New Construction Plumbing Tips

Posted on September 15, 2015 by weilhammerplumbing

Indianapolis Plumbing Repair 317-784-1870

When building a new home or office, it is important to plan out all the plumbing very carefully. To do this accurately, you will need the help of a master plumbing contractor. Together, you will decide which plumbing set-ups and strategies are best for your new property and its surroundings. In the process, it is wise to review some basic, recommended new construction plumbing tips to gain better knowledge of the process and its best practices.

New Home Plumbing

Most of the time, the major plumbing plans are addressed and designed in the first stage of construction. Virtually everything is by code, and will be built the way the home construction company’s model is built. However, there are several areas where home buyers can add in their own personal preferences. As for plumbing here are some things to consider and decide upon:

Have all the major utility appliance connections installed in the basement or on the main floor for homes without sub levels. This includes the furnace, water heater, and water softener. It is wise to have the water heater set in an aluminum drain pain that plumbs to the sanitary sewer.

If there is a basement in the home, be sure all of these connections are in the same corner, including the sewer connection, sump pit, sewage ejector pit, main water shut-off, and the above-mentioned utility appliances.

For homes built on a crawl space, it is recommended to have a main water shut-off valve plumbed into the indoor living area of the property to make it easily accessible. And as for the sump pump, have the discharge line plumbed to a storm sewer, or some other cesspit far from the property. And be sure to have a battery or water-powered backup system!

When it comes to water softeners, whether you intend to have one or not, be sure the home is built with water softener connections. This is important for resale value.

It is also great for resale value to plumb the home for several fuel-type appliances. This gives future homeowners a choice on gas, electric, oil, and more in terms of water heaters, water softeners, and furnaces.

Weilhammer Plumbing Co. Inc.

Weilhammer Plumbing Company 317-784-1870

Call Weilhammer Plumbing Co. Inc. at 317-784-1870 for plumbing information and advice you can trust. We have been a family owned and operated plumbing company for more than 100 years in Indianapolis! Owner and master plumber, Mark Weilhammer, retains decades of experience in the plumbing industry and offers skilled plumbing services at the most competitive prices in town. We even offer plumbing repair coupons and discounts! Call 317-784-1870 for prompt and professional plumbing services or emergency plumbing repair in Indianapolis, IN.

How to “Go Green” with Indoor Plumbing

Posted on August 18, 2015 by weilhammerplumbing

Indianapolis Plumbing Repair 317-784-1870

In today’s world, eco-friendly practices and lifestyles are popular ventures for families, homes, businesses, schools, and more. “Going green” is a positive trend that almost anyone can achieve with a few mindful changes. Simply turning the water faucet off while you brush your teeth, for instance, is a great start; as well as, recycling your water bottles and soda cans, keeping the lights off in unoccupied rooms, closing the shades on a hot day, investing in rain barrels for water flowers, and much more.

The possibilities are endless for greener living, and as for plumbing, the principle is the same. There are several options for home and business owners that desire an Eco-friendlier plumbing system. So if you are interested in going green yourself, continue reading to learn how indoor plumbing can be eco-friendly and energy efficient.

Pressure Reducing Valves (PRV)

Contact a reputable master plumber to have your plumbing valves replaced with pressure reducing ones. You see, the average home’s water pressure is usually set too high, around 70 psi or more. It can stand to go a little lower, closer to 35 or 40 psi, for the sake of saving energy and reducing water consumption. Installing pressure reducing valves can improve energy efficiency and conserve water, which of course reduces monthly utility costs as well!

High-Efficiency Toilets (HET)

A great way to conserve more water each month is to replace your existing toilet with a high efficiency version. Older model toilets still use over 3 gallons of water per flush, but fortunately, modern federal regulations mandate that all new toilets must not use more than 1.6 gallons per flush. This was certainly a leap in the right direction, but it can get better. Installing a high-efficiency toilet can get the amount of water per flush down to as low as 1.2 gallons!

High-Efficiency Water Heaters

Just like toilets, you can also replace your existing water heater for a modern high-efficiency version. Tankless and on demand water heaters are common examples of a high-efficiency water heaters. They only heat water when it’s requested, rather than running all day to store hot water in a tank. This reduces energy and lowers utility costs.

Plumbing Fixtures

There are a couple plumbing fixtures you can replace to make your home more energy efficient and environmentally conscience. For example, you can choose to swap out your shower-heads for high-performance versions. These eco-friendly versions use virtually 30% less water than the average standard shower-head fixture. And you won’t even notice the difference in water pressure because they are designed to effectively use water to produce a satisfying and fulfilling shower experience.

In addition to shower-heads, you can install water-saving faucets too. These eco-friendly faucets use less water but still maintain adequate water pressure. This saves up to one gallon of water per minute! This is a wise installation for bathrooms, kitchens, outdoor faucets, and more.

Indianapolis Master Plumber

Weilhammer Plumbing Company 317-784-1870

Call Weilhammer Plumbing Co. Inc. at 317-784-1870 when you need a licensed master plumber in Indianapolis and its surrounding towns. Master plumber Mark Weilhammer, and his team of licensed plumbing contractors, provide a wide range of skilled plumbing services for both residential and commercial properties. Call 317-784-1870 for prompt and professional plumbing repair in Indianapolis you can trust!

Standard Plumbing Valves and How They Work

Posted on July 1, 2015 by weilhammerplumbing

Plumbing Repair 317-784-1870

There are three basic styles of plumbing valves: gate valves, stop valves, and ball valves. Each valve-type has its own individual characteristics, advantages, disadvantages, and purposes. However, they can only be used for oil, water, and airflow control if the castings are labeled with the acronym, “WOG”, which stands for water, oil, and gas. Continue reading the learn more about stop, gate, and ball valves, how they work, and how they differ from one another.

Stop Valves

Stop valves operate with the aid of a rubber gasket that shuts off water flow in a pipe. To close off water flow, the rubber gasket is screwed onto a seat located in the middle of the valve. Appliances like sinks, toilets, and outdoor faucets commonly use smaller versions of stop valves. In order for stop valves to work properly, they must be installed in the right direction, in the way of the arrow, so that water flows against the bottom of the rubber gasket. If installed in the wrong direction, the water flow will force the gasket away from the valve.

Gate Valves

Also referred to as, “full-flow” valves, gate valves are commonly used in commercial and industrial pipe and plumbing applications. They are multipurpose bi-directional shutoff valves that are manufactured in a variety of metals, including cast iron, brass, and bronze. They retain a gate-like component inside that either raises or lowers, allowing or discontinuing water flow in a pipe. This gate is controlled by a knob at the top of the valve that twists right and left to open and close the metal gate component. Gate valves are not intended to customize water flow and pressure by adjusting the gate height. They are only intended to be opened all the way, or closed all the way. One downside to gate valves is their vulnerability to corrosion, which overtime, can cause the gate component to stick in the up or down position.

Ball Valves

Ball valves use a stainless steel (or sometimes brass, bronze, copper iron, and more) rotating ball with a hole drilled in its center that pivots in plastic bushings. The ball is generally controlled by a lever that is directly connected to it. It is similar to a gate valve because it also a full-flow type valve. The position of the lever indicates whether the valve is open or closed. The valve is closed if the hole in the ball is perpendicular to the flow of water. If the hole is parallel to the pipe and water flow, the valve is open. Ball valves differ from full-flow gate valves because the flow of water can somewhat be controlled by adjusting the opening of the valve. However, ball valves are not the best option for controlling water flow.

Additional Types of Valves:

• Check Valves
• Diaphragm Valves
• Globe Valves
• Butterfly Valves
• Pressure Balanced Valves
• Knife Valves
• Ball-Check Valves
• Ball-Diaphragm Valves
• Zone Valves
• Locking Valves
• Solenoid Valves
• Sluice Valves (another name for gate valves)

Contact a local master plumber for expert advice regarding plumbing repair, plumbing parts, products, advice, and more. In most cases, water flow issues are best addressed by a trained professional that retains proper tools and resources to effectively undertake a plumbing issue or repair that could possibly lead to indoor flooding.

Weilhammer Plumbing Co. Inc.

Weilhammer Plumbing Company 317-784-1870

Call Weilhammer Plumbing Co. Inc. at 317-784-1870 for emergency plumbing repair in Indianapolis, Indiana. Owner, Mark Weilhammer, is a state licensed master plumber with more than 40 years of experience in the plumbing industry. Weilhammer Plumbing Co. Inc. has been a family owned and operated Indianapolis plumbing company since 1901, and continues to provide proficient plumbing services to all Hoosier communities at the fairest prices in town. Call 317-784-1870 to learn more about all our plumbing repair services in Indianapolis, IN today.

How Do Tree Roots Affect Sewer Lines?

Posted on May 12, 2015 by weilhammerplumbing

Master Plumbing Repair 317-784-1870

Now that summer is mostly here, plants and trees are growing at full speed. Roots grow long, absorbing water and nutrients and passing them along to their host. Tree roots are generally longer, stronger, and bigger than any other plant root; and they only continue to grow in girth and length as time goes on. In fact, trees can grow and thrive for hundreds of years in the right condition!

Although majestic and beautiful, trees and their roots can cause problems for property owners. Aside from the occasional fallen tree or unsightly stump, trees also pose problems as a result of their roots. One of the most common areas affected by tree roots on residential and commercial properties are sewer lines. Now we all know how important our sewer lines are, without an in-depth description of what they do and why they are so beneficial to modern-day plumbing. So with that being said, continue reading to learn how problematic tree roots can cause issues with residential and commercial sewer lines, and what to do about it.

Tree Roots in Sewer Lines

Tree roots can grow strong and penetrate plumbing pipes and sewer lines. This can lead to messy, costly, and tedious repair projects. Sewer lines can backup and become clogged with tree roots and plant matter, over time. Pipes can burst, break, corrode, and deteriorate as a result. Unfortunately, the environments inside sewer lines and plumbing pipes are absolutely ideal for tree roots, which is why they tend to gravitate toward them. The dark, moist environments seem like they would not be a good place for root growth, but in fact, they are. Pipes have everything roots need and want: oxygen, nutrients, and of course, water. They are also attracted to the vapors within sewer lines that escape into the surrounding soil.

Tree roots access pipes by growing into loose joints or cracks. They grow in hair-like masses, creating a perfect obstruction-causing filter for sewer line debris like toilet paper, hair, feminine hygiene products, waste, grease, and other debris that flows through sewer lines. This prevents sufficient water flow, causing clogs that eventually backup the lines. This makes a toilet entirely useless! Routine pipe inspections can help prevent tree roots from penetrating and entangling plumbing pipes and lines.

If you are hearing strange noises coming from your toilet, or notice other issues with your plumbing, you may have a clog in your sewer line. Contact a master plumber for professional inspections, diagnostics, and repairs you can trust.

Weilhammer Plumbing Co. Inc.

Weilhammer Plumbing Indianapolis Indiana 317-784-1870

Call Weilhammer Plumbing Co. Inc. at 317-784-1870 for expert plumbing repair in Indianapolis, Indiana. Owner and master plumber, Mark Weilhammer, and his team of equally qualified and licensed plumbing contractors, offer a wide range of plumbing services for residential and commercial properties. If you need sewer line repair, burst pipe repair, toilet repair, or any other plumbing service, we are the professionals to trust for the best service and most competitive prices in town! Call 317-784-1870 and speak with a licensed Indianapolis master plumber about sewer line repair and more, today.

How to Stop Water Knocking in Your Plumbing Pipes

Posted on April 8, 2015 by weilhammerplumbing

Indianapolis Plumbers 317-784-1870

Every time you turn your faucet off, or decide to take a shower, are you hearing a knocking-like noise coming from the floor or walls? This is called water-knocking and happens to be a frequent nuisance plumbing problem for homeowners. This sound can start out as faint and barely-there, and later grow into a deep banging or rocking noise. It can sound like a squeaky rocking chair, an animal growl, or a hammer hitting the wall. It can also sound like tummy rumbles, rushing water, and more.

But most often, people describe it as a knock-like sound. It is important to solve a water knocking issue in your home’s plumbing pipes as soon as you notice its presence. Otherwise, a small plumbing problem can quickly turn into a large costly one. If water knocking is a current problem for you, continue reading to learn why it’s happening and how to make it stop.

Knocking Pipes

The most common cause behind water knocking in pipes is irregular water pressure within the main water supply for your home. Air is used to pressurize water within plumbing pipes, but when the air leaks or depletes, it causes a disturbance in water flow, which can lead to rushing water. This forceful movement of water through your pipes is what creates the knocking sounds. This pressure must be corrected if ever inconsistent to ensure proper water flow from the main supply, through the pipes, and to your faucets.

Here’s How to Correct Water Knocking:

1. Turn Off Main Water Valve
2. Open ALL Faucets
3. Flush All Toilets One Time
4. Once Water Stops Flowing, the Lines are Clear and Empty
5. Now Slowly Turn the Main Water Valve Back On
6. The Knocking Sound Should Be Gone

It really is that simple most of the time! But if the sound persists even after you flush your water lines, you may need to contact a plumbing company for professional assistance and service. Remember, addressing a small problem right away can prevent major costly problems in the future! For questions about water knocking problems and plumbing repairs, be sure to ask a licensed master plumber for trustworthy answers and solutions.

Weilhammer Plumbing Co. Inc.

Call Weilhammer Plumbing Co. Inc. at 317-784-1870 and speak with state-licensed master plumber, Mark Weilhammer, for Indianapolis plumbing services you can trust! He and our team of skilled plumbing contractors are happy to answer your questions about plumbing pipes, water lines, repairs, replacements, advice, and more. Call 317-784-1870 for prompt and professional plumbing repair in Indianapolis, IN today.

A Guide to Eco-Friendly Plumbing

Posted on February 9, 2015 by weilhammerplumbing

Indianapolis Plumbing Repair 317-784-1870

There’s a new “Eco-Friendly” trend happening in today’s society that we can all be very proud of. There are thousands of ways to promote and support a healthy Eco-system, such as recycling, using chemical-free cleaners, reducing energy consumption, and more. Now, there is new technology and new ideas for “going green” with your home plumbing! So if you are motivated toward living a greener lifestyle, take some time and think about making some Eco-friendly changes to your home plumbing. Continue reading for an introduction to green plumbing practices and perhaps start making changes today!

Pipes

A great way to have a more Eco-friendly piping system is to insulate them. Properly insulated plumbing pipes promote energy preservation and efficiency. They decrease the amount of heat lost inside the pipe-works as it moves from one point to another. Insulated pipes also support better heat-preservation in hot water heaters, thus reducing monthly utility bills and energy consumption.

Water Heaters

Sometimes, an old or defective water heater can reduce your home’s energy efficiency and greatly increase utility costs. Simply by replacing your hot water heater with a more efficient one, you can save money and better support your environment at the same time!

Install New Showerhead Filters

You can safely reduce chlorine levels in your home’s showers and baths by installing chlorine filters in your shower-heads. Chemical-free water is safer for nails, hair, skin, allergies, consumption, and more. Although chlorine is used to disinfect water supplies, it can produce harmful byproducts and sediments that are bad for our homes and our bodies.

Install a Water Softener

A reverse osmosis filtration system is a great method to eliminating harmful byproducts and sediments in a home’s water supply. Laundry, drinking water, hair, nails, skin, dishes, plumbing piping, and more are all improved and protected with an energy-efficient water softener.

Install Low-Flow Fixtures

By choosing to replace your old shower-heads, faucets, toilets, and other plumbing fixtures with low-flow models can greatly reduce your water consumption. This also reduces monthly water bills!

On-Demand Circulation Pump

You can choose to install an on-demand hot water circulation pump in place of a hot water heater. This allows hot water to be ready on-demand, rather than waiting for it to heat up as it runs. This reduces water consumption and utility bills as well. And with insulated pipes, you won’t lose heat inside as the hot water sits.

Weilhammer Plumbing Co. Inc.

Weilhammer Plumbing Indianapolis Indiana 317-784-1870

Call Weilhammer Plumbing Co. Inc. at 317-784-1870 for master plumber services in Indianapolis, Indiana. Owner, Mark Weilhammer, has more than 50 years of experience in the plumbing repair industry, and provides services for residential and commercial properties. We repair, install, replace, service, and maintenance all make and model plumbing appliances and fixtures at the most competitive prices in town. We offer free estimates, free advice, and free haul-away services too! Call 317-784-1870 for state-licensed plumbing repair in Indianapolis, IN today.

The Benefits of Trenchless Pipe Replacement

Posted on January 9, 2015 by weilhammerplumbing

Indianapolis Master Plumber 317-784-1870

Traditional pipe fitting is no match compared to the benefits of trenchless pipe solutions and techniques. Repairing, replacing, and fitting plumbing pipes the traditional way has several drawbacks. Not only is it time-consuming and complex, it entails many risks and other disadvantages. Trenchless pipe installation has become so popular because it eliminates most of these negative aspects of pipe laying and replacement.

Continue reading to learn the principle benefits of trenchless pipe replacement and who to call for accurate industry information you can trust.

What is Trenchless Piping?

Trenchless pipe fitting, also referred to as hydraulic pipe fitting or laying, is a method of pipe replacement that is implemented by digging two small holes at the beginning and end of existing pipe-works; and next, inserting a pipe bursting machine inside, in order to install new piping within the existing pipes, underground. So the first benefit of trenchless pipe installation is that there is no need for extensive digging. This reduces damage to landscapes and roadways, and saves utility and construction companies’ loads of time and labor. By guiding the new piping along the inside of the existing piping, with the help of pipe bursting machinery and technology, no digging is ever necessary!

Another great advantage to this new innovative piping technique is the significant reduction of community disturbance. This means roads, parks, sidewalks, backyards, parking lots, and more don’t have to be blocked off to the public for extensive periods of time for construction and excavation purposes. With traditional pipe replacement, the only way to access the existing pipe is to dig up the ground that buries it. This leads to messy, tedious, and disruptive construction sites. For commercial businesses, this can influence customer traffic and sales; while residential properties have to deal with loud machinery and unsightly dirt piles for weeks at a time.

Overall Advantages to Trenchless Pipe Work:

• Easier and More Efficient
• Cuts Labor Costs
• Reduces Damages
• Eliminates the Need for Excessive Digging
• Much Faster than Traditional Methods
• Less Construction Noise
• Damages are Less Likely (i.e. pipes, cables, etc.)
• Les Delays in Project

For more information about trenchless pipe fitting, or plumbing repair, call a local master plumber for accurate industry advice you can trust. Commercial properties can greatly benefit from pipe replacement services, as well as older and more mature residential properties.

Weilhammer Plumbing Co. Inc.

Weilhammer Plumbing Company 317-784-1870

Call 317-784-1870 and speak with Mark Weilhammer, owner and master plumber at Weilhammer Plumbing Co. Inc. in Indianapolis, Indiana. He and his team of licensed plumbing contractors are happy to answer your questions about residential or commercial plumbing pipe installation and fitting. We have been a family owned and operated business for more than 100 years here in Indiana, so you know you can trust our services and reputation! Call 317-784-1870 for free estimates and information regarding plumbing repair and copper re-piping services in Indianapolis, IN today.

Call Weilhammer Plumbing Co. Inc. for Early-Year Pipe Inspections!

Posted on January 2, 2015 by weilhammerplumbing

Weilhammer Plumbing Indianapolis Indiana 317-784-1870

Now that the New Year has arrived, it is time to start making decisions about home repairs and preventative maintenance. One of the most important areas of a home or property to inspect at the start of deep winter is your plumbing pipes. Frozen or leaky pipes can cause a wide range of additional problems with a property. These problems can start out small, and turn into large and costly repairs if neglected. The problem is, not all home and property owners know how to inspect their own piping, nor do they have the training to identify potential or future problems. A trained master plumber has all the resources and knowledge needed to take one look at your pipes and determine their condition.

Fortunately, Weilhammer Plumbing Co. Inc. is here for you to do this exact job, all at a price you can truly afford! Their master plumbers provide comprehensive pipe inspections and plumbing diagnostics for all budgets and property types. Call them today at 317-784-1870 and receive a free estimate or schedule an appointment in advance.

Our master plumbers are highly trained and state licensed, with decades of experience in the plumbing industry. In fact, we have been a family owned and operated company since 1901! That means we have provide trusted and affordable plumbing services to the Hoosier communities for more than 100 years! You can rest assure you are receiving the most reputable and proficient plumbing advice and service in all of Indianapolis.

We offer free estimates, diagnostic testing, residential services, commercial services, emergency plumbing repair, water heater services, water softener services, copper re-piping, sump pump repair, plumbing fixture and appliance repair, water leak detection, and so much more! Visit our Indianapolis plumbing repair webpage, or call us directly at 317-784-1870 and speak with master plumber, Mark Weilhammer, today!

Tips for Avoiding Clogged Drains at Home

Posted on December 3, 2014 by weilhammerplumbing

Indianapolis Plumbing Repair 317-784-1870

Holidays this time of year are for friends and families to come together and unite in peace, love, and harmony. This also means extra house guests, visits, parties, and more! During this time of year, homeowners and homemakers are well-aware of the increased volume of guests to be expected. Along with frequent visitors and staying guests comes increased traffic of water usage, paper usage, bathroom usage, and kitchen usage. One of the most common and simply frustrating consequences to all this plumbing traffic is clogged drains.

Continue reading to learn how to avoid clogged drains and be better prepared for all the visitors your home will host this year!

Kitchen Drains

In the kitchen, we have cooking, peeling, chopping, cutting, shredding, husking, and so much more going on. Potato peels, orange rinds, onion layers, egg shells, and more are all thrown down garbage disposals and kitchen sinks, party after party, and supper after supper. On top of this, we have paper towels, napkins, food wrappers, and other snack-related debris flying around. And you never know where they might end up. This can cause a load of plumbing problems for a kitchen. Here are some tips for avoiding clogged drains in the kitchen:

• Use Cold Water to Grind Food in Garbage Disposal
• Use Citrus Peels and Ice Cubes to Keep Garbage Disposal Blades Fresh and Clean
• Do Not Put Potato Peel in Garbage Disposal (makes for sticky, dull blades)
• Never Pour Grease, Coffee Grounds, Celery Stalks, Pasta, Rice, or Bones Down the Garbage Disposal!

Bathroom Drains

Bathrooms drains can fall victim to several things. Sink, tub, and shower drains are commonly clogged by hair, shaving gel, soap residue, toilet paper, tissue paper, cotton swabs, plastic wrap, and more. This causes showers to end up as baths, and sinks to overflow while washing your face! Here are some tips to follow to avoid clogging drains in a bathroom:

• Use Two-Ply Toilet Paper in Guest Baths
• Hide the Anti-Bacterial Wipes! These are Not-So-Flushable!
• Clear Off Clutter or Décor from Toilets So They Don’t Fall In and Get Flushed
• Regularly Use an Active Digester Product to Remove Grease and Proteins From Drains
• Snake and Clean Drains Once a Month with Store-Bought Drain Cleaners
• Politely Remind Children About the Proper Amount of Tissue to Use
• Provide Hand Towels for Guests

If you have a clogged drain that requires professional attention, contact a local Indianapolis master plumber for free advice and estimates for drain clearing and cleaning services. They retain the proper tools, training, and experience to quickly unclog drains in bathrooms, kitchens, garages, pool decks, and much more.

Weilhammer Plumbing Co. Inc.

Weilhammer Plumbing Indianapolis Indiana 317-784-1870

Call Weilhammer Plumbing Co. Inc. at 317-784-1870 for advice regarding clogged drains or drain repair in Indianapolis, Indiana. Owner and operator, Mark Weilhammer, has the affordable solutions you are looking for when it comes to drain and plumbing repair. With more than 60 years of experience in the plumbing industry, and more than 112 years of being in business, you can trust that Weilhammer Plumbing Co. Inc. is the right choice for residential and commercial plumbing repair service. Call 317-784-1870 for licensed plumbing work or drain repair in Indianapolis, IN today.