3 Simple Ways to Conserve Water in the Bathroom

Posted on August 12, 2022 by weilhammerplumbing

Contributing to the betterment of the environment is something anyone can do. In fact, it is easy, and it can save you money! If you’re interested in helping the planet Earth, a good place to start is water conservation. After all, water is precious and none of it should go to waste. Which room in your home uses the most water? Arguably, you could say the kitchen, but most often, it’s the bathroom!

Continue reading to learn 3 simple ways to conserve water in the bathroom, plus what to do if you are dealing with plumbing issues that are wasting water and increasing your utility bills.

Bathroom Plumbing Repair Indianapolis IN 317-784-1870

Bathroom Water Conservation

Because bathroom water conservation is so easy to do, you can get your entire family or roommates involved too! Here are the three easiest and most cost-effective ways to cut back on water consumption in the bathroom:

Install Low-Flow Plumbing Fixtures

Shower heads and faucets are plumbing fixtures that are notorious for wasting water. The flow of water ejected from these fixtures is so strong that the average showerhead or faucet can fill a 5 gallon tank every minute. You can reduce the amount of water your plumbing fixtures emit by installing low-flow showerheads or low-volume water restrictors in your faucets. These plumbing fixtures can reduce water flow down to two half gallons per minute. Not only does this help the planet by conserving water, but it also significantly reduces your water bill every month.

Reduce Bathing Time

Although it can be really challenging to do after a long day of work or a really hard week, one way you can easily conserve water in the bathroom is to reduce your bathing time. Cut back on how long you run a shower before you get in, plus how long you take a shower. Also consider ways to avoid leaving the faucet running while you do other things in the bathroom, like brushing your teeth, washing your hands, removing your makeup, or shaving. For instance, use a mug of water to rinse your razor in between strokes, and simply shut the faucet off while you’re scrubbing your teeth or face clean.

Stop Using the Bathtub

Many people enjoy a good long soak in a hot bath every once in a while, which is perfectly fine. But if you are someone who frequently takes baths, you might want to reconsider your options. The average bathtub holds and drains between 35 and 50 gallons of water. In comparison, a ten minute shower will usually consume around 25 gallons of water.

Bonus Tip:

Another effective way to conserve water in the bathroom is to have any water leaks repair right away. A dripping faucet can waste a lot of water, more than you would think. In fact, a leaky faucet can waste up to 20 gallons of water a day. Think about how this could impact your water bill each month.

Do you have some bathroom or household plumbing issues that are wasting water and money? Contact Weilhammer Plumbing Company at 317-784-1870 for licensed and insured plumbing repair services in Indianapolis, Indiana, and its surrounding counties. We serve residential and commercial customers.

5 Contemporary Faucet Styles for Bathroom and Kitchen Sinks

Posted on August 11, 2016 by weilhammerplumbing

Indianapolis Plumbing Repair 317-784-1870

If you need a bathroom or kitchen upgrade that’s within your budget, there is no better place to start than with plumbing fixtures. Sink faucets are used frequently in your home, which means they are focal points for bathrooms and kitchens. So they are a great place to add some interior style and individuality without committing to a huge or costly remodeling overhaul. Continue reading and check out the most popular contemporary faucet styles and fashions on the market today!

Ultra-Modern Faucets

If you are really looking for something up-to-date, and even a bit ahead of our time, then the ultra-modern faucet styles are the ones for you. These modern styles offer sleek, simple, and shiny geometrical designs, as well as, innovative technologies like touch and infrared sensors, waterfall flows, and more. You can choose from a variety of colors, designs, and more.

Extendable Faucets

For those who use the kitchen a lot, an extendable faucet has a lot to offer. These have become popular among homeowners who cook frequently because they make dish rinsing more efficient and convenient. This makes them good for mudroom and garage sinks too. They are also great for those who have small dogs that take baths in the sink! These pull-out designs come in a vast selection of lengths, colors, finishes, and more. And they are reasonably priced for such modern style.

Industrial Faucets

Similar to pull-out faucets, industrial faucets also offer convenience and efficiency in the kitchen. They have gained popularity thanks to the trendy cooking shows on television. Many homeowners, chefs, and cooking enthusiasts prefer the industrial faucets not only because they look so professional, but also because they extend and flex, and provide more room in the sink, making dish management much easier.

Hands-Free Faucets

Loved by busy moms and multi-taskers everywhere, hands-free faucets are taking the lead in today’s modern plumbing fixture market. Not only do these faucets save water and prevents the spread of germs, they come in an array of colors, finishes, sizes, and more. They are highly-efficient, operating by either infrared or motion sensors to turn on and off, or by a single touch anywhere on the faucet.

Antique Faucets

We don’t mean real antique faucets (unless they’ve been exceptionally refurbished)! Instead, there is a current trend of old world style faucets that resemble antique designs, colors, and finishes. These faucets usually come in rustic finishes, and designed with more intricate detail. They make the perfect upgrade for anyone who loves old-fashioned, historic charm.

Indianapolis Faucet Repair

Weilhammer Plumbing Company Indianapolis Indiana

Weilhammer Plumbing Company 317-784-1870

Call Weilhammer Plumbing Co. Inc. at 317-784-1870 for professional faucet repair in Indianapolis, Indiana and its surrounding counties. Owner and master plumber, Mark Weilhammer, knows how easily faucets can spring a leak, or how suddenly drains can clog. He and his team of licensed, bonded, and insured plumbers are eager to get your plumbing system back on track, and at a price you can afford! We have decades of experience providing a wide range of plumbing services, from major commercial plumbing work, to routine plumbing repair for residential properties. Call 317-784-1870 to speak with a friendly Indianapolis plumber about your faucet problems, today.

Basic Plumbing Tools for Basic Plumbing Problems

Posted on October 1, 2015 by weilhammerplumbing

Indianapolis Plumbing Repair 317-784-1870

When it comes to home plumbing, problems can arise at any time, and always unexpectedly. For this reason, it is important to stay equipped for whatever comes your way. Having the right plumbing tools and supplies on hand can be a huge advantage in the case of a plumbing issue or emergency.

Every home should have the basic plumbing tools needed to manage common plumbing problems. Problems like clogged or running toilets, leaky faucets, and jammed garbage disposals can be fixed on your own in minor cases, so long as you are properly equipped with the right tools. Continue reading to learn the basic plumbing tools you should have in your home in the case of a plumbing emergency or issue.

Clogged Toilets

When toilets cause problems, it is no fun for anyone. A functional toilet is the fundamental concept behind refined living. Without indoor toilet plumbing, we are subjected to more primitive means of organic elimination! So when toilets clog or constantly run, go for these plumbing tools:

Plungers – Plungers are great for clogged toilets, as well as, clogged sink and shower drains. Choose from a selection of styles at your local hardware or general store. Prices vary from $8 to $25, depending on the retailer and brand.

Augers – There are two effective augers recommended for different plumbing purposes: hand and closet augers. Hand augers are great for clogged toilets, but also for clogged shower drains, sinks drains, and more. They generally come with over 25 feet of flexible steel cable designed to dislodge solids and release clogs. Closet augers are generally cheaper and shorter in length (3 to 6 ft.), making them perfect for unclogging toilets specifically. Prices vary anywhere from $5 to 50 dollars, depending on brand and retailer.

Running Toilet

If a toilet is running constantly, it may require a fill or flush valve replacement. This can be done on your own using three different types of wrenches: adjustable crescent wrench, metric combination wrench, and a strap wrench. All three tools can be purchase at any local hardware store at affordable prices.

An adjustable crescent wrench will be priced anywhere between 20 and 40 dollars, whereas a combination wrench set will set you back anywhere between $20 and $200, depending on the number or pieces and retailer. And strap wrenches
will cost anywhere between 5 and 40 dollars.

Leaky Faucets

Leaking and dripping faucets are usually the result of a deteriorated washers. You can easily replace these on your own with a few simple beginner tools. These include a screwdriver set, ranging between $10 and $40, a pliers set, also ranging between $10 and $40, and a basin wrench ($5 – $40).

Jammed Garbage Disposals

When the garbage disposal seems to stop working, or jams, you can fix this problem by adjusting the motor beneath the appliance. Use the proper-sized Allen wrench for the opening beneath the garbage disposal. Then insert into the opening and turn both ways. Allen wrench sets generally cost anywhere from $10 to $50 or more, depending on the number of pieces and the brand.

Weilhammer Plumbing Co. Inc.

Weilhammer Plumbing Company 317-784-1870

Call Weilhammer Plumbing Co. Inc. at 317-784-1870 for all your household plumbing problems and plumbing repair needs in Indianapolis, Indiana. Owner, Mark Weilhammer, has more than 40 years of experience as a state-licensed master plumber. And our family owned and operated company has served Hoosier communities for more than 100 years! We offer residential and commercial plumbing services at the most competitive prices in Indianapolis, IN. Call us today at 317-784-1870 to schedule an appointment or learn more about our company.

Standard Plumbing Valves and How They Work

Posted on July 1, 2015 by weilhammerplumbing

Plumbing Repair 317-784-1870

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

Stop Valves

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

Gate Valves

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

Ball Valves

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

Additional Types of Valves:

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

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

Weilhammer Plumbing Co. Inc.

Weilhammer Plumbing Company 317-784-1870

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

Do You Need Bathtub Repair or Bathtub Replacement?

Posted on May 19, 2015 by weilhammerplumbing

A shower curtain can only do so much to hide an old, outdated, stained, or rusted bathtub. Eventually at some point in time, it will be necessary, and lucrative, to address your bathtub woes. Determining whether or not a bathtub needs repaired or replaced can be tricky, which is why it is helpful to review some basic factors regarding bathtub plumbing to better understand your home’s needs.

Although bathtub replacement seems like a scary possibility in terms of cost and installation, it is much more affordable and efficient than many think. So if it turns out that your home needs an entire bathtub replacement, do not fear the costs and labor associated with the process. Continue reading to learn how to tell which service your bathroom requires, what to expect, and who to call for professional plumbing you can trust.

Bathroom Plumbing Repair 317-784-1870

Bathtub Repair

Not all tubs will need a replacement. Sometimes some simple repairs is all it takes to instantly solve, update, or upgrade your bathroom focal point. If a bathtub doesn’t pose any internal or external plumbing issues, then homeowners can opt to have their tubs refinished. Tub refinishing is perfect for bathtubs that are in good condition physically, but may contain stains, discoloration, texture defects, and unsightly marks. This process costs substantially less than tub replacement, and makes bathtubs look brand new. For further protection and longevity, homeowners can opt for bathtub liner in addition to refinishing. Although a bit pricier than refinishing alone, it is a fantastic way to further protect your investment.

Bathtub Replacement

Sometimes, a bathtub cannot be repaired, or the repair costs would exceed the cost of replacement. In these cases, replacement is necessary. Even for tubs that are not defective, replacement might be necessary for bathroom remodels, updates, and upgrades. Keep in mind that the after effects of a water leak are much more costly and tedious to repair than the cost to replace a defective, cracked, or deteriorating tub.

Be sure to hire a licensed master plumber for bathtub repairs and bathroom plumbing services. They retain the proper tools, training, and resources to provide a professional and accurate job within a time-frame that’s convenient for you.

Weilhammer Plumbing Co. Inc.

Weilhammer Plumbing Company 317-784-1870

Call Weilhammer Plumbing Co. Inc. at 317-784-1870 for bathroom plumbing services in Indianapolis, Indiana. Owner, Mark Weilhammer, is a state-licensed master plumber with more than 50 years of experience in the plumbing repair industry. We offer a wide range of plumbing repair and service for residential and commercial properties. Call 317-784-1870 for more information about our affordable Indianapolis plumbing repair and bathroom plumbing services.