Plumbing help in Southern Indiana

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• Plumbing in Newburgh
• Plumbing in Princeton
• BoonvilleTown overview for now. A local plumbing guide is on the way.
• ChandlerTown overview for now. A local plumbing guide is on the way.
• ChrisneyTown overview for now. A local plumbing guide is on the way.
• CynthianaTown overview for now. A local plumbing guide is on the way.
• DaleTown overview for now. A local plumbing guide is on the way.
• DarmstadtTown overview for now. A local plumbing guide is on the way.
• ElberfeldTown overview for now. A local plumbing guide is on the way.
• EvansvilleTown overview for now. A local plumbing guide is on the way.
• FerdinandTown overview for now. A local plumbing guide is on the way.
• Fort BranchTown overview for now. A local plumbing guide is on the way.
• FranciscoTown overview for now. A local plumbing guide is on the way.
• GrandviewTown overview for now. A local plumbing guide is on the way.
• HaubstadtTown overview for now. A local plumbing guide is on the way.
• HighlandTown overview for now. A local plumbing guide is on the way.
• HollandTown overview for now. A local plumbing guide is on the way.
• HuntingburgTown overview for now. A local plumbing guide is on the way.
• JasperTown overview for now. A local plumbing guide is on the way.
• LynnvilleTown overview for now. A local plumbing guide is on the way.
• Melody HillTown overview for now. A local plumbing guide is on the way.
• Mount VernonTown overview for now. A local plumbing guide is on the way.
• New HarmonyTown overview for now. A local plumbing guide is on the way.
• Oakland CityTown overview for now. A local plumbing guide is on the way.
• OwensvilleTown overview for now. A local plumbing guide is on the way.
• PatokaTown overview for now. A local plumbing guide is on the way.
• PoseyvilleTown overview for now. A local plumbing guide is on the way.
• RichlandTown overview for now. A local plumbing guide is on the way.
• RockportTown overview for now. A local plumbing guide is on the way.
• Santa ClausTown overview for now. A local plumbing guide is on the way.
• St. MeinradTown overview for now. A local plumbing guide is on the way.

Frozen Pipes

Warning signs

• Only a trickle from the faucet. If you turn on a faucet and only a trickle comes out, suspect a frozen pipe; likely spots are against exterior walls or where the water service enters the home through the foundation. Source
• No water flow. If water isn't flowing, you may have frozen pipes; shut off the water supply and call a plumber to make repairs. Source
• More than one frozen line. If one pipe freezes, others may freeze too, so check all the other faucets in the home. Source
• Act before a frozen pipe bursts. Don't wait for frozen pipes to burst; if pipes are frozen, thaw them immediately or call a plumber, and if they burst, turn off the water first. Source

When it happens

• Prep before cold weather arrives. Before the onset of cold weather, remove, drain, and store outdoor hoses, close the inside valves supplying outdoor hose bibs, and leave the outside bibs open so remaining water can drain and expand without breaking the pipe. Source
• Extra steps at zero degrees or below. When the temperature falls to zero or below, let at least one faucet run a small, pencil-size stream (especially at night, ideally on an exterior wall) and open cabinet doors so room heat reaches pipes under sinks. Source
• Highest-risk cold snaps. Pipes in uninsulated attics, crawl spaces, and exterior walls are most at risk, especially when temperatures drop below 20°F. Source
• Skip the nighttime setback in a cold snap. During cold weather, keep the thermostat at the same temperature day and night; suspending lower nighttime settings may raise the heating bill but can prevent a much more costly repair if pipes freeze and burst. Source

Doing it yourself

• Safe DIY thawing methods. To thaw a pipe, keep the faucet open and apply heat with an electric heating pad, hair dryer, portable space heater kept away from flammables, or towels soaked in hot water, continuing until full water pressure returns. Source
• No open flames. Never try to thaw a pipe with a torch or any other open flame; Indiana's utility consumer counselor calls this extremely dangerous and potentially deadly. Source
• When to call a plumber. Call a licensed plumber if you can't find the frozen section, can't reach it, or can't thaw the pipe. Source
• Indiana guidance: shut off and call a pro. If pipes freeze, use the master shut-off valve to stop the water and call a licensed plumber, because trying to thaw a pipe without a plumber's help or advice can lead to serious, expensive damage. Source
• Restoring water after a thaw. After a frozen pipe is thawed, turn the water back on very slowly while watching for leaks, and be ready to shut it off at the master valve. Source
• Long absences. If you plan to be away for an extended period, have the water system drained by a professional to keep pipes from freezing or bursting. Source

Good to know

• Why frozen pipes burst. Water expands as it freezes, putting tremendous pressure on metal or plastic pipes, and no matter how strong the pipe, the expanding water can cause it to break. Source
• Pipes most likely to freeze. The pipes that freeze most often are those exposed to severe cold (outdoor hose bibs, pool and sprinkler lines), supply pipes in unheated areas like basements, crawl spaces, attics, garages, and kitchen cabinets, and pipes on exterior walls with little or no insulation. Source
• Outdoor temperature below which pipes in uninsulated attics, crawl spaces, and exterior walls are most at risk. 20°F Source
• Water a small crack in a pipe can release. 250 gallons per day Source
• Cost of freeze-related water damage claims. State Farm reports that from 2024 through June 2025 its customers filed more than 20,000 claims for water damage caused by freezing (including frozen pipes), totaling over $628 million in paid losses, with an average claim payment above $30,000. Source
• Lowest thermostat setting recommended when you are away from home in winter. 55°F Source

Water Heaters

Warning signs

• Leaks at joints, seals, or seams. Leaks from any joints, seals, or seams of a water heater usually indicate a problem. Source
• Rusty hot water. Rust in the water is usually a sign that the inside of the water heater is corroding and breaking down. Source
• Visible corrosion. Corrosion is a sign that the water heater is breaking down and can weaken the system. Source
• Rumbling or banging noises. Unusual noises, rumbling, or vibrations mean the water heater is likely straining to operate, and rumbling is very often caused by sediment built up on the bottom of the tank. Source
• Running out of hot water sooner. Sediment buildup inside the tank reduces the amount of hot water available to the home. Source
• Leaking relief valve. A leaking temperature and pressure (T&P) relief valve can mean the water is too hot or the valve is defective and needs replacement. Source

When it happens

• Slower recovery in winter. Water heaters recover more slowly in winter because more heat is needed to bring colder incoming water up to the set temperature. Source
• More hot water used in winter. Hot water use typically increases in the winter. Source
• Colder supply water in winter. The temperature of the cold water entering a house varies by climate and season, and the colder that water is, the more hot water must be mixed in to reach the desired temperature at the tap. Source

Doing it yourself

• Annual flushing. Water heaters should be flushed annually to remove contaminants and scale from the tank. Source
• Anode rod inspection. The anode rod should be inspected every 2 years and replaced about every 5 years, or sooner if it shows significant corrosion. Source
• Adjusting an electric water heater safely. To adjust an electric water heater yourself, first shut off power at the circuit breaker or fuse; most have two thermostats behind upper and lower access panels that must both be set to the same temperature. Source
• Adjusting a gas water heater. Because gas water heater thermostats differ, CPSC suggests calling your local gas company for instructions, then checking the tap temperature with a candy or meat thermometer. Source
• Annual professional service for fuel-burning heaters. Have your water heater and other gas, oil, or coal burning appliances serviced by a qualified technician every year to help prevent carbon monoxide poisoning. Source
• Code-compliant installation. Install water heaters according to local codes and the manufacturer's instructions. Source

Good to know

• Age at which ENERGY STAR says to consider replacing a water heater before it fails. 10 years Source
• Life expectancy of a tankless water heater. 20 years Source
• Recommended water heater temperature setting for most homes. 120°F Source
• CPSC scald-prevention setting. The CPSC urges all users to lower their water heaters to 120°F, which also conserves energy and saves money. Source
• How fast hot tap water burns. Most adults will suffer third-degree burns from 150°F water in two seconds, from 140°F water in six seconds, or from 130°F water in thirty seconds; even at 120°F, a five-minute exposure could cause third-degree burns. Source
• Who is most at risk of scalds. Most tap water scald injuries and deaths involve the elderly and children under the age of five. Source

What it costs

These are published estimates, not quotes. Prices depend on the house, access and season, and a provider should confirm the price before any work starts.