Where to Start When You Need to Buy a Water Softener

Posted on January 27, 2022 by weilhammerplumbing

If you have thought about adding a water softener to your home or office, there are a few things to consider first. These considerations will help you determine which type of water softener best suits your water softening and conditioning needs.

Continue reading to learn where to start when choosing a new water softener for your home or office.

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Step By Step Guide to Buying a Water Softener

Buy a Hard Water Testing Kit

The first thing you need to consider is the hardness of your water. The degree of iron and other minerals in the water supply will give you an understanding on how necessary it is to purchase a water softener. Depending on where you live, the hardness of water can differ substantially. Typically, hard water is influenced by the amount of region rainfall and drought patterns. It can fluctuate from city to city. Once you have tested your water, you can continue on the path of choosing the right water softening system for your individual needs.

Determine What Size You Will Need

Choosing the right size water softener can be complicated. This is a good place to ask a professional for assistance. It is helpful to understand exactly what a water softener does before attempting to calculate the proper size might need.

A water softener basically removes hard mineral from water, (i.e. iron, calcium, etc.) and trades it in for softer minerals like sodium. Inside these appliances are things called ion exchange resin. These act as little “chemical magnets”. The more ion magnets a water softener contains, the higher its capacity is.

The capacity refers to the number of gallons a system can purify before it needs regenerated or recharged. The capacity is measured by grain removal per gallon. The average water supply in America has around 10 grains of hardness per gallon. Since you have used a hard water testing kit, you already know the degree of hardness in your water.

Calculate Your Occupancy

In order to calculate how much water your home or office needs to purify, multiply the number of people in the home or building by 80. The number eighty comes from the statistic that the average person uses 80 gallons of water per day. Simply use the formula to calculate the capacity requirements. An average family of four would require a 32000 grain water softener once the math is calculated. Refer to the example below for a better understanding.

People in House: 4
Gallons Used Per Person: 80
Gallons Used Per Day in House: 80×4=320
Grains per Gallon: 10
Grains Used Per Day: 320×10=32000

What You Need to Know About Water Softener Regeneration

A water softener requires recharging after an extended amount of usage and time. The rate at which a water softener needs regenerated is determined by its capacity. There are three different regeneration options: meter regenerated, timer regenerated, and manual regeneration. Meter regenerated water softeners are highly efficient because they are programmed to acclimate to changes in water usage.

It only regenerates when it needs to, saving energy and money on salt pellets in the long run. Timer water softeners use a time clock to schedule and execute regeneration. No matter how much water is used, it will regenerate as programmed. Manual regenerated softeners are pretty self-explanatory at this point. These systems do not use timers or meters to track the amount of water used per day. They require manual draining and recharging every time.

Is your water softener in need of service or repair right now? Do you need a new water softener? Contact Weilhammer Plumbing Company at 317-784-1870 for Indianapolis Indiana plumbing services for water softeners, today. We provide residential and commercial plumbing services all throughout Central Indiana.

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How to Fix a Clogged Toilet When You Do Not Have a Plunger

Posted on January 19, 2022 by weilhammerplumbing

Toilet clogs are the worst. And they seem to always happen at the worst times, like when you are already running late for your dinner reservation, or when the pizza delivery shows up at your door and you have 5 hangry mouths to feed. To make matters even worse, you can’t find your plunger! Fortunately, there are several easy and effective ways to unclog a toilet without using a plunger, and they can all be done within a few minutes’ time.

Continue below to learn some of the top-recommended methods of fixing a clogged toilet when there is no plunger in sight. All of these methods require common household items you are sure to have on hand!

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Unclog a Toilet Without Using a Plunger

Hot Water

If you have a sink or bathtub that provides on-demand hot water, this could be your first, go-to weapon against a clogged toilet. Simply fill up a pan or pot with heated water, but not boiling. Then just dump the hot water down your toilet bowl. Wait 3 to 5 minutes to see of the clog begins to release on its own. If so, flush the toilet once or twice to move the process along. If this does not work, try out some of these other methods!

Toilet Fizz

Not only can you use a simply solution of baking soda and distilled white vinegar to unclog a toilet, but you can also take it step further and make your own toilet bomb. Like a bath bomb, toilet bombs explode into a fizzy frenzy when dropped in water. Their bubbling action and cleansing ingredients work well against toilet clogs.

Be prepared, these methods will cause the toilet to overflow more if it is already filled to the brim. Place a towel below to catch any runoff. To use the basic combo, pour 1 cup of baking soda and 1 cup of vinegar into the toilet bowl. Wait 30 minutes and then pour a pot of hot water down the toilet bowl. Give it a flush or two and the clog should be gone!

If you want to make a homemade fizzy toilet bomb, combine 1 cup of baking soda, ¼ cup of citric acid, and 1 tablespoon of liquid dish soap into a bowl. Then pack the paste-like mixture into an empty ice cube tray and let it dry for 2 hours. Store them in an air-sealed container or mason jar. To use, just drop one into your toilet bowl, wait 30 minutes, then finish with a hot water pour.

Liquid Dish Soap

If you have liquid dish soap in the house, you could potentially have a secret weapon for fixing toilet clogs. Just pour a generous amount of it inside your toilet bowl (about a fourth of a cup), allow it to sit for 10 minutes, then finish with a hot water pour. After a few flushes, the soap should work as an effective lubricant, allowing the clog to release and flow down.

Wire Hanger

Mommy Dearest would allow you to use a wire hanger for toilet clogs! Just find one that is thin enough for you to bend into a hook. Use it like you would a drain snake or auger, pushing it into the bowl to looses any obstructions. Repeat and flush as needed!

Are you having some serious toilet problems that require some professional attention? Contact Weilhammer Plumbing Company at 317-784-1870 for plumbing repair and service for toilets and bathrooms in Indianapolis, Indiana. We serve residential and commercial clients.

Small Plumbing Problems That Might Be Big Repairs

Posted on January 14, 2022 by weilhammerplumbing

As veteran plumbers who’ve seen just about everything in this industry, we are always emphasizing the importance of catching small plumbing problems early on in order to prevent larger, costlier issues down the road. Although something as small as a faucet drip might seem unsuspecting, it could be hiding a much larger plumbing repair need; one that costs a lot more and requires more invasive work to resolve.

Continue reading to learn some small plumbing problems that often turn out to be larger problems than they appear, plus who to call for the most trusted emergency plumbing services in Indianapolis and its surrounding counties.

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These Plumbing Issues Might Be Warning You of a Bigger Plumbing Problem

Leaky Faucet

How long has that faucet been dripping in the bathroom? Or perhaps you have a leaky kitchen sink faucet? Oftentimes, homeowners wrongly assume that a little drip of the faucet is nothing to worry about. But this is quite the contrary. Remember how we talked about catching small plumbing problems early on in order to prevent them from turning into bigger ones? Well, a barely-dripping faucet is one of those small problem problems. Faucet leaks could be an indication of all sorts of other internal plumbing issues. And where there is excess water, there’s potential for trouble.

Toilet Running

Compared to a leaking faucet, a running toilet issue poses a much larger threat in terms of water damage and plumbing repair. Although it might seem like your toilet lever is just malfunctioning, a running toilet can indicate a long list of other related plumbing problems. It is important to have this issue checked out if you cannot resolve it on your own within 24 hours. In fact, this applies for any toilet flushing issues you run into.

Stinky Water

If you think your tap water smells a bit funky, do not think it will resolve itself on its own. Smelly water is a bad sign and can indicate all sorts of plumbing and water quality issues. A common odor-causing culprit in tap water is sulfur, which smells like rotten eggs. The most common cause of this smelly, gaseous tap water is a water heater malfunction. When your water heater operates at a very low temperature, or not at all, for an extended period of time, it can cause this tell-tale bacteria buildup and hydrogen sulfide production in your plumbing pipes and connected water lines.

Drain Clogs

If your sink drain is draining slowly, you might not think anything of it; but you should. Slow drainage issues can represent a long list of other plumbing problems, ones that can lead to very costly and invasive repairs. Obstructed, underground pipeline can be the root of a slow draining sink, which may lead to pipe replacement renovations and even foundation repairs. Always have a clogged or slow-draining sink examined by a licensed plumber in Indianapolis if it does not clear up on its own within a few days.

Are you experiencing plumbing problems like a slow draining sink, smelly water, or running toilet? Contact Weilhammer Plumbing Company at 317-784-1870 for professional plumbing service and repair in Indianapolis, Indiana and its surrounding counties. We serve residential and commercial clients.

Top Ways to Save on Your Electric Bill This Winter

Posted on January 7, 2022 by weilhammerplumbing

All homeowners and building owners are looking for ways to save on their electric bill, especially in the winter. If you are also hoping to reduce your monthly energy bills for the season, you will be pleased to know that it is absolutely possible! It only takes a little bit of knowledge and effort.

Start by scrolling below to learn the top ways to save on your electric bill this winter and who to call for trusted Indianapolis plumbing and water heater services.

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How to Cut Back on Electricity in the Winter

Electric bills are known to skyrocket in the wintertime. This is typically a result of increased hot water usage, higher settings on the thermostat, and subjection to harsh winter winds and inclement cold fronts. Fortunately, there is plenty you can do, whether property owner or tenant, to ensure your electric bills maintain an affordable consistency throughout the season.

Here are the most effective strategies to control and reduce electricity costs in the winter:

Thermostat Replacement

Old thermostats are the pits, really. If your thermostat is between 8 and 10 years old, it is time to replace it, even if it works fine. Old thermostats are highly unreliable and inconsistent, which can significantly impact your energy costs, especially in the winter. It is recommended to replace your old thermostat with a programmable thermostat or a smart thermostat.

Change the Setting on the Thermostat

By lowering your thermostat setting 7 to 10 degrees, you can save a significant amount of money on your monthly electric bill. When you’re not home, it is recommended by experts to decrease your thermostat to at least 68°. When you go on vacation, be sure not to put it too low, as this can lead to frozen plumbing pipes.

Cut the Heat Off in Idle Rooms

If you have rooms in your home or building that are frequently vacant, it is recommended to block off or close the vents in them. This can save you a lot of money in your electric bill. No sense in heeding a room that’s not used!

Close the Vents in Uninsulated Spaces

It is common for houses and buildings to have certain rooms or spaces that are not insulated. Typically, this includes attics, garages, basement storage spaces, and similar areas. If there are heating vents in any of these rooms of your home or building, it is suggested to close them off to reduce your electric bill.

Tune Up the HVAC System

Routine maintenance is important for all mechanical systems in your home. Your HVAC system is one the most important units to maintain if you want to reduce or control your electric bills and total energy costs.

Lower Your Water Heater Temperature Setting

Just like your thermostat, lowering the setting of the water heater temperature can help you save money on your monthly electrical bill. It is recommended to keep your water heater temperature setting between 110 and 120°F. To prevent scalding accidents, never set your water heater temperature above 120°F.

Add Insulation Around Your Water Heater

Insulating a water heater can have a significant impact on cost savings throughout the winter when it comes to electrical bills. This is especially impactful for water heaters and boilers located in cold basements and garages, or other areas where there is little barrier between them and the winter elements.

Are you concerned that your water heater is costing you too much money because it improperly programmed or experiencing mechanical issues? Contact Weilhammer Plumbing Company at 317-784-1870 for professional water heater repair in Indianapolis, Indiana. We sale, service, install, and repair hot water heaters.

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Monthly Archives: January 2022