How Your Water Meter Can Confirm Plumbing Leaks

Posted on April 23, 2019 by weilhammerplumbing

Did you know that your water meter can detect leaks in your home’s plumbing? It’s true! Continue reading to learn how to read a water meter for water leaks, and who to call for trusted Indianapolis water leak repair at an affordable price.

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Water Meter Basics

Your water meter is a device set up and regulated by the city that measures and records the amount of water your home uses in a given time period, all for the purpose of billing. It is generally located on the outside of your home, typically near your gas and electricity meter, which are used in the same way by the city. Although your utility company is in charge of supervising and tending to your water meter, it is helpful to learn how to read it yourself, and even more helpful to check it every so often to ensure your residence is leak-free.

Here is how to check a water meter for plumbing leaks:

Step 1: Turn Off Your Water
Find your main water shut-off valve and close it so that your home does not have any running water activity while you check your readings.

Step 2: Check the Flow Indicator
The flow indicator is a small rotating wheel that detects water movement and flow. Open the cover of the water meter to find it.

Step 3: Detect Movement or No Movement
Is the flow indicator wheel moving? If so, you might have a water leak somewhere in your property. If it’s not moving, your home is likely leak-free.

No Flow Indicator?

If there is not a flow indicator on your water meter, simply grab a pen and paper, write down the numbers that you see on the meter and the number on the hand of the larger rotary dial. Wait one hour and then check the numbers again for any changes. If you see changes, you could have a leak. Either way, regardless of your findings, you need to call a licensed plumber for help.

But Take a Plumber’s Word For It

Although a water meter can indicate a plumbing leak, sometimes, it is actually due to a faulty water meter. For this reason, it is vital that you contact an Indianapolis plumber for help diagnosing a water leak. Water leaks can lead to a vast amount of costly damage and destruction, so never wait around to take action. Read our blog, “Important Warnings Regarding Residential Slab Leaks” to understand the importance of routine water leak inspections and maintenance.

Indianapolis Plumbing Service and Repair

Call Weilhammer Plumbing Co. Inc. at 317-784-1870 for professional plumbing service and repair in Indianapolis, Indiana. Owner and Master plumber, Mark Weilhammer, is happy to give you free plumbing advice. Our highly trained and licensed plumbers provide a wide range of residential and commercial plumbing services; and as a family owned and operated company since 1901, you can trust us to deliver outstanding workmanship and customer support. Request a free estimate, today.

Plumbing Noises That Should Be Taken Seriously

Posted on April 17, 2019 by weilhammerplumbing

Your plumbing system makes all sorts of noises, most of which are perfectly normal and nothing to be concerned about. However, there are some noises that should be taken seriously, as they may be an indication of something seriously wrong within your plumbing system. Continue reading to learn how to tell the difference between normal and abnormal sounds coming from your home’s plumbing.

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Normal Sounds

You have various components in your plumbing system, from water heaters and water softeners, to fixtures, pipes, and more. Loud sounds like whizzing, clinking, vibrating, and even banging are typically normal because they are simply residuals noises that result from standard plumbing operations. But any other noises outside of these may call for some concern.

Abnormal Sounds

As mentioned, some plumbing sounds are signs that something within your plumbing system is defective, failing, or broken down. Although there are various strange noises that point towards plumbing problems, some of the most concerning noises to look out for include whining, dripping, and bubbling.

If you hear any of these kinds of noises coming from your washing machine, sump pump, water heater, water softener, shower, plumbing pipes, or anywhere else in your plumbing system, you must act fast to diagnose and resolve the issue before it can lead to costly repairs and invasion renovations from water and mold damage.

⚟ Whining Sounds

If you are hearing whining, whistling, squeaking, or other high-pitched noises coming from pipes or any other plumbing-related system, especially when you turn on a faucet, it could mean that you have a damaged or defective pressure-reducing valve. If you fail to have this issue repaired, it could cause burst pipes, flooding, and more.

⚟ Dripping Sounds

Any kind of dripping noise within your home is a cause for concern, as it most definitely means there is a leak at large somewhere. Whether it is a barely-audible dripping, or a loud, fast one, you must take action as soon as possible to repair the leak and prevent costly flooding and water damage. Never take your chances when you hear water dripping.

⚟ Bubbling Sounds

Bubbling, sloshing, and gurgling noises are usually an indication that there is air trapped within your pipes. It can also mean that you have an unresolved clog or even a sewer problem. Regardless of the cause, this is a serious plumbing issue that can lead to even more serious pecuniary consequences. Keep in mind, this kind of problem will only worsen overtime, so act fast!

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How to Fix a Dripping Outdoor Faucet

Posted on April 10, 2019 by weilhammerplumbing

The overnight temperatures have steadily been above freezing, leading several homeowners to begin their annual gardening and landscaping. If you are one of these individuals, then you too have likely brought out all your needed tools and supplies, such as gloves, shovels, trowels, pots, fertilizer, mulch, and of course watering jugs. Now, since it has been several months since you have last turned on your outdoor faucet, also known as a hose bibb, you may notice some perpetual dripping. This is common, and usually caused by freeze-thaw cycles, which can loosen the packing nut beneath the bibb.

Regardless of why your outdoor spigot is dripping, fixing it should be at the top of your springtime to-do list. Otherwise, you can face a long list of consequences, including additional plumbing damage, increase water bills, and more. Tightening the packing nut generally does the trick, but the dripping could be due to a faulty or defective washer, which would have to be replaced.

Continue reading for a quick, step-by-stop guide to stopping an outdoor faucet from dripping all season long.

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What You Will Need:

☑ Pliers or an Adjustable Wrench
☑ A Replacement Rubber Washer

Step ➀:

Using your pliers or adjustable wrench, tighten the packing nut located underneath the faucet tap. Wait an hour to see if the dripping resides. If the bibb continues to drip, you will need to replace the rubber washer. See how to begin in the next step.

Step ➁:

Shut off your main water valve to the outdoor faucet.

Step ➂:

Turn the packing nut counterclockwise to loosen it from the bibb.

Step ➃:

Remove the handle and stem from the faucet housing.

Step ➄:

Remove the screw from the stem, on the side that has the rubber washer.

Step ➅:

Replace the rubber washer on the stem with a new one.

Step ➆:

Reattach the screw (the one removed in Step 5) on the stem that holds the rubber washer in place.

Step ➇:

Reinsert the stem into the faucet housing.

Step ➈:

Tighten the packing nut by turning it clockwise.

Step ➉:

Turn your main water valve back on and inspect your bibb for leaks.

If This Does Not Work…
Hire a State-Licensed Plumber for Help!

Contact Weilhammer Plumbing Company at 317-784-1870 for help with your plumbing repairs in Indianapolis, Indiana. Our state-licensed master plumbers have been in the plumbing business for over 100 years because we have earned the trust of thousands of Hoosiers all across the city as a result of our professional service and outstanding results. Request a free estimate or advice, today.

Should I Buy a Tankless Water Heater?

Posted on April 5, 2019 by weilhammerplumbing

Are you in need a new water heater, but you are not sure which make or model to go with? If so, you are in the same position as thousands of other homeowners across the nation. Fortunately, modern innovations have made most hot water heaters more efficient and better performing. When it comes time for you to start perusing the market for a new unit, you will come by several make and model water heaters. From electric and gas, to propane, solar-powered, on demand, and even tankless. In fact, tankless water heaters are becoming more prominent among property owners, leading many consumers to ask themselves, “Should I buy one?” But in order to answer this question, it helps to ask yourself a series of others.

Continue reading to learn how to decide whether or not your home or property is well-suited for a tankless-style water heater.

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Tankless Water Heaters

What is a tankless water heater? Well, tankless water heaters go by many monikers, most commonly as “instantaneous” water heaters, but also as on-demand, inline, flash, and continuous flow water heaters. These models are designed without the traditional storage tank that holds water for the home. Instead of a water tank, tankless water heaters only heat up water when prompted by a faucet or appliance.

For this reason, tankless units are deemed highly Eco-friendly. Furthermore, they can save money on energy bills since less energy is used to keep stored water heated, like in conventional tank-style units. Also, since they lack the typical large tank, they save a lot of space, making them perfect for smaller residences, like apartments, condominiums, and dormitories.

Although a tankless water heater might take a few minutes longer to heat up water since it does not store it, you can have a recirculation pump installed to help increase the rate at which water travels through pipes and to its destination. Read our blog, “What is the Point of a Tankless Water Heater?” to learn more about how they work and why they are beneficial.

Is Tankless Right for You?

The best way to determine whether or not a tankless water heater is right for your home or property is to consult a licensed Indianapolis water heater technician for professional advice. You may also benefit from reading our series of blogs on water heaters. In the meantime, you can get a basic idea of the answer by asking yourself these 4 questions:

❶ Do I have several occupants or guests, thus posing a risk of running out of hot water?

❷ How much hot water is really used on a daily basis?

❸ Am I away for extended periods at a time?

❹ Do I have a limited amount of square footage?

If you answered “yes” to any of the four questions above, you very well may benefit from a tankless water heater. Again, talk to a licensed water heater professional for personalized advice to determine the best strategies for water heating. If you do decide on a tankless unit, be sure you also have a quality water conditioning system installed as well, such as a water softener. This is because tankless water heaters are highly sensitive to hard water damage. Read our blog, “Top 3 Reasons to Buy a Water Softener” to learn what you need to know about water conditioning.

Talk to a Pro Today!

Call Weilhammer Plumbing Company at 317-784-1870 when you need hot water heater repair and installation in Indianapolis, Indiana. Owner and master plumber, Mark Weilhammer, has more than 60 years of experience in the plumbing industry and offers a wide range of water heater services for commercial and residential properties, including free advice! Request free estimates or advice, today.