Monthly Archives: October 2016

4 Questions to Ask Before Water Heater Installation

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Electric Water Heater Repair

Water Heater Repair and Service 317-784-1870

Over the years, the advancements in appliance technology have drastically improved the operation of residential and commercial hot water heaters. And although designed with innovative features and performance qualities, water heaters are not designed to last forever. This means that at some point, you’ll need to replace yours. But before you install a brand new water heater, it is important to know what questions to ask yourself in order to choose a unit that meets your home’s hot water needs.

Continue reading to review the top 4 recommended questions to ask, either yourself or a licensed plumber, before installing a hot water heater.

Which Type of Water Heater Do I Own?

It is important to learn about your existing water heater before purchasing a replacement. There are three primary facts to look for: 1) type, 2) age, and 3) size. Water heaters for over eight years old need to be replaced because most are designed to only last 8 to 10 years. After sometime sediment buildup occurs inside the tank, slowing the operation efficiency of the appliance. Common types of water heaters include gas, electric, and tankless. However, some homes have specialty water heating systems, such as boilers or heat pump water heaters. In most cases, residential water heaters are either gas or electric.

You can refer to your owner’s manual to determine which type of water heater you own. Here’s a hint: it’s your water heater has a pilot light, it runs on gas. Water heaters also come in a variety of sizes, so it is important to get the right size for your home. Larger homes with multiple occupants need larger capacity water heaters, while smaller homes and fewer occupants require smaller units.

Do I Like My Water Heater?

Think about whether or not you like your old water heater. Did you have problems with its operation? Did it provide adequate hot water on demand for the entire home? If you were not entirely happy with your old or existing water heater, then you should explore some other brands of water heaters that come with the features you’re looking for. A professional plumber and/or water heater technician can help you decide which water heater meets your hot water needs, including budget.

Are Tank-Style Water Heaters Energy-Efficient?

As of 2015, the government mandates that all water heater manufacturers abide by specific energy-efficient standards. So regardless of which water heater you choose, it should provide sufficient amount of energy efficiency for your home. That is because tanks are now more insulated, which delivers higher efficiency ratings. Electric water heaters are generally between 90 and 95% efficient, gas water heaters generally retain between 60 and 70% efficiency, and tankless water heaters are generally between 84 and 94% energy efficient.

Who Should Install My New Water Heater?

Regardless of how handy you are, it is not a good idea to install your own water heater. Not only is it potentially illegal in your state, working with the fuel-powered appliances is highly-dangerous. It requires a comprehensive knowledge of complex fire and plumbing codes, extensive hands-on experience, and a legal permit to perform the work. Never attempt to install a water heater on your own unless you are trained and licensed plumber or water heater technician. Instead, always contact a professional Indianapolis plumber for water heater installation services you can trust.

Indianapolis Water Heater Installation

Weilhammer Plumbing Company Indianapolis Indiana

Weilhammer Plumbing Company 317-784-1870

Call Weilhammer Plumbing Company at 317-784-1870 when you need water heater service in Indianapolis, Indiana and its surrounding counties. Owner and master plumber, Mark Weilhammer, provides a wide range of professional water heater services for residential and commercial properties. Our water heater services include maintenance, installation, replacement, and repair. On top of the most competitive prices in town, we also offer free estimates and free plumbing advice anytime! Call 317-784-1870 to request an estimate for Indianapolis water heater installation, today.

How to Prepare Your Plumbing for Cold Weather

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Indianapolis Plumbing Repair 317-784-1870

Indianapolis Plumbing Repair 317-784-1870

Seasonal plumbing preparation is important for both commercial and residential properties. As the climate and temperatures change, so should the routine maintenance for your plumbing. Depending on the condition of your plumbing system, this can include annual inspections, professional service, part replacements, cleaning, and much more. Although most plumbing maintenance requires professional service, there are many household tasks you can do on your own to prepare your plumbing for the
upcoming winter season.

Continue reading to find out what they are and how to get started!

Outdoor Plumbing Preparations

Before temperatures can drop low enough to freeze water, it is important to manage all of your outdoor plumbing systems, including outdoor faucets, spigots, valves, drains, and hoses. This will prevent a large number of frustrating frozen water plumbing problems. Here’s what to do:

Disconnect all of your outdoor hoses. Store them away for the season. Failing to do so can cause hoses to freeze and expand, which can then cause connecting faucets and plumbing lines to break.

Check all outdoor faucets for water leaks. If you find a leak, contact a plumber for professional water leak repair services. Failing to prepare water leaks can cause cracks and pipes, which can lead to severe water damage and flooding disasters.

Note: For homes with interior water shut-off valves that lead to outside faucets, be sure to drain all water from the outside lines in turn themselves off.

Purchase Styrofoam faucet insulation covers and install them on all outdoor faucets. You can purchase these covers for a fee dollars apiece at any local home improvement store.

Clear gutters and down spouts mud, leaves, twigs, and other organic matter.

Indoor Plumbing Preparations

Test the temperature and water pressure relief valve (T&PR valve) on your water heater. Refer to your owner’s manual to learn how to properly perform a T&PR valve test. When operating properly, the valve should produce a burst of hot water in the drainpipe. If the valve does not respond properly, call a licensed plumber for water heater repair service.

On the subject of water heaters, be sure to have your flushed. You can do this on your own if you know how, otherwise it is best to have it serviced professionally.

Inspect and clean your sump pump pit and septic system. Refer to the owner’s manual for proper cleaning instructions, or contact a local plumber for professional septic system services.

Indianapolis Plumbing Service

Weilhammer Plumbing Company Indianapolis Indiana

Weilhammer Plumbing Company 317-784-1870

Call Weilhammer Plumbing Company at 317-784-1870 for prompt and professional plumbing repair and service in Indianapolis, Indiana. Owner and master plumber, Mark Weilhammer, and his team of licensed plumbers, but answer your questions about plumbing repair and more. We offer a wide range of residential and commercial plumbing services, all at the most competitive prices in town. Call 317-784-1870 to request a free estimate for Indianapolis plumbing service, today.

How to Make Eco-Friendly Toilet Bowl Cleaner at Home

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Toilet Repair Plumber 317-784-1870

Toilet Repair Plumber 317-784-1870

For all you homeowners looking for new ways to “go green”, learning to make your own eco-friendly toilet bowl cleaner is a great addition to your efforts. With a few natural ingredients, you can concoct your very own chemical-free toilet bowl cleaner that’s safe for you and the environment! Most store-bought cleaners contain harsh chemicals that can be damaging to your health as well as your home’s plumbing and vital appliances (i.e. water heater, water softener, etc.). Homemade toilet bowl cleaner is a fantastic alternative to harmful, over-the-counter products; not only because it is much safer, but also because it’s equally-effective at cleaning.

Continue reading to learn a useful recipe for homemade, eco-friendly toilet bowl cleaner, and feel good about protecting yourself, your loved ones, and the environment!

What You Need

🚽 Large Glass Bowl
🚽 Glass Storage Jar
🚽 Wooden Spoon
🚽 Toilet Brush
🚽 Baking Soda
🚽 20% White Vinegar

AND…

Disinfecting Essential Oil of Your Choice:

❧ Tea Tree
❧ Peppermint
❧ Lavender
❧ Orange
❧ Pine
❧ Lemongrass

Mixing Instructions

1 Using your wooden spoon, combine 2 cups of baking soda and 1 teaspoon of essential oil into a large glass bowl. You must use a glass bowl and wooden spoon because essential oils can corrode metal and plastic.

2 Continue to mix the baking soda and oil together until the majority of clumps are gone. Then transfer the powder into a glass storage jar with a tightly-sealed lid. This will give you nearly 30 uses!

Cleaning Instructions

① Scoop 1 tablespoon of powder from your jar and pour it into the toilet bowl. Use an additional scoop for the walls.

② Use your toilet brush to spread (not scrub!) the powder/oil mix around on the walls and basin.

③ Pour a ½ cup of 20% white vinegar into the bowl. It should start to fizz on contact. If you cannot find 30% vinegar, you can use 5% distilled white vinegar instead, but increase the amount to 2 cups.

④ If no fizzing occurred, you’ll need to use some more scoops of cleaner. Once the fizzing goes down, use your toilet brush to scrub the toilet clean.

⑤ Allow the mixture to settle for 10 to 15 minutes before flushing it down.

Indianapolis Plumbing Service and Repair

Weilhammer Plumbing Company Indianapolis Indiana

Weilhammer Plumbing Company 317-784-1870

Call Weilhammer Plumbing Company at 317-784-1870 for prompt and professional toilet repair in Indianapolis, Indiana. Owner and master plumber, Mark Weilhammer, and his team of licensed plumbers, are eager to help you get your plumbing back on track and at a price that’s fair. We offer free estimates, free plumbing advice, and free haul-away services for old or broken plumbing appliances. Call 317-784-1870 to request a free estimate for Indianapolis plumbing service and repair, today.