Home Plumbing Maintenance Tips

Posted on September 20, 2014 by weilhammerplumbing

Indianapolis Plumbing Repair 317-784-187

In our current economy, budget-awareness is no stranger to most homeowners. Many people who own real estate, residential or commercial, are operating on a stringent financial plan. When a family is struggling to pay the bills and keep food on the table, it is easy to ignore or skip certain plumbing and home maintenance needs. In this blog, we will touch on cost-effective ways for homeowners to implement necessary plumbing maintenance services in order to keep their property protected.

Although some plumbing problems call for the services of a trained and licensed Indianapolis master plumber, there are several do-it-yourself methods for plumbing maintenance and repair. Continue reading to learn some budget-management options and tips for plumbing problems and common home plumbing issues.

Clogged Toilets

Most clogged toilets can be fixed with a few pumps of a standard plunger. Now we have all probably used this device once in our lives, but for those who are unfamiliar, simply insert the plunger, rubber-side down, into the toilet bowl and proceed to pump or jab the opening until the contents of the bowl flush. Do not attempt to flush the toilet while plunging; instead, plunge a few times, then flush, and then repeat if necessary. For major toilet repairs, it is highly recommended to hire a licensed plumber for proper service. If you need fixtures installed or replaced, it is wise to also use a master plumber. The plumbing components of a home can be very complex and complicated, and a homeowner can risk adding to the damage if they attempt to install their own fixtures. If you need a toilet replaced, call a professional. It is worth the money in the long run.

Clogged Drains

For drains that just don’t seem to rid the water as quickly as they used to, you can purchase inexpensive drain-cleansers and products at your local store. Some of these products actually come with a “drain snake” that allows you to manually unclog a drain, then pour the solution in after to clear it completely. A snake looks like a long perforated wire that is inserted vertically into a clogged drain. If a products does not come with a snake, simply cut and bend a wire hanger. Once inserted, simply pull out slowly, removing hair, soap residue, and more. These products are fairly inexpensive, and most are pretty effective. Be sure to follow all directions carefully because some can be hazardous if ingested or comes into contact with the eyes, and others can be corrosive to surfaces and counters.

Lead By Example

Teach your kids responsible plumbing usage and lead by example. Teach them about proper toilet practices; such as using an appropriate amount of toilet paper, and not flushing large or foreign objects down the toilet. This can greatly prevent toilet overflows and burst pipes that can lead to costly repairs and potential replacements. Also, teach your children how to use the garbage disposal responsibly, as well as, drain care, water pressure management, and more. The more they know, the more you can stop plumbing complications at home.

Weilhammer Plumbing Co. Inc.

Weilhammer Plumbing Indianapolis Indiana 317-784-1870

Call 317-784-1870 and speak with master plumber Mark Weilhammer, owner and operator of Weilhammer Plumbing Co. Inc. in Indianapolis, Indiana. We offer a wide selection of plumbing services for residential and commercial properties. We have been in business since 1901, and continue to be a trusted Indianapolis plumbing company to this day! We offer the most competent plumbing services at the most competitive prices in town. Call 317-784-1870 to learn more about our plumbing repair services in Indianapolis, IN today!

How to Choose a Good Plumber

Posted on September 12, 2014 by weilhammerplumbing

Indianapolis Plumbing Repair 317-784-187

Plumbing repairs and problems typically come at the worst time, the busiest time, or at the most unexpected time. When it comes to plumbing emergencies, we put very little thought into the plumber we hire for the job. This is because our main objective is to fix the plumbing problem or water leak as soon as possible, while juggling the rest of life’s responsibilities at the same time. With everything else on our plate, we homeowners often “jump the gun” when it comes to finding responsible and reputable plumbing services. Unfortunately, this can further your plumbing issues. A good plumber will repair or diagnose a problem accurately and efficiently, while an experienced contractor may overlook underlying issues that can cause even more problems, and monies spent, down the road. Fortunately, it is easy to identify the good plumbers from the rest of them, so long as you know what to look for.

Continue reading to learn the most important qualities to look for in a proficient and responsible plumber.

A State License

Many wannabe plumbers can claim they have qualifications and experience in the plumbing industry, or have provide “handyman work” for many years; however, true master plumbers are actually state licensed and carry a license number to prove it. If a plumber does not have a state-issued license, then they are not master plumbers. Without this license, you can assume that plumbing is just a hobby of theirs. A licensed plumber, on the other hand, retains the proper equipment and training to carry out minor to major plumbing repairs and projects. The first thing to ask for is their license number. It should be a six-digit number accompanied with a physical permit or paper describing their expertise. You can also enter their license number on state regulated websites to confirm it is a valid and active license.

Experience and Credentials

Yes, all plumbers must start somewhere; but that’s what apprenticeships and entry-level positions are meant to provide. If you need a plumber, be sure they are already experienced. The more experience under their belts, the more knowledgeable and well-versed they should be when it comes to plumbing systems and repairs. At least one decade of experience is a good place to set your bar. Credentials are equally important. All plumbing companies should have some type of professional qualification; such as a BBB membership, awards, or Angie’s List Approved.

Customer Reviews

No one says it better than a previous customer or client. Look up a plumber’s credentials by reading customer reviews online. The better the reviews, the more trustworthy they prove to be. Don’t let one bad review ruin it though; it is important to remember there is always going to be an unsatisfied client or customer somewhere. Use your best judgment and read all the reviews, basing your judgment on the consensus of them all. If you cannot locate any customer reviews online, this could be a bad sign. In this day and age, most reputable services offer a website and online customer review portals to prove their competence and professionalism. If you are dealing with a new or start-up company, or a plumber that is not mastered and licensed, they probably won’t have these tools for you to use. You might want to move on; or you can simply ask them for actual client references.

Weilhammer Plumbing Co. Inc.

Weilhammer Plumbing Company 317-784-1870

Call Mark Weilhammer, master plumber and owner of Weilhammer Plumbing Co. Inc. in Indianapolis, Indiana. Just dial 317-784-1870 to speak with Mark or one of his friendly plumbing service representatives today. We offer a wide range of plumbing services for residential and commercial properties. We are state licensed master plumbers (#106214) with more than 60 years of experience! Call 317-784-1870 and ask a licensed Indianapolis master plumber about plumbing repair services and recommendations today.

Checking on Your Water Heater Warranty

Posted on September 5, 2014 by weilhammerplumbing

Indianapolis Plumbing Repair 317-784-187

As a home owner, it is important to know how old your hot water heater unit is, and how long it’s under warranty. Do you know how old your device is? The older the tank, the less likely it’s still covered by its manufacturing warranty. If your water heater is five years old or more, it is probably not covered at all. At this point, it is encouraged to have your water heater tested for any damages. Leaky water heaters cause an incredible amount of destruction; especially in basements where mold mixed with moisture has the perfect environment for growth.

A professional diagnosis can detect any water leaks and subsequent damages. The results will determine whether or not you need to make any changes, or replace your tank altogether.

Water Heater Inspections

There should be a panel located on the side of your water heater tank. Located the serial number on this panel. Within it lies a date of purchase. It can be difficult to see sometimes, but remember that it is in the serial number on the side panel of your water heater. If you cannot determine the date, a licensed plumber can easily make out the numbers for you. This serial number will tell the plumber whether or not the unit is still covered under warranty. From here, take a peek at the seams located on the outside of the tank.

Check for signs of leaking or liquid seepage, focusing more at the bottom of the tank. Look for mold, mildew, or water damages. If any of these signs appear, or if your tank is showing evidence of leakage, it is time to have your tank replaced or repaired. Again, a trained master plumbing contractor can facilitate these tasks for you. They retain the professional equipment, proper training, and industry resources to carry out any and all plumbing and water heater repairs.

If the warranty is not valid any longer, it is most lucrative to purchase a brand new unit with a new parts and labor warranty. Be sure to choose a reputable brand water heater, like Rheem or Bradford White. Ask your local Indianapolis master plumber for advice on the markets most reliable hot water heaters. If the warranty is still good, ask your plumber to validate it for you. Simply provide your plumber with the serial number, date, make and model, and size of the tank, and they will locate the parts, put you on schedule, and do the repairs so you are not without hot water for long.

Weilhammer Plumbing Co. Inc.

Weilhammer Plumbing Company 317-784-1870

Call Mark Weilhammer, master plumber, at 317-784-1870 for more information about water heater repair in Indianapolis, Indiana and its surrounding counties. He and his team of licensed plumbers have decades of experience in the plumbing industry. We repair, replace, install, service, and maintenance all make and model hot water heaters, as well as, give honest industry advice on the best brands to buy. We offer free estimates, DIY Advice, 24 hour emergency services, purchasing advice, unit sales, and much more. Call 317-784-1870 for superior water heater services you can trust in Indianapolis, IN today.