Why is My Hot Water Not Working?

Posted on August 17, 2016 by weilhammerplumbing

Indianapolis Plumbing Repair 317-784-1870

It happens when you least expect it, and at the most inconvenient of times. Losing your hot water is a frustrating and uncomfortable consequence that can stem from a variety of factors. When you jump into your shower or bath after letting the hot water run for a few minutes only to find that the water is luke warm, or worse, cold, then you will need to locate the source of the problem in order to reverse it. In many cases, a simple fix is all that’s needed, which can be done on your own.

On the other hand, there may be a need for a professional plumber if the source of the lost hot water is more complex to repair. Continue reading to learn why your hot water might not be working, and what to do to get it back.

Start with the Pilot Light

Once you realize that your hot water is no longer working, you will need to start an at-home investigation. The most common reason why water stops heating up is the pilot light in the water heater. This is the first place you want to check. If you cannot see a flame, then the light is out. Simply re-igniting the pilot light can solve your hot water problem instantly! However, if it won’t re-light, it could be a separate gas-related issue, in which case you’ll need a licensed plumbing company that provides water heater service and repair. If you have an electric water heater, you will want to check for tripped breakers. For gas water heaters, locate the pilot light at the bottom of the tank, and refer to your owners’ manual for reigniting instructions. If the pilot light doesn’t seem to be the problem, move onto the next step.

Structural Integrity

If there isn’t a problem with the pilot light, you want to take a thorough look at the structural integrity of the water heater tank and piping. Look for damages like dents, bumps, cracks, holes, and kinks. Then look at the base to see if there is water leaking onto the ground. Also be sure to listen for strange sounds, like banging or clanking, as well as, noises that sound like the tank is struggling. If you notice one or more of the above-mentioned signs of damage or distress, you will need to contact a water heater technician right away.

Temperature Settings

If everything checks out good so far, you are ready to check the temperature setting for your hot water heater. Look for the temperature gauge knob on the bottom center (or side) area of the tank. Sometimes this knob can get accidentally bumped into a lower temperature settings, thus causing a loss of hot water. Generally, a safe temperature setting for a water heater is between 115 and 130 degrees Fahrenheit. But for homes with only young to middle-aged adult occupants, you can safely increase the temperature up to 140 degrees Fahrenheit. If the knob is below your preferred temperature, then re-adjust it and wait an hour for the water to heat back up.

Call a Water Heater Technician

If nothing seems to recover your hot water, it is time to call a professional. Be sure to hire a licensed plumber that specializes in water heater repair services. By choosing an experienced and licensed plumbing company, you will have confidence knowing that your water heater is in capable and trusting hands.

Weilhammer Plumbing Co. Inc.

Weilhammer Plumbing Company Indianapolis Indiana

Weilhammer Plumbing Company 317-784-1870

Call Weilhammer Plumbing Co. Inc. at 317-784-1870 for water heater repair in Indianapolis, Indiana. Owner and master plumber, Mark Weilhammer, offers prompt and professional water heater repair and maintenance for residential and commercial properties. His team of professional plumbers and water heater technicians are licensed, bonded, and insured, with more than 50 years of experience! You can trust us for quality service, sincere customer support, and honest prices. Call 317-784-1870 to request free plumbing and water heater advice, or to schedule plumbing service in Indianapolis and its surrounding counties.

5 Contemporary Faucet Styles for Bathroom and Kitchen Sinks

Posted on August 11, 2016 by weilhammerplumbing

Indianapolis Plumbing Repair 317-784-1870

If you need a bathroom or kitchen upgrade that’s within your budget, there is no better place to start than with plumbing fixtures. Sink faucets are used frequently in your home, which means they are focal points for bathrooms and kitchens. So they are a great place to add some interior style and individuality without committing to a huge or costly remodeling overhaul. Continue reading and check out the most popular contemporary faucet styles and fashions on the market today!

Ultra-Modern Faucets

If you are really looking for something up-to-date, and even a bit ahead of our time, then the ultra-modern faucet styles are the ones for you. These modern styles offer sleek, simple, and shiny geometrical designs, as well as, innovative technologies like touch and infrared sensors, waterfall flows, and more. You can choose from a variety of colors, designs, and more.

Extendable Faucets

For those who use the kitchen a lot, an extendable faucet has a lot to offer. These have become popular among homeowners who cook frequently because they make dish rinsing more efficient and convenient. This makes them good for mudroom and garage sinks too. They are also great for those who have small dogs that take baths in the sink! These pull-out designs come in a vast selection of lengths, colors, finishes, and more. And they are reasonably priced for such modern style.

Industrial Faucets

Similar to pull-out faucets, industrial faucets also offer convenience and efficiency in the kitchen. They have gained popularity thanks to the trendy cooking shows on television. Many homeowners, chefs, and cooking enthusiasts prefer the industrial faucets not only because they look so professional, but also because they extend and flex, and provide more room in the sink, making dish management much easier.

Hands-Free Faucets

Loved by busy moms and multi-taskers everywhere, hands-free faucets are taking the lead in today’s modern plumbing fixture market. Not only do these faucets save water and prevents the spread of germs, they come in an array of colors, finishes, sizes, and more. They are highly-efficient, operating by either infrared or motion sensors to turn on and off, or by a single touch anywhere on the faucet.

Antique Faucets

We don’t mean real antique faucets (unless they’ve been exceptionally refurbished)! Instead, there is a current trend of old world style faucets that resemble antique designs, colors, and finishes. These faucets usually come in rustic finishes, and designed with more intricate detail. They make the perfect upgrade for anyone who loves old-fashioned, historic charm.

Indianapolis Faucet Repair

Weilhammer Plumbing Company 317-784-1870

Call Weilhammer Plumbing Co. Inc. at 317-784-1870 for professional faucet repair in Indianapolis, Indiana and its surrounding counties. Owner and master plumber, Mark Weilhammer, knows how easily faucets can spring a leak, or how suddenly drains can clog. He and his team of licensed, bonded, and insured plumbers are eager to get your plumbing system back on track, and at a price you can afford! We have decades of experience providing a wide range of plumbing services, from major commercial plumbing work, to routine plumbing repair for residential properties. Call 317-784-1870 to speak with a friendly Indianapolis plumber about your faucet problems, today.

How to Retrieve Items that Fall Down the Shower Drain

Posted on August 5, 2016 by weilhammerplumbing

Bathroom Plumbing Repair 317-784-1870

Last week, we talked about how to get lost items out of a sink drain. But if you lose something down the shower drain, the process of retrieving it is a bit different. Unfortunately, it is a bit more difficult to retrieve lost items down the shower drain, but this doesn’t mean it is not possible. So if you are currently scratching your head and wondering how you’re going to get your earring out of the shower drain, you came to the right place! Continue reading for a brief guide to retrieving lost items that fall down a shower drain.

What You’ll Need:

• Screwdriver
• Long Apparatus
• Wet-Dry Vacuum
• Rubber Gloves
• Flashlight

Magnet on a String

If the object you lost down the drain is made of metal, you may have some luck using a strong magnet tied to the end of a string. Although this sounds rudimentary, it is often very effective and efficient. You can purchase a magnet that will work at any fabric or craft store, craft aisle, or hardware store. They are cheap and can be easily tied to a string. But be sure to use a sturdy string, like yarn or wool. Thread is sometimes not strong enough, and breaks off too easily. If you do not have luck with this age-old magnet trick, it is recommended to call a plumber for professional assistance, or simply use the DIY guide below!

Getting Started…

Shut off the water. For obvious reasons, if you keep the water running, you risk pushing your lost object further down the drain. The quicker you turn the water off, the better your chances will be of retrieving your item of value.

Remove the drain cover. The drain cover, also called a stopper, will most likely be screwed in, so you will need your screwdriver for this step. Be sure to save the small screws in a safe place so you can replace the drain cover later.

Once the drain is expose, use your flashlight to peer inside. If you can see your lost object close up, you can try to pull it out with your hands. Drains can be dirty so wear rubber gloves for safety.

If you do not see it, use a long apparatus to feel around for your lost object. You can use an unraveled wire coat hanger, long grabbing stick, chopstick, or any other apparatus that feels comfortable and small enough to fit inside the shower drain.

If none of the above works, it is time to use your wet-dry vacuum. On the wet setting, vacuum up the contents inside your shower drain. Listen for any clinking noises, and after a few minutes check the vacuum receptacle for your lost object. You may be surprised what else you find!

When finished, replace the drain cover using your screwdriver.

Weilhammer Plumbing Co. Inc.

Weilhammer Plumbing Company 317-784-1870

Call Weilhammer Plumbing Co. Inc. at 317-784-1870 for shower drain repair in Indianapolis, Indiana. Owner and master plumber, Mark Weilhammer, is dedicated to providing economical and effective plumbing services for all home and property owners in Central Indiana. Whether you have light plumbing repair needs, or heavy-duty complex master plumber needs, we are the professionals to call for prompt services and quality results. Call 317-784-1870 to ask about our current plumbing specials this month, or to request a free estimate for Indianapolis plumbing repair, today.