The Top 10 Plumbing Tips Every Homeowner Should Know

Posted on March 10, 2023 by weilhammerplumbing

Having plumbing problems can be a major headache for homeowners. From clogged drains to leaky pipes, plumbing issues often need to be addressed quickly and professionally in order to avoid further damage or even more costly repairs down the road. But there are also many simple maintenance tasks that every homeowner should know how to do in order to keep their home’s plumbing system running smoothly.

Here are 10 essential tips from experienced plumbing professionals that will help you maintain your home’s plumbing system and save money on repair costs in the long run.

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Optimize Your Home’s Plumbing System With These 10 Tips

1. Inspect plumbing on a regular basis – Having a professional inspect your home’s plumbing system annually is a great way to detect and prevent minor problems before they become bigger issues. During an inspection, a specialist can check for potential leaks, signs of corrosion, and other common issues that may affect the longevity of your system.

2. Know where your main water shutoff valve is located – Knowing how to locate and operate the main water shutoff valve in case of an emergency can help you avoid serious water damage if there’s ever an issue with your plumbing system. It’s also important to make sure this valve works properly so you don’t have any trouble turning it off in the event of an emergency.

3. Clean your drains regularly – Clogged drains are one of the most common plumbing problems and can be easily avoided with regular maintenance. Use a homemade drain cleaner or a commercial cleaning product to keep your drains free from debris that can accumulate over time.

4. Watch out for signs of leaks – Leaks in your home’s plumbing system can cause major damage if left unchecked, so it’s important to monitor your faucets and pipes for any signs of moisture or discoloration. If you notice any unusual wet spots on walls or floors near plumbing fixtures, contact a professional right away to inspect the area and determine the source of the leak.

5. Make sure all plumbing fixtures are in good working condition – From your toilets to your shower faucets, it’s important to regularly inspect all of the plumbing fixtures in your home to make sure they’re in good shape. If any of them appear worn or rusty, you may need to have them replaced by a professional.

6. Insulate exposed pipes – Exposed pipes can be vulnerable to temperature fluctuations that can cause them to freeze and burst during cold weather months, resulting in costly repairs. To prevent this from happening, wrap these exposed pipes with insulation material or thermally insulating tape available at most hardware stores.

7. Practice water conservation habits – Conserving water isn’t just smart for the environment—it can also help you save money on your utility bills. Installing low-flow fixtures, repairing leaky faucets, and running the dishwasher only when it’s full are all great ways to conserve water in your home.

8. Don’t ignore slow-draining sinks – A slow-draining sink is usually an early sign of a clogged drain that should be addressed before it gets any worse. Use a plunger or auger to clear the blockage, or contact a plumbing professional for more serious issues.

9. Get familiar with your garbage disposal – Knowing how to properly operate and maintain your garbage disposal will help reduce the risk of costly repairs down the line. For example, you should never put grease, oil, or non-food items like paper towels in the disposal—this can cause serious damage and create an expensive mess.

10. Don’t attempt major plumbing repairs on your own – If you ever encounter a plumbing emergency or need to perform major repairs, it’s best to contact a professional plumbing company for assistance. Attempting to repair complex problems yourself may lead to further damage or even more costly repairs down the line.

Trust a Professional Plumber for Plumbing Maintenance and Repair

By following these 10 tips from experienced plumbing professionals, you can help maintain your home’s plumbing system and save money on repair costs in the long run. However, if you ever encounter a plumbing disaster that requires professional attention, make sure you contact a reputable plumbing company for reliable service.

Don’t wait for a plumbing disaster to happen – schedule service and a spring inspection today! Contact Weilhammer Plumbing Company at 317-784-1870 for licensed and insured plumbing services in Indianapolis, Indiana, and its surrounding towns. We serve residential and commercial customers with the most affordable plumbing repair and maintenance prices around!

Tips for Summertime Water Conservation

Posted on May 27, 2021 by weilhammerplumbing

Summer is still just around the corner, but the current climate makes us feel like it’s already here. As us Hoosiers know, Indiana spring seasons and their succeeding summers can get very hot, so it is no surprise that our water consumption increases during this time of year. Outdoor summer fun, gardening, tree care, car washes, siding maintenance, laundry, dishes, and more, are just a few examples of activities that call for more water use on a daily basis.

But is there a way to still enjoy the summer and stay cool while managing your water consumption? The answer is yes!

With a few simple adjustments to everyday habits, all homes and families can save money on water and energy bills, while lowering their water consumption all at once! Continue reading for tips to saving water this summer.

Indianapolis Plumbing Service and Repair 317-784-1870

How to Cut Back Your Water Consumption in the Summer

▷ Service Your Water Heater

First, check out the water heater. Is it time to have it serviced by a professional plumber? This should be done at least twice per year to ensure that your water heater is in optimal condition and performs up to standards without wasting energy. If you don’t want to wastewater or energy, tune-up or replace your existing water heater. Now, here are some additional summertime water conservation tips for the everyday homeowner:

▷ Inspect Your Outdoor Sprinkler System

Automatic sprinkler systems are certainly a wonderful asset for lawn and garden care. Simply adjusting an automated sprinkler system by shaving off a few minutes of each cycle can dramatically decrease your monthly water consumption, which your utility bills should reflect. For manual sprinklers, be sure they are placed in an area where they are not watering anything but flora. Do not let them waste water on driveways, sidewalks, and siding. And also turn the water off a few minutes earlier to save water.

▷ Shift Your Dishwashing Habits

It is so easy to just load and go with a dishwasher! But there are ways to reduce your dishwasher use. First, try to only run full loads. This will reduce the number of times you operate your dishwasher on a weekly basis. In fact, you can save up to 400 gallons of water each month this way! Also, try to hand clean larger items like mixing bowls and colanders. These are easy to wash and rinse and take up too much valuable space in the dishwasher.

More Water Conservation Tips and Tricks to Try:

☑ Opt for Refrigerated Water Pitchers

If you have water-drinkers in your home that like cold water on demand, a water pitcher in the refrigerator is a great alternative running the faucet for several minutes. Running the tap water and waiting for the desired temperature (hot or cold) is wasteful. By having cold, ready-to-drink water in the fridge, you can eliminate this wasteful habit!

☑ Efficiently Water Your Gardens

Aside from sprinkler adjustments, there are other ways to conserve water in the summer when it comes to lawns and gardens. For one, always water flowers and lawns in the early morning before the sun rises and temperatures peak. This reduces the rate of evaporation in the hot sun and keeps soil moist for longer. This way you don’t have to water and repeat on a daily basis, wasting water! Second, buy a rain barrel and collect rainwater to reuse and water your gardens. This saves hundreds of gallons of water each year per home! And last, adjust the lawnmower so that it cuts the grass at a higher level. This makes the roots stay moist longer, thus reducing the need to water!

Do you need some professional assistance with your water heater or home plumbing this summer? Contact Weilhammer Plumbing Company at 317-784-1870 for state licensed summertime plumbing services in Indianapolis, Indiana. We serve residential and commercial clients.

You Should Also Read:

8 Tips to Control Home Energy Costs
Summertime Plumbing Tips That Will Save You Money
Advised Maintenance for Vital Plumbing Systems in the Home

Indianapolis Indiana Master Plumbers 317-784-1870

The Difference Between Master Plumbers and Plumbers

Posted on August 20, 2019 by weilhammerplumbing

Everything from minor plumbing repairs and replacements to plumbing emergencies, scheduled plumbing maintenance, pipeline work, and more, are handled by professional plumbers. But who is the person for the job? How do you know when to hire a master plumber and when to hire a regular plumber? Is there even a difference?

Continue reading to learn what separates a standard plumber from a master plumber, and who to trust for the most dependable service in town.

Master Plumbers

Master plumbers are not your everyday general contractors; instead, they are highly trained and acute plumbing engineer specialists with years of strict formal training and experience. A master plumber is a person that has completed a stringent and complex line of testing, training, and work to achieve master status and a master plumbing license. In fact, if you do not see their state master plumbers’ license advertised, they are likely not a master plumber.

Master plumbers are the top dogs of the plumbing work force. They are not the ones that show up if your faucet is leaking. Instead, as specialists, they are commonly found engineering pipelines and setting up plumbing systems for new construction, municipalities, factories, commercial buildings, and industrial complexes, or ensuring all plumbing is perfectly up to code.

Their jobs are highly complex and sensitive, requiring an exceptional amount of knowledge and skill. Because it is very demanding to become a master plumber due to the degree of difficulty, dedication, time, and hard work, many apprentices go almost as far, but then opt for a general plumbing contractor’s license instead; which is still great!

Standard Plumbers

A licensed plumbing contractor is by no means less of a plumber than a master plumber. Their services are high in demand, and their skill requires lengthy training and experience as well. The major difference is the area and level of plumbing they work on. General plumbing contractors typically facilitate residential and commercial plumbing projects. They still repair, maintenance, service, install, and replace plumbing systems; as well as, provide site work and excavation services for new developments and properties.

Who to Call

Plumbing work comes in various shapes and sizes, which is why there is a level of plumber for each type of job. Depending on the needs of the community, the plumbing work will decide for itself. If you see an industrial factory, you are looking at the work of a master plumber. If you have a water heater repair, then a licensed professional plumber is the technician for you. This is how real estate owners can decide in the future, what type of plumber they are in the market for. If you are ever in doubt, always start with a local and trusted Indianapolis plumbing company for advice.

Indianapolis Plumbing Repair and Service

Call Weilhammer Plumbing Co. Inc. at 317-784-1870 when you need licensed Indianapolis plumbing repair and service at an affordable price. We offer a wide range of standard and master plumber services for both residential and commercial properties. We also offer free estimates, free plumbing advice, and even free haul-away for old plumbing appliances like water heaters, water softeners, sump pumps, and more. Request a free estimate, today.

The 5 Rules to Avoiding Plumbing Disasters

Posted on September 8, 2016 by weilhammerplumbing

Whether the sink, toilet, tub, or drain, when you take on a DIY home plumbing job, it can go from “manageable” to full-on “disaster” in a matter of minutes. Many homeowners will start a plumbing project, but quickly end up over their heads in tools, parts, blueprints, sludge, and water. So it is important to protect yourself from plumbing catastrophes like this with proper knowledge, practice, and assistance. Continue reading to learn the top five rules to avoiding do-it-yourself plumbing mishaps and regrets.

Avoid Direct Copper-to-Steel Connections

Indianapolis Plumbing Repair 317-784-1870

When replacing parts of your plumbing pipe, avoid connecting copper pipes and galvanized steel pipes directly. And a thin layer of thread sealant or Teflon tape won’t cut it either. Steel plumbing pipe can begin to corrode as soon as the connection to copper is made tight. Instead, use a fitting device called a dielectric union to connect copper plumbing pipes to galvanized steel plumbing pipes. It is essentially a metal collar that uses isolation brushings, one half steel and the other half copper. That way, each part is kept separate.

Know the Proper Plumbing Code for Big Projects

There are rules to home plumbing and construction, namely codes. These codes are very complex, with meticulous and detailed rules that dictate how, what, and where you can do plumbing work. For instance, you must know how far you can place certain fixtures from a drain waste vent-line according to its pipe diameter and other specifications. These details are important to know if you want to ensure the safety and integrity of your residence and all its utility systems. Purchase a copy of the Uniform Plumbing Code (UPC) and a book called Code Check before attempting any major DIY construction projects.

Know the Exact Location of Your Plumbing Pipes

Before taking a hammer or drill to your drywall, it is important to make sure you know what you are drilling or hammering into. A common mistake homeowners make is rupturing copper or plastic supply or drains inside walls. Purchase a stud sensor to check your walls before any sort of demolition. This device will detect both pipes and electrical wiring.

Always Perform a Water Leak Test Before Finishing Up

At the conclusion of your plumbing project, it is important to always check for water leaks before sealing everything back up. If installing new valve components, you’ll want to check that it opens and closes, and also run hot and cold water through it to see that it drains properly. In fact, you’ll want to check drains and faucets like this. You can purchase a leak detector detergent at a hardware or home improvement store to check for gas line leaks as well.

Never Over-Tighten Plumbing Connections and Components

Since you cannot always trust the fit or quality of all plumbing components, you may be tempted to over-tighten connections to ensure a good fit. But this is not only in-effective, it is detrimental to your plumbing components. A simple half-turn past the tension point is all you need to properly tighten and close up all your connections. Things like brass copper gas fittings are more susceptible to wrench damage than steel plumbing pipes, but in all cases, proper tension should be used.

Weilhammer Plumbing Company

Weilhammer Plumbing Company 317-784-1870

Call Weilhammer Plumbing Company at 317-784-1870 for professional plumbing advice and plumbing service in Indianapolis, Indiana. Owner and master plumber, Mark Weilhammer, is eager to help you find affordable and effective solutions to your plumbing problems. Our licensed, bonded, and insured plumbers provide a wide range of residential and commercial plumbing services at the most competitive prices in town. Call 317-784-1870 to speak with a licensed Indianapolis plumber, today.

Why is My Hot Water Not Working?

Posted on August 17, 2016 by weilhammerplumbing

Indianapolis Plumbing Repair 317-784-1870

It happens when you least expect it, and at the most inconvenient of times. Losing your hot water is a frustrating and uncomfortable consequence that can stem from a variety of factors. When you jump into your shower or bath after letting the hot water run for a few minutes only to find that the water is luke warm, or worse, cold, then you will need to locate the source of the problem in order to reverse it. In many cases, a simple fix is all that’s needed, which can be done on your own.

On the other hand, there may be a need for a professional plumber if the source of the lost hot water is more complex to repair. Continue reading to learn why your hot water might not be working, and what to do to get it back.

Start with the Pilot Light

Once you realize that your hot water is no longer working, you will need to start an at-home investigation. The most common reason why water stops heating up is the pilot light in the water heater. This is the first place you want to check. If you cannot see a flame, then the light is out. Simply re-igniting the pilot light can solve your hot water problem instantly! However, if it won’t re-light, it could be a separate gas-related issue, in which case you’ll need a licensed plumbing company that provides water heater service and repair. If you have an electric water heater, you will want to check for tripped breakers. For gas water heaters, locate the pilot light at the bottom of the tank, and refer to your owners’ manual for reigniting instructions. If the pilot light doesn’t seem to be the problem, move onto the next step.

Structural Integrity

If there isn’t a problem with the pilot light, you want to take a thorough look at the structural integrity of the water heater tank and piping. Look for damages like dents, bumps, cracks, holes, and kinks. Then look at the base to see if there is water leaking onto the ground. Also be sure to listen for strange sounds, like banging or clanking, as well as, noises that sound like the tank is struggling. If you notice one or more of the above-mentioned signs of damage or distress, you will need to contact a water heater technician right away.

Temperature Settings

If everything checks out good so far, you are ready to check the temperature setting for your hot water heater. Look for the temperature gauge knob on the bottom center (or side) area of the tank. Sometimes this knob can get accidentally bumped into a lower temperature settings, thus causing a loss of hot water. Generally, a safe temperature setting for a water heater is between 115 and 130 degrees Fahrenheit. But for homes with only young to middle-aged adult occupants, you can safely increase the temperature up to 140 degrees Fahrenheit. If the knob is below your preferred temperature, then re-adjust it and wait an hour for the water to heat back up.

Call a Water Heater Technician

If nothing seems to recover your hot water, it is time to call a professional. Be sure to hire a licensed plumber that specializes in water heater repair services. By choosing an experienced and licensed plumbing company, you will have confidence knowing that your water heater is in capable and trusting hands.

Weilhammer Plumbing Co. Inc.

Weilhammer Plumbing Company 317-784-1870

Call Weilhammer Plumbing Co. Inc. at 317-784-1870 for water heater repair in Indianapolis, Indiana. Owner and master plumber, Mark Weilhammer, offers prompt and professional water heater repair and maintenance for residential and commercial properties. His team of professional plumbers and water heater technicians are licensed, bonded, and insured, with more than 50 years of experience! You can trust us for quality service, sincere customer support, and honest prices. Call 317-784-1870 to request free plumbing and water heater advice, or to schedule plumbing service in Indianapolis and its surrounding counties.

How to Retrieve Items that Fall Down the Sink Drain

Posted on July 28, 2016 by weilhammerplumbing

Plumbing Drain Repair 317-784-1870

When you drop something valuable into a sink, you instinctively let out a huge gasp of fear while simultaneously rushing to grab it before it falls down the drain. This is a common reaction for most people because no one wants to lose something of value, especially if that “something of value” is a diamond earring, gold cuff link, or worse, wedding ring! And unfortunately, plumbers get a lot of calls about lost jewelry items like these. But even when you drop something down the drain that is not necessarily “valuable”, it is only natural to want it back.

So if you are someone with clumsy hands, a small bathroom counter, or a lost item down a sink drain, then this blog is for you! Continue reading to learn an easy method to retrieving lost items that have fallen into drain pipe abyss.

Professional Drain Retrieval Services

We only lead with this because there is no shame in calling a plumber for help with retrieving lost items in your sink drain. Even if you could do the task on your own, sometimes it is more efficient to let a professional manage the problem for you. They retain the proper tools and knowledge, and of course hands-on experience, which allows them to get the job done quickly and safely. This way, you won’t have to worry about accidentally damaging or jeopardizing your home’s plumbing system in any way, and you can avoid the trouble you would experience in the case that you run into larger plumbing problems as you open up your drains and dive into the process.

But if you are confident that you are equipped and capable of doing it on your own, you should still consider contacting a local licensed Indianapolis plumber for free plumbing drain advice. Trusted and honest plumbers will happily provide free advice upon request.

What You’ll Need:

• Slip/Lock Nut Wrench
• Rubber Gloves
• Old Bath Towel
• Flashlight
• A Partner (optional)

Getting Started:

Locate the water valve under the sink and turn it clockwise to shut off the water supply. You may need to use your wrench to turn it. If you cannot turn it manually, try your main water shut-off valve for the whole home.

Clear out all the items from under your sink. Place your old towel under the sink pipes to control any leakage or mess.

Locate the pipe catch. Also called the “P trap”, “J bend”, “J pipe”, or U valve”, this pipe piece is curved and has two slip nuts at each end. Since this part of the sink piping is bent, most lost items are found there.

Note: In the picture above, you can clearly identify both the slip nuts and the pipe catch. The wrench is on the vertical slip nut, and the hand is on the pipe catch.

Remove the pipe catch. To do so, loosen the slip nuts by turning them counter-clockwise, either with your hands or your wrench.

When opening plumbing valves, it is helpful to remember the popular phrase, “Lefty-Loosey, Righty-Tighty”, which means counter-clockwise opens and clockwise closes.

Once you have the pipe catch off, you can inspect the contents inside to look for your lost item. Depending on how clean your pipes are, there could be a lot of gunk and bacteria inside. So be sure to wear your rubber gloves for safety, and use your flashlight for a better view.

If you found your item, then congratulations! If you did not find it, then you at least put in the effort to find out whether or not your item was still there. And for that, great job! Now move on to the last step.

Reattach the pipe catch by holding it in place and turning the slip nuts clockwise. You may need a partner to assist you with this step. This can be anyone capable of holding the pipe catch in place, so feel free to appoint your inquisitive 3 year old for help! What a great learning experience!

Be sure to catch next week’s blog for a guide to retrieving lost items in the shower drain!

Plumbing Service and Repair in Indianapolis

Weilhammer Plumbing Company 317-784-1870

Call Weilhammer Plumbing Co. Inc. at 317-784-1870 for free plumbing advice from a state-licensed master plumber in Indianapolis, Indiana. Owner and master plumber, Mark Weilhammer, is happy to answer your questions about plumbing problems. With more than 50 years of experience, you can trust him for accurate and honest plumbing advice. Our family-owned and operated plumbing company has served Hoosiers with residential and commercial plumbing repair for more than 100 years! So you can feel confident that we are the right choice for plumbing service and repair in Indianapolis and its surrounding counties. Call 317-784-1870 to speak with a friendly plumber, today.