How to Solve a Water Hammer Problem

Posted on March 14, 2017 by weilhammerplumbing

Water Hammer Repair 317-784-1870

Is your plumbing system noisy? After you shut off a faucet, do you experience a loud bang, a strong vibration, and a lingering hiss? This is called water hammer, and it is the most common noisy plumbing problem among homeowners. Fortunately, there are a few simple ways to solve a water hammer issue, and many of which are reasonably affordable. And some you can even do yourself! Continue reading to learn which options you have for repairing water hammer in your plumbing system.

What is Water Hammer?

Technically referred to as hydraulic shock, water hammer is one of the most common noisy plumbing issues; but noise is not the worst part about it. Water hammer is actually damaging to your plumbing system, and should be addressed in a timely manner to prevent costly plumbing repairs, appliance repairs, and pipe replacement. The sounds and reverberations experienced at the time water hammer occurs is a result of water traveling through your plumbing pipes at thousands of feet per second while exerting hundreds of pounds of pressure per inch. But what causes water hammer to begin with?

Causes

Water Hammer Repair 317-784-1870

When water is traveling at high speeds and extreme pressure through your plumbing pipes, an abrupt halting of the water flow (shutting off the faucet or valve quickly) will cause the resulting noise and reverberations. The loud bang you hear is actually the pipes colliding with one another and against other framing components of the home. This is where the damage can happen. Homes are usually fitted with a plumbing piece called an air chamber to absorb the shock produced when water is traveling at high speeds under high pressure. Air chambers are generally fitted on the hot and cold water lines near the faucet or water intake valve. They are usually not visible, and sometimes hidden inside walls. Older homes may not have air chambers but should, and newer homes are usually equipped with them already.

Solutions

If your air chamber is filled with water, you can solve this problem by draining your plumbing pipes, thus restoring the air back into the chambers and recharging your plumbing system. For a long-term solution, you could have your trusted master plumber install an engineered or mechanical water hammer arrestor. These devices are charged with air or gas, and do not fail under pressure. The best solution for preventing water hammer problems is to have your plumbing installed properly, the first time. If you are concerned about the condition of your home’s plumbing, talk to your local Indianapolis plumber for inspection, diagnostic, and repair services.

Indianapolis Plumbers

Weilhammer Plumbing Company Indianapolis Indiana

Weilhammer Plumbing Company 317-784-1870

Call Weilhammer Plumbing Company at 317-784-1870 for water hammer repair in Indianapolis, Indiana. Master plumber, Mark Weilhammer, is happy to provide free estimates, free advice, and a wide range of affordable plumbing services for residential and commercial properties. Call 317-784-1870 to request a free estimate for Indianapolis water hammer repair, today.

The Advantages of Electric Water Heaters

Posted on March 8, 2017 by weilhammerplumbing

Electric Water Heater Repair 317-784-1870

Whether you’re moving into a new home or replacing an old unit, you will be faced with the decision of choosing among all the different types of water heaters on the market. Hot water heaters can be powered by many energy sources, so you have the option of buying a unit that runs off natural gas, fuel oil, propane, geothermal power, solar power, electricity, or even a heat pump. Out of these options, one has made quite the impression on home and business owners over the last few years: electric water heaters. Electric units have gained popularity since newer, more dependable models have been introduced to the market. If you are trying to decide among all the hot water heater options out there, continue reading to learn why electric water heaters are so beneficial.

Traditional Water Heaters

To better understand the various benefits of electric water heaters, it is helpful to review how a traditional model works. Traditional hot water heaters come with an 80 gallon tank, or larger depending on the property’s hot water needs. This tank holds heated water that is ready to use, instantly. Cold water enters through the bottom of the tank from the city’s main water supply, and it is heated to a preset temperature. It remains at this temperature at all times inside the tank.

Tankless On Demand Water Heaters

Just like traditional “tank-style” units, it is helpful to review how tankless water heaters work as well. These units do not come with a large-gallon tank, and instead, only heats water when it is requested for immediate use. This reduces standby-energy loss, making it a more efficient method of heating water. Now let’s take a look at the many advantages offered by tankless and tank-style electric water heaters!

Electric Water Heaters

Traditional Tank-Style:

Tank-style electric water heaters come with storage tanks between 20 and 80 gallons. They operate by using two separate heating elements, each with their own thermostat. The first heating element is positioned at the top of the storage tank. It is designed to recover more hot water in the case that more hot water is demanded. The second heating element is found at the bottom of the tank, and its job is to maintain the preset temperature setting. In contract to traditional, gas water heaters, electric units are incredibly efficient because the water is not being heated at all times.

Tankless On Demand:

If you are looking for even more energy efficiency, a tankless electric water heater is the right choice for your home. Water is only heated upon request, making these units extremely energy efficient. Here’s how they work: Cold water enters through the bottom of the unit where it is heated to a preset temperature, and then it is then sent through the hot water lines, directly up to the faucets. This process takes between 5 to 10 seconds from the time you turn on the water.

Indianapolis Water Heater Installation

Weilhammer Plumbing Company 317-784-1870

Call Weilhammer Plumbing Company at 317-784-1870 for professional electric water heater service in Indianapolis, Indiana. Owner, Mark Weilhammer, is a state-licensed master plumber who employs a team of licensed and insured plumbing contractors with decades of experience. We offer a wide range of standard and master plumber services for residential and commercial properties, and specialize in water heater installation and repair. Call 317-784-1870 to request a free estimate for Indianapolis water heater installation, today.

4 Reasons Why Trenchless Pipe Repair is Better

Posted on March 3, 2017 by weilhammerplumbing

Indianapolis Master Plumber 317-784-1870

Traditional methods of pipe repair and replacement are tedious, expensive, and even risky. Fortunately, property owners can opt for a more efficient and cost-effective way of repairing pipes called trenchless pipe replacement. Trenchless pipe replacement is also known as hydraulic pipe laying and fitting. And there are 4 very good reasons why it is a better method than traditional pipe replacement. Continue reading to learn what they are, and who to call for trusted master plumbing services in your town.

Advantages of Hydraulic Pipe Laying

It’s Cost-Effective. The total cost of trenchless pipe repair is much less than the total cost of traditional methods. That is because less labor is needed to implement the service, as well as, less materials, less machinery, and less time.

It’s Efficient. Not only is trenchless pipe replacement more efficient because it is just easier than traditional methods, it is also less likely to run into delays. For instance, when digging a traditional trench to repair or replace piping, a worker can stumble across an unexpected obstacle, like exposed cabling or an unknown pipe in the way. They would have to decide to stop all work or try to continue around it, which takes more time.

It’s Non-Disruptive. Since trenchless pipe repair is much less invasive compared to traditional methods, it is less disruptive to our surroundings, schedule, living space, and more. It is also less noise, which means neighbors are not disrupted while the work is being carried out.

It’s Less Damaging. Because there is no need to dig large, obtrusive trenches to perform trenchless pipe repair, less damage is incurred to the environment and the surrounding community. This can damage streets, sidewalks, playgrounds, and other surrounding areas for a temporary amount of time. And then when the work is finished, the landscaping and surroundings will need to be restored.

Indianapolis Master Plumber

Weilhammer Plumbing Company 317-784-1870

Call Weilhammer Plumbing Co. Inc. at 317-784-1870 for professional master plumber services in Indianapolis, Indiana. Owner, Mark Weilhammer, is a state-licensed master plumber with decades of experience in the plumbing service industry. His family owned and operated company has served the Hoosier communities for over 100 years! We offer comprehensive commercial and residential master plumbing services at competitive prices. Call 317-784-1870 to request a free estimate, today.