How to Solve Your Bathroom Exhaust Fan Problems

Posted on September 29, 2022 by weilhammerplumbing

The bathroom exhaust vent fan requires annual maintenance to increase its performance value and lifespan. It is used for removing excess moisture in the air after a hot shower or bath. If never removed, this moisture can lead to mold and mildew growth, which is simultaneously dangerous to our health and destructive for our homes.

Continue reading to learn how to properly clean and maintain bathroom exhaust vent fans.

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How Bathroom Fans Work

Bathroom exhaust fans are powerful enough to exhaust nearly two million cubic feet of air per year if turned on for one hour each day! They draw air from the bathroom and vent it outside. As the vent draws air in, other airborne particles come with it, like dust, dander, and debris. These particles accumulate on the outer grid cover and fan motor, reducing performance value and efficiency. Both of these areas must be cleaned in order to maintain an operational bathroom exhaust vent. Dust and debris should be wiped clear every six months to a year, depending on the size of a bathroom and the number of occupants in a home.

How to Clean the Bathroom Exhaust Vent:

To get started, you will need a vacuum with a brush attachment, a step stool, and a towel. The first step begins at the circuit breaker box. Be sure to flip the fuse to the bathroom fan so it has no power. This will eliminate electrocution accidents and injuries.

Next, use your step stool to get in arms reach of the vent. Most are located on the ceiling, but some may be on the side of a wall, right beneath the ceiling.

Slowly pull the grid cover to the vent down until it is a few inches from the ceiling. At this point, you will be able to see metal spring clips on each side of the grid cover. Press them together simultaneously and release them from their slots in the fan housing, then remove the cover from the ceiling entirely.

Place the vent cover on the towel and vacuum it clean with your brush attachment. You may also use paper towel and mild cleaning solution to wipe it clean after vacuuming. Do this for both sides.

Next, using your brush attachment, gently vacuum the fan housing and blower motor. You can choose to use the crevice tool vacuum attachment to reach deeper, harder-to-reach spots.

Now you are ready to attach the cover back to the ceiling and exposed fan housing.

To do this, hold the vent cover while pressing together both metal spring clips. Slip the clips back into their slots inside the fan housing. Gently push the cover back onto the ceiling.

For safe and secure solutions to all your plumbing maintenance and repair needs, be sure to contact a qualified and licensed Indianapolis plumbing company that can provide comprehensive bathroom plumbing repair services and more.

Are you ready to have your bathroom plumbing inspected and repaired by a licensed plumber in your area? Contact Weilhammer Plumbing Company at 317-784-1870 for licensed and insured plumbing inspection service and plumbing repair in Indianapolis, Indiana. We provide residential and commercial service throughout Central Indiana.

Will a Water Softener Make Hard Water Taste Better?

Posted on September 26, 2022 by weilhammerplumbing

If you are somebody who regularly uses your tap water to make beverages like lemonade, coffee, tea, and protein smoothies, it is worth your while to invest in a hard water treatment plan. Hard water does not taste good. People describe the taste of hard water with words like rusty, metallic, grainy, sour, musty, and stale. Whether you like to think so or not, these flavor profiles are evident in the foods and beverages you consume. Fortunately, there is a way to make your hard water taste better and that is through water softening.

Water softeners are the most effective strategy of hard water removal because they eliminate the hard mineral ions inside water that cause poor taste and poor quality. Not only will hard water make your beverages and soups taste bad, but it will also damage your plumbing fixtures and plumbed appliances.

Continue reading to learn more about hard water, including how to get rid of hard water, the benefits of a water softener, and where to get soft water assistance in Indianapolis.

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The Bitter Facts About Hard Water

Hard water tastes funny because high traces of mineral salts have a distinctive flavor that’s highly distinguishable from filtered water. The taste is similar to a rusty or iron-like essence. It leaves a bitter and lingering flavor in your mouth. Although there are not any severe or serious health implications drinking hard water, it can affect or stained teeth; as well as make your food and coffee taste funny as well.

Hard water can be found all over the country, in almost 80% of residential households and commercial properties. It all depends on the type of land, district, and region. Hard water is much different than the bottled water you buy at the store. Hard water is hard because it contains high traces of mineral salts, such as calcium and magnesium, which changes its composition. When water is filtered and purified, and then bottled, it is no longer hard. This is because those mineral calcium ions and magnesium ions are removed.

An interesting fact is that rainwater is pure water. It is not hard at all until he hits the ground. Once it hits the ground, it permeates the surface and continues to seep beneath the soil, bedrock, and more. When the rainwater soaks and infiltrates into the ground, and dissipates through all of these layers of rock, sand, and soil, it begins to pick up and accumulate these mineral salts. This is what makes water hard.

Hard Water Removal and Treatment

A quality water softener is the most effective method of hard water removal and prevention. It is vital to remove high levels of calcium and magnesium deposits from a property’s water supply because hard water can cause significant damages to several components of a plumbing system and plumbed appliances, like dishwashers, washing machines, and water heaters. These damages can quickly lead to costly and invasive repairs that may not be covered under your insurance policy.

The best approach to eliminating hard water is to install a quality make and model water softener in your home or business. Contact Weilhammer Plumbing Company at 317-784-1870 for trusted and affordable water softener sales, service, and installation in Indianapolis, Indiana. We serve residential and commercial clients.

Should I Schedule a Full Plumbing Inspection Before Buying a New Home?

Posted on September 23, 2022 by weilhammerplumbing

If you are preparing to buy a new home or office space in Indianapolis, be sure to have the plumbing system thoroughly inspected by a licensed master plumber who retains the proper and legal certifications in both past and current state plumbing codes. That would mean that Weilhammer Plumbing Company is the right call to make for home plumbing inspections in Indianapolis!

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Home Buyer Plumbing Inspection Services

Although you can hire a home inspection company prior to buying a home, these professionals are not qualified nor proficient in current and historic state plumbing codes in Indiana. From unsafe conditions like gas piping and gas vents that are damaged, to illegal installations and modifications that are not up to code, only a licensed Indianapolis master plumber is capable of unearthing visible and foreseeable problems within any plumbing system.

Without the knowledge and skill of a state-certified master plumbing contractor, you risk buying a home or building that requires thousands upon thousands of dollars in plumbing repairs or structural repairs caused by plumbing problems. If you identify these issues before you finalize, you can negotiate the cost of repairs into the sale of the home!

Why Choose Weilhammer Plumbing

Weilhammer Plumbing Co. Inc. is your neighborhood master plumbing company that provides economically priced plumbing services for both residential and commercial properties throughout Indianapolis and the surrounding Central Indiana areas. You can rest assure that your plumbing needs are met with the highest level of professionalism and integrity, including your budget, your safety, and your comfort.

If you are closing on a home, hire the state-licensed master plumbers and licensed plumbing contractors (#106214) at Weilhammer Plumbing Co. Inc. today! We are experts in state plumbing codes and can locate issues within any plumbing system. Not only do we have more than 60 years of hands-on experience, but we also retain the knowledge, skills, and resources to accurately reveal the truth behind a home’s plumbing.

And right now, we are offering a “New Home Buyers Plumbing Consultation and Inspection Service” for $275! 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!

Is Your Water Softener the Correct Size for Your Home?

Posted on September 20, 2022 by weilhammerplumbing

When it comes to home water conditioning, it is important to know how to size a water softener correctly. This way, you are sure to purchase the appropriate and most effective water purification system for your household. There are a few different ways to measure or size-up a water conditioning system. One full-proof way to determine which system to buy for your property is to consult a professional in the industry. They retain the experience and knowledge to set you in the right direction.

In the meantime, it is always a good idea to catch up on simple tips and general advice for water softener systems. With that said, continue reading to learn how to size a water softener for your home and how to be sure it is the right system for your water conditioning needs.

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Water Softener Sizing Directions

The best place to start, when it comes to learning how to size a water softener, is by learning how the entire system all works. Basically, water softeners swap hard minerals for soft ones in a property’s water supply. Hard minerals include calcium, magnesium, and other metal ions and compounds, while soft minerals include sodium and potassium. Within a water softener, there are several tiny chemical magnets called ion exchange resin. These magnets are the agents that facilitate the mineral exchanges within the system. The more chemical magnets a water softener has, the higher its capacity will be.

Understanding Water Softener Capacity

Capacity is a common term measuring the number of gallons a system can purify before needing more salt or a new cartridge; depending on the type of system it is. Capacity is measured in “grains” or its rate or grain removal; and one grain per gallon is equal to 17.1 parts per million. On average, the water in the U.S. contains nearly ten grains of hardness per gallon and the average person uses 80 gallons of water per day.

Hard Water Testing

By using a water hardness testing kit, you can quickly determine the level of hardness in your home’s water supply. In order to calculate the amount of water you need to purify, multiply the number of people living within the home by the number 80; and then multiply that number by the number of grains per gallon (10) to get the total number of grains used per day in a home.

Here is an example of the formula for a family of five:

Number of People: 5
Gallons of Water Used per Person: 80
Gallons of Water Used Per Day: 5 x 80 = 400
Average Grains of Hardness: 10
Total Grains Used per Day: 400 x 10 = 4,000

Answer: Using this example, a 40,000 grain capacity water softener would likely be recommended for the average family of five.

Would you like to upgrade or replace your water softener? Contact Weilhammer Plumbing Company at 317-784-1870 for water softener sales, service, and installation in Indianapolis, Indiana. We serve residential and commercial clients.

Frequently Asked Questions About Residential Plumbing

Posted on September 16, 2022 by weilhammerplumbing

Whether you are a first-time homeowner or have owned your house for a long time, it is vital to stay up to date with your plumbing systems. Reviewing some common tips and general information from time to time can refresh your memory and help you do a better job of taking care of your home. Continue reading to review some unique, but important, frequently asked questions about home plumbing.

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Home Plumbing FAQS You Want to Know

What is Hard Water?

Hard water is water that is polluted with high levels of contaminates, such as iron salts, calcium, and magnesium. If you are starting to notice subtle changes in your dishes, skin, laundry, and plumbing fixtures, it may be related to a hard water issue. A water filtration system, coupled with a quality water softener, can eliminate these mineral ions plus reduce the level of hardness in your home’s water.

Why Does My Water Take So Long to Heat Up?

There are some common reasons why your water heater might be taking too long to heat your water up. Most often, the water heater is just too old or defective. Otherwise, you could have too much sediment buildup at the bottom of the tank, low volume restrictors installed on your plumbing fixtures, or too much distance between the location of the water heater and your point-of-demand. To fix this problem, you will need to contact a professional Indianapolis plumber who specializes in hot water heater repair and service.

How Do I Unclog a Backed Up Toilet?

Large debris can get stuck, like toilet paper, hair ties, and more. In this case, you will need to use your plunger to plunge the toilet bowl for 30 seconds. But before you do, be sure there is not too much water in the toilet bowl. If there is, empty as much water as needed with a separate cup or bowl. Try flushing the toilet to see if the plunger loosened up the clog. If it didn’t, try again or check to see if the flapper is the issue. If you cannot clear a clogged toilet bowl with a plunger, then you will need to call a licensed plumber for help.

How Do I Remove the Crusty Substance on the Shower Head and Faucet?

Remove the shower head by unscrewing it from the spout. Place it in a bowl with hot water and one cup of household vinegar. Leave it overnight then scrub it clean the next morning. If you cannot screw the shower head off, put the vinegar solution in a plastic bag and place it over the spout, attaching and securing it with a tie. If the substance does come off completely, re-do the process using less water and more vinegar.

How Do I Get Rid of Odor in My Garbage Disposal?

The odor most likely is coming from an accumulation of food scraps and other debris. To remove the smell, you can put a mixture of ice cubes and lemon peels down the disposal and run it, then with disposal still running, flush it with cold water for a minute. If this does not do the trick completely, add a few drops of dish soap with cold water for another thirty seconds. This household remedy is a popular solution to foul smelling garbage disposals.

How Often Should a Septic Tank Be Pumped?

An inspection or cleaning should be done once every few years or so, depending on the size of the make and model septic system in place. In smaller systems, once every three years is sufficient; however, a large tank would require an inspection once every two years or less. The larger the system, the more often it will require service.

Am I Smelling Natural Gas in My House?

Natural gas smells like rotten eggs. If you smell this in your home or building, first, turn off all appliances that use gas. Then open a few windows or doors to let the gas air out. Once you have done this, check the range, water heater, and furnace pilot lights; if one light is out, relight it. If they are not the issue, call your local gas provider and report the smell right away.

Why Did My Plumbing Pipes Go Bad?

There are several reasons why plumbing pipes go bad. It can be due to old age, poor installation, incompatibility, material quality issues, corrosion, external structural damages, and much more.

Should I Re-Pipe or Repair the Plumbing?

In many cases, plumbing pipes do not require replaced, but rather repaired. If one or two plumbing pipes burst or incur some sort of damage, they can simply be replaced through trenchless piping or other repair techniques. However, there are other cases in which the whole house plumbing system should be re-piped. Talk to in Indianapolis plumber to determine the best course of action for your plumbing pipe renovation needs.

How Do I Know if I Have a Plumbing Leak?

As someone who regularly pays your water and energy bills, you know when something is a little off. Suddenly higher utility bills are one of the first signs of a hidden plumbing leak in the home. If you are utility bills are higher than usual, or have seen a sudden spike in cost, it could be an indication that you have a hidden plumbing leak somewhere in your system. First, contact your utility company to confirm that your bill is correct, and if it is, your next step is to contact in licensed plumber for a home plumbing inspection in Indianapolis.

Do you think your plumbing system could use some TLC? Contact Weilhammer Plumbing Company at 317-784-1870 for professional plumbing services in Indianapolis, Indiana. We serve residential and commercial clients and are state-licensed master plumbers.

How to Ease the Frustration of Washing Dishes With Hard Water

Posted on September 13, 2022 by weilhammerplumbing

If you are stuck washing dishes with hard water, you will be happy to learn that there are a few things you can do to ease the frustrations that come along with the mineral deposits and cloudy haze it leaves behind. Continue reading to review 4 effective ways to reduce the effects of hard water on, whether you’re using a dishwasher or washing by hand.

How to Reduce Mineral Deposits on Dishes

Nothing is more frustrating than carefully scrubbing and rinsing dishes only for them to be covered in white spots and fog once they’ve dried. It can be even more frustrating to put dishes through an automatic dishwasher only for them to come out with evidence of mineral deposits. After all, a dishwasher is meant to do the job for you! When you wash your dishes, you expect them to look clean, but hard water can deny you that right. Fortunately, with the right tools, there are plenty of remedies for hard water spots and mineral deposits on dishes. This is especially good news for those who cannot afford to purchase a water softener or upgrade their current unit.

Store-Bought Rinse Aids

There are several commercial rinse aids and rinse agents available at your local department store. These liquid rinse agents contain a version of acid that prevents the formation of mineral deposits on dishes. Dishwashers will release the liquid rinse aid in the final rinse cycle, but if you are not using a dishwasher, you can simply soak your dishes in a sink filled with water and mixed with some rinse aid for the same result. You can expect to pay anywhere between 4 to 8 dollars for a quality commercial rinse aid.

Citric Acid

The acid component within commercial rinse aids is the primary additive that abates hard water deposits on dishes. You can skip purchasing a commercial rinse aid and instead, use food-grade citric acid granules to wash dishes. This will give you the same effects, but likely at a cheaper price. When washing dishes by hand, add 1 tablespoon of citric acid granules to your sink water. In a dishwasher, pour 1 to 2 tablespoons of ] citric acid granules into the primary detergent dispenser. Then put your regular dishwashing detergent in the secondary dispenser.

Vinegar

If you are not interested in purchasing any products to assist in your hard water dishwashing fight, consider using household products like distilled white vinegar. The acidity in vinegar is a natural deterrent for hard water mineral deposits on dishes. When washing dishes by hand, simply add 1 cup of distilled white vinegar to your rinse water. If you are using a dishwasher, add the vinegar to the dispenser designated for rinse agents. If your dishwasher doesn’t have a dispenser for rinse aids, simply pour a cup of vinegar at the bottom of your dishwasher before starting the cycle.

Water Softening is the Best and Most Effective Solution to Hard Water Dish Problems

A water softener is the most effective solution for avoiding any of the negative effects of hard water. Hard water doesn’t just affect your dishes, it also affects several other important elements of your home or business, including plumbing appliances like water softeners and water heaters. If you think you cannot afford a water softener or a water software upgrade, think again! With the right Indianapolis water softener plumber in your corner, you can find budget-friendly water softening solutions that meet your hard water removal means.

Are you ready to learn your affordable options for commercial or residential 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.

What To Do If Your Hot Water Heater Springs a Leak

Posted on September 9, 2022 by weilhammerplumbing

Anytime an appliance shows signs of leaking, panic is permitted. Although not all leaks are serious, they do require immediate attention. This is especially true in the case of water heaters. If your water heater is leaking, you would be wise to act fast and begin taking the necessary steps to stabilize your plumbing emergency.

Continue below to learn what you should do if your water heater springs a leak in Indianapolis.

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Water Heater Patching for Small Leaks

In the case of small or minor water heater leaks, it is likely that your Indianapolis plumber can simply patch it up without any problems. However, not all water heater leaks fit this scope of compatibility. For moderate to severe water heater leaks, more advanced repairs will be necessary. But before you call your trusted plumbing company in Indianapolis, there are a few things you can do to get the leak under control and organize some information prior to their arrival.

First, let’s the top reasons why water heaters leak:

Drain Valve – Broken drain valves are frequent causes for water heaters leaks. A common sign of a broken water heater drain valve leak is water coming from the very bottom of the water heater tank

Corrosion – Rust and corrosion can jeopardize the structural integrity of a water heater tank. Too much corrosion can cause holes and cracks that leak water from the bottom of the unit.

Loose Water Line Connection – Loose or worn out inlet and outlet water lines connected to your water heater can leak water from various places.

T&P Valve – Temperature and pressure release valve is prone to breakage and corrosion. If the valve is damaged, it cannot properly regulate the pressure within the tank, and therefore cause water to leak in the sides of the unit.

There are many other reasons why water heaters leak. It is recommended to speak with a licensed and insured water heater service technician in Indianapolis to accurately diagnose and repair your water heater leak.

How to Manage a Water Heater Leak

As soon as you become aware of the water heater leaks, there are some important steps to take to ensure that the situation is managed safely and efficiently. Here’s what to do:

Turn off the energy source to your water heater. If you have a gas water heater, refer to the thermostat for the ON and OFF power knob. Switch it to the OFF setting or the PILOT setting before moving onto the next step. If you have an electric water heater, open to the breaker panel and flip the water heater fuse to off.

Turn the main water supply off. Your next step is to turn your main water supply off to your home or building. Find the cold water line and turn the valve all the way to the right until it is tight.

Drain the water heater tank. At this point, you can choose to take a step back and turn the rest of the job over to a trusted Indianapolis water heater plumber. However, if you feel comfortable with such handiwork, your next step to managing a water heater leak is to drain the tank.

Contact a water heater repair company. After you have drained the water heater tank, contact an Indianapolis water heater company to schedule a time for them to come out and make the necessary repairs to your unit.

Are you ready to skip the hassle of dealing with a leaky water heater and go straight to trusted service and repair? Contact Weilhammer Plumbing Company at 317-784-1870 for professional plumbing service and repair in Indianapolis, Indiana for water heaters. We serve residential and commercial clients.

How to Switch From Salt Pellet to Salt-Free Water Softening

Posted on September 6, 2022 by weilhammerplumbing

Are you thinking about making the switch from a conventional, salt-using water softener to a salt-free system? Although a salt-based water softeners have been the conventional choice for generators, many people are making the switch to a more innovative method of water softening; a method that entirely eliminates the need for those heavy, pricey, and pesky salt pellets.

Continue reading to learn more about salt-free water softening, including some notable advantages that might persuade you into making the switch sooner rather than later!

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Common Concerns With Salt Pellet Water Softening

Heavy Salt Bags

The most common complaint or inconvenience that homeowners have regarding salt pellet water softeners is the salt itself. Having to refill the brine tank on a monthly basis is considered a huge hassle to most property owners; mostly because the salt is messy, and the bags are very heavy and hard to manage.

Unfortunately, in order for a home to maintain consistent water conditioning, a person has to complete this chore every four to six weeks. When it comes to salt-free units, pellets are not required to condition water. Instead, a homeowner simply needs to replace a cartridge every three to six months, a much easier and less time-consuming task.

Environmental Threats

Salt-based water conditioners can be considered a hazard to the environment as well. If this is something that concerns you, then a salt-free water softener is an appropriate choice. This is because salt-based water softeners discharge up to four gallons of salty water for every gallon of water treated. This can be harmful to the environment and reduce the effectiveness of sewers and septic tanks overtime.

Excessive Filtration

Traditional water softening systems function well when it comes to removing unsafe minerals from your home water supply, however, they can also remove the healthy ones. Newer model water softeners use the science of chelation, which effectively eliminates harmful minerals while retaining the good ones.These same systems can also prevent and help eliminate scale-buildup in bathrooms, showers, sinks, tubs, and more.

Are Saltless Water Softeners the Better Choice?

Saltless water softeners offer a wide range of benefits. Not only is salt-free water softening offer several environmental benefits, but it also saves property owners money on water and energy bills, plus it’s low maintenance. Instead of buying and refilling salt pellets, one simply needs to replace a specialized water conditioning cartridge every 3 to 6 months, which is easier and faster.

Have you thought about the incentives of choosing a salt-free water softening system for your home or business? 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.