How to Test for Hard Water Using an Empty Water Bottle

Posted on June 27, 2022 by weilhammerplumbing

Living with hard water is a detriment to your quality of life, and one that you don’t have to tolerate. If you suspect that you have hard water, you are likely right. Hard water boldly leaves behind evidence of its damage, from your faucets and drains to your appliances, plumbing, laundry, dishes, hair, skin, and much more. If you are on the fence about having a hard water problem, why don’t you just perform a do-it-yourself test? All you need is an empty water bottle, pure Castile soap, and a working faucet.

Continue below to learn how to perform a hard water test using an empty water bottle, plus what to do if you determine, you do have a hard water problem.

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How to Test for Hard Water at Home

There is really only good news about testing for hard water at home. Not only is it inexpensive, of free if you already have all of the materials, but at-home water testing is also very easy (so easy a child could do it; in fact, you should enlist your children to help you with this really cool DIY science experiment!) and the results are highly reliable. Aside from low costs, simplicity, and reliable results, at-home water testing is also beneficial because there is more than one way to do it.

Here are three, including the water bottle test:

Store-Bought Testing Kits

You could go to the store and purchase an at-home water testing kit that comes with all of the materials needed to test your water for hardness. These kits generally have you send the results into a water testing laboratory, which means you will need to pay for postage and wait for your results to come back. Water testing kits are typically very reliable and accurate.

The Water Bottle Test

A more enjoyable way to test your water would be to implement a water bottle test. All you need is an empty plastic water bottle, a pure Castile soap, and your tap water. Take your empty water bottle and fillet 1/3 of the way with water directly from the top. Then add 3 to 4 drops of soap into the bottle. Screw the lid on tightly and vigorously shake the bottle.

Set the bottle down on a flat surface and observe the bubble formation. If your bottle is filled with suds and bubbles, and the water below is mostly clear, you have little to no hard water. However, if your water is cloudy and there’s only a thin layer suds at the top, you have hard water.

Professional Water Quality Testing

The most accurate and comprehensive method for hard water testing would be to hire a professional soft water company in Indianapolis. They have the proper knowledge, materials, and resources to perform precision hardness testing, plus provide and deliver the most compatible solutions to your water quality problems.

Are you ready to have the best water quality for your home or office? Contact Weilhammer Plumbing Company at 317-784-1870 for professional water softening services in Indianapolis, Indiana and its surrounding counties. We serve residential and commercial clients with soft water sales, service, and repair.

What You Need to Know Before Installing a Steam Shower in Your Bathroom

Posted on June 24, 2022 by weilhammerplumbing

Modern technologies are truly gifting society with all sorts of luxuries these days. Right now, homeowners and real estate developers all across the nation are upping their master bathroom game with a trending new installation: steam showers. After all, what’s more relaxing than a hot, steamy, detoxifying sauna-like experience after a long day of work or play? With steam shower installation, anyone can have this spa-equivalent environment in the comfort of their own home. But before you make the call to place your order, there are some things you need to know.

Continue below to learn some important factors to think about before making any final decisions to have a steam shower installed in your bathroom this year, plus who to trust for the best bathroom plumbing advice near you.

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Steam Showers are a Modern-Day Luxury That Come With a Cost

Steam showers are certainly a modern-day luxury, but like most luxury amenities in life, they come with a high cost. And that cost is not always a financial one. There are many considerations to review and discuss with a licensed electrician and plumber before jumping on the steam shower bandwagon. Let’s talk quickly about how steam showers work and how they are different from conventional bathroom showers.

How to Steam Showers Work?

Steam showers are connected to an electric generator that is designed to convert water into steam. The steam is pumped into the shower stall through water lines and other plumbing lines and managed by a digital control panel. The control panel will allow you to customize the intensity and temperature of the steam in real time. Steam showers can come as an entirely new shower installation, or you can add the generator setup and convert your existing shower stall into a steam shower. However, your shower stall must meet the installation requirements.

Important Considerations For Steam Showers

☑ Size

Steam showers require a lot of space. Not only do you need space for your shower installation, plus room for a bench or seat inside of the shower, but you also need room for the generator. Height also plays a major role in steam shower installation. The shower must be tall enough, ideally around 7 feet, to accommodate the operations of a steam shower. Too much space in the shower stall will require a lot of steam production, while too little space will fill up too quickly. You want to be able to sit down and steam for 10 to 15 minutes, which is why space (especially for a bench) area are important features to have in place before installing a steam shower generator system.

☑ Generator Location

The spot for the generator will need to be well-thought out before installing a steam shower system. If the generator is too far from your shower, it will not be able to adequately distribute the steam to your stall. Not only should the generator be close to the shower, but it needs to be in a warm area of the home to protect it from freezing, plus it needs enough space to be serviced as needed.

☑ Utility Costs

Because a steam shower generator uses electricity, typically 220 or 240 volts, you can expect your monthly electric bill to increase. The amount it increases will depend on how often you use your steam shower and for how long with each use.

☑ Condensation and Slippery Surfaces

Because steam turns into water, you can expect a lot of drippage during your steam session, plus an increased risk of slippery surfaces around the shower. Steam showers should have a sloped ceiling to prevent water condensation from dripping on your head while you enjoy your steaming. Furthermore, you will need to plan for some slip-resistant inclusions inside and outside of the shower stall to prevent accidents.

☑ Water Leaks

Your steam shower will create a lot of condensation and dripping water. For this reason, it is important to equip your shower and shower stall with air-tight sealed plumbing fixtures. Sliding glass shower doors are not compatible with steam shower installation and will need to be modified or replaced. If you have lights inside the steam shower, you will need to make sure they are vapor-proof, otherwise condensation can seep inside and short them out.

☑ Hired Assistance

Not only will you require the service of a licensed electrician to set up your generator and hook up the wiring for the digital control panel, but you will also need to hire a master plumber to install your water lines and more.

Are you ready to get some personalized advice on which shower installation is best for your home and water heating needs? Contact Weilhammer Plumbing Company at 317-784-1870 for professional plumbing service and repair in Indianapolis, Indiana and its surrounding counties. We serve residential and commercial clients.

Common Problems With Water Softeners and What to Do About Them

Posted on June 21, 2022 by weilhammerplumbing

Any property that uses water, whether residential or commercial, will benefit from having a quality water softener. But like any plumbed appliance, malfunctions and breakdowns are a possibility. As for water softeners, they tend to present the same types of issues, especially among low-rated models. If you suspect that your water softening system is not performing at its best, you could be right. After all, the signs are usually easy to spot, so long as you know what you are looking for.

Continue below to learn some of the most common types of problems with water softeners, and more importantly, what you can do about them.

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Common Water Softener Problems

Water softener performance is an important element in your overall quality of life. A defective or damaged unit will cost you money and cause you to suffer the effects of hard water. As soon as you see signs of poor water quality or a change in your water softener’s performance, act quickly by contacting a local and trusted water softener repair in Indianapolis. They can implement a comprehensive inspection and generate a diagnosis in no time at all.

While you wait for your licensed and insured water softener professional to arrive, peruse these common water softener problems to see if any fit the mark for your home or business:

Salty-Tasting Water

Does your tap water taste a bit on the salted side? If you can detect notes of salt in your tap water, it could be due to a clogged drain hose. Salty water can also be caused by incomplete water softener regeneration cycles.

Brown Water

If you notice that your tap water is dark or discolored, namely brown, the problem may be a result of high levels of dirt and sediment that has contaminated the water lines. It could also be caused by rusting components or metal within the tank itself.

Salt Bridges

Salt bridging in water softeners is a common issue tackled by property owners all across the nation. Hard mineral ions like salt, calcium, and magnesium, produce scale, which builds up inside the tank overtime. This formation can cause obstructions that make it difficult for the water softener to perform as it should.

Not Using Salt

When you look inside your water softener brine tank, does it look like the salt hasn’t been used at all? If your salt pellet levels are not lowering as they should, it could be a sign that there’s a problem with the system’s resin beads, which by the way, could stem from salt bridging, mentioned before.

Not Regenerating

If your water softener is not completing its regeneration cycles, the problem likely has to do with the regeneration timer. If the timer is not making any beeps or sounds when you try to test it, it may be damaged.

Operation Errors

If your water softener requires you to manually program and input data, then the likelihood of experiencing an operational error is high. Even modern water softeners that are designed with innovative structuring and technical configurations are prone to errors and malfunctions. Refer to the owners’ manual for factory reset instructions.

Strange Sounds

Your water softener should not make a lot of noise. If you are hearing strange sounds coming from the unit itself or the surrounding plumbing, it could be indicative of worn-out components. This might include timers, water lines, valves, or even the motor.

All these common water softener problems can be solved by a licensed water softening plumber! Contact Weilhammer Plumbing Company at 317-784-1870 for Indianapolis Indiana plumbing services for water softeners and more. We serve residential and commercial customers all throughout Central Indiana.

Clearing Up the Confusion About Sump Pumps and Sump Pits

Posted on June 17, 2022 by weilhammerplumbing

Homes and most properties retain a sump pit, which is basically a hole in the ground that collects water run-off and other spilled liquids. These are usually located in a lower level of a home or property, like a basement, cellar, or other underground room. Sump pits are imperative for preventing floods and excess water accumulations, especially for properties located in flood zones or near large bodies of water.

Continue reading to learn more about sump pumps and sump pits, including tips on how to prevent overflows and floods on your property.

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Facts About Sump Pumps

Sump pits are man-made holes, or “pits” that are drilled into the floor and lined with concrete or brick, then covered with a grate, making it look similar to a large drain. Sump pits are equipped with a sump pump, which is an appliance that siphons collected water out of a sump pit to prevent overflows and floods. They pump water out periodically, not constantly, as to not waste electricity and energy. In order for the pit and pump duo to function and operation properly, it requires routine maintenance and professional service.

Flood Prevention

As mentioned before, sump pits and sump pumps are vital components for properties located in flood zones. When sump pumps break, properties can be subjected to flooding that is costly and tedious to repair. You wouldn’t want to walk into your basement after a heavy rain to find three inches of water on the ground! Nor would you want to go on vacation, only to come home to a swimming pool in your living room! Sump pits and pumps are very important for all properties, as well as ones located beneath the local water table.

Keeping the gutters in good condition is helpful for preventing water overflow and flooding issues since they can better drain excess water run-off after heavy rain or snow. Mold growth, drywall rot, warped floorboards, and foundation issues are all possible consequences that can result from a flooding catastrophe in or outside of the house.

Where to Get Sump Pump Help

Many things can go wrong with sump pumps, especially the trigger devices and float switches. When your sump pump fails to remove water from your basement, or you have a long power outage during a severe storm, you might come back to an expensive disaster. It is wise to consider replacing your pump every 5-10 years. It is also wise to have a backup plan in place in case of a huge storm or long power outage.

Contact a licensed master plumber in Indianapolis for professional assistance and advice regarding water tables, sump pumps, and sump pits. They retain the proper tools, training, equipment, resources, and experience to accurately diagnose a plumbing or water issue and find solutions that fit within a property owner’s budget. They can also facilitate a pit dig, as well as provide installation, repairs, and maintenance for all make and model sump pumps.

Are you worried about the condition of your sump pump? Do you lack a sump pump and wish to learn more about installing one in your home? Contact Weilhammer Plumbing Company at 317-784-1870 for professional plumbing service and repair for sump pumps in Indianapolis, Indiana and its surrounding counties. We serve residential and commercial clients.

An Explanation of Hard Water

Posted on June 14, 2022 by weilhammerplumbing

It is a well-known fact that the majority of United States residents have hard water. Although the level of hardness varies throughout the nation, it is arguably safe to say that most of us know what it is like living with crusted plumbing fixtures, poor quality laundry, dingy hair, and dishware that looks like it’s never been washed. Although hard water is a continuous problem for many home and business owners, it doesn’t have to be. Not only is hard water treatable, but it is preventable.

Continue reading to learn more about hard water, including how to eliminate and prevent hard water problems in your home or office.

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Hard Water Facts

Hard water is water that contains high traces of dissolved mineral salts, specifically magnesium, calcium, and iron, but other hard mineral ions as well. Water becomes infiltrated with these hard minerals after falling from the sky as rain, then permeating the various layers of soil, sand, clay, and aggregate in the ground, before finally reaching the underground water table. This means that rain is free of dissolved mineral ions, making it naturally soft water.

Levels of Hardness in Water

Hard water is measured in grains per gallon (GPG) but can also be read in parts per million (PPM) or milligrams of calcium (Ca). It is then applied to a scale from 1 to 15+, ranging from slightly hard to extremely hard. So, the more grains, the harder the water.

■ Slightly Hard: 3 GPG
■ Moderately: 3 – 7 GPG
■ Hard: 7 – 10 GPG
■ Very Hard: 10 – 14 GPG
■ Extremely Hard: 15+

You might also see hard water measured on a scale that looks like this:

■ Soft Water: 0 to 60 mg/L
■ Moderately Hard: 61 to 120 mg/L
■ Hard: 121 to 180 mg/L
■ Very Hard: Over 180 mg/L

As mentioned, the level of water hardness varies regionally, so a state or town might have naturally softer water than their neighboring district. Here in Indianapolis, we are one of the top 6 cities in the nation with the hardest water, coming in at Extremely Hard (15+). If you are dealing with hard water problems in Indianapolis, contact a licensed Indianapolis soft water company to learn your options, today.

The Disadvantages of Living With Hard Water

Hard water costs you money. In all areas that hard water creates problems, every single one of them comes back to spending more hard-earned money. Some of the most common consequences of hard water include problems with laundry, bathing, plumbing, bathroom and kitchen fixtures, dishes, and hair.

Laundry and Bathing:

Hard water does not lather well, which is where it gets its name. Hard water is hard to wash in because it barely lathers soap and takes a long time to rinse away the residues, let alone the dirt. As a result, laundry and bathing are affected by hard water.

Laundry comes out stiff and faded, while showers become challenging and take up more of your time. By the way, longer showers contribute to higher utility bills from increase hot water usage. You also go through more soap, which sends you to the store for more, thus costing you more money.

Plumbing, Fixtures, and Dishware:

Hard water leaves behind unsightly limescale, which looks like white or green colored crust. Generally, you will see this crust formation around plumbing fixtures like faucets and drains. Unfortunately, limescale formation is more than just unpleasing to the eye; it is also damaging to your plumbing-related appliances, like refrigerators, washing machines, dishwashing machines, water heaters, and water softeners.

The scale can form within the lines and tanks of these appliances, causing the appliance to decline in performance and use too much energy. This all results in higher energy bills, as well as premature appliance repairs and replacements. Those dishes that always look dirty, even right after taking them out of the dishwasher, are also a result of limescale.

How to Solve a Hard Water Problem

Installing or upgrading your current water softener is the best solution for a hard water problem. Water softeners condition hard water using an ion exchange technology. Water softeners are the ultimate luxury that come at an affordable and highly-worthwhile cost. Talk to your local soft water professional about getting started with a water softening plan, today.

Would you like to learn more about water softening and water softener service? Contact Weilhammer Plumbing Company at 317-784-1870 for water softener sales, service, and installation in Indianapolis, Indiana. We serve residential and commercial clients.

How to Unclog a Sink if the Drain Snake Does Not Work

Posted on June 9, 2022 by weilhammerplumbing

Whether you call it a drain snake, plumber snake, or small drum auger, virtually every renter and homeowner has one. You can purchase a drain snake at the grocery store, the dollar store, the home improvement store, and at almost any online retailer of the sort. They are easily accessible and very inexpensive, so they are a highly recommended tool to have around the house. You can even use them to unclog toilets, showers, and tubs. But sometimes, plastic augers are just not enough to unclog a stubborn sink drain.

If you are attempting to unblock a clogged sink, but the plumber snake isn’t working out, continue reading for some drain clearing tips that will help you get past this common, but oh-so-frustrating, obstacle.

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Why is the Drain Snake Not Working?

Drain snakes are easy tools to use, so you will know right away whether yours is working or not. To use a drain snake, you insert it deep into the drain, twist it around several times, and then pull it back up. The auger should pull out all sorts of unsightly materials, like hair, soapy residue, and dental floss.

Although very effective tools, they are not always the right choice for a clogged drain. In fact, there are many reasons why a drain snake might be ineffectively unclogging your sink. One of the most common in easily fixable reasons why a drain auger won’t work is because the old clogging material is still attached to the rod. Be sure to fully clean your drain auger before reusing it for another clog.

Another common reason why augers fail to do the trick has to do with the structural integrity of the auger itself. If you are using a small drum auger rather than a plastic drain snake, it is possible that the thumbscrew has come loose. If the thumbscrew is loose, the auger will not be able to effectively rotate. And if the auger will not rotate, it won’t be able to catch and pull any debris or blockage within the drain.

If you can’t even push the auger down into the drain, it’s because there is a heavy blockage that is denser than the overall tensile strength of the tool. In this case, you would need something more heavy-duty to dislodge the blockage, or perhaps even more invasive plumbing repair. Severe sink clogs are difficult to repair with a plumber snake.

What to Do About a Clogged Sink

If your drain snake is not working, but none of the above-mentioned reasons are to blame, you have two viable options: attempt to loosen the clog with a drain cleaner and repeat the auger process again, or save time and effort by contacting a professional Indianapolis plumber for drain clearing service. Just be sure you do not ignore a clogged drain, as they can lead to more serious plumbing problems, like burst pipes and water leaks.

Looking for a professional plumber who can make all of your plumbing problems go away without breaking the bank? Contact Weilhammer Plumbing Company at 317-784-1870 for licensed and insured plumbing services in Indianapolis, Indiana, and its surrounding counties. We serve residential and commercial customers.

Are Water Softeners Worth the Cost?

Posted on June 6, 2022 by weilhammerplumbing

If you are on the market for a new water softener, you might be contemplating your cost-to-value ratios right about now. Water softeners are not cheap, and they shouldn’t be considering the vital role they play in on-demand water quality. However, cars are not cheap either, yet they are a standard, fixed cost in most people’s budgets. Water softeners can be viewed quite similarly, as they are also highly-beneficial assets that enhance the level of convenience and quality in our lives.

So, when shopping around for a replacement water softener, do not let the price tag, nor the cost of set up and installation, throw you off. There are many valuable advantages of having a water softener that make the upfront investment worth it, including, believe it or not, future cost savings.

Continue reading to learn why water softeners are worth the money, plus where you can get top-of-the-line models for economical prices right here in Indianapolis.

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Top Benefits of Water Softening

Are you still reeling on the mention of cost-savings by water softening? Well, it’s true. One of the top-noted advantages of having a quality water softener is that it can save you money. Not only does soft water lower your monthly utility bills (water and energy), but it also helps prevent future breakdowns within plumbing systems and water-related appliances (dishwashers, washing machines, water heaters, etc.). And that’s not all; they also save you money on detergent, shampoo, conditioner, soap, clothing, and much more! How does a water softener do all this? It protects us and our assets against the effects of hard water.

Why Hard Water is Bad

Hard water contains dissolved minerals, such as iron, calcium, and magnesium, among other contaminants and constituents. These hard mineral ions cause limescale buildup, which is often seen around plumbing fixtures and drains. Limescale can also build up inside water heater tanks, washing machines, dishwashing machines, and water lines. Because of limescale, hard water can negatively affect your hair, skin, dishes, laundry, and overall budget plan.

Hard water does not lather or rinse very well. As a result, it can leave behind a residue that makes skin feel dry and irritated, while causing the hair to look greasy and dingy. Additionally, people tend to use more soap, shampoo, and conditioner just to get a good lather, which leads to more frequent product replacements, thus costing more money.

As for laundry, hard water can fade and dry out fabrics. Not only does this make your clothes and upholstered items look more worn, but it can cost you money by forcing you to replace laundered items that have been damaged by hard water.

Because hard water leaves behind limes residues, it can make your dishes look cloudy and spotty. This often prompts homeowners to run the dishwasher cycle over again to get a better clean, which ultimately costs them more money in water and electricity bills.

Water Softening Costs

The average cost of buying and installing a new water softener is around $3,000. You could be spared from a large bill by opting for a magnetic or ion-exchange manual regeneration water softener. These tend to be the least expensive to install, usually between $100 and $400. As for buying price, you can buy a quality make and model for as low as $500 or $600. This could be one of your cheapest options.

How to Ensure You Get all the Benefits of Water Softening

Having a water softener installed in your home is one of the best methods of water softening and overall asset protection. However, in order to get the best results from your water softener, it is important that you make the right size selection. Not only must you choose a quality water softener, but you need to select the right capacity water softener.

You can make this determination based on the number of occupants within your home and the level of water hardness. On average, the water in the United States contains nearly 10 grains of hardness per gallon, while the average person uses 80 gallons of water per day. So, if you have 4 people in your home, your calculations will look like this:

▷ People: 4
▷ Gallons Per Person: 80
▷ Grains of Hardness: 10
▶ Gallons Used Per Day: 80 x 4 = 320
▶ Total Grains Used Each Day: 320 x 10 = 3,200
▶ Water Softener Capacity: 3,200 x 10 = 32,000

In this example, you would need a 32,000 grain water softener. Most homes use a 33,000 grain water softener, but for larger homes with more occupants, more conditioning is required. Overall, water softeners are worth the cost because they start saving you money as soon as they get to work.

Are you ready to learn your options for affordable water softening at home or in the office? Contact Weilhammer Plumbing Company at 317-784-1870 for professional sales, installation, service, and repair for all make and model water softeners, including saltfree water softeners.

Here are the Answers to the Most Common Questions Plumbers Get

Posted on May 27, 2022 by weilhammerplumbing

Plumbers have heard and seen it all, from haunted plumbing pipes to a dead rat in the drain, and everything in between. But there are some questions that tend to take the lead in terms of frequency. If you have questions about your plumbing situation, it is likely that one of these answers will help you. Scroll below to review the answers to the most common questions plumbers get.

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Plumbing Questions and Answers

Is This a Plumbing Emergency?

When a client first calls, they often ask if their plumbing issue is something that needs immediate attention or if it can wait. Plumbing emergencies are often easy to spot, as they tend to pose a long list of potential damages and hazards. Some common tell-tale plumbing emergencies include a burst pipe, flooding, major water leak that cannot be controlled by turning off the main water supply, or gas leak. But plumbing emergencies can also come in not-so-obvious forms. For instance, if your home only has one toilet and that toilet breaks down, repairing it would be an emergency need, otherwise, you will have to use the bathroom somewhere else or get a hotel.

Examples of non-emergencies include clogged drains, no hot water, clogged toilet, overflowing toilet, dripping faucet, broken fixtures, and small water leaks.

Is This Plumbing Repair Covered Under Insurance?

Another initial question plumbing customers tend to ask has to do with insurance coverage. Each homeowners’ insurance policy is different, and therefore, contains varying degrees of coverage depending on the type of plumbing repair or need. It is important to check with your insurance carrier to verify which types of repairs are covered and which must be paid out of pocket.

Do I Need to Replace My Water Heater? My Water Softener?

When people start to experience problems with their water heaters or water softeners, the first question that often arises is whether or not they will have to replace them. Water heaters are designed to last anywhere from 8 to 10 years; so, if your unit is near or approaching that range, it would be wise to start thinking about an upgrade. Water softeners last a bit longer, ranging between an 8 to 15 year lifespan. So, if your water softener has not been replaced in a decade, an upgrade to a modern model would be wise.

Aside from age, water heaters and water softeners can experience damage that requires them to be replaced prematurely. Common irreparable damages include fires, burning, or smoke production, as well as gas leaks, major water leaks, tank ruptures, and electrical damage. If your water heater has shown signs of these types of damages or issues, contact an emergency plumber in Indianapolis, right away.

Why Does My Water Take So Long to Heat Up?

Hot showers and baths are an essential part of a satisfying quality of life. So, when they start to show signs of problems, many people start calling their plumbers. One of the most common questions is, “why does it take so long for my water to heat up?” The answer is the water, either the location, size, or efficiency.

If your water heater is too far away from your point of demand, in this case your shower or bathtub, the water can take longer to heat up compared to the kitchen sink faucet. The solution here would be to install a secondary, perhaps tankless or electric, water heater closer to the location of your shower or bath.

If your water heater is too small for the size and occupancy of your home, you can certainly expect the water to take longer to heat up to the temperature you’ve demanded. If you have recently taken in new guests or tenants, you might experience this issue. If you just moved in, you need to upgrade to a higher capacity water heater.

If your water heater is experiencing malfunctions, it may not perform as well as it should. It could cause your water to heat up slower than before.

Can I Improve the Water Pressure?

Everyone asks the plumber about water pressure. Low water pressure is not desirable, so customers always want to know how they can increase or improve the water pressure in their home. One place to focus your attention on when it comes to low water pressure is the faucets themselves. You may have low flow volume restrictors that limit the pressure delivered in the showerhead or faucet. Corroded or leaky plumbing pipes are the next two common culprits behind low or lowered water pressure.

What’s Causing These White Spots All Over My Glassware and Shower Stall?

Cloudy, spotty glassware and shower stall doors are not fun to look at. That is why so many plumbing customers ask their plumbers why this is happening. The answer is hard water. Hard water contains dissolved minerals that leave behind scale and scum. To treat a hard water problem, install or upgrade your water softener. You may also consider a reverse osmosis system.

Do you have additional plumbing questions and concerns that you want immediate answers to? Contact Weilhammer Plumbing Company at 317-784-1870 for professional plumbing service and repair in Indianapolis, Indiana and its surrounding counties. We serve residential and commercial clients.

What is the Hardness Level of Well Water?

Posted on May 24, 2022 by weilhammerplumbing

Are you on the market for a new home or business location? Do some of these properties operate on well water? Perhaps you are considering the addition of a well water system to your current home or office? If so, you are likely filled with all sorts of well water questions, namely about hardness. Continue reading to learn whether well water is hard or soft, plus how to test for and get rid of hard water.

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Well Water Comes From the Ground

Rain falls from the skies as naturally softened water. Once it permeates the varying layers of soil, sand, aggregate, bedrock, and more, it accumulated hard solids and minerals, like calcium, magnesium, and iron. Seeing as though well water is generally sourced from a natural or man-made water table beneath the ground, you can safely assume that well water is harder than your standard, municipal tap water.

Hard water cannot always be seen by the naked eye, but you can often spot the signs. Hard water causes limescale buildup around plumbing fixtures like drains and faucets. Water can appear cloudy or have a metallic taste. Dishes tend to accumulate spots or look cloudy after washing them. Laundry and bathing can feel less effectual because hard water does not rather or rinse well. Hair can feel dry or dingy. Skin can feel itchy and dry. There are many signs of hard water. But the guaranteed way to know is through hard water testing.

Testing Well Water Hardness

It is important to test well water for hardness. The level of water hardness varies, regionally. One town might have naturally-softer water than the town next door, and so forth. Testing well water is an important part of the hard water solution process, but also for ensuring safe drinking water.

You can contact your local Indianapolis soft water plumber to schedule an on-site well water test. They have the proper resources and technologies to obtain an accurate reading. You can, however, purchase your own well water testing kit, but these are not always as accurate, and accuracy counts when it comes to developing a viable soft water plan for a well water-using property.

Hard Water Solutions for Wells

Whether your property operates on a well or municipal water, the most effective and proven solution to hard water is water softening. Installing a quality water softener that is the correct size and capacity for your soft water needs is the smart approach to hard water removal. Not only does soft water feel better, taste better, and perform better, but it saves you a lot of money. In addition to saving on water and energy bills, you will also save on shampoo, soap, detergent, clothing, and premature appliance repairs and replacements!

Are you ready to save loads of money by implementing an innovative soft water plan? Contact Weilhammer Plumbing Company at 317-784-1870 for professional water softener service and repair in Indianapolis, Indiana. We serve residential and commercial clients with the most effective and affordable plumbing and water softening services around!

7 Things You Can Do to Unclog Your Shower Drain

Posted on May 20, 2022 by weilhammerplumbing

Nothing quite drains the pleasure out of your morning or post-work shower than standing ankle deep in soapy water. If your shower drain is clogged, it is important to troubleshoot the issue as soon as possible, not just for the sake of your bathing enjoyment, but also for preventative maintenance purposes. Fortunately, there are many things you can do on your own that can solve the problem right away.

Continue reading to learn the top 7 things you can do to unclog your shower drain.

Drain Clearing Indianapolis Indiana 317-784-1870

How to Fix a Clogged Shower Drain

So, what causes a shower drain to clog up? Well, the answer is quite obvious. Mostly, hair, dirt, and soap residues are to blame, but shower drains can also fall victim to obstructions caused by thick shaving cream, lost jewelry, razor caps, toys, and all sorts of other common bath time accoutrements. Many people like to brush their teeth and floss in the shower, so floss is a common obstruction found in shower drains.

Not to worry, as there are plenty of ways to unclog that troublesome shower drain of yours! Here are the top seven things you can do to unclog your shower drain:

Manual Dislodging

The first thing you want to do to fix a clogged shower drain is to manually dislodge anything that’s obstructing the drain. Any visible obstructions like hair or soap scum should be cleared away of your shower drain before testing other methods of repair. Yes, this will be a slimy and unpleasant task, so put on some rubber gloves and possibly even a face mask.

Plunger

When your manual attempt doesn’t work, grab your plunger. Use the plunger over the shower drain in the same way you would use it in the toilet if the toilet were clogged. Place the plunger directly on top of the shower drain and pump it several times with force. Then run the shower to see if the water flows through the drain smoothly. If that doesn’t work, you may need to get deeper inside the drain. The next few methods will help you do that.

Boiling Water

If the first two methods don’t work, boil some water on top of your stove, and then pour it down your shower drain. Sometimes this can clear out shaving cream, dirt accumulation, and soap scum buildup. Once these residues are cleared, your shower drain should flow smoothly. Just be careful when you’re handling the boil water because it will burn you.

White Vinegar and Baking Soda

If boiling water isn’t strong enough, make a concoction of distilled white vinegar and baking soda. Then pour the solution down your drain. This is basically a homemade drain cleaner, but without all of the harsh chemicals and damaging ingredients. You may need to repeat this a few times to get the drain entirely cleared. Oftentimes, this vinegar and baking soda solution is well paired with an auger, also known as a drain snake.

Drain Snake

A drain snake is a long, thin, plastic, flexible, handheld auger that is used to dislodge any obstructions within a drain. Drain snakes can be purchased for as little as one dollar at any local department or grocery store. You can literally find them anywhere that sells regular home goods or household products. To use an auger, simply push it deep into the drain as far as you can, then turn it a few times before pulling it out. You will be shocked to see what comes out with it!

Wire Hook

You can also use a metal hook in the same way you would use a drain snake to dislodge any obstructions within the shower drain. Just be careful using this method because you can accidentally poke or stab yourself. Most people will take a wire hanger and unwind it to form a hook and handle. This works really well when you don’t have an auger on hand.

Licensed Plumber

Your last resort is to contact a licensed Indianapolis plumber for drain cleaning and clearing service. They have the proper tools and resources to promptly resolve drain issues. Because drain clearing is typically an easy and speedy service, you can expect it to be affordable as well.

Do you need some professional drain clearing and cleaning service for your shower, sink, bathtub, or outdoor drains? Contact Weilhammer Plumbing Company at 317-784-1870 for professional plumbing service and repair in Indianapolis, Indiana and its surrounding counties. We serve residential and commercial clients.