How to Tell if the Main Water Line in Your Yard is Leaking

Posted on August 26, 2022 by weilhammerplumbing

When main water lines in the lawn incur damage that causes them to spring a leak, or worse, burst open, the signs are typically evident right away. Because water line leaks in the yard are a serious plumbing emergency, it is important to address the issues as soon as you discover it. The longer you wait to resolve a broken underground water line, the more costly and invasive the repair will be for the problem.

Continue below to learn the top signs of an underground water leak in the yard, plus information on how to repair yard water line leaks in Indianapolis.

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Common Signs of Main Water Line Leaks in Lawns

The potential consequences of waiting to repair a damaged water line leak in your yard fall collaterally to your adorning outdoor assets, such as your soil quality and composition, as well as your landscaping trees, barns, sheds, underground and above ground pools, playsets, fencing, surrounding underground utility lines, the foundation of your property, and much more. In serious cases, underground water line leaks can lead to sinkhole formations! The worst part about all of this is that you, being the property owner, are responsible for paying for these damages and the repairs for the broken water line.

Top 4 Signs of an Underground Main Water Line Leak

Massively Higher Water Bills

Even a dripping faucet can cause minor changes in your monthly water bill. After all, a leaky faucet can drip up to 90 gallons of water in a single day. So, imagine how much water a damaged water line can spew out on a daily basis. If you have noticed a sudden and suspiciously high increase in your monthly water costs, it could be due to a more serious and hidden water leak within your property; very possibly, a busted main water line in the lawn.

Water Damages on Walls or Wet Walls

A leaking or burst yard line will cause a considerable lot of damage to its surroundings, but the scope of collateral damage doesn’t stop in the lawn. Very quickly, a main water line leak can begin to develop moisture and condensation, which can seep into the living quarters of the home. If you notice that your walls are moist or wet, or if you have signs of warped wood, like baseboards, cabinets, wainscoting, or floors, it could be due to a water line leak.

Hearing Sounds of Running Water

Unless you fall asleep each night to a relaxing ocean wave or rainfall sound machine, it is not a good sign to hear noises of running water in certain areas of your home. When caused by a yard line water leak, such sounds are mostly heard coming from inside walls and cabinets, or in the lowest and quietest spots of a home.

Sitting Water in the Lawn

One of the most common indications that the main water line has sprung a leak is the presence of sitting water in the lawn. If your lawn is filled with several large water puddles, but your community hasn’t seen excessive amounts of precipitation in recent days, it could be due to a yard line leak. You might also have main water line damage if you walk through your lawn and notice that the ground is very spongy and bouncy.

If you suspect that you have a hidden water leak inside or outside of your home, it is important to get in touch with an emergency plumber right away. Contact Weilhammer Plumbing Company at 317-784-1870 for professional home plumbing inspections and water leak repair in Indianapolis, Indiana and its surrounding counties. We serve residential and commercial clients.

Your Home Needs a Water Softener If It Shows These Signs

Posted on August 23, 2022 by weilhammerplumbing

There are many adjectives you want to be able to use to describe your home’s water, like wet, clear, fresh, odorless, and tasteless. Likewise, there are several more that you don’t want to use to describe the water in your home, like smelly, cloudy, discolored, or unpalatable. So, how do you describe your water? If your water description is on the negative side, you may have a hard water problem. The best way to solve a hard water problem is by installing a quality water softening system.

Not sure if you are ready for a water softener? Continue reading to learn some common signs that indicate your home is in need of a water softener.

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Signs of Hard Water in the Home

Although there are several signs, large and small, that indicate your home is experiencing a higher level of water hardness. However, by examining these four top signs of hard water in the home, you can quickly determine if water hardness is indeed a problem in your house.

Sink and Tub Stains

Take a look at your bathroom sinks, shower, and tub basin. Do you see rust-like staining on the porcelain or around the drainage hardware? If so, this is likely due to hard water. You see, hard, water is hard because it contains hard mineral ions and dissolved metals. When these come into contact with your porcelain bathroom fixtures, it will begin to permeate and corrode from within, causing the telltale staining you see.

Scale Buildup

Perhaps the most blatant sign that your home is experiencing. Water hardness is limes buildup. Take a look at your shower fixtures, your faucets, plumbing hardware, and similar fixtures. Do you see a white, flaky, crusty material, forming around them? This is known as scale, and it is a mixture of hard mineral ions that precipitate out of hot water and stick to whatever surface they come into contact with. Although you can treat scale as it comes, it will never fully go away unless you first fix the hard water problem.

Increased Utility Bills

Do you keep track of your water and energy bills each month? If you’ve noticed that they’ve increased, even though you’ve not done anything differently, do not chalk it up to inflation or the current economic condition. It might be caused by scale buildup inside your water heater tank and similar plumbing appliances, like the washing machine and dishwasher.

Scale buildup inside of your plumbing pipes and appliances causes your system to work harder just to perform the same job that they have always performed. As a result, your appliances use more energy, which cost you more money. Scale buildup inside of the water heater tank can also cause you to wait longer for your shower or bathtub to heat up. This increases your energy bill and your water bill.

Dingy and Faded Clothing

Have you been scratching your head while switching detergents and fabric softeners over and over again, but still your laundry feels dry and looks faded? Your problem could be hard water. You know that scale that we’ve been talking about? Well, it can also affect the quality of your clothing in any other upholsterer items you wash in your washing machine. It can also affect washing machine performance, namely by not properly rinsing out the detergents and fabric softeners from your laundered items. If your clothes feel sticky or greasy, it could be due to this.

Are you ready to learn why a water softener is the best choice for your home or office? Contact Weilhammer Plumbing Company at 317-784-1870 for water softener sales, service, and installation in Indianapolis, Indiana. We serve residential and commercial clients.

How to Check For Water Leaks in Your Plumbing System

Posted on August 19, 2022 by weilhammerplumbing

As a homeowner, it is imperative to cooperate with your home’s maintenance needs. Part of maintaining your home is caring for the plumbing systems. Checking for leaks is one key strategy to protecting your plumbing system from sustaining major damages. This can be a simple DIY solution with a little research.

Continue reading to learn how to check for leaks in home plumbing systems; or where to contact a professional for advice on repairing leaky faucets and plumbing pipes in residential properties.

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Leak Detection Tips

The plumbing system is one of the most expensive components in your home. Any damages or repairs can cost a substantial amount of money; but you can avoid these unexpected expenses with regular maintenance and care. To spot leaks, you have to look in certain areas. Leaky copper pipes will show a small white circle around it. This is a prime indication of water damage and leakage. It is not a huge problem at this point; so don’t worry. As long as the issue is resolved right away, and not neglected, it will be a simple and inexpensive fix.

Sinks

When it comes to kitchen and bathroom sinks, it is important to check the structural integrity of the pipes first. Be sure to clear away any clutter so you can get a true view of the plumbing pipes. Check for moisture and leaks. It is typically not recommended to use cabinet space beneath bathroom and kitchen sinks. Clutter combined with moisture can grow mold and other harmful spores; as well as, attract pest infestations Hard objects under the sink can know into the pipes, causing damage and potential leaks too. Take precaution when using these types of spaces for storage.

Valves

Once you have inspected the bathrooms and kitchen pipes, take a look at the valves in your home. If you have any trouble at all shutting off the valve; stop trying. This excessive force can break it. Instead, you will need to consult with a licensed Indianapolis plumber for help. Another area to inspect is the water meter. Be sure all your faucets are turned off; then go to your meter and see if the dial is moving at all. If it is, this could be an indication of leaks within your plumbing. To properly locate these leaks, you will need to hire a professional plumbing company.

Are you worried that you might have missed a leak? Contact Weilhammer Plumbing Company at 317-784-1870 for licensed and insured plumbing inspection service for water leaks, slab leaks, and more. We provide residential and commercial plumbing services in Indianapolis all throughout Central Indiana.

Frequently Asked Questions About No-Salt Water Softeners

Posted on August 16, 2022 by weilhammerplumbing

Whether you need to replace an old or broken water softener or have moved to a state that does not allow self-generating water softeners, the best alternative might just be a salt-free unit. Not too keen on saltless water softeners? You are not alone. Continue below for an introduction to no-salt water softening with these frequently asked questions and answers.

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Saltfree Water Softener FAQS

Call them what you like, saltless, saltfree, or no salt, these water softeners have proven to be innovative and viable options for water softening. Not many people know much about salt free water softeners, so these frequently asked questions will help you understand what they are, how they work, their level of effectiveness at hard water treatment, and more.

What is a Salt-Free Water Softener?

A salt-free water softener is an alternative water conditioning system that is designed to abate the effects of hard water. Saltless water softeners do not require salt pellet refills like conventional units do. When you have a salt free water softener, you will not need to buy bags of softening salt and refill the unit on a regular basis. Many people find this attribute attractive due to the increasing costs of water softening salts, such as the standard potassium chloride or sodium chloride products we see on the market.

How Does a No-Salt Water Softener Work?

No-salt water softeners work differently than conventional water conditioning systems. A standard, salt-based water softener uses ion-exchange technology to eliminate hard water. This means it exchanges sodium chloride (sometimes potassium chloride) for the hard mineral ions in water, then flushes them out of the system, leaving water pure and soft. Salt-less water softeners do not remove hard mineral ions, but rather, change their molecular structure so that they do not adhere to any surfaces. This reduces the development of scale around and within plumbing fixtures. For this reason, saltfree water softeners are more like water conditioning systems than water softening systems.

Are Saltless Water Softeners Effective at Hard Water Removal?

As just explained, saltless water softeners do not actually remove hard mineral ions from water. Instead, they change the molecular structure of the hard mineral ions so that they are not able of adhering to any surfaces, like water heater tanks, plumbing pipes, and fixtures. For this reason, no-salt units are more like scale-inhibiting water conditioners rather than softeners.

What are the Benefits of Saltfree Water Softening?

No-salt water softeners provide the same benefits that salt-based water softeners do. Not only do both types of water softening systems decrease the negative and costly effects of scale accumulation within and around your plumbing, which reduces unnecessary repair bills and prevents high utility costs, but they also deliver a wide range of well-being benefits, like healthy hair, skin, and nails. Saltfree water softeners also protect the integrity of your laundry and linens, as well as your glassware and dishes.

Are you interested in speaking to a licensed professional to learn more about salt-free water softeners and your soft water needs? Contact Weilhammer Plumbing Company at 317-784-1870 for water softener sales, service, and installation for saltless water softeners in Indianapolis, Indiana. We serve residential and commercial clients.

3 Simple Ways to Conserve Water in the Bathroom

Posted on August 12, 2022 by weilhammerplumbing

Contributing to the betterment of the environment is something anyone can do. In fact, it is easy, and it can save you money! If you’re interested in helping the planet Earth, a good place to start is water conservation. After all, water is precious and none of it should go to waste. Which room in your home uses the most water? Arguably, you could say the kitchen, but most often, it’s the bathroom!

Continue reading to learn 3 simple ways to conserve water in the bathroom, plus what to do if you are dealing with plumbing issues that are wasting water and increasing your utility bills.

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Bathroom Water Conservation

Because bathroom water conservation is so easy to do, you can get your entire family or roommates involved too! Here are the three easiest and most cost-effective ways to cut back on water consumption in the bathroom:

Install Low-Flow Plumbing Fixtures

Shower heads and faucets are plumbing fixtures that are notorious for wasting water. The flow of water ejected from these fixtures is so strong that the average showerhead or faucet can fill a 5 gallon tank every minute. You can reduce the amount of water your plumbing fixtures emit by installing low-flow showerheads or low-volume water restrictors in your faucets. These plumbing fixtures can reduce water flow down to two half gallons per minute. Not only does this help the planet by conserving water, but it also significantly reduces your water bill every month.

Reduce Bathing Time

Although it can be really challenging to do after a long day of work or a really hard week, one way you can easily conserve water in the bathroom is to reduce your bathing time. Cut back on how long you run a shower before you get in, plus how long you take a shower. Also consider ways to avoid leaving the faucet running while you do other things in the bathroom, like brushing your teeth, washing your hands, removing your makeup, or shaving. For instance, use a mug of water to rinse your razor in between strokes, and simply shut the faucet off while you’re scrubbing your teeth or face clean.

Stop Using the Bathtub

Many people enjoy a good long soak in a hot bath every once in a while, which is perfectly fine. But if you are someone who frequently takes baths, you might want to reconsider your options. The average bathtub holds and drains between 35 and 50 gallons of water. In comparison, a ten minute shower will usually consume around 25 gallons of water.

Bonus Tip:

Another effective way to conserve water in the bathroom is to have any water leaks repair right away. A dripping faucet can waste a lot of water, more than you would think. In fact, a leaky faucet can waste up to 20 gallons of water a day. Think about how this could impact your water bill each month.

Do you have some bathroom or household plumbing issues that are wasting water and money? Contact Weilhammer Plumbing Company at 317-784-1870 for licensed and insured plumbing repair services in Indianapolis, Indiana, and its surrounding counties. We serve residential and commercial customers.

The Ultimate Solution For Hard Water Spots on Your Glassware

Posted on August 9, 2022 by weilhammerplumbing

When you grab a glass cup or dish from the cupboard, you want it to be crystal clear, not just because it looks nicer, but also because it feels cleaner. If you are struggling with hard water spots on your glasses and glass dishes, do not waste any more time re-rinsing or handwashing them after they have come out of the dishwasher or off of the drying rack. Instead, use this ultimate hard water spot solution system for long-term soft water benefits.

How to Put a Stop to Hard Water Spotting

Your glass cups, plates, bowls, champagne flutes, vases, carafes, and more all deserve optimal translucence. With the right soft water and water purification approach, you can instantly eliminate hard water spotting on your glassware with ease. It starts with a simple department store run and ends with professional water softener service.

2-Step Method for Hard Water Spot Removal:

Upgrade Your Dishwashing Cleaners

Depending on the method you use to wash your glass dishes, you will need to incorporate some target cleaning solutions and products to your routine. If you are washing glasses and glass dishes in the dishwashing machine, be sure to use a quality rinse-aid product. Refer to your appliance manufacturers’ instructions to learn how to add the rinse aid to your machine. The rinse-aid will improve the drying process, leaving behind less moisture and dripping after the cycle is complete.

If you do not wish to use a store-bought rinse-aid, you may use distilled white vinegar, but do not add it to the rinse-aid compartment of your dishwasher. Instead, transfer the vinegar to a spray bottle and generously douse the load before starting the cycle. You can skip the spray bottle and just place a bowl of vinegar on the top rack, then run the cycle as usual. Along with a quality rinse-aid, be sure you are using a quality dishwashing cleaner that is compatible with your dishwasher.

If you are handwashing your glassware, be sure you are using a quality dishwashing liquid. Avoid cleaners with excess salt in them, as they tend to leave behind their own deposits.

Service or Replace Your Water Softener

If you do not already have a water softener, then your next step would be to contact a licensed and insured soft water company in Indianapolis to get advice on choosing a compatible water softener for your home. Water softeners deliver a wide range of benefits on top of hard waddle removal. You will enjoy better quality hair, skin, nails, and plumbing performance. Softer water helps you save money as well because it debates the need for frequent plumbing repairs. There are several types of water softeners to choose from, all with different power sources and capacities. Your Indianapolis soft water technician can help you choose, procure, and install the right water softener for you.

If you already have a water softener, but still struggling with hard water spots on your glass dishes, you could be due for some routine maintenance. Contact a licensed and insured Indianapolis water softener repair company for inspection and service. When your water softener is performing optimally, hard water deposits are less of a problem. If your water softener is between eight and ten years old, it could be due for replacement. This would be good news considering the newest advancements in technology and water softening appliances.

BONUS 3^rd STEP:

Install Whole House Water Filters

If you really want to take your soft water plan to the next level, talk to your trusted soft water technician about implementing a whole house water filtration system. Not only will whole house home water filters abate hard water spotting on your dishes, but they will also protect against impurities, bad smells, metallic tastes, iron staining, pipe corrosion, and much more.

Would you like to learn more about water softening and water softener service? 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 Are My Copper Plumbing Pipes Turning Green?

Posted on August 5, 2022 by weilhammerplumbing

Many environmentally and budget-conscious property owners are choosing copper plumbing these days. Even properties with plumbing systems constructed with conventional materials have a few copper pipes somewhere in the works, especially in water heaters and boilers.

Although highly-durable, fire-resistant, and less harmful to the environment, copper plumbing can encounter some frustrating drawbacks, like turning green. If you have noticed that your copper plumbing pipes have taken on a green crust or color, you may be concerned, and you would be right to be.

Continue below to learn why your copper plumbing pipes are turning green, plus what you can do to prevent this from happening in the future.

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Copper Pipes are Prone to Oxidation

The greenish, or sometimes blue-ish, powdery tint on copper pipes is the result of oxidation, which is a type of corrosion. When copper is exposed to moisture (water or humidity) and oxygen (air) for long periods, it will begin to oxidize. Although harmless and non-toxic, oxidation will disintegrate copper plumbing pipes over time, making it a plumbing problem that requires urgent attention.

Copper is Excellent at Conducting Heat

If you think your property is void of copper plumbing, think again. Any plumbing appliance or water line that circulates hot water will require copper piping, including water heaters, boilers, dishwashers, washing machines, and even radiant heating systems. Copper is an excellent conductor of heat, capable of withstanding high temperatures.

What To Do About Oxidized Copper Plumbing

Like rusty steel, oxidized copper plumbing will eventually corrode and fail. The problem is, most copper plumbing is hidden behind walls or beneath flooring, which makes it hard to spot a corrosion issue. Look at the areas where the pipe meets the wall or opening and check for signs of oxidation. These areas tend to be higher in moisture, giving way to oxidation.

If your copper plumbing is already experiencing oxidation, your first step is to contact a licensed Indianapolis plumber for guidance on plumbing remediation or replacement. You could have a hidden water leak or dampness issue inside the walls, thus causing the copper plumbing to oxidize. A licensed and insured plumber can identify the issue and make the proper adjustments to ensure no future corrosion.

How to Prevent Oxidized Copper Pipes

The best way to prevent copper plumbing oxidation and similar corrosion issues is to have your property’s plumbing system inspected by a licensed and insured master plumber on an annual basis. This annual service will help catch plumbing problems early on before they can turn disastrous or costly.

Are you looking for a trusted Indy plumbing company that can help you renovate your property’s plumbing system? 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.

What Kind of Salt Should I Put in My Water Softener?

Posted on August 2, 2022 by weilhammerplumbing

If your water softener has a tank, it uses salt to eliminate the hard mineral ions in your home’s tap water. But if you are new to the whole water softener maintenance thing, you might be confused about the type of salt you should be putting in yours. After all, when you go to the water softener salt aisle, there are numerous options to choose from. How do you know which water softening salt is the right one for your water softener?

Continue below to learn how to choose a water softener salt based on your hard water removal and soft water needs.

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Top 2 Water Softener Salt Options

Salt-based water softeners are designed to use two primary types of salt products: sodium chloride salt or potassium chloride salt. These two kinds of water softener salts are available at any local home improvement or grocery store and come in all sorts of different brands and salt shapes (mainly pellets, crystals, rocks, and blocks). They also range in purity, which is important when selecting a salt brand for your water softener. Look for a label on the bag that shows it is 99.9% pure salt.

Lower quality water softener salt contains higher traces of impurities and water-insoluble matter (things that won’t dissolve in water), which will cause a higher rate of scale and sediment buildup inside the tank. As a result, you will have to clean out the brine tank more often than you should, which can be a hassle. So, which high-quality water softening salt product should you buy, potassium or sodium chloride? It depends on your personal preference and a few other varying factors.

Potassium Chloride Versus Sodium Chloride

Sodium chloride water softener salts are the more popular choice, mostly because they are easier to find, more widely available, and typically cheaper than potassium salts. They are available in different forms, including evaporated pellets, which are considered the highest purity, as well as crystal salt (also called solar salt pellets), rock salt, and block salt.

Potassium chloride is the less common choice for water softening, namely sought after by those looking to mitigate their sodium intake. Although sodium-free, this type of water softener salt works just as well to regenerate the resin beads. If you are planning to make the switch from sodium softening salts to potassium, you may need to increase the unit’s salt dosage settings by 10 percent to ensure proper resin bead regeneration.

Saltless Water Softeners

In contrast to salt-based water softeners, salt-free water softeners do not use salt. Instead, they use a process known as Template Assisted Crystallization (TAC), which processes water through a catalytic media. Because of this fact, saltless water softening does not technically soften water, but rather, conditions it. For this reason, saltless water softeners are more accurately described as water conditioners.

Are you for professional help with your residential or commercial water softening needs? Contact Weilhammer Plumbing Company at 317-784-1870 for water softener service and repair in Indianapolis, Indiana, and its surrounding counties. We sell top-of-the-line water softeners, including ones that don’t use salt at all! Call for residential or commercial service, anytime.