My Basement is Flooded! What Do I Do?

Posted on June 15, 2016 by weilhammerplumbing

Indianapolis Plumbers 317-784-1870

A flooded basement is a dreaded home disaster that no one wants to face as a property owner. But the reality is that basements can and do flood, whether from defective plumbing or inclement weather. For this reason, it is wise as a home owner to learn what to do in case of a basement flood emergency. Continue reading to gain this knowledge, and be better prepared to manage a flooded basement if it were to ever happen to your home.

Act Fast

The most important thing you can do when you discover that your basement is flooding is to act fast. Take immediate action to reduce the ultimate amount of water damage as much as possible. By neglecting to reverse a water leak, you risk causing further damage to your home, and paying thousands of dollars in repairs and renovations. The sooner you effectuate a remedy, the better your chances are at recovering more efficiently in terms of money and time.

In the case that your basement floods, here’s what to do:

1. Shut Off the Water Supply. Find your main water shut off valve and immediately turn the water supply off to the home. If you know the exact source of the water flow, you can just turn off that water source, such as a water heater or water softener. It is best to first turn off the main water supply to be sure the overflow is stopped immediately. In the case of a sewage backup, refrain from using any appliances that use water, such as dishwashers and washing machines.

2. Do Not Walk Through the Water. Assess the damage from a distance first. This will protect you from electric shock and other potential, unforeseen hazards that can occur as a result from indoor floods. If you believe it is 100% safe, and choose to walk through the water, turn off the power supply to the entire home first. And be sure to wear protective gear, especially if the flood waters come from a sewer pipe.

3. Check for Gas Leaks and Structural Damage. While still at a distance, also look for possible gas leaks and damage. If you cannot tell, do not enter the water and move on to the next step.

4. Call a Licensed Plumber. They retain the proper tools, training, and knowledge to manage your basement flood and repair the source of the plumbing problem. Most plumbing companies that have been established for some time even offer 24 hour emergency service for indoor floods.

5. Contact Your Insurance Provider. Once you have a plumber on the way, immediately contact your home owners’ insurance company. Do not hesitate to make this call! Because the longer you wait, your chances of getting approved for coverage lessen. And be sure to take extensive photos of all the damage, and save all documents and receipts for repairs and related purchases.

6. Take Preventative Measures. Preventative maintenance is the best method for avoiding another basement flood or plumbing emergency. Ask your plumber what you can do to prevent future plumbing problems, and your options for in-home plumbing security.

Weilhammer Plumbing Co. Inc.

Call Weilhammer Plumbing Co. Inc. at 317-784-1870 if you have a flooded basement in Indianapolis, Indiana and its surrounding locations. Owner and master plumber, Mark Weilhammer, is happy to provide emergency plumbing services 24 hours a day and 7 days a week for indoor residential and commercial floods, pipe bursts, water leaks, and more. We have been in business for over 100 years, so you know you can trust our licensed and insured plumbers. We also offer free plumbing advice and information any time. Call 317-784-1870 for 24 hour emergency plumbing service in Indianapolis, IN today.

Need to Unclog a Sink Drain?

Posted on June 8, 2016 by weilhammerplumbing

Plumbing Drain Repair 317-784-1870

Are you starting to notice that the water isn’t draining as quickly as it used to in your bathroom or kitchen sink? Or has it just stopped-up altogether? If so, it’s time for you to learn the best practices for unclogging a stubborn sink drain, safely and efficiently. Continue reading to learn some eco-friendly and effective solutions for clogged sink drains.

When attacking a clogged sink drain, a person’s first thought is to reach for over-the-counter chemical drain cleaners as a solution. But this is not the place to start! Not only can some of these products be harmful for your plumbing system, it is first necessary to eliminate the solids that are causing the clog. And here’s how to begin:

Start With a Plunger

Although the plunger may appear to be just a tool for the toilet, it actually has a secondary purpose. It can be used to release the tension between the settled solids in your sink’s drain pipe, which when successful, will allow you to complete the unclogging process.

If your sink is already filled with water, remove a portion of it so that the sink is nearly half-way full. If you have a double-basin sink, plug the other drain with a wet rag or dishtowel. Next, with plunger in hand, start vigorously pumping the drain up and down for one minute.

“Snake” Your Drain

One you have loosened up some of the solid mass in your sink’s drain pipe, you are ready to “snake” your drain. This refers to using an auger or drain pipe cleaning tool, often called a snake, to pull out solid waste and accumulated matter that’s causing the clog. You can purchase these at any home improvement or hardware store for a few dollars.

Simply insert the thorny plastic line into the drain as far down as you can push, and then give it a little twist and pull up all the way. This movement should pull out a long, slimy mass of food, hair, soap, grease, dental floss, and any other solid debris that made its way down the drain. Be sure to never flush this waste! Always throw it away in the garbage to avoid a clogged toilet! You may need to repeat this step a few times.

Cleanse Your Drain

Now that all the solids are eliminated, it is time to cleanse your drain. If you plan on buying an over-the-counter cleaner, it is strongly recommended to look for an eco-friendly product. But it is cheaper and equally-effective to use an eco-friendly homemade solution of baking soda and white vinegar.

Bring 6 cups of water to a boil. While the water is boiling, pour 1 cup of baking soda down the drain followed by 1 cup of distilled white vinegar. When the drain stops fixing, pour in the boiling water. Then run hot water down the drain for 3 to 5 minutes. This should work to effectively remove the rest of the clog.

Call a Plumber

If your kitchen or bathroom sink clogs regularly, or simply won’t budget no matter which do-it-yourself method you try, a professional plumber is your best bet. They retain the proper tools, training, and knowledge to easily diagnose your drain problems and implement effective solutions. They can also give professional plumbing advice and recommendations that will help prevent future plumbing problems.

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 prompt and professional plumbing service and repair in Indianapolis and its surrounding locations. Owner and licensed master plumber, Mark Weilhammer, retains a sophisticated team of licensed and experienced plumbers that provide a wide range of plumbing services for commercial and residential properties. For more than 100 years, we have been a leading family-owned and operated plumbing company in Indianapolis, Indiana. Call us at 317-784-1870 for a free plumbing repair estimate or advice, today.

Recommended Zoeller Sump Pumps

Posted on June 3, 2016 by weilhammerplumbing

Zoeller Sump Pumps 317-784-1870

Sump pumps are a vital component for every home, and offer a wide range of benefits. Not only do they protect your valuable assets from flooding waters, they reduce water pressure strain on your home’s foundation. Overall, sump pumps protect you from an endless list of possible disasters and subsequent repairs. One of the highest-rated sump pump brands available in the United States is Zoeller. Zoeller sump pumps are well-established, and have proven to be a dependable and economical choice for residential sump pump systems. They manufacture all of their products nationally, using the highest standards of excellence for materials and technology. You can trust a Zoeller sump pump system to protect you for years to come. Below you will find four top-rated and recommended Zoeller sump pumps on the market today.

Zoeller 53-0001 M53 Mighty-Mate – $135.00

• Automatic Submersible Pump
• Flow Rate of 43 Gallons per Minute (5 ft. of head)
• 1/3 Horse Power
• 115 Volt
• Cast-Iron
• Corrosion-Resistant
• 3 Year Warranty

Zoeller 98-0001 M98 Mighty-Mate – $190.00

• Automatic Submersible Pump
• Flow Rate of 72 Gallons per Minute (5 ft. of head)
• 1/2 Horse Power
• 115 Volt
• Cast-Iron
• Corrosion-Resistant
• 3 Year Warranty

Zoeller 137-0010 M137 Sump Pump- $445.00

• Submersible Pump
• Flow Rate of 48 Gallons per Minute (5 ft. of head)
• 1/2 Horse Power
• 115 Volt
• Cast-Iron
• Corrosion-Resistant
• 3 Year Warranty

Choosing the right sump pump for your home is easy to do when you have a trusted plumbing company on your side. Factors can include the size of your house, the number of occupants, annual rainfall, your average water consumption, and more. Consult an experienced master plumber for help deciding which residential sump pump system is right for you.

Weilhammer Plumbing Co. Inc.

Weilhammer Plumbing Company 317-784-1870

Call Weilhammer Plumbing Co. Inc. at 317-784-1870 for sump pump installation and repair in Indianapolis, Indiana. Master plumber, Mark Weilhammer, is here to answer your sump pump repair questions in a language you can clearly understand. We don’t use confusing industry jargon, and instead, empower our clients with knowledge! We offer residential and commercial plumbing services, including sump pump repair and more. With more than 100 years as a family owned and operated business, you can trust you are getting the best in plumbing service and repair. Call 317-784-1870 to discuss Indianapolis sump pump repair services, today.