How to Fix a Toilet That Won’t Flush

Posted on April 11, 2017 by weilhammerplumbing

Toilet Repair Plumber 317-784-1870

As one of the most vital appliances in any home, your toilet is not something you want to stop working. Unless you want to live as society did before modern indoor plumbing, it is in your best interest to take fast action when your toilet starts to malfunction. There are many toilet problems that are best addressed by a professional plumber, but there are also a few that can be managed all on your own! And one of the most common toilet malfunctions happens to be a repair that you can fix yourself.

We are talking about when a toilet won’t flush. If this is a common occurrence in your home, continue reading to learn how to take care of it, fast.

Check the Water Shut-Off Valve

It is possible for cleaning and other activities shift the water shut-off valve out of place. This impedes water flow to the toilet, thus reducing the amount of water in the toilet bowl after a few flushes, which then lowers the water level too low to flush. To reverse this situation, look for the water shut-off valve at the base of the toilet, and then turn it all the way to the left until it’s in the full open position. To check if your issue is solved, simply flush the toilet to see if it works!

Use Your Plunger to Combat a Clog

Sometimes, the water shut-off valve is not the underlying problem. If the above trick doesn’t work, then you need to check if your pipes are clogged. 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.

Check the Flapper

The flapper inside the back part of the toilet can get knocked off. Open the lid of the back of the toilet and find yours. If the chain is kinked up or the plug is knocked out of place, simply use your fingers to set it back on track. Then try flushing to see if it worked. If none of the above tricks works for your toilet, then it is time to call a professional plumber for help.

Indianapolis Toilet Plumbing

Weilhammer Plumbing Company 317-784-1870

Call Weilhammer Plumbing Company at 317-784-1870 for help with toilet plumbing in Indianapolis, Indiana. Owner and master plumber, Mark Weilhammer, is happy to answer your questions about toilet repair, replacement, maintenance, and more. We offer free estimates, free advice, and free haul-away for old plumbing appliances too. Call 317-784-1870 to speak with a licensed Indianapolis plumber, today.

A Quick Guide to Draining a Toilet

Posted on April 5, 2017 by weilhammerplumbing

Toilet Repair Plumber 317-784-1870

In the case that a toilet must be removed, whether for replacement or repair, there is a good chance that it will need to be drained first. Although draining a toilet may sound like an easy and straight-forward project, without the right knowledge, you can quickly have a disaster on your hands. Furthermore, you could potentially injure yourself or damage your plumbing. For these reasons, it is recommended to use a licensed plumber for all your toilet repairs and maintenance needs. They have the proper knowledge, tools, and resources to provide professional service you can trust.

However, if you are committed to your DIY toilet project, continue reading to learn a few effective methods for draining a toilet properly. And in the case that you change your mind, you’ll find information on who to call for prompt service at an affordable price!

Materials You May Need:

Plunger
Siphoning Hose
Bucket
Cup or Bowl
Large Sponge
Wet/Dry Vacuum

You may use one or a combination of the above-mentioned materials. Together, they can all effectively drain water from a toilet bowl. Just be sure to wear rubber gloves for protection!

Choose the Method that Works for You:

Method 1 – Plunge the Water

You can use a plunger in the standard up-and-down motion to relieve a toilet bowl of its water. The plunging motion pushes the water back down into the pipe, and within 2 to 3 tries, your toilet bowl should be empty.

Method 2 – Siphon the Water

Although a bit technical, siphoning the water is another effective method to draining a toilet. Visit your local home improvement store to purchase a siphoning hose, or simply cut an old hose down to size. Put the other end of the hose in the bathtub to drain. If the tub is too far, use a large bucket.

Method 3 – Scoop the Water

Although not a first-choice, you can choose to scoop the water out of the toilet basin with a small cup or bowl. Dump the eliminated water into the tub or a large bucket. Once you get to the very last bit of water, use a smaller container to remove it, such as a toothpaste cap.

Method 4 – Sponge the Water

You can, if you choose, use a large, absorbent sponge to remove the water from the toilet. This does take more time, but it can be equally effective as all the other methods. Simply dip the sponge, absorb all the water it will take, and then ring it out in the bathtub or large bucket. Repeat until you are done!

Method 5 – Vacuum the Water

The quickest and most effective method for draining a toilet is to use a wet/dry vacuum to suck all the water out. Just be sure you know how to utilize a wet/dry vacuum properly, and don’t purchase one just for the job unless you are sure you will use it again in the future. They are not cheap appliances!

Indianapolis Toilet Repair and Replacement

Weilhammer Plumbing Company 317-784-1870

Call Weilhammer Plumbing Company at 317-784-1870 for all your Indianapolis toilet repair and replacement needs. Owner Mark Weilhammer provides residential and commercial plumbing service, as well as, master plumber services. He is a state-licensed master plumber who can deliver safe and effective plumbing repair at an affordable price. Call 317-784-1870 to request a free estimate, today.

How to Solve a Water Hammer Problem

Posted on March 14, 2017 by weilhammerplumbing

Water Hammer Repair 317-784-1870

Is your plumbing system noisy? After you shut off a faucet, do you experience a loud bang, a strong vibration, and a lingering hiss? This is called water hammer, and it is the most common noisy plumbing problem among homeowners. Fortunately, there are a few simple ways to solve a water hammer issue, and many of which are reasonably affordable. And some you can even do yourself! Continue reading to learn which options you have for repairing water hammer in your plumbing system.

What is Water Hammer?

Technically referred to as hydraulic shock, water hammer is one of the most common noisy plumbing issues; but noise is not the worst part about it. Water hammer is actually damaging to your plumbing system, and should be addressed in a timely manner to prevent costly plumbing repairs, appliance repairs, and pipe replacement. The sounds and reverberations experienced at the time water hammer occurs is a result of water traveling through your plumbing pipes at thousands of feet per second while exerting hundreds of pounds of pressure per inch. But what causes water hammer to begin with?

Causes

Water Hammer Repair 317-784-1870

When water is traveling at high speeds and extreme pressure through your plumbing pipes, an abrupt halting of the water flow (shutting off the faucet or valve quickly) will cause the resulting noise and reverberations. The loud bang you hear is actually the pipes colliding with one another and against other framing components of the home. This is where the damage can happen. Homes are usually fitted with a plumbing piece called an air chamber to absorb the shock produced when water is traveling at high speeds under high pressure. Air chambers are generally fitted on the hot and cold water lines near the faucet or water intake valve. They are usually not visible, and sometimes hidden inside walls. Older homes may not have air chambers but should, and newer homes are usually equipped with them already.

Solutions

If your air chamber is filled with water, you can solve this problem by draining your plumbing pipes, thus restoring the air back into the chambers and recharging your plumbing system. For a long-term solution, you could have your trusted master plumber install an engineered or mechanical water hammer arrestor. These devices are charged with air or gas, and do not fail under pressure. The best solution for preventing water hammer problems is to have your plumbing installed properly, the first time. If you are concerned about the condition of your home’s plumbing, talk to your local Indianapolis plumber for inspection, diagnostic, and repair services.

Indianapolis Plumbers

Weilhammer Plumbing Company Indianapolis Indiana

Weilhammer Plumbing Company 317-784-1870

Call Weilhammer Plumbing Company at 317-784-1870 for water hammer repair in Indianapolis, Indiana. Master plumber, Mark Weilhammer, is happy to provide free estimates, free advice, and a wide range of affordable plumbing services for residential and commercial properties. Call 317-784-1870 to request a free estimate for Indianapolis water hammer repair, today.

The Advantages of Electric Water Heaters

Posted on March 8, 2017 by weilhammerplumbing

Electric Water Heater Repair 317-784-1870

Whether you’re moving into a new home or replacing an old unit, you will be faced with the decision of choosing among all the different types of water heaters on the market. Hot water heaters can be powered by many energy sources, so you have the option of buying a unit that runs off natural gas, fuel oil, propane, geothermal power, solar power, electricity, or even a heat pump. Out of these options, one has made quite the impression on home and business owners over the last few years: electric water heaters. Electric units have gained popularity since newer, more dependable models have been introduced to the market. If you are trying to decide among all the hot water heater options out there, continue reading to learn why electric water heaters are so beneficial.

Traditional Water Heaters

To better understand the various benefits of electric water heaters, it is helpful to review how a traditional model works. Traditional hot water heaters come with an 80 gallon tank, or larger depending on the property’s hot water needs. This tank holds heated water that is ready to use, instantly. Cold water enters through the bottom of the tank from the city’s main water supply, and it is heated to a preset temperature. It remains at this temperature at all times inside the tank.

Tankless On Demand Water Heaters

Just like traditional “tank-style” units, it is helpful to review how tankless water heaters work as well. These units do not come with a large-gallon tank, and instead, only heats water when it is requested for immediate use. This reduces standby-energy loss, making it a more efficient method of heating water. Now let’s take a look at the many advantages offered by tankless and tank-style electric water heaters!

Electric Water Heaters

Traditional Tank-Style:

Tank-style electric water heaters come with storage tanks between 20 and 80 gallons. They operate by using two separate heating elements, each with their own thermostat. The first heating element is positioned at the top of the storage tank. It is designed to recover more hot water in the case that more hot water is demanded. The second heating element is found at the bottom of the tank, and its job is to maintain the preset temperature setting. In contract to traditional, gas water heaters, electric units are incredibly efficient because the water is not being heated at all times.

Tankless On Demand:

If you are looking for even more energy efficiency, a tankless electric water heater is the right choice for your home. Water is only heated upon request, making these units extremely energy efficient. Here’s how they work: Cold water enters through the bottom of the unit where it is heated to a preset temperature, and then it is then sent through the hot water lines, directly up to the faucets. This process takes between 5 to 10 seconds from the time you turn on the water.

Indianapolis Water Heater Installation

Weilhammer Plumbing Company 317-784-1870

Call Weilhammer Plumbing Company at 317-784-1870 for professional electric water heater service in Indianapolis, Indiana. Owner, Mark Weilhammer, is a state-licensed master plumber who employs a team of licensed and insured plumbing contractors with decades of experience. We offer a wide range of standard and master plumber services for residential and commercial properties, and specialize in water heater installation and repair. Call 317-784-1870 to request a free estimate for Indianapolis water heater installation, today.

4 Reasons Why Trenchless Pipe Repair is Better

Posted on March 3, 2017 by weilhammerplumbing

Indianapolis Master Plumber 317-784-1870

Traditional methods of pipe repair and replacement are tedious, expensive, and even risky. Fortunately, property owners can opt for a more efficient and cost-effective way of repairing pipes called trenchless pipe replacement. Trenchless pipe replacement is also known as hydraulic pipe laying and fitting. And there are 4 very good reasons why it is a better method than traditional pipe replacement. Continue reading to learn what they are, and who to call for trusted master plumbing services in your town.

Advantages of Hydraulic Pipe Laying

It’s Cost-Effective. The total cost of trenchless pipe repair is much less than the total cost of traditional methods. That is because less labor is needed to implement the service, as well as, less materials, less machinery, and less time.

It’s Efficient. Not only is trenchless pipe replacement more efficient because it is just easier than traditional methods, it is also less likely to run into delays. For instance, when digging a traditional trench to repair or replace piping, a worker can stumble across an unexpected obstacle, like exposed cabling or an unknown pipe in the way. They would have to decide to stop all work or try to continue around it, which takes more time.

It’s Non-Disruptive. Since trenchless pipe repair is much less invasive compared to traditional methods, it is less disruptive to our surroundings, schedule, living space, and more. It is also less noise, which means neighbors are not disrupted while the work is being carried out.

It’s Less Damaging. Because there is no need to dig large, obtrusive trenches to perform trenchless pipe repair, less damage is incurred to the environment and the surrounding community. This can damage streets, sidewalks, playgrounds, and other surrounding areas for a temporary amount of time. And then when the work is finished, the landscaping and surroundings will need to be restored.

Indianapolis Master Plumber

Weilhammer Plumbing Company 317-784-1870

Call Weilhammer Plumbing Co. Inc. at 317-784-1870 for professional master plumber services in Indianapolis, Indiana. Owner, Mark Weilhammer, is a state-licensed master plumber with decades of experience in the plumbing service industry. His family owned and operated company has served the Hoosier communities for over 100 years! We offer comprehensive commercial and residential master plumbing services at competitive prices. Call 317-784-1870 to request a free estimate, today.

Information About Replacing Wax Toilet Seals

Posted on February 14, 2017 by weilhammerplumbing

Indianapolis Toilet Plumber 317-784-1870

We really don’t put much thought into our toilets until they give us some fuss. Then we realize how vital these fixtures are to our lives! Fortunately, many toilet issues are manageable with a quality plunger and some store-bought supplies; and for all others, there’s always a local plumber available to fix all of your toilet problems and answer all of your plumbing questions. Some of the most common questions plumbers get about toilets has to do with problem leaks and lingering odors.

And one of the most common causes for this kind of toilet trouble has to do with a little, unsuspecting part called a wax O-ring, or wax seal. This seal is usually a “set it and forget it” kind of part because they generally last anywhere from 20 to 30 years with good care. But sometimes, a wax toilet seal needs to be replaced.

Continue reading to learn the most common scenarios in which a toilet wax ring replacement would be necessary.

Toilet Connections

Your toilet is fixed to a closet flange, which is essentially the part that connects the bottom of the toilet to the drainpipe under your bathroom floor. In between the closet flange and the toilet is where you will find the wax O-ring. The purpose of this seal is very important: it prevents water from leaking as it travels down to the drainpipe. Not only does it prevent water leaks, it prevents putrid sewer gases from leaking out as well. And as mentioned, wax toilet seals can last 2 or 3 decades with proper maintenance and care, but sometimes they need replaced beforehand.

When to Replace Wax Toilet Rings:

🚽 Leakage Issues – If your toilet is experiencing water leaks at its base, especially after flushing, or you notice a lingering foul odor in your bathroom, it could be due to a defective or deteriorated wax seal. In this case, you would need a licensed plumber to inspect your toilet and plumbing to determine the root cause, and to then replace the toilet seal if it is the actual problem. This requires removing the toilet, is it is not a task that is recommended to do on your own.

🚽 Toilet Replacement – If you are replacing an old toilet with a new one, you will also need to have the toilet seal replaced. In fact, anytime a toilet must be lifted, the seal should be replaced too. This could happen for clogged drain repair, water leak inspection, toilet installation, and more. Old wax rings cannot be used when replacing or installing a toilet.

Toilet Plumbing Care

Be sure to have your toilet plumbing inspected and addressed as soon as you notice a difference in performance. By staying current with all your plumbing maintenance, you can avoid costly repair bills and unexpected disasters.

Indianapolis Plumbers

Weilhammer Plumbing Company 317-784-1870

Call Weilhammer Plumbing Company at 317-784-1870 for professional and prompt plumbing repair in Indianapolis, Indiana. Owner and master plumber, Mark Weilhammer, and his team are eager to provide affordable and swift solutions for your plumbing problems. We offer a wide range of commercial and residential plumbing services, including water heaters, water softeners, sump pumps, and more! Call 317-784-1870 to speak with one of our Indianapolis plumbers, today.

Weilhammer Plumbing Company Writes its 100th Blog!

Posted on February 9, 2017 by weilhammerplumbing

Read Our Plumbing Blogs!

Find the all the answers to your plumbing questions right here on the Weilhammer Plumbing Blog Page! You’ll also find useful tips, advice, and instructional information on countless plumbing repair and maintenance topics!

Important Topics, Helpful Tips, DIY Guides, and More!

Read Our Plumbing Blogs!

Weilhammer Plumbing Company is proud to announce they now have more than 100 plumbing-related blogs on their blog page, and they are all free for anyone to access online! Not only can you find information and tips about plumbing repair and maintenance, you can also read about water heaters, water softeners, energy efficiency, water quality, water purification, tips, DIY guides, and much more! Our blogs are reader-friendly, using a simple language to cover a wide range of topics related to the plumbing industry. They offer plumbing information based on modern technology, practical applications, fundamental concepts, current trends, innovations, and various other areas. If you have questions about your plumbing system, our blog page is a great place to start looking for instant answers you can count on!

We are licensed, bonded, and insured master plumbing contractors with more than 100 years of experience in the plumbing service and repair industry. Our company has served the Hoosier communities since 1901! And to this very day, we are just as passionate about integrity, professionalism, and sincere customer support. That is why we offer a wide range of competitively-priced plumbing services for both commercial and residential properties. On top of plumbing, we also service water heaters, water softeners, water systems, and sump pumps!

Expert Indianapolis Plumbers You Can Trust

As skilled plumbing professionals with decades of experience, you can trust that our plumbing blog page is current, informative, and helpful. And if you can’t find the answer you are looking for, simply call our office directly at 317-784-1870 for personal assistance! We are happy to take your call, answer your questions for free, and discuss your plumbing concerns without any pressure to use our services. But if you do need plumbing service, repair, installation, or sales, we are the Indianapolis plumbing company to choose!

Weilhammer Plumbing Company

Weilhammer Plumbing Company 317-784-1870

Call Weilhammer Plumbing Company at 317-784-1870 for professional 24 hour pluming service in Indianapolis, Indiana and its surrounding counties. Owner, Mark Weilhammer, and our team of licensed plumbing contractors, are standing by to help you solve your plumbing problems at an affordable price. Not only do we have the most competitive prices in town, we also offer free estimates, free advice, and free haul-away services for old or broken appliances! Call out office directly at 317-784-1870 to learn more about our Indianapolis plumbing company, and see for yourself just how committed we are to our customers!

Fundamental Tool Kit for the DIY Plumber

Posted on February 3, 2017 by weilhammerplumbing

Indianapolis Plumbing Repair 317-784-1870

Not every plumbing repair requires the expertise of a master plumber, or residential plumber at that. No, there are plumbing mishaps that can be corrected by a handy homeowner with the right set of tools. If you are the DIY type, then you should equip yourself with the proper kit.

Every do-it-yourself plumber should have a specific set of tools and gadgets to help them with the around-the-house plumbing needs. If you have a clogged drain or leaky faucet, are you equipped to resolve the problem at hand? With these tools, you will be every time!

Tools for Do-It-Yourself Plumbing Jobs

There are many in-home plumbing repairs that can be accomplished by a handy DIY homeowner. For example, snaking a drain, leaky faucets, clogged toilets, calcified shower heads, and more are some common everyday plumbing issues. The first tool any person needs for in-home plumbing repair is a plunger. It goes without saying; a plunger is a very necessary tool for every home. Plungers are used to dislodge buildup and fix a clogged toilet.

Another basic plumbing tool is a pipe wrench. It’s an adjustable wrench that can change size to grip any pipe. It is used to open and close pipe connectors and hard to loosen bolts. This wrench comes in handy when a faucet is leaking, or even a pipe below the sink or behind the washer.

Last, every home needs a drain cleaner or snake. It is a device that can be extended and retracted to retrieve drain clogging debris like hair and soap buildup. It is an alternative to chemical drain cleaner. Shower drains and sink drains can easily become clogged over time. It is important to be ready to fix these clogs before they turn into a more serious repair. In this case, you would call a licensed plumbing company.

Indianapolis Plumbers

Weilhammer Plumbing Company 317-784-1870

When DIY plumbing is not an option, call Weilhammer Plumbing Company at 317-784-1870 for fast and professional Indianapolis plumbers you can trust. Owner, Mark Weilhammer, is a state-licensed master plumber who has more than 50 years of experience. We offer a wide range of commercial and residential plumbing services, including plumbing repair, water leak inspection and repair, routine plumbing maintenance, appliance installation, water heater repair, water softener repair, and much more! Call 317-784-1870 to request an estimate for plumbing service in Indianapolis, Indiana today.

4 Critical Steps to Prevent a Water Heater Explosion

Posted on January 16, 2017 by weilhammerplumbing

Water Heater Repair and Service 317-784-1870

When you go long periods of time without checking up on the condition of your water heater, you are putting your safety and your savings at risk. When water heaters are not serviced properly, they begin to corrode, defect, and breakdown overtime. This is the easy version. Sometimes, in addition to (and as a result of) the aforementioned damages, water heaters can also rupture and explode. This is not only dangerous and destructive, it is very costly to undo.

The average cost of renovating after a water heater explosion can be devastating; ranging anywhere from $4,000 to $10,000 and more, depending on the amount of structural damages and needed flood repairs. This doesn’t include any associated medical expenses for related injuries or trauma. There are four ways to prevent water heaters from bursting, and they should all be performed by a licensed contractor well-versed in water heater service. Continue reading to learn the four critical steps to stopping your water heater from ever exploding.

❶ Flush and Drain the Tank Once a Year

Hard minerals like magnesium and calcium buildup inside water heater tanks over time, which impedes water heater performance capacity. To avoid sediment accumulation, you must have the tank flushed annually. If you hear knocking or other strange noises, your water heater tank may need to be flushed. This service should be carried out by a licensed professional well-versed and trained in water heater repair. Check client reviews and credentials before making a hiring decision.

❷ Replace the Anode Rod As Needed

The anode rod on a hot water heater is a valuable component. It prevents water heater tank corrosion by corroding itself. This is why it is commonly referred to as a “sacrificial” anode rod. If this part is not replaced as needed, which is usually once every 5 or 6 years, it will cause the glass lining within the tank to corrode in its place. This leads to faster deterioration and costly water heater repairs or replacements. Again, have a professional provide this service, which leads to the third method of preventing water heater explosions…

❸ Get Annual Service and Maintenance for Your Water Heater

Hire a professional service to maintenance your hot water heater at least once per year, twice if living in a larger home or home with multiple occupants. Regular maintenance is imperative to sustaining a safe and functional water heater. It prevents dangerous explosions and costly breakdowns, keeping you comfortable all year long.

❹ Replace a Bad Water Heater ASAP

If a water heater is simply beyond repair, and should be replaced, don’t hold onto it for another second! This could be dangerous and is one of the most common reasons for water heater explosions. Don’t try to continue using a bad water heater; replace it as soon as you know it’s no good anymore.

Indianapolis Water Heater Repair

Weilhammer Plumbing Company 317-784-1870

Call Weilhammer Plumbing Company at 317-784-1870 for Indianapolis water heater repair you can count on all hours of the day and night. Owner and master plumber Mark Weilhammer, as well as his team of licensed plumbers, provide 24 hour emergency water heater repair and replacement services. We also offer residential and commercial plumbing repair at the most competitive prices in Indianapolis! Call 317-784-1870 to get started today!

Water Heater Warranty Reminders for Homeowners

Posted on January 9, 2017 by weilhammerplumbing

Water Heater Repair and Service 317-784-1870

As a homeowner, you most likely have a water heater somewhere in the house. If not, you own another type of appliance that heats the homes’ water. When it comes to owning a water heater, certain precautions must be taken; and buying a warranty is one of them. In these warranties; however, there can be some fine writing that is, often times, overlooked by the average home owner. Be sure to dig deep into the warranties offered by water heater brands, and learn where you’re protected and where you’re not.

Know the Length of Your Warranty

Do you know if your water heater is currently under warranty? Do you know how long your warranty is for? In most cases, water heater warranties range anywhere from one to five years. If your appliance is older than five years, you may not be covered under your manufacturer’s warranty anymore. If you are still under warranty, be sure to check out the limitations and constrictions in your purchasing agreement. See how long your warranty is in place. Once you have this information, you can determine whether or not you can use your warranty for repair, need a new warranty, or a new water heater altogether.

New Warranty vs. New Water Heater

If your water heater is already four or five years old on a six year warranty, is it a better choice to buy a new water heater with a brand new warranty protection; or to keep your aging appliance and purchase a new warranty? This is a decision many homeowners face when it comes to water heater warranties. The best way to determine which decision suits your needs best, is to ask yourself a few questions. Do you plan to live in the home for another five to six years? If so, perhaps purchasing a new unit would be more beneficial. You can have a brand new high performance appliance, with a brand new warranty attached. On the other hand; are you moving or selling the home soon? If so, then re-purchasing another warranty is probably a better financial position, long-term.

Indianapolis Water Heater Repair You Can Trust!

Weilhammer Plumbing Company 317-784-1870

Call Weilhammer Plumbing Company at 317-784-1870 for prompt and professional Indianapolis water heater repair or to request free information about water heater warranties, anytime. Master plumber and owner, Mark Weilhammer, has more than 50 years of experience in the plumbing service industry. In fact, our family owned and operated company has been in business for over 100 years! That’s experience you can trust! Call today for reliable water heater repair in Indianapolis, Indiana.