5 Water Problems That Suggest You Need Plumbing Repair

Posted on April 25, 2018 by weilhammerplumbing

As a homeowner, you are mostly in tune with your home’s plumbing system. So when something is “off”, you tend to notice right away. Conversely, if you are mostly unsure about the overall condition of your home’s plumbing, it helps to have it inspected by a professional plumber. You can also look for common signs of plumbing problems yourself.
Frequently, indications of plumbing deficiencies can be seen in one of our everyday basic needs: water. There are 5 issues that can happen to your tap water than can strongly suggest something is wrong with your plumbing system.

Continue reading to learn what these top 5 warning signs are, and what you should do if your home is showing one or more of these problems.

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❶ Discolored Water

When you fill a glass up with water from your kitchen sink, the color should be clear and crisp. There should not be a surplus of floating debris, nor should the water appear cloudy or dirty. If it does show any of these signs, there could be a problem with your water quality. You may be able to solve this problem with water line replacement, water purification, water filtration, reverse osmosis, and more.

❷ Smelly Water

If your tap water smells bad, it is a strong indication that something is wrong in your plumbing system. The type of problem can often be identified by the type of smell. A rotten egg smell suggests that your water has a high concentration of hydrogen sulfide gas. These odors often develop inside hot water heaters as a result of low chlorine levels, high sulfate levels, and even stagnant water. The best method for getting rid of water heater odors caused by bacteria and other elements is to sanitize the water heater tank, which requires professional plumbing service.

If your tap water smells like garbage, it could likely be coming from bacteria growth in your drains that come from food, soap or other materials sitting in there. The most effective resolution would be to sanitize your pipes and drain.

❸ Low Water Pressure

If you notice that your water pressure is decreasing or suddenly very low, there is something going on with your plumbing system that requires professional attention. Although low water pressure could be a sign of many plumbing problems, the most common causes usually involve clogs or obstructions of some kind within the pipes.

❹ Faulty Water Temperature

If you are experiencing water fluctuations, the first place to investigate would be your water heater settings. Check on them to ensure they are set to the proper temperature. If the setting is correct and you are still experiencing highs and lows in water temperatures, the problem could be with your water heater. This requires professional Indianapolis water heater service.

❺ Increased Water Bills

Water bills usually steady out to a consistent amount after living in the same residence with the same number of occupants for a long period of time. So when the water bill is suddenly very high, there is a good reason to investigate. The most common cause for increased water bills are water leaks, which require immediate professional inspection and repair. Other reasons for increased water bills is a running toilet, dripping faucet, water softener defects, lawn watering, filling up the pool, and water cooled air conditioners.

Call Our Plumbing and Water Heater Professionals Today!

Weilhammer Plumbing Company 317-784-1870

Call Weilhammer Plumbing Co. Inc. at 317-784-1870 when you need a licensed Indianapolis plumber you can trust. Owner and master plumber, Mark Weilhammer, has more than 60 years of experience in the plumbing industry. He can provide plumbing repair, replacements, diagnostics, installations, equipment sales, and much more. We also offer free estimates, free plumbing advice, and even free haul-away for old plumbing appliances like water heaters, water softeners, sump pumps, and more.

The Top 3 Advantages of Owning a Water Softener

Posted on April 18, 2018 by weilhammerplumbing

Water Softener Installation and Repair 317-784-1870

Whether you own commercial or residential property, one of the most valuable investments you can make in life is a water conditioning system. A water softener is an ion exchange plumbing appliance that plays a critical role in various aspects of your home’s structural integrity and plumbing performance, as well as, your personal comfort and safety. Without a water conditioner, you are at risk of being subjected to several undesirable effects of hard water.

Hard water is groundwater, well water, or municipal water that contains high traces of hard minerals, such as iron, calcium, and magnesium, as well as various other contaminants. It causes lime scale buildup in plumbing pipes, appliances, and around plumbing fixtures. But that’s not all; it can also have negative or damaging effects on skin, hair, laundry,
coffee, tea, lemonade, cooking, and more.

Water softeners use an ion exchange resin process that converts hard water into soft water. Resin beads inside the water softener tank are negatively charged, so when contaminated water passes through the resin, it attracts and retains all the positively-charged hard ions. The leftover water is conditioned with a soft mineral ion, such as sodium or potassium (salt pellets), turning it into soft water.

Here are 3 Top Benefits of Water Conditioning:

❸ Better Quality Drinking Water

Hard water is not something you want to drink. Although it won’t incur any serious harm, it can contain a long list of possible contaminants that can make a person sick or cause adverse health effects. It can also affect calcium and magnesium levels for those who monitor their daily intake. For these individuals, it would be recommended to install a water purification system along with a water softener for best results.

❸ Improved Cleanliness

Hard water does not lather well; nor does it clean well. This is because the hard mineral ions in hard water make it adhere less to soap. This results in poor shampooing and conditioning, which can lead to lifeless, residue-filled hair. It also results in poor dish washing, laundry, mopping, window cleaning, and general cleaning. Another common consequence of hard water is the appearance of white spots on dishes and greenish-blue scum around faucets and drains.

❸ Asset Protection

Hard water can do a lot a damage to your home’s plumbing system and water-based appliances, including water heaters, drains, plumbing pipes, dishwashers, washing machines, and more. It can also add a lot more wear and tear to these systems. Not only can lime scale buildup clog pipes and reduce their performance, hard water can lead to costly plumbing repairs and replacements.

Softening your water will help protect your plumbing and appliances, thus increasing their lifespan and efficiency. As a result of this protection, you earn a 4th bonus to owning a water softener: monthly savings on utility and energy usage! This means you can literally save money by investing in a quality water softener!

Indianapolis Water Softener Installation

Weilhammer Plumbing Company 317-784-1870

Call Weilhammer Plumbing Company at 317-784-1870 for professional water softener services in Indianapolis, Indiana. We offer a wide range of standard and master plumber services for residential and commercial properties, and specialize in water softener installation and repair for all make and model units. Call 317-784-1870 to request a free estimate, today.

FAQS About Sump Pumps and Basement Flood Prevention

Posted on April 5, 2018 by weilhammerplumbing

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Now that it is spring, we can expect a whole lot of rain. And with heavy rainfall comes the customary seasonal concerns about water leaks, water damage, and worst of all, basement and crawl space flooding. Fortunately, there is a solution to effectively managing excess water flow caused by heavy rainfall, and it happens to be a major component in a home’s plumbing system. We are talking about sump pumps!

Sump pumps are highly effective and important appliances to have if you want to keep the inside of your house dry. Generally located in a basement or crawl space, sump pumps are plumbing appliances that prevent excess groundwater from entering a home. They force excess water out of drains and away from the house during times of heavy precipitation. Sump pumps are often installed in a sump pit, which is essentially a man-made designated hole that houses excess water in the case of an emergency.

Sometimes, learning more about sump pumps and their role in flood prevention can help you reach your home improvement goals faster. It can teach you the purpose of routine plumbing maintenance, and how sticking to a schedule can protect your home from plumbing disasters like basement and crawl space floods. A great place to start is to review some frequently asked questions about sump pumps and basement flood prevention. Continue reading to do just that!

What Does a Sump Pump Do?

A sump pump is located in a basement or crawl space, and installed in a man-made hole called a sump pit. The sump pump diverts excess groundwater in drains by pumping it out and away from a home or building. This prevents interior flooding and keeps the interior dry.

How Much is a Sump Pump?

The overall price to purchase and install a sump pump varies depending on several factors. These factors can include the size, brand, make, model, square footage, location, region, weather patterns, and your preferred budget. On average, you can expect to pay anywhere from $1000 to $2000 for a new system. This may or may not include the price of labor.

Is My Sump Pump Working Correctly?

You can test your sump pump in one of two ways to ensure it is performing properly. The first method involves unplugging the two sump pump cords from the outlet. Unplug both cords, and then plug in only the cord for the pump. If the pump does not turn on right away, there is a problem that needs professional attention. If it turns on immediately, the pump is functioning properly. The second method is to run a little water through it to see is the pump kicks on. You only need a cup or so of water to do this. You can also lift the float arm up to see if the pump turns on. It is wise to consider replacing your pump every 5-10 years. It is wise to have a back up plan in place in case of a huge storm or long power outage.

Do I Need a Sump Pump?

Not all houses require a sump pump since not all properties are likely to be subjected to excess water runoff. Homes and properties that are prone to flooding or located in confirmed flood zones are the ones that will require a sump pump. Talk to a licensed Indianapolis master plumber for advice that is unique to your property’s circumstances and needs. If you do not have a sump pump, it is strongly encouraged to have one installed, especially now before the heavy rains continue this season. If you already have a sump pump, it is important to ensure that it is prepared to perform its purpose by having it inspected by a licensed plumber.

Indianapolis Sump Pump Service and Repair

Weilhammer Plumbing Company 317-784-1870

Call Weilhammer Plumbing Co. Inc. at 317-784-1870 when you need a licensed Indianapolis plumber you can trust for quality sump pump service and repair at an affordable price. We offer a wide range of standard and master plumber services for residential and commercial properties, including sump pumps and septic systems. We also offer Zoeller® Sump Pumps, Aquanot ll® Battery Backup sump pump systems, free estimates, free plumbing advice, and even free haul-away for old plumbing appliances like water heaters, water softeners, sump pumps, and more. Request a free estimate, today.