Tag Archives: plumbing

Top 3 Solutions to Cold Shower Problems

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There’s really nothing that can put a damper on your day more than a cold shower. After all, many of us utilize our shower time as meditation time, reflection time, and an overall disconnect from the world for some moments of peace. Accordingly, showers should be indulgent. So, when they are not hot enough, they cannot meet our standards of care or well-being.

Fortunately, there are some simple and affordable solutions for cold shower problems. Read more about them, below.

Indianapolis Hot Water Plumbing Services
Indianapolis Hot Water Plumbing Services 317-784-1870

Shower Head Replacement

The first recommendation any plumbing or water heater expert will give when asked about cold shower solutions is to upgrade your shower head. By choosing a new shower head with a higher flow rate, you can instantly enjoy a hot shower because it takes less time for the water to heat up, on demand. You can find a wide selection of quality shower heads with high flow volumes, ranging in price from $25 to $150 or more depending on the brand and retailer.

Shower Supply Line Insulation

A common reason why people have trouble with cold or lukewarm showers is a lack of shower supply line insulation due to extra-long or exterior-side plumbing pipes. In order to check the condition or presence of your home’s shower supply line insulation, you will need to access the insides of your wall voids most likely. For this reason, it is best to contact a professional for such inspections and work. Improved insulation will block out cold ambient air, and thus, prevent heat loss during your showers.

On Demand Hot Water Re-Circulation

Your shower experience can be improved by incorporating an on demand hot water recirculating system into your water heater system. This sends any standing cold water in your shower supply plumbing lines back to your water heater to be reheated. This way, you have full access to hot water throughout the duration of your shower, and for the rest of the day.

Where to Get a Free Estimate for Hot Water Repair in Indianapolis

Call Weilhammer Plumbing Company at 317-784-1870 when you need plumbing service for hot water or water heaters in Indianapolis, Indiana. Master plumber, Mark Weilhammer, is happy to provide free estimates, free advice, and a wide range of affordable plumbing services for residential and commercial properties. Call 317-784-1870 to request a free estimate for Indianapolis water hammer repair, today.

Indianapolis Indiana Master Plumbers 317-784-1870
Indianapolis Indiana Master Plumbers 317-784-1870

Do You Know How Much Longer Your Plumbing Pipes are Good For?

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As a homeowner, it is important to keep your plumbing system in good condition to optimize efficiency and extend its life. However, no matter how diligent, plumbing pipes are not meant to last forever. If you live in an older home, especially an older one, you should strongly consider having your plumbing pipes professionally inspected to ensure they are still in good condition.

Do you know how old your pipes are? Do you know how to tell if they are due for a replacement? Do you know a good plumber who can be trusted to give you an honest and accurate diagnosis? Continue below to answers to all of these plumbing questions, and more.

Indianapolis Plumbing Inspection Services
Indianapolis Plumbing Inspection Services 317-784-1870

General Plumbing Pipe Guidelines

Although the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development has a system of guidelines for replacing residential plumbing pipes, there are some factors you must consider before basing your final decision on their standards. You see, if your pipes are older than the listed guideline, it doesn’t always mean they have to be replaced. This guideline, plus additional factors, will help you make a better determination. Also, hiring a licensed Indianapolis master plumber for a plumbing inspection is ultimately the best way to confirm the condition of your home’s pipe works.

Depending on the material of your plumbing pipes, they can last anywhere from 20 to 100 years or more. Some materials are hypothesized to last indefinitely. Here is the general guide:

➰ PVC Plumbing Pipes = Indefinitely

➰ Copper Plumbing Pipes = 50+ Years

➰ Galvanized Plumbing Pipes = 20 to 50 Years

➰ Brass Plumbing Pipes = 40 to 70 Years

Warning About Polybutylene Plumbing Pipes

Polybutylene plumbing was widely used in the residential plumbing and construction industry in 1970’s and well into the ‘90’s. Polybutylene is a gray plastic material that was eventually discovered to be easily breakable. If your home is equipped with Polybutylene plumbing, you might be wise to consider a full replacement, as they are highly unreliable and prone to water leaks, floods, and flaking from the inside out.

Where to Get Real Plumbing Advice and Service You Can Trust in Indianapolis

Call Weilhammer Plumbing Co. Inc. at 317-784-1870 when you are looking for residential plumbing inspection services in Indianapolis and its surrounding counties. Our licensed and insured plumbers provide a wide range of standard and master plumber services for all property types. We are happy to schedule a comprehensive inspection for your home using advanced technologies and equipment to diagnose internal issues or needed replacements. We also offer free estimates and free plumbing advice, anytime. Request your free estimate, today.

Indianapolis Indiana Master Plumbers 317-784-1870
Indianapolis Indiana Master Plumbers 317-784-1870

4 Ways to Go Green With Home Plumbing

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Anytime of year is a good time to re-plan your budgets and finances. If you are looking to save some money this season or next, a great way to do so is by going green. Remember to turn off your lights, cut back on waste, reuse as much as possible, drive less, and so forth. As for your home plumbing, it can get greener too. Continue below to learn 4 effective and lucrative ways to go green with home plumbing.

Indianapolis Master Plumbing Service 317-784-1870
Interested in installing a duel-flush toilet to save money? Call 317-784-1870 today!

Green Plumbing is a Trend That Will Never Fade Away

There is really no good reason to not save money when you can. When it comes to plumbing, there are several ways to lessen your water and energy consumption, thus reducing your monthly utility bills. As an added bonus, you and your family are doing wonders to support and preserve our Earth’s natural resources! Although there are many changes and additions to choose from in order to obtain greener plumbing practices, you can easily start by focusing on the top 4 methods recommended by other green homeowners. These include replacing shower heads and faucets, installing low volume water restrictors, updating the water heater, and switching to high-efficiency appliances.

Shower Head and Faucet Replacement

Shower heads, faucets, and related plumbing fixtures are designed to last, but not forever. At some point in time, over the course of just a few years sometimes, these fixtures begin to decrease in efficiency. In fact, you can usually tell when they need to be replaced because they begin to show problems with their performance. Not only will new shower heads and faucets support proper performance, which in turn increases efficiency, but you can take it a step further and actually opt for environmentally-friendly plumbing fixtures that are designed to use up to 30% less than standard ones.

Water Heater Upgrade

Your water heater is a prime plumbing appliance in your home. After all, without hot water on demand, we are back in the dark ages. Hot water is important for function, quality of life, and even our health. So, it is important to ensure your hot water heater is performing optimally; otherwise, you could be losing quite of bit of money due to wasted water and energy. One way to go green with home plumbing is to simply update or replace your water heater. Talk to a local water heater repair professional to learn whether or not your hot water heater requires some maintenance or a full-on replacement. There are plenty of energy-efficient water heaters on the market today that make great options for green living.

Low Volume Water Restrictor Installation

Another option for going green is to mitigate your home’s water consumption. One way to do this is to have a professional plumber install low volume water restrictors. Also known as pressure-reducing valves, low volume water restrictors lessen the amount of water forced through fixtures like shower heads and faucets. In turn, they reduce your home’s monthly water consumption without you even realizing it. Your home’s current water pressure setting is likely close to the average residential water pressure setting, which 70psi. However, pressure-reducing valves reduce this up to half the volume, which is still plenty for a comfortable living.

High-Efficiency Appliance Procurement

Another easy and instant way to go green with home plumbing is to make the switch to high-efficiency, or higher-efficiency, appliances. Appliances to consider include toilets, dishwashers, washing machines, water heaters, water softeners, and water purification systems. Take your toilets for instance; they typically use an average of 3½ gallons of water PER FLUSH. With a high-efficiency toilet, you can reduce this average to 1½ gallons or less! In fact, duel flush toilets are a popular choice for improved flush efficiency and water preservation.

Talk to a Trusted Indianapolis Master Plumber for Green Plumbing Advice and Service

Call Weilhammer Plumbing Company at 317-784-1870 for green plumbing advice or routine plumbing services in Indianapolis, Indiana. Master plumber, Mark Weilhammer, is happy to provide free estimates, free advice, and a wide range of affordable plumbing services for residential and commercial properties. Call 317-784-1870 to request a free estimate for Indianapolis water hammer repair, today.

Indianapolis Indiana Master Plumbers 317-784-1870
Indianapolis Indiana Master Plumbers 317-784-1870

What You Need to Know About Replacing Plumbing Pipe

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Dirty pipes are one of the most common reasons why so many property owners eventually require plumbing pipe replacement. Overtime, plumbing pipes will develop a large accumulation of solid matter, organics, bacteria, rust and more. As a result, pipes become clogged, dirty, and inefficient, which can cause a never-ending trickle of problems throughout the rest of the property’s plumbing system. When dirty or clogged plumbing pipes are not resolved, they will eventually require replacement. But, before you head to the home improvement store to place your order, it is important to keep certain considerations in mind.

Continue reading to learn what you need to know about replacing plumbing pipes, including how to spot the signs of a dirty or obstructed system, and which piping materials are available on the market.

Indianapolis Master Plumbers 317-784-1870
Indianapolis Master Plumbers 317-784-1870

Detecting Dirty of Clogged Pipes

When your plumbing system is experiencing a backup or clog somewhere, you will notice sooner or later. The signs of a clogged pipe are hard to miss. Standing water in the shower, slow draining drains, poor water pressure, and more are common indications that a clog is present. Such signs are also indicative of dirty pipes. Dirty pipes turn into clogged pipes as they continue to accrue more and more matter, such as organic and non-organic solids, soap residues, and more.

Another major tell-tale sign to look for that might suggest you have dirty or clogged plumbing pipes are increases in energy and water bills. When your plumbing is dirty or obstructed, it cannot perform efficiently, which causes your appliances to work harder, use more water, while performing below standards. If such problems continue without any intervention, other areas of the plumbing will begin to breakdown, including water heaters, water softeners, dishwashers, washing machines, and more.

Pipe Replacement Considerations

When you are ready to replace your plumbing pipes, there are a few things you should consider in order to make the best choice for your home or commercial plumbing needs. Here are some important matters to start with:

PVC PIPES – Many property owners are choosing PVC (polyvinyl chloride) piping over metal pipes. PVC plumbing pipes are generally reserved for cold water-based applications, such as drinking water systems. See our blog, “Do I Choose PVC Piping or CPVC Piping?” to learn more about plastic polymer piping.

CPVC PIPES – Although very similar to PVC, CPVC piping is different because it is altered by a free radical chlorination reaction, thus increasing its chlorine content. This increased chlorine content allows the material to withstand a wide range of temperatures, up to 200 degrees Fahrenheit.

ABS PIPES –ABS piping is often reserved for waste removal and bathroom plumbing applications. It can be connected to existing metal pipes within a plumbing system.

PEX PIPES – PEX pipes are suitable for both hot and cold water applications, and frequently used for interior residential plumbing construction.

GALVANIZED PIPES – These are no longer supported in the plumbing industry due to their high susceptibility to corrosion, which can lead to water contamination. If your water supply lines are made with galvanized steel, it is time to have them replaced!

Master Plumbing Service in Indianapolis You Can Trust

Call Weilhammer Plumbing Co. Inc. at 317-784-1870 for licensed plumbing repair and replacement services in Indianapolis, Indiana. Owner and state-licensed master plumber, Mark Weilhammer, is happy to give you free advice, anytime. We provide a wide range of residential and commercial plumbing services, including trenchless pipe repair, pipe replacement, and even services to improve water quality. And as a family owned and operated company since 1901, you can trust us to deliver outstanding workmanship and customer support. Request a free estimate, today.

Five Qualities of a Good Plumber

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Indianapolis Plumbing Repair 317-784-1870

Indianapolis Plumbing Repair 317-784-1870

Every homeowner wants to make sure any company they hire for home repairs or reconstructions is trustworthy and proficient. This is especially true for a property’s plumbing. Plumbing is one of the most vital and significant assets of a home, providing everything from bathing and drinking water, to sewage removal, and more. Without functional plumbing, you might as well be camping! And since plumbing is so important and its systems so complex, repairs can be costly and sometimes, even extensive.

For these reasons and more, everyone wants to be sure they are hiring a good plumber they can trust. Continue reading to learn the five attributes that a good and upright plumber should have and be better prepared to hire a plumbing company you can trust.

Licensing

Plumbing, as mentioned, is complex, and very important that it remains functioning for a home. This is why plumbing is a professional trade that requires schooling, training, and state licensing. If a plumber does not have the proper state licensing to provide plumbing service and repair, then steer clear of their direction! Always be sure that a plumber and plumbing company is fully licensed for liability purposes. And be sure they can show proof of this licensing.

Competence

You want a plumber that is highly knowledgeable in the plumbing service and repair industry. By talking to several plumbers, you can get an idea of who knows what they are talking about and who seems to either “beat around the bush” or tell you what you want to hear. Ask questions and assess how detailed and lucid their answers are too. This can help you gauge whether or not they have proper knowledge of the plumbing repair you need.

Experience

Just as important as competence and knowledge, experience is essential to be a good plumber. There is a learning curve to the plumbing industry, just as there are for several trades and activities. A novice plumber is not going to be able to undertake difficult and complicated plumbing projects like a veteran in the industry could. For serious services and repairs, trust a plumber with decades (at least 10 years) of experience.

Reliability

Reliability is professionalism at its core. If a company cannot be trusted to come through with what they promise, they are not being professional. Plumbers who show up promptly, on-time, neatly dressed, and full-equipped are reliable. Be sure the plumber you hire can provide these incentives on every single visit.

Reputation

The best plumbers get talked about, and they have a good-standing reputation within their local communities. If you cannot find any information about the plumbing company you’re hiring, online or within local directories, you are likely dealing with a novice business. Look for online customer reviews and see what the community says about the plumbing company you wish to call. Be sure to use a valid and reliable directory like Yelp for current and real customer reviews.

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 master plumber service in Indianapolis. State-licensed master plumber, Mark Weilhammer, has more than 50 years of experience in the plumbing industry, and Weilhammer Plumbing Co. Inc. has been in business here in Indiana since 1901! We are the trusted plumbing company in Indianapolis to call when you need reliable and proficient plumbing repair and service in your neighborhood.