What You Need to Know About Your Sump Pump

Posted on August 29, 2019 by weilhammerplumbing

Whether you have moved into a new house that is equipped with a sump pump, or you are considering replacing the current one in your home, it is important to have the right knowledge in order to prevent costly breakdowns, inconvenient problems, and common user errors, down the line. Continue reading to learn what you need to know about your sump pump.

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Testing Your Sump Pump

When it comes to your sump pump, the most important factor is function. You must periodically check on your unit to ensure it is still working properly. To test your sump pump’s operation, all you have to do is fill up a 3 to 5 gallon bucket with water and pour it into your sump pit. As the pit fills up with water, the float trigger should activate. Then, the water should drain from the pit and the pump should turn off. If this all happens, your sump pump is still operational. If the trigger activates but the water does not drain, or the pump does not shut off, you need to have your sump pump professionally inspected and serviced by a licensed plumber.

Replacing a Sump Pump

Sump pumps are designed to last around 10 years, but their lifespan can vary depending on several factors, such as regular maintenance, number of occupants, annual precipitation, brand or manufacturer, and more. Additionally, the cost of a sump pump averages around $1,000, more or less, depending on the make, model, and retailer you choose. For this reason, it is important to provide sufficient maintenance and care on a regular basis to avoid breakdowns and premature replacements.

Sump Pump Repairs

If your sump pump is experiencing some minor issues, have them addressed right away, before the problem can grow into something worse, and therefore, more expensive. The general rule of thumb is to have your unit inspected professional once every year, regardless of its performance. Failed sump pumps lead to costly basement flooding and property damages, meaning it is much cheaper to replace or repair a sump pump rather than pay for basement and foundation renovations. See our blog, “Top 7 Reasons Why Sump Pumps Break” to learn what signs to look for in a failing sump pump.

Indianapolis Sump Pump Services

Call Weilhammer Plumbing Company at 317-784-1870 for professional sump pump service in Indianapolis, Indiana. Owner and Master plumber, Mark Weilhammer, has more than 60 years of experience working with sump pump inspections, repairs, and replacements. Best of all, we carry the Zoeller Aquanot® sump pump and can install it for you at the most competitive price in town! Call 317-784-1870 and receive a free estimate for sump pump repair and service in Indianapolis, IN and its surrounding counties.

The Difference Between Master Plumbers and Plumbers

Posted on August 20, 2019 by weilhammerplumbing

Everything from minor plumbing repairs and replacements to plumbing emergencies, scheduled plumbing maintenance, pipeline work, and more, are handled by professional plumbers. But who is the person for the job? How do you know when to hire a master plumber and when to hire a regular plumber? Is there even a difference?

Continue reading to learn what separates a standard plumber from a master plumber, and who to trust for the most dependable service in town.

Master Plumbers

Master plumbers are not your everyday general contractors; instead, they are highly trained and acute plumbing engineer specialists with years of strict formal training and experience. A master plumber is a person that has completed a stringent and complex line of testing, training, and work to achieve master status and a master plumbing license. In fact, if you do not see their state master plumbers’ license advertised, they are likely not a master plumber.

Master plumbers are the top dogs of the plumbing work force. They are not the ones that show up if your faucet is leaking. Instead, as specialists, they are commonly found engineering pipelines and setting up plumbing systems for new construction, municipalities, factories, commercial buildings, and industrial complexes, or ensuring all plumbing is perfectly up to code.

Their jobs are highly complex and sensitive, requiring an exceptional amount of knowledge and skill. Because it is very demanding to become a master plumber due to the degree of difficulty, dedication, time, and hard work, many apprentices go almost as far, but then opt for a general plumbing contractor’s license instead; which is still great!

Standard Plumbers

A licensed plumbing contractor is by no means less of a plumber than a master plumber. Their services are high in demand, and their skill requires lengthy training and experience as well. The major difference is the area and level of plumbing they work on. General plumbing contractors typically facilitate residential and commercial plumbing projects. They still repair, maintenance, service, install, and replace plumbing systems; as well as, provide site work and excavation services for new developments and properties.

Who to Call

Plumbing work comes in various shapes and sizes, which is why there is a level of plumber for each type of job. Depending on the needs of the community, the plumbing work will decide for itself. If you see an industrial factory, you are looking at the work of a master plumber. If you have a water heater repair, then a licensed professional plumber is the technician for you. This is how real estate owners can decide in the future, what type of plumber they are in the market for. If you are ever in doubt, always start with a local and trusted Indianapolis plumbing company for advice.

Indianapolis Plumbing Repair and Service

Call Weilhammer Plumbing Co. Inc. at 317-784-1870 when you need licensed Indianapolis plumbing repair and service at an affordable price. We offer a wide range of standard and master plumber services for both residential and commercial properties. 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. Request a free estimate, today.

Should I Drain My Water Heater?

Posted on August 15, 2019 by weilhammerplumbing

Routine water heater maintenance is the most important priority for hot water heater. Not only will regular upkeep ensure your water heater is performing at maximum efficiency, which in turn saves you money on water and energy bills, it also ensures that you will not have to pay for costly repairs, or worse, premature replacement. After all, a new water heater will set you back at least a couple thousand dollars. For these reasons, especially personal comfort and quality of living, it is important to understand the maintenance needs of your water heater, and implement them as necessary.

Continue reading to learn more about standard water heater maintenance, including whether or not you should be doing it on your own.

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The best defense against costly breakdowns and hot water deficiencies is routine maintenance. Although it is important to hire a professional water heater technician to service and repair your water heater unit, there are some things you can do on your own. The main water heater maintenance priorities are inspections, flushes, and minor repairs and part replacements.

Water Heater Inspections

It is important to monitor your water heater so that you can catch small performance or mechanical issues early on, before they can cause you high water and energy bills or loss of hot water. The anode rod is a vital part of your water heater because it absorbs corrosion; however, it wears out overtime. They must be replaced as soon as they are corroded, otherwise, the corrosive agents in hard water will begin to deteriorate your inner unit shell instead.

Water Heater Flushes

Hot water heaters must be drained on a regular basis to eliminate the buildup of sediments and hard mineral solids. By eliminating these hard solids, you can better protect the interior workings of your water heater, as well as, prolong its life and enhance its performance. Less scale buildup also reduces the likelihood of frequent breakdowns and costly repairs. Have your water heater flushed at least once every year. Although it is possible, and common, for homeowners to drain their water heaters, it is wisest to hire a professional for the job just in case there are other issues that need to be addressed.

Professional Water Heater Service

There are some tasks that your water heater will need, that you cannot possibly perform yourself unless you have the proper training, tools, equipment, and permits. For this reason, you will need annual water heater service from a professional plumbing company. They have the knowledge and qualifications to deliver professional water heater service for all make and model units. Be sure to choose a licensed and insured Indianapolis water heater repair company that provides excellent customer service and reasonable rates.

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.

What is the Color of Your Mold Telling You?

Posted on August 9, 2019 by weilhammerplumbing

With dampness and darkness, you are bound to have some form of mold growth at some point in time. When it comes to your home’s plumbing system, mold is an ongoing threat that must be controlled with routine cleaning and similar maintenance. If you have mold around your home’s plumbing fixtures or pipes, it is wise to understand the cause of the mold growth, and then combat the root of the problem with adequate methods of abatement.

The first step to understanding where your mold is coming from is to determine which kind of mold species you are dealing with. Did you know that simply looking at the color of mold can tell you this?

Continue reading to learn what the color of your mold is telling you.

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Common Mold Colors and Potential Dangers

☣ Black or Gray – Mold that is black or gray might be Alternaria, which is one of the most common types of outdoor mold. It mostly grows near damp, dusty areas, as well as, soil and plants. It is often found in household dust, so be sure you keep up with your routine cleaning.

☣ Blue, Green, or White – Molds of these colors generally point to the Penicillium genus. Several years ago, this species of mold was used to make penicillin. At the present time, it is usually found growing on food or on walls. It can cause allergic reactions, allergies, and other respiratory problems.

☣ Green – Green mold is very vague since it can be any kind of unpleasant fungus. There are literally thousands of species of green mold, so green mold doesn’t tell you much, expect that it needs to be removed.

☣ Greenish-Black – Mold that appears greenish-black in color could be Stachbotrys genus, which is also known as “black mold.” Exposure to such mold has been linked to serious health conditions. It commonly grows on high-cellulose, low-nitrogen surfaces, such as drywall, gypsum board, paper, dust and lint that is constantly exposed to moisture.

☣ Olive Green, Gray, Brown, or Black – Molds that appear in these color formations likely belong to the Cladosporium genus. You can find this mold growing indoors and outdoors, on plant leaves, soil, walls, insulation, and damp carpeting. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), they are most commonly linked to minor health complications like skin, eye, and sinus infections; but they have also been known to brain infections like fungal meningitis.

☣ Pink – Pink mold is often seen in the bathroom or kitchen, but it is not actually mold at all. It is a bacteria called Serratia marcescens. Although not a mold, it still presents hygiene and health issues, like urinary tract and respiratory infections.

☣ Yellow, Green or Black – Mold that appears yellow, green, or black could possibly be Aspergillus mold. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), we breathe these molds in almost every day without getting sick. However, concentrated exposure can be hazardous, especially for those with existing lung problems or suppressed immune systems. In individuals like these, it can cause aspergillosis, which presents itself as coughing, wheezing, and sinus inflammation.

How to Clean Mold

It is strongly encouraged to wear a face mask or respirator, as well as rubber gloves, when cleaning mold. As a quick guide, start by generously spritzing the affected area with water to reduce the amount of airborne spores that have the potential of moving around when you disturb them.

Then dip a bristled brush or sponge into a soapy warm water solution, and scrub the mold off with. You can use standard dish detergent for your soapy solution. You cannot visibly see all mold, so be sure to scrub the entire area, as well as, all surrounding areas to make sure it is all gone.

When you are finished, repeat this process using bleach in place of soapy solution. If you do not have bleach or do not want to use it, distilled white vinegar works too. You can also choose to purchase a mold cleaning solution at your local department store.

Black Mold Clean Up

When it comes to black mold, you can possibly remediate on your own, however, large-scale black mold remediation require professional service. You should hire a mold remediation contractor to determine the size and scope of your mold outbreak. Aside from black mold, most mold problems can be resolved on your own with the right products and supplies, a little elbow grease, and patience.

How to Manage Mold Growth

When it comes to your plumbing, the best way to prevent or control mold growth is through routine cleaning and maintenance. Be sure to have your plumbing systems inspected and serviced professionally at least once per year. This includes all water-using appliances, such as water heaters, water softeners, washing machines, dishwashers, sump pumps, septic systems, toilets, baths, and more.

The Indianapolis Plumbing Service to Trust

Call Weilhammer Plumbing Co. Inc. at 317-784-1870 when you need a licensed plumbing service in Indianapolis at an affordable price. We offer a wide range of standard and master plumber services for both residential and commercial properties. 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. Request a free estimate, today.