4 Causes of a Slow Flushing Toilet

Posted on July 28, 2021 by weilhammerplumbing

Is your toilet taking too long to flush? Does the water take too long to fill back up in the bowl? Continue reading to learn the top 4 reasons why you might have a toilet that flushes slowly, and how to fix the problem within budget.

Indianapolis Toilet Repair and Replacement 317-784-1870

What is Your Toilet Flush So Slowly?

Lack of Tank Water

When there is not enough water in the toilet tank, it can cause weak flushing. When you flush your toilet, the water from the tank is being released into the toilet bowl. So, when there is an insufficient level of water in the tank, it decreases the force of the downward suction of the flush, and therefore affects the rate at which the water enters and clears. The most common reasons why you might be dealing with a lack of tank water include low water pressure, malfunctioning trip assembly, incorrectly adjusted fill valves, and similar internal component issues.

Defective Flapper Valve

Another reason why you might have a slowly flushing toilet could be due to a damaged or defective flapper valve. A flapper valve is that little rubber stopper at the bottom of your toilet tank. It opens and closes as you flush the toilet, releasing water into the bowl, and then stopping the release of water. If the valve becomes damaged, worn, or defective, it loses its ability to properly close off the opening between the tank and the toilet bowl. If you have a “running toilet” problem, it is likely caused by a worn or broken flapper valve. Fortunately, this is an inexpensive and easy part to replace.

Clogged Drains

Clogged drains can cause all sorts of problems within a home’s plumbing, including the toilet. If your drains are clogged, it can cause toilet flushing to slow down because the obstruction is slowing down the movement of water through your plumbing system. To prevent this, it is important to enlist a local Indianapolis plumber for annual home plumbing inspections and drain clearing services. You can also make your own homemade drain dissolving cleaner for under $10!

Sediment Accumulation

A more serious underlying culprit behind a slow flushing toilet is sediment accumulation around the jet holes. Jet holes are located under the rim of the toilet, and therefore commonly overlooked when it comes to routine cleaning. For this reason, mineral and sediment buildup are very common around these areas. When jet holes are obstructed by mineral accumulation, it can block the water flow coming through your toilet, therefore slowing down the flush. If this is your toilet issue, simply roll up your sleeves and give those jet holes a good scrubbing with distilled white vinegar and baking soda.

Are you looking for a skilled plumber who can help you with your toilet repair and replacement needs? Contact Weilhammer Plumbing Company at 317-784-1870 for professional plumbing services in Indianapolis, Indiana. We serve residential and commercial clients and offer free advice.

You Might Also Like:

Tips for Detecting Toilet Leaks
How to Fix a Running Toilet Handle
The Benefits of Dual Flush Toilets

Indianapolis Indiana Master Plumbers 317-784-1870

Why Choose a Toto Toilet for Toilet Replacement in Indiana

Posted on February 3, 2021 by weilhammerplumbing

So, your toilet is on the fritz again? Well, they aren’t meant to last forever, you know. When it comes time to replace your toilet, if you want one that will last for a very long time and meet all of your expectations in terms of comfort, performance, and appeal, a Toto toilet is what you are looking for. Continue reading to learn about all the wonderful product features and available models that will have you on the market for a new Toto brand toilet before the day is up!

Toto Toilet Installation Indianapolis, Indiana 317-784-1870

The Advantages of TOTO Toilets

If you are looking for a top toilet manufacturer that offers the latest in toilet technology, Toto is the brand for you. Since their establishment back in 1917, Toto has been a leading provider of toilets fore more than a century, and continues to be a top choice among consumers all across the world. One of the most recent and popular innovations by Toto is their Washlet design, which showcases luxury features like seat warmers, bidet-style water pumps, and even built-in dryers for Eco-conscience goers.

Top Toto Toilet Models on the Market for 2021:

🚽 ► TOTO MS604114CEFG#01 UltraMax II
🚽 ► TOTO MS604114CEF#51 UltraMax II
🚽 ► TOTO MS992CUMFG#01 Neorest
🚽 ► TOTO CST244EF#01 Entrada

Which Toto Toilet is Right For You?

Toto toilets come in a wide array of designs, including bowl shapes, heights, and features. Whether you choose a basic Toto toilet model or an innovative, luxury model, the Toto brand maintains the highest standards of excellence among toilet manufacturers, so any choice is a great one for you! The most basic models come with high-end features, such as integrated, premium seats and dual flush modes for water conservation. You can expect the more luxury-style models to offer features like bidet wands, air dryers, heated seats, night lights, automatic lids, automatic flushing, high power flushing (meant to prevent clogs), remote controls, flush options, and even automatic air fresheners.

One feature commonly overlooked by consumers on the market for a new toilet is height. The height at which your toilet seat lies is an important factor for comfort and convenience, and in some cases, even safety. Toto toilets come in two standard height options, allowing consumers to choose the ideal measurement for their bathroom needs. Standard Toto height is between 14.5 and 15 inches from the floor to the seat, while universal Toto height is between 17 and 19 inches. Although standard is the most common, universal models are becoming more popular because they are suggested to promote a more natural, and therefore comfortable, posture.

As for design, Toto toilets come in four different options: one-piece, two-piece, round-shaped, and elongated. One-piece Toto toilets are a singular, smooth unit that takes up very little space, while two-piece Toto toilets have a separate tank and bowl. Elongated Toto toilets have elongated bowls, but are the same width as round-shaped Toto toilet bowls. All Toto toilet seats are custom made specifically for Toto toilets, and will not slide around, unhinge, or crack.

Where to Get Trusted Toto Toilet Installation in Indianapolis Indiana

Call Weilhammer Plumbing Co. Inc. at 317-784-1870 when you toilet replacement in Indianapolis, Indiana. Our Indianapolis plumbers have decades of hands-on experience working with lavatory and commode systems, and provide a wide-range of residential and commercial plumbing services for all make and models, including urinals, bidets, automatic flush systems, septic tanks, and much more. We carry a full line of highly recommended TOTO® toilets, and sell them at whole-sale prices for your convenience. You can always be sure that we have the best quality plumbing appliances and products available on the market. Contact us to request a free estimate or free advice, anytime.

4 Ways to Go Green With Home Plumbing

Posted on November 11, 2020 by weilhammerplumbing

Anytime of year is a good time to re-plan your budgets and finances. If you are looking to save some money this season or next, a great way to do so is by going green. Remember to turn off your lights, cut back on waste, reuse as much as possible, drive less, and so forth. As for your home plumbing, it can get greener too. Continue below to learn 4 effective and lucrative ways to go green with home plumbing.

Indianapolis Master Plumbing Service 317-784-1870 — Interested in installing a duel-flush toilet to save money? Call 317-784-1870 today!

Green Plumbing is a Trend That Will Never Fade Away

There is really no good reason to not save money when you can. When it comes to plumbing, there are several ways to lessen your water and energy consumption, thus reducing your monthly utility bills. As an added bonus, you and your family are doing wonders to support and preserve our Earth’s natural resources! Although there are many changes and additions to choose from in order to obtain greener plumbing practices, you can easily start by focusing on the top 4 methods recommended by other green homeowners. These include replacing shower heads and faucets, installing low volume water restrictors, updating the water heater, and switching to high-efficiency appliances.

Shower Head and Faucet Replacement

Shower heads, faucets, and related plumbing fixtures are designed to last, but not forever. At some point in time, over the course of just a few years sometimes, these fixtures begin to decrease in efficiency. In fact, you can usually tell when they need to be replaced because they begin to show problems with their performance. Not only will new shower heads and faucets support proper performance, which in turn increases efficiency, but you can take it a step further and actually opt for environmentally-friendly plumbing fixtures that are designed to use up to 30% less than standard ones.

Water Heater Upgrade

Your water heater is a prime plumbing appliance in your home. After all, without hot water on demand, we are back in the dark ages. Hot water is important for function, quality of life, and even our health. So, it is important to ensure your hot water heater is performing optimally; otherwise, you could be losing quite of bit of money due to wasted water and energy. One way to go green with home plumbing is to simply update or replace your water heater. Talk to a local water heater repair professional to learn whether or not your hot water heater requires some maintenance or a full-on replacement. There are plenty of energy-efficient water heaters on the market today that make great options for green living.

Low Volume Water Restrictor Installation

Another option for going green is to mitigate your home’s water consumption. One way to do this is to have a professional plumber install low volume water restrictors. Also known as pressure-reducing valves, low volume water restrictors lessen the amount of water forced through fixtures like shower heads and faucets. In turn, they reduce your home’s monthly water consumption without you even realizing it. Your home’s current water pressure setting is likely close to the average residential water pressure setting, which 70psi. However, pressure-reducing valves reduce this up to half the volume, which is still plenty for a comfortable living.

High-Efficiency Appliance Procurement

Another easy and instant way to go green with home plumbing is to make the switch to high-efficiency, or higher-efficiency, appliances. Appliances to consider include toilets, dishwashers, washing machines, water heaters, water softeners, and water purification systems. Take your toilets for instance; they typically use an average of 3½ gallons of water PER FLUSH. With a high-efficiency toilet, you can reduce this average to 1½ gallons or less! In fact, duel flush toilets are a popular choice for improved flush efficiency and water preservation.

Talk to a Trusted Indianapolis Master Plumber for Green Plumbing Advice and Service

Call Weilhammer Plumbing Company at 317-784-1870 for green plumbing advice or routine plumbing services in Indianapolis, Indiana. Master plumber, Mark Weilhammer, is happy to provide free estimates, free advice, and a wide range of affordable plumbing services for residential and commercial properties. Call 317-784-1870 to request a free estimate for Indianapolis water hammer repair, today.

What’s the Deal With Toilet Paper?

Posted on October 22, 2020 by weilhammerplumbing

Toilet paper has been a part of your life since the day you were weened off diapers. So naturally, toilet paper has taken on the form of something so necessary that we never really dig deeper on its role in our everyday lives. But really; what’s the deal with toilet paper? Well, ‘tis the season to talk about it, as toilet paper sales tend to soar this time of year.

Continue below to learn how toilet paper works, and a few other related facts that might just surprise you.

Indianapolis Bathroom Plumbing Service 317-784-1870

Brief History of Toilet Paper

Everyone has a personal, internal disposal system, leaving us to all have one thing in common, a need for a good wipe. So, in comes toilet paper, our rear-end’s savior for a comfortable, convenient, and hygienic solution to post-elimination cleanup. Before TP, ancient peoples use everything from rocks and seashells, to hay, straw, and fibrous plant material to satisfy their need to wipe. Fortunately, in the 6th century C.E., China finally invented paper, which they made from the pulp of mulberry trees. At that time, they also decided that paper was the way to go when it comes to post-go wiping.

Although used around the world by several ethnicities, cultures, and societies, Americans take the cake as the top consumers. But it wasn’t always that way. Even back in the 1800’s, people were mostly using pages torn out of Old Farmer’s Almanacs and Sears catalogs. As time went on, a guy invented a hemp-based sheet formulated with aloe, as a remedy for hemorrhoids. From there, American capitalism took inertia, and eventually grew into a multi-billion dollar industry, just in the states.

FUN FACT: When Sears Roebuck changed their catalogs to a glossy page material, many consumers complained because it just wasn’t as comfortable as the paper pages they had before! Even the Old Farmer’s Almanac added holes in the corner of their pages so they would be easier to hang from a hook in the outhouse!

How Much Toilet Paper Do You Use?

Research and statistics reveal that in the United States alone, more than 6 billion dollars are spent on toilet paper each year by consumers. What’s more startling is that the same data shows that people tend to use around 50 pounds of toilet paper, per capita, each year. No so comforting, if you were to use these same stats, it would require a toilet paper manufacturer to cut down 10 million trees each year to make enough teepee for the whole world.

Indoor Plumbing Was the Key to TP Success

Toilet paper was really thin before because it had to be easily disposable. But this created a problem for big go’s, as hands would often be left soiled unless you use a lot of paper. But once indoor plumbing was a reliable and consistent thing, toilet paper quality was improved drastically. It was made with a more flush-able design, yet thicker and more absorbent than ever before.

But don’t put too much TP down the toilet! Otherwise, you might end up with a clog! Talk to your local plumber about your toilet and bathroom plumbing concerns, and they can help you get your indoor plumbing back on track and under control.

How it Works

There are several different kinds of toilet paper, ranging in size, quality, brand, color, composition, and more. Generally, toilet paper is made from a mix of water, tree pulp, bleach, and select chemicals used to extract fibers, which renders a softer, cushier material. As for the tree pulp, a blend of softwood and hardwood trees. Hardwoods include species like maple, gum, and oak, while softwoods are species like Hemlocks, Firs, and Spruces. By the way, toilet paper is often kept white because dyes can pose certain health risks or complications.

Need an Emergency Plumber for Toilet Repair and Service in Indianapolis?

Call Weilhammer Plumbing Co. Inc. at 317-784-1870 for trusted and affordable emergency plumbing services in Indianapolis, Indiana. We offer a wide range of standard and master plumber repair services for both residential and commercial properties, including home plumbing inspections, water heater repair, water softener repair, septic tank repair, and appliance sales. We also offer free estimates, free plumbing advice, and even free haul-away for old plumbing appliances. Request a free estimate, today.

How to Solve 4 Everyday Toilet Problems

Posted on June 17, 2020 by weilhammerplumbing

The toilet is perhaps the most valuable piece of indoor plumbing in a house or building. It is something we use every single day of our lives, so it is no surprise that toilet issues come to light every so often. Fortunately, most common toilet problems are minor, and can be solved all on your own, so long as you have the right knowledge. In fact, continue reading to learn just how to solve the top 4, everyday toilet issues, and what to do if your toilet issue is more than a minor situation.

Toilet Plumbing Repair in Indianapolis 317-784-1870

❶ Loose Toilet Handle

To tighten up a loose toilet tank handle, start by locating the water shut-off valve for the toilet. Once the shutoff valve is closed, remove the toilet tank lid. You will now need to empty the tank of water. Now look for the metal nut that secures the toilet lever to the inside of the tank. Use your adjustable wrench to tighten the nut. Next, test the lever’s tightness and performance by pressing it as if you were flushing the toilet. Now just turn your water back on!

❷ Toilet That Won’t Flush

First, look for the water shut-off valve at the base of the toilet, and then turn it all the way to the left until it’s in the full, open position. To check if your issue is solved, simply flush the toilet to see if it works! If that is not the issue, you need to check if your pipes are clogged. Try flushing the toilet to see if the plunger loosened up the clog. If it didn’t, try again or check to see if the flapper is the issue. Open the lid of the back of the toilet and, if the chain is kinked up or the plug is knocked out of place, simply use your fingers to set it back on track.

❸ Running Toilet Handle

To fix a running toilet lever, start with shutting off the toilet water supply valve by turning the handle clockwise. Next, remove the tank lid and flush your toilet. Once the toilet is flushed, press the handle down a few times to observe the mechanical operation and see where the hang up is coming from. If the float and connecting rod are in the way of the lever assembly, including the chain or wire, move it in another direction to stop the obstruction. If you see a kink or snag in the chain, release it and set it straight. Turn on your toilet water supply and flush your toilet to ensure smooth operation.

❹ Clogged Toilet

After you know that your toilet is clogged, stop flushing it. Once it is not running anymore. use your plunger to release the clog by placing it over the top of the opening inside your toilet bowl, and then pumping the plunger 2 to 3 times. Once you are done, you can then flush the toilet to see if the clog has been released. If the toilet completes a flush successfully, you have fixed the issue! If it does not, repeat the two-step method. If it still does not work, contact a licensed Indianapolis plumber for help.

Indianapolis Toilet and Bathroom Plumbing Repair at an Affordable Price

Call Weilhammer Plumbing Co. Inc. at 317-784-1870 when you need a licensed bathroom plumbing services in Indianapolis 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.

When is it Time to Replace the Toilet?

Posted on February 1, 2016 by weilhammerplumbing

Toilet Repair Plumber 317-784-1870

It’s something we use every single day of our lives, but not something we give much thought to. That’s because advancements in plumbing technology have allowed us that privilege. We are talking about toilets! If you own a home or commercial property, you might want to ask yourself if your toilets are in tip-top shape. Although they are reliable plumbing appliances, they will eventually need to be replaced over time. Proper-functioning plumbing is not only convenient, it’s cost effective. You could be losing money on high water or energy bills is there’s a plumbing problem with your toilet.

Continue reading to learn how to identify signs that indicate your toilet needs to be repaired or replaced.

Toilet Replacement

Did you know that the average person flushes around 2,000 times per year? With this much action from just one person, toilets are bound to take on some wear and tear over the years. This is especially true for properties with multiple occupants and multiple bathrooms. When it comes time to decide whether or not your toilet has seen and flushed enough, look for these tell-tale signs of problems:

Leaks and Cracks

Look around your toilet basin, tank, cover, and all other surface areas of the porcelain. If you see even the tiniest crack, it is a bad sign. Small crack, no matter how tiny, have the potential to grow into very large, troublesome cracks that lead to water leaks. At the same time, you want to look for standing puddles of water near the base of the toilet, or condensation on the toilet itself. This could be a sign that there is a leak, and should be inspected by a licensed plumber immediately. If you neglect these signs, it could cause mold and mildew growth in the walls and underneath the tile, leading to costly renovations and repairs.

Frequent Clogging

If your toilet is prone to clogging, and you are not doing something to directly cause it (like flushing things you shouldn’t!), then it may be telling you something. Often times, this could be a result of having low-pressure flushing model that needs to be upgraded to a more powerful-flushing toilet. It can also be due to problems with the toilet’s mechanics, hard water deposits inside the tank, a blocked trap, and more. Talk to a plumber to know for sure, but in these cases, you can usually take it as a sign that you need a new toilet.

Old and Outdated

If your toilet is more than 20 years old, you might want to consider having it replaced. Even if it seems to work fine and never has any issues, and even though toilets can last up to 30 years or more, there are advantages of updating your model toilet. First, new model toilets are more efficient. Older models waste up to 7 gallons of water per flush, while newer models average a smidgen over one gallon per flush. Not only is this eco-friendly, it also saves on monthly utility costs. Second, they are more sought-after by home buyers, so a newer model toilet increases home value. And last, they are more comfortable and stylish.

Frequent Repairs

If your toilet just seems to give you problem after problem, and you find yourself paying (or performing) repair after repair, then it’s time to invest in a new one. Frequent break downs, repairs, and problems are a sign that many things are going wrong with your toilet, and even your plumbing. In this case, you definitely want to replace the toilet altogether, but you should also have your bathroom plumbing inspected by a licensed plumber to ensure there aren’t any serious underlying problems with your plumbing system.

Weilhammer Plumbing Co. Inc.

Weilhammer Plumbing Company Indianapolis Indiana

Weilhammer Plumbing Company 317-784-1870

Call Weilhammer Plumbing Co. Inc. at 317-784-1870 when you need a licensed Indianapolis plumber for toilet service, repair, and replacement. Owner and master plumber, Mark Weilhammer, has more than 60 years of experience in the plumbing industry. You can rest assure knowing you are getting skilled and knowledgeable plumbing advice you can trust. We offer residential and commercial plumbing repair and service at the most competitive prices in town. Call 317-784-1870 to learn more about toilet repair and replacement services in Indianapolis, IN today.

How to “Go Green” with Indoor Plumbing

Posted on August 18, 2015 by weilhammerplumbing

Indianapolis Plumbing Repair 317-784-1870

In today’s world, eco-friendly practices and lifestyles are popular ventures for families, homes, businesses, schools, and more. “Going green” is a positive trend that almost anyone can achieve with a few mindful changes. Simply turning the water faucet off while you brush your teeth, for instance, is a great start; as well as, recycling your water bottles and soda cans, keeping the lights off in unoccupied rooms, closing the shades on a hot day, investing in rain barrels for water flowers, and much more.

The possibilities are endless for greener living, and as for plumbing, the principle is the same. There are several options for home and business owners that desire an Eco-friendlier plumbing system. So if you are interested in going green yourself, continue reading to learn how indoor plumbing can be eco-friendly and energy efficient.

Pressure Reducing Valves (PRV)

Contact a reputable master plumber to have your plumbing valves replaced with pressure reducing ones. You see, the average home’s water pressure is usually set too high, around 70 psi or more. It can stand to go a little lower, closer to 35 or 40 psi, for the sake of saving energy and reducing water consumption. Installing pressure reducing valves can improve energy efficiency and conserve water, which of course reduces monthly utility costs as well!

High-Efficiency Toilets (HET)

A great way to conserve more water each month is to replace your existing toilet with a high efficiency version. Older model toilets still use over 3 gallons of water per flush, but fortunately, modern federal regulations mandate that all new toilets must not use more than 1.6 gallons per flush. This was certainly a leap in the right direction, but it can get better. Installing a high-efficiency toilet can get the amount of water per flush down to as low as 1.2 gallons!

High-Efficiency Water Heaters

Just like toilets, you can also replace your existing water heater for a modern high-efficiency version. Tankless and on demand water heaters are common examples of a high-efficiency water heaters. They only heat water when it’s requested, rather than running all day to store hot water in a tank. This reduces energy and lowers utility costs.

Plumbing Fixtures

There are a couple plumbing fixtures you can replace to make your home more energy efficient and environmentally conscience. For example, you can choose to swap out your shower-heads for high-performance versions. These eco-friendly versions use virtually 30% less water than the average standard shower-head fixture. And you won’t even notice the difference in water pressure because they are designed to effectively use water to produce a satisfying and fulfilling shower experience.

In addition to shower-heads, you can install water-saving faucets too. These eco-friendly faucets use less water but still maintain adequate water pressure. This saves up to one gallon of water per minute! This is a wise installation for bathrooms, kitchens, outdoor faucets, and more.

Indianapolis Master Plumber

Weilhammer Plumbing Company 317-784-1870

Call Weilhammer Plumbing Co. Inc. at 317-784-1870 when you need a licensed master plumber in Indianapolis and its surrounding towns. Master plumber Mark Weilhammer, and his team of licensed plumbing contractors, provide a wide range of skilled plumbing services for both residential and commercial properties. Call 317-784-1870 for prompt and professional plumbing repair in Indianapolis you can trust!

Tips for Detecting Toilet Leaks

Posted on March 17, 2015 by weilhammerplumbing

Indianapolis Toilet Plumber 317-784-1870

A home with an undetected toilet leak can waste more than 80,000 gallons of water each year. Can you imagine the spike in monthly water bills every month? Or the amount of wasted water and money? Stopping any type of water leak in your home is beneficial for many reasons. Since toilet leaks are common, it is important to inspect them regularly in order to stop a leak before it causes major structural damages, costly repairs, and increased water bills. Continue reading to learn how to detect a leaky toilet and what you should do about it.

Leaky Toilets

As soon as you know you have a leaky toilet, shut off the main water valve to stop all water flow in your home. Then call a professional plumber for emergency service. They retain the proper tools and knowledge to quickly and effectively repair a leaky toilet at a price anyone can afford. But before calling a master plumber, it is helpful to determine whether or not a leak exists, on your own. You can do this by checking the following areas:

Flush Valve Issues

Many leaks occur from flush valve issues. Standard toilets come with flush and re-fill valves that can sometimes leak into the toilet bowl, from the tank, if not working properly. With a leak like this, the flush valve will continue to re-fill continuously, causing a running toilet as well. This wastes an abundant amount of water. And if the re-fill valve is also defective in any way, it can cause the toilet tank to overflow.

To check for flush-valve issues:

Start by shutting off the water valve to the toilet. This shut-off valve is located on the bottom left side of the tank. Record the level of water you see, and then re-check it in 20 minutes. If the water level is lower, there is a flush valve leak or similar issue.

To check for re-fill valve issues:

Start by adding a few drops of food coloring to the tank of the toilet. Wait ten minutes and then check the bowl. If the food coloring made its way from the tank to the toilet bowl, there is a problem with the re-fill valve; most likely a leak.

Weilhammer Plumbing Co. Inc.

Weilhammer Plumbing Company 317-784-1870

Call Mark Weilhammer, licensed master plumber, at 317-784-1870 for professional toilet repair in Indianapolis, Indiana. He and our team of licensed master plumbers are happy to answer your questions about leaky toilets, toilet repair, water leaks, plumbing repair, and all other plumbing issues. We provide residential and commercial plumbing services at the most competitive prices in town. Call 317-784-1870 for professional toilet installation and repair services in Indianapolis, IN.