When Should I Empty My Septic Tank?

Septic tanks are vital parts of a home plumbing system because they deal with waste management, which keeps us happy and healthy at the same time. As a homeowner, you may be intimidated by your septic tank responsibilities, especially when it comes time for it to be emptied. But there is no need to worry; these plumbing devices are easy to manage so long as you keep up your end of the effort. And you can feel better knowing that a septic tank doesn’t have to be emptied all that often.

Continue reading to learn more about your septic tank, including when to have it serviced.

Indianapolis Septic Tank Service 317-784-1870

Indianapolis Septic Tank Service 317-784-1870

Septic Tanks

For homes that cannot be connected to a centralized municipal sewer line, septic tanks are the practical solution. A septic tank is a component of plumbing that collects sewage and wastewater, and naturally decomposes them using a bacterial action. They are usually constructed of precast concrete, concrete blocks, or reinforced fiberglass, and buried in the ground somewhere on the property. All sewage matter and wastewater converge into one singular pipe that flows to the septic tank located underground.

Septic Tank Matter

Septic tanks collect 3 primary type of organic matter: scum, sludge, and liquid effluent. This is why the task of emptying a septic tank is sometimes referred to as de-sludging. Scum is generally the top layer of organic matter, consisting primarily of fats, oils, and proteins. This layer is known to cause clogs in the system if not managed properly. The second later is the liquid effluent, or wastewater, which travels through a filter that removes small particles, and then drains into a drainage field or soil absorption system (SAS). The heaviest later, called sludge, is at the bottom, and consists mostly of solid accumulations that take longer to decompose.

When to Service Your Septic Tank

The process of removing solids and sediments from a septic system is important because it promotes proper functioning and prevents potential mechanical problems. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) recommends having your septic tank inspected every three years by a licensed Indianapolis master plumber. They go on to suggest adhering to the professional advice and recommendations given by the plumbing contractor in regards to routine de-sludging.

Cesspools

According to the U.S. Census Bureau, around 25% of North America relies on a septic tank for private sewage disposal. However, some homes use cesspools rather than septic systems, since both collect organic waste and decompose them naturally, but cesspools are a much older waste disposal technique compared to the modern-day septic tanks. The general rule of thumb is to have your septic tank inspected and serviced by a professional every 1 to 3 years. If you wait any longer, you risk clogging or backing up your system, which can lead to very filthy and messy conditions.

Trusted Indianapolis Septic Tank Service

Weilhammer Plumbing Company 317-784-1870

Weilhammer Plumbing Company 317-784-1870

Call Weilhammer Plumbing Company at 317-784-1870 for septic tank service in Indianapolis, Indiana. We offer a wide range of standard and master plumber services for residential and commercial properties, including installation, maintenance, and repair for all make and model septic tanks. Request a free estimate, today.

Master plumber, Mark Weilhammer Grades Current Water Heater Brands on the Market

Here at Weilhammer Plumbing Company, we are committed to providing superior customer satisfaction and exactitude on every job. That is why all plumbing services are executed by company owners only, including State Licensed Master Plumber (#106214), Mark Weilhammer himself! Today, he would like to share his opinion on a few of the most popular hot water heaters on the market.

Water Heater Installation and Repair 317-784-1870

Water Heater Installation and Repair 317-784-1870

Bradford White®:

Grade = A+
Rating = Trouble-free, common-sense design, reliable, and easy to service .

Rheem® Hot Water Heaters:

Grade = A++
Rating = Safe, long-lasting, reliable system, easy to use, and simple to service.

Richmond® & GE®:

Grade = C
Rating = Warranty issues, defective units, and poor providers.

A.O. Smith®, Kenmore®, Lochinvar®, State®, and Sears®:

Grade = D+
Rating = Lint filter needs constantly cleaned, poor FVIR design, warranty issues, defective units, and poor providers.

Whirlpool®:

Grade = F-
Rating = Warranty is void if lint filter is not cleaned every 3 months, bad warranties, defective units, difficult parts replacement, and they have CLASS ACTION LAWSUITS against them.

“IN MY OPINION, Whirlpool water heaters are the WORST available units on the market today. Although American-made, they break down constantly and come with poor warranties. And all you “Do-It-Yourselfers” out there, forget about doing your own repairs! Several people have accidentally broken the internal gas lines, causing explosions, fires, and floods. Save yourself loads of time, money, and frustration by NOT purchasing a Whirlpool brand hot water heater!”

-State Licensed Master Plumber Mark Weilhammer (#106214)

Customer Review #1
Customer Review #2

American® Water Heater:

Grade = F
Rating = Poor customer support, non-transferable warranties, void warranty if lint filter is not cleaned every 3 months, defective parts, and bad customer reviews.

Customer Review #1

Check out these outrageous Home Depot® and Sears® water heater reviews for more insight:

WATER HEATER REVIEW #1
WATER HEATER REVIEW #2
WATER HEATER REVIEW #3
WATER HEATER REVIEW #4

RECOMMENDED Hot Water Heaters

We recommend Rheem®, Bradford White® Bosch®, Kenmore®, Koehler®, and American Standard® brand water heaters.

Information Provided By Mark Weilhammer, Master Plumber and Owner of Weilhammer Plumbing Company in Indianapolis, Indiana.

Where to Find Top-Quality Water Heater Replacement

Weilhammer Plumbing Company 317-784-1870

Weilhammer Plumbing Company 317-784-1870

Call Weilhammer Plumbing Company at 317-784-1870 for water heater replacement in Indianapolis, Indiana and its surrounding areas. We carry a full line of Rheem® water heaters at the most competitive price around, but if you choose to purchase a water heater from another provider, we will gladly provide installation services at a cheaper rate than them! We also offer free haul-away service for old or broken water heaters, as well as, same-day service, emergency service, and much more.

The Dangers of FVIR Gas Water Heaters

There’s a new type of water heater on the market, and you need to know what people are saying about them before deciding to buy one for yourself. They are the new FVIR gas water heaters; where “FVIR” stands for Flammable Vapor Ignition Resistant. There’s several reviews from customers that have purchased these very units; countless reviews exposing the good, the bad, and the horrifying consequences of their purchase decision.

Continue reading to learn more about FVIR gas water heaters, the warnings that come with them, and real-life customer reviews.

Gas Water Heater Installation and Repair 317-784-1870

Gas Water Heater Installation and Repair 317-784-1870

Product and Service Information

FVIR technology, in the case of water heaters, is intended to make water heaters fire resistant. Back in 2007, all hot water heaters models were re-designed to have FVIR capability. Since then, water heater prices have exceeded many customer budgets even though many are not even reliable appliances. When shopping for a new water heater, it is strongly encouraged to choose one that rarely needs repairs, has parts that are easy to find, and is simple to install and maintain.

Water Heater Brands to Steer Clear Of

When it comes to what the customers are saying and which class action lawsuits are current, it is true across the board that Whirlpool FVIR Flame Lock water heaters are no good. Whirlpool water heaters are basically “disposable” once they start to exhibit complications or issues of any kind. Also, their parts are not easily available in the case that you have to have your unit repaired within a timely manner. What is even scarier is that if the internal gas lines accidently break as a result of poor installation or incorrect DIY repairs, it can cause explosions, fires, and floods.

Recommended Water Heaters

The top two recommended water heaters among most professional Indianapolis master plumbers are Bradford White® and Rheem®. These two brands are known for quality, performance, and longevity. Furthermore, they are very reasonably priced compared to other, lower-performing brands. Here at Weilhammer Plumbing Company, we are happy to sell and install a brand new Bradford White® or Rheem® water heater at the most competitive prices you can find!

Need Water Heater Assistance?

Weilhammer Plumbing Company 317-784-1870

Weilhammer Plumbing Company 317-784-1870

If you are having trouble with your hot water heater, or need hot water heater repair, contact our licensed contractors at 317-784-1870 today. We use a comprehensive approach to plumbing diagnostics, with the help of state-of-the-art equipment and the latest technologies in the plumbing industry. This means we can usually diagnose a water heater problem that no other company has been able to diagnose so far. Give us a call at 317-784-1870 for free estimates, advice, and information, anytime.

Top 7 Reasons Why Sump Pumps Break

Your sump pump is not something you probably think about often, but it should be a plumbing component that you highly respect. So when you need it most, you better hope it works just fine!

Continue reading to learn the top 7 reasons why sump pumps fail, and what you can do to mitigate the hassle.

Indianapolis Sump Pump Repair and Installation

Indianapolis Sump Pump Repair and Installation 317-784-1870

Sump pumps are usually ignored by homeowners because they are more of an emergency piece of equipment, much like your fire extinguisher or smoke alarm; although you won’t likely need to ever use it, it is critical to have it there in case of an emergency. The problem here is that a sump pump does not necessarily become a priority until you really need it, and if it doesn’t work, you are in for some trouble.

Sump Pump Operation

Before you can begin to understand all the reasons why sump pumps are known to fail, it is helpful to clear up any confusion you have about what they are and what they do. The chief purpose of a sump pump is to drain out flood waters. Generally installed in the basement, they are designed to transfer flood water out of the house through an external discharge pipe. They work quickly to alleviate the damage and mess that flooding waters can cause indoors.

Sump Pump Failure

The best thing you can do for your sump pump is to remember to inspect it regularly to ensure it is not experiencing any mechanical issues; because when you least expect it, you’ll need it to work well! If not, your broken sump pump can leave you with thousands of dollars’ worth of mess and destruction that will have to come out of your pocket. In fact, a lack of maintenance is the first reason why they tend to break down.

Here are some more common reasons why sump pumps experience mechanical issues or breakdowns:

Stuck Switch – A stuck switch happens to be one of the most common mechanical problems that cause sump pump failure. This usually happens when the sump pump moves inside the basin, which causes the inner float that operates the switch to stick to the side of the pump.

Old Age – One of the most common reasons why sump pumps break down overtime is old age. Sump pumps are manufactured to last anywhere from 8 to 10 years, around which time, they should be replaced to ensure ultimate safety and efficiency.

Power Failure – Power surges and outages will make anything stop working that runs on electricity. The same applies to the sump pump. This is why it is strongly encouraged to install a backup generator for your sump pump.

Obstructed Discharge Pipe – Frozen or clogged discharge pipes are another frequent cause of sump pump failure. Water cannot be drained through the discharge pipe if it is obstructed. Regular maintenance can reduce the chances of this happening.

Overwhelmed Pump – It is easy for a sump pump to become overwhelmed and break down. If a sump pump is not the right size or capacity, this can easily happen. Proper size and horsepower are two factors to consider when choosing a sump pump.

Improper Installation – A big cause for sump pump failure is improper installation. This often happens when novice homeowners or handymen decide to install one on their own, lacking the proper training, plumbing code knowledge, and equipment. It can also happen if you hire a poor quality plumbing company for the job.

Indianapolis Sump Pump Repair

Weilhammer Plumbing Company 317-784-1870

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 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.