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.

Look Out For Water Damages in Your Basement

Posted on October 3, 2014 by weilhammerplumbing

Water Leak Inspection 317-784-1870

It is very common, as homeowners, to worry a lot about the threat of mold and water damages your basement. It is important to know whether or not you are accumulating puddles of water or airborne moisture in your home. How do you know if you have this problem? The answer is attention to detail and follow-through. Continue reading for tips on areas in your home that you should inspect, or pay attention to, after a heavy storm, wet weather, or periods of excessive moisture.

Where to Look for Water Damage

When it storms hard, or rains for an extended period of time, moisture and water can seep into our homes through cracks, crevices, and other vulnerable areas. It is vital to keep a lookout for red flags, indicating you have a water problem in the works, in order to prevent a small water leak or small area of damage to turn into a huge, costly repair or renovation. Here are the areas of a residential basement that should be supervised after heavy rain or moisture:

HVAC System

Although heating and cooling systems are not always installed in basements, the ones that are can be damaged by water leaks and flooding. Older homes are generally the properties that have HVAC systems in the basement. They are also properties that are more likely to experience water leaks; so beware and keep an extra eye open for water damage in the basement, if your home is older than 50 years. Basement heating and cooling systems need a little more maintenance on a routine basis to ensure proper performance and efficiency.

Be sure to check the drain pans regularly, especially after a storm, and clear them of any obstructions or debris. This will ensure consistent and normal water flow. Also, be sure to swap or clean the air filters. This can also prevent system complications that lead to water back-flow. Check for puddles around the unit itself, or condensation on the exterior of casing. If you notice excessive condensation, strange noises, or water puddles, contact an Indianapolis plumber for emergency plumbing repair.

Drain Pipes

While on the topic of condensation, check that your basement’s drain pipes do not appear “sweaty” or have moisture on them. Pipe condensation can cause mold and mildew growth which can be detrimental to your health, and lead to several more serious complications and costly repairs. It can also cause your plumbing pipes to corrode. Installing good-quality insulation for your basement pipes is an effective way to prevent this issues from occurring. Even with good insulation, it is recommended to check the pipes after a big storm or muggy climates.

Walls and Ceilings

Interior water damage can happen after excessive rain or moisture. Water miss-flow and accumulation can cause walls and ceiling areas to look saggy, discolored, wet, and even drip. This is a sign that you need immediate emergency water leak repair. A small interior water leak can quickly turn into a large and very expensive repair.

Weilhammer Plumbing Co. Inc.

Weilhammer Plumbing Indianapolis Indiana 317-784-1870

Call Weilhammer Plumbing Co. Inc. at 317-784-1870 for more information about water leak repair and plumbing services in Indianapolis, Indiana. Owner, Mark Weilhammer, is a state licensed master plumber that offers a wide range of residential and commercial plumbing services. Our company has been in business since 1901, providing reputable and effective plumbing repair that all families can afford. As a family owned and operated business, we value the dollar, and offer the most competitive and honest plumbing prices in town. See for yourself, and call 317-784-1870 for reputable and licensed plumbing repair services in Indianapolis, IN today.

Electric Water Heaters: Need to Know Info

Posted on August 22, 2014 by weilhammerplumbing

Water Heater Repair and Service 317-784-1870

When it comes to purchasing a new electric water heater, the best advice I can give as a master plumber of 60+ years is to ask if you are getting good lifetime elements. The only recent advances in electric water heaters have been the Rheem and the GE Hybrid models. These models came on the market about five years ago but never gained popularity because of their higher prices and associated costs. If you are looking for the BEST electric water heaters on the market right now, I would suggest Rheem or Bradford White models. They are made with heavy-duty stainless steel heating
elements that last a lifetime.

GE Electric Water Heater Hybrid Customer Reviews

Features of the Rheem Electric Hybrid Water Heater

Poor Choice for Electric Water Heaters: Whirlpool Energy Smart

These water heaters are “sub-standard” to say the least. Because of the various fire and liability issues associated with the control panel, repairs are far more complicated. If the circuit board gets wet, there is no hope for repair. Also, a replacement circuit board can cost upwards of $200 plus labor, and take more than a week to be delivered; and this might not even fix the problem. Many more repairs could possibly be needed. The biggest problem however, is that many plumbers (such as myself) refuse to attempt repairs on these units because of the safety and liability concerns. If you have this unit, and it breaks, it can be difficult fining someone to repair it for you at a cost that seems fair. In my opinion as a veteran master plumber, these are the WORST electric water heaters on the market right now.

Whirlpool Water Heater Customer Review #1

Whirlpool Water Heater Customer Review #2

A.O. Smith, Sears, and State Select Water Heaters

The 2010 make and model A.O. Smith FVIR gas water heater has similar problems to the Whirlpool models. They are poorly designed; taking in barely enough air to operate. For those who have their Smith water heaters installed in a laundry room, clogs and unit problems will most certainly occur in a very short period of time. This is COSTLY! Remember that State and Sears water heaters are made by A.O. Smith, so beware. In my previous years of experience I have installed many of these units, only to uninstall them less than a year later. This is why I do not repair or install them anymore. For example, 150psi air pressure couldn’t even remove the lint stuck in the lint screen less than a year later in a 2004 State Select Gas Water Heater. With my experience as a master plumber, I can make an educated guess that this FVIR design in the A.O. Smith gas water heaters will not only see a heap of problems in the future, but perhaps a product re-call and class action lawsuit as well.

Sears Water Heater Customer Review #1

Kenmore Water Heater Customer Review #2

Weilhammer Plumbing Company – Indianapolis, Indiana

Weilhammer Plumbing Company 317-784-1870

Call Mark Weilhammer, owner and operator of our 112 year-old Indianapolis plumbing company, for accurate industry-information about water heater repair and installation services. We offer the most competitive prices and highest quality customer service in Indiana. This is why we have been a family owned and operated plumbing business since the early 1900’s. We offer a wide range of plumbing services; including 24 hour emergency plumbing, unit and product sales, installations, repairs, maintenance, replacements, DIY advice, and much more. Call us today at 317-714-0759 for a free estimate regarding water heater repair services in Indianapolis, IN and any nearby counties.

Water Heaters: Buyers Beware

Posted on August 20, 2014 by weilhammerplumbing

Indianapolis Plumbing Repair 317-784-1870

When it comes to shopping for FVIR gas water heaters, there is much “need to know” information before making a final decision to purchase one. When asking Master Plumber, Mark Weilhammer, you can trust that you are receiving professional and accurate industry advice regarding all water heaters and more. With his many years of experience and expert knowledge of plumbing, Mark warns all potential water heater buyers about the troubles and complications associated with FVIR gas water heaters. Continue reading and learn what Mark Weilhammer, Master Plumber and Owner of Weilhammer Plumbing Company, has to say about them!

WARNING! Did You Know…

1. Many brands of FVIR gas water heaters contain a lint filter that, if not taken apart and cleaned four times a year, the entire appliance’s warranty is void!

2. Several brands of FVIR gas water heaters have CLASS ACTION LAWSUITS pending against them, as well as, more than 1500 customer complaints! Want to know which brands?

3. If installing a FVIR gas water heater, be sure to install it in a CATCH PAN.

4. For properties with high water pressure and a closed-looped system, it is highly encouraged to install a T&P valve or THERMAL EXPANSION TANK & PRESSURE REDUCING VALVE (Average Cost: $475). This is OPTIONAL and can be passed on at the time of your installation.

5. A T&P valve can burst open due to high water pressure or thermal expansions, creating extensive flooding issues. If this happens to you, our Master Plumbers can redirect this open pipe to a nearby drain for free, if one is available.

6. BEWARE OF THE BAD WARRANTY! Many brands of hot water heaters offer poor labor warranties, so customers end up paying for replacement parts and repairs after just one year of ownership.

7. Thinking about buying a hot water heater at HOME DEPOT? Perhaps you should think again. Read negative customer reviews for Home Depot water heaters right now!

Customer Reviews #1
Customer Reviews #2

8. WHIRLPOOL WATER HEATERS are gaining a BAD REPUTATION. Check out this article published by Consumer Affairs, Online:

http://www.consumeraffairs.com/news04/2006/05/whirlpool_water_heater.html

And by My Three Cents.com:

http://mythreecents.com/showReview.cgi?id=122529

9. Might want to do more research on KENMORE WATER HEATERS before deciding to buy a new as well. Check out more customer reviews on My Three Cents.com:

http://mythreecents.com/reviews/american-water-heaters

10. If a hot water heater has a label on it that says, “Do Not Call the Hardware Store About Problems, Call 1-800-555-5555 for Help” It is basically saying you are hung out to dry on day one of owning your new water heater. And when calling, you will most likely be transferred to an overseas department that can be even more frustrating and confusing to deal with on top of a wasting money on a new but defective water heater.

11. Many times, in-house or contracted company installers are not licensed and insured plumbers; a critical prerequisite for water heater installation. So who’s really coming to your house trying to service and install your brand new expensive appliances?

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

Hot Water Heater Installation Services in Indianapolis, Indiana

Weilhammer Plumbing Co. Inc. Indianapolis, IN 317-784-1870

Call Mark Weilhammer at 317-714-0759 for licensed and insured hot water heater installation services in Indianapolis, Indiana and its surrounding counties. We are highly trained and experienced master plumbers who provide a wide-range of plumbing services for residential and commercial properties. We offer free estimates, discounts when applicable, emergency plumbing services, exceptional customer service, competitive prices, and much more! Call us today at 317-714-0759 for free estimates and details about Indianapolis plumbing services and more.