Tag Archives: hot water heaters

How Do Tankless Water Heaters Work?

Posted on by

Tankless Water Heater Repair 317-784-1870

Tankless Water Heater Repair 317-784-1870

Traditional water heaters are designed with a large tank that stores heated water for the entire property. The water inside these tanks are kept warm continuously even when the water is not being used, which requires a constant supply of energy. The energy used to keep the water at a set temperature inside a traditional unit is referred to as “stand-by heat loss.” Tankless water heaters eliminate this wasted energy usage by not heating stored water, but rather, heating water up at the time of demand.

Tankless hot water heaters are available in gas, electric, point-of-use, and whole-house models. If a property is not already set up for gas fuel, then an electric unit would be the more cost-effective choice. The initial price of purchasing and installing a tankless water heater is typically high, but the long-term savings outweigh the upfront investment. And they can last for up to 20 years or more; a much longer life-span than traditional units. Tankless versions are a good fit for those who have very little space, environmentally-conscience, and looking to save money on future water and energy costs.

Tankless Water Heating

Tankless water heaters are also referred to as On-Demand or Instantaneous water heaters. Whether gas or electric, they use a simple process to heat water. When warm or hot water is requested, city water is sent into the property through a series of pre-existing water lines. At the same time, a powerful heating device called a heat exchanger is activated. The heat exchanger uses electric coils or a gas-fired burner to generate heat, and then transfer that heat to the water in order to warm it up. Heat exchangers are common devices used to transfer heat from one place to another. They are used in refrigerators, air conditioners, furnace systems, and even car radiators.

Once the water is heated to the demanded temperature, it is sent to the source, which can include faucets, dishwashers, washing machines, and more. Although it takes a minute for the water to reach the desired temperature, it saves a generous amount of water and energy. This efficiency is usually evident on energy, gas, and water bills.

If you are thinking about purchasing a tankless water heater, it is strongly suggested to consult a licensed plumbing technician for accurate recommendations and professional advice first. You might be better suited for a traditional style water heater instead. Get to know your hot water needs with the help of a skilled professional before making any final decisions about water heaters.

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 water heater installation, service, sales, and more! Master plumber, Mark Weilhammer, is happy to answer your questions about hot water heaters any time. We offer a wide range of water heater services, including water heater repair, installation, replacement, and even sales! And as a family owned and operated company, we maintain the most competitive prices in town. Call 317-784-1870 when you need water heater service in Indianapolis and its surrounding areas.

The Cons to Purchasing Water Heaters from Commercial Carriers

Posted on by

Indianapolis Plumbers 317-784-1870

Indianapolis Plumbers 317-784-1870

If you are in the market for a new water heater, then you are probably shopping around at the local appliances stores, like Lowes® or Home Depot®. But there are several disadvantages to purchasing water heaters from large conglomerate carriers like these; disadvantages that typical consumers would never know about.

From the perspective of a veteran master plumber, buying water heaters should be facilitated through a licensed plumber who specializes in water heaters; and here’s why:

Salesmen Have One Agenda

When it comes to buying a large, costly appliance from a large commercial carrier, you are putting yourself at risk for a bad sell. Salesmen for these companies work mostly off commission, which means all they really care about is closing the sale. What they don’t really care about is matching the right water heater for your property, acknowledging your budget, and answering your questions honestly. They will tell you anything you want to hear in order to close the sale. They don’t care which water heater you choose, so long as you sign the papers. This could lead to a whole heap of problems for your home and budget.

Another downfall to buying expensive appliances from commission-based employees is the lack of industry knowledge. What can a salesman really know about water heaters, water heater repair, installation, and efficiency? The turn over rate for these kinds of salesmen are so high, there is no way they are employing experts in water heater knowledge. A master plumber or plumbing company not only specializes in the trade and can guide you through the selection and installation process proficiently, they can truly be trusted.

Poor Cost-Effectiveness

At a large company, water heaters are more expensive because they have to inflate the price in order to cover all their overhead and commission payouts. Inflated prices are bad enough, but it gets worse. Not only are water heaters more expensive at stores, they do not offer cost-effective packages. For example, if you buy a water heater from a large carrier or company, you will have to also pay extra for shipping, installation, service, warranties, and old appliance haul-away. Water heaters are already expensive purchases as it is, but from a commercial carrier, the price tag just keeps getting higher. They can easily tack on an extra $1,000 or more just for the additional services that are standard for water heater replacement.

Generally, a plumbing company that offers water heater sales offers their services at economy-based prices. They retain the resources, proficiency, and inventory to provide water heater sales, as well as, installation, service, and haul-away. You are going to get personalized and compassionate service at a smaller plumbing company that offers water heater services, rather than going to your local appliance store.

Weilhammer Plumbing Co. Inc.

Call Weilhammer Plumbing Co. Inc. at 317-784-1870 for trusted water heater services in Indianapolis, Indiana. Owner, Mark Weilhammer, is a state licensed master plumber with more than 50 years of experience in the industry. Our company has been family owned and operated for over 100 years, making us one of the oldest and most dependable plumbing companies in the city. We offer repair, installation, maintenance, replacement, service, and sales, all at the most competitive prices in town! When you need a new water heater, we are the professionals to trust. Call 317-784-1870 for information about buying water heaters in Indianapolis, IN and it surrounding areas.

How to Tell the Difference Between a Gas and Electric Water Heater

Posted on by

Electric Water Heater Repair

Water Heater Repair and Service 317-784-1870

It is easy to ignore the water heater. After all, if they work well, you almost don’t even notice they are there. But then that day comes when your hot water is no longer hot, and you instantly turn to your water heater for answers. One of the first questions a plumber will ask you when you call for hot water heater service is which kind of unit you own: electric or gas powered. It may be surprising, but many people get this part confused! After a while, you can easily forget which type of water heater you own because we rarely pay attention to them unless it’s time to have it flushed. So get to know your water heater before the day comes to have it serviced.

Continue reading to learn the different ways to identify a gas water heater from an electric one.

Gas Water Heaters

Gas water heaters run on fuel, usually liquid propane or natural gas. A burner is located at the very bottom of the flue, where gas is ignited by a pilot light. This combustion creates heat, which then transfers to the water. But this combustion also creates harmful gas emissions like carbon dioxide, carbon monoxide, and nitrogen oxide. This is why gas water heaters retain draft hoods, flues, and vents, to push these gasses outdoors and prevent them from back-drafting into the flue. You can also identify gas water heaters by their “chimney” or flue, as well as, the gas line near the bottom of the tank that connects to the gas valve and thermostat control on the front of the tank. The dial gauge should have a “pilot” setting, which also positively identifies it as a gas-powered water heater.

Electric Water Heaters

Unlike gas water heaters that use a fuel source and ignition to heat water, electric water heaters use electricity, generally by means of electrical copper coils. Water inside the water heater tank is cold until the heating element within the unit heats the water up. These heating elements, or coiled wires, can be stainless steel or copper, depending on the make and model water heater. The heating elements are controlled by either thermostats or microprocessor control modules. Electric water heaters generally have two heating elements, both an upper and lower thermostat, as well as, a control circuit and reset limit switch.

If you require water heater repair or service, be sure to call an experienced professional who will provide skilled work at an honest price.

Weilhammer Plumbing Co. Inc.

Weilhammer Plumbing Company 317-784-1870

Weilhammer Plumbing Company 317-784-1870

Call Weilhammer Plumbing Co. Inc. at 317-784-1870 for licensed water heater service in Indianapolis, Indiana. Master plumber, Mark Weilhammer, has serviced hundreds of water heaters over the past 50 years, and retains the skill and knowledge to service or repair any make or model unit. We offer a wide range of plumbing and water heater services, for both residential and commercial properties. Call 317-784-1870 to learn more about water heaters and get professional water heater repair in Indianapolis, IN.

Three Signs a Tankless Water Heater is Right For You

Posted on by

Tankless Water Heater Repair 317-784-1870

Tankless Water Heater Repair 317-784-1870

If you are in the market for a new water heater, and you can’t quite decide which make and model is the right choice, it is time to take a self-evaluation of your hot water habits. There are so many types of water heaters, including solar, gas, electric, portable, and more. For this reason, it can be a little overwhelming for first-time appliance shoppers. Many people are making the switch to more energy efficient versions of water heating, like solar or tankless water heaters.

Since solar power is not quite efficient enough to be cost-effective for the average homeowner, tankless versions are worth consideration. There are three tell-tale signs that may suggest a tankless hot water heater is right for you. Continue reading to learn these three signs, and discover if an eco-friendly tankless water heater is the best option for you and your home.

Learn Your Hot Water Habits

In order to decide whether or not a tankless water heater is right for you, you must first take a closer look at your hot water habits. This means paying attention to your showers, baths, dish-washing, laundry, and gardening for the nest week. Take note of how much water you are using, and how much of that water is hot. Think about when you use hot water the most, and how long it takes to reach the desired temperature. Also, think about your home; the size, square footage, number of bathrooms, available space, number of occupants, and even your budget. Now you are ready to ask yourself the three questions that will tell you whether a tankless hot water heater is a wise choice!

Do You Need to Save Space?

Many people benefit from tankless versions because they live in small apartments, mobile homes, efficiencies, and similar dwellings. If you need all the space you can get, tankless water heaters are a good choice because they do not come with a large, secondary tank that stores hot water like traditional systems do.

Do You Use A Lot of Hot Water?

If “yes” is your answer, then a tank-free water heater could be a good choice. Since tankless water heaters provide instantaneous hot water, they can keep up with your hot water demand.

Do You Use Little Hot Water?

If you are not a big hot water consumer, a tankless version can also be of good use. Since they only heat water on demand, they are not wasting energy sustaining a hot water reserve, which successively saves you money on energy and water each month.

If you have questions about hot water heaters, consult a licensed master plumber for expert advice you can trust.

Weilhammer Plumbing Co. Inc.

Weilhammer Plumbing Company 317-784-1870

Weilhammer Plumbing Company 317-784-1870

Call Weilhammer Plumbing Co. Inc. at 317-784-1870 for questions about water heaters in Indianapolis. Master plumber, Mark Weilhammer, and our licensed team of plumbing contractors, are happy to answer your questions about choosing a water heater that’s a right match for your home. We offer water heater repair and installation, replacement, maintenance, service, and sales for both residential and commercial properties. Call 317-783-1870 for water heater service, repair, and sales in Indianapolis, IN today.

How Do Instantaneous Water Heaters Work?

Posted on by

Indianapolis Plumbing Repair 317-784-1870

Indianapolis Plumbing Repair 317-784-1870

Instantaneous water heaters are more commonly referred to as “tankless” water heaters, as they do not use a storage tank like most standard units. They are meant to deliver hot water on demand, or as needed, thus eliminating the need for a storage tank altogether. In fact, they are also called “on demand” or “demand” water heaters.

Tankless water heaters have a lot to offer residential and commercial property owners, and operate in a unique way to allow instantaneous hot water whenever requested. They come in various make and models to fit any property’s hot water needs. Continue reading to learn how instantaneous water heaters work and who to call for installation and price-point information in your town.

On Demand Hot Water Heaters

On demand hot water heaters are known for their energy efficiency since they do not waste energy to heat water on the standby like most traditional models do. This not only reduces overall energy consumption, it can save money on monthly utility bills as well. Tankless units heat water in a direct way, as soon as it is requested; whether by faucet, washing machine, dishwasher, or other household appliance.

How It Works:

1. Cold water travels through a plumbing pipe and enters the unit.

2. A heating element (gas or electric) heats the water to the indicated temperature. Gas-powered units use a gas burner to heat water, while electric units use an electrical element to heat water.

3. It’s that simple!

With tankless water heaters, there is no waiting for a tank to fill with water, or running out of hot water. On demand water heaters provide a constant supply of hot water without wasting energy. However, the output does limit the units flow rate. Instantaneous hot water heaters generally provide hot water at a rate of 2 to 5 gallons per minute, but gas-powered units have a higher flow rate than electrical ones. Either way, a tankless unit might limit a property’s ability to use multiple hot water appliances simultaneously. This means there might not be enough hot water to wash a load of whites while taking a shower upstairs. A common quick fix for this is to install two or more tankless water heaters in larger homes and homes with multiple occupants.

If you have questions about tankless water heaters, including sales and installation, call a licensed master plumber for accurate and reliable answers, as well as, trusted service. They retain the proper tools, training, experience, and knowledge to guide you in the right direction.

Weilhammer Plumbing Co. Inc.

Weilhammer Plumbing Company 317-784-1870

Weilhammer Plumbing Company 317-784-1870

Call Weilhammer Plumbing Co. Inc. at 317-784-1870 for hot water heater repair, service, and installation in Indianapolis and its surrounding counties. Owner and master plumber, Mark Weilhammer, offers a wide range of residential and commercial plumbing repair services, including water heaters and water softeners. We also offer additional plumbing repair services at the most competitive prices in town! Call 317-784-1870 when you need prompt and professional Indianapolis water heater repair services you can trust.

Think Twice Before Purchasing a Whirlpool Water Heater!

Posted on by

Water Heater Repair and Service 317-784-1870

Water Heater Repair and Service 317-784-1870

In my own opinion, derived from over 50 years of experience as a master plumber, Whirlpool Gas FVIR water heaters may be the WORST hot water heaters ever made and sold on the market, EVER. If that wasn’t clear enough, continue reading to learn more reasons why Whirlpool brand water heaters are terrible and frustrating investments that all buyers should be warned about.

Whirlpool Water Heaters are THROW-AWAY Appliances! Basically, if a Whirlpool water heater breaks down, they might as well be thrown in the garbage. If you don’t believe it, give me a call at 317-714-0759 and I will happily provide you with all the FREE information you can ask for regarding Whirlpool gas water heaters, repair tips, and warranties. OR you can check out my very own Whirlpool Water Heater Repair webpage (separate from my website), that discusses my discontent
and emphasizes the troubles with this brand.

The Trouble with Whirlpool Water Heater…They are the WORST Water Heaters Ever Made!

Replacement and repair parts are not easily available for Whirlpool water heaters. It takes weeks and sometimes months to locate the right part, and then wait for it to be shipped to your home or office. Do you want to wait for hot water that long? Check Out these Recent CUSTOMER REVIEWS!

More Problems with Whirlpool:

1. The air intake screen is too small; so within a short amount of time, it clogs up with lint, dust, hair, and other standard debris. Somehow, you must manage to clean the lint off the bottom of the appliance every three months (which is nearly impossible); otherwise it will not get enough air to operate efficiently.

2. There are several “Built-In” design flaws that cannot be repaired. The flaw is manufactured as a part of the appliance, so there is no “repairing” it or locating a replacement part to fix the problem.

3. Installing a Whirlpool water heater in a laundry room will most certainly cause it to fail. The air intake is too small but its sucks up lint like a vacuum sweeper! This starves it for air, and reduces its ability to operate properly.

4. Their new improved 2010 Honeywell thermostat design is not even close to an improvement at all. It overheats and burns out too. They have somehow managed to make the original problem much worse.

SIDE NOTE: In my professional opinion, tampering or “jerry-rigging” this unit to make it work is a LIABILITY AND SAFETY HAZARD, and should never be attempted. I believe it is very unsafe for budget-conscience home-owners to have gas valves and gas burners mailed to them; and then be expected to repair the heater themselves. Wouldn’t you agree?

5. Warranties are VOID if the lint filter are not cleaned every 3 months! And they are non-transferable to new home owners!

These units, in my opinion, should be removed from the market, and all units sold should be replaced instead of rebuilt over and over again. Look at the 1500+ Customer Complaints Regarding Whirlpool Water Heaters!

Information Provided By Mark Weilhammer, Master Plumber and Owner of Weilhammer Plumbing Company in Indianapolis, Indiana.

Whirlpool Water Heater Repair Advice

Weilhammer Plumbing Company 317-784-1870

Weilhammer Plumbing Company 317-784-1870

Call Weilhammer Plumbing Company for assistance with Whirlpool water heater problems and advice for repairs in Indianapolis, Indiana. Owner Mark Weilhammer, and his team, are master plumbers with more than 60 years of experience repairing water heaters and plumbing systems for homes and office buildings. We offer free estimates, free information, free advice, and water heater sales. Our Rheem water heaters are among the best brands sold on the market today; and we offer the most competitive prices in Indianapolis for our water heater products and appliances. Call 317-714-0759 and speak with a live and knowledgeable master plumber in Indianapolis, IN regarding water heater repair and services.