Manage Snow Buildup to Prevent Plumbing Problems

Posted on January 12, 2016 by weilhammerplumbing

Indianapolis Plumbing Repair 317-784-1870

Winter is a fun and enjoyable time of year for people of all ages. We look forward to wintertime and snowfall because it brings with it the opportunity to enjoy several activities, like sledding, ice skating, ice fishing, and more. But it is important to not let the festivities of winter distract you from your home owner responsibilities! One of the most important systems in our homes is plumbing, and it is most vulnerable to damage in the winter.

One common problem that can lead to plumbing damage and repair is excessive snow accumulation. It is important to constantly manage the snowfall as it builds up around your home. This will not only prevent inconvenient plumbing problems, it will also save money on costly plumbing repairs. Continue reading to learn some possible plumbing problems that snow buildup can cause, and what to do if you find yourself in the same situation.

Sump Pump and Foundation

Your home’s foundation can be effected by large snow accumulation once the snow begins to melt. The excessive amounts of water will seep into the soil around the home’s foundation. This water can continue to seep into the basement and lower floors of the home. Needless to say, this can cause a lot of destruction. Personal belongings, clothing, and furniture can be destroyed by flooding, as well as, an extensive list of structural damages. Not only is this devastating for families, it is usually very stressful and costly to undo.

For this reason, in the case of large snow build up around your home, it is wise to check on your sump pump to ensure it is capable and ready to do its job. Start by inspecting the check valve to ensure that it is properly fitted. If you notice that the pump is running too frequently, it could be an indication of a bad check valve. It is important to have a bad check valve replaced because it prevents pumped water from returning back into the line. You can actually hear the pump running, so you’ll know if it’s running too often.

Gutters and Drains

Even though the temperatures are below pleasing, it is important to still keep up with outdoor winter maintenance if you want to prevent costly repairs and problems. Start by regularly keeping your gutters clear of dirt, debris, and snow. Also, be sure all exposed drains are clear of snow as well. This will prevent plumbing clogs and backups.

Plumbing Pipes

Many people think it is best to turn their heat down low, or entirely off, while they travel in the winter. This attempt to save money can actually be a start of a costly plumbing problem. When a home is too cold in freezing weather, the pipes can actually freeze. This leads to freeze/thaw cycles, and eventually, burst pipes. Not only is this an intrusive repair, it is a tedious and costly one as well. This can be prevented by keeping your house adequately warm when you are home and away. Keeping the thermostat set no lower than 65 degrees should provide the protection your plumbing needs against freezing.

Weilhammer Plumbing Co. Inc.

Weilhammer Plumbing Company Indianapolis Indiana

Weilhammer Plumbing Company 317-784-1870

Call Weilhammer Plumbing Co. Inc. at 317-784-1870 for professional master plumber repair services in Indianapolis, Indiana. Master plumber, Mark Weilhammer, has more than 50 years of experience in the plumbing service and repair industry. He repairs, services, replaces, and installs all plumbing parts and systems, as well as, water heaters, water softeners, sump pumps, slab leaks, and more! Call 317-784-1870 for information about our affordable and prompt plumbing repair services in Indianapolis, IN today.

How to Avoid Pet Hair in Your Plumbing Pipes

Posted on January 6, 2016 by weilhammerplumbing

Indianapolis Plumbing Repair 317-784-1870

We love our pets! Dogs and cats can be just like real members of the family for many people in many different cultures. But as we pet owners know so well, one of the most common drawbacks to owning a pet is managing the spread of pet hair; all around our homes, in our cars, and even on our clothes! Although this issue is wildly minuscule compared to the infinite benefits of owning a dog or cat, it will still have us purchasing extra lint brushes, washing one or two more loads of laundry, or running the vacuum on a twice-a-day basis.

Clothing and chores aside, one real problem that people may not even know they have is pet hair in their plumbing! This is simply a place we don’t think about pet hair getting into, but it is well-known for causing plumbing clogs and set-backs in homes with pets. For this reason, it is important to do what’s necessary to keep pet hair out of your plumbing pipes and drains.

There are a few easy methods that have been proven to do the trick when it comes to keeping pet hair out of the drains, and out of your home’s plumbing system. Fortunately for all of us, these methods are not just easy, they are inexpensive too! And the best part is, you can get started today! Continue reading to learn how to avoid dog and cat hair in your plumbing, and what to do if you suspect your pipes are clogged.

Open Drains and Exposed Pipes

If you have exposed drains or pipes in your home, be sure to block access to them to prevent pet hair in your plumbing, as well as, damage to your pipes. Some dogs and cats see exposed plumbing pipes or drains as toys, and they can potentially cause them structural damage. But most often, the open or exposed drain pipe can be vulnerable to pet hair exposure. Use furniture and other set-ups to block pets from accessing these exposed areas in your home.

Drain Strainers

If you do not already use drain strainers, you should strongly consider buying some for your sinks, tubs, and showers. And this is especially true for homes with dogs. If you are a DIY pet groomer, and bathe your precious pup in the sink or tub at home, you will greatly benefit from drain strainers. These little strainers keep human and pet hair out of plumbing pipes, which in turn reduces the chances of clogs and costly repairs. They also block other foreign objects that shouldn’t go down the drain, like dental floss, razors,
jewelry, and more.

Toilets

Many people who groom their pets may be tempted to flush the excess hair down the toilet as a quick and easy means of disposal. But this is not good for the home’s plumbing. In fact, flushing hair down the toilet can cause plumbing issues overnight. Yes, the toilet is so close when you are cleaning out the pet brush or emptying the handheld vacuum cleaner; but it is an easy fix that can come with some costly consequences in terms of plumbing repair. Just stick to throwing pet hair away in the trash can; after all, it is biodegradable and eco-friendly!

If you suspect your plumbing system is experiencing issues, call a licensed plumber for professional service you can trust. It is highly beneficial to catch a small problem early on before it can turn into a large costly one. A professional plumber can provide this service, as well as, preventative maintenance tips to avoid future plumbing problems.

Weilhammer Plumbing Co. Inc.

Weilhammer Plumbing Company 317-784-1870

Call Weilhammer Plumbing Co. Inc. at 317-784-1870 when you need a professional master plumber in Indianapolis, Indiana. Master plumber, Mark Weilhammer, is happy to answer your questions about your plumbing problems and concerns. We offer residential and commercial plumbing repair services, including water heaters, water softeners, boilers, sump pumps, septic systems, and more, all at the fairest price in town! Call 317-784-1870 for affordable plumbing services in Indianapolis and its surrounding counties.

What Makes a Master Plumber?

Posted on October 15, 2015 by weilhammerplumbing

Indianapolis Plumbing Repair 317-784-1870

You may think a plumber’s job is a basic one, but that really depends on what type of plumber you have in mind. For simple residential plumbing service and minor repairs, you could make-do with a general plumber. But when it comes to bigger plumbing repairs and projects, the only type of plumber permitted for this kind of work is a Master Plumber. A general plumber may have a simple job, but being a master plumber is a huge job and a serious responsibility.

Continue reading to learn what sets a master plumber apart from standard plumbing contactors and why they are so vital to have around.

Master Plumbers

A master plumber is a serious vocation. It takes a lot of dedication, patience, and commitment to make it to a state-licensed level. Their acumen for plumbing is comprehensive and all-encompassing. They are licensed and trained to provide maintenance, installations, and repairs for all residential, commercial, and industrial plumbing systems. This includes waste management, water treatment, plumbing pipes, appliances, water heaters, water softeners, sump pumps, heat pumps, and much more. On top of all this, master plumbers are constantly upgrading their knowledge and training as technology in plumbing continues to improve and change.

In order to become a licensed master plumber, you must first gain work experience for several years as an apprentice in the plumbing industry. After paying your dues and learning the trade, you then have to complete a rigorous set of plumbing-related courses and obtain proper licensing. This is a lot of work, as you must memorize endless plumbing codes and pass several complicated exams. In fact, becoming a master plumber is so time-consuming and difficult, many people choose to get their general contractors’ licensed instead because it’s faster and easier. This is one reason why you might notice master plumber services are more expensive.

Keep in mind, when looking for a plumber, that it is state law for them to display their license number in all advertisements and websites. If you cannot find a license number, then they are either uninsured, very inexperienced, or simply NOT REAL plumbers.

Let’s think about the massive responsibility and knowledge master plumbers possess in their trade by taking a look at an example:

New construction begins on a building that will house a toxic plant. This toxic plant will be working with explosive liquids, hazardous gases, and more. For this kind of project, the plumbing and pipe system have to be absolutely PERFECT. Otherwise, it could be extremely dangerous.

Planning and installing the piping system in this building will be highly complex and intricate. Engineers and architects are not appointed this responsibility; instead, this is a job master plumbers would be hired to do.

Weilhammer Plumbing Co. Inc.

Weilhammer Plumbing Company 317-784-1870

Call Weilhammer Plumbing Co. Inc. at 317-784-1870 to hire a master plumber in Indianapolis you can trust. Owner and state licensed master plumber, Mark Weilhammer, is happy to discuss your plumbing problems, needs, and concerns. As a family owned and operated business since 1901, Weilhammer Plumbing Co. Inc. is committed to sincere customer support and maintaining fair and honest plumbing rates for all. Call 317-784-1870 to learn more about our Indianapolis plumbing repair services, or to schedule an appointment with a master plumber today.

New Construction Plumbing Tips

Posted on September 15, 2015 by weilhammerplumbing

Indianapolis Plumbing Repair 317-784-1870

When building a new home or office, it is important to plan out all the plumbing very carefully. To do this accurately, you will need the help of a master plumbing contractor. Together, you will decide which plumbing set-ups and strategies are best for your new property and its surroundings. In the process, it is wise to review some basic, recommended new construction plumbing tips to gain better knowledge of the process and its best practices.

New Home Plumbing

Most of the time, the major plumbing plans are addressed and designed in the first stage of construction. Virtually everything is by code, and will be built the way the home construction company’s model is built. However, there are several areas where home buyers can add in their own personal preferences. As for plumbing here are some things to consider and decide upon:

Have all the major utility appliance connections installed in the basement or on the main floor for homes without sub levels. This includes the furnace, water heater, and water softener. It is wise to have the water heater set in an aluminum drain pain that plumbs to the sanitary sewer.

If there is a basement in the home, be sure all of these connections are in the same corner, including the sewer connection, sump pit, sewage ejector pit, main water shut-off, and the above-mentioned utility appliances.

For homes built on a crawl space, it is recommended to have a main water shut-off valve plumbed into the indoor living area of the property to make it easily accessible. And as for the sump pump, have the discharge line plumbed to a storm sewer, or some other cesspit far from the property. And be sure to have a battery or water-powered backup system!

When it comes to water softeners, whether you intend to have one or not, be sure the home is built with water softener connections. This is important for resale value.

It is also great for resale value to plumb the home for several fuel-type appliances. This gives future homeowners a choice on gas, electric, oil, and more in terms of water heaters, water softeners, and furnaces.

Weilhammer Plumbing Co. Inc.

Weilhammer Plumbing Company 317-784-1870

Call Weilhammer Plumbing Co. Inc. at 317-784-1870 for plumbing information and advice you can trust. We have been a family owned and operated plumbing company for more than 100 years in Indianapolis! Owner and master plumber, Mark Weilhammer, retains decades of experience in the plumbing industry and offers skilled plumbing services at the most competitive prices in town. We even offer plumbing repair coupons and discounts! Call 317-784-1870 for prompt and professional plumbing services or emergency plumbing repair in Indianapolis, IN.