Tips for Detecting Toilet Leaks

Posted on March 17, 2015 by weilhammerplumbing

Indianapolis Toilet Plumber 317-784-1870

A home with an undetected toilet leak can waste more than 80,000 gallons of water each year. Can you imagine the spike in monthly water bills every month? Or the amount of wasted water and money? Stopping any type of water leak in your home is beneficial for many reasons. Since toilet leaks are common, it is important to inspect them regularly in order to stop a leak before it causes major structural damages, costly repairs, and increased water bills. Continue reading to learn how to detect a leaky toilet and what you should do about it.

Leaky Toilets

As soon as you know you have a leaky toilet, shut off the main water valve to stop all water flow in your home. Then call a professional plumber for emergency service. They retain the proper tools and knowledge to quickly and effectively repair a leaky toilet at a price anyone can afford. But before calling a master plumber, it is helpful to determine whether or not a leak exists, on your own. You can do this by checking the following areas:

Flush Valve Issues

Many leaks occur from flush valve issues. Standard toilets come with flush and re-fill valves that can sometimes leak into the toilet bowl, from the tank, if not working properly. With a leak like this, the flush valve will continue to re-fill continuously, causing a running toilet as well. This wastes an abundant amount of water. And if the re-fill valve is also defective in any way, it can cause the toilet tank to overflow.

To check for flush-valve issues:

Start by shutting off the water valve to the toilet. This shut-off valve is located on the bottom left side of the tank. Record the level of water you see, and then re-check it in 20 minutes. If the water level is lower, there is a flush valve leak or similar issue.

To check for re-fill valve issues:

Start by adding a few drops of food coloring to the tank of the toilet. Wait ten minutes and then check the bowl. If the food coloring made its way from the tank to the toilet bowl, there is a problem with the re-fill valve; most likely a leak.

Weilhammer Plumbing Co. Inc.

Weilhammer Plumbing Company 317-784-1870

Call Mark Weilhammer, licensed master plumber, at 317-784-1870 for professional toilet repair in Indianapolis, Indiana. He and our team of licensed master plumbers are happy to answer your questions about leaky toilets, toilet repair, water leaks, plumbing repair, and all other plumbing issues. We provide residential and commercial plumbing services at the most competitive prices in town. Call 317-784-1870 for professional toilet installation and repair services in Indianapolis, IN.

How to Manage the Aftermath of Water Damages in Your Home

Posted on March 13, 2015 by weilhammerplumbing

Indianapolis Plumbers 317-784-1870

Water damages are among the most upsetting and frustrating circumstances for any home or property. So many negative outcomes can result from water damage, including costly structural damage repairs, loss of significant assets, stressful insurance claims, and much more. For these reasons and more, it is vital to protect your property from potential water leaks, burst plumbing pipes, and indoor flooding. It is strongly encouraged to consult a master plumber about scheduling an assessment of your home for plumbing problems such as these. Stopping a small leak or vulnerability in your plumbing pipes can prevent serious water damages from happening the in the first place.

Continue reading to learn how to manage the aftermath of water damages in your home, and who to call for expert advice and service regarding this issue.

Water Damage Repair

Most homeowner insurance policies do not cover water damages caused by plumbing disasters that occurred as a result of negligence or improper maintenance. Be sure to discuss these principles with your insurance company before any disasters occur so that you know exactly where you are covered and where you are not. A proper policy will cover hotel fees, reimbursement for personal belongings lost in the damages, mold remediation, home repairs, restorations, and more. If your homeowners’ insurance does not offer coverage for these kinds of incidents, you have the option of purchasing a policy through a third-party insurance provider. In other cases, home insurance policies do cover plumbing emergencies and water damages. It differs from company to company.

Once you have settled with your insurance company, it is important to locate a master plumber to come in and implement professional diagnostics in order to identify all weak spots, vulnerabilities, and needed plumbing repairs. This is vital if you wish to prevent further water damage and future floods. Once the plumber has been contacted and scheduled, you can then look for a reputable general contractor company for any needed structural or foundation repairs. This includes drywall, carpet, floors, windows, ceilings, beams, and more.

Weilhammer Plumbing Co. Inc.

Weilhammer Plumbing Company 317-784-1870

Call Weilhammer Plumbing Co. Inc. at 317-784-1870 for information about water leak repair and plumbing inspections in Indianapolis, Indiana. Owner and master plumber, Mark Weilhammer, has decades of experience and training in the plumbing repair industry. He and his team of fellow master plumbers can identify all plumbing issues in a commercial or residential property in an effort to prevent flooding and water damages. Call 317-784-1870 to speak with a licensed master plumber about water leak plumbing repair in Indianapolis, IN today.

How Can Reliable Plumbing Make a House Better?

Posted on March 2, 2015 by weilhammerplumbing

Water Softener Repair 317-784-1870

A home is our safe place. It is where we feel the most secure and at peace. It is our sanctuary from all the chaos and havoc life can sometimes throw upon us. For this reason, we want our homes to be in great condition, in terms of foundation, structure, electrical, and more. One of the most important and valuable assets to any home is the plumbing system. Without good plumbing, a house cannot be a home. We need our warm baths and showers, our cups of coffee, quality insulation, reliable piping, washing machines, and so much more. All of these aspects and appliances are reliant on good, reliable plumbing.

Here’s how good plumbing makes a house better for everyone inside and out.

Plumbing Tips

When it comes to plumbing repairs, plumbing maintenance, pipe issues, and other serious plumbing problems, it is vital to have a licensed master plumber undertake these kinds of projects for optimal and liable results. Here are some examples of emergency or serious plumbing problems that should be repaired or handled by a licensed plumber:

• Burst Pipes
• Frozen Pipes
• Water Leaks
• Slab Leaks
• Toilet Repair
• Kitchen Plumbing Repairs
• Bathroom Plumbing Repairs
• Blocked Drains
• Valve Repairs
• Leaking Water Heaters
• Water Softener Repairs
• Sump Pump Repairs
• Corroded Piping
• And More

There are plenty of plumbing projects homeowners can take on themselves as well, such as minor drain clogs, backup toilets, and leaky faucets; but a licensed master plumber retains the proper resources, training, licensing, and equipment to professionally undertake projects such as these and provide affordable and long-lasting solutions for them.

Weilhammer Plumbing Co. Inc.

Weilhammer Plumbing Company 317-784-1870

Call Weilhammer Plumbing Co. Inc. at 317-784-1870 for licensed master plumber services in Indianapolis, Indiana. Owner, Mark Weilhammer, is a state-licensed master plumber with several decades of experience in the plumbing repair industry. In fact, our company has been in business since 1901! We offer a wide selection of plumbing services for residential and commercial properties throughout all of Indianapolis and its surrounding counties!

Weilhammer Plumbing Co. Inc. Offers Master Water Heater Repair in Indianapolis, Indiana!

Posted on February 27, 2015 by weilhammerplumbing

Weilhammer Plumbing Company 317-784-1870

Weilhammer Plumbing Co. Inc. has been a family owned and operated company for more than 100 years in Indiana! Our owner, Mark Weilhammer, is a state licensed master plumber with over 50 years of experience in the plumbing industry. The reason our business has remained successful and even thrived through the bad economic times, was due to our sincere dedication to customer service and our proficient plumbing skills. We have served the Hoosier community for so many decades, it is no wonder we are Indy’s most trusted plumbing company! With credentials like these, you can trust you are receiving the most honest, reliable, and accurate plumbing services in town. Call us today at 317-784-1870 and speak directly with a master plumber in Indianapolis, Indiana.

Get Prompt and Professional Master Plumbing Services for Water Heaters and More in Indianapolis!

Weilhammer Plumbing Co. Inc. is known for its long Indiana history, impeccable plumbing skills, and honest prices; but now it’s time you know we offer maintenance, repair, installation, and replacement services for all make and model water heaters; and for both residential and commercial properties! Visit our water heater repair webpage to learn more about our services and company credentials. On top of water heater repair in Indianapolis, we also sell water heaters at the most competitive prices in Indiana! Call 317-784-1870 for licensed water heater repair services in Indianapolis, IN you can afford.

Never Put This Stuff in a Garbage Disposal!

Posted on February 20, 2015 by weilhammerplumbing

Clogged Drain Repair 317-784-1870

You must be good to your garbage disposal if you want it to be good to you! This means minding what you put in it, and providing proper maintenance and repair as needed. Just to get it out there, always remember to shut off the power supply before performing any DIY work on your garbage disposal. You don’t want an accident to occur that leaves you without any fingers, or worse, an entire hand! This is just another reason why you should always leave garbage disposal repair needs in the hands of a licensed and experienced master plumber. They retain the proper tools, training, and resources to accurately and efficiently diagnose and repair a disposal issue.

As for your own at-home garbage disposal habits, continue reading to see if you are guilty of putting any of these “no-no’s” down the sink drain.

Garbage Disposal Awareness

To best understand what you shouldn’t put down a garbage disposal, let’s first begin with the things that are okay and safe. For example, the only foods that should be shredded in your disposal should be soft, non-fibrous, chopped, liquid, and similar foods in small amounts. The key word here is “small amounts.” When it comes to the stuff you should not put in a garbage disposal, here is a list of suggestions to follow:

Fatty Oils

Do not put olive oil, lard, bacon grease, pan grease, excessive amounts of melted butter, vegetable oils, or any other versions of fatty oils down the drain. These products will quickly coagulate and thicken, causing pipe blockages, clogs, and more.

Starches

Refrain from putting any type of starchy food down the garbage disposal or drain. Just like fatty oils, things like pasta and rice also thicken and cause pipe blockages.

Fibrous Waste

Do not toss anything fibrous or stringy down the drain. Foods like corn husks, fruit rinds, potato peels, chicken skins, celery, egg shells, and other similar food.

Fruit and Vegetable Pits

Foods like avocados and peaches have hard, solid, seed-like pits that can do a lot of damage to a garbage disposal system. The same goes for bones too!

Coffee Grounds

Many people eliminate their coffee grounds by dumping them down the drain. This is a bad idea because they can buildup overtime and cause clogs and blockages.

Paper Garbage

Never put cigarette butts, coffee filters, or any other non-perishable item down the drain. These do not deteriorate at a speed that is not conducive for optimal pipe and plumbing functionality.

Weilhammer Plumbing Co. Inc.

Call Mark Weilhammer, master plumber and owner of Weilhammer Plumbing Company of Indianapolis, at 317-784-1870 today. He and his team of professional and licensed plumbers are happy to answer your questions about garbage disposal repair, plumbing repair, and more. We offer all plumbing services for both commercial and residential properties, at the most competitive prices around. Call 317-784-1870 and speak directly with Mark about garbage disposal repair services 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 Plumbing Secrets That No One Talks About

Posted on February 2, 2015 by weilhammerplumbing

Indianapolis Plumbing Repair 317-784-1870

Oh boy! Here we go again! The washing machine hose burst and there’s soapy water everywhere! Time to call homeowners’ insurance and make a claim. This is a typical example of one such plumbing secret that no one seems to ever talk about. Don’t take your chances with rubber washing machine hoses! Instead, opt for some sturdy stainless steel ones and prevent making this frequent homeowners’ insurance claim.

There are several little secrets like this that relate to the plumbing industry, yet we homeowner’s know nothing of them. This is because these types of questions can’t be answered unless they are asked first! And if we don’t know what to ask about, how can we stay well-informed? Fortunately, you can read up on fun and interesting blogs like this one to help spark your curiosity and be better-prepared the next time your plumber is making a routine stop at your home. Continue reading for more plumbing secrets and a few tips to stay ahead of plumbing mishaps and mistakes.

Mondays are the Busiest Day for a Plumbing Company

This is something that many people haven’t caught onto yet. Perhaps it’s the wives calling to fix the plumbing job their husbands attempted over the weekend, or that people like to make to-do lists at the beginning of the week. No matter what the reason may really be, Mondays are not the best day to request service from a plumbing company. You can call them to schedule, of course, but it is not likely you’ll get same-day service on a Monday.

Plumbing Stores Have Great Recommendations

If you want to find a reputable plumber, contact your local plumbing supply center or plumbing fixture store for a trustworthy recommendation. These niche stores do not deal with corrupt or inept plumbers. They can suggest one that is s true professional and exceptional at what they do for a living.

Putting Bricks in the Toilet Does Not Work

Many people think placing an obstacle, like a brick, inside their toilet bowl will help preserve water consumption. But what this actually does is inhibit your toilet’s ability to flush properly. And the same goes with drain cleaner down the toilet. This is a no-no because it can corrode your underground piping, leading to costly plumbing repairs. If your toilet is clogged, use a plunger or call a licensed plumber.

The Main Water Supply Shut-Off Valve Will Stop a Flood in Your Home

If something in your home is flooding, simply locate your main water supply, and turn the valve so it shuts off. This will stop the flow of water in your plumbing pipes. So many people have no clue where their main water shut-off valve is located. The message here is, if you own your home or care about the stuff in it, locate this valve right now so you can be prepared for any future flooding emergencies.

Flushable Doesn’t Always Mean Flushable

So many clogged pipes are caused by those store-bought items that claim to be flush-able, when it fact, they do not break down and disintegrate like toilet tissue. Be on the lookout for this term, and be very cautious when using a product that is supposedly suitable for flushing.

Plumbers are Not Supposed to Remove Shower-Head Water Flow Inhibitors

It is against a plumber’s code to remove water flow inhibitors in shower-heads to increase water pressure. But so many people ask all the time. For this reason, some plumbers will make exceptions and do this for a client if they are asked. But technically, it goes against the plumber rulebooks.

A Master Plumber is NOT a Handyman

You would be surprised to hear how many people ask master plumbers if they offer other types of services, like repairing cars or handyman work. This is exhausting because this means homeowners don’t understand or realize the complexity and training it requires to become a state licensed master plumber. You wouldn’t ask a dentist if they offered pet-sitting services; would you?

A Loose Toilet Handle is an Easy and Cheap DIY Fix

When the toilet handle is jiggling or wobbly, you can assume the flap valve needs replaced. This is a four dollar part at any local hardware or home store. And it is simply to install. A plumber might cost anywhere from 50 to 100 dollars for a call like this; especially if they are supplying the new part.

Jammed Garbage Disposals Need an Allen Wrench

It’s simple. Follow the instructions in the owner’s manual, or locate the proper manual online, and then find the Allen wrench your disposal most likely came with. With this, you can clear this problem up yourself without the help of a plumber. Just be sure you turn the power supply or fuse box off before working on a garbage disposal!

Weilhammer Plumbing Co. Inc.

Weilhammer Plumbing Indianapolis Indiana 317-784-1870

Call 317-784-1870 and speak with Mark Weilhammer, licensed master plumber in Indianapolis, Indiana. We offer all levels of plumbing services and repairs for residential and commercial properties. With more than 100 years in business and more than 50 years of experience, you can trust that we are a reputable and honest plumbing company. We offer plumbing service and repair for pipes, fixtures, sump pumps, water heaters, water softeners, and much more. Call 317-784-1870 for prompt and professional plumbing repair services in Indianapolis, IN today.

When is DIY Plumbing Repair a Bad Idea?

Posted on January 14, 2015 by weilhammerplumbing

Plumbing Drain Repair 317-784-1870

Homeowners feel good about themselves when they discover a problem and repair it without having to shell out money for a repair service. And fortunately, there are several things men and women can do on their own when it comes to making repairs in their homes. But in other cases, a do-it-yourself approach is not the right answer.

One of the most complex and vital components of any home is their plumbing system. Home plumbing is used every day, from toilet flushing to dish-washing, so naturally problems are likely to occur.

Some can be fixed with a DIY attitude, while others will require the services of a master plumber. Continue reading to learn the difference!

When DIY Works

There are several problems that can happen to a residential plumbing system that can be fixed on your own. A clogged toilet or drain can be solved with a simple snaking and some drain cleaner. A clogged kitchen sink drain just needs some cold running water and a good garbage disposal run. If a pipe bursts, you can surely shut off the main water valve on your own to stop any further flooding. So there are many plumbing repairs a novice or hands-on homeowner can do themselves; but what about more serious plumbing problems? This is when DIY is a bad idea.

When DIY Does Not Work

So let’s stick with the example of burst pipes. Sure you can turn the water shut-off valve and stop the flow of water in your plumbing, but the pipes are going to need some professional attention. And not just any professional attention, master plumber-level attention. Trenchless pipe replacement and pipe repair are complex and technical projects that require extensive education, training, knowledge, and experience. It also requires the proper tools and diagnostic equipment that only a professional plumbing company would retain. Implementing a serious plumbing repair on your own can result in more damage and costlier repairs.

Aside from pipe repair, flooding and water damages are certainly not something homeowners are not interested in doing themselves, and they shouldn’t anyway. Other serious plumbing repairs that should be handled by a master plumber include septic and sump pump problems, water heater repairs, water softeners issues, slab leaks, frozen pipes, water leaks, and more. These require specialized methods of diagnostics and repair that, again, only a master plumber can provide.

Weilhammer Plumbing Co. Inc.

Weilhammer Plumbing Indianapolis Indiana 317-784-1870

Call Weilhammer Plumbing Co. Inc. at 317-784-1870 for master plumber repair services in Indianapolis, Indiana. Owner and master plumber, Mark Weilhammer, has more than 60 years of experience in the plumbing industry. In fact, we have been a family owned and operated Indianapolis plumbing company for more than 100 years! We offer a wide range of plumbing services for residential and commercial properties. You can trust you are getting the fairest prices and most honest service for plumbing repair in Indianapolis, IN.

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!