Do You Need Emergency Plumbing Service?

Posted on June 21, 2019 by weilhammerplumbing

Plumbing emergencies are no joke. Water leaks, appliance breakdowns, power losses, and similar mischances, can be quite the devastating event, especially if something like a water leak goes neglected for some time. When it comes to plumbing disasters and emergencies, the most important priority is to choose a skilled plumber that will be there for you in a moment’s notice. Here at Weilhammer Plumbing Company, we are the professional plumbing response team on duty, around the clock, to manage your plumbing emergencies, efficiently and at a price you can afford.

Continue below to learn what constitutes a plumbing emergency, what to do in the event of one, and how to contact our master plumbers in an instant.

The Importance of Managing Plumbing Emergencies ASAP

Here’s the thing you need to understand about plumbing emergencies: they cost more than standard plumbing services, but only upfront; managing a plumbing emergency saves you thousands of dollars in repairs, renovations, and maintenance, down the line. Here is a list of what most professional plumbers will tell you is an emergency situation:

Examples of Plumbing Emergencies:

⚠ Gas Leaks or Lingering Gas Smells
⚠ Flooding (i.e. Carpets, Floors, Basement, Lawn, Etc.)
⚠ Wet or “Sweaty” Walls
⚠ Large Amounts of Standing Water in Lawn
⚠ Burst Pipes
⚠ Frozen Pipes
⚠ Sump Pump Problems and Defects
⚠ Major Water Leaks that Can’t Be Stopped with Main Water Shutoff Valve

Here are some examples of Non-emergency plumbing situations:

✅ Clogged Toilet or Drain
✅ Running Toilet
✅ No Hot Water
✅ Small Water Leaks (i.e. Faucet, Showerhead, Sink, Etc.)
✅ Moderate Leaks that Can Be Stopped with Main Water Shutoff Valve
✅ Broken Plumbing Fixture

When determining whether or not a plumbing issue is an emergency, ask yourself these questions:

Can it Wait? Think about the seriousness of the issue and if leaving it alone until morning or the next business day will cause more damage. If you can mitigate the issue, like catching dripping water in a bucket, you probably don’t need emergency service. On the other hand, if it is something that needs to be functioning at all times, like if you only have one toilet, it could be an emergency.

Will Turning Off the Main Water Valve Help? As mentioned, some plumbing leaks can be managed on your own through the night without calling for emergency service. A leak can be managed through the night by turning off the specific and main water valves; and then calling for plumbing service the next day. On the other hand, larger water leaks, like burst pipes, need emergency repair.

Call Us for All Your Plumbing Emergencies in Indianapolis!

Since 1901, we have been a family owned and operated business. Our current generation of owners have more than 60 years of experience in the plumbing repair and service industry. Weilhammer Plumbing Company is extensively equipped with the latest technologies, state-of-the-art equipment, and premium resources to professionally implement any plumbing repair need, regardless of size or scope.

So when you need plumbing service and repair you can trust, count on Weilhammer Plumbing Company to put your mind at ease by providing affordable plumbing diagnostics and solutions that work for you. Contact us directly at 317-784-1870 to request a free estimate or discuss your plumbing concerns, anytime.

3 Ways to Instantly Upgrade Your Plumbing on a Budget

Posted on June 13, 2019 by weilhammerplumbing

As a wise investor, budget means everything to you, which sometimes means leaving out desired home improvement projects that would otherwise enhance the quality and comfort of your property. But if you have an itch to give your home a bit of a facelift this summer without spending too much, you can opt for some easy and inexpensive plumbing upgrades that can be done all on your own. A quick trip to your local home improvement store is the first step, and the second is all up to your personal style.

Continue reading to learn what you can do to enhance the look and performance of your home’s plumbing without sweating the price tag.

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❶ Faucets and Fixtures

Your home is likely full of faucets, from kitchen sinks and wet bars, to bathrooms, mudrooms, and more. Want an easy way to make your home look and feel different without spending an entire week’s pay? Simply switch out your old faucet systems for new ones! Not only is there a wide selection of styles and finishes to choose from, there are plenty within an economical price range. Best of all, you can easily install a faucet fixture on your own, which saves you money on labor.

❷ Shower Heads

Although guests won’t necessarily be able to appreciate the appeal unless they stay over, swapping out your old shower head fixtures for new, upgrades models is a terrific way to enhance your home life. A better quality shower head instantly makes a shower look nicer and newer, and it provides a higher level of pleasure and comfort for your daily shower time. Furthermore, a good shower head can be more efficient, saving you money on water and energy bills.

❸ Toilet Seats

Toilets are not much to look at. But when you decide to change the toilet seat to an upgraded version, you will understand just how easy it is to add some life back to you bathrooms. Best of all, you can find really great styles and designs, all for under $50. You can also consider installing toilet bowl LED lights that turn on when you lift the seat. Not only are these lights inexpensive and easy to install, they come in a variety of colors and patterns, and can help improve the safety of nighttime bathroom trips.

Indianapolis Plumbing Service and Advice

Call Weilhammer Plumbing Co. Inc. at 317-784-1870 when you need a licensed Indianapolis plumber you can trust for quality plumbing service and installation at an affordable price. We offer a wide range of standard and master plumber services for both residential and commercial properties. We also offer free estimates, free plumbing advice, and even free haul-away for old plumbing appliances like water heaters, water softeners, sump pumps, and more. Request a free estimate, today.

How to Fix a Leaky Pressure Relief Valve on a Water Heater

Posted on June 6, 2019 by weilhammerplumbing

Although it is strongly encouraged to have a licensed plumber assist you with all your water heater repair and maintenance needs, the process of replacing a pressure relief valve is not as complicated as some other plumbing tasks. Continue reading for a step-by-step instruction guide on how to swap out a defective pressure relief valve for a new one, as well as, what to do if you are not 100% confident about DIY plumbing repair.

Water Heater Installation and Repair 317-784-1870

Temperature and Pressure Relief Valves

The pressure relief valve on your hot water heater is also known as a temperature and pressure relief valve, T&P valve, or TRP valve. They are designed to release excess pressure from within the tank in the case that the water temperature gets too high. Basically, they prevent excess pressure buildup inside a water heater tank, making them incredibly important safety components.

Temperature and pressure relief valves are usually inexpensive, costing between $15 and $20 depending on the type you choose. They are available at any local home improvement store, plumbing parts store, or online. Just be sure you choose the proper T&P valve for your make and model water heater. Refer to the owners’ manual to confirm.

Replacing a T&P Valve

When you have a leak in your T&P valve, open and close it a few times to see if it will go away. If the leak does not stop within a day or two, you know it needs to be replaced. To replace a T&P valve, you will need a pipe wrench, and plumbers’ tape. If you have to replace the drain pipe, you will also need pipe glue and new piping that is designed for hot water, such as CPVC.

How to Get Started:

➀ Turn off the power. Depending on if you have a gas or electric water heater, you will need to either turn off the gas or flip the breaker to cut the power.

➁ Shut off the main cold water valve that feeds into your water heater.

➂ Turn on the valve at the bottom of the water heater, as well as, the T&P valve, to release any excess water and pressure. Allow them to drain for about a minute.

➃ Now you are ready to remove the overflow pipe from the T&P valve. However, if it is soldered or glued, it will need to be cut off. This is where you might decide to contact an Indianapolis plumber for help.

➄ Unscrew the old T&P valve using your pipe wrench.

➅ Grab your new T&P valve and wrap plumbers’ tape around the threads. Then screw the new valve onto your water heater making sure that the opening to the overflow pipe is turned away from the tank.

➆ Wrap plumbers’ tape on the threads of the drain pipe and put it back on the water heater.

➇ Turn your main cold water valve back on and check for any leaks. If you still have leaks, contact a licensed plumber for assistance. They may be able to give you DIY instructions over the phone or same-day service.

Professional Indianapolis Plumbing Service

Call Weilhammer Plumbing Co. Inc. at 317-784-1870 when you need a licensed plumber for Indianapolis water heater service and repair at an affordable price. We offer a wide range of standard and master plumber services for both residential and commercial properties. We also offer free estimates, free plumbing advice, and even free haul-away for old plumbing appliances like water heaters, water softeners, sump pumps, and more. Request a free estimate, today.

Facts About Instantaneous Water Heaters

Posted on May 29, 2019 by weilhammerplumbing

Instantaneous water heaters, or better known as, “tankless” water heaters, do not use a storage tank like most standard units. They are meant to deliver hot water on demand, or as needed, thus eliminating the need for a storage tank altogether. In fact, they are also called “on demand” or “demand” water heaters. Tankless water heaters have a lot to offer residential and commercial property owners, and operate in a unique way to allow instantaneous hot water whenever requested.

Continue reading to learn how instantaneous water heaters work and who to call for installation and price-point information in your town.

Indianapolis Water Heater Service 317-784-1870

On Demand Hot Water Heaters

On demand hot water heaters are known for their energy efficiency since they do not waste energy to heat water on the standby like most traditional models do. This not only reduces overall energy consumption, it can save money on monthly utility bills as well. Tankless units heat water in a direct way, as soon as it is requested; whether by faucet, washing machine, dishwasher, or other household appliance.

How It Works:

Cold water travels through a plumbing pipe and enters the unit. Then, a heating element (gas or electric) heats the water to the indicated temperature. Gas-powered units use a gas burner to heat water, while electric units use an electrical element to heat water.

It’s that simple!

With tankless water heaters, there is no waiting for a tank to fill with water, or running out of hot water. On demand water heaters provide a constant supply of hot water without wasting energy. However, the output does limit the units flow rate. Instantaneous hot water heaters generally provide hot water at a rate of 2 to 5 gallons per minute, but gas-powered units have a higher flow rate than electrical ones.

Either way, a tankless unit might limit a property’s ability to use multiple hot water appliances simultaneously. This means there might not be enough hot water to wash a load of whites while taking a shower upstairs. A common quick fix for this is to install two or more tankless water heaters in larger homes and homes with multiple occupants.

If you have questions about tankless water heaters, including sales and installation, call a licensed master plumber for accurate and reliable answers, as well as, trusted service. They retain the proper tools, training, experience, and knowledge to guide you in the right direction.

Who Can You Trust for Water Heater Service?

Call Weilhammer Plumbing Co. Inc. at 317-784-1870 for free estimates, advice, and information regarding hot water heaters, anytime. Not only are we state-licensed master plumbers who specialize in water heater repair and service, we gladly provide recommendations and advice. Whether residential or commercial, we can provide all the water heater services you need. Call 317-784-1870 to get started.

Common Water Heater Problems and How to Fix Them

Posted on May 24, 2019 by weilhammerplumbing

If you are having problems with your hot water, look no further than your property’s method of heating water. This is probably your water heater. Continue reading to review some of the most common water heater issues experienced by home owners, including what you can do about them.

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? No Hot Water

The most common reason why water stops heating up is the pilot light in a gas water heater, or a tripped breaker on an electric water heater. For gas models, if you cannot see a flame, then the light is out and you simply need to re-ignite it with a long lighter. But if it won’t re-light, it could be a separate gas-related issue, in which case you’ll need a licensed water heater service technician to inspect your unit right away. For electric models, simply fix the tripped breaker. If this doesn’t work, you may need to call in a professional.

? Water Takes Too 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.

? Water Heater is Noisy or Loud

The rumbling and growling noises that water heaters can make are likely the sounds of expanded hot water escaping from the sediment at the bottom of the tank. You see, the heating of water in your water heater causes calcium carbonate to precipitate out and settle as sediment at the bottom of the tank. Sand, dirt, calcium carbonate, mineral ions, and any other solid debris commonly makes up the sediment found at the bottom of hot water heater tanks. Regular flushing of your hot water heater helps prevent sediment build up. However, it sediment buildup is neglected for too long, it may require water heater replacement or repair.

? Hot Water is Murky or Brown

Yuck! No one wants to cook with or drink hot, brown water. So if the brown or murky water is only coming from the hot water tap, you may need to steer your attention toward your water heater. If your water heater is over 10 years old, it may need replaced. Otherwise, it needs inspected and serviced by a qualified professional to eliminate these kinds of problems. Fortunately, this issue can be solved with professional Indianapolis water heater repair.

Licensed Water Heater Service in Indianapolis

Call Weilhammer Plumbing Co. Inc. at 317-784-1870 for free estimates, advice, and information regarding Indianapolis hot water heater service, anytime. Not only are we state-licensed master plumbers who specialize in water heater repair and service, we gladly provide recommendations and advice. Whether residential or commercial, we can provide all the water heater services you need. Call 317-784-1870 to get started.

How to Fix a Running Toilet Handle

Posted on May 16, 2019 by weilhammerplumbing

Your toilet never seems to give you trouble. And then out of nowhere, the handle refuses to pop back into the position after a flush, causing your tank to run endlessly until you manually move the handle back into place. If you are suffering from this mind-numbing bathroom problem, continue reading to learn what you can do to fix it and prevent it from happening again.

Indianapolis Toilet Repair Plumber 317-784-1870

Fixing a Stuck Toilet Handle

There are a few different reasons why your toilet handle is sticking, and thus, causing your toilet to run and run until moved back into place. You see, the handle is attached to a lever assembly, which is attached to a wire or chain inside the tank. This lever and chain is attached to a flapper, or flush ball, which basically acts as a drain stopper. This setup springs a handle back into position after a flush.

But sometimes, this chain or wire connected to the lever assembly can get tangled or caught on another component, causing the toilet handle to stick. Now that you understand what may be causing your stubborn toilet handle problems, you are better equipped to fix it all on your own. Fortunately, it only takes a few simple adjustments to undo the jam.

Here’s What You Will Need:

☑ Rubber Gloves

Unless you don’t mind sticking your hands into the back of your toilet tank, it is recommended to don some cleaning gloves. But don’t worry too much; toilet tank water is actually very clean.

☑ Fingers

You will likely be touching, grasping, and moving around some components inside the tank, so be prepared to use your fingers to do the job.

How to Start:

⇰ First, look behind your toilet and shut off the toilet water supply valve by turning the handle clockwise.

⇰ Next, don your gloves and remove the tank lid from the back of your toilet.

⇰ Now flush your toilet.

⇰ Once the toilet is flushed, press the handle down a few times to observe the mechanical operation of all the moving components in the tank. This can tell you where the hang up is coming from. Watch the movement of the handle, lever, chain or wire, and the flapper.

⇰ If the float and connecting rod are in the way of the lever assembly, including the chain or wire, move it in another direction to stop the obstruction.

⇰ If you see a kink or snag in the chain, release it and set it straight.

⇰ Turn on your toilet water supply and flush your toilet to ensure smooth operation.

If You are Still Having Plumbing Issues…

When your toilet needs service, you need a state-licensed master plumber. Call Weilhammer Plumbing Co. Inc. at 317-784-1870 for professional master plumbing service and repair in Indianapolis, Indiana. Owner and Master plumber, Mark Weilhammer, is happy to give you free plumbing advice. Our highly trained and licensed plumbers provide a wide range of residential and commercial plumbing services; and as a family owned and operated company since 1901, you can trust us to deliver outstanding workmanship and customer support. Request a free estimate, today.

What Master Plumber Mark Weilhammer Has to Say About Tankless Water Heaters

Posted on May 9, 2019 by weilhammerplumbing

Did you call Weilhammer Plumbing Co. Inc. recently to inquire about tankless water heaters? If so, allow me to apologize if I bruised your feelings by pointing out all the political hype, flaws, and half-truths about tankless water heaters. Complaints are very easy to find on the internet about tankless heaters, but if your mind is already made up about purchasing and installing one, I am more than capable of referring you to an appliance company that will gladly, without thinking twice, take around $4,000 of your hard-earned money.

Indianapolis Plumbing Repair 317-784-1870

The reality is, I have nothing to gain by providing you with this information that I’ve acquired throughout the 40 years of my hands-on experience in the plumbing and water heating industry. I simply wish to help you to make an informed decision without a single string attached.

My Motto: “Keeping things simple usually works out for the best.”

Don’t Fall For the Hype Without Educating Yourself

Remember to read all of the fine print with tankless heaters before purchasing one. You see, “going green” with a tankless heater basically reminds me of my solar water heater experience back the ‘80’s. It’s the same marketed hype and half-truths on energy savings, “fuzzy math” on ROI, and promise of “energy tax credits”, all of which is designed to entice consumers to buy one. As for me, I will not fall for any of the hype, and I hope you do not either.

Don’t get me wrong; l love trees just as much as the next guy. But regardless of what the mass media and government say about “going green” with tankless water heating systems, you are not going to save money, let alone the planet for that matter, by opting for a tankless model.

Want to Go Green? Put Your Efforts into Something More Viable

If you insist on becoming a more eco-friendly version of yourself, it is much wiser (and greener) to use your hard-earned money to invest it in better insulation or windows in your home. I guarantee that you will see a dramatic savings in doing these two upgrades, rather than wasting spending $4,000 or more on a tankless water heater.

Call Me for Free Advice, Anytime!

Call me, Mark Weilhammer, owner and operator of Weilhammer Plumbing, at 317-784-1870 for free advice regarding water heater sales, installation, maintenance, repair, and replacement. I have more than 40 years of experience in the plumbing industry, and offer a wide range of water heater services for both commercial and residential properties, including free advice! Call me during regular office hours, or leave a message and I will return your call the following morning.

How Your Water Meter Can Confirm Plumbing Leaks

Posted on April 23, 2019 by weilhammerplumbing

Did you know that your water meter can detect leaks in your home’s plumbing? It’s true! Continue reading to learn how to read a water meter for water leaks, and who to call for trusted Indianapolis water leak repair at an affordable price.

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Water Meter Basics

Your water meter is a device set up and regulated by the city that measures and records the amount of water your home uses in a given time period, all for the purpose of billing. It is generally located on the outside of your home, typically near your gas and electricity meter, which are used in the same way by the city. Although your utility company is in charge of supervising and tending to your water meter, it is helpful to learn how to read it yourself, and even more helpful to check it every so often to ensure your residence is leak-free.

Here is how to check a water meter for plumbing leaks:

Step 1: Turn Off Your Water
Find your main water shut-off valve and close it so that your home does not have any running water activity while you check your readings.

Step 2: Check the Flow Indicator
The flow indicator is a small rotating wheel that detects water movement and flow. Open the cover of the water meter to find it.

Step 3: Detect Movement or No Movement
Is the flow indicator wheel moving? If so, you might have a water leak somewhere in your property. If it’s not moving, your home is likely leak-free.

No Flow Indicator?

If there is not a flow indicator on your water meter, simply grab a pen and paper, write down the numbers that you see on the meter and the number on the hand of the larger rotary dial. Wait one hour and then check the numbers again for any changes. If you see changes, you could have a leak. Either way, regardless of your findings, you need to call a licensed plumber for help.

But Take a Plumber’s Word For It

Although a water meter can indicate a plumbing leak, sometimes, it is actually due to a faulty water meter. For this reason, it is vital that you contact an Indianapolis plumber for help diagnosing a water leak. Water leaks can lead to a vast amount of costly damage and destruction, so never wait around to take action. Read our blog, “Important Warnings Regarding Residential Slab Leaks” to understand the importance of routine water leak inspections and maintenance.

Indianapolis Plumbing Service and Repair

Call Weilhammer Plumbing Co. Inc. at 317-784-1870 for professional plumbing service and repair in Indianapolis, Indiana. Owner and Master plumber, Mark Weilhammer, is happy to give you free plumbing advice. Our highly trained and licensed plumbers provide a wide range of residential and commercial plumbing services; and as a family owned and operated company since 1901, you can trust us to deliver outstanding workmanship and customer support. Request a free estimate, today.

Plumbing Noises That Should Be Taken Seriously

Posted on April 17, 2019 by weilhammerplumbing

Your plumbing system makes all sorts of noises, most of which are perfectly normal and nothing to be concerned about. However, there are some noises that should be taken seriously, as they may be an indication of something seriously wrong within your plumbing system. Continue reading to learn how to tell the difference between normal and abnormal sounds coming from your home’s plumbing.

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Normal Sounds

You have various components in your plumbing system, from water heaters and water softeners, to fixtures, pipes, and more. Loud sounds like whizzing, clinking, vibrating, and even banging are typically normal because they are simply residuals noises that result from standard plumbing operations. But any other noises outside of these may call for some concern.

Abnormal Sounds

As mentioned, some plumbing sounds are signs that something within your plumbing system is defective, failing, or broken down. Although there are various strange noises that point towards plumbing problems, some of the most concerning noises to look out for include whining, dripping, and bubbling.

If you hear any of these kinds of noises coming from your washing machine, sump pump, water heater, water softener, shower, plumbing pipes, or anywhere else in your plumbing system, you must act fast to diagnose and resolve the issue before it can lead to costly repairs and invasion renovations from water and mold damage.

⚟ Whining Sounds

If you are hearing whining, whistling, squeaking, or other high-pitched noises coming from pipes or any other plumbing-related system, especially when you turn on a faucet, it could mean that you have a damaged or defective pressure-reducing valve. If you fail to have this issue repaired, it could cause burst pipes, flooding, and more.

⚟ Dripping Sounds

Any kind of dripping noise within your home is a cause for concern, as it most definitely means there is a leak at large somewhere. Whether it is a barely-audible dripping, or a loud, fast one, you must take action as soon as possible to repair the leak and prevent costly flooding and water damage. Never take your chances when you hear water dripping.

⚟ Bubbling Sounds

Bubbling, sloshing, and gurgling noises are usually an indication that there is air trapped within your pipes. It can also mean that you have an unresolved clog or even a sewer problem. Regardless of the cause, this is a serious plumbing issue that can lead to even more serious pecuniary consequences. Keep in mind, this kind of problem will only worsen overtime, so act fast!

Indianapolis Plumbing Inspections and Repairs

How to Fix a Dripping Outdoor Faucet

Posted on April 10, 2019 by weilhammerplumbing

The overnight temperatures have steadily been above freezing, leading several homeowners to begin their annual gardening and landscaping. If you are one of these individuals, then you too have likely brought out all your needed tools and supplies, such as gloves, shovels, trowels, pots, fertilizer, mulch, and of course watering jugs. Now, since it has been several months since you have last turned on your outdoor faucet, also known as a hose bibb, you may notice some perpetual dripping. This is common, and usually caused by freeze-thaw cycles, which can loosen the packing nut beneath the bibb.

Regardless of why your outdoor spigot is dripping, fixing it should be at the top of your springtime to-do list. Otherwise, you can face a long list of consequences, including additional plumbing damage, increase water bills, and more. Tightening the packing nut generally does the trick, but the dripping could be due to a faulty or defective washer, which would have to be replaced.

Continue reading for a quick, step-by-stop guide to stopping an outdoor faucet from dripping all season long.

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What You Will Need:

☑ Pliers or an Adjustable Wrench
☑ A Replacement Rubber Washer

Step ➀:

Using your pliers or adjustable wrench, tighten the packing nut located underneath the faucet tap. Wait an hour to see if the dripping resides. If the bibb continues to drip, you will need to replace the rubber washer. See how to begin in the next step.

Step ➁:

Shut off your main water valve to the outdoor faucet.

Step ➂:

Turn the packing nut counterclockwise to loosen it from the bibb.

Step ➃:

Remove the handle and stem from the faucet housing.

Step ➄:

Remove the screw from the stem, on the side that has the rubber washer.

Step ➅:

Replace the rubber washer on the stem with a new one.

Step ➆:

Reattach the screw (the one removed in Step 5) on the stem that holds the rubber washer in place.

Step ➇:

Reinsert the stem into the faucet housing.

Step ➈:

Tighten the packing nut by turning it clockwise.

Step ➉:

Turn your main water valve back on and inspect your bibb for leaks.

If This Does Not Work…
Hire a State-Licensed Plumber for Help!

Contact Weilhammer Plumbing Company at 317-784-1870 for help with your plumbing repairs in Indianapolis, Indiana. Our state-licensed master plumbers have been in the plumbing business for over 100 years because we have earned the trust of thousands of Hoosiers all across the city as a result of our professional service and outstanding results. Request a free estimate or advice, today.