Monthly Archives: August 2020

How to Make Greener Plumbing Choices

Posted on by

There are plenty more benefits to greener plumbing other than lower monthly utility bills. In fact, you cannot even imagine the positive impact you are having on the world simply by making greener choices. If you are interested in making the switch to green plumbing, you are on your way to cleaner water, healthier family, and enhanced water conservation. Not only does this benefit you and all of your home’s occupants for the time being, it sets up a path of leaving your children’s children in a cleaner, more energy-efficient world.

Continue below to learn some of the most common ways homeowners are incorporating greener plumbing choices in their homes, and how you can too!

Indianapolis Plumbing Services 317-784-1870
Indianapolis Plumbing Services 317-784-1870

How You Can Make the Switch to Green Plumbing

☙ Decreasing Your Home’s Energy Consumption

There is no better place to start than with an initiative to reduce home energy usage with green plumbing in order to support a greener world. After all, we are all guilty of leaving on a light or two in our lifetime. So, in order to decrease your level of energy usage in your home, you can insulate your plumbing pipes, relocate any plumbing that runs through exterior walls, install an Instantaneous hot water circulation pump, or even install a new, modern water heater.

☙ Supporting a Healthier Homestead

Did you know that poor quality plumbing can make you sick? If you wish to make greener plumbing choices for the sake of having a healthier home, consider examining your municipal water quality report to ensure your water supply is safe and does not pose any immediate or long-term risks. Or, you can have your water tested at home by a local and independent water purification company. Other options for making your home healthier with green plumbing include installing chlorine filters on all shower heads, a reverse osmosis system, activated carbon water filters, or even a whole-house water filtration system.

☙ Promoting a Healthier Environment

If your goal is to protect our surrounding environment through greener plumbing practices, you can start with a plan to reduce your water consumption. Do this by installing low-volume water restrictors on plumbing fixtures like faucets and shower heads, faucet flow reducers, or a water leak monitoring device. You can also switch to low-flush toilets and other energy efficiency appliances.

Where to Get Expert Green Plumbing Service and Free Advice in Indianapolis

Call Weilhammer Plumbing Co. Inc. at 317-714-0759 to speak with a knowledgeable and licensed Indianapolis master plumber about water quality improvements in your home, today. Our state-licensed plumbing professionals are happy to answer any questions you have about water heating, water softening, plumbing repair, routine plumbing service, water testing, and more. Our licensed plumbers also offer a wide range of other plumbing services for both residential and commercial properties, as well as, free estimates, free plumbing advice, and even free haul-away for old plumbing appliances. Request a free estimate, today.

How to Make Homemade Drain Dissolving Cleaner

Posted on by

Clogged drains are the worst; right? Whether at the kitchen sink, bathroom sink, or tub, a clogged drain is going to get in the way of your day to day activities. It might even gross you out a bit. Although most people reach for that store-bought drain cleaning solution that costs less than a candy bar, this stuff is sometimes too strong for simple or everyday drain cleaning needs. Fortunately, a milder and safer daily drain dissolving solution is not hard to come by.

In fact, you can make your own odorless, non-corrosive formula at home using some simple household ingredients. Continue below for the materials list and directions.

Indianapolis Drain Plumbing Service
Indianapolis Drain Plumbing Service 317-784-1870

Managing a Clogged Drain

Often times, one needs to combine multiple methods to fully dissolve the solids clogging up a drainpipe. For more challenging or relentless clogs, you might also need to hire a professional plumber for drain clearing service. For moderate clogs, you might need to use a drain snake or auger. See our blog, “Choose the Right Auger for Serious Plumbing Clogs” to learn more about such plumbing repair materials and their various applications.

To tackle every day or minor drain clogs, combine a drain snake or auger with this simple, but effective, drain dissolving cleaner:

What You Need to Make Your Own Drain Cleaner:

☑ Distilled White Vinegar
☑ Sodium Bicarbonate
☑ Essential Oil of Choice
☑ Clean Plastic Squirt Bottle
☑ Water

Instructions:

Combine equal parts water, distilled white vinegar, and baking soda (sodium bicarbonate) into your plastic squirt bottle. You may also add 5 to 10 drops of your favorite essential oil. We recommend citrus, like lemongrass, sweet orange, or grapefruit.

To Use: Spray any stubborn drain generously with your solution. Allow it to sit for 5 to 10 minutes. Rinse clean with hot water.

To Unclog a Tough Drain: Boil a few cups of water. Pour the boiling water down the drain. Pour ½ cup of baking soda into the drain, followed by a ½ cup of distilled white vinegar. Wait 10 minutes, and then rinse clean with hot water.

What to Do About Serious Clogged Drainpipes

To resolve a serious drain clog, or worse, a clog in your drainpipes, you will need to hire a licensed plumber. They will begin with an assessment, and provide a written estimate for the work and materials needed to repair the clog. Generally, drain clearing and pipe replacement are part of the repair process for a serious clogged drain or drainpipe.

Where to Get Trusted Drain Clearing Service in Indianapolis, Indiana

Call Weilhammer Plumbing Co. Inc. at 317-784-1870 when you need drain clearing plumbing services in Indianapolis, Indiana. Our licensed master plumbers provide several kitchen and bathroom drain repair services, as well as, garbage disposal repair and replacement. In fact, we carry a line of top-quality In Sink Erator®(ISE) Garbage Disposals at market low prices. Our licensed plumbers also offer a wide range of other plumbing services for both residential and commercial properties, as well as, free estimates, free plumbing advice, and even free haul-away for old plumbing appliances. Request a free estimate, today.

How Does Hard Water Compare to Soft Water?

Posted on by

When it comes to your home, you want the finest amenities and conveniences available within your budget. Something widely overlooked but highly beneficial and affordable regardless of income? Soft water. All homes and businesses should be equipped with some form of hard water abatement system, as the options are wide-ranging, such as water conditioners, reverse osmosis systems, whole-house water filtration systems, well water iron filtration systems, and more. If you are noticing problems with your water bill, energy bill, hair, skin, laundry, dishes, or water-based meals and drinks, you might have a hard water issue on your hands.

Continue reading to learn how soft water compares to hard water for a better understanding of just how important water purification and conditioning is for a home or commercial building.

Indianapolis Water Softening Service and Repair 317-784-1870
Indianapolis Water Softening Service and Repair 317-784-1870

Explanation of Hard Water

Hard water is water that contains high traces of mineral salts. These minerals mostly consist of magnesium, iron, calcium, and other bicarbonates and sulfates. Water is naturally soft when it falls to the earth in the form of rain. Once rainwater has passed through the soil, bedrock, sand, and other layers of earth, it collects an abundance of hard minerals and ions. This changes the composition of the water and makes it higher in mineral salts. Such dissolved mineral ions accumulate over time in the form of scale, which is a thin white film that has several negative effects on plumbing fixtures, pipes, and appliances, as well as, hair, skin, nails, laundry, and dishware.

We measure this mineral capacity in grains per gallon, and the level of hardness on a scale from 1 to 10. Although hard water is generally measured in grains per gallon, it can also be read in parts per million (ppm) or milligrams per liter (mg/L) of calcium carbonate. The more grains, the harder the water, which means the degree of “hardness” varies on a spectrum. Water can be anywhere between marginally hard to very hard. It depends on where you live, how you obtain your water, regional soil conditions, crops, farming, and more.

Explanation of Soft Water

Soft water is the opposite of hard water because it is free of hard mineral salts. Rainwater is naturally soft. It only becomes hard when as it accumulates mineral salts as it passes through rock, chalk, and limestone in the ground. Neighborhoods that have hard water are probably located on top of a large bed if limestone; or their water supply facility is located near high mineral areas. This is why certain regions have softer water than others. It all depends on what’s beneath the ground, and how the water is treated at the local water plant.

➤ Soft Water – 0 to 60 mg/L
➤ Moderately hard Water – 61 to 120 mg/L
➤ Hard Water – 121 to 180 mg/L
➤ Very Hard Water –  Over 180 mg/L

Choose a Water Softener for Instant Gratification

In order to lessen the hardness of water, you must implement a water softening system. The most popular approach is to install a water softener, also known as a water conditioner. Water softeners use ion-exchange technology to eliminate hard minerals in water. The water softener conditions the water and then stores it in a tank for on demand use, whether that be your shower or kitchen sink faucet! You can also combine a water softener system with another form of water purification to further enhance the taste and quality of your water, such as whole house water filters, water purifiers, and reverse osmosis. See our blogs, “How to Choose a Residential Water Softener Based on Occupancy” and “FAQS About Water Softeners and Hard Water” to learn what you need to know about water softening.

Indianapolis Water Softener Repair and Installation Services

Call Weilhammer Plumbing Company at 317-784-1870 when you need a reliable water softener installation or water softener repair in Indianapolis, Indiana and its surrounding locations. Our licensed master plumbers specialize in water softeners, and are happy to answer your questions and provide advice free of charge! We offer a wide range of water softening and plumbing services for both commercial and residential properties, including water softener sales, repair, installation, replacement, and more. Call 317-784-1870 to request a free estimate, today!

Advised Maintenance for Vital Plumbing Systems in the Home

Posted on by

All too often, homeowners only resort to calling a plumber once their plumbing issue turns into more of a plumbing emergency. But you should always contact a plumber as soon as you notice changes in any plumbing system, far before an emergency can develop. You see, regular plumbing maintenance and inspections can drastically reduce the chances of another plumbing disaster or repair. A small plumbing issue can become a larger and more costly repair if not caught in time. Basement flooding, water leaks, burst pipes, and more can cause thousands of dollars of damages that could have otherwise been avoided with some simple routine maintenance and repair. Fortunately, there are several things a person can do to prolong the life of their plumbing system and prevent plumbing emergencies.

Continue reading to learn how to care for your home’s plumbing, properly, and who you should call if you require plumbing repair services.

Indianapolis Plumbing Service and Repair 317-784-1870
Indianapolis Emergency Plumbing Service 317-784-1870

Basic Plumbing Maintenance and Care

Always remember that a little preventative maintenance goes a long way for a residential plumbing system. Preventing emergencies like clogged drains, toilet overflows, water heater failures, and more can feel very good to a homeowner’s budget. Preventing these issues also prevents larger disasters from occurring. This saves a household thousands of dollars each year! A properly cared-for plumbing system simply won’t require as much repair and replacement. Check out some DIY methods below to prolonging and caring for your home plumbing and start preparing your system for the long-haul!

Water Leak Inspections

Regularly inspect all areas of your home for potential water leaks. This means checking the faucet for excessive dripping, inspecting all water-using appliances for possible leaks, looking out for moisture accumulation on pipes or walls, and more. This should be done at least one time a year. Finding a water leak in its beginning stages can stop possible flooding situations, structural damages, and mold problems, saving a home owner a lot of money.

Septic Tanks and Sump Pumps

Septic tanks can cause severe home disasters. For anyone who has experienced a septic tank flood will tell you it’s a nightmare and costs thousands of dollars to cleanup and repair. Severe storms and system defects can cause septic tanks to malfunction or overflow, causing extreme home damages. It is strongly encouraged to install a battery-powered back-up sump pump for emergencies. Also, have your tank checked by a licensed master plumber at least once a year; or more if your city experiences higher precipitation levels and rainy seasons.

Water Heaters and Water Softeners

Water pressure can be an indication that something is not quite right with your plumbing. Check the shower heads and faucets for reduced water pressure. This can be a sign that you have sediment buildup in your plumbing system, or worse, a faulty water line. You may also have sediment buildup in your water heater, causing loss of performance and corrosion. It is important to have a licensed master plumber empty your water heater, and clean the sediment from your system a few times a year. This can reduce several costly problems and repairs.

Gas and Water Shut Off Valves

Every homeowner should know where their gas and water shut off valve is located, and how to operate it in the case of an emergency. If you ever need to turn your water off, be sure to also turn off your water heater so to not damage the heating elements within it. If you ever smell gas, act immediately. Turn your gas valve off and leave your home. Also, at the same time, do not flip off light switches or use anything that can create a spark. Just leave the premises and call for a master plumber to inspect your home. Gas leaks can be fatal, so it is vital to always take immediate action if you think you smell gas. 

Plumbing maintenance can prevent very expensive plumbing disasters, emergencies, and repairs, and even save lives. Don’t wait any longer to have your plumbing inspected by a licensed professional. You can save yourself thousands of dollars by catching a plumbing problem ahead of time, and having it fixed by a trained plumber.

The Indianapolis Emergency Plumber to Call for Fast and Affordable Service

Call Weilhammer Plumbing Co. Inc. at 317-784-1870 for trusted and affordable emergency plumbing services in Indianapolis, Indiana. We offer a wide range of standard and master plumber repair services for both residential and commercial properties, including home plumbing inspections, water heater repair, water softener repair, septic tank repair, and appliance sales. We also offer free estimates, free plumbing advice, and even free haul-away for old plumbing appliances. Request a free estimate, today.