Support Earth Day This Week With These Money-Saving Plumbing Tips

Posted on April 22, 2022 by weilhammerplumbing

Today, April 22, 2022, is Earth Day! There are many ways to show your support for this very important and special day, and we hope that you find joy in whatever you choose! As for plumbing, you can save money and back the Earth Day cause by adopting some new plumbing-related systems and practices!

Continue below to learn more about the meaning of Earth Day, plus how you can make the switch to Eco-friendly plumbing in support of the environment and your bank account!

Plumbing Service Indianapolis Indiana 317-784-1870

What Does Earth Day Mean to You?

Earth Day was officially established in 1970, following a tremendously damaging oil spill in Santa Barbara, California that got the attention of Senator Gaylord Nelson. He came up with the idea after seeing how destructive the oil spill was to the local Eco-systems and dependent economies. He wanted the nation to realize just how important it is to preserve and protect our natural resources. Back then, the nation did not pay much attention to the damaging effects of industrial and societal pollution. Rachel Carson’s 1962 publication of “Silent Spring” was one of the first considerations of such environmental threats.

So, with gusto, Senator Nelson decided to gather up a group of trusted colleagues to brainstorm ways to increase such awareness. The result was the proclamation of April 22nd to be a “national teach-in on the environment.” Of course, we know this as Earth Day now. In fact, Earth Day was one of the catalysts of the environmental movement that lead to the formation of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and even the passing of important acts, like the Clean Air Act, Clean Water Act, and the Endangered Species Act.

✨ Visit earthday.org to learn more!

Eco-Friendly Plumbing to Support Earth Day and Environmental Protection:

Tankless Water Heaters

By making the switch from a traditional, tank-style water heater to a tankless water heater, you can preserve natural resources and save money for years to come. According to the Department of Energy, tankless water heaters can reduce energy consumption by 25% to 50% compared to tank-style units.

Tankless water heaters are highly energy-efficient, and a trusted alternative to on-demand hot water. Water is only heated when prompted, like when you run a bath or shower. That way, you are not wasting precious energy to keep water hot in the tank. These water heaters come in electric or gas.

Water Heater Temperature Setting

Having a water heater temperature setting that is too high poses a lot of safety risks, but also wastes energy. Set your water heater at a safe and comfortable 120° Fahrenheit to conserve energy and prevent burns and scalding accidents.

Dual-Flush Toilets

Water-saving toilets save more than just water. They also save you money on utility bills, potentially hundreds of dollars a year. Consider installing a dual-flush toilet to increase the level of water preservation in your home or office. These toilets are specially-designed to provide an option for a light flush or a deep flush. Think light for liquids and deep for solids. If your toilets were installed back in the 90’s, you are likely using up to 3 gallons of water per flush. That’s too much water!

Faucet Aerators

By adding aerators to your sink faucets, you can significantly reduce water wastage in your home or office. Also called low volume water restrictors, these tiny plumbing devices do what they claim: they mix the flow of water with air, thus aerating it, which reduces the volume of water flow. This can save up to 2.2 gallons of water! Plus, they are easy to install, as they simple screw onto the end of your faucets, and they come with an inexpensive price tag.

Additionally, you can swap out your old shower heads for a low-flow showerhead, which basically works in the same way as faucet aerators. A low-flow showerhead can potentially save the average family thousands of gallons of water each year. When shopping around, look for the WaterSense label.

Drip Repair

If you have a slow drip coming from a faucet, bathtub spout, or showerhead, it is money-wise to have it repaired right away. Whether a slow drip or a continuous one, this plumbing defect can waste a lot of water. In turn, your monthly utility bills take a hit.

Pipe Insulation

If your pipes are not properly insulated, whether lacking insulation or fitted with the wrong type of insulation, it can cause massive heat loss in your home’s water. By improving or repairing plumbing pipe insulation, you can better conserve energy and water.

Are you looking for a trusted plumber that can help you incorporate some Eco-friendly elements into your home or office? Contact Weilhammer Plumbing Company at 317-784-1870 when you need professional and affordable plumbing services for water heaters, toilets, plumbing pipes, and more, in Indianapolis, Indiana. We serve residential and commercial clients.

Energy Efficiency Benefits of Tankless Water Heaters

Posted on February 3, 2022 by weilhammerplumbing

Wintertime certainly brings on the conversation of upgrading or replacing your water heater. This winter, if you are planning to get a new water heater for your home or office, you may be interested in considering a tankless water heater. Although tank-style water heaters are the more conventional option among residential and commercial property owners, a tankless water heater offers a unique set of energy efficiency benefits that could better suit your water heating needs, year-round.

Continue reading to learn some of the energy efficiency benefits of tankless water heaters, plus who to trust in central Indiana for professional and affordable water heater services and sales.

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How a Tankless Water Heater Works

A tankless water heater is designed to heat water on demand using an electrical element or gas burner. So, water heaters can use gas, electricity, or propane as an energy source. On-demand means that a tankless water heater will begin to heat the water once you turn the hot water on, which is opposite of a conventional water heater that stores hot water in a tank for automatic usage.

This does mean that water from the faucet will take a bit longer to heat up or reach the desired temperature you’re after, however, tankless water heating delivers an extraordinary level of energy efficiency because the unit is not working at all times to keep stored water heated. You can also have your Indianapolis water heating plumber install a circulation pump, which can help the water travel faster to the faucet or point of demand.

Not only does this save on your monthly utility costs, but it also helps save on future water heater replacement cost. You see, tank-style water heaters are suggested to last up to three times longer than a standard tank style water heater! This makes them a highly reliable, convenient, and energy-efficient option for residential or commercial water heating.

Advantages of Tankless Water Heating

☑ Energy Efficiency
☑ Reduced Energy Consumption
☑ Cost Savings
☑ Lower Monthly Utility Bills
☑ Low Maintenance
☑ Longer Lifespan
☑ Small/Space-Saving

Do You Need a Tankless Water Heater?

Not sure if a tankless water heater is the right option for you? Ask yourself these questions to determine if tankless water heater is a compatible addition to your home or office:

▶ Do you only use a little bit of hot water?
▶ Are you mostly gone?
▶ Do you have several occupants or overnight guests?
▶ Do you run the risk of running out of hot water?

If you answered yes to most of these questions, a tankless water heater could be a beneficial investment. Talk to a trusted and experienced Indianapolis IN water heater company for personalized advice on the best water heating solutions for your house or business.

Are you interested in learning more about winter plumbing and water heating solutions for your Indiana home or office? Contact Weilhammer Plumbing Company at 317-784-1870 for professional plumbing services for water heaters in Indianapolis, Indiana and its surrounding counties. We serve residential and commercial clients.

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A Quick Comparison of Tankless and Tank Style Water Heaters

Posted on July 8, 2021 by weilhammerplumbing

Is it time for hot water heater replacement? If so, you may want to make reconsider the type of water heater you buy. After all, traditional tank-style water heaters are not the only reasonable option available in today’s plumbing and water heating industry. Although highly efficient and exponentially innovative, tank-style water heaters are being passed up by consumers for alternative water heating technologies, such as electric water heaters, solar-powered water heaters, and boilers.

But a new emerging water heating technology is becoming more and more popular as the innovation of their design continues to improve. We are talking about tankless water heaters, also known as On-Demand water heaters. So, how do you know if a tankless or tank-style water heater is best for you?

Continue below to review a quick comparison of tank-style and tankless water heaters, and who to call for professional water heater sales and replacement services in Indianapolis.

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Water Heater Replacement Advice

How do you know when it is time to replace a hot water heater? Well, there are a few factors to consider. The first aspect to focus on is age. The average tank-style water heater lasts between 8 and 10 years. If your water heater is that old, it may be time to replace it with an updated model. Other factors to consider are performance, efficiency, and premises occupancy.

If your water heater begins to show signs of performance and efficiency issues, such as less hot water, no hot water, or frequent breakdowns, it is likely time to replace it with a better unit. Other signs to look for that suggest you need water heater replacement include higher energy bills, higher water bills, and if your home has suddenly reduced from several occupants to only one or two.

Choosing a New Hot Water Heater

When choosing a new hot water heater, there are pertinent factors that you must consider as well. To select the proper water heater for your home or business, you must calculate the size of your property, the number of occupants within, the amount of hot water you expect to use, and other relevant specifics of your property. An Indianapolis hot water heater technician can help you determine the proper size and capacity water heater you need for your home or business. This includes assistance with choosing between a tankless water heater and a traditional tank-style hot water heater.

Traditional Water Heaters With a Tank

Traditional tank style water heaters are large, as they come with a reservoir of hot water that is stored in a tank, typically cylindrical in shape. Because tank style hot water heaters have heated water stored away, they are able to offer a more consistent level of hot water on-demand. Commonly, tanks water heaters are installed in the garage or basement of the home, or in a utility room of some sort.

Compared to tankless water heaters, they are typically more economical in price when it comes to installation. That is simply because most homes are still inherently equipped for tank style water heaters, and technicians are already equipped with the proper resources and materials to implement an efficient and accurate installation job.

COMMON TANK STYLE WATER HEATER BRANDS ON THE MARKET:

▷ Rheem
▷ Bradford White
▷ State
▷ GE
▷ AO Smith
▷ Richmond
▷ Bosch

Tankless Hot Water Heaters

Tankless hot water heaters are just that, hot water heaters that do not come with a large cylindrical tank for storing hot water. Instead, tankless water heaters are also known as on-demand or point-of-use water heaters because they only heat the water when demanded by point of use, whether that be a faucet in the bathroom, the dishwasher in the kitchen, or the shower in the master bedroom.

As a result of their mechanics and design, tankless water heaters are highly efficient, and more than capable of reducing monthly energy and water bills. For this reason, they are also considered one of the most environmentally friendly water heaters you can buy. Because they are smaller in size, they are well-equipped for smaller residences such as apartments and condominiums, or larger homes with additional bathrooms.

COMMON TANKLESS WATER HEATER BRANDS:

▷ Rinnai
▷ Navien
▷ Noritz
▷ Takagi
▷ Bosch

Are you ready to replace your hot water heater with a more efficient and innovative model? Contact Weilhammer Plumbing Company at 317-784-1870 for affordable Indianapolis Indiana water heater services you can trust. We serve both residential and commercial clients all throughout central Indiana.

You Might Also Read:

How Do Tankless Water Heaters Work?
How to Descale a Tankless Water Heater
Water Heaters: Buyers Beware

What a Hybrid Water Heater Can Do For You

Posted on December 4, 2020 by weilhammerplumbing

When it comes to shopping around for a new hot water heater, the most important thing you can do is your research. There are many variables that will influence which type, size, make, and model water heater is right for your home or business. That’s right; there is more than one kind of water heater to choose from. The most common are tank-style water heaters, which are the traditional versions you’ll see in most homes and small offices. There are also tankless water heaters, and even water heaters that combine the two, known as hybrid water heaters.

Continue reading to learn more about these styles of water heaters, including what a hybrid water heater can offer in terms of your water heating needs.

Indianapolis Water Heater Service and Sales 317-784-1870

Tank and Tankless Water Heaters

Tank-style water heaters and tankless water heaters are similar in that they both heat water from the bottom, up. However, they have many differences. Traditional water heaters are designed with a large tank that stores heated water for the entire property. The water inside these tanks are kept warm continuously even when the water is not being used, which requires a constant supply of energy. The energy used to keep the water at a set temperature inside a traditional unit is referred to as “stand-by heat loss.”

Tankless water heaters eliminate this wasted energy usage by heating water up at the time of demand, which is why they are also referred to as On-Demand or Instantaneous water heaters. Tankless water heaters use a simple process to heat water. When warm or hot water is requested, city water is sent into the property through a series of pre-existing water lines. At the same time, a heating device called a heat exchanger is activated, which uses electric coils or a gas-fired burner to generate heat, and then transfer that heat to the water in order to warm it up.

Hybrid Water Heaters

Hybrid water heaters offer the best of both a tank-style and tankless water heater. Most admirably, they save a lot of energy because they heat up water faster. They use a series of plumbing pipes to heat up water all at the same time, rather than a whole tank or single line of copper piping. This heats up water faster, plus reduces the time we wait for water to get hot. Saved energy translates to saved money in the form of lowered monthly utility bills. It is also great for the environment, and those who wish to go green with home plumbing.

What else can a hybrid water heater do for you? Well, a lot.

☑ They hold up to 3X more water than tank-style units.
☑ They use nearly 50% less gas than comparable models.
☑ Most come with a long manufacturer warranty!

Professional Water Heater Advice and Service in Indianapolis

Call Weilhammer Plumbing Co. Inc. at 317-784-1870 for free estimates, advice, and information regarding Indianapolis hot water heater service, 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. Contact us today for free advice on choosing a water heater, or to schedule service for your home or office!

How to Size a Tankless Water Heater for Your Home or Office

Posted on September 17, 2020 by weilhammerplumbing

Size might not matter with some of your other household items, but when it comes to plumbing appliances, it does. This size-theory is especially important for tankless water heaters. Tankless water heating systems are a great way to conserve water, reduce energy consumption, and lower monthly utility bills. But in order to reap the numerous benefits a tankless unit has to offer you must be sure that you select the proper size for your home or office.

Not to worry, sizing a tankless, on-demand water heater is easy, and we’ll tell you how to do that below!

Indianapolis Water Heater Installation and Repair — Water Heater Installation and Repair 317-784-1870

What is a Tankless Water Heater?

In terms of operation, a tankless water heater works very similar to your conventional make and model hot water heater, except that they do not store heated water in a tank, as they lack a tank entirely. Instead of storing heated water in a tank, they heat water when hot water is “demanded” by a person or appliance in the home. This is why they are also called “on-demand”, “demand-type”, or “instantaneous” water heaters. Not sure if a tankless water heater is a good fit for your water heating needs? See our blog, “Three Signs a Tankless Water Heater is Right For You” for help making your final decision. You can always contact a local Indianapolis water heater company for personalized answers to your questions.

Finding the Right Instantaneous Water Heater Size

When it comes to choosing the proper size instantaneous water heater for your home or office, there are two primary factors to consider: flow rate and temperature rise. Tankless water heaters are sized by this exact combination of factors. Next, learn what you need to know about flow rate and temperature rise in order to select the right size tankless water heater.

Flow Rate

The flow rate is how much hot water a water heater can generate. It is represented in in gallons per minute (gpm). If your tankless water heater does not have a flow rate that is high enough to meet your hot water usages, you will be restricted to using hot water on only one or two plumbing fixtures.

Average Flow Rates for Common Plumbing Fixtures:

? Bathroom Sink – 1 GPM
? Kitchen Sink – 1.5 GPM
? Bathtub – 4 GPM
? Shower – 2.5 GPM
? Dishwasher – 1.5 GPM
? Washing Machine – 2 GPM

With these average flow rates in mind, consider an example of how you might use your hot water on a daily basis. For instance, if you plan to run a load of laundry while taking a shower, you will need to have a tankless water heater with a flow rate of at least 4.5 GPM.

Temperature Rise

Flow rate comprehension is the first step, while understanding temperature rise is the next. Groundwater enters your water lines at one temperature, but comes out of a water heater at a higher temperature; this is known as temperature rise. Temperature rise varies among states, as does climate, so you will need to pay close attention to your own region’s groundwater temperatures per season. In Indiana, the average temperature of groundwater is 54 degrees. Your hot water usage temperatures will likely range between 102 degrees (shower/faucets) and 120 degrees (dishwasher/washing machine). With this in mind, you will need a tankless water heater that manage this degree of temperature rise.

Who to Talk to for Trusted Water Heater Advice in Indianapolis, Indiana

Call Weilhammer Plumbing Co. Inc. at 317-784-1870 for free estimates, advice, and information regarding 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.

Are Tankless Water Heaters Eco-Efficient?

Posted on September 25, 2019 by weilhammerplumbing

Tankless water heaters go by many other names; such as instant-on, instantaneous, on-demand, inline, flash, continuous flow, and so much more. This model water heater varies from standard designs in several ways, but their most defining attribute is that they only heat up water when it’s needed, making them Eco-friendly in many ways. This is in contrast to standard units that maintain a storage of heated ready-to-use water, which has both its advantages and disadvantages.

Continue reading to learn more about tankless water heaters, how they work, and some Eco-friendly benefits to owning one in your home or office.

Tankless Water Heater Installation and Repair 317-784-1870

How They Work

Tankless water heaters do not come with a tank, a hollowed cylindrical appliance used in standard units to store heated water; hence their name. They do not come with a tank because they do not store heated water, keeping it ready for whenever it’s called upon. Instead, tankless units only heat the water at the moment water is called upon.

When this happens, water then travels through the flow sensors, which activate the heater to turn on. A negative feedback loop works to heat the water to the temperature requested. As water circulates around a copper heat exchanger, it heated by means of gas or electricity. Because there is no tank, the supply of water is essentially infinite. It should not run out, even if multiple people are using it.

Tankless Water Heater Energy Efficiency

Tankless model water heaters are very energy efficient. Because extra energy is not wasted heating water all day long, monthly heating costs can decrease anywhere from 20 to 30 percent. Also, because a storage of standing water is not necessary, the likelihood of bacterial growth like Legionella is eliminated. Tankless units only store a small amount of water in the heat exchanger coil, so not enough to cause bacterial issues or growth.

This attribute makes going tankless a safer option in the water heater world! And because tankless units use less energy to operate, the long-term energy savings is abundant. Not only do energy conservation efforts save property owners money, it is better for the environment. This is just another wonderful Eco-friendly benefit to on-demand water heating appliances.

Still not sure if a tankless water heater meets your home’s needs? See our blog, “Should I Buy a Tankless Water Heater?” to learn whether or not one is right for you. Or just ask a professional for trusted advice.

Indianapolis Water Heater Advice and Service

Call Weilhammer Plumbing Co. Inc. at 317-784-1870 when you need a licensed plumber for Indianapolis water heater service and repair 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.

Could You Benefit From a Tankless Water Heater?

Posted on May 3, 2018 by weilhammerplumbing

There are three primary questions to ask yourself in order to determine if a tankless water heater is right for you. Continue reading to learn what you need to consider about tankless water heaters, and who you need to be ask for professional recommendations you can trust.

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Tankless water heaters are a wonderful addition to various types of homes so long as they are properly installed and maintained. In terms of operation, they work very similar to standard hot water heaters, except that they do not store heated water in a tank; they lack a tank entirely. Instead of storing heated water in a tank, they heat water when hot water is “demanded” by a person or appliance in the home. This is why they are also known as “demand-type” or “instantaneous” water heaters.

Energy Efficiency Savings

They are popular among homeowners because of their energy efficiency benefits, which also help to reduce monthly gas, electric, and water bills. In fact, according to www.Energy.gov, homes that use 41 gallons or less of hot water per day, tankless water heaters can be 24% to 34% more energy efficient than traditional tank-style hot water heaters.

Is Tankless Right For Your Home?

When it comes to making a decision on water heater replacement, choosing a tankless version is not always the best option. Ask yourself these three questions to determine whether or not a demand water heater is a good match for your home and hot water needs:

❶ Do I Have a Large Family or Multiple Occupants in My Home?

Homes with 5 or more occupants use a lot of water on a daily basis. Water consumption is increased even more when you add in all the various water-consuming appliances within a home, such as dishwashers, washing machines, and more.

❷ Does My Home Ever Risk Running Out of Hot Water?

Think about how much hot water your family uses on a daily basis, including a consideration for the frequency of overnight guests. If there is a higher chance of running out of hot water, a tankless style water heater may be a good choice.

❸ Am I Away From Home for Extended Periods of Time?

Think about your schedule, and how much time you actually spend at home. For those who live alone and work full-time, or travel often for work, may not use as much hot water as the next home.

Conclusion:

If you answered “yes” to any of the above questions, a tankless water heater could be a good fit for your home. Talk to a trusted Indianapolis plumber about your hot water needs, and they can guide you in the right buying direction.

Additional Factors to Consider For a Demand Water Heater:

☑ Size
☑ Fuel type and availability
☑ Energy efficiency (energy factor)
☑ Costs

Expert Water Heater Advice and Service

Weilhammer Plumbing Company 317-784-1870

Contact Weilhammer Plumbing Company at 317-784-1870 for licensed Indianapolis water heater service you can trust. We have been in business for over 100 years because we have earned the trust of thousands of Hoosiers all across the city as a result of our professional service and outstanding results. Call owner, Mark Weilhammer, at 317-784-1870 to request a free estimate or advice, today.

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.

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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.

How Do Tankless Water Heaters Work?

Posted on April 19, 2016 by weilhammerplumbing

Tankless Water Heater Repair 317-784-1870

Traditional water heaters are designed with a large tank that stores heated water for the entire property. The water inside these tanks are kept warm continuously even when the water is not being used, which requires a constant supply of energy. The energy used to keep the water at a set temperature inside a traditional unit is referred to as “stand-by heat loss.” Tankless water heaters eliminate this wasted energy usage by not heating stored water, but rather, heating water up at the time of demand.

Tankless hot water heaters are available in gas, electric, point-of-use, and whole-house models. If a property is not already set up for gas fuel, then an electric unit would be the more cost-effective choice. The initial price of purchasing and installing a tankless water heater is typically high, but the long-term savings outweigh the upfront investment. And they can last for up to 20 years or more; a much longer life-span than traditional units. Tankless versions are a good fit for those who have very little space, environmentally-conscience, and looking to save money on future water and energy costs.

Tankless Water Heating

Tankless water heaters are also referred to as On-Demand or Instantaneous water heaters. Whether gas or electric, they use a simple process to heat water. When warm or hot water is requested, city water is sent into the property through a series of pre-existing water lines. At the same time, a powerful heating device called a heat exchanger is activated. The heat exchanger uses electric coils or a gas-fired burner to generate heat, and then transfer that heat to the water in order to warm it up. Heat exchangers are common devices used to transfer heat from one place to another. They are used in refrigerators, air conditioners, furnace systems, and even car radiators.

Once the water is heated to the demanded temperature, it is sent to the source, which can include faucets, dishwashers, washing machines, and more. Although it takes a minute for the water to reach the desired temperature, it saves a generous amount of water and energy. This efficiency is usually evident on energy, gas, and water bills.

If you are thinking about purchasing a tankless water heater, it is strongly suggested to consult a licensed plumbing technician for accurate recommendations and professional advice first. You might be better suited for a traditional style water heater instead. Get to know your hot water needs with the help of a skilled professional before making any final decisions about water heaters.

Weilhammer Plumbing Co. Inc.

Weilhammer Plumbing Company Indianapolis Indiana

Weilhammer Plumbing Company 317-784-1870

Call Weilhammer Plumbing Co. Inc. at 317-784-1870 for professional water heater installation, service, sales, and more! Master plumber, Mark Weilhammer, is happy to answer your questions about hot water heaters any time. We offer a wide range of water heater services, including water heater repair, installation, replacement, and even sales! And as a family owned and operated company, we maintain the most competitive prices in town. Call 317-784-1870 when you need water heater service in Indianapolis and its surrounding areas.

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

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:

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.

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.

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.