What You Need to Know About Your Water Hammer Problem

Posted on October 29, 2020 by weilhammerplumbing

Turning off a faucet shouldn’t give you anxiety. But for those with a water hammer problem, there is no way of doing so without anxiously anticipating that loud bang afterwards. Like a shock wave rushing through your piping system, water hammer noise is most certainly something to make you jump.

If this is your current situation at home, continue below to learn what you need to know about what causes it and how to resolve it, fast.

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Water Hammer is Called Hydraulic Shock

Properly called hydraulic shock, water hammer is a common home plumbing problem with a simple solution. Not only does water hammer cause a loud knocking or banging noise after shutting off a faucet to quickly, but it is also known to cause the faucet and fixtures to visibly vibrate. What’s really happening to cause all of these effects? Well, water is being forced through the pipes, exerting pressures at hundreds of pounds per inch.

Why it Happens

The common cause of water hammer is mechanical. Appliances (commonly washing machines and dishwashers) or faucets shut the water flow off too fast. This defect in the plumbing mechanism is the main reason why homes experience hydraulic shock. But this is not the only possible cause; water hammer can also be from having old or outdated plumbing. Fixtures and appliances can all have older technologies that are not best for preventing sudden water flow stoppage. Namely, dishwashing and washing machines are designed with solenoid valves that are notorious for stopping water flow to suddenly.

The most common solution for hydraulic shock repair is the addition of air chambers, which are a type of pipe fittings that act as a shock absorber. For a long term solution, water hammer arrestors are usually incorporated into a plumbing system, which are a more complex version of air chambers.

What to Do About It

If you have a water hammer issue, be sure to act fast. You might believe it is just an annoying aftereffect of your plumbing pipes, but really, it can cause extensive damage if neglected overtime. If you had a water hammer repair done several years ago, they could be outdated by now. Although it is possible for homeowners to repair their own water hammer problem, it is best left to a licensed plumber who retains the proper permits, training, and professional resources to get the job done up to code.

Who to Call for Water Hammer Plumbing Repair in Indianapolis, Indiana

Call Weilhammer Plumbing Co. Inc. at 317-784-1870 for professional master plumbing services in Indianapolis, Indiana. Owner and Master plumber (#106214), 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.

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What’s the Deal With Toilet Paper?

Posted on October 22, 2020 by weilhammerplumbing

Toilet paper has been a part of your life since the day you were weened off diapers. So naturally, toilet paper has taken on the form of something so necessary that we never really dig deeper on its role in our everyday lives. But really; what’s the deal with toilet paper? Well, ‘tis the season to talk about it, as toilet paper sales tend to soar this time of year.

Continue below to learn how toilet paper works, and a few other related facts that might just surprise you.

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Brief History of Toilet Paper

Everyone has a personal, internal disposal system, leaving us to all have one thing in common, a need for a good wipe. So, in comes toilet paper, our rear-end’s savior for a comfortable, convenient, and hygienic solution to post-elimination cleanup. Before TP, ancient peoples use everything from rocks and seashells, to hay, straw, and fibrous plant material to satisfy their need to wipe. Fortunately, in the 6th century C.E., China finally invented paper, which they made from the pulp of mulberry trees. At that time, they also decided that paper was the way to go when it comes to post-go wiping.

Although used around the world by several ethnicities, cultures, and societies, Americans take the cake as the top consumers. But it wasn’t always that way. Even back in the 1800’s, people were mostly using pages torn out of Old Farmer’s Almanacs and Sears catalogs. As time went on, a guy invented a hemp-based sheet formulated with aloe, as a remedy for hemorrhoids. From there, American capitalism took inertia, and eventually grew into a multi-billion dollar industry, just in the states.

FUN FACT: When Sears Roebuck changed their catalogs to a glossy page material, many consumers complained because it just wasn’t as comfortable as the paper pages they had before! Even the Old Farmer’s Almanac added holes in the corner of their pages so they would be easier to hang from a hook in the outhouse!

How Much Toilet Paper Do You Use?

Research and statistics reveal that in the United States alone, more than 6 billion dollars are spent on toilet paper each year by consumers. What’s more startling is that the same data shows that people tend to use around 50 pounds of toilet paper, per capita, each year. No so comforting, if you were to use these same stats, it would require a toilet paper manufacturer to cut down 10 million trees each year to make enough teepee for the whole world.

Indoor Plumbing Was the Key to TP Success

Toilet paper was really thin before because it had to be easily disposable. But this created a problem for big go’s, as hands would often be left soiled unless you use a lot of paper. But once indoor plumbing was a reliable and consistent thing, toilet paper quality was improved drastically. It was made with a more flush-able design, yet thicker and more absorbent than ever before.

But don’t put too much TP down the toilet! Otherwise, you might end up with a clog! Talk to your local plumber about your toilet and bathroom plumbing concerns, and they can help you get your indoor plumbing back on track and under control.

How it Works

There are several different kinds of toilet paper, ranging in size, quality, brand, color, composition, and more. Generally, toilet paper is made from a mix of water, tree pulp, bleach, and select chemicals used to extract fibers, which renders a softer, cushier material. As for the tree pulp, a blend of softwood and hardwood trees. Hardwoods include species like maple, gum, and oak, while softwoods are species like Hemlocks, Firs, and Spruces. By the way, toilet paper is often kept white because dyes can pose certain health risks or complications.

Need an Emergency Plumber for Toilet Repair and Service in Indianapolis?

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.

The Best Way to Solve Your Hard Water Problems at Home

Posted on October 14, 2020 by weilhammerplumbing

There are all types of misconceptions, home remedies, and theories surrounding the treatment of hard water. Although hard water cannot harm or kill you, it is undesirable when compared to the advantages of softened or conditioned water. Not only does softened water improve the look and feel of our skin, hair, and nails, it’s healthier for our teeth, reduces marks and spots on dishes, lessens pipe and plumbing erosion, and much more. When it comes to treating hard water, the best method to choose is to install a quality water softening system.

Continue reading to learn more about hard water removal, and why water softeners are the best choice for solving poor water quality issues.

Limescale , cloudy water, and spotty fixtures are just a few possible consequences of having hard water.

The Basics Behind Hard Water Removal

There are several signs that point toward a hard water presence. Spots, streaks, and white residue on your dishes are some of the most common and primarily noticed signs of hard water in a home. Other hints that suggest hard water include dry skin, dingy laundry, film and scale buildup, funny-tasting coffee or tea, increased utility bills, and more. Hard water is water that has excessive traces mineral salts, such as magnesium and calcium ions.

Such deposits and solids accumulate within the water by passing through soil, rock, and sand. Hard water ranges in hardness on a scale of one through ten. The degree of hardness is measured in grains per gallon. To get rid of these minerals, one must install a water softener, as mentioned before. Always call a reputable and licensed plumber to install, clean, or repair your water softener.

What to Expect After Installing a Water Softening System

Although a water softener can be the solution you are looking for when it comes to hard water removal, keep in mind that it is likely to increase your water usage, resulting in slightly higher water bills. Also, your electric bill will slightly increase as well because the water softener operates on electricity. The important factor to remember is that these extra costs are small compared to the benefits a family enjoys from soft water. Keep in mind the advantages of owning a water softener and how it drastically improves the appearance of your skin, clothing, dishes, drinks, and more. More importantly, it reduces lime and scale buildup within your plumbing, reducing deterioration and expenses repair costs.

How to Resolve Your Hard Water Problems in Indianapolis, Indiana

Call Weilhammer Plumbing Co. Inc. at 317-784-1870 to speak directly with a licensed master plumber (License #106214) about your hard water problems. We provide a wide range of standard and master plumbing services for both residential and commercial properties, including certified plumbing services for all make and model water softeners in Indianapolis. We also offer free estimates, free plumbing advice, and even free haul-away for old plumbing appliances like water softeners, water heaters, sump pumps, and more. Request a free estimate, today.

Do Not Make these Common Plumbing Mistakes as a New Homeowner

Posted on October 9, 2020 by weilhammerplumbing

When a person buys a new house, especially for the first time, they are marveled by the accomplishment, and warmed by a sense of great pride. If you currently have these feelings of pride and achievement peaking at full force after buying a new house, it is common to feel very strongly about taking the best care of your new property to the best of your own ability. In fact, you might be planning to do most of the handyman and maintenance work yourself. But be warned, when it comes to plumbing, there are some all-too-common plumbing mistakes that new homeowners tend to make, all of which are very damaging and costly, both upfront and in the long run.

Continue reading to learn the top plumbing mistakes made by new homeowners so that you can avoiding falling victim to the same errors in your house.

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New Homeowner Plumbing Errors to Avoid

▶ Performing Plumbing Work Without a Permit

Any kind of major plumbing work must be performed by a state-licensed plumber or master plumber. There are several building codes, municipal codes, and code standards that must be met for legal purposes and safety purposes. If you are not permitted to do such plumbing work by the state, you should not do it at all.

▶ Forgetting to Shut the Water Off Before a Trip

Many people have forgotten to turn their water off before a trip or vacation, only to come home to a massively flooded house or property. Do not make this same mistake. First, be sure you know where your main water shut off is located, which is primarily important for emergencies. Then, set reminders to turn your main water shut off valve to the off position prior to departing on a trip longer than a few days.

▶ Treating Clogged Drains With Chemical Drain Cleaners

Store-bought chemical drain cleaners are never the right solution for a clogged drain. This is actually one of the most common plumbing mistakes homeowners make. Chemicals that go down the drain are not only damaging to your plumbing pipes, especially galvanized ones, they are hazardous to our surrounding environment. Instead, make homemade drain dissolving cleaner, or use a handy drain auger.

▶ Combing Copper Piping With Galvanized Pipes

Galvanized piping is great, alone. Copper piping is also very great, alone. But together, corrosion will take place. Never make the mistake of connecting these two kinds of plumbing pipes together, under any circumstances. Otherwise, you can look forward to a costly and invasive plumbing overhaul in the near future. If such pipes must be connected, talk to your master plumber about a dielectric union.

Indianapolis Indiana Master Plumber Services You Can Afford

Call Weilhammer Plumbing at 317-784-1870 for prompt and professional Indianapolis plumbing service and home plumbing inspections at an affordable price. Master plumber, Mark Weilhammer, is happy to answer your questions about plumbing repair, replacement, installation, maintenance, and more. We offer free advice and estimates as well.Whether you need routine water heater service at home, or a major pipe replacement for a commercial building, our licensed Indianapolis plumbers can do it all, and in a time frame that’s convenient for you!