Tag Archives: Plumbing facts

Today is World Plumbing Day

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March 11th, 2021 is World Plumbing Day!

Indianapolis Plumbing Services
Indianapolis Plumbing Services 317-784-1870

In honor of World Plumbing Day, here are some fun and fundamental plumbing facts, including the meaning behind today’s occasion!

Let us all thank the World Plumbing Council (WPC) for establishing World Plumbing Day in 2010! For 11 years now, World Plumbing Day has been a staple event on calendars all across the globe among both political and social organizations! What does it all mean? What is the purpose of this special day?

Well, if you think about it, you will recognize that our plumbing innovations and technologies separate us from the stone age. Without sufficient plumbing and sewage management systems, we would be living like our ancient ancestors! Plumbing is an integral part of human history and continues to be one of the most vital elements of our overall quality of life.

Respect and Appreciate All That Plumbing Does For Us!

The World Plumbing Council (WPC) speaks for the entire international plumbing community, and did so when they urged for the inception of World Plumbing Day each year! They are an inspirational and hard-working organization with the motive to support and promote the relationships between quality plumbing and sanitation, health, environmental sustainability, and exponential economic success.

How Does Everyone Celebrate World Plumbing Day?

Right now, and all day long, there are planned celebrations, events, activities, seminars, and even friendly competitions that all honor and acknowledge the importance of safe, efficient, and quality plumbing. These occasions are used to share knowledge, build relationships, and make important connections in an effort to increase access to fresh water and safe sanitation. Whether you are a part of a plumbing fraternity or a regular citizen in your community, you too can appreciate the plumbing innovations and sanitation available to you and your loved ones by celebrating with everyone else, world-wide!

Fundamental Plumbing Facts in Honor of World Plumbing Day

The definition of plumbing is expressed as, “A series of pipes, fixtures, and appliances that manage the distribution of water and sewage in and out of a property.”

Indoor plumbing dates back to 2500 B.C. (And perhaps even before!) This includes the Egyptians, Persians, Romans, Greeks, Chinese, Indiana, and more.

Copper was used by Egyptians over 3000 years ago to lay plumbing pipes; and copper is STILL the most popular material used for plumbing pipes today.

Sir John Harington invented the flushable toilet in 1596 for his godmother, Queen Elizabeth I. This is why Americans casually call it “the John.”

In the typical American household, toilet flushing constitutes up to 38% of all water-use in the home. But a low flush toilet can save you up to 18,000 gallons of water per year!

It only takes 15 minutes for a drippy faucet to fill an 8 ounce glass. That means that a single dripping faucet can waste an average of 180 gallons of water each month and over 2,160 gallons a year!

Are you in need of plumbing repair or water heater services? Contact Weilhammer Plumbing Company at 317-784-1870 for professional plumbing services in Indianapolis, Indiana. Our state-licensed master plumbers serve commercial clients, too.

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Indianapolis Indiana Master Plumbers 317-784-1870
Indianapolis Indiana Master Plumbers 317-784-1870

Do I Need My Plumbing Inspected?

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When it comes to plumbing maintenance, an inspection is not typically on the routine To-D- list. However, they are one of the most vital plumbing services you can outsource because they are the key to unveiling small or medium problems, including malfunctions and insufficiency, before they can turn into large, costly, and invasive repairs. But how do you know you need a plumbing inspection. Well, you must keep your eyes open for the common, tell-tale signs.

Continue below to learn the most common indications that suggest you should schedule an inspection for your plumbing ASAP, and where to get a free quote for your plumbing repair needs near you.

Indianapolis Plumbing Inspections
Indianapolis Plumbing Inspections and Service 317-784-1870

Signs of Plumbing Problems

If your home or office show any signs of plumbing problems below, you can likely assume there is an internal defect or variable causing it to happen. Regardless of the root of your plumbing problem, if you do not act fast, a small issue can turn disastrous in as little as 24 hours. Don’t make the mistake of ignoring a minor plumbing problem, like a clogged or slow-draining sink. Mitigate the risk of be liable for massive repairs, replacements, and renovations by putting a plumbing inspection in the books, now.

Thudding, Banging, and Hissing Noises

If your plumbing pipes are in good shape, they should not make a sound. But if your pipes make loud whistling or thudding noises every time you turn on a faucet or stop the shower, you can safely assume that there is a problem. This type of continuous and predictable noise can be an indication of loose piping, a soon-to-be water leak, or worse, an impending pipe rupture.  

Old Age and Old Plumbing

The older the house, the older the plumbing, that is, unless the house has been renovated. If your home is older than 20 years, and you have not replaced or updated your plumbing system in that time, you would be wise to schedule a plumbing inspection to learn what you can do to improve your energy efficiency, water quality, and home comfort. Things like pipe corrosion, metal aging, and minute slab leaks are common in old homes.

Reduced Water Quality

If you are starting to notice, or have been living with, a wide scope of water quality issues, a plumbing inspection will help identify the causes, and present the workable solutions that fit your budget. Such water quality issues include poor tasting water, or beverages and soup made with your water, as well as, cloudy dishes, greasy hair, dry skin, low water pressure, hot water that takes too long to heat up, not enough hot water, poor soap lather in the bath, limescale residue all over your fixtures, and dingy or faded laundry.

Professional Plumbing Inspection and Service in Indianapolis, Indiana

Call Weilhammer Plumbing Co. Inc. at 317-784-1870 when you need a licensed Indianapolis plumber you can trust for quality plumbing inspection and service at an affordable price. We offer a wide range of standard and master plumber services for both residential and commercial properties. We also offer free estimates, free plumbing advice, and even free haul-away for old plumbing appliances like water heaters, water softeners, sump pumps, and more. Request a free estimate, today.

The Basic Components of a Home Plumbing System

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For new homeowners, it is recommended to learn and understand the basic components of your plumbing system. Not only can this knowledge protect you from plumbing disasters, it can help save money down the road by using DIY repairs. The plumbing system within a home is not as complicated as it seems.

Continue reading to learn the basics surrounding your home plumbing system.

Indianapolis Plumbers 317-784-1870

Indianapolis Plumbers 317-784-1870

Two Plumbing Systems in One

A typical home plumbing system is divided into two sub-systems. One system is designed to bring fresh water in, while the other is setup to take waste water out. In the fresh water system, pressure is crucial. The water pressure is what sends the water flowing into a home, up and down levels, and anywhere else it is needed. Every home has a water meter that observes and records the amount of water taken in. All fresh water that is passed into the home is run through this meter and recorded for bill payments.

Near the water meter is another important feature of a home plumbing system; the emergency shut-off valve. Also called the main water shut off or stop, this valve is used to stop water flow into the house during a plumbing emergency. Most home fixtures have their own shutoff valve, so stopping the entire home water flow may be unnecessary in some situations. If a toilet is overflowing, use the toilet shutoff valve to stop the flooding. If a person is experiencing a major plumbing emergency, this is when the main stop should be used.

If a homeowner needs cold water, the supply is ready to go; however, if hot water is required, there is an additional step. When hot water is requested, it is taken from the cold fresh supply and transferred to a hot water heater. From there, the heated water is carried through a series of hot water lines to all areas of the home that use and require hot water.

The Indianapolis Plumbing Company To Trust

Weilhammer Plumbing Company 317-784-1870

Weilhammer Plumbing Company 317-784-1870

Contact Weilhammer Plumbing Company at 317-784-1870 for licensed Indianapolis plumbing service you can trust. We have been in business for over 100 years because we have earned the trust of thousands of Hoosiers all across the city as a result of our professional service and outstanding results. Call owner, Mark Weilhammer, at 317-784-1870 to request a free estimate or plumbing advice, today.

4 Plumbing Myths You Need to Know

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There are thousands of plumbing myths out there, but 4 in particular could cause you some major problems if you fall victim to their misleading theories. Continue below to learn the top 4 plumbing myths so that you never end up with costly bills, invasive renovations, and mounds of frustration about what could have been had you known better.

Indianapolis Plumbers 317-784-1870

Indianapolis Plumbers 317-784-1870

DO NOT Fall for These Plumbing Myths:

❶ Popping Noises Indicate a Water Heater Will Explode.

Although it is possible for a water heater to explode, as many have before, it is not likely that yours is on the verge of explosion when you hear popping or crackling sounds coming from the tank. The cause behind these alarming sounds is quite simple, and even treatable. There could be other reasons for these noises, but the most common is sediment build up at the bottom of the tank. This buildup prevents heat from rising properly when the hot water is turned on.

This reaction will definitely cause some strange sounds, but more importantly, it can reduce your water heaters performance, which can subsequently increase your water and energy bills. Think about the age of your water heater. If it is around 10 years old, it is time to have it replaced. If it is fairly new, have it inspected and serviced by a licensed technician. And be sure to keep up on proper water heater maintenance to avoid costly breakdowns and poor performance!

❷ Ice Cubes Will Sharpen Garbage Disposal Blades.

Using ice to sharpen garbage disposal blades would be like using ice to sharpen your butcher knife. It simply will not work. It is likely that people are confusing garbage disposal cleaning with blade sharpening. You see, many professionals recommend periodically using ice cubes to clean and deodorize a garbage disposal unit; however, ice cubes will do nothing to sharpen garbage disposal blades. With proper garbage disposal maintenance, you can avoid issues like bacteria, odors, reduced performance, and repairs.

❸ A Leaky Faucet is Not a Pressing Issue.

Many people have somehow convinced themselves that a leaking or dripping faucet is not a big deal. Unfortunately, these same people have or will eventually learn that this is far from the truth. When a faucet leaks or drips, it is an indication that something is not right, whether it is a defect with the fixture, improper installation, or something wrong with the plumbing. The Environmental Protection Agency estimates that 1 trillion gallons of water is wasted each year by homeowners, which adds up in terms of water bills. Additionally, a leaky faucet can lead to rust, mildew, and more, which also require time and money to fix.

❹ Close a Faucet as Tight as Possible.

It is a common belief that the tighter you close a faucet, the better. The truth is, there is no “better” part of that scenario. You never want to close a faucet as tight as you can because it can cause damage to the inner threads that keep the handles functioning in place, which in turn can cause a water leak. Furthermore, you can cause yourself or others frustration when it comes time to open the faucet back up. Simply close your faucets to the point that the water stops, and no more.

Indianapolis Plumbing Repair

Weilhammer Plumbing Company 317-784-1870

Weilhammer Plumbing Company 317-784-1870

Call Weilhammer Plumbing Co. Inc. at 317-784-1870 when you need a licensed Indianapolis plumber you can trust. Owner and master plumber, Mark Weilhammer, has more than 60 years of experience in the plumbing industry. He can provide plumbing repair, replacements, diagnostics, installations, equipment sales, and much more. We also offer free estimates, free plumbing advice, and even free haul-away for old plumbing appliances like water heaters, water softeners, sump pumps, and more.

10 Basic Plumbing Facts You Should Know

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Indianapolis Plumbing Repair 317-784-1870

Indianapolis Plumbing Repair 317-784-1870

Most people are familiar with the basic definition of plumbing:

“A series of pipes, fixtures, and appliances that manage the distribution of water and sewage in and out of a property.”

But there is much more to plumbing than this! There are several interesting facts about the history, usage, and operation of plumbing that you would like to know. In fact, they might just give you a deeper appreciation and understanding of how interior plumbing is so advantageous to our world! Since there are too many to list, we’ll start with the top 10 basic plumbing facts that every homeowner should know.

Plumbing History

Fact #1

Indoor plumbing dates back to 2500 B.C. (And perhaps even before!) This includes the Egyptians, Persians, Romans, Greeks, Chinese, Indiana, and more.

Fact #2

Copper was used by Egyptians over 3000 years ago to lay plumbing pipes; and copper is STILL the most popular material used for plumbing pipes today.

Fact #3

Pipes used for water distribution were once made from lead. Accordingly, the word “plumbing” originated from the Latin word “plumbum”, which means lead.

Fact #4

Sir John Harington invented the flushable toilet in 1596 for his godmother, Queen Elizabeth I. This is why Americans casually call it “the John.”

Fact #5

Although Sir John Harington made a flushing toilet closet for the Queen, the first patent granted for a flushable toilet was to Alexander Cummings in 1775.

Around the House

Fact #6

Hot water can be one of the most dangerous hazards in your home. The average temperature setting for water heaters is between 115 and 140 degrees. Skin can burn in just 6 seconds at 140 degrees and 2 minutes at 125!

Fact #7

In the typical American household, toilet flushing constitutes up to 38% of all water-use in the home. But a low flush toilet can save you up to 18,000 gallons of water per year!

Fact #8

In the typical American household, over 9,000 gallons of water is wasted each year by running the faucet while waiting for water to heat up. This can contribute to as much as 15% of your annual water heating costs.

Fact #9

It only takes 15 minutes for a drippy faucet to fill an 8 ounce glass. That means that a single dripping faucet can waste an average of 180 gallons of water each month and over 2,160 gallons a year!

Fact #10

It is alleged that the average person will spend a total of 3 years on the toilet over the course of their lifetime. So no more dilly-dallying in the bathroom!

Plumbing Service and Repair

If you are experiencing plumbing leaks or problems, contact a trusted plumber for professional help. Do not let a high-flushing toilet or dripping faucet rack up your monthly bills. Take action now to prevent major or costly plumbing problems later on.

Indianapolis Plumbing Repair

Weilhammer Plumbing Company Indianapolis Indiana

Weilhammer Plumbing Company 317-784-1870

Call Weilhammer Plumbing Company at 317-784-1870 for professional plumbing repair in Indianapolis, Indiana. Owner and Master plumber, Mark Weilhammer, is happy to give you free plumbing advice. Our highly trained and licensed plumbers provide a wide range of residential and commercial plumbing services; and as a family owned and operated company since 1901, you can trust us to deliver outstanding workmanship and customer support. Call 317-784-1870 to request a free estimate for Indianapolis plumbing repair, today.