Monthly Archives: May 2017

Learn a Little Something About Tube Wells

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What is a tube well? Well, the answer is coming up next!

Indianapolis Plumbing Repair 317-784-187

Indianapolis Plumbing Repair 317-784-187

A tube well is just like any other well that provides water from the ground. They are wells designed with very long tubes that are bored deep into the ground to the depth of the natural water table. Tube wells are popular for many reasons, two of which being that they are incredibly fast and easy to install. In fact, they are commonly used in locations where large infrastructure is not available to oblige other types of well designs, such as rural farms, developing nations, and more.

Common Drawbacks

Although tube wells offer many benefits, they also come with a few potential drawbacks. For instance, the design has its imperfections in terms of water contamination. You see, if the well is not installed in the proper location and at the proper depth, water pollution can be a real risk. In one such example, certain areas of India has high levels of arsenic in their ground soil, so arsenic poisoning has been a common occurrence in areas where tube wells are used.

Design

Most tube wells are accompanied with a tube shaft that is inserted into the hole before the well. These are generally made from materials such as metal and plastic. At the bottom of the well, a cap is placed to prevent leaking. It contains a mesh screen that traps particulates and keeps them out of the well water. Some tube wells are installed with gravel and sand for added water filtration.

Installation

As mentioned, the installation process for tube wells is fairly simple and quick. It does require experience, proper materials, and a team of workers. Tube wells must be installed with a pump to retrieve water from the tube portion of the well. Some wells can be installed with an electric motor for this purpose.

Indianapolis Plumbing

Weilhammer Plumbing Company 317-784-1870

Weilhammer Plumbing Company 317-784-1870

Call Weilhammer Plumbing at 317-784-1870 for prompt and professional Indianapolis plumbing assistance at an affordable price. Master plumber, Mark Weilhammer, is happy to answer your questions about plumbing repair, replacement, installation, maintenance, and more. We offer free advice and estimates as well.

The Purpose of Groundwater Sampling

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Indianapolis Plumbing Repair 317-784-187

Indianapolis Plumbing Repair 317-784-187

Groundwater sampling is the process of extracting water samples from a well. These samples are then tested to evaluate the level of pollutants and contaminants of the surrounding groundwater table.

These groundwater tests are an important part of monitoring our local water tables, as well as, an important part of Hydrology, which is the study of water quality and distribution throughout the world.

Well Construction and Water Contamination

There are certain wells that are used particularly for groundwater sampling. These wells are usually built with a large hole drilled at a fixed depth called a surface seal. Once the seal is constructed, a smaller hole is dug for the well, which is cased from the downward from the surface. But what about the space between the surface seal and the well?

This area is generally filled with concrete, or some other material similar to concrete. At the bottom of the well, contractors install some sort of filtering device that filters out impurities and other unwanted elements. From there, the water is left to its own devices, and will begin to flow in naturally.

There are two primary types of drilled groundwater wells. The first category is shallow, unconfined wells, and the second category is deep, confined wells. Shallow wells are drilled to a predetermined depth within the uppermost saturated aquifer location. Deep wells are drilled through the impermeable layer (stratum), and down to the aquifers.

Groundwater Monitoring

When groundwater sampling is carried out, the water that has been filtered inside the well is the water that is sampled. This water should not contain any excessive amounts of contaminants or pollutants if the well and filter are performing as they should. It is important to test well water so you can monitor the levels of impurities and make the proper changes when needed.

Indianapolis Plumbing Contractors

Weilhammer Plumbing Company 317-784-1870

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, water softening, well water, and more. Call 317-784-1870 to request a free estimate, today.

How to Descale a Tankless Water Heater

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Tankless water heaters have become a popular energy-efficient alternative to the standard tank-style water heaters we know so well. Aside from their increased energy-efficiency and eco-friendly operation, tankless water heaters have much to offer home and business owners alike. One of the most important responsibilities of owning a tankless water heater is regular maintenance. This includes annual inspections and service from a licensed plumbing contractor, as well as, routine descaling. Although it is recommended to call a licensed plumber for water heater descaling services, it is a job any handy homeowner can accomplish themselves.

Water Heater Repair and Service 317-784-1870

Water Heater Repair and Service 317-784-1870

Descaling a Tankless Hot Water Heater

In areas with hard water, lime and scale can build up on the inside walls of the heat exchanger, causing problems for the entire unit. It is recommended to have your tankless water heater descaled once per year. You can choose to appoint the duty to a local and licensed plumber, or, you can choose to undertake the task yourself. If you wish to move forward on your own, be sure to review the basic steps of descaling a tankless hot water heater first. Look below to get started doing just that!

Tip: If your tankless water heater does not come equipped with isolation valves, you need to call a contractor for professional service!

What You’ll Need:

✔ 5-Gallon Bucket
✔ 3 Gallons Virgin White Vinegar
✔ Submersible Circulation Pump (available at any home improvement store)
✔ Two Small Garden Hoses

Instructions:

1. Turn off all power (gas or electricity) the water heater. Switch the breaker in the electrical box or shut off the main gas.

2. Shut off all water supply to the entire property, including the hot and cold water heater valves. No water should be coming into the house or into the water heater. These handles usually turn north to south and are located on the side of the hot and cold valves.

3. Be sure the hot and cold water valves are also closed. These are generally labeled red and blue and turn side to side.

4. Carefully remove the purge port valve caps. Place them somewhere gently so the rubber washer discs do not dislodge and they are not lost. You may feel some pressure when doing this, but just make sure the hot water valve is closed and you should be safe.

5. Fill the bucket with 3 gallons of white vinegar. Be sure the bucket is in a stable position and it won’t tip over once full.

6. Connect the hot and cold water hoses to the correct valves.

7. Connect the other end of the cold water hose to the output of the circulation pump.

8. Place the pump inside the bucket of vinegar.

9. Place the other end of the hot water hose inside the bucket.

10. Open the cold and hot water valves back up by turning them half-way, so the levers are parallel to the hoses. This will allow vinegar to flow up from the bucket, through the pump, up to the water heater, then back out of the hot water valve, and then back into the bucket. This flushes all the solid deposits from inside the tank.

11. To get that started, plug in your circulation pump and turn it on.

12. To be sure water is flushing properly, slowly lift the outlet hose out of the vinegar and check that water is coming out.

13. Allow the system to circulate for one hour, no longer.

14. When finished, turn off the pump and drain the vinegar from the tank.

15. Close the cold water valve.

16. Open the main cold water supply valve and flush cold clean water through the tank for 5 minutes to clear out any residual vinegar. Then close the main water valve.

17. Remove the filter screen from the inlet of the cold water valve and clear any buildup. Replace it when finished.

18. Disconnect the hoses, and replace purge caps.

19. Close the hot and cold water valves.

20. Open the main cold and hot water supply valves.

21. Turn the power back on.

22. Run hot water from a few faucets around the house and check for any performance issues.

Indianapolis Water Heater Service

Weilhammer Plumbing Company 317-784-1870

Weilhammer Plumbing Company 317-784-1870

Call Weilhammer Plumbing Company at 317-784-1870 for tankless water heater service in Indianapolis, Indiana. Owner, Mark Weilhammer, and his team of licensed plumbers, service all make and model water heaters for both residential and commercial properties. We provide water heater repair, service, installation, and replacement at the most competitive prices in town. Call 317-784-1870 for Indianapolis water heater service, today.