Monthly Archives: September 2020

Top 3 Causes of Low Water Pressure at Home

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When your water pressure is not up to your standard, everything from dish-washing to taking a shower is affected in a negative way. Fortunately, there are several effective solutions for resolving water pressure issues at home. But in order to conquer your low water pressure woes, you must first determine the root of the problem.

Continue reading to learn the top 3 causes for low water pressure, and use this information to gauge which type of plumbing service or repair you might need.

Indianapolis Water Pressure Repair
Indianapolis Water Pressure Repair 317-784-1870

Get Rid of Low Water Pressure for Good

As mentioned, low water pressure problems are not something you have to learn to live with. They can be resolved, so long as you know why they exist in the first place. Although there are thousands of reasons why water pressure plummets, there are three causes in particular that seem to be the most common among Indiana home and business owners. The top three causes for low or reduced water pressure are pipe leaks, pipe corrosion, and plumbing obstructions.

Leaky Plumbing Pipes

Low water pressure that slowly becomes worse overtime is a common telltale sign of plumbing pipe leaks. It makes sense; right? If there are cracks in a pipe or fitting, the water will naturally displace, thus reducing the pressure built up on demand. Typically, in these cases, low water pressure issues will be noticeable before water bills go up. Look at your toilet first if you suspect you have a pipe leak. Toilets are notorious for having short lifespans and leaks. If it’s not your toilet, it could be that your plumbing pipe material is more prone to cracking and leaking.

Corroded Plumbing Pipes

Old or corroded plumbing pipes are simply not as efficient in terms of performance. If your plumbing pipes were installed prior to the 60’s, they are likely steel, which inevitably rusts overtime. As a result, pipes become corroded, and sometimes even clogged by the corrosion. Although copper plumbing is rust-resistant, their fittings and joints might not be, which means they too can suffer oxidation and corrosion.

Obstructed Plumbing Pipes

Clogged plumbing pipes will certainly put some drag on the level of your water pressure. Obstructions can be caused by all sorts of things, such as corrosion mentioned above. Other pipe obstructing culprits include organics, minerals, food waste, toilet paper, sand, dirt, and more. Keep in mind, clogged shower heads and faucets can also cause lower water pressure. You may need to replace your faucet’s aerators, and clean out your shower head, for improved water pressure.

If you are experiencing water pressure dilemmas in your home or business, call a licensed Indianapolis plumber for professional plumbing services and diagnostics. Adequate water pressure is more than a personal luxury, it is a true asset for any home, and can even increase a property’s overall value.

Professional Indianapolis Indiana Plumbing Repair Services

Call Weilhammer Plumbing Co. Inc. at 317-784-1870 when you need a licensed Indianapolis plumber you can trust for quality plumbing services and repair 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.

How to Size a Tankless Water Heater for Your Home or Office

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Size might not matter with some of your other household items, but when it comes to plumbing appliances, it does. This size-theory is especially important for tankless water heaters. Tankless water heating systems are a great way to conserve water, reduce energy consumption, and lower monthly utility bills. But in order to reap the numerous benefits a tankless unit has to offer you must be sure that you select the proper size for your home or office.

Not to worry, sizing a tankless, on-demand water heater is easy, and we’ll tell you how to do that below!

Indianapolis Water Heater Installation and Repair
Water Heater Installation and Repair 317-784-1870

What is a Tankless Water Heater?

In terms of operation, a tankless water heater works very similar to your conventional make and model hot water heater, except that they do not store heated water in a tank, as they lack a tank entirely. Instead of storing heated water in a tank, they heat water when hot water is “demanded” by a person or appliance in the home. This is why they are also called “on-demand”, “demand-type”, or “instantaneous” water heaters. Not sure if a tankless water heater is a good fit for your water heating needs? See our blog, “Three Signs a Tankless Water Heater is Right For You” for help making your final decision. You can always contact a local Indianapolis water heater company for personalized answers to your questions.

Finding the Right Instantaneous Water Heater Size

When it comes to choosing the proper size instantaneous water heater for your home or office, there are two primary factors to consider: flow rate and temperature rise. Tankless water heaters are sized by this exact combination of factors. Next, learn what you need to know about flow rate and temperature rise in order to select the right size tankless water heater.

Flow Rate

The flow rate is how much hot water a water heater can generate. It is represented in in gallons per minute (gpm). If your tankless water heater does not have a flow rate that is high enough to meet your hot water usages, you will be restricted to using hot water on only one or two plumbing fixtures.

Average Flow Rates for Common Plumbing Fixtures:

? Bathroom Sink – 1 GPM
? Kitchen Sink – 1.5 GPM
? Bathtub – 4 GPM
? Shower – 2.5 GPM
? Dishwasher – 1.5 GPM
? Washing Machine – 2 GPM

With these average flow rates in mind, consider an example of how you might use your hot water on a daily basis. For instance, if you plan to run a load of laundry while taking a shower, you will need to have a tankless water heater with a flow rate of at least 4.5 GPM.

Temperature Rise

Flow rate comprehension is the first step, while understanding temperature rise is the next.  Groundwater enters your water lines at one temperature, but comes out of a water heater at a higher temperature; this is known as temperature rise. Temperature rise varies among states, as does climate, so you will need to pay close attention to your own region’s groundwater temperatures per season. In Indiana, the average temperature of groundwater is 54 degrees. Your hot water usage temperatures will likely range between 102 degrees (shower/faucets) and 120 degrees (dishwasher/washing machine). With this in mind, you will need a tankless water heater that manage this degree of temperature rise.

Who to Talk to for Trusted Water Heater Advice in Indianapolis, Indiana

Call Weilhammer Plumbing Co. Inc. at 317-784-1870 for free estimates, advice, and information regarding 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.

Are You Looking for Affordable Water Line Repair in Indianapolis?

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If you are having troubles with your home’s water lines, you need a trusted master plumbing team to resolve your issues promptly, and at a price you can afford. Trust the master plumbers at Weilhammer Plumbing Company for superior water line repairs and installations in Indianapolis, Indiana. Continue below to learn more about water line maintenance and repair, and what we can do for you.

Indianapolis Water Line Repair Plumbing Service
Indianapolis Water Line Repair Plumbing Service 317-784-1870

Facts About Water Line Repair and Replacement

Whether in a home, office, or multistory building, water lines are not designed to last forever. At some point in time, they will wear down, and require some degree of repair, or even full replacement. Once water lines begin to break down, they can pose problems for the rest of the property. Often times, old or defective water lines can damage the foundation, as well as the surrounding landscape.

Not only can these repairs be structurally devastating to a property, they are also quite costly and invasive to repair if neglected for too long. If your home or property was built before 1960, you likely have sewer lines that are not galvanized, which means they are more prone to corrosion. In this case, you would likely need to have your old sewer lines relined, burst with new HDPE, or entirely replaced.

Our Indianapolis Water Line Repair Services are Expert Level

Don’t let a water line problem continue for another minute! Contact the licensed and insured master plumbers at Weilhammer Plumbing Company for service you can trust. When it comes to water line repairs and installations in Indianapolis, Weilhammer Plumbing Company uses the latest technologies and proven methods to ensure accurate diagnostics. We start by obtaining the proper permissions from the local municipal authorities. We then apply our expertise in locating and repairing damaged water lines with the help of innovative, trenchless technologies, such as video cameras and electronic locating devices.

Independently Owned and Operated Business With Economical Rates to Match

As an independently and locally owned Indiana plumbing business since 1901, we understand the true value of a dollar. For this reason, we stay committed to maintaining economy-based prices for all our Indianapolis plumbing services. We serve both residential and commercial clients in Indianapolis, as well as, al throughout Central Indiana. Our licensed and insured plumbers have decades of hands-on experience, making us real experts in the field.

Contact Us Today for a Free Quote!

So when you need Indianapolis water line service and repair you can trust, count on Weilhammer Plumbing Company to put your mind at ease by providing affordable residential and commercial plumbing diagnostics and solutions that work for you. Contact us directly at 317-784-1870 to request a free estimate or discuss your plumbing concerns, anytime.

Does Your Kitchen Sink Drain Too Slowly?

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If your kitchen sink starts to have issues, especially when it comes to poor drainage, it can truly put a dent in your daily household flow. Slow-draining kitchen sinks are among the most common kitchen plumbing problems expressed by homeowners and homemakers. Fortunately, there are a few quick and easy solutions for fixing a kitchen sink that doesn’t drain as quickly as it used to. These solutions could save you money on future problems and repair costs, as well as, eliminate time wasted waiting for a local plumber to arrive.

Continue reading to learn how to combat a slow-draining kitchen sink, and which plumbing company to trust for prompt and professional service.

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

Gather All Necessary Materials and Supplies  

First, collect all the necessary ingredients you will need to unclog or clear a kitchen sink that doesn’t want to drain fast enough. You will need a pot to boil water, baking soda, and distilled white vinegar. Start by boiling 6 cups of water. While the water reaches a boil, proceed to dump one cup baking soda down the drain. Follow this step by pouring one cup of vinegar down the drain. When the drain stops fizzing, pour in the boiling water.

To entirely eliminate any blockage, continue to run hot water down the drain through the faucet. Although the initial rinse of boiling water is enough the wash away the blockage, vinegar, and baking soda, it is best to complete the job with an additional hot water flush. Now simply check to see if the drain is flowing again. If not, you might need to try a more aggressive approach to drain cleaners.

How to Beat Tougher Clogs

For tougher clogs, a store-bought enzyme cleanser may be necessary. Although a more aggressive approach, enzyme cleaners are not made with harsh toxic chemicals. In fact, they are chemical-free cleaners made from bacteria cultures. These bacteria cultures flow through drains and pipes, feeding on all the organic material causing the blockage. This includes mold, mildew, food, grease, hair, and anything else that is organic in nature.

It takes a little more time for an enzyme drain cleanser to take effect because they do not contain any chemicals that are manufactured to help speed up the process.  After dispensing it down the kitchen drain, flush with hot water for several minutes, and then refrain from using the sink for two to three hours. Keep in mind you may need to use a snake, plunger, or other plumbing device to finish the unclogging process.

Take on the Plunge Challenge for Persistent Clogging

Sometimes, a more “hands-on” approach is the best method to unclogging a kitchen sink. This method only involves a plunger and your own manual power. You have to position the plunger on top of the drain, the fill the sink with water only enough to cover the rubber. Now you are ready to start plunging up and down in a consistent and steady fashion. Repeat as needed to unclog a slow-draining kitchen sink.

When Your Kitchen Sink Still Has Issues Contact a Local Plumber in Indianapolis

Call Weilhammer Plumbing Co. Inc. at 317-784-1870 when you need a licensed kitchen 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.