Plumbing Contractor in Goshen, IN
Professional Plumbing Contractors Ready To Help
As a homeowner, you must deal with numerous problems. However, plumbing problems are some of the most inconvenient and frustrating to handle. When your plumbing system is not working correctly, it can disrupt your life. At Great Lakes Heating & Air Conditioning, we offer a full range of plumbing services in Goshen and throughout Elkhart and Kosciusko Counties. From leak detection to drain cleaning and water heater installation, we cover all your plumbing needs. Our experienced plumbers are highly trained and fully equipped to handle any plumbing issue you may be experiencing.
Choose a reliable plumbing partner for your next construction project who values quality, efficiency, and clear communication every step of the way. Contact us at (574) 498-7556 or fill out our online form.
Common Plumbing Issues for Goshen, IN Homeowners
The challenges of maintaining a reliable plumbing system in Goshen, IN, are often tied directly to the region's climate and its mixture of historic and newer homes. The freezing temperatures and seasonal temperature shifts unique to Northern Indiana place specific stresses on plumbing infrastructure. Homeowners in the area need to be vigilant for a range of issues that commonly affect local properties, from old pipe materials to the yearly risk of cold-weather damage. Frequent Plumbing Problems in Goshen:
- Frozen and Burst Pipes: Due to the harsh winters in Northern Indiana, pipes located in unheated areas, such as basements, crawl spaces, and exterior walls, are highly susceptible to freezing, leading to catastrophic bursts when the ice thaws.
- Water Heater Failure: Older water heaters are prone to failure, often due to sediment buildup from the local water supply, which can lead to inconsistent hot water or sudden leaks. We also work on tankless water heaters.
- Corroded and Outdated Pipes: Many older homes in Goshen still feature aging plumbing materials, such as galvanized steel or cast iron, which rust and corrode internally, resulting in persistent low water pressure and frequent leaks.
- Sump Pump Malfunctions: Homes near the Elkhart River or those with basements frequently rely on sump pumps, and a failure during heavy rain or snowmelt can quickly lead to basement flooding and expensive water damage.
- Stubborn Drain Clogs: While common everywhere, drain clogs here are often exacerbated by hard water mineral deposits and grease buildup over time, making blockages more difficult to clear without professional hydro-jetting services.
Addressing these common plumbing issues promptly is crucial for protecting your property value and preventing disruptive emergencies in Goshen. Whether your issue is related to aged infrastructure or the seasonal demands of the Northern Indiana climate, relying on a professional contractor ensures your home's water system remains secure, efficient, and up to code year-round.
The Importance of Hiring a Professional Plumber
When one of your plumbing fixtures breaks, it can be tempting to fix it yourself. After all, there are plenty of online tutorials and how-to videos that can teach you how to fix just about anything. However, when it comes to plumbing repairs, it’s always best to hire a professional. Plumbing systems are complex, and even a minor mistake can cause significant damage. When you hire our Goshen plumbers, you can rest easy knowing we have the training and experience to get the job done right. We utilize the latest tools and technology to quickly and accurately diagnose problems, and we always provide honest, upfront pricing. We never recommend any products or services you don’t need, and we always stand behind the quality of our work.
Expert Drain Cleaning Solutions in Goshen
When you have a clogged drain, it can be more than just an annoyance. In many cases, a clogged drain can be a sign of a more significant issue, such as a blocked sewer line. If you have a stubborn clog that just won’t go away, turn to Great Lakes Heating & Air Conditioning. We offer professional drain cleaning in Goshen and the surrounding areas. Our plumbers have the tools and training to clear even the toughest clogs, and we always take steps to prevent future clogs from forming.
Recognizing the Need for Water Heater Repair
Water heaters are built to last, but they won’t last forever. Over time, your water heater will start to wear out, and eventually, it will need to be replaced. However, with the right care and maintenance, you can extend the life of your water heater and keep it running smoothly. At Great Lakes Heating & Air Conditioning, we provide a comprehensive range of water heater services, including repairs, replacements, and regular maintenance.
Signs your water heater needs to be repaired include:
- Lack of hot water
- Strange noises are coming from the tank
- Leaking around the tank
- Foul-smelling water
Our Goshen water heater professionals can help you select the ideal water heater for your home, and we can ensure it remains efficient for years to come.
Frequently Asked Questions
How Can I Tell if I Need to Repair or Replace My Water Heater?
The age of your water heater is the primary factor; units over ten to twelve years old should generally be considered for replacement, as their efficiency sharply declines. If your unit is leaking from the bottom of the tank, replacement is almost always necessary because the tank liner has failed. Frequent or costly repairs within a short period also signal that replacement will be a better long-term investment. Repair is typically suitable for newer units experiencing minor issues, such as a faulty heating element or a defective thermostat. You should consult a professional to weigh the cost of a repair against the long-term energy savings of a new, high-efficiency model.
Can I DIY Plumbing Installations in My Goshen, IN Home?
While simple tasks like changing a showerhead are fine for a do-it-yourselfer, major plumbing installations should always be left to a licensed contractor in Goshen. Improper DIY work poses a significant risk of leaks that can cause severe and costly water damage to your home’s structure. Without professional knowledge, you also risk violating local Elkhart County building codes, which can create legal and financial headaches down the road. Complex jobs, such as water heater hookups, sewer line repairs, or new pipe installations, require specialized tools and permits that a professional must handle. Hiring a contractor ensures the work is done safely, correctly, and comes with a warranty.
How Can I Maintain My Plumbing System?
Regular preventative maintenance is key to avoiding expensive plumbing emergencies in your home. You should be cautious not to pour grease, coffee grounds, or harsh chemicals down your drains, as these can lead to severe clogs. For water heaters, draining a few gallons of water from the tank annually will flush out sediment and extend its lifespan. Before the cold Goshen winter, ensure all exposed pipes in unheated areas, like basements and crawl spaces, are well-insulated to prevent freezing. Additionally, check for running toilets or dripping faucets regularly, as fixing these minor leaks can save a significant amount of water and money.
What Is Considered a Plumbing Emergency?
A plumbing emergency is defined as any issue that requires immediate intervention to prevent significant property damage or poses a health risk. The most common emergencies include a burst pipe or an uncontrolled, gushing leak that threatens to flood your home quickly. A sewage backup where contaminated water is coming up through any drain or toilet is also a critical health emergency. If you suddenly lose all water service or smell natural gas near an appliance, you must call for emergency help immediately. Minor issues, such as a dripping faucet or a slow drain, are not considered emergencies and can typically wait for standard service hours.
What Are the Common Causes for Plumbing Issues in Goshen Homes?
The intense temperature fluctuations of the Northern Indiana climate are a major contributor to plumbing problems, primarily causing the risk of frozen and burst pipes during winter cold snaps. Many older Goshen properties still have outdated plumbing, including aging galvanized pipes that suffer from rust and corrosion, resulting in chronic low water pressure and frequent leaks. The local water supply may also contain high mineral content, contributing to sediment buildup that reduces the efficiency and lifespan of water heaters and fixtures. Additionally, homes near the Elkhart River frequently experience sump pump failures during periods of high precipitation, resulting in basement flooding.
Contact Great Lakes Heating & Air Conditioning for Plumbing Help!
At Great Lakes Heating & Air Conditioning, we take the stress out of plumbing problems. When you hire us, you can rest easy knowing we will get the job done right the first time. We have been providing plumbing services in Goshen and the surrounding areas since 1957, and we have established a reputation for delivering high-quality workmanship and exceptional customer service.
Stop delaying that major plumbing overhaul or system upgrade your property desperately needs. Contact us at (574) 498-7556 or fill out our online form.
Serving Michiana With Traditional Values
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Honesty & Honor Code Ensures Safe & Worry-Free Environment
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Free Estimates, Upfront Pricing & Deals
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24/7 Emergency Availability for Your Convenience
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Factory-Trained NATE Certified Techs
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Family Owned and Locally Operated Since 1957
Tips From Our Expert Team
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How much is a new furnace or Air Conditioner?Every home is different and our systems are custom designed to match your home. Sounds expensive, right? Well with our years of experience and efficiency combined with our massive buying power we are able to provide you with a true custom system at a cookie cutter price. Is a new system cheap? Not when compared to say a blanket to keep warm but for what we provide we believe we are not only the best but also the cheapest in town! You will find our customers agree. Check out our reviews here.
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What sets you apart and why should we choose you over a “comparable” competitor?While there are many reasons you should choose Great Lakes, we believe the best way to sum that up is with an honest challenge- Call our office and see if you can get the home phone number for our owner. Then call our competitors and do the same. You will find our entire team from the owner down are here to serve you and are dedicated to ensure your happiness!
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We are having trouble getting cool air upstairs in our two story home, what can I do to make the upstairs more comfortable?A comfortable main floor and a warm second floor is a common complaint with central air conditioning systems. This temperature variation is caused by the fact that cool air is heavy. Heavy air requires more effort to move, especially upwards. Your furnace fan has to work much harder to get the air up two stories. Additionally, cool air, unlike warm air, tends to fall, so that once you actually manage to get the air upstairs, it will naturally fall back to the first floor. Don’t despair, there are some things that you can do. Make sure your furnace fan is on the highest possible setting. Most furnaces installed today will have a multi-speed, direct drive fan motor. Have your service contractor check to make sure that the highest speed is being used for air conditioning. If your fan motor has belts and pulleys, check with your contractor about installing a larger pulley. Adjust the balancing on your ductwork to force as much cool air upstairs as possible. If your ductwork is accessible from your basement, and has dampers installed in each of the supply air runs, make sure the dampers for the upper floor are fully open. You can also close any dampers for rooms on the first floor that do not get much use, or are very small. Some examples may be a powder room, formal living or dining room. You should keep the dampers fully open for the kitchen and the main living or family area. If the ductwork is not accessible, or doesn’t have any dampers, don’t despair. You can balance the air flow by opening and closing the dampers in the supply air registers. If you cannot get a register closed, we have been told that covering the register with a telephone book works well. Don’t forget to re-balance the ductwork system when you switch over to heating. During the heating system you want most of the warm air delivered to the first floor, it will rise on its own to the second floor. Use fans to help move cooler air. Placing a large fan at the top of the stairway can help to draw the cooler air up. A ceiling fan installed on the second floor can also be a big improvement. Check the return air grills. Make sure they are clean. Consider installing “High Wall” return air grills on the second floor. High wall return air grills are installed near the ceiling, not near the floor. This enables the furnace to draw the warmest air from the top of the house back into the system. Your service contractor can give you more information and let you know if it is possible to install high wall grills on your system.