Should there be water in my water softener salt tank?

While a small amount of water in the salt tank is normal during certain cycles, if your water softener is full of water, it could compromise your system’s performance and lead to costly repairs. Understanding this issue—and knowing how to address it—can save you from the stress and inconvenience of dealing with hard water problems, equipment damage, and unexpected expenses.

Let’s learn more!

Understanding Your Water Softener System

To effectively troubleshoot a water softener tank that’s full of water, you must first understand your water softener’s components and how they work.

How the Softening Process Works

Water softening relies on an ion exchange process that processes hard water for home use.

As water enters the resin tank, specialized beads capture dissolved minerals, such as calcium and magnesium, that cause hardness. This process prevents the buildup of mineral deposits in your pipes and appliances, eliminating the problems associated with hard water, such as soap scum, scale buildup, and appliance inefficiency.

Key Components of a Water Softener

Your water softener system contains several critical components whose functions are important for homeowners to understand when communicating issues with plumbing repair technicians:

• The brine tank stores salt solution
• The control valve manages water flow and timing for regeneration cycles
• The safety float prevents overflow by monitoring water levels

Potential Issues with Water Softeners

A properly functioning water softener should operate quietly in the background. When problems arise, you’ll typically notice the gradual return of mineral buildup on fixtures, reduced soap effectiveness, and spotting on dishes. Recognizing these early warning signs allows you to address issues before they get worse (and more expensive to repair).

Why Is My Water Softener Full of Water?

Several mechanical failures and issues related to maintenance neglect can cause your water softener salt tank to fill with water.

Brine Tank is Overflowing

Overflow problems typically stem from malfunctioning safety float valves that fail to regulate water levels properly. When this component becomes stuck or damaged, it cannot signal the system to stop filling, causing water to accumulate beyond normal levels and potentially flooding the surrounding area.

Salt Bridging

Salt bridging is that hard, crusty layer that forms across the top of your salt supply and prevents proper dissolution. This barrier blocks water from reaching the salt below, disrupting the regeneration process and causing water to remain trapped in the tank instead of cycling through the system as designed.

Failed Resin Bed

Over time, the ion-exchange capacity of the resin beads in your softener can diminish from exposure to iron, sediment, and other contaminants. When the resin bed loses effectiveness, it compromises the regeneration process. The result? A brine tank full of water.

Clogged Drain Line

Mineral buildup or improper drain line installation prevents water from draining during regeneration cycles, causing treated water to back up into the brine tank. These clogs will progressively worsen if not addressed right away.

Malfunctioning Control Valve

The control valve orchestrates the timing and flow of water through various cycles. When this component fails, it may fail to initiate regeneration cycles, resulting in a water softener that is full of water and has lost all softening capabilities.

Sticking Safety Float

When stuck, the safety float is unable to perform its primary function of preventing overfilling. This mechanical failure often results from mineral buildup or debris interference and can lead to potential flooding if not addressed.

Clogged Injector

The injector mechanism creates the vacuum necessary to draw salt solution from the tank during regeneration cycles. When this small but critical component gets clogged with mineral deposits, it cannot generate sufficient suction to empty the brine tank, resulting in standing water after each cycle.

How to Drain Excess Water from Your Water Softener

When you've identified that your water softener tank is full of water, you'll need to remove it before addressing the underlying cause. Here are several effective methods to safely drain the accumulated water from your system.

Use a Bucket or Wet-Dry Vacuum

The most straightforward approach involves manually removing water using a clean bucket or large scoop, allowing you to control the process and potentially save clean water for reuse once repairs are completed.

Alternatively, a wet-dry shop vacuum designed for water extraction can quickly and efficiently remove large volumes of water without the physical strain of manual scooping.

Remove the Brine Well and Dump the Water

For complete drainage, you can disconnect the entire brine well assembly by removing the safety float and carefully lifting out the cylindrical brine well. Once the brine well is removed, you can safely tip the tank and pour the water down the drain, as brine water poses no environmental hazard when properly disposed of.

Start a Manual Regeneration Cycle

If your water softener's regeneration system is still functional, you can initiate a manual regeneration cycle by pressing and holding the regenerate button, then immediately pressing it again to bypass the brine draw phase. This method leverages your system's built-in drainage capabilities to automatically remove excess water, provided the regeneration mechanism itself isn't the source of the problem.

Don’t Ignore a Full Brine Tank — Act Early

Addressing a water softener full of water is crucial for maintaining your water softener’s effectiveness and preventing further damage to the system. Delaying repairs can lead to bacterial growth, salt waste, system failure, and emergency plumbing services.

Keep Your System Running Smoothly With Priority Maintenance

Regular maintenance is the key to preventing water softener issues before they disrupt your daily routine and require emergency repairs.

Chapman's Priority Maintenance Plan provides comprehensive plumbing system care with scheduled inspections, priority service scheduling, and exclusive discounts on repairs and parts. By partnering with Chapman's experienced technicians, you'll enjoy peace of mind knowing that your water softener will run smoothly year-round.

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FAQs

What is a brine tank?

The brine tank, also known as the salt tank, is an important part of a water softener system. It holds the salt needed for softening water. When water mixes with the salt, it creates a salty solution called brine, which helps in the process of making hard water softer.

What is water softener regeneration?

Regeneration is an important job of a water softener, and if it doesn't happen on a regular schedule, it could point to a problem. This process helps clear out minerals that can build up on the softener's resin beads, ensuring they keep working effectively. To do this, the system adds salt to replenish the beads with sodium, which is essential for them to function properly.

What happens if you overfill your water softener?

If your water softener is overflowing, it can cause water damage and hard salt due to humidity. It's important to fix the problem quickly, which may require a plumber. In the meantime, you can use the bypass valve to temporarily avoid the issue until help arrives.

How full should my water softener be?

Before adding salt to the mineral tank, make sure your brine water is between eight and fourteen inches deep. The particular number may differ depending on the brand and model of your unit.

Does a water softener have an overflow pipe?

Overflow pipes are necessary for water softeners. They are located in the brine tank.

At some point in a homeowner’s journey, residents will come across the common aggravation that is low water pressure. This leads to the pertinent question “Why is my water pressure low?”  There is a multitude of reasons for low water pressure, and knowing those reasons and the common background behind water pressure will alleviate homeowner stress.

What Is a Normal Water Pressure Level?

A normal water pressure for your house ranges from 45 to 80 psi. Anything below that level constitutes low water pressure. If you are feeling wary that your water pressure is low, use a test gauge that measures psi. This handy tool can be found at most hardware stores. To measure your home’s water pressure, screw the gauge onto the hose spigot on the outside of the home. Turn the valve on, and your reading will appear.

7 Causes of Low Water Pressure

1. Water Demand

A common cause for low water pressure can be due to high water demand within the household. When multiple taps are used throughout the house, this can drop the water pressure below a satisfactory level. Between the multiple taps being used throughout the home, the demand becomes too high, leading to low water pressure.

This can easily be fixed by making sure the use of water throughout the house is divided properly by staggering activities that rely on water consumption. Examples would be avoiding showers when running the dishwasher and making sure multiple sinks aren’t being used at the same time.

2. Closed Shut-Off Valves

The main water shutoff valve regulates the flow of water in a home. If your water pressure is low, it may be because this valve is partially closed. For your home to receive proper water pressure, it’s essential that these valves are open.

The main shutoff valve can be located near the outside hose spigot or inside the home in the utility room. Make sure the valve is turned all the way to the opened position. Harsh winters in Indiana can lead to issues for not only your shutoff valve but also other plumbing fixtures in a home. Chapman Heating, Air Conditioning & Plumbing can assess the situation, determine the issue, and offer a long-lasting solution.

3. Plumbing Fixture Issues

Another issue that may cause low water pressure is fixture issues. One thing to keep in mind is the aerator on a faucet fixture. The aerator is designed to reduce an influx of water flow from the faucet without compromising water pressure. Aerators can be prone to buildup by limestone, rust, or dirt. This can be fixed by removing the aerators on your faucets and inspecting them for these issues. Reinstall the aerators once they have been cleaned to determine if the water pressure is now at a good level.

Fixtures themselves can also get clogged, and given that they are relatively inexpensive, replacing them is a viable option.

4. Broken Pressure Regulator

The plumbing system within your home contains a component known as the pressure regulator. This regulator keeps water pressure at a comfortable level in your home. Your water pressure may become low or high depending on if this component is broken.

The pressure regulator is a bell-shaped component near your home’s hose connection. You can adjust the pressure regulator accordingly depending on your home’s water pressure issues, whether high or low. High water pressure in particular can cause other problems like damaged faucets, showerheads, appliances, and water lines. Call a plumber if you believe your pressure regulator needs replacing.

5. Sediment Buildup

Sediment buildup within a pipe’s walls can lead to clogged pipes over time. Minerals flowing through running water can create buildup that will ultimately induce low water pressure. A common sign of this issue is initially observing good water flow that dwindles to mere drops.

Routine checkups by your plumber will help determine the current health of your pipes to curve the chance of sediment buildup being the root cause of your water pressure problems.

6. Corrosion

Corrosion issues pertain to homeowners with metal pipes. Corrosion develops over time within metal pipes and will restrict water flow. Corroded pipes may affect a small section of pipes within a home or the whole plumbing system.

Calling a plumber will help determine whether your pipes need cleaning or if they need to be replaced. Chapman Heating, Air Conditioning & Plumbing can offer full pipe repair or replacement in the Indianapolis area.

7. Small Branch Lines

The vertical supply stack lines that come off the plumbing system are known as branch lines. These branch lines lead to different plumbing fixtures. Low water pressure can also mean that your branch lines are too small to satisfy your home’s water demand. The fix to this issue would be best suited for your plumber to gauge if your home needs bigger branches.

Quick DIY Fixes

If low water pressure strikes your home, it can be a daunting task of what to do. Thankfully, there is a list of quick do-it-yourself fixes anyone can do before restoring to a local plumber.

Check Your Shower Heads

A simple solution to low water pressure issues can be checking your shower heads. Your shower head may have developed too much buildup. If different faucets and taps throughout your home have different water pressure levels, this is the best place to start.

Soaking your shower heads with vinegar and then cleaning them regularly afterward can help clear up depository buildup.

Drain Your Water Heater

Water heaters can also develop sediment buildup. Homeowners should regularly practice draining their water heater once a year. If this isn’t practiced, this can take years off of your water heater’s lifespan. Turn off the water heater first, then drain the tank.

Clear Debris From Pipes

Miscellaneous debris can cause your pipes to get clogged. As mentioned above, clogged pipes can cause low water pressure. A cable or snake drain that’s fed down your pipes can do a great job of unclogging your pipes. Doing this task regularly is a healthy way to help the timespan and efficiency of your home’s pipes.

Fix Low Water Pressure with the Expert Plumbers at Chapman

If these DIY tasks haven’t fixed your water pressure issues, it’s probably time to contact a local professional. Low water pressure can be caused by a degree of issues. Indianapolis area residents can have faith in the certified professionals at Chapman Heating, Air Conditioning & Plumbing for their plumbing needs that range from routine inspections, pipe replacements, cleaning, repair, and more to fix low water pressure in your home. Schedule an appointment with Chapman Heating, Air Conditioning & Plumbing today.

A foul odor coming from your sink drain is an unpleasant and perplexing problem. The unpleasant scent may linger in your kitchen or bathroom, making everyday tasks uncomfortable and leaving you wondering, “Why does my sink drain smell?”

From food particles and grease buildup to bacterial growth and plumbing issues, there are various reasons why your sink drain might emit a foul smell. Let’s take a few minutes to delve into the common culprits behind this problem and explore possible solutions to eliminate the odor and restore freshness.

5 Reasons for a Smelly Sink Drain

Mold and Mildew

The damp, dark environment of sink drains provides the perfect breeding ground for mold and mildew. These fungi thrive in moist conditions and can produce a musty odor. Regular cleaning and proper ventilation help prevent mold and mildew growth, eliminating the source of the unpleasant smell.

Clogged Sewer Line

A clogged sewer line can cause sewage backups, leading to foul odors that travel out of your sink drain. This issue often requires professional intervention to diagnose and resolve, as it may indicate a more significant problem within your plumbing system. Prompt attention to clogged sewer lines can prevent further damage and eliminate unpleasant odors.

Rotting Food

Food particles that accumulate in sink drains can decompose over time, resulting in a foul smell. Rotting food debris can also attract bacteria and other microorganisms, which only exacerbates the odor problem. Regularly clearing food scraps from your sink and using drain covers can help prevent this issue and keep your sink smelling fresh.

Venting Issues

Proper venting is essential for maintaining optimal airflow in your plumbing system and preventing foul odors from entering your home. Venting issues, such as blocked or improperly installed vents, can lead to sewer gas buildup in sink drains, resulting in unpleasant smells. Professional inspection and repairs of venting problems are necessary to ensure proper ventilation and eliminate odors.

Clogged Drain

A clogged drain can trap debris and organic matter, leading to bacterial growth and foul odors. Hair, soap scum, and other materials can accumulate in sink drains over time, causing blockages and odor problems. Regular drain cleaning and garbage disposal maintenance can help prevent clogs and keep your sink smelling fresh and clean.

Dry P-Trap

The P-trap, a curved section of pipe beneath the sink, traps water and prevents sewer gases from entering your home. If the P-trap becomes dry or loses its seal, sewer odors can permeate your sink drain. Running water regularly and ensuring proper P-trap maintenance can help maintain the seal and prevent unpleasant odors from escaping.

Tips to Get Rid of a Smelly Drain

To get rid of a smelly drain, try following these tips:

1. Boiling Water: Pouring boiling water down the drain can help dissolve and flush away grease, food particles, and other debris that cause unpleasant odors.
2. Baking Soda and Vinegar: Create a natural cleaning solution by mixing baking soda and vinegar. Pour the mixture down the drain, let it fizz for a few minutes, then flush with hot water so it can work its magic. This combination helps break down buildup and neutralize odors.
3. Citrus Rinds: Toss citrus fruit rinds, such as lemon or orange peels, into the garbage disposal and run cold water. The citrus oils will help freshen the drain, leaving a much more pleasant scent behind.
4. Ice Cubes and Salt: Drop a few ice cubes down the drain followed by a handful of coarse salt. Turn on the garbage disposal, and let it grind the ice and salt mixture. The abrasive salt dislodges buildup and debris while the ice helps clean the blades.

By incorporating these simple yet effective methods into your cleaning routine, you can banish foul odors from your drain and enjoy a fresh-smelling sink once again.

Get Your Home Smelling Fresh Again With Chapman

Eliminating an unpleasant drain smell from your home is essential for creating a clean and inviting environment for family and friends. With Chapman's range of effective odor-elimination products and solutions, you can enjoy a fresh-smelling home every day.

Whether you're addressing a bad smell coming from your sinks or tackling plumbing issues, drain cleaning, or sewer cleaning, Chapman has you covered with reliable odor-fighting solutions. Say goodbye to unpleasant odors and hello to a revitalized home with Chapman. Schedule a service today to get one step closer to a fresher space.

If you've lived in Indiana for any length of time, you know the month of April is full of pop-up rain showers and thunderstorms. All of that rain tends to lead to flooding and, if your basement is prone to flooding, you'll want to take precautions in order to keep your home and possessions safe and dry.

Why Does My Basement Flood?

Many families in Indianapolis and beyond find themselves facing the same problem every time it rains , a flooded basement. This can lead to a variety of issues, including mold growth, damage to your belongings, and structural damage to the building. But why is it happening?

If your home has a sump pump, you shouldn't find that your basement is flooding consistently. A sump pump's job is to effectively pump water away from the home's foundation. A failing sump pump, though, won't be able to pump water away from the home, allowing water to pool into your basement.

However, the cause of consistent flooding can go beyond sump pump issues. Water pooling, sewer backup, and water damage to the foundation of the home can all be at fault. To have your basement inspected and to determine what the cause of your spring basement flooding is, get in touch with a professional.

Emergency Power Source

Spring basement flooding will often cause electrical outages. It's important to be prepared by installing an emergency power source. Install a generator to provide emergency electrical service for your furnace, refrigerator, and septic tank pump in case power is lost.

If you do not have a generator installed, you could find yourself running into flooding, frozen pipes, or a flooded septic tank. These issues can cause even bigger and more expensive problems down the road.

Install a Sump Pump

A sump pump is vital to keeping your basement dry and pumping water away from your home. This device pumps groundwater from heavy rain out of the pump pit in your basement. If you don't already have a sump pump, you will need to have one installed.

If you already have a sump pump, but you still find that your basement is flooding, get in contact with a plumbing professional. They can inspect your sump pump to determine if it is still working and, if it's not, they'll be able to replace it.

Install a Backup Sump Pump

Even the most reliable piece of equipment can malfunction and fail. That's why it is important to invest in a backup sump pump system. A backup sump pump, even a battery-operated model, can begin working if the main sump pump is out of commission. This will greatly reduce your chances of basement flooding. Some systems even come with additional security features like an alarm that will alert you if the battery-operated sump pump has started to work.

Preparation is key to protecting your home and everything in it. By properly preparing for heavy rain with the installation of a backup sump pump, you'll ensure that your home stays safe and dry.

Contact Chapman for Sump Pump Installation

Spring storms can really take a toll on your basement. Flooding costs homeowners thousands of dollars on average each year. Get in contact with Chapman today to discuss your options and to determine how you can protect your home from the damage caused by flooding.

If you deal with basement flooding year after year, it's time to do something about it. Call us at (317) 207-9378 for more information about sump pumps, or schedule an appointment with us today.

Garbage disposals are an essential kitchen appliance. They help us clean plates and bakeware without making trips back and forth to the trash can. But like all appliances, garbage disposals can break down or stop working suddenly. When that happens, who do you call to fix your garbage disposal when it’s not working?

These appliances are unique because garbage disposals require a mix of electrical and plumbing knowledge, which might make you question who to call to fix your issue. However, knowing who to call can save you time and money and get your kitchen operating again in no time.

Chapman Heating, Air Conditioning, and Plumbing specializes in plumbing services with a solid background knowledge of electrical systems. Our team of Indianapolis plumbers have the expertise and know-how to install or replace fixtures, conduct routine maintenance, or fix any plumbing problem, including top-notch garbage disposal repair.

Why You Should Call a Plumber for Your Garbage Disposal Problem

Even though garbage disposals are powered by electricity, plumbers will be the most effective when it comes to resolving your garbage disposal issue. Most likely, a plumber installed your garbage disposal, and they have the knowledge to solve the majority of garbage disposal problems, even electrical ones.

In the event that your garbage disposal is clogged or jammed, an electrician might not know the most effective way to clear the clog or locate and eliminate the source of the problem. Even if you’re sure you have an electrical issue with your garbage disposal unit, call a plumber first. They have more experience with garbage disposals and can provide fast, effective solutions.

Signs You Should Call a Plumber About Your Garbage Disposal

The type of garbage disposal issue you’re experiencing may determine if you need to call a plumber at all. Some garbage disposal problems can be fixed by properly resetting the disposal or removing a clog. However, some issues require the knowledge of an experienced professional.

Your garbage disposal is responsible for processing different kinds of food waste, and as a result, it can wear down and break over time. Here are some of the most common warning signs that it’s time to call in a plumber:

• Age: Like all home appliances, garbage disposals have a limited lifespan, but many are unsure when to replace their garbage disposal. They typically need to be replaced every eight to 15 years, depending on the brand and model.
• Ineffective Grinding: If you suspect that there is a garbage disposal issue that needs to be addressed, run the unit and water for approximately 30 seconds. Then, reach into the disposal to check if there are waste items that have not been removed. If so, that might mean your blades have gone dull and need to be replaced.
• Leaking Under the Sink: Especially as your unit ages, you’ll want to routinely check for leaks under your sink, including any active dripping or puddles. Typically, disposals leak only while the water is on or while the unit is running. A leak usually indicates a hose or seal problem, which requires a plumber to remove the unit.
• Persistent Odors: Food waste is primarily what goes down your disposal. If it is not functioning properly, you might notice an unpleasant odor coming from the drain and/or garbage disposal. We recommend cleaning the sink and unit with natural cleaners and odor removers such as baking soda. If the odor persists, have the unit inspected by a professional.
• Unresponsive: If you flip the power switch and nothing happens, that means you may have an electrical issue rather than a plumbing problem. However, it’s still best to have your unit assessed by a plumber who has the knowledge to reconnect the system and restart your unit. Do not attempt to work on an electrical problem in your garbage disposal on your own.

Garbage Disposal DIY Fixes

Here are some common garbage disposal problems and how to troubleshoot them yourself:

• Garbage Disposal Won’t Turn On: First, make sure your garbage disposal is plugged in. Next, try hitting the reset button on the bottom of the disposal. If the disposal has been tripped, this button will pop out. Popping it back in should help. If neither is the case, check your circuit breaker to see if that has been tripped, or try resetting the circuit.
• Disposal Is Humming But Does Not Grind: This most likely means your disposal is jammed. Make sure the garbage disposal is off, and then get a flashlight to see if there is something blocking the blades of the disposal. Use a spoon or a long instrument to see if you can clear the blockage. Never stick your fingers down a garbage disposal.
• Garbage Disposal Drains Slowly: If water is backing up or draining too slowly, this most likely means that your garbage disposal is clogged. Try to remove what waste you can from the disposal. You can also disconnect the drain trap to better remove the clogged items.
• Garbage Disposal Is Leaking: There are several connections to your garbage disposal that can leak. Find the source of the leak, and get a wrench to tighten bolts.

If you’ve tried to fix it yourself and are still having issues, it’s time to give a professional Indianapolis plumber a call.

How to Avoid Garbage Disposal Issues

In order to keep your garbage disposal in working order, there are a few rules you should live by when operating your garbage disposal:

• Always run cold water when operating your garbage disposal.
• Never use chemical drain cleaners to unclog your garbage disposal. Not only are they not effective, but they also add toxic liquids to your kitchen sink and pipes.
• Grind up lemon peels and ice cubes to keep your garbage disposal from developing odors.
• Do not grind fibrous foods like coffee grounds, eggshells, potato peels, bones, or onion skins.

Whether it’s repairing your garbage disposal or having a new one installed, Chapman can help. Schedule your garbage disposal service in Indianapolis and the surrounding area with the experts at Chapman today.

Winters in Indiana begin in November. The temperatures might stay cool and mild for a while, but the weather quickly turns chillier as the last of the leaves fall. It’s during this time when homeowners face one of the biggest risks that cold weather can bring–a frozen water pipe that could potentially burst and cause severe water damage to your home.

That means in November, it isn't just time to rake up your leaves, but it’s also time to winterize your outdoor faucets in preparation for the first Indiana frost. The process takes only a few minutes but is well worth the effort.

First, we’ll cover the dangers a frozen pipe poses, and then go over the three easy steps to protect yourself from an expensive and avoidable headache. Finally, we offer some solutions for thawing pipes if you find yourself struggling with frozen pipe sections after a freeze to help protect your home from damage.

Why You Need to Winterize Your Pipes in Indianapolis

Water will freeze when it reaches 32 degrees Fahrenheit. In central Indiana, the average temperature for December through February can get as low as 18 degrees Fahrenheit. While one cold night will most likely not cause severe damage, prolonged periods of time can lead to a burst pipe.

Winterizing your outdoor pipes and any exposed pipes on exterior walls should be done each fall in preparation for freezing temperatures. This serves two purposes:

1. It reduces pressure in the water pipes: This can lead to long-term damage and disrupt your entire plumbing infrastructure. Since cold water expands upon freezing, it exerts additional pressure on pipes. This can lead to the pipe bursting at weak points. Even if your pipe has not burst in past winters, the continual strain from the frozen water is weakening the system as a whole.
2. It prevents ice from building up: When ice builds up, it slows the flow of water. This not only puts a strain on appliances such as your water heater, but it also increases energy costs. Plus, if ice builds up in the taps, it can cause the outer surfaces to attract and condense water vapor. When condensed water vapor starts to leak, it causes the accumulation of molds.

How to Winterize Pipes in Your Indianapolis Home

In your home, it’s important to know that some pipes are more vulnerable to freezing outdoor temperatures than others. Specifically, exposed pipes like a faucet installed on an exterior wall or any exposed water supply lines running within the home’s exterior walls are at high risk. This is because these are more directly impacted by the cold outdoor temperature and lack the insulation that interior or underground pipes have.

Any pipes that are centrally located benefit from the home’s heat, whereas outside pipes are too far away to benefit from residual heat from a furnace or heat pump.

Once you’ve identified the pipes to winterize, it can be done in three steps.

1. Turn Off Water

Most outdoor faucets are connected to a shut-off value in your home, which controls the flow of water to the outdoor faucet. Usually, the shut-off valve is located in the basement, crawl space, or utility room. If your home is on slab foundations, the shut-off is more likely inside, near the exterior wall with a secondary one near the water meter.

How to turn off the water depends on the type of shut-off valve you have. There are two primary types:

• Gate Valve: It looks a lot like a small wheel. To turn off a gate valve, you need to simply turn the wheel in a clockwise direction until it won't go any further.
• Ball Valve. This will have a handle coming from the top of the valve. To turn it off, you will need to turn the handle so it is perpendicular to the supply line to shut off the water.

2. Disconnect and Drain Any Attached Hoses

During the winter, you will not need to water the grass or wash off your deck. To prepare for the temperature drop and safeguard your pipes from freezing, it is best to put the hose away until spring. Go outside and detach the hose from the spigot.

Then, roll it up and store it in a sheltered area such as your garage or in a shed. This prevents damage to the hose because any hose left outside may collect water. Water will expand by almost 10% as it freezes. This expansion can damage the hoses, causing them to leak at the connections or develop splits. Taking a few minutes to remove as much water from the hose as possible will extend the life of the hose.

3. Drain the Faucet

Once the water to the exterior pipe is shut off and the hose is removed, you are almost done. It is now time to drain the faucet, also called the hose bib, of any water left in the pipe. This creates some air space to prevent water from damaging either the pipes or valves if it does freeze.

For older outdoor faucets, you are likely to find a drainage port on the water line near the Open port. When draining, place a bucket below it which gives the water a place to collect as the line drains out.

If you can’t find a drainage port, open the faucet outside and allow water remaining in the line to drain out. We recommend leaving the faucet open over the winter to alleviate water pressure in case the line freezes. Although it is unlikely, if your shutoff valve leaks and allows water to reenter the system, an open faucet will also prevent the water from accumulating in the pipes.

What To Do With Frozen Pipes

If you missed the opportunity to winterize your pipes before the temperatures dropped and now find yourself battling frozen pipes, it’s important to take action quickly to prevent frozen pipes from damaging the plumbing in your Indianapolis home.

How to Thaw a Frozen Outdoor Hose Bib

1. Open the faucet outside.
2. Go inside to where the pipe runs into the exterior wall. This is most likely the basement or crawl space.
3. Take rags or towels and wrap the base of the hose bib.
4. Pour boiling water onto the cloth. A hairdryer is another option for applying heat to the frozen area.
5. Once there is a trickle of water from the outdoor faucet, thawing has begun.
6. Winterize the faucet to prevent future freezes.

If you need support in winterizing your pipes or thawing frozen ones, give the trusted team at Chapman Heating, Air Conditioning & Plumbing a call. Contact us online, or call (317) 620-8622 to schedule an appointment today.

Since the age of 14, Chuck Colbert has been learning the ins and outs of the plumbing industry. His career as a plumbing technician started alongside his dad, going along on service calls and learning the trade. After high school, Chuck went into plumbing at the same company his dad worked for, working alongside him just like he had as a teenager. After 19 years, Chuck went looking for something different, that's when he found Chapman.

I was looking for a less stressful environment and I found Chapman. They really are a second family here and they care about my own family as much as they care about the Chapman family. Jeff does a lot to get the families involved. Last year we all went to King's Island and this winter we went bowling. It's great to be with a company that is so caring about the people.

In his 4 years at Chapman, Chuck's duties as a service plumber include assessing and fixing plumbing issues. Working in the field, Chuck is sure to explain to clients the issues and service required to fix plumbing problems in detail

I get told I talk a lot, and I like to talk. I want to make sure nothing gets left out.

Chuck is the go-to resource for all things plumbing and doesn't hesitate to explain things in detail. When we asked Chuck a few questions about common plumbing issues, he had a lot of knowledge to share from his years as a plumbing professional.

The best thing you can do is get things checked out yearly. It depends on the type of pipes you have. Galvanized piping should be inspected and likely replaced soon, this type of piping is mostly found in older homes.

Cooper piping is a little better, but still does require yearly inspection. The biggest issue we find is calcium buildup. If you notice dripping or difficulty turning faucets on and off, it's likely a calcium buildup. Checks and service are the best ways to avoid small problems becoming big, expensive problems.

Outside of work Chuck likes working with cars. Currently, he's working on restoring a 1990 Suburban. Chuck was raised working on cars and any opportunity he has to work with his hands, he takes.

He stays busy with 3 kids and spends a lot of his time with his daughter at the softball diamond. It doesn't seem like there would be much time left in Chuck's schedule for anything else, but he is also a volunteer firefighter and EMT. He has been volunteering since he was 14, giving time to help others is a big part of Chuck's life.

We asked Chuck what his ultimate vacation would be. My ultimate dream is to drive Route 66, or part of Route 66 in an old car. My wife and I both like to travel and with my love of cars, it's always been a dream of mine.

We're lucky to have such a knowledgeable technician taking care of our clients and contributing to our community. If it's time to have your pipes looked at, give us a call and schedule an appointment for Chuck to come assess the plumbing in your home.

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So the worst scenario has happened and something is wrong with the plumbing within your concrete slab. You're not sure what is happening, but you have made the first step to fix the problem by calling a professional. Here are a few things you need to mentally prepare for during a concrete slab repair.

First, the plumber will ask why you think there is a leak in the concrete foundation. Then the water in the house will need to be turned off by the plumber in preparation for specialized listening equipment the plumber will use. This equipment will listen for any leaks or inconsistency within the pipes.

When the leak or problem is discovered a plumber will use this technique to fix the problem:

Jackhammer Approach

The jackhammer approach is very inconvenient to home owners, but may be the best way to fix the problem. Where ever the leak is detected a square of your home will need to be cut and removed. Then a jackhammer will be utilized to break through the concrete slab to gain access to the pipes. For this approach, make sure to factor in the costs of repairing the floor that was damaged. Be prepared for loud noises and to avoid the area for the duration of the repairs.

Concrete slabs leave no room for short cuts or quick fixes. Repairing plumbing within a concrete slab is expensive, time consuming and can happen any time of year. Expect any damage in your slab to take at least a week's worth of inspection and labor to be completed. When a leak occurs, call Chapman to determine the best option for your home. For more information about concrete slab leaks or repairs, give us a call at 317-291-4909 or visit our website today!

Give Chapman Heating, Air Conditioning, and Plumbing, to provide plumbing services for your home today

Concrete slabs are a stabilizing base for building homes. They are usually found in homes built in California and Texas. It became a trendy building technique during the 90's and early 2000's in the Midwest. It's not a common technique in most of the country, but it's important to know if your home was built on a concrete slab.

If your home was built on a concrete slab it not only maintains a stable base during construction, it also keeps all your plumbing in place. But what happens when something shifts? Damage coming from the slab can be extremely hard to detect, but we are here to make it easier. How do you discover a plumbing leak within a concrete slab? Keep reading.

1. Wet or Damp Floors

After slipping off your shoes, you might notice some dampness under your feet. Damp or wet areas of flooring can be indicators of a plumbing leak. The water escapes the pipes within the slab and starts rising to the surface. It may also cause an elevated or bubbled area of flooring. If you see this you need to contact Chapman immediately!

2. Sound of Rushing Water

If you hear the sound of rushing water and no one is taking a shower or running a bath, you've got a problem. While the water hasn't reached the surface of your flooring, it may be flowing around the pipes instead of within them.

3. Increased Water Bill

Your water bill comes in the mail and BOOM, you notice your bill is $50 more than the previous month. Pick up the phone and get a plumber on the scene. A larger water bill may be an indicator that water is escaping the pipes which is increasing your water usage.

Fixing a plumbing system within a concrete slab can be tricky, but Chapman has the expertise to make it as smooth as possible. If your home is built on a concrete slab, stay on your toes for indicators that something may be wrong. For more information about concrete slab leaks or repairs call us at (317) 207-9378 or visit our website today!

Chapman Heating, Air Conditioning, and Plumbing, your source for qualified plumbing contractors