Tag Archives: Emergency Plumber

Do Not Make these Common Plumbing Mistakes as a New Homeowner

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When a person buys a new house, especially for the first time, they are marveled by the accomplishment, and warmed by a sense of great pride. If you currently have these feelings of pride and achievement peaking at full force after buying a new house, it is common to feel very strongly about taking the best care of your new property to the best of your own ability. In fact, you might be planning to do most of the handyman and maintenance work yourself. But be warned, when it comes to plumbing, there are some all-too-common plumbing mistakes that new homeowners tend to make, all of which are very damaging and costly, both upfront and in the long run.

Continue reading to learn the top plumbing mistakes made by new homeowners so that you can avoiding falling victim to the same errors in your house.

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Emergency Plumbing Services in Indianapolis 317-784-1870

New Homeowner Plumbing Errors to Avoid

▶ Performing Plumbing Work Without a Permit

Any kind of major plumbing work must be performed by a state-licensed plumber or master plumber. There are several building codes, municipal codes, and code standards that must be met for legal purposes and safety purposes. If you are not permitted to do such plumbing work by the state, you should not do it at all.

▶ Forgetting to Shut the Water Off Before a Trip

Many people have forgotten to turn their water off before a trip or vacation, only to come home to a massively flooded house or property. Do not make this same mistake. First, be sure you know where your main water shut off is located, which is primarily important for emergencies. Then, set reminders to turn your main water shut off valve to the off position prior to departing on a trip longer than a few days.

▶ Treating Clogged Drains With Chemical Drain Cleaners

Store-bought chemical drain cleaners are never the right solution for a clogged drain. This is actually one of the most common plumbing mistakes homeowners make. Chemicals that go down the drain are not only damaging to your plumbing pipes, especially galvanized ones, they are hazardous to our surrounding environment. Instead, make homemade drain dissolving cleaner, or use a handy drain auger.

▶ Combing Copper Piping With Galvanized Pipes

Galvanized piping is great, alone. Copper piping is also very great, alone. But together, corrosion will take place. Never make the mistake of connecting these two kinds of plumbing pipes together, under any circumstances. Otherwise, you can look forward to a costly and invasive plumbing overhaul in the near future. If such pipes must be connected, talk to your master plumber about a dielectric union.

Indianapolis Indiana Master Plumber Services You Can Afford

Call Weilhammer Plumbing at 317-784-1870 for prompt and professional Indianapolis plumbing service and home plumbing inspections at an affordable price. Master plumber, Mark Weilhammer, is happy to answer your questions about plumbing repair, replacement, installation, maintenance, and more. We offer free advice and estimates as well.Whether you need routine water heater service at home, or a major pipe replacement for a commercial building, our licensed Indianapolis plumbers can do it all, and in a time frame that’s convenient for you!

Advised Maintenance for Vital Plumbing Systems in the Home

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All too often, homeowners only resort to calling a plumber once their plumbing issue turns into more of a plumbing emergency. But you should always contact a plumber as soon as you notice changes in any plumbing system, far before an emergency can develop. You see, regular plumbing maintenance and inspections can drastically reduce the chances of another plumbing disaster or repair. A small plumbing issue can become a larger and more costly repair if not caught in time. Basement flooding, water leaks, burst pipes, and more can cause thousands of dollars of damages that could have otherwise been avoided with some simple routine maintenance and repair. Fortunately, there are several things a person can do to prolong the life of their plumbing system and prevent plumbing emergencies.

Continue reading to learn how to care for your home’s plumbing, properly, and who you should call if you require plumbing repair services.

Indianapolis Plumbing Service and Repair 317-784-1870
Indianapolis Emergency Plumbing Service 317-784-1870

Basic Plumbing Maintenance and Care

Always remember that a little preventative maintenance goes a long way for a residential plumbing system. Preventing emergencies like clogged drains, toilet overflows, water heater failures, and more can feel very good to a homeowner’s budget. Preventing these issues also prevents larger disasters from occurring. This saves a household thousands of dollars each year! A properly cared-for plumbing system simply won’t require as much repair and replacement. Check out some DIY methods below to prolonging and caring for your home plumbing and start preparing your system for the long-haul!

Water Leak Inspections

Regularly inspect all areas of your home for potential water leaks. This means checking the faucet for excessive dripping, inspecting all water-using appliances for possible leaks, looking out for moisture accumulation on pipes or walls, and more. This should be done at least one time a year. Finding a water leak in its beginning stages can stop possible flooding situations, structural damages, and mold problems, saving a home owner a lot of money.

Septic Tanks and Sump Pumps

Septic tanks can cause severe home disasters. For anyone who has experienced a septic tank flood will tell you it’s a nightmare and costs thousands of dollars to cleanup and repair. Severe storms and system defects can cause septic tanks to malfunction or overflow, causing extreme home damages. It is strongly encouraged to install a battery-powered back-up sump pump for emergencies. Also, have your tank checked by a licensed master plumber at least once a year; or more if your city experiences higher precipitation levels and rainy seasons.

Water Heaters and Water Softeners

Water pressure can be an indication that something is not quite right with your plumbing. Check the shower heads and faucets for reduced water pressure. This can be a sign that you have sediment buildup in your plumbing system, or worse, a faulty water line. You may also have sediment buildup in your water heater, causing loss of performance and corrosion. It is important to have a licensed master plumber empty your water heater, and clean the sediment from your system a few times a year. This can reduce several costly problems and repairs.

Gas and Water Shut Off Valves

Every homeowner should know where their gas and water shut off valve is located, and how to operate it in the case of an emergency. If you ever need to turn your water off, be sure to also turn off your water heater so to not damage the heating elements within it. If you ever smell gas, act immediately. Turn your gas valve off and leave your home. Also, at the same time, do not flip off light switches or use anything that can create a spark. Just leave the premises and call for a master plumber to inspect your home. Gas leaks can be fatal, so it is vital to always take immediate action if you think you smell gas. 

Plumbing maintenance can prevent very expensive plumbing disasters, emergencies, and repairs, and even save lives. Don’t wait any longer to have your plumbing inspected by a licensed professional. You can save yourself thousands of dollars by catching a plumbing problem ahead of time, and having it fixed by a trained plumber.

The Indianapolis Emergency Plumber to Call for Fast and Affordable Service

Call Weilhammer Plumbing Co. Inc. at 317-784-1870 for trusted and affordable emergency plumbing services in Indianapolis, Indiana. We offer a wide range of standard and master plumber repair services for both residential and commercial properties, including home plumbing inspections, water heater repair, water softener repair, septic tank repair, and appliance sales. We also offer free estimates, free plumbing advice, and even free haul-away for old plumbing appliances. Request a free estimate, today.

Is Your Plumbing Repair an Emergency or Can it Wait?

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During this unique and challenging time, you often find yourself asking whether or not something is essential. From work and grocery store trips, to shopping, healthcare, expenses, and more, there are many facets of life where this question can be beneficial. But when it comes to plumbing repairs, the same back-and-forth contemplation can overcome you. You are anxious to know if your plumbing issue an emergency, or if it can wait until regular business hours to be repaired?

Continue reading to learn which questions to ask yourself in order to determine how serous your plumbing repairs needs are at this time.

Emergency Plumbing Repair in Indianapolis
Emergency Plumbing Repair in Indianapolis 317-784-1870

Plumbing Repair Questions to Ask Yourself

To determine whether or not you have a plumbing emergency on your hands, ask yourself these important questions:

► Do You Need the Affected Plumbing System Right Away?

Perhaps you only have one toilet or shower in your home. In this case, you likely have a plumbing repair that requires immediate attention. Otherwise, you might be checking into a hotel for access to working plumbing system! In another example, you might have a water leak. In this case, you would not want to waste any time having it repaired since water leaks tend to worsen very quickly, and lead to some of the costliest structural damages.

In contrast, if you have multiple bathrooms and only one toilet breaks down, or you have a minor leak under the sink that can be controlled by shutting off your main water valve, you can wait until the plumbing office opens the next morning to have it repaired.

► Can You Shut Off Your Water?

Most water leaks can be controlled by simply shutting off the main water valve. Not sure where yours is? Generally, you will find it in the utility room, or near the water softener and water heater. Most often, this valve can be adjusted manually, but sometimes, older valves are more stubborn, and might require a set of pliers or a wrench. If you cannot control the plumbing issue by turning off your main water supply, or you simply cannot get it to turn, you have a plumbing emergency on your hands.

► Will Letting the Plumbing Repair Sit Cause More Damage?

In some cases, a minor plumbing repair can quickly worsen, and therefore, lead to a large amount of costly structural damage. So, if your current plumbing issue is one that will get worse if you let it sit overnight, such as a water or pipe leak, you have a legitimate emergency plumbing repair need. If waiting until morning to contact a local plumber has no negative effect on the issue, you are not dealing with a plumbing emergency.

For more advice on confirming a plumbing emergency, see our blog, “What is a Plumbing Emergency?” to review several more examples.

Emergency Plumbing Service You Can Trust

Call Weilhammer Plumbing Co. Inc. at 317-784-1870 when you need emergency plumbing repair in Indianapolis at an affordable price. We offer a wide range of standard and master plumber services for both residential and commercial properties. We also offer 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.

FAQS About Laundry Room Plumbing Problems

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Does your laundry room give you trouble every time you need to run the washing machine? If so, you are not alone. Several homeowners struggle with the same kinds of laundry room plumbing issues. Fortunately, there is always a solution right around the corner. Continue reading to review some of the most frequently asked questions about such plumbing problems, and learn what you need to know about getting your laundry room back in order.

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Emergency Plumber 317-784-1870

Why Does Smelly Water Come Up Through the Floor Drain When I Do a Load of Laundry?

When the drain nearest your washing machine seems to overflow with smelly water every time you run a load, it is likely due to a blocked vent or branch line. To determine the actual cause, and to implement a solution, you will need to hire a licensed plumber. If you do not want to jump straight into hiring a professional, you can try to unclog the drain yourself using a drain auger or drain snake.

See our blog, “Choose the Right Auger for Serious Plumbing Clogs” to learn what you need to know about these tools. Whatever you do, do not use a liquid drain cleaner; not only is this ineffective, it can be damaging to your plumbing. Furthermore, if your pipes are made of steel or cast iron, you need to avoid acid-based cleaners, as these will eat through the zinc coating on galvanized pipes, and lead to exponential corrosion.

Why Does My Washing Machine Bubble and Overflow?

One of the top causes for an overflowing washing machine is overloading. Running a cycle that is too big for the machine can cause bubbling, overflows, and decreased efficiency. Another top cause for an overflowing washing machine is too much detergent. Check to ensure you are using the recommended amount of detergent, whether in liquid, powder, granule, or capsule form. Keep in mind that some detergents are concentrated, which means you use significantly less than a conventional product.

If these are not the cause, you will need to hire a licensed plumber to diagnose the issue. It could be due to pump failure, or a clogged drain or sewer line. If you catch your washing machine overflowing or bubbling over, immediately stop the cycle and turn the machine off. If the water is still overflowing, it could be due to a defective water inlet valve or pressure switch. You could also have water pressure issues.

Can I Increase My Energy Efficiency in My Laundry Room?

Yes! All you have to do is make a few small changes to your routine and surrounding environment. For starters, use cold water instead of hot water to wash your loads. The majority of energy a washing machines uses is to heat water, so by using cold cycles, you can save a substantial amount of energy. If you really need to use hot water, consider adjusting your water heater temperature setting to 120 degrees, rather than the default 140 degrees. Also, be sure you are washing full loads, and if you are not washing a full load, be sure to adjust the water settings to avoid wasting too much.

Indianapolis Plumbing Inspections and Repairs

Call Weilhammer Plumbing Co. Inc. at 317-784-1870 for professional plumbing service and repair 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.