Commercial Plumbing Problems and Solutions

Posted on July 28, 2022 by weilhammerplumbing

Commercial plumbing systems are much different than residential systems. Commercial buildings and properties use a lot more water, so the plumbing takes on more wear and tear. For this reason, it is important to have a viable commercial plumbing maintenance plan in place to ensure your property does not experience any foreseeable or preventable plumbing disasters.

Continue below to learn some of the more common types of commercial plumbing problems, plus what you can do to avoid them all.

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Typical Problems With Commercial Plumbing

Plumbing Leaks

Even the best pipes leak at some point in time. Because commercial plumbing sees a lot more action, they typically experience plumbing leaks sooner than residential buildings do. Plumbing leaks in commercial buildings tend to occur in pipes and fixtures. They are often caused by loose connectors or degraded sealant between pipes, as well as dried-out rubber components within the plumbing, like gasket, seals, and O-rings.

Commercial buildings are notorious for suffering from silent leaks, which are the kind of leaks that go unnoticed for long periods of time because they are hidden or difficult to detect. As a result, these types of leaks eventually lead to severe structural damage.

Pipe Damages

Pipe damage is another common plumbing problem within commercial buildings. Pipe cracks, ruptures, and similar damages in plumbing fixtures are prime sources of commercial water leaks. Of commercial water leaks. Because commercial properties are larger, even a small drip from a cracked pipe can build into a massive waste of water and energy, plus cause extreme water damages.

Clogs

Commercial buildings often deal with plumbing clogs. Toilets and drains in commercial buildings see a lot more action, and therefore, are more prone to obstructions and clogs. Common issues include overflowing toilets, clogged toilets, clogged drains, and obstructed drainpipes.

Commercial Plumbing Maintenance

The key to preventing commercial plumbing problems or disasters is to have a set maintenance plan in place. A trusted commercial master plumber is the best resource for developing and implementing an optimized plumbing maintenance schedule that meets your company’s needs and overall business objectives. It is important that you choose a reputable and experienced Indianapolis plumbing company with a state-licensed master plumber on board for commercial work. They have the comprehensive knowledge on all commercial plumbing services and building codes.

Are you looking for a skilled master plumber to repair or service your building’s plumbing systems? Contact Weilhammer Plumbing Company at 317-784-1870 for commercial plumbing services in Indianapolis, Indiana. Mark Weilhammer is a state-licensed master plumber with decades of experience in the industry. Call for a free estimate or advice!

Are You Suffering From Hard Water Hair Problems?

Posted on July 25, 2022 by weilhammerplumbing

Hard water does a lot more damage than just limescale formation and spotty dishes. Hard water has all sorts of negative effects, even on the body. And not just your skin, but your hair too. Has your hair been off lately? Have you had trouble styling or managing your hair for some time? Hard water could be the underlying cause of your hair problems. Fortunately, hard water hair is both treatable and preventable.

Continue reading to learn how hard water might be damaging your hair, plus how to treat the issue known as hard water hair.

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Hard Water is Not Good For Hair

Hard water contains dissolved mineral solids like calcium, iron, and magnesium, which are mostly to blame for the limescale accumulations you often see around faucets and drains in a home or building with hard water. So, if hard water can cause white, cakey, crusty accumulations around your plumbing fixtures and inside of your appliances, who’s to say it can’t do the same to your scalp and hair? Well, it can, and it does.

Signs of Hard Water Hair

Hard water hair is a real result of an ongoing hard water problem. After so many washes, hair will begin to show undesirable signs of damage, like limpness, dryness, dullness, and overall un-manageability. Because hard water does not allow soap to lather well, rinsing your shampoo and conditioner out all the way can be a challenge, or even misleading. As a result, hair cannot get properly cleansed, so it feels dingy or residue-y, and looks greasy or dirty. If your hair is colored, whether permanent or temporary, hard water can cause it to turn brassy or green, or simply fade your color overtime.

How to Restore Your Hair After Hard Water Exposure

If your hair is suffering from this common hard water syndrome, rest assure that it is totally reversible no matter how serious your condition may be. Here are some of the top-recommended options for treating hair that has been damaged or affected by hard water:

▶ Clarifying Shampoo

Also known as chelating shampoo, a good-quality clarifying shampoo is designed to remove excess build-up of hair soaps and products. Although it may take two or three treatments, which can only be done once per week, your hair will be rinsed of all the residual residues and grease on your scalp. It is recommended to ask your stylist for a recommended product if your condition is severe. Expect to spend between $6 and $25.

▶ Apple Cider Vinegar

Apple cider vinegar (ACV) is an excellent, around-the-house product to have on hand for all sorts of applications. As for treating hard water-damaged hair, it is a budget-friendly alternative to buying a clarifying shampoo as it works the same way to remove excess buildup and residues from the scalp. Simply apply it to your scalp right after you shampoo and massage well, then rinse clean. You may need to repeat this treatment a few times for best results.

▶ Water Softening

The above hair and scalp treatments work well to eliminate the damaging and undesirable effects of hard water; however, they are only a temporary solution. So long as you continue washing your hair in the same water you have been using, the issue will remain. Water softening is the best method of hard water removal, and anyone can afford it. Talk to your trusted water softener plumber for information on buying, installing, and caring for an at-home water conditioning system.

Ready to tackle your hard water problems with a long-lasting, budget-friendly solution? Contact Weilhammer Plumbing Company at 317-784-1870 for plumbing services for water softeners in Indianapolis. We serve residential and commercial customers all throughout Central Indiana.

Can a Hot Water Heater Really Explode?

Posted on July 22, 2022 by weilhammerplumbing

You’ve heard the tales, but yet, you still wonder if water heater explosions are real thing. In short, hot water heaters can and do explode. Does this mean you have to be worried about your place going up in flames unexpectedly? No, especially with the right knowledge and water heater care.

Continue below to learn which conditions can cause a hot water heater to explode, plus how you can prevent any water heater problems in your home, including catastrophic explosions.

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Facts About Hot Water Heater Explosions

Hot water heaters use a fuel source to operate, which is a combustion hazard in itself. But there is a lot more that can make these critical appliances turn into an explosive device. Although there are number of reasons why a water heater can spontaneously burst into flames or even explode, the most common causes behind water heater explosions include rise in internal temperature, rise in pressure, and gas leaks. Of course, gas leak hazards are only an issue for gas powered water heaters. Electric water heaters and tankless water heaters are also prone to explosion or combustion, but in very rare cases.

Why Do Water Heaters Explode?

Tank Pressure

Hot water heaters generate a massive amount of pressure through the process of converting water into steam. In turn, steam causes the volume of water to increase, which builds even more pressure within the tank. Without proper care and maintenance, hot water heaters can experience internal malfunctions that inhibit their ability to withstand or prevent rising pressure. As a result of a pressure imbalance, the tank can rupture and explode.

Gas Leaks

Gas-powered water heaters are subject to fuel line damages. For this reason, it is critical to provide optimal maintenance and care for gas-powered water heaters, plus keep them secured and protected year round. If the fuel lines connected to the water heater are damaged, it is possible for gas to leak out and form localized puddles inside and/or around the unit. When the pilot light flicks on, it can create an immediate explosion, just as if you were to throw gasoline into a fire.

How to Prevent Your Water Heater From Becoming a Danger

You never want to let a hot water heater sit for too long without giving it any attention. Not only should you be performing routine water heater checks yourself, but you should also be hiring a water heater repair and service technician to perform annual maintenance on your unit. Routine water heater maintenance and inspection is necessary to prevent your water heater from experiencing any problems, including becoming a catastrophic hazard. Talk to an experienced Indianapolis water heater plumber for help creating an effective water heater maintenance plan for your home or office.

Are you convinced that it’s time to schedule your annual water heater inspection? Well, you’re in the right place! 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.

Easy Solutions for Dishwasher Residue Problems

Posted on July 19, 2022 by weilhammerplumbing

Dishwasher residue comes in all sorts of shapes and forms, from grease and detergent deposits to hard water scale, streaking, spotting, and more. Regardless of your dishwasher residue origins, rest assure that there is a simple and fast solution to the problem.

Continue below to learn the top three kinds of dishwashing machine residues, plus how to get rid of them for good!

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Common Types of Dishwasher Deposits

The most common types of dishwasher residues include grease, detergent, hard water scale, and streaking. Although your dishwasher is designed to manage these deposits, the lingering layer of unwanted residues are just not acceptable. Even if you have the newest, most innovative dishwashing machine model on the market, dishwasher residue is a possible issue to encounter. Fortunately, all dishwasher deposits are perfectly treatable, and best of all, most methods cost less than your average delivery pizza order!

Dishwashing Residues and How to Treat Them

Grease

Grease is a dishwasher’s biggest challenge, whether man or machine. Although modern dishwashing appliances are designed to breakdown and dispose of grease particles during a clean cycle, the oily remnants are bound to adhere and linger, especially if you cook with grease often. In isolated cases, such as a greasy turkey pan from Thanksgiving, the solution is to rerun the cycle a second time, then empty the dishwasher, place a cup of white vinegar inside, and then run it again on the hottest cycle.

If you are persistently dealing with grease residues in your dishwashing machine, it could be due to low-quality or incompatible detergent, or because your hot water is not hot enough. Lack of hot water can originate from your water heater or the dishwasher heating elements.

Detergent

If you are not using the right kind of dishwashing detergent in your machine, you could run into some residue issues. Avoid phosphate-free dishwasher products, as these tend to leave behind the highest traces of residue after a cycle. If you already have the tell-tale white gunk caked on the inside of your appliance, some scrapping, scrubbing, and wiping will do the trick.

Streaking and Spotting

Although water isn’t technically, or evenly closely, a residue, it can still cause the outcome of a dishwasher cycle to be something less than desired. Dishes that never seem to rinse clean, or dishes with streaking or spots, might be the result of a poor-quality rinse aid, or lack thereof.

Hard Water Scale

Hard water is water that contains high traces of dissolved minerals, or mineral ions, like calcium, magnesium, and iron. These elements can cause water to deliver poor taste and performance, even with dishwashers. After some time, hard water forms limescale, which can come in an array of colors, like white, blue, and green. This scale is damaging to plumbing pipes, appliances, dishes, and more.

The best way to solve a hard water problem is to install a water softener. If you already have a water softener, you may require repair or replacement. To remove hard water staining, combine distilled white vinegar and lemon juice to form a cleaning solution. Scrub away and rinse with clean water.

Are you interested in learning more about the cost-effective benefits of water softening? Contact Weilhammer Plumbing Company at 317-784-1870 for water softener sales, service, and installation in Indianapolis, Indiana. We serve residential and commercial clients.

Why You Should Hire a Professional for Drain Cleaning Service

Posted on July 15, 2022 by weilhammerplumbing

Although there are drain augers and plastic drain snakes available on the market, these should only be used for minor clogs. If you are experiencing moderate to severe drain issues, you need comprehensive drain cleaning, which is a service that should only be carried out by a licensed and insured plumbing professional.

Continue reading to learn why such plumbing services are strictly for trained and equipped professionals, plus where to get a free estimate for drain clearing and cleaning in Indianapolis.

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Common Signs of Drain Trouble

It is easy to tell when you have a minor clogged drain problem. A slow draining sink or bathtub is likely the result of a minor obstruction or blockage within the drain itself. Typically, this is caused from shampoo and soap residues, hair, and general dirt and debris. Even if the drain is entirely clogged, it is likely a minor blockage that can be dislodged using a plunger or drain snake. On the other hand, a drain snake does not work on tougher drain problems, which tend to evade your attention for some time because they happen out of view. This is why regular home plumbing inspections are important.

Some common signs of moderate to major drain clogs include:

▭ A clogged drain that will not dislodge with a plunger or drain snake.
▭ A burst or leaking plumbing pipe.
▭ Water leaking from the base of the toilet.
▭ A bubbling toilet.
▭ Drains that smell bad.
▭ Puddles around the bathtub, shower, or sink.

If you are experiencing one or more of these drain issues, you will need to quickly hire a licensed plumber who can provide professional drain clearing and cleaning services.

The Importance of Hiring a Professional for Drain Repair and Cleaning

Professional plumbers are licensed and insured to perform comprehensive drain repairs and drain clearing services. They retain the proper permits, training, equipment, and resources to clean drains according to local building codes. In many cases, moderate to severe drain problems must be approached using video pipe inspection equipment and high-powered hydro-jetting technology, which uses high pressured hot steam to release and clear drain blockages. For less serious drain issues, a plumber may use a commercial hand-crank drain snake or motorized auger with success.

Are you worried that your drainage system might be having trouble? Contact Weilhammer Plumbing Company at 317-784-1870 for licensed and insured plumbing inspection service for drains, pipes, and more. We provide residential and commercial plumbing services in Indianapolis all throughout Central Indiana.

Top 3 Ways to Soften Hard Water

Posted on July 12, 2022 by weilhammerplumbing

Soft water is free of hard mineral ions and dissolved solids, like calcium, magnesium, and iron. When your water contains traces of these constituents, you can safely assume it is hard. Fortunately, hard water can be treated a number of ways. In some cases, you may need to apply more than one strategy to adequately soften your water.

Continue reading to learn the top three most effective ways to soften hard water, plus how to get started with a personalized soft water plan at home!

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Water Softening 101

What is hard water? Hard water is water that has permeated the ground layer by layer, collecting the minerals and dissolved solids contained in the soil, clay, sand, and aggregate along the way. Once the water reaches the underground water table, where we source our municipal tap water from, it has a high level of hardness.

What’s the problem with hard water? A lot. For starters, limescale. When heat is introduced to hard water, it causes the calcium and magnesium deposits to release from the water and stick to pipes and other areas of contact, like faucets, drains, shower heads, water bowls, tea kettles, plumbing pipes, water heaters, boilers, water lines, and more. These residual deposits accumulate to form what is known as limescale, which can appear in a range of colors, from white and light blue to yellow, green, or even pink hues.

Not only does limescale poorly conduct heat, but it also obstructs the flow of water through pipes and other underground systems. In fact, this is a common reason for having poor or lowered water pressure. Scale damages plumbing and plumbed appliances, which ultimately costs homeowners’ money.

What are the signs of hard water? Don’t fall victim to premature appliance replacements or costly plumbing repair bills. Get rid of a hard water problem at first sight. Common signs of hard water, aside from limescale formation and low water pressure, include spotty dishes or dishes that don’t seem to get cleaned, as well as poor quality laundry, like faded, stiff, or musty/sour-smelling clothes. Poor soap lather, itchy irritated skin, and dingy hair are more signs of hard water.

How to Eliminate Hard Water

What can you do to get rid of hard water? There are many options, but the top three most effective water softening methods, which can be used in congruence, include water softeners, whole house water filters, and reverse osmosis.

Water Softeners

Water softeners are the top-recommended, most effective tool for eliminating and abating hard water. In regions with naturally softer water (not Indiana by the way; we have the hardest water in the country!), a home might only need a quality water softener. In areas with harder water, like the Hoosier state, a home would benefit from installing a water softener and then combining it with another effective soft water strategy.

Whole House Water Filters

Whole house water filtration is an excellent way to soften water even further. It is especially useful for making tap water taste and perform better. If your drinking water tastes better, you can stop wasting money on bottled and canned versions! Plus, your coffee, tea, soup, lemonade, and other water-based pleasures will taste even more delicious. Not only will whole house water filters and cutting-edge iron removal systems eliminate heavy metals and contaminants in your drinking water, but they may also come with anti-bacterial filter options for treating E. coli, coliform, chemicals, dissolved solids, and more.

Reverse Osmosis System

Reverse osmosis is a convenient and affordable water filtration technology that utilizes water pressure and semi-permeable membranes to remove unwanted contaminants and heavy metals from tap water. Reverse osmosis (RO) systems are designed to eliminate things like sodium, potassium, nitrates, and other dissolved solids. With a simple touch of a button, anyone in your home can instantly have purified drinking water right from the tap!

Are you ready to implement an effective and budget-friendly hard water removal plan for your home or office? Contact Weilhammer Plumbing Company at 317-784-1870 for professional water softener sales, installation, service, and repair in Indianapolis, Indiana. We serve residential and commercial customers, and service all make and model water softeners, including saltfree water softeners.

Do Not Let Your Guests Flush These Things Down the Toilet

Posted on July 8, 2022 by weilhammerplumbing

Summertime is a time for loved ones. With school out all season long, now is the prime time to visit family. Although enriching and enjoyable, hosting family from out of town can certainly pose some challenges, especially when kids are involved. Yet somehow, regardless of age, house guests tend to cause some plumbing challenges during their stays, particularly with the toilet, which is problematic considering the acute importance of having a functional toilet at all times, even more so when people are staying with you! So, if you are preparing to have family come into town for a visit, do your due diligence to ensure they don’t flush the wrong things down the toilet. Your plumbing and sewer system will thank you!

Continue below for a list of things that you might want to warn your house guests about before showing them to their rooms!

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Stick to the Obvious Flushing Rules

People tend to overlook the fact that most things do not belong in the toilet. Other than human waste, and toilet paper, nothing else should be flushed down the commode. This makes the list of incompatible items quite long, as you can imagine. But when it comes to house guests, there are some items that are more commonly a threat to your toilet. Give your guests a customary orientation on what not to flush down your toilets and sleep easier knowing you won’t be waking up to a mass overflow or backup.

Common Items That Should Not Be Flushed Down the Toilet

Avoid inconvenient toilet disasters and costly plumbing repair bills by telling your guests not to flush these items down the toilet:

Moist Towelettes and Wipes

Moist towelettes, disinfecting wipes, alcohol pads, and bathroom wipes should not be flushed. Even bathroom wipes that are advertised as “flushable” are not really flush-friendly nor do they disintegrate well. These items are notorious for causing backups in sewer systems and plumbing pipes. This can lead to pipe bursts, water leaks, and hefty repair bills.

Paper towels and tissue are also bad news for toilets. They should never be flushed, even if they are totally saturated.

Feminine Products

Items like tampons, maxi-pads, disposal underwear, incontinence products, and more are not meant to be flushed. These items expand in water and will quickly clog up your system. Rather than flushing, instruct your house guests to wrap them in toilet paper and toss them into the trash bin. The same applies to contraceptives like condoms.

Cotton Swabs, Balls and Pads

You wouldn’t think something as small and flimsy as a cotton swab or cotton ball would harm your plumbing system, but as it turns out, they are a common culprit behind toilet and sewer system backups. Like the other items listed, cotton balls, swabs, and rounds are made using highly absorbent materials, so they expand inside plumbing pipes and obstruct the flow of wastewater. Never allow your guests to toss these into the toilet.

Baby Diapers

Disposal and cloth baby diapers should be an obvious flushing no-no, yet they tend to top the list as far as toilet clogs go, especially in public restrooms. Never attempt to flush a diaper down the toilet, no matter how small or clean. They are large and highly absorbent, making them an instant plumbing obstruction.

Fireworks

Although the Fourth of July comes once a year, fireworks tend to linger all summer long. But do not let your curious niece or nephew drop a firecracker down the toilet! Placing a lit firework in the toilet will break the toilet, guaranteed. And if it doesn’t crack the porcelain bowl entirely in half (which is what normally occurs), it will damage the internal trap and fail to hold in the water. Can you say, toilet replacement?

Dead Fish and Amphibians

You may have been raised flushing dead goldfish, crawdads, and minnows down the toilet, but this is actually bad practice. Not only can fish and shellfish caused obstructions in the sewer system, but sometimes they are not actually dead, which can lead to an infestation. Stick to burrowing your dead pets or tossing your deceased fishy into the neighborhood pond.

Additional Items to Warn Guests About:

□ Dental Floss
□ Hair
□ Dryer Sheets
□ Razor Blades
□ Cosmetics
□ Plastic Wrappers
□ Toys

Are you having toilet or plumbing issues? Do you need plumbing service or repair before your family arrives for a summer visit? Contact Weilhammer Plumbing Company at 317-784-1870 when you need professional and affordable plumbing services for toilets, drains, showers, tubs, water heaters, water softeners, and more. We serve residential and commercial clients in Indianapolis and throughout Central Indiana.

How to Know if a Saltless Water Softener is Right For You

Posted on July 5, 2022 by weilhammerplumbing

Buying a new water softener is a big investment worthy of some long forethought. And with so many options on the market today, your thought process can extend well-beyond the time you expected it would take to come to a decision. One such option is a saltless water softener. You are likely familiar with the conventional, salt-using versions; in fact, you might currently have one. But salt-free water softeners are much different, and not just because they don’t use salt.

Continue below to learn some important facts about saltfree water softeners that can help you make the smartest decision for your home or office.

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What is Saltfree Water Softening?

Conventional salt-based water softening uses ion-exchange technology that replaces hard mineral ions like calcium (Ca2+) and magnesium (Mg2+) with softer minerals, like potassium chloride, also known as salt. Saltless water softeners use a different system to abate the negative effects of Calcium (Ca2+) and Magnesium (Mg2+) in hard water. Rather than eliminating hard mineral ions by exchanging them and flushing them out of the unit, saltfree water softeners keep them, but change their form so that they cannot cling to any surfaces. This process is called Template Assisted Crystallization (TAC), which is more similar to water conditioning, not softening.

Which System Should I Get?

Since both water softening systems work well to remove the threats and effects of hard water, your decision to choose one over the other will depend on some specific factors that are unique to your lifestyle.

Salt-based water softeners are usually the better option for homes and properties with higher levels of hard water. If you suffer from dry, cracked skin, dingy laundry, spotty dishes, and other signs of hard water, it is best to abate the mineral intake and flush them out on a routine basis.

In regions with naturally softer water or water with lower levels of hardness, a salt-free water conditioner could be the right choice. Are you a renter? They are great compliments to your landlord’s water softening system. Furthermore, saltless water softeners are low-maintenance, so they will not require much in terms of electricity, wastewater disposal, and chemicals.

Overall, saltfree water softeners are more like water conditioners, so they work well as a basic form of water purification. For moderate to high cases of hard water, water softeners are the best method of softening. Talk to a trusted Indianapolis soft water plumber for advice on hard water removal and abatement.

Are you ready to improve the quality of your property with a budget-friendly water softening plan? Contact Weilhammer Plumbing Company at 317-784-1870 for professional water softener sales and service in Indianapolis, Indiana. We offer a selection of water softeners and water filtration systems for both residential and commercial clients, and provide installation, repair, and service for them all!