4 Plumbing Problems That are Common in the Winter

Posted on November 25, 2022 by weilhammerplumbing

As winter approaches, many homeowners start to worry about potential plumbing problems. While some issues may be specific to colder weather, others can occur at any time of year. Here are four of the most common plumbing problems and how to fix them.

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Four Winter Plumbing Problems to Watch Out For This Season

1. Frozen Pipes

Frozen pipes are a common plumbing problem in the winter. If the water in pipes freezes, it can cause them to burst. To prevent frozen pipes, you can insulate them or wrap them in heat tape. You should also make sure that your home is properly heated during the winter. If you do experience frozen pipes, you can use a hairdryer to thaw them out. However, if the pipes have already burst, you’ll need to call an Indianapolis plumber.

2. Clogged Drains

Clogged drains are another common plumbing issue in cold weather. They can be caused by food particles, grease and soap buildup, or leaves and other debris. To prevent clogs, use screens over your sinks and shower drains and avoid pouring grease or food down the drain. You can also use a plunger to clear out any minor clogs, but if it doesn’t work you should call a plumber for help.

3. Leaky Faucets

Leaky faucets are often caused by worn out washers or old valves. To fix them, you’ll need to replace the washer or valve. This is a simple repair that you can do yourself, but it will require some basic plumbing tools and knowledge.

4. Water Heater Issues

Water heaters can be temperamental in cold weather. If your water isn’t heating up properly, make sure that the thermostat is set to the desired temperature. You should also make sure your water heater is well insulated, as this will help prevent it from freezing. If you don’t feel comfortable inspecting or repairing the water heater yourself, you should call a plumber for assistance.

Conclusion

With these tips in mind, you can be better prepared for any winter plumbing problems that may arise. With a bit of proactive maintenance and quick action, you can keep your plumbing system running smoothly this winter.

Don’t let your plumbing problems turn into a winter disaster. Contact Weilhammer Plumbing Company today to schedule a plumbing inspection for your home or business. We’ll make sure your plumbing is ready for the cold weather ahead.

Top Ways to Save on Your Electric Bill This Winter

Posted on January 7, 2022 by weilhammerplumbing

All homeowners and building owners are looking for ways to save on their electric bill, especially in the winter. If you are also hoping to reduce your monthly energy bills for the season, you will be pleased to know that it is absolutely possible! It only takes a little bit of knowledge and effort.

Start by scrolling below to learn the top ways to save on your electric bill this winter and who to call for trusted Indianapolis plumbing and water heater services.

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How to Cut Back on Electricity in the Winter

Electric bills are known to skyrocket in the wintertime. This is typically a result of increased hot water usage, higher settings on the thermostat, and subjection to harsh winter winds and inclement cold fronts. Fortunately, there is plenty you can do, whether property owner or tenant, to ensure your electric bills maintain an affordable consistency throughout the season.

Here are the most effective strategies to control and reduce electricity costs in the winter:

Thermostat Replacement

Old thermostats are the pits, really. If your thermostat is between 8 and 10 years old, it is time to replace it, even if it works fine. Old thermostats are highly unreliable and inconsistent, which can significantly impact your energy costs, especially in the winter. It is recommended to replace your old thermostat with a programmable thermostat or a smart thermostat.

Change the Setting on the Thermostat

By lowering your thermostat setting 7 to 10 degrees, you can save a significant amount of money on your monthly electric bill. When you’re not home, it is recommended by experts to decrease your thermostat to at least 68°. When you go on vacation, be sure not to put it too low, as this can lead to frozen plumbing pipes.

Cut the Heat Off in Idle Rooms

If you have rooms in your home or building that are frequently vacant, it is recommended to block off or close the vents in them. This can save you a lot of money in your electric bill. No sense in heeding a room that’s not used!

Close the Vents in Uninsulated Spaces

It is common for houses and buildings to have certain rooms or spaces that are not insulated. Typically, this includes attics, garages, basement storage spaces, and similar areas. If there are heating vents in any of these rooms of your home or building, it is suggested to close them off to reduce your electric bill.

Tune Up the HVAC System

Routine maintenance is important for all mechanical systems in your home. Your HVAC system is one the most important units to maintain if you want to reduce or control your electric bills and total energy costs.

Lower Your Water Heater Temperature Setting

Just like your thermostat, lowering the setting of the water heater temperature can help you save money on your monthly electrical bill. It is recommended to keep your water heater temperature setting between 110 and 120°F. To prevent scalding accidents, never set your water heater temperature above 120°F.

Add Insulation Around Your Water Heater

Insulating a water heater can have a significant impact on cost savings throughout the winter when it comes to electrical bills. This is especially impactful for water heaters and boilers located in cold basements and garages, or other areas where there is little barrier between them and the winter elements.

Are you concerned that your water heater is costing you too much money because it improperly programmed or experiencing mechanical issues? Contact Weilhammer Plumbing Company at 317-784-1870 for professional water heater repair in Indianapolis, Indiana. We sale, service, install, and repair hot water heaters.

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How to Check if Your Plumbing is Ready for Winter

Posted on December 4, 2019 by weilhammerplumbing

There are several ways the winter ice, snow, and climate can negatively affect your home’s plumbing systems. If you do not take certain measures to protect your plumbing from winter mayhem, you might be faced with some hefty repair and renovations costs come spring. After all, it is difficult to assess plumbing damages while the ground is covered in snow and ice. In most cases, homeowners are not aware of any issues until the snow melts and the damages are revealed.

Don’t let this happen to you this year or next! Instead, learn how to properly check and prepare your property’s plumbing to ensure it is ready for winter.

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Interior Water Shut Off Valve

Every year, as soon as temperatures drop below 40 degrees Fahrenheit, it is wise to turn your inside water shut off valve to vertical to stop the outside drains from letting water flow through your pipes all winter. If you do not do this, water will continue to flow throughout the season, and thus pose the risk of frozen or burst plumbing pipes. It is important to flush out any leftover water in your irrigation lines and plumbing pipes once you are done using them for the season; otherwise, they can freeze up and lead to massive plumbing repairs and problems, overtime.

Outdoor Faucets and Hoses

After you have secured your interior water valve in a safe position for the season, implement an inspection of your outdoor faucets and spigots. Outdoor spigots, like irrigation lines, are more prone to collecting excess water. As a result, this excess water can freeze, and cause a water pressure to build up and damage pipes. See our blog, “Top 3 Ways to Prevent Frozen Outdoor Faucets” to learn how to get started. Accordingly, it is wise to organize and hang up all of your outdoor garden hoses. Water can also freeze within hoses, which can lead to rupturing come spring.

Gutters and Downspouts

Another consideration that is commonly overlooked as an area-of-focus for winter home maintenance preparation are gutter systems. Gutters can fill up with garbage and debris, which in turn collect and retain more water, and eventually freeze and thaw. All of this is bad for your house as it can cause cracking, warping, and water leaks. It is important to clean out your gutters and your downspouts before the winter season takes full effect. Otherwise, you may face several costly and invasive plumbing repairs once springtime is here.

Indianapolis Plumbing Inspections and Repairs

Call Weilhammer Plumbing Co. Inc. at 317-784-1870 for professional plumbing service and repair in Indianapolis, Indiana. Owner and Master plumber, Mark Weilhammer, is happy to give you free plumbing advice. Our highly trained and licensed plumbers provide a wide range of residential and commercial plumbing services; 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.

How to Get Your Plumbing Ready for Winter

Posted on December 7, 2017 by weilhammerplumbing

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The flurries have officially begun, which means that more snow is surely on its way sooner than later. And with snow comes various other inclement weather conditions, like freezing rain, subzero temperatures, icy hail, and much more. With winter weather right at our doorsteps, it is time to implement all the necessary steps to get our homes and buildings ready for everything that can damage or affect it over the course of the season.

One of the most vital systems to protect this winter is your plumbing, both interior and exterior. Plumbing damage can quickly occur if certain precautions are not taken; and these damages can quickly add up in terms of cost and renovation time. Continue reading to learn some helpful winter plumbing protection tips and more.

☛ Start With the Water Heater

The first place you want to start is your water heater. After all, hot water is one of the most important necessities to have during winter. You do not want to be left for days without being able to take a hot shower or bath. Draining the water heater is a good idea this time of year. Contact at licensed Indianapolis water heater repair plumber for routine seasonal maintenance. During the service, you can also have other components of your hot water heater checked to ensure they are good to go for the entire season. If you fail to drain your water heater, over time, sediment and rust will accumulate and cause internal damages, which can lead to operational issues and breakdowns.

☛ Complete All Minor Plumbing Repairs

Aside from your water heater, you’ll need to ensure that all your other plumbing components are in good condition and ready to deliver reliable performance all winter long. This includes water softeners, faucets, drains, pipes, garbage disposals, and more. A small problem can quickly turn into a larger one, especially in the case of water leaks, which means more money and time to repair. Be sure to repair all minor plumbing issues before the harsh winter weather is here.

☛ Insulate Your Outdoor Plumbing Pipes

Pipe insulation is a big advantage for outdoor plumbing pipes that are exposed or above ground. You can purchase pipe insulation kits and supplies at any local hardware or home improvement store in a wide range of varieties and prices. However, you can also just use some old towels, insulation foam, and duct tape. Wrap the foam around the pipe and secure with duct tape, then cover the foam with an old towel and secure with more tape. This will keep your outdoor pipes from freezing and cracking. You can also use this trick on indoor exposed pipes like bathroom and kitchen sinks.

☛ Tend To Your Hose and Sprinkler System

Before temperatures drop below freezing, it is important to make sure your outdoor plumbing is prepared. You do not want to leave your garden hoses attached to your outdoor faucet all winter long, so be sure to remove it and store it away indoors. Furthermore, if you have an outdoor sprinkler system, you’ll need to be sure it is prepped for winter weather.

Indianapolis Plumbing Repair

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Call Weilhammer Plumbing Co. Inc. at 317-784-1870 for master plumbing repair in Indianapolis, Indiana. Owner and master plumber, Mark Weilhammer, is eager to solve your plumbing problems! We offer the most competitive prices for residential and commercial plumbing repair in town!

Tips for Winter Plumbing Maintenance

Posted on December 1, 2015 by weilhammerplumbing

Wintertime in Indiana can either be really mild, really harsh, or somewhere right in between. Basically, we never really know what to expect come winter season when you live in Indiana; but one thing is for sure, it’s going to be cold! Cold temperatures and precipitation can negatively affect your home’s plumbing system, so it is important to take some necessary precautions and stay informed on proper winter plumbing maintenance. Continue reading to review some winter plumbing tips, and be better prepared for whatever weather we will soon face.

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Water leaks

Water leaks can create a long list of expensive and time-consuming problems. Be sure all pluming leaks are properly repaired and sealed before temperatures drop too low. When temperatures are at freezing, a plumbing leak can quickly turn into a huge, costly issue. So be sure to regularly inspect your exposed plumbing pipes (i.e. under sinks, outside, attic, crawl space, indoor appliances, etc.) throughout the winter time to avoid water leaks and frozen pipes. When you catch a leak early on, you can save yourself a substantial amount of time, money, and inconvenience.

Pipe Insulation

If you haven’t already, it is a good idea to insulate your plumbing pipes to prevent freezing, water leaks, and more. Simply wrap all exposed plumbing pipes with plumbing insulation foam. This is not only inexpensive, it is easy to install and easily removable. They also enhance energy-efficiency and prevent air leakages. Be sure your pipes insulation is well-kept during the winter time, and replace as needed to maintain proper insulation.

Swamp Cooler

If you have a swamp cooler, also called evaporative cooler, it needs to be drained before the harshest part of winter arrives. You must turn off all power and water to the unit before draining it. The water supply line should be drained as well. It is also a good idea to change the pads and filters within the cooler at this time as well.

Pump House

If your water supply comes from a well, it is important to take certain precaution to prevent freezing well water issues. Do this by making sure your pump house is well-insulated and checking that your heating is working properly. Without sufficient heat, your pump house can freeze up even if it’s insulated.

Hose Bibs

Everyone hates to forget to unscrew their garden hoses before the temperatures hit below freezing. Freezing water trapped inside a hose bib can result in hose and faucet damages. Prevent these frustrating circumstances by getting a head start before the snow, and removing all hoses from outdoor faucets before temperatures drop too low. Then be sure to drain all your hoses entirely and store them in a dry, warm place to prevent them from becoming brittle.

Weilhammer Plumbing Co. Inc.

Call Weilhammer Plumbing Co. Inc. at 317-784-1870 for winter plumbing service and repair in Indianapolis, Indiana. Owner and master plumber, Mark Weilhammer, is happy to help you prepare your home’s plumbing for plummeting temperature and harsh winter weather! We offer a wide range of plumbing service and repair at the most competitive prices in town. Whether commercial or residential, Weilhammer Plumbing Co. Inc. has everything it takes to provide professional plumber service to any size property. Call 317-784-1870 for information about our plumbing repair services in Indianapolis, IN today.