Plumbing Repairs You Do Not Want to Ignore

Posted on July 14, 2015 by weilhammerplumbing

Indianapolis Plumbing Repair 317-784-1870

A plumbing system doesn’t require constant care an attention; however, there are certain signs that your home will give off to warn you that repairs may be needed soon. Educate yourself on these signs so that you can spot warnings and resolve the situation before it turns into a residential plumbing emergency. These types of repairs can be costly and time consuming.

Continue reading to learn some common warning signs that point toward plumbing repair.

Plumbing Clogs and Back Ups

Plumbing clogs come in many forms; clogged bathroom drain, kitchen sink, backed up toilet, and more. The list can go on and on depending on the home. If your home is experiencing frequent clogging in these areas, or others, this could be a sign of a much needed repair. Clogged drains and backed up systems can cause other plumbing problems. This is why it is important to take action right away, and repair any plumbing issues your home is having. Call a professional to diagnose the issue causing the clogs.

Cracks in Pipes

If you happen to notice cracks in your plumbing pipes, this is a problem that needs immediate attention. Call a professional plumbing company and have the system inspected thoroughly. They can handle the rest of the repair process from there. This sounds easy; but unfortunately, it isn’t very common for homeowners to spot any cracks in their pipes. There are other signs that suggest you have cracked pipes. If you are experiencing leaky pipes and faucets, it could mean you have cracks somewhere in your indoor or outdoor piping system.

Plant Roots

It you find that your pipes have root growth in them; it is a sign that you need professional plumbing repair. It is very common for homes near wooded areas, trees, or shrubbery to experience root growth in plumbing systems. There are many products and solutions on the market that prevent root growth in pipes, but this will not solve the problem. A professional retains the proper equipment, training, and knowledge on pipe repair, plumbing services, and much more. They are the ones to trust with plumbing complications such as these.

Weilhammer Plumbing Co. Inc.

Weilhammer Plumbing Company 317-784-1870

Call Weilhammer Plumbing Co. Inc. at 317-784-1870 for master plumbing services in Indianapolis or any of the surrounding counties and neighborhoods. Owner and master plumber, Mark Weilhammer, has decades of experience in the plumbing industry. He and our team of honest and proficient plumbers, are happy to answer questions about residential or commercial plumbing problems and much more. Call 317-784-1870 to learn more about all the plumbing repair and replacement services we offer in Indianapolis, and get your home or building’s plumbing back on track today!

The Trouble With OTC Liquid Drain Cleaners

Posted on July 10, 2015 by weilhammerplumbing

Clogged Drain Repair 317-784-1870

A clogged drain is never a good sign for your plumbing. It is a frustrating situation that seems to pop up at the most inconvenient times. Whether it’s the bathtub or kitchen sink, no one can live harmoniously with a drain that doesn’t drain. When a clog occurs, people generally turn to an over-the-counter chemical drain cleaner for a fast and effective remedy. These can be purchased at any local general store or home improvement store at relatively low prices. This, along with their unwavering effectiveness, makes them a popular product for drain cleaning and clearing. But have you ever heard the phrase, “Too Good to be True”? Well, it applies to chemical drain cleaners.

Continue reading to learn the trouble with liquid drain cleansers and why they are hazardous to our plumbing.

Pipe Damage

Chemical drain cleansers, like Drano, are damaging to pipes. Whether plastic or metal, the chemical content in OTC drain cleaners will eat away at PVC or sit inside metal pipes and corrode them overtime. This could lead to whole-house plumbing and pipe replacement; a costly and tedious undertaking. Plumbers only recommend to use chemical liquid drain cleaners at certain times, and even at those times, with great caution.

For example, small drains that are clogged or need cleaned can be managed well with a liquid drain cleaner; however, it can still pose a risk to the plumbing pipes. And the more frequent these harsh products are introduced into a plumbing system, the more structural damage will occur overtime. This is why a plumber is the best solution for re-occurring clogged drains. A plumber retains all the tools and resources needed to provide natural and safe drain cleaning and clearing services within a convenient time-frame. This solves the problem the first time, without jeopardizing the integrity of a property’s plumbing system.

Note: Never use liquid drain cleaners in toilets. Synthetic chemicals will sit in a toilet’s tank and seep into the porcelain. Then it can heat up and cause the toilet bowl to crack, or even explode! When it comes to toilet clogs, remember this motto: If a plunger can’t fix it, call a plumber.

Weilhammer Plumbing Co. Inc.

Weilhammer Plumbing Company 317-784-1870

Call Weilhammer Plumbing Co. Inc. at 317-784-1870 for prompt and professional drain cleaning and clogged drain services in Indianapolis. You can speak with a friendly company representative, or with master plumber and owner, Mark Weilhammer himself! We offer a wide range of commercial and residential plumbing services at the most competitive prices in town. We even offer plumbing repair coupons! Call 317-784-1870 for drain repair and plumbing service in Indianapolis and its surrounding counties.

Standard Plumbing Valves and How They Work

Posted on July 1, 2015 by weilhammerplumbing

Plumbing Repair 317-784-1870

There are three basic styles of plumbing valves: gate valves, stop valves, and ball valves. Each valve-type has its own individual characteristics, advantages, disadvantages, and purposes. However, they can only be used for oil, water, and airflow control if the castings are labeled with the acronym, “WOG”, which stands for water, oil, and gas. Continue reading the learn more about stop, gate, and ball valves, how they work, and how they differ from one another.

Stop Valves

Stop valves operate with the aid of a rubber gasket that shuts off water flow in a pipe. To close off water flow, the rubber gasket is screwed onto a seat located in the middle of the valve. Appliances like sinks, toilets, and outdoor faucets commonly use smaller versions of stop valves. In order for stop valves to work properly, they must be installed in the right direction, in the way of the arrow, so that water flows against the bottom of the rubber gasket. If installed in the wrong direction, the water flow will force the gasket away from the valve.

Gate Valves

Also referred to as, “full-flow” valves, gate valves are commonly used in commercial and industrial pipe and plumbing applications. They are multipurpose bi-directional shutoff valves that are manufactured in a variety of metals, including cast iron, brass, and bronze. They retain a gate-like component inside that either raises or lowers, allowing or discontinuing water flow in a pipe. This gate is controlled by a knob at the top of the valve that twists right and left to open and close the metal gate component. Gate valves are not intended to customize water flow and pressure by adjusting the gate height. They are only intended to be opened all the way, or closed all the way. One downside to gate valves is their vulnerability to corrosion, which overtime, can cause the gate component to stick in the up or down position.

Ball Valves

Ball valves use a stainless steel (or sometimes brass, bronze, copper iron, and more) rotating ball with a hole drilled in its center that pivots in plastic bushings. The ball is generally controlled by a lever that is directly connected to it. It is similar to a gate valve because it also a full-flow type valve. The position of the lever indicates whether the valve is open or closed. The valve is closed if the hole in the ball is perpendicular to the flow of water. If the hole is parallel to the pipe and water flow, the valve is open. Ball valves differ from full-flow gate valves because the flow of water can somewhat be controlled by adjusting the opening of the valve. However, ball valves are not the best option for controlling water flow.

Additional Types of Valves:

• Check Valves
• Diaphragm Valves
• Globe Valves
• Butterfly Valves
• Pressure Balanced Valves
• Knife Valves
• Ball-Check Valves
• Ball-Diaphragm Valves
• Zone Valves
• Locking Valves
• Solenoid Valves
• Sluice Valves (another name for gate valves)

Contact a local master plumber for expert advice regarding plumbing repair, plumbing parts, products, advice, and more. In most cases, water flow issues are best addressed by a trained professional that retains proper tools and resources to effectively undertake a plumbing issue or repair that could possibly lead to indoor flooding.

Weilhammer Plumbing Co. Inc.

Weilhammer Plumbing Company 317-784-1870

Call Weilhammer Plumbing Co. Inc. at 317-784-1870 for emergency plumbing repair in Indianapolis, Indiana. Owner, Mark Weilhammer, is a state licensed master plumber with more than 40 years of experience in the plumbing industry. Weilhammer Plumbing Co. Inc. has been a family owned and operated Indianapolis plumbing company since 1901, and continues to provide proficient plumbing services to all Hoosier communities at the fairest prices in town. Call 317-784-1870 to learn more about all our plumbing repair services in Indianapolis, IN today.