Is Your Water Softener the Correct Size for Your Home?

Posted on September 20, 2022 by weilhammerplumbing

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

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

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Water Softener Sizing Directions

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

Understanding Water Softener Capacity

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

Hard Water Testing

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

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

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

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

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

Frequently Asked Questions About Residential Plumbing

Posted on September 16, 2022 by weilhammerplumbing

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

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Home Plumbing FAQS You Want to Know

What is Hard Water?

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

Why Does My Water Take So Long to Heat Up?

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

How Do I Unclog a Backed Up Toilet?

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

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

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

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

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

How Often Should a Septic Tank Be Pumped?

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

Am I Smelling Natural Gas in My House?

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

Why Did My Plumbing Pipes Go Bad?

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

Should I Re-Pipe or Repair the Plumbing?

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

How Do I Know if I Have a Plumbing Leak?

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

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

How to Ease the Frustration of Washing Dishes With Hard Water

Posted on September 13, 2022 by weilhammerplumbing

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

How to Reduce Mineral Deposits on Dishes

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

Store-Bought Rinse Aids

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

Citric Acid

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

Vinegar

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

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

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

Are you ready to learn your affordable options for commercial or residential water softening? Contact Weilhammer Plumbing Company at 317-784-1870 for water softener sales, service, and installation in Indianapolis, Indiana. We serve residential and commercial clients.

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

Posted on September 6, 2022 by weilhammerplumbing

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

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

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Common Concerns With Salt Pellet Water Softening

Heavy Salt Bags

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

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

Environmental Threats

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

Excessive Filtration

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

Are Saltless Water Softeners the Better Choice?

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

Have you thought about the incentives of choosing a salt-free water softening system for your home or business? Contact Weilhammer Plumbing Company at 317-784-1870 for professional water softener sales, installation, service, and repair in Indianapolis, Indiana. We serve residential and commercial customers, and service all make and model water softeners, including saltfree water softeners.

Your Home Needs a Water Softener If It Shows These Signs

Posted on August 23, 2022 by weilhammerplumbing

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.

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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.

Are you ready to learn why a water softener is the best choice for your home or office? Contact Weilhammer Plumbing Company at 317-784-1870 for water softener sales, service, and installation in Indianapolis, Indiana. We serve residential and commercial clients.

Frequently Asked Questions About No-Salt Water Softeners

Posted on August 16, 2022 by weilhammerplumbing

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.

Are you interested in speaking to a licensed professional to learn more about salt-free water softeners and your soft water needs? Contact Weilhammer Plumbing Company at 317-784-1870 for water softener sales, service, and installation for saltless water softeners in Indianapolis, Indiana. We serve residential and commercial clients.

The Ultimate Solution For Hard Water Spots on Your Glassware

Posted on August 9, 2022 by weilhammerplumbing

When you grab a glass cup or dish from the cupboard, you want it to be crystal clear, not just because it looks nicer, but also because it feels cleaner. If you are struggling with hard water spots on your glasses and glass dishes, do not waste any more time re-rinsing or handwashing them after they have come out of the dishwasher or off of the drying rack. Instead, use this ultimate hard water spot solution system for long-term soft water benefits.

How to Put a Stop to Hard Water Spotting

Your glass cups, plates, bowls, champagne flutes, vases, carafes, and more all deserve optimal translucence. With the right soft water and water purification approach, you can instantly eliminate hard water spotting on your glassware with ease. It starts with a simple department store run and ends with professional water softener service.

2-Step Method for Hard Water Spot Removal:

Upgrade Your Dishwashing Cleaners

Depending on the method you use to wash your glass dishes, you will need to incorporate some target cleaning solutions and products to your routine. If you are washing glasses and glass dishes in the dishwashing machine, be sure to use a quality rinse-aid product. Refer to your appliance manufacturers’ instructions to learn how to add the rinse aid to your machine. The rinse-aid will improve the drying process, leaving behind less moisture and dripping after the cycle is complete.

If you do not wish to use a store-bought rinse-aid, you may use distilled white vinegar, but do not add it to the rinse-aid compartment of your dishwasher. Instead, transfer the vinegar to a spray bottle and generously douse the load before starting the cycle. You can skip the spray bottle and just place a bowl of vinegar on the top rack, then run the cycle as usual. Along with a quality rinse-aid, be sure you are using a quality dishwashing cleaner that is compatible with your dishwasher.

If you are handwashing your glassware, be sure you are using a quality dishwashing liquid. Avoid cleaners with excess salt in them, as they tend to leave behind their own deposits.

Service or Replace Your Water Softener

If you do not already have a water softener, then your next step would be to contact a licensed and insured soft water company in Indianapolis to get advice on choosing a compatible water softener for your home. Water softeners deliver a wide range of benefits on top of hard waddle removal. You will enjoy better quality hair, skin, nails, and plumbing performance. Softer water helps you save money as well because it debates the need for frequent plumbing repairs. There are several types of water softeners to choose from, all with different power sources and capacities. Your Indianapolis soft water technician can help you choose, procure, and install the right water softener for you.

If you already have a water softener, but still struggling with hard water spots on your glass dishes, you could be due for some routine maintenance. Contact a licensed and insured Indianapolis water softener repair company for inspection and service. When your water softener is performing optimally, hard water deposits are less of a problem. If your water softener is between eight and ten years old, it could be due for replacement. This would be good news considering the newest advancements in technology and water softening appliances.

BONUS 3^rd STEP:

Install Whole House Water Filters

If you really want to take your soft water plan to the next level, talk to your trusted soft water technician about implementing a whole house water filtration system. Not only will whole house home water filters abate hard water spotting on your dishes, but they will also protect against impurities, bad smells, metallic tastes, iron staining, pipe corrosion, and much more.

Would you like to learn more about water softening and water softener service? Contact Weilhammer Plumbing Company at 317-784-1870 for water softener sales, service, and installation in Indianapolis, Indiana. We serve residential and commercial clients.

What Kind of Salt Should I Put in My Water Softener?

Posted on August 2, 2022 by weilhammerplumbing

If your water softener has a tank, it uses salt to eliminate the hard mineral ions in your home’s tap water. But if you are new to the whole water softener maintenance thing, you might be confused about the type of salt you should be putting in yours. After all, when you go to the water softener salt aisle, there are numerous options to choose from. How do you know which water softening salt is the right one for your water softener?

Continue below to learn how to choose a water softener salt based on your hard water removal and soft water needs.

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Top 2 Water Softener Salt Options

Salt-based water softeners are designed to use two primary types of salt products: sodium chloride salt or potassium chloride salt. These two kinds of water softener salts are available at any local home improvement or grocery store and come in all sorts of different brands and salt shapes (mainly pellets, crystals, rocks, and blocks). They also range in purity, which is important when selecting a salt brand for your water softener. Look for a label on the bag that shows it is 99.9% pure salt.

Lower quality water softener salt contains higher traces of impurities and water-insoluble matter (things that won’t dissolve in water), which will cause a higher rate of scale and sediment buildup inside the tank. As a result, you will have to clean out the brine tank more often than you should, which can be a hassle. So, which high-quality water softening salt product should you buy, potassium or sodium chloride? It depends on your personal preference and a few other varying factors.

Potassium Chloride Versus Sodium Chloride

Sodium chloride water softener salts are the more popular choice, mostly because they are easier to find, more widely available, and typically cheaper than potassium salts. They are available in different forms, including evaporated pellets, which are considered the highest purity, as well as crystal salt (also called solar salt pellets), rock salt, and block salt.

Potassium chloride is the less common choice for water softening, namely sought after by those looking to mitigate their sodium intake. Although sodium-free, this type of water softener salt works just as well to regenerate the resin beads. If you are planning to make the switch from sodium softening salts to potassium, you may need to increase the unit’s salt dosage settings by 10 percent to ensure proper resin bead regeneration.

Saltless Water Softeners

In contrast to salt-based water softeners, salt-free water softeners do not use salt. Instead, they use a process known as Template Assisted Crystallization (TAC), which processes water through a catalytic media. Because of this fact, saltless water softening does not technically soften water, but rather, conditions it. For this reason, saltless water softeners are more accurately described as water conditioners.

Are you for professional help with your residential or commercial water softening needs? Contact Weilhammer Plumbing Company at 317-784-1870 for water softener service and repair in Indianapolis, Indiana, and its surrounding counties. We sell top-of-the-line water softeners, including ones that don’t use salt at all! Call for residential or commercial service, anytime.

Are You Suffering From Hard Water Hair Problems?

Posted on July 25, 2022 by weilhammerplumbing

Hard water does a lot more damage than just limescale formation and spotty dishes. Hard water has all sorts of negative effects, even on the body. And not just your skin, but your hair too. Has your hair been off lately? Have you had trouble styling or managing your hair for some time? Hard water could be the underlying cause of your hair problems. Fortunately, hard water hair is both treatable and preventable.

Continue reading to learn how hard water might be damaging your hair, plus how to treat the issue known as hard water hair.

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Hard Water is Not Good For Hair

Hard water contains dissolved mineral solids like calcium, iron, and magnesium, which are mostly to blame for the limescale accumulations you often see around faucets and drains in a home or building with hard water. So, if hard water can cause white, cakey, crusty accumulations around your plumbing fixtures and inside of your appliances, who’s to say it can’t do the same to your scalp and hair? Well, it can, and it does.

Signs of Hard Water Hair

Hard water hair is a real result of an ongoing hard water problem. After so many washes, hair will begin to show undesirable signs of damage, like limpness, dryness, dullness, and overall un-manageability. Because hard water does not allow soap to lather well, rinsing your shampoo and conditioner out all the way can be a challenge, or even misleading. As a result, hair cannot get properly cleansed, so it feels dingy or residue-y, and looks greasy or dirty. If your hair is colored, whether permanent or temporary, hard water can cause it to turn brassy or green, or simply fade your color overtime.

How to Restore Your Hair After Hard Water Exposure

If your hair is suffering from this common hard water syndrome, rest assure that it is totally reversible no matter how serious your condition may be. Here are some of the top-recommended options for treating hair that has been damaged or affected by hard water:

▶ Clarifying Shampoo

Also known as chelating shampoo, a good-quality clarifying shampoo is designed to remove excess build-up of hair soaps and products. Although it may take two or three treatments, which can only be done once per week, your hair will be rinsed of all the residual residues and grease on your scalp. It is recommended to ask your stylist for a recommended product if your condition is severe. Expect to spend between $6 and $25.

▶ Apple Cider Vinegar

Apple cider vinegar (ACV) is an excellent, around-the-house product to have on hand for all sorts of applications. As for treating hard water-damaged hair, it is a budget-friendly alternative to buying a clarifying shampoo as it works the same way to remove excess buildup and residues from the scalp. Simply apply it to your scalp right after you shampoo and massage well, then rinse clean. You may need to repeat this treatment a few times for best results.

▶ Water Softening

The above hair and scalp treatments work well to eliminate the damaging and undesirable effects of hard water; however, they are only a temporary solution. So long as you continue washing your hair in the same water you have been using, the issue will remain. Water softening is the best method of hard water removal, and anyone can afford it. Talk to your trusted water softener plumber for information on buying, installing, and caring for an at-home water conditioning system.

Ready to tackle your hard water problems with a long-lasting, budget-friendly solution? Contact Weilhammer Plumbing Company at 317-784-1870 for plumbing services for water softeners in Indianapolis. We serve residential and commercial customers all throughout Central Indiana.

Easy Solutions for Dishwasher Residue Problems

Posted on July 19, 2022 by weilhammerplumbing

Dishwasher residue comes in all sorts of shapes and forms, from grease and detergent deposits to hard water scale, streaking, spotting, and more. Regardless of your dishwasher residue origins, rest assure that there is a simple and fast solution to the problem.

Continue below to learn the top three kinds of dishwashing machine residues, plus how to get rid of them for good!

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Common Types of Dishwasher Deposits

The most common types of dishwasher residues include grease, detergent, hard water scale, and streaking. Although your dishwasher is designed to manage these deposits, the lingering layer of unwanted residues are just not acceptable. Even if you have the newest, most innovative dishwashing machine model on the market, dishwasher residue is a possible issue to encounter. Fortunately, all dishwasher deposits are perfectly treatable, and best of all, most methods cost less than your average delivery pizza order!

Dishwashing Residues and How to Treat Them

Grease

Grease is a dishwasher’s biggest challenge, whether man or machine. Although modern dishwashing appliances are designed to breakdown and dispose of grease particles during a clean cycle, the oily remnants are bound to adhere and linger, especially if you cook with grease often. In isolated cases, such as a greasy turkey pan from Thanksgiving, the solution is to rerun the cycle a second time, then empty the dishwasher, place a cup of white vinegar inside, and then run it again on the hottest cycle.

If you are persistently dealing with grease residues in your dishwashing machine, it could be due to low-quality or incompatible detergent, or because your hot water is not hot enough. Lack of hot water can originate from your water heater or the dishwasher heating elements.

Detergent

If you are not using the right kind of dishwashing detergent in your machine, you could run into some residue issues. Avoid phosphate-free dishwasher products, as these tend to leave behind the highest traces of residue after a cycle. If you already have the tell-tale white gunk caked on the inside of your appliance, some scrapping, scrubbing, and wiping will do the trick.

Streaking and Spotting

Although water isn’t technically, or evenly closely, a residue, it can still cause the outcome of a dishwasher cycle to be something less than desired. Dishes that never seem to rinse clean, or dishes with streaking or spots, might be the result of a poor-quality rinse aid, or lack thereof.

Hard Water Scale

Hard water is water that contains high traces of dissolved minerals, or mineral ions, like calcium, magnesium, and iron. These elements can cause water to deliver poor taste and performance, even with dishwashers. After some time, hard water forms limescale, which can come in an array of colors, like white, blue, and green. This scale is damaging to plumbing pipes, appliances, dishes, and more.

The best way to solve a hard water problem is to install a water softener. If you already have a water softener, you may require repair or replacement. To remove hard water staining, combine distilled white vinegar and lemon juice to form a cleaning solution. Scrub away and rinse with clean water.

Are you interested in learning more about the cost-effective benefits of water softening? Contact Weilhammer Plumbing Company at 317-784-1870 for water softener sales, service, and installation in Indianapolis, Indiana. We serve residential and commercial clients.