6 Plumbing Problems Every Indianapolis Homeowner Should Know

Plumbing trouble has a way of sneaking up on you. One week everything is fine, the next you’ve got a dripping faucet or water pooling where it shouldn’t. For homeowners in Indianapolis and the Greater Indy area, paying attention to small problems before they turn into plumbing emergencies can save a lot of money and stress.

Indy’s weather doesn’t make it any easier. Winters freeze pipes, heavy summer storms push sewer systems to their limit, and older homes around the Circle City often come with plumbing that’s seen better days. Knowing the most common plumbing issues and when to call for help gives you a head start.

Leaky Pipes & Faucets

That drip from the kitchen sink may not seem like much, but over time it wastes gallons of water. Leaks in pipes are even trickier because you might not see them right away. Look for stains on the ceiling, damp spots under sinks, or a musty smell in the basement.

A faucet washer is an easy swap, but if water is running behind the walls, that’s not a DIY job. That’s when you want a local plumber in Indy who can find the source fast and fix it before damage spreads.

Clogged Drains and Toilets

Clogs are about as common as it gets. Kitchen drains fill up with grease and food scraps, bathroom sinks clog with hair and soap, and toilets back up when the wrong things get flushed.

A plunger usually works on small clogs. But if water starts backing up into more than one drain, you may have a sewer line issue. That’s the point where calling a plumber makes sense. A quick service call can keep a messy backup from turning into water damage.

Water Heater Issues

Nothing ruins a morning faster than a cold shower. Water heaters act up for a few reasons: sediment building up in the tank, worn heating elements, or the unit simply getting old.

Watch for these signs:

• No hot water
• Water that runs out too quickly
• Odd banging noises from the tank

Regular maintenance like flushing the tank once a year helps. But if your water heater is more than 10 years old, it’s usually smarter to plan for a replacement before it quits completely.

Low Water Pressure

Low water pressure is frustrating and can have a few different causes. Mineral buildup in pipes is common, especially in older Indy homes. Sometimes it’s a small clog in a faucet aerator, other times it’s a hidden leak.

If your neighbors also have low pressure, it could be a municipal issue. If it’s just your home, check the easy things first. If that doesn’t solve it, a professional can track down the problem.

Frozen and Burst Pipes

Hoosiers know how cold an Indy winter can get, and that cold puts pipes at risk. When water inside freezes, it expands and can split a pipe wide open. A burst pipe can dump hundreds of gallons of water into your home in minutes.

To prevent frozen pipes, insulate the ones in basements, garages, and exterior walls. On really cold nights, let faucets drip and keep cabinet doors open so warm air circulates. If a pipe does burst, shut off your main water supply right away and call for burst pipe repair.

Sewer Line Problems

Sewer problems are messy and often hidden until the signs show up. You might notice foul odors outside, drains that gurgle, or multiple clogs happening at once.

Tree roots are a big cause in the Circle City. Aging pipes and shifting soil don’t help either. A sewer inspection from a professional plumber can show if you need a repair or a full replacement.

How a Professional Plumbing Company Can Help You

Some problems are small fixes. Others point to bigger issues you don’t want to ignore. That’s where Chapman comes in. We’re proud to serve the Greater Indy area with same-day plumbing services, honest pricing, and reliable solutions.

From bathroom plumbing repairs to water heaters and emergency calls, our licensed team knows how to keep Indy homes running smoothly. Hoosiers count on us because we’re fast, professional, and affordable.