How to Retrieve Items that Fall Down the Sink Drain

Posted on July 28, 2016 by weilhammerplumbing

Plumbing Drain Repair 317-784-1870

When you drop something valuable into a sink, you instinctively let out a huge gasp of fear while simultaneously rushing to grab it before it falls down the drain. This is a common reaction for most people because no one wants to lose something of value, especially if that “something of value” is a diamond earring, gold cuff link, or worse, wedding ring! And unfortunately, plumbers get a lot of calls about lost jewelry items like these. But even when you drop something down the drain that is not necessarily “valuable”, it is only natural to want it back.

So if you are someone with clumsy hands, a small bathroom counter, or a lost item down a sink drain, then this blog is for you! Continue reading to learn an easy method to retrieving lost items that have fallen into drain pipe abyss.

Professional Drain Retrieval Services

We only lead with this because there is no shame in calling a plumber for help with retrieving lost items in your sink drain. Even if you could do the task on your own, sometimes it is more efficient to let a professional manage the problem for you. They retain the proper tools and knowledge, and of course hands-on experience, which allows them to get the job done quickly and safely. This way, you won’t have to worry about accidentally damaging or jeopardizing your home’s plumbing system in any way, and you can avoid the trouble you would experience in the case that you run into larger plumbing problems as you open up your drains and dive into the process.

But if you are confident that you are equipped and capable of doing it on your own, you should still consider contacting a local licensed Indianapolis plumber for free plumbing drain advice. Trusted and honest plumbers will happily provide free advice upon request.

What You’ll Need:

• Slip/Lock Nut Wrench
• Rubber Gloves
• Old Bath Towel
• Flashlight
• A Partner (optional)

Getting Started:

Locate the water valve under the sink and turn it clockwise to shut off the water supply. You may need to use your wrench to turn it. If you cannot turn it manually, try your main water shut-off valve for the whole home.

Clear out all the items from under your sink. Place your old towel under the sink pipes to control any leakage or mess.

Locate the pipe catch. Also called the “P trap”, “J bend”, “J pipe”, or U valve”, this pipe piece is curved and has two slip nuts at each end. Since this part of the sink piping is bent, most lost items are found there.

Note: In the picture above, you can clearly identify both the slip nuts and the pipe catch. The wrench is on the vertical slip nut, and the hand is on the pipe catch.

Remove the pipe catch. To do so, loosen the slip nuts by turning them counter-clockwise, either with your hands or your wrench.

When opening plumbing valves, it is helpful to remember the popular phrase, “Lefty-Loosey, Righty-Tighty”, which means counter-clockwise opens and clockwise closes.

Once you have the pipe catch off, you can inspect the contents inside to look for your lost item. Depending on how clean your pipes are, there could be a lot of gunk and bacteria inside. So be sure to wear your rubber gloves for safety, and use your flashlight for a better view.

If you found your item, then congratulations! If you did not find it, then you at least put in the effort to find out whether or not your item was still there. And for that, great job! Now move on to the last step.

Reattach the pipe catch by holding it in place and turning the slip nuts clockwise. You may need a partner to assist you with this step. This can be anyone capable of holding the pipe catch in place, so feel free to appoint your inquisitive 3 year old for help! What a great learning experience!

Be sure to catch next week’s blog for a guide to retrieving lost items in the shower drain!

Plumbing Service and Repair in Indianapolis

Weilhammer Plumbing Company Indianapolis Indiana

Weilhammer Plumbing Company 317-784-1870

Call Weilhammer Plumbing Co. Inc. at 317-784-1870 for free plumbing advice from a state-licensed master plumber in Indianapolis, Indiana. Owner and master plumber, Mark Weilhammer, is happy to answer your questions about plumbing problems. With more than 50 years of experience, you can trust him for accurate and honest plumbing advice. Our family-owned and operated plumbing company has served Hoosiers with residential and commercial plumbing repair for more than 100 years! So you can feel confident that we are the right choice for plumbing service and repair in Indianapolis and its surrounding counties. Call 317-784-1870 to speak with a friendly plumber, today.

Get Free Plumbing Advice From a Master Plumber When You Call Weilhammer Plumbing Company!

Posted on July 19, 2016 by weilhammerplumbing

Plumbing Advice, Tips, and Guidance – All At No Charge!

Weilhammer Plumbing Company knows that sometimes homeowners just have questions or concerns about their plumbing and need professional guidance to gain a better understanding of their plumbing operation and options. For this reason, we gladly and warmly provide free plumbing advice for commercial and residential property owners! At no charge, our state licensed master plumbers will answer your plumbing questions and address your plumbing concerns. We never use confusing industry jargon, and explain our answers and advice in a language you can clearly understand. So you can trust that you are receiving trusted information you can comprehend and use in the future.

Indianapolis Plumbing Repair 317-784-1870

Ways We Can Help

There are several scenarios that can be addressed over the phone, without the need for a plumber to come out and make a visit to your house. For instance, if you have a clogged toilet, our plumbers will give you step-by-step directions on ways to unclog it, as well as, tips for preventing toilet clogs down the line. Or if you have a water softener that won’t go through it’s rejuvenation cycle, we will tell you what to check for and how to manually start the rejuvenation cycle. And if your water heater is not working, we will explain why this could be happening, and work with you over the phone to decide what needs to be done to fix it.

Not only is all of this free-of-charge, it allows you to avoid a service fee, which is even greater for problems you can fix yourself! As a family owned and operated plumbing company that has been in business since 1901, you can trust that we have an esteemed reputation among the surrounding Hoosier communities, and provide effective and reliable plumbing services at an honest price.

Indianapolis Plumbers

Weilhammer Plumbing Company 317-784-1870

Call Weilhammer Plumbing Co. Inc. at 317-784-1870 to get free plumbing information and advice from an Indianapolis plumber you can trust. Owner and master plumber, Mark Weilhammer, is happy to answer your questions and provide the best plumbing advice for you. We offer a wide range of commercial and residential plumbing services, including repair, inspection, cleaning, maintenance, replacement, and more. Call 317-784-1870 when you need reliable and affordable plumbing repair in Indianapolis, Indiana and its surrounding locations, today.

The Advantages of Hiring a Licensed Plumber

Posted on July 12, 2016 by weilhammerplumbing

Indianapolis Plumbing Repair 317-784-1870

When a homeowner comes across a plumbing issue, even a major one, they can sometimes feel the urge to correct the problem themselves for the sake of saving a few dollars. But all professional plumbers know that this is never a good plan, because most often, they are called to fix these DIY mistakes. There are several reasons why you should not attempt to repair a plumbing problem on your own, unless it is a very minor one, like a running toilet (in which case you would just open the back, un-kink the chain inside the tank with a simple flick of the finger, and then the toilet tank should fill with water again). Minor cases of clogged drains are also acceptable and feasible DIY plumbing repairs for homeowners. But when it comes to real plumbing problems, always hire a professionally licensed plumbing contractors. And here’s why:

Education and Training

Licensed plumbers are not self-taught, especially master plumbers. It is a very serious vocation that requires extensive formal education and training, strenuous state testing, and an in-depth understanding of plumbing systems. If you do not retain these qualifications, then you should not try to repair your own plumbing problems. Your plumbing system is very complex and sophisticated, and although a plumbing problem may appear to be isolated at one fixture or area, it could be something much deeper. And only a trained plumber knows the intricacies of your plumbing system, and how to locate the underlying problem.

Tools and Equipment

To accurately diagnose and resolve plumbing issues, you don’t just need knowledge and experience, you need the right equipment too. The proper plumbing tools and equipment are necessary for accuracy, efficiency, and safety. A professional plumbing company retains the necessary tools and equipment to manage any plumbing project the first time around, regardless of size or scope. Not only do they have the right tools, they have the industry connections to get materials and parts from the best and most cost-effective suppliers on that market.

Peace of Mind

When you have a licensed and insured plumber working on your home’s plumbing issues, you have peace of mind knowing that your home is in the hands of a qualified professional. You can relieve yourself of the stress and anxiety that comes with DIY home improvement and repairs, and get back to focusing on work, family, and friends instead.

Weilhammer Plumbing Co. Inc.

Weilhammer Plumbing Company 317-784-1870

Call Weilhammer Plumbing Co. Inc. at 317-784-1870 when you need a licensed plumber in Indianapolis, Indiana or its surrounding counties. Owner and Master plumber, Mark Weilhammer, and his team of licensed and insured plumbers, are happy to help you resolve your plumbing problems fast, and at a price you can afford. We offer free estimates, free plumbing advice, and even free haul-away for old plumbing appliances like water heaters, water softeners, sump pumps, and more! Choose a family owned and operated plumbing company that has served the Hoosier communities for over 100 years! Call Weilhammer Plumbing Co. Inc. at 317-784-1870 for more information about our Indianapolis plumbing services, today.

The True Price You Pay for Water Damages

Posted on July 7, 2016 by weilhammerplumbing

Water Leak Inspection 317-784-1870

If you are a homeowner, then water damage is most likely a constant concern. This is because our walls, ceilings, and floors are equipped with appliances and plumbing that transport water on a constant basis. At any time, a defect or clog can cause a leak to spring. And leaks can go unnoticed for months on end, depending on size and location. When this occurs, homeowners are left with water damages, which lead to costly repairs and renovations.

But what is the real price homeowners pay for water damages, and why? The answer varies depending on the extent of damage, but on average, water damages are not cheap. This is why routine water leak inspection and plumbing service is so important. Preventative maintenance is the only effective solution for water leaks and water damages in properties equipped with a plumbing system.

Cost Factors

When water damage occurs, whether as a result of a broken appliance or plumbing defect, costs are bound to generate. The extent to which they generate depends on the individual circumstances, including how long the leak or defect went unresolved and how much water was lost. For instance, general costs involved in water damage includes the cost of increased water bills for lost water, as well as, the cost to repair an appliance, the cost to repair or replace the defective piping, and the cost of labor to provide these services. And aside from structural damage costs, there are several potential costs associated with health hazard renovations as well.

Mold and Mildew

Water damage leads to moisture, which can cause mold, Mildew, and fungus growth in cold dark places. These bacteria can grow at rapid rates, spreading hazardous mold spores throughout a property. This can irritate existing upper respiratory issues like asthma or allergies, and can also cause respiratory illnesses and irritations, including coughing, sneezing, congestion, difficulty breathing, sore throat, running nose, and more. To remove this problem, mold remediation services are generally required, which can
be costly depending on the extent of damage.

Structural Damage

The most common result of water damage is structural deterioration. Concrete slabs, foundation, insulation, flooring, ceilings, walls, and more are all weakened and warped by water. This can be a devastating expense if the water damage was extensive and caused foundation problems. In any case of structural damage, property owners can expect to pay for labor, parts, and supplies to repair or replace drywall, insulation, paint, and anything else that was effected.

Property Damage

In cases of a severe flooding or extensive water damage, personal property is often destroyed or badly damaged. Things like furniture, electronics, carpeting, filed paperwork, family heirlooms, and even food are common commodities damaged by water leaks and floods. Many of these things can be replaced with money, but several others are often priceless.

Electrical Damage

When water comes into contact with electrical systems, wiring, fuses, boxes, or devices, it is a potential electrocution and fire hazard. Not only does this jeopardize safety, it can cause fires and electrical hazards that are expensive to repair.

Weilhammer Plumbing Co. Inc.

Weilhammer Plumbing Company 317-784-1870

The health and budget risks associated with water damage can be prevented. Call Weilhammer Plumbing Co. Inc. at 317-784-1870 for prompt and professional water leak inspection services in Indianapolis, Indiana. Owner, Mark Weilhammer, provides a wide range of plumbing services for both residential and commercial properties, including water leak inspection and prevention. At the most economical prices in town, why choose any other Indianapolis plumbing company? Call 317-784-1870 for a free estimate or plumbing advice, today.