Tips for Detecting Toilet Leaks

Posted on March 17, 2015 by weilhammerplumbing

Indianapolis Toilet Plumber 317-784-1870

A home with an undetected toilet leak can waste more than 80,000 gallons of water each year. Can you imagine the spike in monthly water bills every month? Or the amount of wasted water and money? Stopping any type of water leak in your home is beneficial for many reasons. Since toilet leaks are common, it is important to inspect them regularly in order to stop a leak before it causes major structural damages, costly repairs, and increased water bills. Continue reading to learn how to detect a leaky toilet and what you should do about it.

Leaky Toilets

As soon as you know you have a leaky toilet, shut off the main water valve to stop all water flow in your home. Then call a professional plumber for emergency service. They retain the proper tools and knowledge to quickly and effectively repair a leaky toilet at a price anyone can afford. But before calling a master plumber, it is helpful to determine whether or not a leak exists, on your own. You can do this by checking the following areas:

Flush Valve Issues

Many leaks occur from flush valve issues. Standard toilets come with flush and re-fill valves that can sometimes leak into the toilet bowl, from the tank, if not working properly. With a leak like this, the flush valve will continue to re-fill continuously, causing a running toilet as well. This wastes an abundant amount of water. And if the re-fill valve is also defective in any way, it can cause the toilet tank to overflow.

To check for flush-valve issues:

Start by shutting off the water valve to the toilet. This shut-off valve is located on the bottom left side of the tank. Record the level of water you see, and then re-check it in 20 minutes. If the water level is lower, there is a flush valve leak or similar issue.

To check for re-fill valve issues:

Start by adding a few drops of food coloring to the tank of the toilet. Wait ten minutes and then check the bowl. If the food coloring made its way from the tank to the toilet bowl, there is a problem with the re-fill valve; most likely a leak.

Weilhammer Plumbing Co. Inc.

Weilhammer Plumbing Company 317-784-1870

Call Mark Weilhammer, licensed master plumber, at 317-784-1870 for professional toilet repair in Indianapolis, Indiana. He and our team of licensed master plumbers are happy to answer your questions about leaky toilets, toilet repair, water leaks, plumbing repair, and all other plumbing issues. We provide residential and commercial plumbing services at the most competitive prices in town. Call 317-784-1870 for professional toilet installation and repair services in Indianapolis, IN.

Five Signs that Indicate You Might Need Bathroom Plumbing Repair

Posted on December 16, 2014 by weilhammerplumbing

Indianapolis Plumbing Repair 317-784-1870

The bathroom is one of the most used areas of a home. Whether you need the toilet, the mirror, the sink, tub or shower, the bathroom is sure to meet your restroom needs. Along with such popularity, the amount of traffic a bathroom experiences can also increase the likelihood of common plumbing problems.

In order to keep a reliable and functional bathroom plumbing system, routine maintenance and care are vital. When regular care isn’t taken with a home’s plumbing, problems can start to occur. Once you start to notice signs that your plumbing might be failing you, it is time to call a licensed master plumber for help. Continue reading to learn the five most common signs that your bathroom needs plumbing repair.

Low Water Pressure

When your shower doesn’t seem to give of the water power it used to, don’t reach for the shower head to adjust it, because it may just be low water pressure. Although it could be a clogged shower head, which can be easily fixed with a long soak in CLR (calcium lime rust cleaner), low water pressure can be caused by a long list of things. More serious reasons for low or lowered water pressure is damages water heater, burst pipes, blockages, water leaks, and more. This is why it is important to have something like this checked out by a licensed plumber before it becomes an expensive and tedious repair.

Non-Stop Running Toilet

High water pressure can also be a sign that something is wrong with your bathroom plumbing. Things like a constantly-running toilet that never seems to finish its flush cycle, or a persistent dripping faucet, are indications of high water pressure. But leaky faucets and running toilets are not the main problem with high water pressure, these are simply signs that can indicate a larger plumbing repair. Not repairing high water pressure can result in floods, burst pipes, broken water heaters, busted plumbing fixtures, and much more.

Foul-Smelling Water

When water starts to smell funny or change in color, it may be an indication that your plumbing pipes are in bad shape. Water that is supplied to your home should be clear and odor-free. When it appears discolored or foul-smelling, it may be a sign that rust, sulfur, iron, or air is inside your plumbing pipes. It can also be related to broken water mains and wells, or pipe corrosion. Different colors indicate different problems, so consult a master plumber for an accurate and professional water quality assessment.

Clogged Drains

When a tub or sink drain is slow, or has stopped up completely, this is an obvious indication that something is blocking the drain’s passage-way. Store-bought drain cleaners and drain snakes are very helpful for minor or moderate clogged drains. Usually one will pull out hair, soap residue, and maybe even a few Band-Aids. But for major clogs, professional assistance is required.

No Hot Water

One of the most frustrating plumbing problems to have, especially in the winter, is no hot water. When your hot water seems to stop, or doesn’t get as hot as it used to, there may be a problem with your hot water heater. Scale, sediment, and a damaged heating element within water heater tanks can be the source of no hot water. There could also be leaks in the major water lines, or elsewhere in your plumbing, taking away the ability to heat your home’s water supply properly.

Weilhammer Plumbing Co. Inc.

Weilhammer Plumbing Indianapolis Indiana 317-784-1870

Call Mark Weilhammer, licensed master plumber and owner of Weilhammer Plumbing Co. Inc. in Indianapolis, Indiana. He and his team of experienced plumbers can solve your plumbing problems at a price you can afford. We offer free estimates, emergency plumbing repairs, free haul-away service, and much more. As a business that’s been family owned and operated since 1901, we understand the value of a dollar, and practice the utmost honesty and integrity when pricing our services. Call us today at 317-784-1870 for free estimates and information regarding our plumbing repair services in Indianapolis, IN today.

Tips for Avoiding Clogged Drains at Home

Posted on December 3, 2014 by weilhammerplumbing

Indianapolis Plumbing Repair 317-784-1870

Holidays this time of year are for friends and families to come together and unite in peace, love, and harmony. This also means extra house guests, visits, parties, and more! During this time of year, homeowners and homemakers are well-aware of the increased volume of guests to be expected. Along with frequent visitors and staying guests comes increased traffic of water usage, paper usage, bathroom usage, and kitchen usage. One of the most common and simply frustrating consequences to all this plumbing traffic is clogged drains.

Continue reading to learn how to avoid clogged drains and be better prepared for all the visitors your home will host this year!

Kitchen Drains

In the kitchen, we have cooking, peeling, chopping, cutting, shredding, husking, and so much more going on. Potato peels, orange rinds, onion layers, egg shells, and more are all thrown down garbage disposals and kitchen sinks, party after party, and supper after supper. On top of this, we have paper towels, napkins, food wrappers, and other snack-related debris flying around. And you never know where they might end up. This can cause a load of plumbing problems for a kitchen. Here are some tips for avoiding clogged drains in the kitchen:

• Use Cold Water to Grind Food in Garbage Disposal
• Use Citrus Peels and Ice Cubes to Keep Garbage Disposal Blades Fresh and Clean
• Do Not Put Potato Peel in Garbage Disposal (makes for sticky, dull blades)
• Never Pour Grease, Coffee Grounds, Celery Stalks, Pasta, Rice, or Bones Down the Garbage Disposal!

Bathroom Drains

Bathrooms drains can fall victim to several things. Sink, tub, and shower drains are commonly clogged by hair, shaving gel, soap residue, toilet paper, tissue paper, cotton swabs, plastic wrap, and more. This causes showers to end up as baths, and sinks to overflow while washing your face! Here are some tips to follow to avoid clogging drains in a bathroom:

• Use Two-Ply Toilet Paper in Guest Baths
• Hide the Anti-Bacterial Wipes! These are Not-So-Flushable!
• Clear Off Clutter or Décor from Toilets So They Don’t Fall In and Get Flushed
• Regularly Use an Active Digester Product to Remove Grease and Proteins From Drains
• Snake and Clean Drains Once a Month with Store-Bought Drain Cleaners
• Politely Remind Children About the Proper Amount of Tissue to Use
• Provide Hand Towels for Guests

If you have a clogged drain that requires professional attention, contact a local Indianapolis master plumber for free advice and estimates for drain clearing and cleaning services. They retain the proper tools, training, and experience to quickly unclog drains in bathrooms, kitchens, garages, pool decks, and much more.

Weilhammer Plumbing Co. Inc.

Weilhammer Plumbing Indianapolis Indiana 317-784-1870

Call Weilhammer Plumbing Co. Inc. at 317-784-1870 for advice regarding clogged drains or drain repair in Indianapolis, Indiana. Owner and operator, Mark Weilhammer, has the affordable solutions you are looking for when it comes to drain and plumbing repair. With more than 60 years of experience in the plumbing industry, and more than 112 years of being in business, you can trust that Weilhammer Plumbing Co. Inc. is the right choice for residential and commercial plumbing repair service. Call 317-784-1870 for licensed plumbing work or drain repair in Indianapolis, IN today.

How to Choose a Good Plumber

Posted on September 12, 2014 by weilhammerplumbing

Indianapolis Plumbing Repair 317-784-187

Plumbing repairs and problems typically come at the worst time, the busiest time, or at the most unexpected time. When it comes to plumbing emergencies, we put very little thought into the plumber we hire for the job. This is because our main objective is to fix the plumbing problem or water leak as soon as possible, while juggling the rest of life’s responsibilities at the same time. With everything else on our plate, we homeowners often “jump the gun” when it comes to finding responsible and reputable plumbing services. Unfortunately, this can further your plumbing issues. A good plumber will repair or diagnose a problem accurately and efficiently, while an experienced contractor may overlook underlying issues that can cause even more problems, and monies spent, down the road. Fortunately, it is easy to identify the good plumbers from the rest of them, so long as you know what to look for.

Continue reading to learn the most important qualities to look for in a proficient and responsible plumber.

A State License

Many wannabe plumbers can claim they have qualifications and experience in the plumbing industry, or have provide “handyman work” for many years; however, true master plumbers are actually state licensed and carry a license number to prove it. If a plumber does not have a state-issued license, then they are not master plumbers. Without this license, you can assume that plumbing is just a hobby of theirs. A licensed plumber, on the other hand, retains the proper equipment and training to carry out minor to major plumbing repairs and projects. The first thing to ask for is their license number. It should be a six-digit number accompanied with a physical permit or paper describing their expertise. You can also enter their license number on state regulated websites to confirm it is a valid and active license.

Experience and Credentials

Yes, all plumbers must start somewhere; but that’s what apprenticeships and entry-level positions are meant to provide. If you need a plumber, be sure they are already experienced. The more experience under their belts, the more knowledgeable and well-versed they should be when it comes to plumbing systems and repairs. At least one decade of experience is a good place to set your bar. Credentials are equally important. All plumbing companies should have some type of professional qualification; such as a BBB membership, awards, or Angie’s List Approved.

Customer Reviews

No one says it better than a previous customer or client. Look up a plumber’s credentials by reading customer reviews online. The better the reviews, the more trustworthy they prove to be. Don’t let one bad review ruin it though; it is important to remember there is always going to be an unsatisfied client or customer somewhere. Use your best judgment and read all the reviews, basing your judgment on the consensus of them all. If you cannot locate any customer reviews online, this could be a bad sign. In this day and age, most reputable services offer a website and online customer review portals to prove their competence and professionalism. If you are dealing with a new or start-up company, or a plumber that is not mastered and licensed, they probably won’t have these tools for you to use. You might want to move on; or you can simply ask them for actual client references.

Weilhammer Plumbing Co. Inc.

Weilhammer Plumbing Company 317-784-1870

Call Mark Weilhammer, master plumber and owner of Weilhammer Plumbing Co. Inc. in Indianapolis, Indiana. Just dial 317-784-1870 to speak with Mark or one of his friendly plumbing service representatives today. We offer a wide range of plumbing services for residential and commercial properties. We are state licensed master plumbers (#106214) with more than 60 years of experience! Call 317-784-1870 and ask a licensed Indianapolis master plumber about plumbing repair services and recommendations today.