Nov 17, 2025 / Plumbing

In this episode, we talk with Ian, our Plumbing Manager, about the importance of clear customer communication, essential winter plumbing maintenance tips for homeowners, and why regular sump pump and water heater maintenance matters. Ian also breaks down the benefits of water quality testing, discusses common plumbing problems he sees in the field, and explains how proper care and preventative maintenance can keep your home’s plumbing system running safely and efficiently all year long.

Key Takeaways

  • Ian’s career change into plumbing shows how hands-on experience drives expertise.
  • Effective customer communication helps homeowners understand plumbing issues and solutions.
  • Winter plumbing tips include letting faucets drip and maintaining steady home temps to prevent pipes from freezing.
  • Sump pump maintenance—including cleaning and inspection—is crucial for preventing basement flooding.
  • Water heater maintenance can significantly extend the lifespan and efficiency of the unit.
  • Water quality testing helps identify contaminants and ensures clean, safe drinking water.
  • Carbon filters offer a salt-free solution for improving household water quality.
  • Plumbing is more than repairs—education empowers homeowners to avoid long-term problems.
  • The plumbing industry continues to evolve with new tools, technology, and best practices.
  • A family-focused team culture boosts employee satisfaction and service quality.

Chapters

00:00 – Introduction: What Homeowners Should Know About Plumbing Maintenance
01:55 – Ian’s Journey Into the Plumbing Industry
05:38 – Why Communication Is Critical in Plumbing Services
08:57 – Winter Plumbing Tips to Prevent Frozen Pipes
16:51 – How Sump Pumps Work & Why Regular Maintenance Matters
24:56 – Water Heater Care: Maintenance, Lifespan & Efficiency
29:06 – Best Practices for Extending Water Heater Life
34:14 – The “Gross” Side of Plumbing: Real Stories from the Field
41:26 – Building a Strong Plumbing Team Through Culture & Values
48:27 – Water Quality Testing: What It Reveals & How to Improve Your Water

We hope you enjoyed this episode of Far From Robotic! If you’re in the Central Indiana and want to keep your plumbing system running smoothly, we’ve got you covered.


Book your winter plumbing service with Control Tech and stay ahead of the cold.

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Control Tech is a residential & commercial heating, air conditioning, geothermal, and plumbing contractor located in Zionsville, Indiana. Since 1983, Control Tech has been a leader in the HVAC & Plumbing industry, and proudly serving customers in Indianapolis and all surrounding communities.

When we say “Family Owned & Operated”, we mean it! With four members of the Winters family working at any given time, we will ensure that your comfort needs are met.

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We feature the most modern and comfort systems available today from industry leading manufacturers.

When we started Control Tech in 1983, it was our goal to provide each customer unsurpassed quality and the highest value in installation and service. Each performed timely and safely by knowledgeable professionals ensuring full customer satisfaction.

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