How to Determine Which Sump Pump Size You Need

Posted on January 30, 2020 by weilhammerplumbing

In general, a sump is a collection bowl that holds liquids. For instance, your car has a sump to collect oil. As for your home, a sump pump is a vital plumbing appliance that provides a long list of benefits and an unparalleled level of security. So, if you are on the market for a new sump pump, it is important to procure the proper unit for your home or office. Otherwise, you could be in for a plumbing disaster down the line. This obligation starts with determining which size sump pump you need.

Continue reading to learn how to size a sump pump, correctly.

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Sump Pump Operation

In order to know which sump pump make and model is best for your home or office, it is necessary to understand some basics surrounding sump pump operation and maintenance. Sump pumps are designed to eliminate excess flood water filtering through loose aggregate and soil surrounding a property’s foundation. In most cases, they are installed in a small pit that is dug in the floor of a basement, usually 2 feet deep and 18 inches wide.

The pump portion of a sump pump system is designed to detect water levels within the sump pit using a specialized float device. When water in the sump pit gets too high, the float completes an electrical circuit, turning on the pump and sending the excess water away from the property through a series of plumbing pipes. Such systems also have a one-way “check valve” that is designed to prevent expelled water from returning to the pit.

Maintenance and Installation

Because sump pumps require electricity to work, it is vital to also have a backup sump pump battery (or an alternative back-up power source) in the case that your power goes out. In regions where precipitation patterns are consistent or high, it is necessary to have an entire back up sump pump system to manage the larger flow of water. As with anything electrical near water, it is critical to have your sump pump connected to an outlet that has a ground fault circuit interrupter (GFCI).

Sump Pump Size

When you are talking about sump pump size, you are really referred to output. Sump pumps come in a wide range of make and models, all with varying outputs. This is basically the capacity to which the sump pump can displace water. Factors that will influence the sump pump output you need include property size, location of pump, distance of plumbing pipes, and more.

While shopping around, look for a chart on the side of the sump pump. This chart will depict how much flow and head values. Flow refers to how many gallons of water per minute the sump pump can move, while head refers to how far the water must vertically travel from the pump to the outlet pipes. These values are inverse, which means as the flow rate lowers, the head rate increase. You see, a sump pump must use more energy to push more water farther upwards. Therefore, if you have a sump pump that is not the proper output, it can be wasting energy or using up too much.

In order to know which sump pump size you need, you must calculate your flow rate. In order to do this, you have to wait for a rainy day. Here’s how:

On a rainy day, run your sump pump until the water level is below the shuts off level.

Then disconnect the power and measure the distance to which the water rises in 1 minute. This is your flow rate.

USE FOR REFERENCE:
18” SUMP PUMP: 1 INCH OF WATER = 1 GALLON
24” SUMP PUMP: 1 INCH OF WATER = 2 GALLONS

Next, multiply your flow rate by 1.5, which will give allowance for severe storms and flooding.

Then measure the vertical distance from the bottom of the basement to the sump pump outlet pipe. This is your head distance.

Now that you have flow and head values, refer to the chart on the side of your sump pump to see if it is sufficient.

A Fair Warning

A power rating of 1/3^rd horsepower is recommended for the average residence, however, aside from flow rate and head values, there are several other factors that can impact the proper sump pump size you need. For instance, components like elbow joints, check valves, and narrow piping, can increase friction levels, thus requiring a more powerful unit. That is why it is strongly recommended to consult with a licensed plumber to learn the best sump pump options for your home or office.

Sump Pump Service and Repair in Indianapolis

Call Weilhammer Plumbing Co. Inc. at 317-784-1870 when you need skilled and dependable Indianapolis sump pump services you can trust. Our licensed plumbers offer a wide range of standard and master plumber services for both residential and commercial properties, including help with sump pump installation, replacement, repair, and maintenance. We also sell top-of the-line Zoeller sump pumps at wholesale price! Get the best package deal on a brand new sump pump that includes installation and maintenance! Request a free estimate, today.

What You Should Learn From the Recent Hamilton County Water Boil

Posted on January 23, 2020 by weilhammerplumbing

Earlier this month, more than 17,000 Fishers and Noblesville residents were placed on a water boil advisory issued by Indiana American Water Works Service Company. Although the ban was lifted a day later, there is a lesson to be learned from the entire dilemma. Continue below to learn some facts about the recent water boil in Hamilton County, as well as, tips for monitoring and maintaining your home or business’s water quality.

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Hamilton County Water Boil Advisory

As a result of the White River North water treatment facility losing a nominal amount of pressure, Indiana American Water placed a water boil advisory for its customers. During the precautionary advisory, Indiana American Water completed a series of tests to verify that their water again meets regulatory drinking water standards. Customers of Citizens were not affected by the treatment facility’s equipment malfunctions, and were not included in the cross-county advisory.

There is a standard, set and regulated by the Indiana Department of Environmental Management, that mandates water treatment companies to issue a water boil advisory when water pressure levels drop to a certain, specified value. According to the IDEM, if water pressure drops below 20 pounds per square inch in any part of a municipal water distribution system, a boil advisory must be issued.

What is a Boil Advisory?

When a water treatment company issues a boil advisory, they are suggesting boiling your tap water before ingesting it via drinking and cooking. Although it is acceptable to use water for bathing, washing, and similar uses, it is not recommended to drink or consume it until the ban is officially lifted.

Pay Attention to Your Water Quality

Although the ban has since been lifted, and your county may not have been affected at all, you may still be concerned about the quality and performance of your home’s water. It is important to pay attention to your water quality, and to take the proper steps to ensure it remains contaminant-free. Contact a local soft water professional to learn your options for improving your home’s drinking water quality.

Indianapolis Water Softening Service You Can Trust

Call Weilhammer Plumbing Company at 317-784-1870 if you would like to learn how to improve the quality of your home’s water on a budget. You have several options for Indianapolis water softening and filtration, and our licensed plumbers know exactly how to assess your home’s water quality and performance needs. Trust us for honest service at a fair price. Call today for a free estimate or advice.

Where to Get Fast and Affordable Water Heater Repair in Indianapolis

Posted on January 16, 2020 by weilhammerplumbing

Got water heater problems? Look no further than Weilhammer Plumbing Co. Inc. in Indianapolis!

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Weilhammer Plumbing Co. Inc. is your simplest solution to hot water troubles in Indianapolis, whether at home or in your office! Our licensed water heater repair technicians offer a wide range of services for both residential and commercial properties all throughout the city. From simple tune-ups and flushes, to repairs, replacements, installation, and even sales! That’s right; we sell Rheem Hot Water Heaters at below market price! They are one of our top-recommended appliances on the market, and will not disappoint.

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Why Choose Us?

We are a locally owned and operated water heater business dedicated to integrity and quality.

Our teams of highly trained and qualified water heater technicians are fully-equipped to get the job done right! We have decades of experience in the industry, and retain the latest technologies and tools to service any make or model water softener. Our company is strongly committed to providing consistent high quality work, professionalism, and customer support for all clients and callers.

In addition to our high-quality workmanship and unparalleled customer support, we offer the most competitive rates for water softener service and repair in Indianapolis! On top of our competitively-low prices, we offer water heater repair coupons and discounts too! In fact, Military and Senior discounts are available all year long! You can get a free initial service call, or receive 10% OFF any water heater service or repair!

You can trust that our estimates are honest and ethical, and that our prices are fair. We never add on hidden fees or charges, nor do use confusing industry jargon to mislead our customers like some competitors may do. We always discuss the details and capacities of our services in a language our clients can understand. In fact, when possible, we can give you free instructions over the phone to solve minor water heater issues or questions. Don’t know how to adjust your temperature settings? Give us a call and we will walk you through the process!

Request a Free Water Heater Repair Quote Today

Call Weilhammer Plumbing Co. Inc. at 317-714-0759 to speak with a friendly and knowledgeable technician about water heaters, today. We are happy to answer any questions you have about water heater service, installation, maintenance, hot water problems, and more, anytime. We even offer 24 hour emergency services for water leaks, floods, and more. Call 317-714-0759 for professional water heater repair services in Indianapolis you can trust!

The Dangers of In-Home Flooding

Posted on January 9, 2020 by weilhammerplumbing

When a house floods indoors, the immediate and obvious threat is structural damage. But what many homeowners do not realize is that floodwater poses a much longer list of hazards; ones that threaten both your health and safety. Continue reading to learn why indoor floodwaters are dangerous and how to safely manage an indoor flood if it happens to you.

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Indoor Floodwater Hazards

An indoor flood is a messy and dangerous situation. Not only is your house going to suffer a serious amount of damage, floodwaters will pose several other hazards, all of which can affect both people and pets. The top four most threatening risks of floodwater include injury, electrocution, drowning, and contamination.

Injury – Floodwaters can pose several accidents, namely slips and falls, but also, several others. As a result, orthopedic injuries, muscle strains and tears, and even concussions can take place. For this reason, it is important to avoid flooded areas of your home until they are under the control of professionals.

Electrocution – If your home is not completely disconnected from the town’s power grid, including generators, making even the slightest form of contact with floodwater that covers electrical outlets can cause serious electrocutions. Never under any circumstances enter a flooded basement until a licensed professional has confirmed your home is not connected to any electrical power suppliers.

Drowning – Drowning is an extreme and devastating threat posed by floodwaters. In most moderate cases, such as residential indoor flooding, pets are mostly at risk of drowning. However, infants, children, and elderly individuals are also highly susceptible to drowning accidents when an indoor flood occurs.

Contamination – Contamination is a commonly overlooked threat of indoor flooding. Mold, bacteria, and other organisms that develop as a result of standing water can pose serious health implications for both people and pets. Most often, mold outbreaks cause or worsen upper respiratory conditions, especially in those with weakened or suppressed immune systems.

The Meaning of Floodwater Colors

The color of floodwater can tell you the extent of threat they pose. Clean floodwater is deemed safe and not an immediate threat to your health. Common examples of clean floodwater include appliances, toilet tanks, melted snow, and rain. These are the types of floodwaters that are generally safe to clean up yourself; however, clean floodwater can turn into grey waters in as little as 2 days.

Grey floodwaters, also known as sullage, are considered wastewater, and therefore, a much higher threat than clean floodwater. Although grey floodwaters do not contain fecal waste, they do contain a long list of other hazardous, illness-causing contaminants. Furthermore, they can quickly develop into the most dangerous and destructive floodwaters in just 48 hours.

Known as blackwater, this type of floodwater generally happens on a larger scale, such as the result of a hurricane. However, they often develop in residential homes if unaddressed for a period of time. Black floodwaters contain bacteria and pathogens that will cause illness. They also will destroy anything they come into contact with, including carpets, flooring, drywall, upholstery, and furniture.

What to Do if Your House Floods

The first thing you should do if you discover a burst pipe or flooding incident in your home is TURN OFF THE MAIN WATER SHUTOFF VALVE. This will disconnect your water supply and stop the floodwaters from increasing.

Once you have cut off your water supply, your next step should be to do your best to mitigate the water. Use towels, wet vacs, bowls, buckets, and anything else you have on hand to get as much water out of your house as possible. IMPORTANT: Do not do this step if there is risk of electrocution. Only try to clean up flooding if you discover it right away. Higher floodwaters can pose risk of electrocution.

Your last step is to contact a licensed Indianapolis plumber for emergency plumbing service. They will drain your floodwater, and then repair the plumbing issue that caused the flood to happen.

Emergency Plumbing Service You Can Trust

Call Weilhammer Plumbing Co. Inc. at 317-784-1870 when you need emergency plumbing services 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.