Facts About Instantaneous Water Heaters

Posted on May 29, 2019 by weilhammerplumbing

Instantaneous water heaters, or better known as, “tankless” water heaters, do not use a storage tank like most standard units. They are meant to deliver hot water on demand, or as needed, thus eliminating the need for a storage tank altogether. In fact, they are also called “on demand” or “demand” water heaters. Tankless water heaters have a lot to offer residential and commercial property owners, and operate in a unique way to allow instantaneous hot water whenever requested.

Continue reading to learn how instantaneous water heaters work and who to call for installation and price-point information in your town.

Indianapolis Water Heater Service 317-784-1870

On Demand Hot Water Heaters

On demand hot water heaters are known for their energy efficiency since they do not waste energy to heat water on the standby like most traditional models do. This not only reduces overall energy consumption, it can save money on monthly utility bills as well. Tankless units heat water in a direct way, as soon as it is requested; whether by faucet, washing machine, dishwasher, or other household appliance.

How It Works:

Cold water travels through a plumbing pipe and enters the unit. Then, a heating element (gas or electric) heats the water to the indicated temperature. Gas-powered units use a gas burner to heat water, while electric units use an electrical element to heat water.

It’s that simple!

Either way, a tankless unit might limit a property’s ability to use multiple hot water appliances simultaneously. This means there might not be enough hot water to wash a load of whites while taking a shower upstairs. A common quick fix for this is to install two or more tankless water heaters in larger homes and homes with multiple occupants.

If you have questions about tankless water heaters, including sales and installation, call a licensed master plumber for accurate and reliable answers, as well as, trusted service. They retain the proper tools, training, experience, and knowledge to guide you in the right direction.

Who Can You Trust for Water Heater Service?

Call Weilhammer Plumbing Co. Inc. at 317-784-1870 for free estimates, advice, and information regarding hot water heaters, anytime. Not only are we state-licensed master plumbers who specialize in water heater repair and service, we gladly provide recommendations and advice. Whether residential or commercial, we can provide all the water heater services you need. Call 317-784-1870 to get started.

What Master Plumber Mark Weilhammer Has to Say About Tankless Water Heaters

Posted on May 9, 2019 by weilhammerplumbing

Did you call Weilhammer Plumbing Co. Inc. recently to inquire about tankless water heaters? If so, allow me to apologize if I bruised your feelings by pointing out all the political hype, flaws, and half-truths about tankless water heaters. Complaints are very easy to find on the internet about tankless heaters, but if your mind is already made up about purchasing and installing one, I am more than capable of referring you to an appliance company that will gladly, without thinking twice, take around $4,000 of your hard-earned money.

Indianapolis Plumbing Repair 317-784-1870

The reality is, I have nothing to gain by providing you with this information that I’ve acquired throughout the 40 years of my hands-on experience in the plumbing and water heating industry. I simply wish to help you to make an informed decision without a single string attached.

My Motto: “Keeping things simple usually works out for the best.”

Don’t Fall For the Hype Without Educating Yourself

Remember to read all of the fine print with tankless heaters before purchasing one. You see, “going green” with a tankless heater basically reminds me of my solar water heater experience back the ‘80’s. It’s the same marketed hype and half-truths on energy savings, “fuzzy math” on ROI, and promise of “energy tax credits”, all of which is designed to entice consumers to buy one. As for me, I will not fall for any of the hype, and I hope you do not either.

Don’t get me wrong; l love trees just as much as the next guy. But regardless of what the mass media and government say about “going green” with tankless water heating systems, you are not going to save money, let alone the planet for that matter, by opting for a tankless model.

Want to Go Green? Put Your Efforts into Something More Viable

If you insist on becoming a more eco-friendly version of yourself, it is much wiser (and greener) to use your hard-earned money to invest it in better insulation or windows in your home. I guarantee that you will see a dramatic savings in doing these two upgrades, rather than wasting spending $4,000 or more on a tankless water heater.

Call Me for Free Advice, Anytime!

Call me, Mark Weilhammer, owner and operator of Weilhammer Plumbing, at 317-784-1870 for free advice regarding water heater sales, installation, maintenance, repair, and replacement. I have more than 40 years of experience in the plumbing industry, and offer a wide range of water heater services for both commercial and residential properties, including free advice! Call me during regular office hours, or leave a message and I will return your call the following morning.

How to Descale a Tankless Water Heater

Posted on May 2, 2017 by weilhammerplumbing

Tankless water heaters have become a popular energy-efficient alternative to the standard tank-style water heaters we know so well. Aside from their increased energy-efficiency and eco-friendly operation, tankless water heaters have much to offer home and business owners alike. One of the most important responsibilities of owning a tankless water heater is regular maintenance. This includes annual inspections and service from a licensed plumbing contractor, as well as, routine descaling. Although it is recommended to call a licensed plumber for water heater descaling services, it is a job any handy homeowner can accomplish themselves.

Water Heater Repair and Service 317-784-1870

Descaling a Tankless Hot Water Heater

In areas with hard water, lime and scale can build up on the inside walls of the heat exchanger, causing problems for the entire unit. It is recommended to have your tankless water heater descaled once per year. You can choose to appoint the duty to a local and licensed plumber, or, you can choose to undertake the task yourself. If you wish to move forward on your own, be sure to review the basic steps of descaling a tankless hot water heater first. Look below to get started doing just that!

Tip: If your tankless water heater does not come equipped with isolation valves, you need to call a contractor for professional service!

What You’ll Need:

✔ 5-Gallon Bucket
✔ 3 Gallons Virgin White Vinegar
✔ Submersible Circulation Pump (available at any home improvement store)
✔ Two Small Garden Hoses

Instructions:

1. Turn off all power (gas or electricity) the water heater. Switch the breaker in the electrical box or shut off the main gas.

2. Shut off all water supply to the entire property, including the hot and cold water heater valves. No water should be coming into the house or into the water heater. These handles usually turn north to south and are located on the side of the hot and cold valves.

3. Be sure the hot and cold water valves are also closed. These are generally labeled red and blue and turn side to side.

4. Carefully remove the purge port valve caps. Place them somewhere gently so the rubber washer discs do not dislodge and they are not lost. You may feel some pressure when doing this, but just make sure the hot water valve is closed and you should be safe.

5. Fill the bucket with 3 gallons of white vinegar. Be sure the bucket is in a stable position and it won’t tip over once full.

6. Connect the hot and cold water hoses to the correct valves.

7. Connect the other end of the cold water hose to the output of the circulation pump.

8. Place the pump inside the bucket of vinegar.

9. Place the other end of the hot water hose inside the bucket.

10. Open the cold and hot water valves back up by turning them half-way, so the levers are parallel to the hoses. This will allow vinegar to flow up from the bucket, through the pump, up to the water heater, then back out of the hot water valve, and then back into the bucket. This flushes all the solid deposits from inside the tank.

11. To get that started, plug in your circulation pump and turn it on.

12. To be sure water is flushing properly, slowly lift the outlet hose out of the vinegar and check that water is coming out.

13. Allow the system to circulate for one hour, no longer.

14. When finished, turn off the pump and drain the vinegar from the tank.

15. Close the cold water valve.

16. Open the main cold water supply valve and flush cold clean water through the tank for 5 minutes to clear out any residual vinegar. Then close the main water valve.

17. Remove the filter screen from the inlet of the cold water valve and clear any buildup. Replace it when finished.

18. Disconnect the hoses, and replace purge caps.

19. Close the hot and cold water valves.

20. Open the main cold and hot water supply valves.

21. Turn the power back on.

22. Run hot water from a few faucets around the house and check for any performance issues.

Indianapolis Water Heater Service

Weilhammer Plumbing Company 317-784-1870

Call Weilhammer Plumbing Company at 317-784-1870 for tankless water heater service in Indianapolis, Indiana. Owner, Mark Weilhammer, and his team of licensed plumbers, service all make and model water heaters for both residential and commercial properties. We provide water heater repair, service, installation, and replacement at the most competitive prices in town. Call 317-784-1870 for Indianapolis water heater service, today.

Water Heater Warranty Reminders for Homeowners

Posted on January 9, 2017 by weilhammerplumbing

Water Heater Repair and Service 317-784-1870

As a homeowner, you most likely have a water heater somewhere in the house. If not, you own another type of appliance that heats the homes’ water. When it comes to owning a water heater, certain precautions must be taken; and buying a warranty is one of them. In these warranties; however, there can be some fine writing that is, often times, overlooked by the average home owner. Be sure to dig deep into the warranties offered by water heater brands, and learn where you’re protected and where you’re not.

Know the Length of Your Warranty

Do you know if your water heater is currently under warranty? Do you know how long your warranty is for? In most cases, water heater warranties range anywhere from one to five years. If your appliance is older than five years, you may not be covered under your manufacturer’s warranty anymore. If you are still under warranty, be sure to check out the limitations and constrictions in your purchasing agreement. See how long your warranty is in place. Once you have this information, you can determine whether or not you can use your warranty for repair, need a new warranty, or a new water heater altogether.

New Warranty vs. New Water Heater

If your water heater is already four or five years old on a six year warranty, is it a better choice to buy a new water heater with a brand new warranty protection; or to keep your aging appliance and purchase a new warranty? This is a decision many homeowners face when it comes to water heater warranties. The best way to determine which decision suits your needs best, is to ask yourself a few questions. Do you plan to live in the home for another five to six years? If so, perhaps purchasing a new unit would be more beneficial. You can have a brand new high performance appliance, with a brand new warranty attached. On the other hand; are you moving or selling the home soon? If so, then re-purchasing another warranty is probably a better financial position, long-term.

Indianapolis Water Heater Repair You Can Trust!

Weilhammer Plumbing Company Indianapolis Indiana

Weilhammer Plumbing Company 317-784-1870

Call Weilhammer Plumbing Company at 317-784-1870 for prompt and professional Indianapolis water heater repair or to request free information about water heater warranties, anytime. Master plumber and owner, Mark Weilhammer, has more than 50 years of experience in the plumbing service industry. In fact, our family owned and operated company has been in business for over 100 years! That’s experience you can trust! Call today for reliable water heater repair in Indianapolis, Indiana.

Three Signs a Tankless Water Heater is Right For You

Posted on August 12, 2015 by weilhammerplumbing

Tankless Water Heater Repair 317-784-1870

If you are in the market for a new water heater, and you can’t quite decide which make and model is the right choice, it is time to take a self-evaluation of your hot water habits. There are so many types of water heaters, including solar, gas, electric, portable, and more. For this reason, it can be a little overwhelming for first-time appliance shoppers. Many people are making the switch to more energy efficient versions of water heating, like solar or tankless water heaters.

Since solar power is not quite efficient enough to be cost-effective for the average homeowner, tankless versions are worth consideration. There are three tell-tale signs that may suggest a tankless hot water heater is right for you. Continue reading to learn these three signs, and discover if an eco-friendly tankless water heater is the best option for you and your home.

Learn Your Hot Water Habits

In order to decide whether or not a tankless water heater is right for you, you must first take a closer look at your hot water habits. This means paying attention to your showers, baths, dish-washing, laundry, and gardening for the nest week. Take note of how much water you are using, and how much of that water is hot. Think about when you use hot water the most, and how long it takes to reach the desired temperature. Also, think about your home; the size, square footage, number of bathrooms, available space, number of occupants, and even your budget. Now you are ready to ask yourself the three questions that will tell you whether a tankless hot water heater is a wise choice!

Do You Need to Save Space?

Many people benefit from tankless versions because they live in small apartments, mobile homes, efficiencies, and similar dwellings. If you need all the space you can get, tankless water heaters are a good choice because they do not come with a large, secondary tank that stores hot water like traditional systems do.

Do You Use A Lot of Hot Water?

If “yes” is your answer, then a tank-free water heater could be a good choice. Since tankless water heaters provide instantaneous hot water, they can keep up with your hot water demand.

Do You Use Little Hot Water?

If you are not a big hot water consumer, a tankless version can also be of good use. Since they only heat water on demand, they are not wasting energy sustaining a hot water reserve, which successively saves you money on energy and water each month.

If you have questions about hot water heaters, consult a licensed master plumber for expert advice you can trust.

Weilhammer Plumbing Co. Inc.

Weilhammer Plumbing Company 317-784-1870

Call Weilhammer Plumbing Co. Inc. at 317-784-1870 for questions about water heaters in Indianapolis. Master plumber, Mark Weilhammer, and our licensed team of plumbing contractors, are happy to answer your questions about choosing a water heater that’s a right match for your home. We offer water heater repair and installation, replacement, maintenance, service, and sales for both residential and commercial properties. Call 317-783-1870 for water heater service, repair, and sales in Indianapolis, IN today.

How Do Instantaneous Water Heaters Work?

Posted on August 5, 2015 by weilhammerplumbing

Indianapolis Plumbing Repair 317-784-1870

Instantaneous water heaters are more commonly referred to as “tankless” water heaters, as they do not use a storage tank like most standard units. They are meant to deliver hot water on demand, or as needed, thus eliminating the need for a storage tank altogether. In fact, they are also called “on demand” or “demand” water heaters.

Tankless water heaters have a lot to offer residential and commercial property owners, and operate in a unique way to allow instantaneous hot water whenever requested. They come in various make and models to fit any property’s hot water needs. Continue reading to learn how instantaneous water heaters work and who to call for installation and price-point information in your town.

On Demand Hot Water Heaters

How It Works:

1. Cold water travels through a plumbing pipe and enters the unit.

2. A heating element (gas or electric) heats the water to the indicated temperature. Gas-powered units use a gas burner to heat water, while electric units use an electrical element to heat water.

3. It’s that simple!

With tankless water heaters, there is no waiting for a tank to fill with water, or running out of hot water. On demand water heaters provide a constant supply of hot water without wasting energy. However, the output does limit the units flow rate. Instantaneous hot water heaters generally provide hot water at a rate of 2 to 5 gallons per minute, but gas-powered units have a higher flow rate than electrical ones. Either way, a tankless unit might limit a property’s ability to use multiple hot water appliances simultaneously. This means there might not be enough hot water to wash a load of whites while taking a shower upstairs. A common quick fix for this is to install two or more tankless water heaters in larger homes and homes with multiple occupants.

Weilhammer Plumbing Co. Inc.

Weilhammer Plumbing Company 317-784-1870

Call Weilhammer Plumbing Co. Inc. at 317-784-1870 for hot water heater repair, service, and installation in Indianapolis and its surrounding counties. Owner and master plumber, Mark Weilhammer, offers a wide range of residential and commercial plumbing repair services, including water heaters and water softeners. We also offer additional plumbing repair services at the most competitive prices in town! Call 317-784-1870 when you need prompt and professional Indianapolis water heater repair services you can trust.

What is a Hybrid Water Heater?

Posted on June 1, 2015 by weilhammerplumbing

Indianapolis Plumbers 317-784-1870

When looking to buy a new water heater for your home or office, it is vital to consider your hot water needs, as well as, other influential aspects, in order to choose the right one. Aspects like a property’s square-footage, the number of occupants, the local water table levels, eco-friendly agendas, and more all influence the type of water heater that’s right for you. There are several make and model hot water heaters on the market, from the traditional gas and electric, to the more modern tankless and portable styles. But many consumers are starting to hear about a new type of water heater that combines both tank and tankless styles. These water heaters are called hybrids.

Continue reading to learn more about hybrid hot water heaters and whether they are right for your home or office.

Hybrid Water Heaters

Hybrid water heaters are applauded for their energy-saving benefits. On average, twenty percent of a home’s energy usage is from heating water. This number can be dramatically reduced with the installation of a hybrid water heater. Not only does this help the environment, it saves money on monthly utility bills too. There are other styles of water heaters that are also very energy-efficient, so talk to your local plumbing contractor about those options too. But as for hybrid water heaters, they are highly beneficial for more than just energy-efficiency.

How They Work

Tankless and tank-style water heaters heat water from the bottom of the tank. Tank-styles heat water from the bottom of the tank, making air to rise up and exit from the top, allowing some heat to escape. Tankless water heaters also heat from the bottom but the water travels through copper piping rather than stored in a tank. In a hybrid system, it uses both pipes and a tank to heat and store water. Rather than just copper piping, like tankless styles, a hybrid water heater uses several pipes, up to 40 or more, that heat up. When water flows through them, it heats up fast. Unused heated water is transferred to a reservoir inside a hybrid water heater, and stored for future demand.

There are only a few models of hybrid water heaters on the market, such as the Eternal Hybrid Water Heater or the GE Hybrid Water Heater. The GE version has technology that absorbs heat from the surrounding air to warm water, while other versions involve other technologies like super capacitors, batteries, fuel cells, and more. Hybrids are more expensive than traditional models, costing anywhere between $2,000 and $3,000 or more, depending on the retailer.

Again, talk to your local master plumber for details about choosing the right type of water heater for your home and the installation and maintenance process.

Weilhammer Plumbing Co. Inc.

Weilhammer Plumbing Company 317-784-1870

Call Weilhammer Plumbing Co. Inc. at 317-784-1870 for information about water heater installation and repair in Indianapolis, Indiana. Owner and master plumber, Mark Weilhammer, has been in the industry for more than 50 years! He and our team of licensed master plumbers retain all the knowledge, resources, and experience to provide accurate diagnostics and information regarding hot water heaters and more. Call 317-784-1870 and speak with a licensed master plumber in Indianapolis, IN about hot water heater installation, sales, repair, and more.

Talking Tankless: Tankless Water Heaters and the Myths that Fool Us All

Posted on August 21, 2014 by weilhammerplumbing

Indianapolis Plumbing Repair 317-784-1870

Ever since tankless water heaters have been introduced to the home appliance market, there has been an exponential growth of political hype, talk, flaws, and half-truths about their advantages and disadvantages. Complaints surrounding these water heaters are plentiful, and extremely easy to locate online. However, if you already own or intend to purchase a tankless water heater, be sure to read all the fine print; because it can cost upwards of $4000 to purchase and install a tankless water heater unit! With hard-earned money being spent ever-so-quickly, you should only hope to never run into problems or unit break-downs.

Eco-enthusiasts who wish to “go green” sometimes believe the high-price is a worthwhile trade for the sake of saving money and energy in the long-run. Unfortunately with these units, that is not the likely case. Tankless units do not save enough money or energy worth mentioning. The margins are so fuzzy and miniscule that the high price paid is NEVER worth it. Sad, I know; but true non-the-less. If you truly wish to “Go Green” on a large scale, consider investing that money into insulating your home or installing better windows. Planting more trees around your home is another fantastic and effectual Eco-friendly project to invest in. These ideas will certainly render more savings than tankless water heaters.

Numbers Don’t Lie – Consumer Reports 2008 Information and Statistics for Tankless Water Heaters

• Break-even point after purchasing a tankless water heater comes 22 years later.

• Add on the monthly de-scaling costs of $300 and money is actually lost.

• Hefty maintenance costs – $3000 over a ten year period.

• Heating coils must be professionally serviced and cleaned routinely to evade lime and sediment buildup. If lime is present on heat coils, warranty is VOID.

• De-liming services run $300, and the warranties mandate this service TWICE a year in order for the warranty to remain active. Does that sound economical?

• To own a tankless unit, one must also purchase a water conditioning system or water softener. This reduces lime and scale in the water that can damage a tankless water heater and render the warranty void. This is an additional $2000 cost, at least.

• Many models have been discontinued, leaving older units without replacement parts. A 10-15 year old tankless water heater part can be almost impossible to locate because the company is out of business or the model is no longer manufactured. If a part is found, it can be equally difficult finding a repairman that knows how to facilitate the service.

• Large tax credits are now a fantasy. They DO NOT EXIST anymore. A homeowner may receive up to $500 off their taxes; that is of course, one year later and after the initial $4000 purchase. Ask yourself, “Is that really worth it?”

Tankless Water Heater Customer Reviews:

Customer Review #1
Customer Review #2
Customer Review #3

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

Indianapolis Water Heater Repair Services

Weilhammer Plumbing Company 317-784-1870

For licensed and insured Indianapolis water heater repair services, call Weilhammer Plumbing Co. at 317-714-0759 today. Owner, Mark Weilhammer, and our team of state-licensed master plumbers, have more than 60 years of experience in the plumbing industry. We provide a wide-range of water heater services and repairs for residential and commercial properties. We also offer free estimates, DIY advice, emergency water heater repair, unit and product sales, exceptional customer support, and much more! Call 317-714-0759 and speak with a knowledgeable and licensed master plumber in Indianapolis, IN today.