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.
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.
Water Softeners Indianapolis Indiana 317-784-1870
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.
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.
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.
Water Softeners Indianapolis Indiana 317-784-1870
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.
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 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!
No-Salt Water Softeners Indianapolis Indiana 317-784-1870
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.
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.
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.
Water Softener Company Indianapolis Indiana 317-784-1870
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.
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.
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.
