How to Tell if Your Home Could Use a Water Softener

Posted on February 11, 2021 by weilhammerplumbing

Take a look around your property. Whether it is a commercial building or a private residence, there will be signs suggesting you could use a water softener if you don’t already have one, or a new one if your current one is experiencing an onset of aging or defects. The reality is that all properties could benefit from a water conditioning system, but some properties desperately need one if they are exhibiting signs of poor water quality, or hard water.

Continue below to learn why water softeners are so beneficial, including how to tell if your home could use one, whether as a replacement or new install.

Indianapolis Water Softener Service 317-784-1870 — Dingy or Faded Laundry? Could Be Hard Water.

The Benefits of Water Softeners

Hard water is not something you want lurking through your plumbing pipes and water lines within your home. It contains dissolved minerals and metals that cause many damaging effects around the house and in your life, all of which can also cause you to spend more money than you should. When it comes to identifying a need for a water softener, simply do an inspection of your house, clothes, dishes, hair, energy bills, and water usage. If you see limescale buildup around faucets and plumbing fixtures, or you always have cloudy spots on your dishes, you have some degree of hard water. Furthermore, if your clothes do not seem to clean well, your soap doesn’t lather well, or your hair seems dingy and dull, you could have hard water.

Hard Water Signs Around the House

Take a look at all the areas of your life that can be negatively impacted by hard water in order to know what the signs of hard water look like:

☛ Hair and Skin – Because hard water causes poor soap lather, your showers will suffer. Furthermore, it will cause shampoo residue buildup in your hair, resulting in a greasy feel and flat look, as well as itchy, dry, and irritated skin. For those with skin sensitivity issues or existing skin conditions, softer water will help mitigate flare ups and post-washing irritation.

☛ Laundry – Not only will hard water cause laundry to fade faster and appear dingy, but it will also cause problems within your washing machine. Both plumbing pipes and water lines become caked with hard mineral despots, or limescale, which corrodes metal and decreases the appliances performance. A washing machine that is experiencing such stress will also be inefficient, which leads to higher utility bills.

☛ Appliances – As just mentioned with your washing machine, hard water will cause limescale buildup within the plumbing pipes and water lines of your water-using appliances. This buildup can decrease appliance performance, which ultimately increases monthly energy and water bills. Appliances like dishwashers, ice-makers, water heaters, and water softeners, can all be affected by the dissolved minerals and metals in hard water.

☛ Dishes – Hard water leaves a layer of mineral residue on everything it touches, including your plates, glassware, cups, dishes, and more. Have you seen spots on your glasses? Cloudy cups? These are tell-tale signs of hard water problems at home.

Get a Water Softener Sooner Than Later

If you do not have a water softener at all, know that it is one of the smartest investments you can make, for both your home and your finances. Water softeners abate all of the damaging effects of hard water, and will save money by protecting you against high energy bills, high water bills, water wastage, appliance breakdowns, appliance repairs, appliance replacements, hair products, skin products, and much more.

If you already have a water softener, but you have noticed signs of hard water around your home, it is time to think about an upgrade. Talk to a licensed master plumber who specializes in all things water softeners to learn your most cost-effective options. The sooner you upgrade or install a water softener, the faster you can begin to save money and protect your assets.

Indianapolis Indiana Water Softener Service, Sales, and Installation

Call Weilhammer Plumbing Co. Inc. at 317-784-1870 if you need hard water removal, or if you need water softener repair, water softener service, or if you would like to buy a new, quality water softener in Indianapolis, Indiana. Master plumber Mark Weilhammer is happy to give you all the guidance you need on selecting a new water softener, or resolving current hard water issues. With more than 100 years in business, you can trust our Indianapolis plumbing company for superior service at the right price. Contact us to request a free estimate, service, or advice, anytime.

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4 Ways to Go Green With Home Plumbing

Posted on November 11, 2020 by weilhammerplumbing

Anytime of year is a good time to re-plan your budgets and finances. If you are looking to save some money this season or next, a great way to do so is by going green. Remember to turn off your lights, cut back on waste, reuse as much as possible, drive less, and so forth. As for your home plumbing, it can get greener too. Continue below to learn 4 effective and lucrative ways to go green with home plumbing.

Indianapolis Master Plumbing Service 317-784-1870 — Interested in installing a duel-flush toilet to save money? Call 317-784-1870 today!

Green Plumbing is a Trend That Will Never Fade Away

There is really no good reason to not save money when you can. When it comes to plumbing, there are several ways to lessen your water and energy consumption, thus reducing your monthly utility bills. As an added bonus, you and your family are doing wonders to support and preserve our Earth’s natural resources! Although there are many changes and additions to choose from in order to obtain greener plumbing practices, you can easily start by focusing on the top 4 methods recommended by other green homeowners. These include replacing shower heads and faucets, installing low volume water restrictors, updating the water heater, and switching to high-efficiency appliances.

Shower Head and Faucet Replacement

Shower heads, faucets, and related plumbing fixtures are designed to last, but not forever. At some point in time, over the course of just a few years sometimes, these fixtures begin to decrease in efficiency. In fact, you can usually tell when they need to be replaced because they begin to show problems with their performance. Not only will new shower heads and faucets support proper performance, which in turn increases efficiency, but you can take it a step further and actually opt for environmentally-friendly plumbing fixtures that are designed to use up to 30% less than standard ones.

Water Heater Upgrade

Your water heater is a prime plumbing appliance in your home. After all, without hot water on demand, we are back in the dark ages. Hot water is important for function, quality of life, and even our health. So, it is important to ensure your hot water heater is performing optimally; otherwise, you could be losing quite of bit of money due to wasted water and energy. One way to go green with home plumbing is to simply update or replace your water heater. Talk to a local water heater repair professional to learn whether or not your hot water heater requires some maintenance or a full-on replacement. There are plenty of energy-efficient water heaters on the market today that make great options for green living.

Low Volume Water Restrictor Installation

Another option for going green is to mitigate your home’s water consumption. One way to do this is to have a professional plumber install low volume water restrictors. Also known as pressure-reducing valves, low volume water restrictors lessen the amount of water forced through fixtures like shower heads and faucets. In turn, they reduce your home’s monthly water consumption without you even realizing it. Your home’s current water pressure setting is likely close to the average residential water pressure setting, which 70psi. However, pressure-reducing valves reduce this up to half the volume, which is still plenty for a comfortable living.

High-Efficiency Appliance Procurement

Another easy and instant way to go green with home plumbing is to make the switch to high-efficiency, or higher-efficiency, appliances. Appliances to consider include toilets, dishwashers, washing machines, water heaters, water softeners, and water purification systems. Take your toilets for instance; they typically use an average of 3½ gallons of water PER FLUSH. With a high-efficiency toilet, you can reduce this average to 1½ gallons or less! In fact, duel flush toilets are a popular choice for improved flush efficiency and water preservation.

Talk to a Trusted Indianapolis Master Plumber for Green Plumbing Advice and Service

Call Weilhammer Plumbing Company at 317-784-1870 for green plumbing advice or routine plumbing services 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.

Important Plumbing Questions New Homeowners Should Ask

Posted on November 4, 2020 by weilhammerplumbing

Whether you are on the market for a new home, preparing to close on one, or have just moved in, be sure to cover the facts surrounding one of the most vital components of your property: the plumbing. Continue below to learn some important questions you should be asking about your new home’s plumbing that might not get addressed otherwise, as well as where to get affordable plumber service you can trust in Indianapolis.

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New Home Inspections

When the inspector arrives to go through your new home, allow them to do their job. They know exactly what to look for, what to pay closer attention to, and they retain the proper technologies to perform their duty up to code. Most likely, they will address any concerns you have before you can bring them up. However, when the inspection is complete, this is the time to jump in with those pertinent new home plumbing questions. Not only will these questions give you a better understanding of the condition of your new home’s plumbing, but they will also set a baseline for future monitoring, plumbing updates, and routine services.

New House Plumbing Questions to Ask Your Home Inspector

Addressing Moisture and Water Damages:

► Did you notice any rust or corrosion?

► Did you see any old water damage from past leaks?

► Did the flooring around the toilets, tubs, and showers seem soft or warped?

Addressing the Water Heater:

► Did the water pressure seem adequate?

► Is the water heater the right size for my house and occupants?

► Did you check the temperature of the hot water heater?

► Are all the parts of the water heater working properly?

► Were there any hard-to-see spots behind the water heater that might have a leak?

Addressing the Water Softener:

► Is the water softener the right size for my house and occupants?

► Does my water softener need to be replaced or repaired soon?

Addressing Plumbing Pipes:

► What kind of plumbing pipes does the house have?

► Are the plumbing pipes in good condition? How much longer will they last?

► Do I need to request a separate sewer line inspection, or can you do it?

Do Not Make these Common Plumbing Mistakes as a New Homeowner!

An Indianapolis Plumber to Trust for Professional Service and Fair Prices

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

The Best Way to Solve Your Hard Water Problems at Home

Posted on October 14, 2020 by weilhammerplumbing

There are all types of misconceptions, home remedies, and theories surrounding the treatment of hard water. Although hard water cannot harm or kill you, it is undesirable when compared to the advantages of softened or conditioned water. Not only does softened water improve the look and feel of our skin, hair, and nails, it’s healthier for our teeth, reduces marks and spots on dishes, lessens pipe and plumbing erosion, and much more. When it comes to treating hard water, the best method to choose is to install a quality water softening system.

Continue reading to learn more about hard water removal, and why water softeners are the best choice for solving poor water quality issues.

Limescale , cloudy water, and spotty fixtures are just a few possible consequences of having hard water.

The Basics Behind Hard Water Removal

There are several signs that point toward a hard water presence. Spots, streaks, and white residue on your dishes are some of the most common and primarily noticed signs of hard water in a home. Other hints that suggest hard water include dry skin, dingy laundry, film and scale buildup, funny-tasting coffee or tea, increased utility bills, and more. Hard water is water that has excessive traces mineral salts, such as magnesium and calcium ions.

Such deposits and solids accumulate within the water by passing through soil, rock, and sand. Hard water ranges in hardness on a scale of one through ten. The degree of hardness is measured in grains per gallon. To get rid of these minerals, one must install a water softener, as mentioned before. Always call a reputable and licensed plumber to install, clean, or repair your water softener.

What to Expect After Installing a Water Softening System

Although a water softener can be the solution you are looking for when it comes to hard water removal, keep in mind that it is likely to increase your water usage, resulting in slightly higher water bills. Also, your electric bill will slightly increase as well because the water softener operates on electricity. The important factor to remember is that these extra costs are small compared to the benefits a family enjoys from soft water. Keep in mind the advantages of owning a water softener and how it drastically improves the appearance of your skin, clothing, dishes, drinks, and more. More importantly, it reduces lime and scale buildup within your plumbing, reducing deterioration and expenses repair costs.

How to Resolve Your Hard Water Problems in Indianapolis, Indiana

Call Weilhammer Plumbing Co. Inc. at 317-784-1870 to speak directly with a licensed master plumber (License #106214) about your hard water problems. We provide a wide range of standard and master plumbing services for both residential and commercial properties, including certified plumbing services for all make and model water softeners in Indianapolis. We also offer free estimates, free plumbing advice, and even free haul-away for old plumbing appliances like water softeners, water heaters, sump pumps, and more. Request a free estimate, today.

How Does Hard Water Compare to Soft Water?

Posted on August 13, 2020 by weilhammerplumbing

When it comes to your home, you want the finest amenities and conveniences available within your budget. Something widely overlooked but highly beneficial and affordable regardless of income? Soft water. All homes and businesses should be equipped with some form of hard water abatement system, as the options are wide-ranging, such as water conditioners, reverse osmosis systems, whole-house water filtration systems, well water iron filtration systems, and more. If you are noticing problems with your water bill, energy bill, hair, skin, laundry, dishes, or water-based meals and drinks, you might have a hard water issue on your hands.

Continue reading to learn how soft water compares to hard water for a better understanding of just how important water purification and conditioning is for a home or commercial building.

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Explanation of Hard Water

Hard water is water that contains high traces of mineral salts. These minerals mostly consist of magnesium, iron, calcium, and other bicarbonates and sulfates. Water is naturally soft when it falls to the earth in the form of rain. Once rainwater has passed through the soil, bedrock, sand, and other layers of earth, it collects an abundance of hard minerals and ions. This changes the composition of the water and makes it higher in mineral salts. Such dissolved mineral ions accumulate over time in the form of scale, which is a thin white film that has several negative effects on plumbing fixtures, pipes, and appliances, as well as, hair, skin, nails, laundry, and dishware.

We measure this mineral capacity in grains per gallon, and the level of hardness on a scale from 1 to 10. Although hard water is generally measured in grains per gallon, it can also be read in parts per million (ppm) or milligrams per liter (mg/L) of calcium carbonate. The more grains, the harder the water, which means the degree of “hardness” varies on a spectrum. Water can be anywhere between marginally hard to very hard. It depends on where you live, how you obtain your water, regional soil conditions, crops, farming, and more.

Explanation of Soft Water

Soft water is the opposite of hard water because it is free of hard mineral salts. Rainwater is naturally soft. It only becomes hard when as it accumulates mineral salts as it passes through rock, chalk, and limestone in the ground. Neighborhoods that have hard water are probably located on top of a large bed if limestone; or their water supply facility is located near high mineral areas. This is why certain regions have softer water than others. It all depends on what’s beneath the ground, and how the water is treated at the local water plant.

➤ Soft Water – 0 to 60 mg/L
➤ Moderately hard Water – 61 to 120 mg/L
➤ Hard Water – 121 to 180 mg/L
➤ Very Hard Water – Over 180 mg/L

Choose a Water Softener for Instant Gratification

In order to lessen the hardness of water, you must implement a water softening system. The most popular approach is to install a water softener, also known as a water conditioner. Water softeners use ion-exchange technology to eliminate hard minerals in water. The water softener conditions the water and then stores it in a tank for on demand use, whether that be your shower or kitchen sink faucet! You can also combine a water softener system with another form of water purification to further enhance the taste and quality of your water, such as whole house water filters, water purifiers, and reverse osmosis. See our blogs, “How to Choose a Residential Water Softener Based on Occupancy” and “FAQS About Water Softeners and Hard Water” to learn what you need to know about water softening.

Indianapolis Water Softener Repair and Installation Services

Call Weilhammer Plumbing Company at 317-784-1870 when you need a reliable water softener installation or water softener repair in Indianapolis, Indiana and its surrounding locations. Our licensed master plumbers specialize in water softeners, and are happy to answer your questions and provide advice free of charge! We offer a wide range of water softening and plumbing services for both commercial and residential properties, including water softener sales, repair, installation, replacement, and more. Call 317-784-1870 to request a free estimate, today!

How to Choose a Residential Water Softener Based on Occupancy

Posted on May 14, 2020 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.

Continue reading to learn how to choose a water softener for your home using some simple and basic math.

Indianapolis Water Softener Service and Repair 317-784-1870

Water Softener Grains Per Gallon

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.

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 United States contains nearly 10 grains of hardness per gallon, while the average person uses 80 gallons of water per day.

Using the Water Softener Formula

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 for a family of 5:

Number of Occupants: 5
Gallons of Water Used per Person: 80
Average Grains of Hardness: 10

Gallons of Water Used Per Day: 5 x 80 = 400
Total Grains Used per Day: 400 x 10 = 4,000

✨ In this example, a 40,000 grain capacity water softener is recommended for the AVERAGE family of 5.

Water Softener Installation

One of the most common signs that your water softener needs to be replaced is increased water and energy bills. If these monthly costs are rising, there may be a problem with the efficiency or performance of your water softener. It could be caused by other plumbing issues too. Separate from performance problems, water softeners should be replaced every 8 to 10 years. You will require the services of a licensed plumber who specializes in water softeners for installation. Costs vary among businesses, but on average, you can expect to pay anywhere from $250 to $600 or more for water softener installation.

Trusted Water Softener Advice and Service in Indianapolis

Call Weilhammer Plumbing Company at 317-784-1870 for affordable water softener service in Indianapolis, Indiana. We offer a wide range of standard and master plumber services for residential and commercial properties, and specialize in water softener installation and repair for all make and model units. We also carry a full line of quality Clack™ Water Softeners for sale at contractor prices! Request a free estimate, today.

Why is My Faucet Water Cloudy Then Clear?

Posted on February 20, 2020 by weilhammerplumbing

Do you have a weird sink faucet that emits cloudy water, then in a matter of moments, mysteriously clears up? If so, you are probably scratching your head trying to figure out why. Perhaps you are concerned that there is something seriously wrong with your home’s plumbing. Fortunately, you don’t have to be concerned. The culprit behind your cloudy water is not as ominous as you think.

Continue reading to learn why your hot water is coming out cloudy and mysteriously clearing up seconds later.

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Cloudy Water Causes

If only one or two faucets are emitting cloudy water that clears within a few seconds, you are likely dealing with a air bubble issue. Fortunately, this really isn’t even an issue! You see, some plumbing pipes are under more pressure, and as a result, the water within them are more pressurized. So, when water from a faucet under these particular conditions is poured into a glass with less pressure, it will form an excess amount of air bubbles! Cool science; huh? Do you notice that your cloudy water is also fizzing? This is the sound of thousands of tiny air bubbles bursting in the cup.

This type of cloudy water is referred to as white water, and commonly occurs when it’s cold outside. This is a result of air solubility in water, which can increase as water pressure increases, and/or water temperature decreases. White water is also caused by water pressure within pipes. Water under pressure holds more air, and when released, it comes out as bubbles. But not to worry, this issue is perfectly harmless and should clear up significantly by spring.

The Bad Kind of Cloudy Water

There is another type of cloudy water that homeowners can experience that is not a result of air bubbles, but rather, something more undesirable. You know your cloudy water is an issue if the water does not clear up and become translucent after a few minutes. This could be caused by contaminants in your tap water, such as hard mineral ions, bacteria, yeast, or even chemicals. See our blog, “FAQS About Water Softeners and Hard Water” to learn how to treat and prevent this issue.

Pay Attention to Your Water Quality

Although the ban has since been lifted, and your county may not have been affected at all, you may still be concerned about the quality and performance of your home’s water. It is important to pay attention to your water quality, and to take the proper steps to ensure it remains contaminant-free. Contact a local soft water professional to learn your options.

Indianapolis Water Softening and Plumbing Service

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

What You Should Learn From the Recent Hamilton County Water Boil

Posted on January 23, 2020 by weilhammerplumbing

Earlier this month, more than 17,000 Fishers and Noblesville residents were placed on a water boil advisory issued by Indiana American Water Works Service Company. Although the ban was lifted a day later, there is a lesson to be learned from the entire dilemma. Continue below to learn some facts about the recent water boil in Hamilton County, as well as, tips for monitoring and maintaining your home or business’s water quality.

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Hamilton County Water Boil Advisory

As a result of the White River North water treatment facility losing a nominal amount of pressure, Indiana American Water placed a water boil advisory for its customers. During the precautionary advisory, Indiana American Water completed a series of tests to verify that their water again meets regulatory drinking water standards. Customers of Citizens were not affected by the treatment facility’s equipment malfunctions, and were not included in the cross-county advisory.

There is a standard, set and regulated by the Indiana Department of Environmental Management, that mandates water treatment companies to issue a water boil advisory when water pressure levels drop to a certain, specified value. According to the IDEM, if water pressure drops below 20 pounds per square inch in any part of a municipal water distribution system, a boil advisory must be issued.

What is a Boil Advisory?

When a water treatment company issues a boil advisory, they are suggesting boiling your tap water before ingesting it via drinking and cooking. Although it is acceptable to use water for bathing, washing, and similar uses, it is not recommended to drink or consume it until the ban is officially lifted.

Pay Attention to Your Water Quality

Indianapolis Water Softening Service You Can Trust

Call Weilhammer Plumbing Company at 317-784-1870 if you would like to learn how to improve the quality of your home’s water on a budget. You have several options for Indianapolis water softening and filtration, and our licensed plumbers know exactly how to assess your home’s water quality and performance needs. Trust us for honest service at a fair price. Call today for a free estimate or advice.

Can Your Plumbing Repair Wait or is it an Emergency?

Posted on December 11, 2019 by weilhammerplumbing

Is your plumbing repair an emergency situation? Or can it wait? Continue reading to find out what constitutes a plumbing emergency and what doesn’t, including certain plumbing repairs that can be done on your own.

Indianapolis Plumbing Service and Repair 317-784-1870

Dealing With Plumbing Problems

When something in your plumbing system breaks down, you often wonder whether or not it’s considered an emergency. Sometimes you don’t have enough money to put towards a repair until your next paycheck, or you simply don’t have the time to add in a plumbing appointment to your busy schedule. The best way to determine if a plumbing repair is an emergency is to contact a professional Indianapolis master plumber for free, over-the-phone advice you can trust.

Plumbing Repair Emergencies

A plumbing repair emergency is a break down in your plumbing system that will pose serious injury or health complications, such as gas leaks, or one that will pose serious destruction to your property, such as flooding or fires. Below is a list of standard plumbing emergencies. If your home or building experiences any of the emergencies listed below, or ones similar, you must contact a licensed plumber immediately, even if in the middle of the night.

Plumbing Emergencies:

⚠ Major Water Leaks that Can’t Be Stopped By Main Water Shutoff
⚠ Gas Leaks
⚠ Lingering Gas Smell
⚠ Flooding (i.e. carpets, floors, basement, lawn, etc.)
⚠ Condensation on Walls (“sweaty” or wet walls)
⚠ Large Amounts of Standing Water in Lawn
⚠ Burst Pipes
⚠ Frozen Pipes
⚠ Sump Pump Problems and Defects

Minor Plumbing Repairs

A minor plumbing repair is not an emergency situation. Instead, it is a break down in your plumbing system that needs to be fixed, but in the meantime, should not pose serious injury or health complications, nor destruction to your property. However, a minor plumbing repair can evolve into a plumbing emergency if it is neglected over a period of time. Below is a list of non-plumbing emergency examples. If your home or building experiences any of the breakdowns listed below, or ones similar, you must contact a licensed plumber if you cannot repair it yourself. See our blog, “3 Household Plumbing Repairs You Should Know How to Do” for some help.

NON-Plumbing Emergencies:

✅ Moderate Leaks that Can Be Stopped with Main Water Shutoff Valve (i.e. water heater, water softener, cabinet pipes, etc.)
✅ Clogged Toilet or Drain
✅ Running Toilet
✅ No Hot Water
✅ Small Water Leaks (i.e. faucet, shower head, sink, etc.)
✅ Broken Plumbing Fixture

Contact a Trusted Indianapolis Master Plumber

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

FAQS About Water Softeners and Hard Water

Posted on September 18, 2019 by weilhammerplumbing

Rain water is naturally soft water. But once it enters the ground and permeates through all the layers of soil and rock, it accumulates mineral content. Hard water is tap water that contain hard mineral ions, such as iron, calcium, and magnesium. These minerals change the composition of water, thus reducing its quality. When heated, these minerals precipitate out of the water in the form of limescale. Limescale is very damaging to everything in your home, from plumbing and appliances, to dishes, hair, nails, and more. Fortunately, a water softening system can combat the negative effects of hard water.

Continue reading to review some of the most frequently asked questions about water softeners and hard water for help determining the best water quality solutions for your property.

Water Softener Installation and Repair 317-784-1870

How Can I Tell if I Have Hard Water?

The signs of hard water are very easy to see. In fact, if you are displeased with your water, it is probably because it is hard. If you do not think much about your tap water, nor have problems with the things that hard water damages, you might have softer water in your municipality. But that does not mean it is as soft as it can be. To test if you have hard water, simply do an inspection of your house, clothes, dishes, and hair. If you see limescale buildup around faucets and plumbing fixtures, or you always have cloudy spots on your dishes, you have some degree of hard water. Furthermore, if your clothes do not seem to clean well, your soap doesn’t lather well, or your hair seems dingy and dull, you could have hard water.

What Does a Water Softener Do?

Water softeners use ion-exchange technology, which basically trades soft minerals for hard ones. Inside a tank-style water softener, which are the most common among residential properties, there are resin beads. These beads are positively charged, and as water passes through them, they attract and absorb the negatively-charged hard minerals, and swapping them for softener ones; usually potassium chloride (salt pellets). The resin beads then flush the hard minerals out, recharge, and get ready for another cycle.

Do I Need a Water Softener?

Everyone can use a water softener, especially when property has any water-using appliances or plumbing. There are various reasons to purchase and install a water softening system at home or in the office, but it call comes down to hard water abatement. Hard water can be harmful to skin, hair, nails, clothes, plumbing, appliances, dishware, and much more.

How Much Does a Water Softener Cost?

Water softeners are incredibly important and highly effective appliances that actually save properties money, overtime. For this reason, you can expect them to cost more than the average appliance in your home, upfront. Furthermore, you have to also pay for installation, and down the line, routine maintenance and service. On average, you can expect a standard tank-style water softener to cost between $1000 and $3000, depending on the make, model, and size.

How Much is Water Softener Installation?

You will require the services of a licensed plumber who specializes in water softeners for installation. Costs vary among businesses, but on average, you can expect to pay anywhere from $250 to $600 or more for water softener installation. Request free estimates from various plumbers to gain an idea of what a fair cost looks like.

Where Can I Get Trusted Advice About Water Softening in Indianapolis?

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