What is a Plumbing Emergency?

Posted on June 15, 2015 by weilhammerplumbing

Indianapolis Plumbers 317-784-1870

A home encompasses a long list of appliances and systems that can defect at any moment. One of the most serious of household emergencies involves the plumbing. Plumbing emergencies can be the messiest and the most costly. Costs can arise from not only plumbing repair and replacement, but also from structural damage renovations and emergency service fees. One way to reduce these costs is to implement proper plumbing maintenance and routine inspections in order to catch an issue early on before it gets out of control. Another way to reduce these costs is to know which plumbing issues are emergencies and which are not.

Emergency services do cost more, but can save thousands in the end. Even if the emergency happens in the middle of the night or on a weekend, like most so-inconveniently do, it is vital to get an emergency plumber to your home immediately. If something is not a crisis, you can save on these particular costs by waiting to call a plumber during regular hours or business days.

Emergency Plumbing

It is important to know the difference between a plumbing issue that can wait until morning or the next business day, and a plumbing emergency that requires immediate service. Service costs are not cheap, and emergency ones are even more, so knowing this difference can save homeowners’ hundreds of dollars. For example, things like minor water leaks can be managed on your own by simply turning off the main water valve at night and placing a bucket underneath it during the day until you can get service. Continue for more examples of plumbing emergencies and non-emergencies.

EMERGENCIES:

• Gas Leaks or Lingering Gas Smells
• Flooding (i.e. carpets, floors, basement, lawn, etc.)
• Wet or “Sweaty” Walls
• Large Amounts of Standing Water in Lawn
• Burst Pipes
• Frozen Pipes
• Sump Pump Problems and Defects
• Major Water Leaks that Can’t Be Controlled with Main Water Shutoff Valve
• Etc.

NON-EMERGENCIES:

• Clogged Toilet or Drain
• Running Toilet
• No Hot Water
• Small Water Leaks (i.e. faucet, showerhead, sink, etc.)
• Moderate Leaks that Can Be Stopped with Main Water Shutoff Valve (i.e. water heater, water softener, cabinet pipes, etc.)
• Broken Plumbing Fixture
• Etc.

When determining whether or not a plumbing issue is an emergency, ask yourself these questions:

Can it Wait?

Think about the seriousness of the issue and if leaving it alone until morning or the next business day will cause more damage. If you can mitigate the issue, like catching dripping water in a bucket, you probably don’t need emergency service. On the other hand, if it is something that needs to be functioning at all times, like if you only have one toilet, it could be an emergency.

Will Turning Off the Main Water Valve Help?

As mentioned, some plumbing leaks can be managed on your own through the night without calling for emergency service. A leak can be managed through the night by turning off the specific and main water valves; and then calling for plumbing service the next day. On the other hand, larger water leaks, like burst pipes, need emergency repair.

Weilhammer Plumbing Co. Inc.

Weilhammer Plumbing Company 317-784-1870

Call Weilhammer Plumbing Co. Inc. at 317-784-1870 for emergency plumbing repair in Indianapolis, Indiana. Owner and master plumber, Mark Weilhammer, provides a wide range of plumbing repair services for residential and commercial properties at the most competitive prices in town. Whether you need minor or major plumbing work, our highly trained and qualified plumbing contractors retain the proper resources and expertise to implement accurate plumbing repairs in a time-frame that’s convenient for you. Call 317-784-1870 to learn more about our Indianapolis master plumber services, prices, and availability today.

A Brief Reflection of Plumbing History

Posted on June 9, 2015 by weilhammerplumbing

Water Leak Repair 317-784-1870

It is interesting to think about how society’s first plumbing pipes were made from clay and wood. Of course once the world figured out that these didn’t work too well, we eventually switched to using a lead and galvanized iron piping system, carved with local engravings on all the pipes to thwart water theft. In fact, the Latin word for lead is “plumbum”, and the weight that was located on the end of a line for perpendicular alignment was called a “plumbus.” These words are where the term “plumber” comes from.

Today, our plumbing is made using copper, steel, and plastic (PVC).

Roman Plumbers

Plumbers back then were skilled roman artisans that were fluent in lead works, aqueducts, piping systems, water distribution, and waste management; providing soldering, repairs, maintenance, installations, and more. Bath and steam houses were also introduced at this time and Roman society got its first taste of an effective plumbing and water distribution system. It wasn’t until the 20 century that society’s piping system and technology changed, as did the role of plumbers.

English Plumbing

In the early 1800’s, England passed a national Public Health Act that later influenced historic and modern-day plumbing code. This legally mandated that all homes have a sanitary arrangement, like a privy, a flushing toilet, or an ash pit. This is also when the British established and began government-funded programs for sanitary research and engineering.

Innovative Plumbing

Plumbing and sewage systems only got better from here! Public lavatories were built and became common parts of societal practice, and eventually sanitary closets and toilets were being invented and redesigned too! Later down the line, in the mid-20th century, plumbing was dramatically reinvented and our innovators continued to perfect the industry into the modern plumbing advancements and technologies we have today.

Weilhammer Plumbing Co. Inc.

Weilhammer Plumbing Company 317-784-1870

Call Weilhammer Plumbing Co. Inc. at 317-784-1870 for plumbing repair in Indianapolis, Indiana. Owner, Mark Weilhammer, is a licensed master plumber with decades of experience in the plumbing industry. Our company has provided trusted plumbing service and repair to the Hoosier communities since 1901, making us part of Indiana’s plumbing history too! We offer a wide range of services for both residential and commercial properties, all for the lowest and most competitive prices in town. Call 317-784-1870 and speak directly with a licensed master plumber about plumbing repair services in Indianapolis and its surrounding counties.

The Difference Between a Standard Plumber and a Master Plumber

Posted on December 9, 2014 by weilhammerplumbing

Indianapolis Plumbing Repair 317-784-187

Being a standard plumber is not such a hard job. Anyone can take the required courses, learn the trade, and start on a journey to becoming a seasoned plumbing technician. But being a master plumber is a whole other story. Basically, a regular plumber is a regular job, whereas, a master plumber is a huge job. A master plumber is a much more advanced and complex vocation than just regular plumbing. It requires a separate and comprehensive agenda to become qualified and licensed master plumber.

Continue reading to learn the actual difference between a regular plumbing contractor and a licensed master plumber.

Master Plumbers

A master plumber deals with a large load of responsibility. They are state licensed master plumbers that are certified to provide installations, re-piping, maintenance, repair, and more for residential, commercial, and industrial properties. Master plumbing contractors are required to pass mandatory courses, receive proper licensing, and retain extensive plumbing knowledge for all plumbing-related work. This is an intense load of skill and knowledge that one must possess in order to be a master plumber. It is an actual trade that requires skill, expertise, and understanding. But it also requires state licensing so they can provide their services legally.

When a factory or commercial building is being constructed, it is not the general contractors or the architects that plan and execute the plumbing, it is the master plumber. This is just one example of the enormous responsibility and skill and master plumber deals with every day in their career. But even though a master plumber is certified and trained to provide large plumbing projects and work, they are also your solution for residential plumbing service and repair. They provide water leak inspections, minor plumbing and pipe repair, copper re-piping, sump pump repair, water heater and water softener repair, and everything in-between.

It requires an abundant amount of dedication and patience to become a master plumber. A person has to have a real passion for plumbing work to succeed in becoming a certified and licensed master contractor. In order to actually become a master plumber, a person must pay their dues in the industry. They have to have ample experience in plumbing work before they can even qualify for master plumber courses and certification. They must pass courses, classes, and exams that cover everything from plumbing codes to repair. Many people are not up to this level of commitment and work, so they opt for a general contractors licensed; this is why master plumbers are a bit more expensive.

Master plumbers are adept in the following areas and much more:

• Plumbing Repair
• Plumbing Service and Maintenance
• Re-Piping
• Fitting and Laying Pipes
• Indoor Plumbing
• Outdoor Plumbing
• Residential Plumbing
• Commercial Plumbing
• Industrial Plumbing
• Plumbing System Design
• Asbestos Removal
• Roof Replacement
• Irrigation Planning
• Gas Fitting
• Bathroom and Kitchen Renovations
• Space Conversion Plumbing
• Sanitary Plumbing Services
• Residential Sprinklers
• Backflow Service and Prevention
• Sewer and Drainage Problems
• “Green” Plumbing
• Energy Efficient Hot Water Heating
• Water Heaters
• Boilers
• Sump Pumps
• And Much More

Contact your local Indianapolis master plumber anytime for questions and concerns regarding your home or commercial plumbing system. Whether you need a simple leaky faucet fix, or comprehensive re-piping services, a master plumber is your best and most reliable option.

Weilhammer Plumbing Co. Inc.

Weilhammer Plumbing Company 317-784-1870

Call Mark Weilhammer, owner and master plumber at Weilhammer Plumbing Co. Inc., at 317-784-1870 for superior plumbing repair and service in Indianapolis, Indiana. He is a state licensed master plumbing contractor with more than 60 years of experience in the plumbing industry! His family owned and operated plumbing company has been serving the Hoosier communities for more than 112 years! You can rest assure you are receiving the most proficient and affordable plumbing service when you call Weilhammer Plumbing. Just dial 317-784-1870 and speak directly with an Indianapolis master plumber about your plumbing repair needs, today.

Learn How to Prevent Plumbing Emergencies!

Posted on November 13, 2014 by weilhammerplumbing

Emergency Plumbing Repair 317-784-1870

Basement floods, water leaks, burst pipes, oh my! These are just a few plumbing emergencies that can happen to homeowner and property managers at any moment, unexpectedly. No one wants to come home from a relaxing vacation only to discover that their basement is now a swimming pool; and property owners certainly want to avoid dealing with busted plumbing pipes while guests are shopping inside their facility! There are some plumbing emergencies that are just unforeseeable, but there are others that can be prevented with a little knowledge
and preventative maintenance.

Continue reading to learn how to prevent plumbing emergencies to the best of your ability!

Do Not Wait to Call a Plumber for Emergencies

One of the biggest mistakes property owners make is neglecting to call a plumber for maintenance and small repairs, before a plumbing emergency occurs. Do not wait until you have a plumbing emergency on your hands; instead, have a licensed plumbing contractor provide routine maintenance and inspections, and implement smaller repairs as needed. This way, you can prevent a large, costly plumbing disaster down the line. Remember, an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure. You can potentially save thousands of dollars in renovations, repairs, and re-piping with some simple plumbing preventative maintenance.

Preventative maintenance can stop clogged pipes and drains, water leaks, overflows, water heater issues, and more. While these services are inexpensive and fairly simple to execute, larger plumbing repairs are costly and time-consuming. And also remember that larger plumbing repairs and renovations usually have to extend to the weekend or after business hours, making the job even more expensive. Paying for routine maintenance and small repairs not only saves you money, but it protects your plumbing system from requiring major or frequent repairs overtime.

Here are some helpful Do-It-Yourself tips for plumbing preventative maintenance:

Complete a Full-Property Inspection for Water Leaks, Large and Small. Check under sinks, pipes, water heater, water softener, faucets, showers, baths, drains, and other areas that transport water.

Keep an Eye on the Septic Tank. Look for overflows, mechanical malfunctions, and water leaks after heavy rain or storms. Install a battery-powered backup sump pump for emergencies.

Test Your Water Pressure. Check your shower heads, faucets, and other water spouts for reduced water pressure. This is a sign of possible sediment buildup or a faulty water line, which can clog pipes, cause complications with water heaters, and more. Flush and clear water heater sediment multiple times a year for optimal protection and performance.

Adjust Water Heater Temperatures. Move the temperature setting on your hot water heater between 115 and 120 degrees. This prevents scalding accidents and can save money on monthly energy costs.

Locate Your Water Shut-Off Valve. Knowing where your water shut off valve is important for major water leak emergencies or burst pipes. You can stop an overflow in its tracks by simply shutting off the main water supply to your home or property. These are usually located in the basement or near the outdoor hose spout.

Contact a Professional and Licensed Indianapolis Master Plumber. They will provide reputable assistance with plumbing preventative maintenance and emergency plumbing repairs. They retain the proper tools, equipment, training, and knowledge to combat a plumbing emergency and provide solutions for burst pipes, malfunctioning septic tanks, broken water heaters, water leaks, and much more.

Weilhammer Plumbing Co. Inc.

Weilhammer Plumbing Indianapolis Indiana 317-784-1870

Call 317-784-1870 to speak with a state-licensed master plumber in Indianapolis, Indiana regarding plumbing repair or maintenance in Indiana. Owner, Mark Weilhammer, is a seasoned plumbing contractor that can offer the most honest and accurate plumbing advice and assistance. Weilhammer Plumbing Co. Inc. provides several plumbing services and repairs for residential and commercial properties. We also offer free estimates, DIY advice, free plumbing information, parts and appliances for sale, and much more. Call 317-784-1870 for the most accurate and professional plumbing repair services in Indianapolis, IN today.

A Guide to the Homeowners DIY Plumbing Kit

Posted on October 10, 2014 by weilhammerplumbing

When it comes to plumbing repairs and needs, not all require the assistance of a master plumber. In these cases, a handy homeowner can implement some DIY strategies to combat their plumbing problems on their own. So what does every homeowner need to complete their “do-it-yourself” plumbing kit? The answer is below!

Indianapolis Plumbing Repair 317-784-1870

DIY At-Home Plumbing Kit

There are specific tools, gadgets, and equipment needed to tackle all the different plumbing emergencies and repairs a homeowner might do themselves. A handy homeowner can accomplish a wide array of plumbing endeavors around the house if properly equipped. Depending on your experience and “level of handiness” choose plumbing tasks that are comfortable for you. Call a licensed Indianapolis master plumber for plumbing repairs that require a more professional touch. Think about it; with the right materials, you can save hundreds of dollars fixing that dripping faucet, unclogging a toilet, cleaning calcified fixtures, snaking drains, and much more all on your own!

Whether it’s a leaky faucet, or a clogged toilet, these tools will have you prepared for that next unexpected plumbing repair. Here is a list of the items you should purchase and have gathered in a kit for all your DIY plumbing projects and undertakings.

• Plunger
• Pipe Wrench
• Drain Snake
• Drain Cleaner Solution
• Rubber Gloves
• Calcium-Lime-Rust Remover (CRL)

A plunger is the most basic and necessary tool for any home. It is used to dislodge buildup and fix clogged toilets. A pipe wrench is equally necessary for anyone who wishes to stop a dripping faucet, or a leaky pipe under the sink. These wrenches are adjustable and easy to use; and can be fitted to most pipes and fixtures. Snaking a drain can be done just by using an old wire hanger, but several products are available on the market that provide a snake and a drain cleaning solution. These are great products to have on-hand in the case of a clogged or backed-up drain. Rubber gloves protect the hands from harsh cleaning and drain clearing solutions, including CRL. CRL is a popular calcium, lime, and rust remover that can remove white scum and buildup from plumbing fixtures.

Weilhammer Plumbing Co. Inc.

Weilhammer Plumbing Company 317-784-1870

Call Weilhammer Plumbing Co. Inc. at 317-784-1870 for superior DIY plumbing information and advice in Indianapolis, Indiana. Owner and master plumber, Mark Weilhammer, has more than 60 years of experience in the plumbing industry. He can provide plumbing repair, replacements, diagnostics, installations, equipment sales, and much more. Call 317-784-1870 and learn more about the various plumbing repair services we offer in Indianapolis, IN and its surrounding counties.