The Most Effective Water Conservation Tips to Try in the New Year

Posted on December 30, 2021 by weilhammerplumbing

The New Year is right around the corner. Have you thought about your 2022 resolution? Why not do something great for the environment and your wallet all at the same time? We are talking about water conservation! Not only can you reduce your water consumption to abate wasting water, but you can also decrease your water and energy bills every month! This can add up to hundreds or even thousands of dollars in savings each year!

Continue reading to learn some of the most effective tips for conserving water at home and in the office, plus how to ensure your plumbing systems are performing with optimal efficiency, year-round.

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How to Conserve More Water on a Daily Basis

According to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), the average person uses as much as 88 gallons of water every day. Now, since it is suggested that the average household has 2.5 occupants, you can do the math on how much water is consumed by a family in just 24 hours! When referring back to a well-revered 2014 Government Accountability Report, study data suggests the average household spends over $1,000 each year on water expenses.

There are countless methods of conserving water at home and in the office, but the top 4 strategies that have proven to be the most effective are:

Repair Water Leaks in Plumbing ASAP

Water leaks can really cost you. Not only can water leaks generate a massive amount of structural damage that requires invasive and timely renovations, but they can also waste a lot of water and energy, which results in higher home energy costs each month. It is critical to your water conservation goals to detect a plumbing leak and repair it as soon as possible. Consider a water leak an emergency plumbing need. Even a tiny faucet drip can signify a major pathway for destruction. A good way to identify a hidden plumbing leak is to monitor your water meter.

Do Not Leave the Water Running

As you brush your teeth, wash the dishes, or water the garden, try not to let the water run when you are not using it. By simply shutting the faucet off in intervals, or strategically watering your lawn with a sprinkler system, you can save a noticeable amount of water, which will reduce your water bills significantly. Start with some practice, and before you know it, you will barely run the water in excess!

Install Low-Flow Volume Restrictors

Replace your shower head with a low-flow model to reduce the volume of water you use when bathing. You can also install low volume water restrictors in your bathroom and kitchen sink faucets to achieve the same goal. The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) suggests that a low-volume shower head alone can render between 25% and 60% savings in water costs each year.

Install Energy Efficient Appliances

Energy Star-rated and approved plumbing appliances, like water heaters, water softeners, dishwashing machines, washing machines, and boilers, will work wonders to reduce your daily water consumption. With a higher level of energy efficiency, you will use less water and save on your monthly utility costs. When replacing your plumbing fixtures with new ones, choose brands with a WaterSense label. These are specially designed to conserve water and reduce waste.

Are you looking for a qualified Indy plumber who can help you transform your home into a water-conserving, energy efficient residence? Contact Weilhammer Plumbing Company at 317-784-1870 for Indianapolis Indiana plumbing services at an affordable price. We provide residential and commercial plumbing service and repair.

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Bathroom Plumbing Repair Hacks for the Handy Homeowner

Posted on December 20, 2021 by weilhammerplumbing

Your bathroom might arguably be the most important room in your house. Just think about it. If you were forced to get rid of a room in your house, the bathroom would not even be on the list of options! From the bathtub and shower to the toilet, sink, drains, and more, no one can live without a functioning bathroom. So, when plumbing problems present themselves, the frustration and inconvenience meters tend to go off the charts.

If you live in a home with fussy bathroom plumbing, you would be smart to equip yourself with some DIY knowledge. This can help you get yourself out of jam without the help of a plumber. Of course, there are times when you absolutely need a plumber.

Continue reading to learn some helpful bathroom plumbing repair hacks, plus which plumbing company to trust for emergency service in Central Indiana!

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Bathroom Hacks for Plumbing Problems

Toilets

You don’t want your toilet in the fritz, especially if it’s the only one in the house! Not only is a broken toilet inconvenient, but it can also lead to some nasty messes. Common toilet problems include slow flushing, clogged toilet, backed up toilet, running toilet, loose lever, loose toilet seat, toilet leaks, and even toilet stains.

First, do not flush things down your toilet that don’t belong! But more importantly, toilet leaks are the most serious toilet plumbing issue, so it’s important to test your toilet to ensure it is leak-free. Do this by using some household food coloring. Do not use blue if you have a toilet bowl insert that already turns your water blue. Add a few drops of food coloring into the toilet tank, not the bowl. Then flush the toilet. Wait a few minutes, then lift the lid. If you see color in the toilet bowl, you might have a leak. Call an Indy plumber right away.

Sinks

Sinks are notorious for having low water pressure. If your faucet is showing signs of low water pressure, you may need to clean the aerator. It’s easy! Just grab an old toothbrush that you can dedicate to dirty work, then simply unscrew the faucet tip. You might need a wrench if it’s on tight. Scrub the aerator clean with warm water and then reassemble. If you have hard water problems, you may need to repeat this hack on a routine basis.

Clogs are another common bathroom sink problem. Install a drain strainer to prevent unwanted constituents from clogging it all up, like hair and dental floss.

Bathtubs

Your bathtub is a sanctuary. So, when it begins to lose water mid-bath, the luxury of it all seems to go down the drain with it. A simple repair hack for a checking the sealant on your bathtub’s drain stopper is to simply fill the tub with water, mark the water line, and then wait. After an hour, see if the water level has dropped. If so, you may need to re-caulk the drain or replace the stopper.

Showers

The biggest problem with showers is reduced water pressure. And a cakey shower head is the most common culprit. To open your shower head nodules and spouts back up, disconnect your shower head and place it in a bag filled with distilled white vinegar. Allow it to soak overnight and then rinse it clean in the morning before reattaching. The vinegar will dissolve the limescale buildup and improve your shower head performance.

Drains

Clogs are by far the most frequent problems with bathroom drains. Install a drain strainer or mesh cover to prevent unwanted objects from obstructing them, like hair, cotton swabs, dental floss, soap residues, makeup, and more. Also, get yourself a good, old-fashioned drain auger, also called a snake. These can help unclog any drain.

Is your bathroom in need of emergency plumbing assistance? Or perhaps some routine plumbing service? Contact Weilhammer Plumbing Company at 317-784-1870 for a wide range of professional plumbing services in Indianapolis, Indiana. We serve residential and commercial clients and offer free advice.

How Much Longer Will My Water Heater Last?

Posted on December 16, 2021 by weilhammerplumbing

Did you just buy a new home that is already equipped with a water heating system? Perhaps you’ve been in your house for some time and you’re not sure if you need to replace the water heater yet? Or maybe your water heater is starting to show signs of decreased performance and efficiency, so you’re wondering if you need to have it repaired?

In any case, you are smart to be asking questions about your water heater. Water heaters are one of the most important plumbing devices for homes and buildings because hot water on demand is something we have become highly-accustomed to as a society, ever since the induction of indoor plumbing. Additionally, a quality water heater can save you a lot of money in monthly energy bills, plus save you from spending even more of your hard-earned money on premature or avoidable water heater repairs and part replacements.

If you are asking questions about the quality and longevity of your water heater, it is a good time to get started with some important facts. Continue reading to learn more about water heaters, including how long they are meant to last and when you need water heater or replacement.

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Hot Water Heater Replacement

Water heaters come in all different makes and models. From there, they are broken down into even more categories, including power source, capacity, and size. Additionally, newer water heaters come with all sorts of innovative technologies and features, making the selection quite vast for someone on the market for a new unit.

Regardless of your water heater type, they are all designed to last between 8 and 10 years. This is an important fact because it can help you gauge how much time is left on your water heater. Is your water heater close to 8 years old? Is it older? If so, you are in a good position to replace your hot water heater with a modern, more innovative unit.

Water Heater Repair

If your water heater is not old, but it is showing some signs of failure, water heater repair might be the solution for you. Common signs of water heater malfunctioning include a sudden increase in energy or water bills, no hot water, reduced hot water, water heater noises, strange colored water, and pooling water underneath your water heater. Talk to your local Indianapolis plumber for advice on water heater replacement and repair. They can inspect your hot water heater and determine the best course of action for your water heating needs.

Are you worried that your water heater might be on the fritz? Contact Weilhammer Plumbing Company at 317-784-1870 for Indianapolis Indiana plumbing services for water heaters, today. We provide residential and commercial plumbing services all throughout Central Indiana.

Frequently Asked Questions About Slab Leaks

Posted on December 8, 2021 by weilhammerplumbing

Plumbing catastrophes are a homeowner’s worst nightmare. One such plumbing emergency that can really do some damage to homes and buildings are slab leaks. These are more serious than your average water leaks, thus requiring immediate emergency repair, and possible renovation to reverse any structural damage. It is in your best interest to learn what you can about slab leak detection, prevention, and repair. This knowledge can help you protect your property from catastrophic flooding and water damage.

Continue reading to review some frequently asked questions about slab leaks, including where to get the most trusted master plumber service in the Indy areas.

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Slab Leak FAQS

What is a Slab Leak?

Most homes and buildings are built on a foundation of concrete blocks, which are referred to as slabs in the construction industry. When water leaks form beneath these concrete slabs, it is known as a slab leak. Slab leaks can occur in residential and commercial settings, either forming slowly overtime or in an instant after an inclement event or natural disaster.

Are Slab Leaks a Plumbing Emergency?

Slab leaks are dangerous for many reasons, making them a very serious plumbing emergency. Not only can slab leaks pose a long list of structural concerns that can lead to devastating damages or serious accidents, but they also threaten the risk of a mold outbreak, which can cause severe respiratory complications in people of all ages, as well as pets. Mold exposure is especially threatening to babies, young children with preexisting medical conditions, and the elderly. It can grow beneath floorboards, carpeting, and inside walls.

What Causes Slab Leaks to Form?

The most common cause of slab leak formation is the movement of soil and clay below a home or building’s foundation. The shifting and heaving of dirt can cause an increase of pressure on the concrete slabs. As a result, the concrete itself will heave and shift, and eventually crack. Underground plumbing will also become damaged because of concrete heaving, which can lead to a fitting popping off or loosening. From there, water will leak from the underground plumbing and seep into the concrete cracks. Additional possible causes of slab leaks include plumbing pipe damage, construction errors, and burst pipes.

How are Slab Leaks Detected?

There are many signs to look for when determining if a slab leak is present in your home or office. The top signs of a slab leak include:

▷ Noticing a significant increase in your water consumption or monthly bill;

▷ Hearing the sound of running water when no water is being used;

▷ Feeling a hot spot or hot area on the basement floor;

▷ Discovering mildew growth or a mold outbreak beneath your carpeting;

To properly detect and locate a slab leak, you would need to hire a professional Indianapolis master plumber for slab leak detection services. They have the proper training, knowledge, and equipment to accurately locate a slab leak, plus recommended the best course of action for repairing it.

How Can I Prevent Slab Leaks and Similar Plumbing Emergencies?

In many cases, there is nothing a homeowner could have done to prevent their slab leak issue. However, that does not mean you cannot do your part to ensure your home’s plumbing remains in optimal condition for years to come. To prevent major slab leak damages and other types of water leaks, have your plumbing systems inspected and serviced on an annual basis. Catching a slab leak early on can save you a lot of time, stress, and money.

Who can you trust for superior slab leak detection and repair services in Indy? Contact Weilhammer Plumbing Company at 317-784-1870 for Indianapolis IN slab leak repair and inspection at an affordable price. We provide residential and commercial plumbing service and repair.

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Monthly Archives: December 2021