What a Hybrid Water Heater Can Do For You

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
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!

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

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

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.

Where to Get Fast and Affordable Water Heater Repair in Indianapolis

Got water heater problems? Look no further than Weilhammer Plumbing Co. Inc. in Indianapolis!

Water Heater Service 317-784-1870
Indianapolis Water Heater Service 317-784-1870

Weilhammer Plumbing Co. Inc. is your simplest solution to hot water troubles in Indianapolis, whether at home or in your office! Our licensed water heater repair technicians offer a wide range of services for both residential and commercial properties all throughout the city. From simple tune-ups and flushes, to repairs, replacements, installation, and even sales! That’s right; we sell Rheem Hot Water Heaters at below market price! They are one of our top-recommended appliances on the market, and will not disappoint.

Indianapolis Water Heater Services
Indianapolis Water Heater Services 317-784-1870

Why Choose Us?

We are a locally owned and operated water heater business dedicated to integrity and quality.

Our teams of highly trained and qualified water heater technicians are fully-equipped to get the job done right! We have decades of experience in the industry, and retain the latest technologies and tools to service any make or model water softener. Our company is strongly committed to providing consistent high quality work, professionalism, and customer support for all clients and callers.

In addition to our high-quality workmanship and unparalleled customer support, we offer the most competitive rates for water softener service and repair in Indianapolis! On top of our competitively-low prices, we offer water heater repair coupons and discounts too! In fact, Military and Senior discounts are available all year long! You can get a free initial service call, or receive 10% OFF any water heater service or repair!

You can trust that our estimates are honest and ethical, and that our prices are fair. We never add on hidden fees or charges, nor do use confusing industry jargon to mislead our customers like some competitors may do. We always discuss the details and capacities of our services in a language our clients can understand. In fact, when possible, we can give you free instructions over the phone to solve minor water heater issues or questions. Don’t know how to adjust your temperature settings? Give us a call and we will walk you through the process!

Request a Free Water Heater Repair Quote Today

Call Weilhammer Plumbing Co. Inc. at 317-714-0759 to speak with a friendly and knowledgeable technician about water heaters, today. We are happy to answer any questions you have about water heater service, installation, maintenance, hot water problems, and more, anytime. We even offer 24 hour emergency services for water leaks, floods, and more. Call 317-714-0759 for professional water heater repair services in Indianapolis you can trust!

Why is My Hot Water Not Working?

Indianapolis Plumbing Repair 317-784-1870

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 Indianapolis Indiana

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.