What Makes a Master Plumber?

Posted on October 15, 2015 by weilhammerplumbing

Indianapolis Plumbing Repair 317-784-1870

You may think a plumber’s job is a basic one, but that really depends on what type of plumber you have in mind. For simple residential plumbing service and minor repairs, you could make-do with a general plumber. But when it comes to bigger plumbing repairs and projects, the only type of plumber permitted for this kind of work is a Master Plumber. A general plumber may have a simple job, but being a master plumber is a huge job and a serious responsibility.

Continue reading to learn what sets a master plumber apart from standard plumbing contactors and why they are so vital to have around.

Master Plumbers

A master plumber is a serious vocation. It takes a lot of dedication, patience, and commitment to make it to a state-licensed level. Their acumen for plumbing is comprehensive and all-encompassing. They are licensed and trained to provide maintenance, installations, and repairs for all residential, commercial, and industrial plumbing systems. This includes waste management, water treatment, plumbing pipes, appliances, water heaters, water softeners, sump pumps, heat pumps, and much more. On top of all this, master plumbers are constantly upgrading their knowledge and training as technology in plumbing continues to improve and change.

In order to become a licensed master plumber, you must first gain work experience for several years as an apprentice in the plumbing industry. After paying your dues and learning the trade, you then have to complete a rigorous set of plumbing-related courses and obtain proper licensing. This is a lot of work, as you must memorize endless plumbing codes and pass several complicated exams. In fact, becoming a master plumber is so time-consuming and difficult, many people choose to get their general contractors’ licensed instead because it’s faster and easier. This is one reason why you might notice master plumber services are more expensive.

Keep in mind, when looking for a plumber, that it is state law for them to display their license number in all advertisements and websites. If you cannot find a license number, then they are either uninsured, very inexperienced, or simply NOT REAL plumbers.

Let’s think about the massive responsibility and knowledge master plumbers possess in their trade by taking a look at an example:

New construction begins on a building that will house a toxic plant. This toxic plant will be working with explosive liquids, hazardous gases, and more. For this kind of project, the plumbing and pipe system have to be absolutely PERFECT. Otherwise, it could be extremely dangerous.

Planning and installing the piping system in this building will be highly complex and intricate. Engineers and architects are not appointed this responsibility; instead, this is a job master plumbers would be hired to do.

Weilhammer Plumbing Co. Inc.

Weilhammer Plumbing Company 317-784-1870

Call Weilhammer Plumbing Co. Inc. at 317-784-1870 to hire a master plumber in Indianapolis you can trust. Owner and state licensed master plumber, Mark Weilhammer, is happy to discuss your plumbing problems, needs, and concerns. As a family owned and operated business since 1901, Weilhammer Plumbing Co. Inc. is committed to sincere customer support and maintaining fair and honest plumbing rates for all. Call 317-784-1870 to learn more about our Indianapolis plumbing repair services, or to schedule an appointment with a master plumber today.

The Importance of Annual Drain Cleaning

Posted on October 9, 2015 by weilhammerplumbing

Indianapolis Plumbing Repair 317-784-1870

Every diligent homeowner will tell you how far a little preventative maintenance can go in terms of extending the life of your appliances. Routine cleaning, inspection, and care is most important for a home’s plumbing system. It is, after all, one of the most valuable operations of any property, commercial or residential. Without properly functioning plumbing, a home can experience a wide range of problems with drinking water, cooking, laundry, bathing, and more.

So when it comes to routine plumbing maintenance for residential properties, it is strongly suggested to stay up to speed. And one of the most important places to check or maintenance every year are your drains. Continue reading to learn why drain cleaning is so important and the positive effect it has on plumbing systems.

Advantages of Drain Cleaning

Drain cleaning is one of the most important services you can provide for your home’s plumbing operation. Bathroom drains, water heater drains, sink drains, shower drains, and more all need a thorough, annual cleaning to ensure proper functioning and more. There are various advantages to staying on top of annual drain cleaning services. These benefits prevent plumbing problems, as well as, future costly plumbing breakdowns and repairs. And the best part about drain cleaning is that the results are immediate! Here’s why you should have your drains cleaned annually:

Proper Water Flow

Uninterrupted water flow through a home is ideal. Over the course of time, solid debris and particles will find their way down into drains and begin to clog the plumbing pipes. Contaminants like grease, oil, food particles, soap suds, and more are common drain clogging culprits. Clogs can lead to very serious plumbing issues which is why they should be addressed immediately upon discovery. Routine drain cleaning eliminates solid debris buildup and allows water to remain free-flowing through your home’s plumbing system. And this reduces the need for costly plumbing repairs.

Prevent Pipe Damage

Clogs can also damage plumbing pipes, causing the interior walls to rust, corrode, and deteriorate over time. Drain cleaner is harmful for plumbing pipes, and can cause the same types of damage. This can lead to costly plumbing pipe replacements and repairs. A professional plumbing service will clean your drains with a non-toxic drain cleaning solution that is organic and chemical-free. This keeps your pipes protected and clear at the same time.

Proper Plumbing Operations

For a home’s plumbing system to operate efficiently, routine maintenance must be implemented. Eliminating clogs and cleaning drains is a highly effective method to sustaining a functional plumbing system. This reduces the chances of plumbing emergencies, costly repairs, and general hassle. Hiring a professional plumber is the best option for routine drain cleaning. They retain the proper tools, training, and equipment to clean your drains, as well as, inspect for any other drain or pipe issues.

Weilhammer Plumbing Co. Inc.

Weilhammer Plumbing Company 317-784-1870

Call Weilhammer Plumbing Co. Inc. at 317-784-1870 for professional drain cleaning in Indianapolis, Indiana. Master plumber, Mark Weilhammer, is happy to provide professional plumbing service at a fair and competitive price, for both residential and commercial properties. We offer a wide range of plumbing repair and service, from minor plumbing repairs to major plumbing work, and everything in between! Call 317-784-1870 for prompt and professional plumbing repair and drain cleaning services in Indianapolis you can afford.

Basic Plumbing Tools for Basic Plumbing Problems

Posted on October 1, 2015 by weilhammerplumbing

Indianapolis Plumbing Repair 317-784-1870

When it comes to home plumbing, problems can arise at any time, and always unexpectedly. For this reason, it is important to stay equipped for whatever comes your way. Having the right plumbing tools and supplies on hand can be a huge advantage in the case of a plumbing issue or emergency.

Every home should have the basic plumbing tools needed to manage common plumbing problems. Problems like clogged or running toilets, leaky faucets, and jammed garbage disposals can be fixed on your own in minor cases, so long as you are properly equipped with the right tools. Continue reading to learn the basic plumbing tools you should have in your home in the case of a plumbing emergency or issue.

Clogged Toilets

When toilets cause problems, it is no fun for anyone. A functional toilet is the fundamental concept behind refined living. Without indoor toilet plumbing, we are subjected to more primitive means of organic elimination! So when toilets clog or constantly run, go for these plumbing tools:

Plungers – Plungers are great for clogged toilets, as well as, clogged sink and shower drains. Choose from a selection of styles at your local hardware or general store. Prices vary from $8 to $25, depending on the retailer and brand.

Augers – There are two effective augers recommended for different plumbing purposes: hand and closet augers. Hand augers are great for clogged toilets, but also for clogged shower drains, sinks drains, and more. They generally come with over 25 feet of flexible steel cable designed to dislodge solids and release clogs. Closet augers are generally cheaper and shorter in length (3 to 6 ft.), making them perfect for unclogging toilets specifically. Prices vary anywhere from $5 to 50 dollars, depending on brand and retailer.

Running Toilet

If a toilet is running constantly, it may require a fill or flush valve replacement. This can be done on your own using three different types of wrenches: adjustable crescent wrench, metric combination wrench, and a strap wrench. All three tools can be purchase at any local hardware store at affordable prices.

An adjustable crescent wrench will be priced anywhere between 20 and 40 dollars, whereas a combination wrench set will set you back anywhere between $20 and $200, depending on the number or pieces and retailer. And strap wrenches
will cost anywhere between 5 and 40 dollars.

Leaky Faucets

Leaking and dripping faucets are usually the result of a deteriorated washers. You can easily replace these on your own with a few simple beginner tools. These include a screwdriver set, ranging between $10 and $40, a pliers set, also ranging between $10 and $40, and a basin wrench ($5 – $40).

Jammed Garbage Disposals

When the garbage disposal seems to stop working, or jams, you can fix this problem by adjusting the motor beneath the appliance. Use the proper-sized Allen wrench for the opening beneath the garbage disposal. Then insert into the opening and turn both ways. Allen wrench sets generally cost anywhere from $10 to $50 or more, depending on the number of pieces and the brand.

Weilhammer Plumbing Co. Inc.

Weilhammer Plumbing Company 317-784-1870

Call Weilhammer Plumbing Co. Inc. at 317-784-1870 for all your household plumbing problems and plumbing repair needs in Indianapolis, Indiana. Owner, Mark Weilhammer, has more than 40 years of experience as a state-licensed master plumber. And our family owned and operated company has served Hoosier communities for more than 100 years! We offer residential and commercial plumbing services at the most competitive prices in Indianapolis, IN. Call us today at 317-784-1870 to schedule an appointment or learn more about our company.