Facts About Instantaneous Water Heaters

Posted on May 29, 2019 by weilhammerplumbing

Instantaneous water heaters, or better known as, “tankless” water heaters, do not use a storage tank like most standard units. They are meant to deliver hot water on demand, or as needed, thus eliminating the need for a storage tank altogether. In fact, they are also called “on demand” or “demand” water heaters. Tankless water heaters have a lot to offer residential and commercial property owners, and operate in a unique way to allow instantaneous hot water whenever requested.

Continue reading to learn how instantaneous water heaters work and who to call for installation and price-point information in your town.

Indianapolis Water Heater Service 317-784-1870

On Demand Hot Water Heaters

On demand hot water heaters are known for their energy efficiency since they do not waste energy to heat water on the standby like most traditional models do. This not only reduces overall energy consumption, it can save money on monthly utility bills as well. Tankless units heat water in a direct way, as soon as it is requested; whether by faucet, washing machine, dishwasher, or other household appliance.

How It Works:

Cold water travels through a plumbing pipe and enters the unit. Then, a heating element (gas or electric) heats the water to the indicated temperature. Gas-powered units use a gas burner to heat water, while electric units use an electrical element to heat water.

It’s that simple!

With tankless water heaters, there is no waiting for a tank to fill with water, or running out of hot water. On demand water heaters provide a constant supply of hot water without wasting energy. However, the output does limit the units flow rate. Instantaneous hot water heaters generally provide hot water at a rate of 2 to 5 gallons per minute, but gas-powered units have a higher flow rate than electrical ones.

Either way, a tankless unit might limit a property’s ability to use multiple hot water appliances simultaneously. This means there might not be enough hot water to wash a load of whites while taking a shower upstairs. A common quick fix for this is to install two or more tankless water heaters in larger homes and homes with multiple occupants.

If you have questions about tankless water heaters, including sales and installation, call a licensed master plumber for accurate and reliable answers, as well as, trusted service. They retain the proper tools, training, experience, and knowledge to guide you in the right direction.

Who Can You Trust for Water Heater Service?

Call Weilhammer Plumbing Co. Inc. at 317-784-1870 for free estimates, advice, and information regarding hot water heaters, anytime. Not only are we state-licensed master plumbers who specialize in water heater repair and service, we gladly provide recommendations and advice. Whether residential or commercial, we can provide all the water heater services you need. Call 317-784-1870 to get started.

Common Water Heater Problems and How to Fix Them

Posted on May 24, 2019 by weilhammerplumbing

If you are having problems with your hot water, look no further than your property’s method of heating water. This is probably your water heater. Continue reading to review some of the most common water heater issues experienced by home owners, including what you can do about them.

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? No Hot Water

The most common reason why water stops heating up is the pilot light in a gas water heater, or a tripped breaker on an electric water heater. For gas models, if you cannot see a flame, then the light is out and you simply need to re-ignite it with a long lighter. But if it won’t re-light, it could be a separate gas-related issue, in which case you’ll need a licensed water heater service technician to inspect your unit right away. For electric models, simply fix the tripped breaker. If this doesn’t work, you may need to call in a professional.

? Water Takes Too Long to Heat Up

There are some common reasons why your water heater might be taking too long to heat your water up. Most often, the water heater is just too old or defective. Otherwise, you could have too much sediment buildup at the bottom of the tank, low volume restrictors installed on your plumbing fixtures, or too much distance between the location of the water heater and your point-of-demand. To fix this problem, you will need to contact a professional Indianapolis plumber who specializes in hot water heater repair and service.

? Water Heater is Noisy or Loud

The rumbling and growling noises that water heaters can make are likely the sounds of expanded hot water escaping from the sediment at the bottom of the tank. You see, the heating of water in your water heater causes calcium carbonate to precipitate out and settle as sediment at the bottom of the tank. Sand, dirt, calcium carbonate, mineral ions, and any other solid debris commonly makes up the sediment found at the bottom of hot water heater tanks. Regular flushing of your hot water heater helps prevent sediment build up. However, it sediment buildup is neglected for too long, it may require water heater replacement or repair.

? Hot Water is Murky or Brown

Yuck! No one wants to cook with or drink hot, brown water. So if the brown or murky water is only coming from the hot water tap, you may need to steer your attention toward your water heater. If your water heater is over 10 years old, it may need replaced. Otherwise, it needs inspected and serviced by a qualified professional to eliminate these kinds of problems. Fortunately, this issue can be solved with professional Indianapolis water heater repair.

Licensed Water Heater Service in Indianapolis

Call Weilhammer Plumbing Co. Inc. at 317-784-1870 for free estimates, advice, and information regarding Indianapolis hot water heater service, anytime. Not only are we state-licensed master plumbers who specialize in water heater repair and service, we gladly provide recommendations and advice. Whether residential or commercial, we can provide all the water heater services you need. Call 317-784-1870 to get started.

How to Fix a Running Toilet Handle

Posted on May 16, 2019 by weilhammerplumbing

Your toilet never seems to give you trouble. And then out of nowhere, the handle refuses to pop back into the position after a flush, causing your tank to run endlessly until you manually move the handle back into place. If you are suffering from this mind-numbing bathroom problem, continue reading to learn what you can do to fix it and prevent it from happening again.

Indianapolis Toilet Repair Plumber 317-784-1870

Fixing a Stuck Toilet Handle

There are a few different reasons why your toilet handle is sticking, and thus, causing your toilet to run and run until moved back into place. You see, the handle is attached to a lever assembly, which is attached to a wire or chain inside the tank. This lever and chain is attached to a flapper, or flush ball, which basically acts as a drain stopper. This setup springs a handle back into position after a flush.

But sometimes, this chain or wire connected to the lever assembly can get tangled or caught on another component, causing the toilet handle to stick. Now that you understand what may be causing your stubborn toilet handle problems, you are better equipped to fix it all on your own. Fortunately, it only takes a few simple adjustments to undo the jam.

Here’s What You Will Need:

☑ Rubber Gloves

Unless you don’t mind sticking your hands into the back of your toilet tank, it is recommended to don some cleaning gloves. But don’t worry too much; toilet tank water is actually very clean.

☑ Fingers

You will likely be touching, grasping, and moving around some components inside the tank, so be prepared to use your fingers to do the job.

How to Start:

⇰ First, look behind your toilet and shut off the toilet water supply valve by turning the handle clockwise.

⇰ Next, don your gloves and remove the tank lid from the back of your toilet.

⇰ Now flush your toilet.

⇰ Once the toilet is flushed, press the handle down a few times to observe the mechanical operation of all the moving components in the tank. This can tell you where the hang up is coming from. Watch the movement of the handle, lever, chain or wire, and the flapper.

⇰ If the float and connecting rod are in the way of the lever assembly, including the chain or wire, move it in another direction to stop the obstruction.

⇰ If you see a kink or snag in the chain, release it and set it straight.

⇰ Turn on your toilet water supply and flush your toilet to ensure smooth operation.

If You are Still Having Plumbing Issues…

When your toilet needs service, you need a state-licensed master plumber. Call Weilhammer Plumbing Co. Inc. at 317-784-1870 for professional master 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.

What Master Plumber Mark Weilhammer Has to Say About Tankless Water Heaters

Posted on May 9, 2019 by weilhammerplumbing

Did you call Weilhammer Plumbing Co. Inc. recently to inquire about tankless water heaters? If so, allow me to apologize if I bruised your feelings by pointing out all the political hype, flaws, and half-truths about tankless water heaters. Complaints are very easy to find on the internet about tankless heaters, but if your mind is already made up about purchasing and installing one, I am more than capable of referring you to an appliance company that will gladly, without thinking twice, take around $4,000 of your hard-earned money.

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The reality is, I have nothing to gain by providing you with this information that I’ve acquired throughout the 40 years of my hands-on experience in the plumbing and water heating industry. I simply wish to help you to make an informed decision without a single string attached.

My Motto: “Keeping things simple usually works out for the best.”

Don’t Fall For the Hype Without Educating Yourself

Remember to read all of the fine print with tankless heaters before purchasing one. You see, “going green” with a tankless heater basically reminds me of my solar water heater experience back the ‘80’s. It’s the same marketed hype and half-truths on energy savings, “fuzzy math” on ROI, and promise of “energy tax credits”, all of which is designed to entice consumers to buy one. As for me, I will not fall for any of the hype, and I hope you do not either.

Don’t get me wrong; l love trees just as much as the next guy. But regardless of what the mass media and government say about “going green” with tankless water heating systems, you are not going to save money, let alone the planet for that matter, by opting for a tankless model.

Want to Go Green? Put Your Efforts into Something More Viable

If you insist on becoming a more eco-friendly version of yourself, it is much wiser (and greener) to use your hard-earned money to invest it in better insulation or windows in your home. I guarantee that you will see a dramatic savings in doing these two upgrades, rather than wasting spending $4,000 or more on a tankless water heater.

Call Me for Free Advice, Anytime!

Call me, Mark Weilhammer, owner and operator of Weilhammer Plumbing, at 317-784-1870 for free advice regarding water heater sales, installation, maintenance, repair, and replacement. I have more than 40 years of experience in the plumbing industry, and offer a wide range of water heater services for both commercial and residential properties, including free advice! Call me during regular office hours, or leave a message and I will return your call the following morning.