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  • Sewer Line & Excavation FAQs

    • How much does sewer line replacement cost?
      The cost of sewer line replacement depends on the pipe's depth, length, location, soil conditions, accessibility, and whether trenchless methods can be used. Because every project is unique, the best way to receive accurate pricing is with a professional sewer camera inspection and estimate. At 317 Plumber, we provide honest recommendations and upfront pricing before work begins.
    • Does homeowners insurance cover sewer repairs?
      It depends on the cause of the damage and your insurance policy. Sudden, accidental damage may be covered, while deterioration, age, tree root intrusion, or normal wear and tear often are not. Some homeowners carry optional sewer line coverage that may help with repair costs.
    • What is trenchless sewer replacement?
      Trenchless sewer replacement allows a damaged sewer line to be replaced with minimal digging. Depending on the condition of the existing pipe, specialized equipment installs a new sewer line underground while avoiding large trenches across your yard. Not every sewer problem qualifies, but trenchless methods can reduce landscape disruption and speed up the repair process.
    • Can tree roots damage sewer lines?
      Yes. Tree roots are one of the leading causes of sewer line damage. As roots grow toward moisture, they can crack pipes, widen existing joints, and eventually cause complete blockages or pipe collapse. Regular sewer camera inspections can detect root intrusion before expensive repairs become necessary.
    • Who is responsible for the sewer line?
      In most municipalities, homeowners are responsible for the sewer lateral running from the house to the municipal sewer connection. The city is generally responsible for the public sewer main. If you're unsure where responsibility begins and ends, 317 Plumber can help determine the issue and explain your options.
    • Is hydro jetting safe for older pipes?

      In many cases, yes. Hydro jetting is highly effective at removing grease, roots, and debris, but older or damaged pipes should always be inspected with a sewer camera first. At 317 Plumber, we evaluate the condition of your pipes before recommending hydro jetting to ensure it's the safest solution.

  • Drain Cleaning & Garbage Disposal FAQs

    • Can flushable wipes clog pipes?
      Yes. Despite being labeled "flushable," most wipes do not break down like toilet paper. They can collect inside pipes, snag on roots, and contribute to costly sewer backups. Toilets should only be used to flush toilet paper and human waste.
    • How often should drains be professionally cleaned?
      For most homes, professional drain cleaning every one to two years helps prevent buildup and unexpected clogs. Restaurants, commercial kitchens, and homes with heavy drain usage often benefit from more frequent maintenance.
    • Why do my drains gurgle?
      Gurgling drains usually indicate trapped air caused by partial blockages, venting issues, or developing sewer line problems. If multiple drains are gurgling, it may signal a main sewer line obstruction that should be inspected promptly.
    • What should never go down a garbage disposal?
      Avoid putting grease, cooking oil, coffee grounds, eggshells, pasta, rice, fibrous vegetables like celery, bones, fruit pits, and expandable foods into your garbage disposal. These items commonly cause clogs and shorten the life of the disposal.

  • Water Heater & Home Plumbing Issue FAQs

    • Why is my water bill suddenly high?
      A sudden increase in your water bill is often the first sign of a hidden plumbing problem. Common causes include leaking toilets, dripping faucets, underground water line leaks, running irrigation systems, or pipes leaking behind walls. Even a small leak can waste hundreds of gallons of water each month. If your water usage habits haven't changed but your bill has, it's a good idea to have a licensed plumber inspect your plumbing system. At 317 Plumber, we can locate hidden leaks, repair damaged pipes, and help you avoid costly water damage while lowering your monthly utility bill.
    • Why is my toilet constantly running?
      A running toilet is usually caused by a worn flapper, faulty fill valve, improperly adjusted float, or deteriorated flush mechanism. Although it may seem like a minor annoyance, a running toilet can waste hundreds of gallons of water every day, increasing your water bill significantly. If replacing the flapper doesn't solve the problem, there may be additional issues inside the tank. Our licensed plumbers can quickly diagnose the cause and make the necessary repairs to restore proper operation.
    • Why is my water heater making noise?
      Popping, rumbling, or banging noises coming from your water heater are usually caused by sediment buildup inside the tank. As sediment hardens, water becomes trapped beneath it and creates noise as it heats. Left untreated, sediment can reduce efficiency, shorten the life of the water heater, and increase energy costs. Routine maintenance or flushing the tank may solve the problem. If your unit is older, replacement may be the better option.
    • Why does my hot water run out so fast?
      If your hot water disappears quickly, your water heater may have sediment buildup, a failing heating element, a damaged dip tube, or it may simply be undersized for your household. As families grow, older water heaters sometimes can't keep up with demand. Our team can inspect your system and determine whether a repair, maintenance, or replacement is the best solution.
    • Why is my water rusty?
      Rust-colored water is often caused by corrosion inside older galvanized pipes or sediment inside a water heater. If only your hot water is rusty, your water heater is usually the culprit. If both hot and cold water are discolored, aging plumbing or municipal water issues may be responsible. A licensed plumber can determine the source and recommend the appropriate repair or replacement.
    • Should I replace polybutylene pipes?
      Yes. Polybutylene plumbing was commonly installed between the late 1970s and mid-1990s and has a history of unexpected failures. These pipes can become brittle over time, increasing the risk of leaks and water damage. Many homeowners choose to proactively replace polybutylene piping with modern PEX or copper to improve reliability and protect their property.
    • What is a pressure reducing valve?
      A pressure reducing valve (PRV) controls the water pressure entering your home from the municipal water supply. Without a properly functioning PRV, excessively high water pressure can damage pipes, fixtures, appliances, and water heaters. If you've noticed banging pipes, leaking fixtures, or unusually high pressure, your PRV may need adjustment or replacement.

  • General Plumbing FAQs

    • How much does a plumber cost in Indianapolis?
      The cost of hiring a plumber in Indianapolis depends on the type of service you need. Simple repairs like fixing a leaking faucet or unclogging a drain typically cost less than larger projects such as water heater installations or sewer line repairs. At 317 Plumber, we believe in honest, upfront pricing with no surprises. Our licensed plumbers will evaluate the issue, explain your options, and provide pricing before any work begins. Whether you need a small repair or a major plumbing project, we're committed to providing quality workmanship at a fair price.
    • When should I call a licensed plumber?
      You should call a licensed plumber anytime you notice leaking pipes, clogged drains, low water pressure, sewer backups, water heater problems, or any plumbing issue that could cause damage to your home. While some minor issues can wait, water leaks and sewer problems often become more expensive the longer they're ignored. At 317 Plumber, our licensed plumbers have the experience and training to diagnose problems correctly and provide lasting solutions. Hiring a licensed plumber also helps ensure repairs meet local plumbing codes and are completed safely.
    • What plumbing services does 317 Plumber offer?
      317 Plumber provides complete residential and commercial plumbing services throughout Indianapolis and the surrounding communities. Our services include drain clearing, water heater repair and installation, sewer camera inspections, sewer repair and replacement, excavation, leak detection, toilet repairs, faucet replacement, garbage disposals, sump pumps, water softeners, water filtration systems, pipe repairs, and much more. Whether you have a simple plumbing repair or a large underground sewer project, our licensed plumbers are ready to help.
    • Do you offer same-day plumbing service?
      Yes. Whenever scheduling allows, 317 Plumber offers same-day plumbing service throughout Indianapolis and the surrounding areas. We understand that plumbing problems rarely happen at a convenient time, which is why our team works hard to respond quickly and get your plumbing back to normal as soon as possible. If you have a plumbing emergency, give us a call, and we'll do everything we can to get a licensed plumber to your home or business the same day.
    • Are you available for emergency plumbing repairs?
      Yes. Plumbing emergencies don't always happen during normal business hours. 317 Plumber offers emergency plumbing services for urgent issues such as burst pipes, major water leaks, overflowing toilets, sewer backups, and water heater failures. Our goal is to minimize damage to your home while providing fast, dependable repairs. If you're experiencing a plumbing emergency in the Indianapolis area, contact us right away so we can help.
    • Why should I hire a licensed plumber?
      Hiring a licensed plumber gives you peace of mind that your plumbing repairs or installations are being completed by someone who has the training, knowledge, and experience to do the job correctly. Licensed plumbers understand Indiana plumbing codes, use professional equipment, and can identify underlying issues that may not be obvious. At 317 Plumber, every plumber who enters your home is licensed because we believe our customers deserve quality workmanship, honest recommendations, and repairs that last.
    • What areas do you serve around Indianapolis?
      317 Plumber proudly serves homeowners and businesses throughout Indianapolis and many surrounding communities, including Fishers, Carmel, Noblesville, Westfield, Greenwood, Brownsburg, Zionsville, Lawrence, Broad Ripple, Irvington, and other nearby areas. If you're unsure whether you're within our service area, give us a call. Our team is happy to let you know if we can provide service at your location.
    • Do you provide free estimates?
      For many larger plumbing projects, including sewer repairs, water heater replacements, and excavation work, we provide upfront estimates so you understand your options before work begins. Some diagnostic services may require a service fee because they involve troubleshooting and identifying the source of the problem. Once we've evaluated the issue, we'll explain the recommended repairs and provide transparent pricing before any work is performed.
    • What payment methods do you accept?
      317 Plumber accepts most major credit cards, debit cards, ACH payments, checks, and cash for your convenience. Financing options may also be available for qualifying larger plumbing projects. Before work begins, we'll review your estimate, answer any questions, and discuss available payment options so there are no surprises.
    • How can I prevent plumbing problems?
      Routine maintenance is one of the best ways to avoid expensive plumbing repairs. Avoid pouring grease down your drains, only flush toilet paper, inspect your plumbing fixtures regularly for leaks, test your sump pump before heavy rains, and have your water heater serviced as recommended. If you notice slow drains, unusual noises, or changes in water pressure, don't wait for the problem to get worse. Scheduling an inspection with a licensed plumber can often catch small issues before they become major repairs. At 317 Plumber, we're always happy to help homeowners keep their plumbing systems running smoothly.
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