaving your home. When the main line has an issue, whether that is a clog or roots in the line, your entire house can quickly back up, causing all plumbing to basically become unusable until the issue is fixed. A cleanout allows a plumber to quickly and easily access the line and fix the issue without dragging dirty plumbing equipment through your home. No matter how much a sewer machine is cleaned, it has still been through multiple sewer lines, and if you can avoid that machine in your home, it is best. In addition, after a cleanout is installed, accessing the main line can be done more quickly and easily. This means that the repair will be cheaper for you and your plumbing will be back to normal in no time!

WHY SHOULD I HAVE A CLEAN-OUT?

A cleanout makes getting to clogs and build up in your drains much quicker and easier. Without a clean-out in place, plumbers have to access the sewer line through a toilet. This means more potential mess, plumbing equipment drug through your home, and a much more costly bill as this method is more difficult and time consuming.

A clean-out can avoid potential water damage, pipe damage, and remediation (clean up) expenses associated with extreme sewage backups.      

In summary, a cleanout = Cleaner. Quicker. Cheaper.  

I ALREADY HAVE A CLEAN-OUT IN MY BASEMENT. WHY SHOULD I INSTALL AN OUTDOOR CLEAN-OUT?

Although basement cleanouts are usually easily accessible, they can make a big mess when accessed. Think about it like this – when are clean outs opened up? When there is a clog somewhere in the line and waste is building up in your lines. Well, if that waste is built up past the cleanout access point, you are going to have a very big mess on your hands when it needs to be used. Think raw sewage coming out in full force into your basement . I think it’s safe to say that no one wants to deal with that. A clean-out outside your home prevents this major problem.

I WANT TO INSTALL A CLEAN-OUT. WHO SHOULD I CALL?

A sewer clean out should be installed by a licensed and insured plumber. This is not a job you should DIY as the potential for damage to your main sewer line could cost you thousands to repair. If you would like a free estimate to install an outside clean-out, call Plumb Doctor at 317-306-9343 or fill out the form below.

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Are you looking for a plumbing company in the Indianapolis area that offers financing?

Look no further! As the owners of Plumb Doctor, we wanted to be able to provide our customers with the best financing options available. We have personally spent countless hours researching financing companies to partner with. What we found in our search were many financing companies with hidden fees. We found companies that would make promises that sounded wonderful, but would hide fees in areas that you weren’t looking. We found many companies that would hit you hard with extreme interest rates if you were late even one time. We didn’t want that. We wanted a company that WE would personally use. When we came across Wisetack, we knew we found the one.

We are proud to not only offer our customers the very best plumbing services, but now, the very best financing options to complete your plumbing repairs.

With our partner, we offer completely transparent financing with:

Low rates 

NO hidden fees

NO origination fees

NO late fees (WHAT?!)

NO prepayment penalties

NO impact on your credit score for just checking your rates and options

Fixed monthly payments

Fast approvals - you will know instantly if you are approved

Flexible monthly payment options

…and much more!

Let’s face it. No one likes to pay for plumbing repairs. And some plumbing repairs are not only hard or impossible to pay for up front, but need to be done immediately to keep your home functioning, leaving you no time to save up for the needed repair. That is why we are thrilled to be able to offer our customers financing options that are the best out there. We know that when an unexpected plumbing problem arises, you don’t have a lot of time to do your research on a financing company, and that is why we spent our time doing it for you. We are confident that if you are looking for plumbers that finance, you will not be disappointed in our service or our monthly payment options. Give us a call today to schedule your free estimate and find out instantly (with no impact to your credit!) if you are approved.

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Attention home buyers: 1 major thing that is being missed on almost EVERY home inspection!

Most home buyers hire a home inspection company to provide details on a home’s condition before their purchase. It’s an important part of the buying process that can help you make the best financial decision possible. Any issues that are found on the inspection can help the buyer to negotiate a lower price, ask that the repairs be fixed, or give the buyer the opportunity to walk away from a deal that may cause major financial strain in the long run. A home inspector has a large array of knowledge and completes a very thorough check of the home’s major components, such as the plumbing system, electrical system, hvac system, home’s structure, roof, and much more. With the home inspection, it is so thorough that most home buyer’s cannot imagine that any major system is being missed…. But it is.

The Sewer Line

A home’s sewer line is an underground, large drainage line leaving the house and connecting to the city sewer. All the drains in your home connect to this one drainage line, so it is very important that this line is in good working condition. An inspection of this line is not completed during a typical home inspection for a couple reasons.

1. This line is underground and not easily viewed.

2. It takes special equipment and training to perform a sewer line inspection.

Why do you need a sewer line inspection?

The importance of a sewer line inspection may be best explained through an example that we have seen, time and time again. Imagine that you found your dream home. The inspection came back clear, and you are all moved in. One afternoon, you go to flush your toilet and it starts bubbling. You start noticing a sewage smell, and look over to see sewage coming up out of your bathtubs and sinks! You have a MAJOR problem! You immediately call a plumber, who determines that the problem is your sewer line. After inspecting the line, the plumber determines that the lovely shade tree that made you fall in love with your front yard has roots that have grown into your sewer line, cracked it, and now the sewer line needs replaced. The problem doesn’t stop there. The portion that needs replaced extends underneath your driveway. Now, you not only need your yard excavated and a sewer line replacement, but you also will need a new driveway too. This is not a small repair- you are looking at thousands of dollars. And you have no working plumbing in your house and sewage backing up – making your house unlivable until you foot the bill. You can’t imagine how this problem wasn’t found – you just bought the home 1 month ago, and the inspection said everything was great!

…Except, the sewer line was never inspected.

Unfortunately, this is not a far-fetched example. Ask any plumbing company how often they get calls to replace a sewer line, and they will tell you: too many to count. Sewer lines can have problems, and those problems are often costly.

Even if your home doesn’t have trees surrounding that could damage your line, there are plenty of other things that can go wrong with a sewer line.

1. A sewer line can be clogged or full of foreign debris. This could be an easy fix, such as a simple main drain cleaning. Or, the foreign debris could have damaged the line, which may put us back at the scenario above- sewer line repair or replacement. Remember, you did not own the home, so you don’t know what has been put down the drainage system before you moved in.

2. A sewer line depends on gravity to drain. If the line settles at all, for any reason, there can be major issues. Settling can happen if the line wasn’t properly supported during installation, or just with normal ground settling.

3. Corrosion of old sewer line pipes can also cause the need for a full sewer line replacement. If your dream home is a beautiful older home, this should absolutely be something on your mind, but even if the home is newer, corrosion of pipes does happen and the result is expensive.

The bottom line is, sewer line repair and replacement is messy and costly. Home insurance typically does not cover such a repair, and once your sewer line is bad, there is not much time, if any, to save up for the repair. In a lot of cases, your home could have raw sewage coming up, and your entire plumbing system can be unusable until you complete the repair. This is not a position that you want to put yourself in if you can avoid it. You pay for a home inspection to give you peace of mind that all systems are working properly, and this is a system that is worth the extra money to inspect. A simple sewer line camera inspection can cost an additional $200-$300 during the inspection and buying process, but the amount of money it can save you and the peace of mind knowing everything is ok is priceless.

At Plumb Doctor, we have experienced, knowledgeable plumbers that can perform a video camera inspection of your main sewer line during your buying process. We will provide a report that details if there are any issues, and can provide an estimate for repair if one is needed. With this in hand, you can negotiate the best outcome for your purchase. In addition, we work with multiple home inspection companies to provide this service as an add on to their already thorough home inspections. If you would like a referral to a home inspection company that we work with, we would be happy to provide that referral so that you have peace of mind knowing that you will have a complete home inspection by the local, top home inspection companies AND a complete video inspection of your main sewer line by an expert plumber. For more information, please call us at 317-306-9343 or fill out our contact form HERE.

*If you are a local realtor or home inspection company in the Indianapolis or surrounding area, we would love to talk with you about our Sewer Line Video Inspections that can be offered to your clients at a discounted rate. Contact us at [email protected]

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Is your water heater leaking? Here’s what you should do.

What do I do if my water heater is leaking?

If you notice that your water heater is leaking water, you have a problem that needs to be addressed ASAP. Although it may seem like a small problem, it can quickly grow to a much larger issue if not properly taken care of. Leaking water can not only damage floors, subfloors, walls, and other nearby appliances, but it can also cause mold and mildew growth that can become dangerous to your family’s health.  In extreme cases, a full water heater failure can flood your home. It’s important to remember that although it may seem like a small problem now, it is not going to go away and fixing it sooner rather than later can save you from dealing with a much more expensive problem down the road.

Is it dangerous if my water heater is leaking?

Any leak in your home is an inconvenience, but a water heater leak has the potential to be extremely dangerous, even deadly, and should be taken seriously. As mentioned above, a leaking water heater can cause major damage to your home, but the true concern is far more dangerous.  A faulty water heater has the potential in extreme cases to explode, leak carbon monoxide, or cause a fire.  The first thing that you should do if you notice water leaking from your water heater is turn off the power supply to your water heater. For an electric water heater, locate the breaker for your water heater in the circuit breaker box. For a gas water heater, locate the on/off switch or dial on your water heater. Next, you should turn off your water supply to the water heater.  This can be done by turning the valve 90 degrees on the pipe leading into the top of your water heater.

What could be causing my water heater to leak?

There are 4 common causes of a leaking water heater. To find the source of the problem, you can inspect the water heater yourself before calling a professional using the tips below, just make sure to turn off the electricity and water for safety. If you are not comfortable with checking out your water heater, a licensed plumber can inspect it, diagnose the problem, and provide an estimate for repairing or replacing the water heater. The 4 common causes of a water heater leaking water are:

The cold water inlet and hot water outlet connections

There are pipes attached to the top of the water heater where the cold water comes in and the hot water comes out. If the water is leaking from this area, try tightening the connections. This could be a quick, easy fix!

The temperature and pressure relief valve

Every water heater has a temperature and pressure relief valve. It is typically located on the side or top of the water heater. This valve is a safety mechanism that is designed to drain water if the water inside the water heater becomes too hot or if there is too much pressure building inside the water heater. A leak coming from this valve could mean 2 things. Either the valve is faulty and needs to be replaced, or the valve is doing it’s job and releasing some water to prevent a much bigger issue. If this valve is the source of the issue, it is a good idea to take it seriously and call a local plumber right away.

The drain valve

The drain valve is located at the bottom of the tank. Check to make sure the valve is closed completely. If the leak is coming from this area, the valve may need to be replaced which is a relatively inexpensive repair.

The internal tank

If the internal tank is leaking, you will see water leaking from the bottom of the water heater. The cause of this is deterioration and aging of the water heater and the only fix is replacing your water heater.

Who should I call for a leaking water heater?           

Although it may be tempting to try to repair or replace your water heater yourself, this job is best left to the professionals. Attempting to change out a water heater when you have not been properly trained can be dangerous and lead to further damage of your home. For all water heater repair or water heater replacement services, we recommend contacting a licensed plumbing company. Plumb Doctor has highly rated, experienced plumbers available 24/7 for your water heater replacement and water heater repair services. Plumb Doctor provides emergency services and free estimates in the Indianapolis, Greenwood, and surrounding areas. Give us a call today or fill out our contact form here to get a plumber to your home immediately!

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Monthly bills out of control? Here are some easy changes you can make to save money!

Are you looking for some tips to save you money each month? Plumb Doctor put together a list of 7 easy things that you can do to lower your water and electric bill. Even if you implement just a few of these changes, the savings can add up over time!

Lower the temperature on your water heater

The ideal temperature to set your water heater at is 120 degrees. By lowering your water heater from 140 degrees to 120 degrees, you can save 4-22% on your annual water heating costs. If you are going on vacation or leaving your home for an extended amount of time, you may consider turning off the water heater to save you some extra money as well.

Wash your clothes in cold water and skip the permanent press cycle

When you wash your clothes in warm or hot water, the water heater has to do a lot of work which costs you money. By doing laundry with cold water, you can shave off an estimated $40 a year on your electric bill. You can also save on your water bill by skipping the permanent press cycle. This cycle has an extra rinse cycle which uses an extra 5 gallons of water per wash.

Make sure your appliances are in good working order

Appliances that are not working properly use up more energy to get the job done- costing you more on your monthly electric bill. It’s important to do regular checks on appliances and confront any issues when they first start. If it comes time to change out your appliances, we always recommend energy efficient models.

Reduce the amount of heat you use on your dishwasher

Just like washing machines, dishwashers use a lot of energy to heat. Most dishwashers have an option for a heated dry which can be disabled. The heated dry helps to reduce water spots on dishes, but you can also accomplish this with a rinsing aid and then hand drying the dishes. Reducing the heat use on your dishwasher and loading it as efficiently as possible can help shave off some extra money on your monthly electric bill.

Investigate small leaks

Fixing leaks when they are small can not only save you on more costly future repairs, but it will save you on your water bill as well. Many times, a leaking faucet gets fixed because it is noticeable and annoying, but a leaking toilet is often overlooked. Leaking toilets are the leading cause of high water bills. To determine if your toilet has a leak, add 5 drops of food coloring to the tank. If after 10 minutes the color of water in the bowl has changed, you have a leak.

Use less water while brushing your teeth and shaving, or install water efficient faucets

If you want to lower your water bill, it is important to think about the small things that you do every day that wastes water. Instead of leaving the water running while you brush your teeth or shave, consider turning off the water while completing these tasks. Another way to conserve water, even while it is running, is to install an aerator or Watersense-certified faucet. These conserve water without compromising performance and are 30% more efficient than the standard faucet.

Take shorter showers or convert to a low flow shower head

Showers and baths are the 3rd largest water use in the home. Just like the tip above, by using less water, you can save on your water bill. A low flow shower head can range in price from $8 to $50, so there are affordable options (We ARE trying to save money here, right?!). Annual savings on your water bill with a low flow shower head for a family of four is $135!

As a final thought, remember that although some of these changes may seem small, added up they can make a big difference. Even if you are able to implement a few changes and save $25 per month, that is a $300 savings per year!

Do you have other tips for saving money on your monthly bills? If so, leave them in the comments below!

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KEEPING YOUR DRAIN AND SEWER LINES CLEAR

Preventative maintenance and care that will save you from costly repairs.

Your home is one of the biggest investments that you will ever make. Making sure that you keep up with the maintenance is important on all aspects of your home, including your plumbing. In this blog, we will be talking specifically on the care of your drain lines and sewer lines. By educating yourself on how to best care for your drain and sewer lines, you will keep your plumbing running smoothly and save yourself from experiencing potentially disastrous plumbing problems.

Know what you can and cannot put down your drains

This is the single most important maintenance tip for keeping your drains and sewer lines clear. It’s imperative to know what NOT to flush or put down any drain lines in your home. You can quickly clog up your home’s drainage system by putting down too many of the wrong things.

In our blog here, we talk about what should and should not be flushed down your toilet. In short, only toilet paper and human waste should be flushed. (“Flushable wipes” are NOT flushable!)

In this blog, we talk about what you can and cannot put down a garbage disposal.

Run hot water down your drain after each use

Running hot water down your sink or tub on a regular basis helps prevent the build up of debris and oil from foods on the interior of your pipes. The hot water moves all of it down your drain lines reducing the chance of sluggish drains.

Assess slow drainage right away

Often, the first sign of a drain line problem is a slow draining sink or tub. This could be a small problem that just needs some light cleaning (such as this Do It Yourself drain cleaning trick here) or it could be a sign of a bigger problem starting. It is best to address all small plumbing issues before they become larger ones. If you start noticing a sink or other line draining slowly, the best bet is to try the DIY cleaning recipe above, but if that does not work, calling a plumber now could save you from a much bigger headache later.

If roots are the problem, get a handle on it early

Tree roots can cause big problems for sewer lines. The roots can invade the line causing major damage. If you are having issues with your sewer line, it is best to call a plumber earlier rather than later. An experienced plumber can do a camera inspection which involves running a camera down your drain line and diagnosing what the issue is. If roots are the issue, but not a major issue yet, there are times that a plumber can perform a drain cleaning and chop up some existing roots and place root killer in your lines. This is far less expensive than a sewer line replacement that must be done once roots have completely damaged your sewer line.

If you find yourself with a clogged drain, first evaluate if it is a clog in a single, small drain or if it is a main drain clog. The best way to tell is that typically a single drain blockage will only back up in one sink or tub. If that is the case, you can first attempt this DIY method here.   Sometimes you can use this method to unclog the drain yourself. If that doesn’t work, it will be time to call a plumber. At Plumb Doctor, we have experienced drain cleaning technicians available to quickly get your drain unclogged and back up and running.

If all of your drains or multiple drains are backing up, it is likely that it is a main drain or sewer line issue. For a clogged main drain or a broken sewer line, an experienced, knowledgeable plumber is needed. Plumb Doctor’s drain cleaning and sewer line replacing experts are top plumbers that have the right tools to quickly solve your plumbing emergency.  If you are having problems with your main drain or sewer line, we can provide camera inspections to diagnose what the problem is. Once the problem is identified, our plumbers can educate you on the best way to fix the drain line problem and how to prevent another drain issue in the future.

To learn more about our drain cleaning specials, call us at 317-306-9343 or visit our website at https://www.plumb-doctor.com/drain-unclogging-and-cleaning.

To learn more about sewer line repair and replacement, visit https://www.plumb-doctor.com/sewer-line-installation-replacement or call to schedule your repair at 317-306-9343.

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HOW TO FIND A GOOD PLUMBER

Word of mouth

A great place to start when looking for an honest, reliable plumber that does great work is to ask around! Talk to your family or friends, or even post the question on social media. If someone has used a plumber in the past, especially if they have used that plumber multiple times, and the plumbing company has done a great job, it’s most likely that they will do a great job again in the future. You know that you can trust your family and friends, so this is a great starting point.

Reviews

Once you have a few plumbers in mind, do a Google search on them. You can even search social media, such as Facebook, to see what people are saying about the plumbing company. These days almost everyone is on social media, including plumbing companies, so this is a great place to research as well. Keep in mind that it’s very uncommon for a company to have a complete 5 star rating on all platforms as you can’t always make everyone happy and as the saying goes, there are often two sides to every story, but overall the majority of the plumbing company’s reviews should be positive and they should have an excellent rating! We recommend at least a 4 star rating, but as close to 5 star as possible is best!

References

In addition to online reviews, you can always call the plumbing company to ask for references from customers they have done plumbing work for before. Once you receive these references, call them and ask how satisfied they were with the plumber’s work.

Licensed and Insured

This is something that is extremely important! Make sure that the plumbing company is licensed and insured. If the company is not licensed or does not carry insurance for worst case scenarios, we would not recommend using them.

How long have they been in business?

This is a great question to ask. We recommend a plumbing company that has been in business at least 3-5 years. It’s also a great idea to ask the individual plumber how many years of experience he or she has in the plumbing field.

Warranties

Always ask about the warranty that a plumbing company provides on their work and have them write the warranty on the work order. Remember to ask about the warranty that comes with the product (such as the warranty on the water heater or sump pump), but also what warranty the plumber provides on parts and labor. A great plumber always stands behind their work!

To request service from the experienced plumbers at Plumb Doctor, call us at 317-306-9343 or fill out the contact request form here.

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5 SIGNS YOUR WATER HEATER MAY BE FAILING

An average water heater’s lifespan is 8-12 years. It’s always important to keep an eye on your water heater and perform regular maintenance, but it becomes even more important to pay attention as your water heater nears the end of its lifespan. If you can catch a problem with your water heater before it completely fails, you can save yourself money and potential headaches. You don’t want to have to go without hot water until a plumbing company is available to fit you into the schedule, and no one likes to pay after-hours or weekend fees when a plumbing problem becomes a plumbing emergency. By keeping an eye on your water heater and knowing when you may be nearing the end of its lifespan, you can potentially stay ahead of the game. If your water heater is acting up before it goes out, pay attention!

If you notice any of the following 5 signs of a failing water heater, consider contacting a plumber ASAP:

Inconsistent water temperatures or water that gets warm but not hot

This is the most common sign that your water heater may need to be replaced. This can be due to minerals and sediment building up and causing your water heater to not be able to heat to the capacity that it was built to.

Strange Noises

If you hear a popping, rumbling, or crackling sound, you should not ignore it. This is also caused by sediment build up. Basically, those noises are the sound of this sediment “cooking” when the water heater is doing its job and heating the water. The best way to prolong the life of your water heater and prevent this sediment build up is to do yearly flushes and maintenance. our water heate

Rusty or dirty looking water

Rusty or dirty looking water in your showers and sinks can be due to the water heater rusting on the inside. As you can imagine, this is not a good sign. Any discolored water should prompt you to call a plumber to take a look at your water heater.

Water with a metallic scent or metallic taste

If the water coming out of your faucets, showers, and/or appliances starts to have a metallic taste or smell, you should start thinking about evaluating your water heater. As with other issues listed above, this can be caused by the sediment and mineral build up that is often the culprit of a failing water heater.

Water leaking around the water heater

If you notice water is leaking from the bottom of your water heater, or notice it pooling on the floor, this means that the water heater is losing the water that it is supposed to be heating. This can happen slowly over time or abruptly, but if you notice it at all, it’s time to call a plumber.

If you are experiencing any of these issues, don’t panic just yet. There are other reasons for some of these plumbing symptoms especially if your water heater is not yet nearing the end of its lifespan. At Plumb Doctor, we have the experienced and knowledgeable plumbers that are able to diagnose the issue that you are experiencing and discuss your options. If you would like a plumber to evaluate your water heater, fill out the form below or contact us at 317-306-9343.

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MAKING BATHROOMS SAFE FOR SENIORS

According to the National Counsel on Aging, one in four adults over the age of 65 fall each year. Falls are the leading cause of fatal injury and the most common cause of nonfatal trauma-related hospital admissions among older adults. In another statistic, from the National Institute of Aging, it is reported that 80% of these falls happen in the bathroom. With such startling statistics, it’s important to think about making the bathroom a safer place for aging adults. Whether you are building your home and want to plan ahead for safety as you age, or you have a loved one that needs safety improvements in their bathroom ASAP, this list will give you some ideas on how you can improve the safety of a bathroom for seniors.

ELEVATED TOILET SEAT WITH HANDLES

These raised toilet seats can be purchased at many convenient stores such as Walmart, Amazon, etc. They raise the height of the toilet to make it easier to sit down  and rise up. The handles provide balance and extra assistance with these tasks.

SHOWER CHAIR OR TRANSFER BENCH

A shower chair is an easy solution to provide assistance for those that have a hard time with balance in the shower, or have a hard time with standing for extended periods of time and need a chair to rest. An advantage to this chair is that it can be easily removed for others using the shower in the home. A transfer bench removes the obstacle of getting into and out of the bathtub. This bench is ideal for those that don’t have the proper balance to step up and into the bathtub. An individual sits on the bench, slides themselves over and into the tub, and can remain seated during the shower with the use of a handheld shower head (which will be discussed below).

GRAB BARS

Often times, things such as towel racks are used as handles, which can be very dangerous as these racks are not strong enough to support our weight. Wall-mounted handles or grab bars in the bathroom can help provide support in the areas where assistance is needed. These are commonly installed inside the shower or next to the toilet. They also make grab bars that attach to the side of the bathtub that can assist with getting into and out of the tub.

DETACHABLE / HANDHELD SHOWER HEAD

Installation of a detachable shower head makes showering much easier and safer for seniors. With the use of a handheld shower head, showering can be done completely in the sitting position. Delta has a large selection of handheld shower heads which can be found here. (Choose the hand showers filter to see only those with detachable shower heads.)

WALK IN TUB

Another option for shower and bathtub safety is to install a walk-in tub. These tubs are designed for safety. The bather walks into the tub over a very low threshold, closes the water tight door, fills the tub, bathes, drains the water, and then opens the door and steps out of the tub. There are many designs to these tubs that can assist with many different circumstances including those adults that use a wheelchair. If you would like a free estimate to install a walk in tub, or would like to hear more about them, contact us here.

NONSLIP FLOORS

The combination of water on tile makes for a very slippery surface. It’s imperative to have a non-slip mat or decals on the bottom of the shower or tub. A non-slip mat outside the bathtub/shower will help prevent falls from slipping on the wet floor after exiting the bath.

REMOVE CLUTTER AND FLOOR MATS THAT ARE NOT SLIP RESISTANT

Clutter in the bathroom and floor mats that are not slip resistant are tripping hazards. Make note of anything that is in the bathroom that could potentially cause a trip, and remove it before it becomes a problem.

NIGHTLIGHT

A nightlight is a very quick, easy safety feature to add that makes a huge difference. As we age, it can become harder to see, especially at night time. Adding a nightlight helps illuminate the bathroom and can prevent tripping over things that could result in a fall.

PUT TOILETRIES AND OTHER ESSENTIAL ITEMS WITHIN REACH

Toilet paper rolls, showering items, and anything else that is often used in the bathroom should be placed at an easy to reach distance to prevent overreaching and falling. A small shower caddy placed at a height that does not require bending down or reaching very high can make a huge improvement in shower safety.

CABINET HANDLES WITH CLOSED ENDS

Installing cabinet handles with closed ends can help prevent clothing being snagged on a handle in turn causing a fall.

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CONSIDER AN OUTWARD SWINGING DOOR

In a worse case scenario where someone falls in the bathroom and can’t get up, it is important for help to be able to get to them. If a person falls against a door that opens inward, this can cause a major problem getting to that person quickly. It’s important to consider installing an outward swinging door or a  sliding pocket door so that there is not a delay in getting into the bathroom to help someone who has fallen.

This concludes the list of tips to make the bathroom safer for seniors. Most of these tips are very easy, quick to install ideas that you can do yourself to greatly improve safety. A few of the tips may require a professional’s help. If you need any assistance in installing safety features in your bathroom, Plumb Doctor is always available to help and provides free estimates.  We can assist you in the planning and installation of multiple bathroom safety features.  Fill out the form below or call us at 317-306-9343 and we will help you get started!

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TOP SUMP PUMPS: A BUYER'S GUIDE TO CHOOSING THE BEST SUMP PUMP

 If you live in the Indianapolis area, it is highly likely that you have a sump pump, or will someday need one. Not all sump pumps are created equal, so it is important that you do your research on the type of sump pump that you have installed in your home. You should know the size (or horsepower) of the sump pump that you need for your personal situation, if a backup sump pump is also needed or not, the average lifespan of the sump pump that you purchase, what the warranty on the sump pump is; and if you are having it installed by a professional, you should ask what kind of warranty that professional provides on their parts and labor. In addition to this information, once you choose your sump pump, you should educate yourself on what up-keep is needed and how to test that your sump pump is in working order. You never want to find yourself with a non-working sump pump. That result of being unaware that your sump pump is not working could be thousands of dollars worth of damage to your home!

SIZE / HORSEPOWER

1/3 horsepower and 1/2 horsepower sump pumps are the most common choices for residential sump pumps, although there are many more options if you have a more unique circumstance. Choosing the right size can save you a lot of money and hassle in the long run. If you need assistance in choosing the right size for your home, Plumb Doctor has experienced plumbers that would quickly be able to assist you with this decision and give their recommendation for the best size sump pump for your home based on their experience and knowledge.

BACK UP SUMP PUMPS

If you are installing a sump pump, a back up sump pump is something that you should be considering as well. There are two types of back up sump pumps: battery powered and water powered. There are pros and cons to each one. The battery powered back up sump pump can work during a power outage when your main sump pump loses power. It can also kick in if your main sump pump is having issues keeping up. The downfall is, of course with every battery-powered appliance, the battery can only run for so long without recharging, which could cause an issue if there is an extended power outage.  The water powered back up sump pump has the advantage that it can run for an unlimited amount of time with no battery to monitor; however, there are some specific plumbing requirements your home has to meet to be able to use one of these back up pumps. Another option when installing a sump pump, is to install a combination pump, which is  combination of a primary sump pump and battery powered backup sump pump all in one package.

AVERAGE LIFESPAN

A sump pump’s average lifespan is about 10 years. The general rule is that if you are not sure how old your sump pump is, it should most likely be replaced, or at the very least cleaned, inspected, and then maintained.

WARRANTY

It is important to check the warranty that comes with the sump pump that you purchase. Zoeller sump pumps come with a 3 year manufacture warranty to give you peace of mind that you are buying a quality product that will protect your home from potential water damage. In addition to the manufacture’s warranty, Plumb Doctor provides an additional 1 year parts and labor warranty when installing a sump pump for our customers.

At Plumb Doctor, we install only what we consider to be the best sump pumps currently on the market: Zoeller Sump Pumps. Zoeller is based in the United States and one of the oldest family-owned manufacturers of submersible pumps, systems, and controls for moving and treating water. We have been very satisfied with the Zoeller company and the products they manufacture. They provide an excellent product with an excellent warranty, and that is why the plumbing experts at Plumb Doctor take pride in installing them for our customers.

 If you are considering installing a sump pump in your home and would like a free estimate, you can contact Plumb Doctor at 317-306-9343 or fill out a form on our website here and we will be in contact with you shortly!

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PREPARING TO SELL YOUR HOME? READ THIS FIRST!

A lot of people wait for Spring or Summer time to sell their home. Since we are now officially in our first week of Spring, it may be time to talk about what you should do to get your home ready to sell. Of course, most people think about things like cleaning, decluttering, painting, and maybe even replacing floors. What you might not be thinking about is what to do to make sure your plumbing is in the best shape for selling.

According to the National Association of Realtors, 36% of people buy new homes to avoid plumbing and electrical issues. Don’t let your preexisting home’s plumbing scare potential buyers away! It’s a good idea to make sure any outstanding issues are fixed before they are recognized and put a buyer on edge. Although a perpetually clogged drain or a leaky faucet may not seem like a big deal to you, issues like this can turn off potential buyers and have them questioning what else may be wrong with your home.

APPLIANCES

It is a good idea to check your appliances, especially your water heater for any issues before listing your home. A leaking water heater, or a water heater with any issues at all, may need to be replaced especially if it is nearing the end of its life. (A typically water heater lasts 8-12 years.) If you do decide to replace your water heater, or any other appliance for that matter, you may consider an energy efficient model as this is a great selling feature!

LEAKS

Take a walk around your home and inspect it for any signs of leaks or water damage.

Some signs of water damage to look for:

Stained ceilings

Damaged paint or wallpaper

Damaged walls or floors

Mold

 Other signs that you may have a water leak:

Increased water bill

Low water pressure

If you notice any of these signs, it is best to call a plumber to have it looked at now. These issues will be found in an inspection and you don’t want it to make your buyer think twice about purchasing your home!

SUMP PUMP

If you own a sump pump, read our blog here to find out how to make sure it is in good working order. You don’t want any problems with flooding when you are trying to sell your home! That new carpet you put down in your basement would be a big waste of money if your sump pump doesn’t work and causes your basement to flood! We know this is an extreme example, but it’s a good example of why checking your plumbing is so important!

KITCHEN AND BATHROOM

We all know that kitchen and bathrooms are big selling features of homes. There are a few ways that you can add value to your home without spending a lot of money. In general, it may not be a good idea to invest in large, expensive upgrades right before selling. Small improvements can go a long way to give these rooms a refreshed, inviting appearance!

Investing in some upgraded fixtures in matching finishes can really go a long way in making a kitchen and bathroom look clean and inviting. If you are considering this option, also consider going “green” with water efficient plumbing fixtures. These small improvements are a good selling feature to advertise to your potential buyers!

Sinks are the main focus of kitchens and bathrooms. If you have a very outdated sink or a sink that is not in the best shape, consider reading our blog here to learn about the best sinks on the market right now.

If you have an outdated or leaky toilet that you are considering replacing, our blog here talks about some updated options for you. As with other appliances and fixtures, consider water efficient models to add a little something extra to advertise!

Another relatively cheap upgrade for a bathroom is changing your bathroom mirror to a mirrored medicine cabinet. This can provide an updated look that can also hide the clutter that often takes over our bathrooms.

Don’t let less than stellar plumbing get in the way of your home sale! If you encounter any plumbing issues on your own inspection or on your professional home inspection, if you would like a plumber to do a full home plumbing inspection before you list your home, or if you need assistance in making any upgrades before selling, the plumbing experts at Plumb Doctor are available to take care of these issues ASAP so that you can quickly move on with the sale of your home. We serve Indianapolis and all surrounding communities. See our full list of service areas here .

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10 THINGS EVERY HOMEOWNER SHOULD KNOW ABOUT THEIR PLUMBING

1. WHERE YOUR MAIN WATER SHUT OFF VALVE IS LOCATED

Water pouring into your home is a nightmare that every homeowner hopes will never happen to them. It can cause major damage very quickly and leads to many headaches and a lot of money spent on repairs. There is good news though- you can put a stop to it immediately, saving you a lot of stress and a lot of money, if you know where your main shut off valve is located. You never want to be searching for this in the heat of the moment – when panic has already set it, so it’s imperative that every homeowner finds this before disaster strikes.

The main shut off valve is typically located on the inside perimeter of the house, facing the street, where water enters the house from the city line. If you have a basement, you will be looking for this valve at eye level or above. If you are on ground level, the valve will be below eye level. One trick if you are having trouble locating this valve, is to go outside and find the meter pit. Stand on it and walk a straight line to your house- this is likely where the water line enters your house and where you will find the valve. Another helpful tip, if you are still having trouble, is to pull out your home inspection report. In the report, locate the plumbing section, and in this section there should be a description of this shut off valve and a picture attached.

2. HOW TO SHUT OFF WATER TO INDIVIDUAL FIXTURES IN YOUR HOME

Whether you have a water leak coming from a specific fixture or appliance, or you are planning to do some home improvements that require you to turn off water to a specific location in your home, every homeowner should know where their individual fixture shut-off valves are located. A fixture valve turns water on and off to specific fixtures in your home, like a sink, or an appliance, such as a washing machine. These valves are located closest to the fixture, and allow you to turn off water to a specific area, rather than the entire house, like the main shut off valve mentioned above. It is always a good idea to walk around your home and locate the individual shut-off valves on sinks, toilets, washing machines, dishwashers, and water heaters.

3 HELPFUL HINTS:

 1. Sinks have 2 shut off valves- one for hot and one for cold. Cold is typically located on the right. You will need to turn both of these off to completely shut off water to that fixture.

 2. The Water Heater shut off valve is located on top of the water heater. You may need to shut this off if you are having issues with your water heater, but still need to run (cold) water for toileting, washing dishes, and various other things.

 3. Bathtubs and showers may not have shut-off valves, and if they do, they may not be accessibly. You will need to shut off the main water shut off valve mentioned above.

  3. HOW TO READ YOUR WATER BILL AND REGULARLY ASSESS FOR LEAKS

Reading and evaluating your water bill each month is a good habit to get into as a homeowner. Evaluating this bill helps you to see how much water you are consuming and can help you catch leaks before they turn into big problems! Because leaks cause a huge increase in water consumption, a large increase in this bill should catch your attention and start your process of evaluating where the leak could be coming from. At Plumb Doctor, we often get calls from customers with increased water bills, and have the knowledge and expertise to help you locate and fix the leak fast before you end up with a much larger problem!

4. KNOW WHAT YOU CAN AND CANNOT FLUSH DOWN THE TOILET

Long story short, there are only 2 things that should be flushed down the toilet: bodily waste and toilet paper. Everything else can cause big problems, which leads to big money spent on repairs! Unfortunately, there are companies that like to advertise “flushable wipes”. These wipes=not really flushable. To learn more about what you can and cannot flush, read our blog here: www.plumb-doctor/blog/what-can-you-flush-down-the-toilet

5. KNOW WHAT YOU CAN AND CANNOT PUT DOWN THE GARBAGE DISPOSAL

Garbage disposals are a convenient tool to get rid of kitchen waste. However, putting the wrong thing down these disposals can cost you. Here is a quick list of things that you should never put down your disposal:

Pasta and rice

Used cooking oil

Coffee grounds

Bones

Avocado seeds

Egg shells

To learn more about WHY you should not put these down your garbage disposal, read our blog here.

6. HOW TO PREPARE YOUR HOME FOR THE INDIANAPOLIS WINTERS

Living in a city like Indianapolis, you know that the winters here can be brutal! Cold temperatures can cause frozen pipes, leading to potentially burst pipes, and lots of damage in our homes. As a homeowner in a place where temperatures drop to below freezing every year, it is important to know how to prepare your home to save you from winter-related plumbing damage.

Here are a few tips to prepare your home for the Indianapolis winter:

Keep your thermostat on a constant temperature

Insulate any exposed pipes

Disconnect your garden hose and shut down the supply valve which feeds them with water.

Tune up your water heater! You want to drain and service your water heater at this time every year. Plumb Doctor performs these services for many of our clients every year! We would be happy to add you to our customer list to make sure your water heater stays in tip-top shape! We can be reached, any time, at 317-306-9343.

7. WHERE YOUR MAIN GAS SHUT OFF VALVE IS LOCATED

If your home has natural gas, this is an incredibly important thing to know for the safety of you and your family. There are 2 main gas shut off valves and individual appliance shut off valves (much like the main shut off and fixture shut offs for water). The main gas shut off valve that homeowners could be dealing with is called the house-side shut off valve. (The other is located outside and is typically not a valve that homeowners should be manipulating). The house-side shut off valve is located where the gas line comes into your home- or somewhere along that line, after the gas meter, but before the first appliance. This valve should be located before you run into a problem! The important thing to know is that if you smell gas, shut off your house-side gas shut off valve, leave your house, and call the gas company.

8. HOW TO PLUNGE A TOILET

It is inevitable. There will come a time during your home-ownership years that you will need to unclog a toilet. It’s not a fun job, but if you have the right tools handy and the knowledge to complete the task, you can get it over with quickly and move on to much more enjoyable things.

One important tip: As a homeowner, always have a plunger available. Preferably within quick reach to your bathrooms. If you don’t have one- go buy one now. It is a necessity.

To plunge a toilet follow these steps:

1st- If the water is rising, turn off your toilet shut off valve (hint: you can learn how to do this in #2 above.)

2nd- grab your plunger.

3rd-Get a good seal with your plunger, make sure there is enough water in the bowl to cover the plunger, and then push in and out vigorously until the clog clears.  

Voila! You’re back in business.

9. HOW TO CHECK YOUR SUMP PUMP

You don’t want to get into a situation where your sump pump stops working when you need it to! This could lead to costly repairs, headaches, and after hours fees that could be prevented with just a few routine maintenance checks.

One of the important things to check on your sump pump is your pit and discharge line. Make sure that it is clean, and not full of debris. Also, check the sump pump itself- inspect for any external damage.

Trace your electric cords to the outlet. Unplug both cords and just plug back in the cord to the pump. You should hear a humming sound showing the pump turned on. If you don’t hear this- you have a problem and need to call a plumber. After you complete this, make sure you plug everything back in just the way it was!

Pour a 5 gallon bucket of water slowly into the pit. Once the water reaches a predetermined level, the pump should turn on. If it does not, again, you should contact a plumber to repair your pump before you have further issues.

The typical lifespan on a quality sump pump is 10 years. If you inspect and maintain your pump yearly, you should expect to have a good, reliable pump for many years to come!

10. HOW TO FIX SMALL DRAIN CLOGS

To end our list today, here is a DIY drain cleaning tip every homeowner should use when they are faced with a clogged drain:

Start with pouring a pot of boiling water down the drain

Next, pour about ½ cup of baking soda into the drain

After this, pour 1 cup of vinegar and 1 cup of water into the drain

Cover the drain so that the agents stay inside and do their work

Finally, dump more boiling water down the drain.

 Hopefully this DIY trick will do the job. If not, know that not all drains have simple clogs and it may take calling a plumber to fully resolve the issue. If that is the case, Plumb Doctor is available to help you with your drain cleaning at an affordable cost. We would be happy to talk further with you about your issue: 317-306-9343.

This was a brief overview of the top 10 things every homeowner should know about their plumbing. Stay tuned for a more in depth blog on each subject! To be notified when we post a new blog, like our Facebook page !

As always, Plumb Doctor is here to help if you have plumbing problems or questions. Our team of experienced plumbers is available to meet your needs 24/7. We service Indianapolis and all surrounding counties. If you are unsure if you are in our service area, please see the complete list below or just call us at 317-306-9343! We look forward to helping you!

CITIES WE SERVICE

     Indianapolis, Indiana

Avon, Indiana

  Bargersville, Indiana

Beech Grove, Indiana

Brownsburg, Indiana

Camby, Indiana

Carmel, Indiana

Danville, Indiana

Fishers, Indiana

Franklin, Indiana

Greenwood, Indiana

Lawrence, Indiana

Mooresville, Indiana

New Whiteland, Indiana

New Palestine, Indiana

Nineveh, Indiana

Noblesville, Indiana

Plainfield, Indiana

Pittsboro, Indiana

Southport, Indiana

Speedway, Indiana

Trafalgar, Indiana

Westfield, Indiana

Whiteland, Indiana

Zionsville, Indiana

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Why Your Garbage Disposal Hates You...

If you are someone who enjoys cooking at home it’s probably best you take a look at these six things you DO NOT want to put in your garbage disposal.

BONES

Bones are a really hard substance. They are not easy to break into manageable pieces. If you put bones in the garbage disposal unit, they will just keep spinning. Even if they break, they still won't be small enough to go down the drain completely. There is also a risk of the blades in the unit of getting damaged. Hence, it is best to avoid bones in a garbage disposal unit.

COFFEE GROUNDS

These are pretty deceptive in appeal. It looks like something that the garbage disposal unit can take care of. But the truth is really different. Coffee grounds take shape of sludge in the unit. It can actually lead to complete garbage disposal unit malfunction. So, it is best to avoid them.

EGG SHELLS

Egg shells can really create a mess in a garbage disposal unit. They also look like something which would not be of a consequence however egg shells are slimy stuff on the inside. They tend to stick in the unit and never actually go down the drain. Having eggshells in your garbage disposal unit can create a really stinky situation. Hence it is best to avoid them.

AVOCADO SEEDS

What we mean by avocado seeds is any hard-shelled seed. Ever tried breaking one of them? Yes, right they cannot be broken so easily. Putting one in your garbage disposal unit will be a disaster. They will surely damage the blades of the unit. It will be really hard to extract them once they are lodged in the unit too. Hence, it would be really prudent to keep them away from the unit.

USED COOKING OIL

Used cooking oil will go right through your unit and will stay at the bottom. It will stick to the blades of the unit and will cause them to malfunction. It will also clog your plumbing lines. Therefore, under no circumstances should you put cooking oil in the garbage disposal unit.

RICE AND PASTA

Rice and pasta are two food items which would expand if exposed to water even after being fully cooked. You should not dump them down the drain as most likely they will expand in the drain and clog the entire system. It will also damage your garbage disposal unit. It is best to avoid them.

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How to avoid throwing money down the drain...Especially when it’s clogged...?

Is your sink not draining? Are you noticing puddling water when you shower? Toilet backed up? It’s possible you have a clogged drain. Sure, there are short-term solutions like Drano. These short-term solutions can provide temporary relief; however, they can cause long-term problems, such as weakened or cracked pipes. Proper drain maintenance and repair is an important aspect of both residential and commercial plumbing. Just because you can’t see something once you wash/throw/flush it down the drain, it doesn’t mean you can never think about it again. Out of sight, out of mind doesn’t apply when it comes to your drains.

How Can I Prevent A Clogged Drain?

Some basics for keeping your sink drains unclogged are as follows: place mesh screens over ALL your drains (including bathtubs and showers), run hot water through the sink after each use, try and reduce your garbage disposal usage, and teach your kids the importance of using your drains properly. Furthermore, don’t forget your toilets – if you start to see your toilet flushing slowly (also referred to as a ‘weak’ flush), it’s possible that a clog is beginning to form – don’t wait, grab your plunger and give it a push. Additionally, only use appropriate products to clean your toilet. Don’t dump bleach in the bowl – it can damage pipes and lead to the long-term degradation of your septic tank (if you have one).

How Do I Know If I Have A Clogged Drain?

More often than not, you will know when you have a clogged or leaking drain. Nevertheless, it is always important to be on the watch for tell-tale symptoms of a clogged drain. As previously mentioned, are you seeing water not draining efficiently or puddling water? Perhaps your drain is clogged you now have a leak. Some signs of leaks could be: mold, damaged paint/wallpaper, damaged floors and walls – or the most common – stained ceilings. Lastly, you may smell some strange odors – that’s a good warning that something unpleasant is festering in your drain.

What Can I Do If My Drain Is Clogged?

You can try some home remedies for clogged drains. We’ve all seen or heard about someone taking a coat hanger, straightening it out, making a hook and doing some good ‘ole drain fishing. More conventional approaches would be hot water, plungers and drain snakes. These home remedies can provide your drains with temporary relief; however when you need professional help, call the Plumb Doctor – we’ve got the remedy for your serious drain problems.

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2018 PLUMBING TRENDS?

When you make a list of all the latest trends that you want to keep an eye on going into a new year, "plumbing-related advancements" won't necessarily rank high on the list - if they happen to make it at all. But the truth is that the world around us continues to evolve at a break-neck pace and the plumbing industry is absolutely no exception. There are a number of really interesting plumbing trends in particular that you're going to want to keep an eye on in 2018 and beyond.

The Future Of Plumbing Maintenance Is Here

Gone are the days where diagnosing even simple plumbing problems used to require tearing your entire system apart just to get to the root of the matter. These days, a number of providers use a series of specially designed cameras to locate everything from leaky pipes to blocked drains with relative ease. Not only does this help save a tremendous amount of time and effort, but you can even get a live video feed of what is going on with your pipes at the same time - giving you the confidence that comes with knowing you're not being taken advantage of.

Hands-Free Fixtures Are Here To Stay

Hands-free faucets, sinks and other fixtures have long been a staple of office buildings, retail stores, and other public spaces. 2018, however, may be the year where they're ready for prime time - and your home.

Many plumbing companies and homeowners are turning to hands-free plumbing fixtures to help save water - something that can also help reduce the cost of your monthly utility bills at the exact same time. Hands-free plumbing fixtures are also naturally more hygienic than their more traditional counterparts, something that doesn't stop being true just because you're in the comfort of your own home.

Tankless Water Heaters Are Here To Stay

Tankless water heaters have been around for years, but for many, their initial cost far outweighed the benefits that they brought to the table. Thankfully, as technology has continued to advance the cost of these units has come down dramatically - meaning that if you're getting ready to replace your water heater in 2018, now would be the perfect time to make the jump

Tankless water heaters aren't just more energy efficient than their traditional counterparts, but they also overcome a massive issue that homeowners have battled for decades: standby heat losses. In general, tankless water heaters are also far safer to operate - something that you'll appreciate when you don't have to deal with a flooded basement or utility closet at any point in the near future. As modern day tankless units are also incredibly energy efficient, even the initial money that you do put forward on the investment will likely pay for itself sooner rather than later by way of the amount of money you're saving each month on your utility bills (are you noticing a common theme in some of these trends, yet?)

These are just a few of the major plumbing trends to keep an eye out for going into 2018 and beyond. When you consider just how far the industry has come in even the last five years, it's exciting to think about what the next five may hold for us all.