Garbage Disposal Plumbing Tips

Posted on September 13, 2016 by weilhammerplumbing

Indianapolis Garbage Disposal Repair 317-784-1870

Plumbers know that garbage disposals are among the most misused appliances in households. That is because many homeowners do not recognize that garbage disposals are not meant to be used as blenders for large deposits of food. Instead, they are designed to grind leftover food residues that are rinsed from plates. Anything more substantial than that, other than the occasional ice-cube cleanse, is not meant for residential garbage disposal systems.

Disposing of large quantities of food will result in a call to your local plumbing company for garbage disposal repair. It is the most common reason why disposal systems clog or breakdown. To prevent garbage disposal problems, continue reading for some helpful usage, cleaning, and maintenance tips.

Simple Garbage Disposal Fixes

Sometimes, when your garbage disposal is whirring but just not working, it may be something that can be easily resolved on your own. First, press the “reset” button located on the bottom of the disposal underneath your sink. If this doesn’t help, turn the power OFF to your garbage disposal and grab a flashlight. Peer into the drain and look for any solid objects, such as twisty-ties, bottle caps, or anything else that could be holding up your system.

If you do see something, carefully pull it out with a pair of pliers or some type of grasping tool. Never put your hands in the disposal! And if you use pliers, be careful not to damage the blades or other inner components of your garbage disposal. Your garbage disposal may also come with a hex-jam key, which is a tool used to unclog or un-jam the system. These keys are usually taped to the bottom of the disposal, next to the opening where it is inserted. Simply insert the key and wiggle it around a few times to release any blockages.

Garbage Disposal Odor Elimination

For garbage disposal odors, there are a few simple tricks to try out. On a routine basis, it is important to clean your disposal to eliminate food and bacteria residues. On a routine basis, grind some ice cubes while running cold water for a minute. This will keep the blades fresh and sharp. You can also grind citrus rinds for a fresh scent. Also, while the disposal is running, pour some liquid dish detergent inside the drain to eliminate bacteria and other contaminants. Finish by running cold water down the drain for a couple of minutes. It is recommended to clean your garbage disposal every few weeks, and more often for those who use it frequently.

Professional Plumbing Service

Weilhammer Plumbing Company Indianapolis Indiana

Weilhammer Plumbing Company 317-784-1870

Call Weilhammer Plumbing Co. Inc. at 317-784-1870 for professional and affordable garbage disposal repair in Indianapolis, Indiana. Master plumber, Mark Weilhammer, and his team of licensed plumbers, have decades of experience in the plumbing industry, and can repair a garbage disposal in no time at all! Our family owned and operated business have served Hoosiers for over 100 years, so there is no better choice for dependable plumbing service in town. We offer a wide range of residential and commercial plumbing services, including water heaters, water softeners, water purification, and more. Call 317-784-1870 to request a free estimate for Indianapolis garbage disposal repair, today.

The 5 Rules to Avoiding Plumbing Disasters

Posted on September 8, 2016 by weilhammerplumbing

Whether the sink, toilet, tub, or drain, when you take on a DIY home plumbing job, it can go from “manageable” to full-on “disaster” in a matter of minutes. Many homeowners will start a plumbing project, but quickly end up over their heads in tools, parts, blueprints, sludge, and water. So it is important to protect yourself from plumbing catastrophes like this with proper knowledge, practice, and assistance. Continue reading to learn the top five rules to avoiding do-it-yourself plumbing mishaps and regrets.

Avoid Direct Copper-to-Steel Connections

Indianapolis Plumbing Repair 317-784-1870

When replacing parts of your plumbing pipe, avoid connecting copper pipes and galvanized steel pipes directly. And a thin layer of thread sealant or Teflon tape won’t cut it either. Steel plumbing pipe can begin to corrode as soon as the connection to copper is made tight. Instead, use a fitting device called a dielectric union to connect copper plumbing pipes to galvanized steel plumbing pipes. It is essentially a metal collar that uses isolation brushings, one half steel and the other half copper. That way, each part is kept separate.

Know the Proper Plumbing Code for Big Projects

There are rules to home plumbing and construction, namely codes. These codes are very complex, with meticulous and detailed rules that dictate how, what, and where you can do plumbing work. For instance, you must know how far you can place certain fixtures from a drain waste vent-line according to its pipe diameter and other specifications. These details are important to know if you want to ensure the safety and integrity of your residence and all its utility systems. Purchase a copy of the Uniform Plumbing Code (UPC) and a book called Code Check before attempting any major DIY construction projects.

Know the Exact Location of Your Plumbing Pipes

Before taking a hammer or drill to your drywall, it is important to make sure you know what you are drilling or hammering into. A common mistake homeowners make is rupturing copper or plastic supply or drains inside walls. Purchase a stud sensor to check your walls before any sort of demolition. This device will detect both pipes and electrical wiring.

Always Perform a Water Leak Test Before Finishing Up

At the conclusion of your plumbing project, it is important to always check for water leaks before sealing everything back up. If installing new valve components, you’ll want to check that it opens and closes, and also run hot and cold water through it to see that it drains properly. In fact, you’ll want to check drains and faucets like this. You can purchase a leak detector detergent at a hardware or home improvement store to check for gas line leaks as well.

Never Over-Tighten Plumbing Connections and Components

Since you cannot always trust the fit or quality of all plumbing components, you may be tempted to over-tighten connections to ensure a good fit. But this is not only in-effective, it is detrimental to your plumbing components. A simple half-turn past the tension point is all you need to properly tighten and close up all your connections. Things like brass copper gas fittings are more susceptible to wrench damage than steel plumbing pipes, but in all cases, proper tension should be used.

Weilhammer Plumbing Company

Weilhammer Plumbing Company 317-784-1870

Call Weilhammer Plumbing Company at 317-784-1870 for professional plumbing advice and plumbing service in Indianapolis, Indiana. Owner and master plumber, Mark Weilhammer, is eager to help you find affordable and effective solutions to your plumbing problems. Our licensed, bonded, and insured plumbers provide a wide range of residential and commercial plumbing services at the most competitive prices in town. Call 317-784-1870 to speak with a licensed Indianapolis plumber, today.

Choose the Right Auger for Serious Plumbing Clogs

Posted on September 2, 2016 by weilhammerplumbing

Clogged Drain Repair 317-784-1870

So you’ve got a clog. And you’ve already tried the plunger, and you’ve even cleaned out your P-trap. So what now? If this sounds like your plumbing situation, then it is time to consider an auger for the job! Drain augers are one of the most effective tools for serious plumbing clogs. But it is important to choose the right auger for the type of clog you have.

Continue reading to learn about the different types of plumbing augers, and which to choose for your particular clog.

Cable Augers

Cable augers, also called drum augers, are probably the most common type on the market. They are called drum augers because their coiled cables are kept in a canister shaped like a drum. These augers can be inserted deep into a drain, up to several feet. They grab the clog from deep within the drain, and allow you to crank it out. Their hose-like cables come in a variety of lengths, including 25, 50, and 100 feet, and sometimes even longer. It is important to make sure their cables are not too wide for the pipe you need to unclog. For smaller pipes, you’ll need a narrower auger. And you should never use a drum auger to snake a toilet.

Toilet Augers

For toilet snaking purposes, you should consider a traditional toilet auger. These are shorter in length compared to other drain augers on the market, and are better deigned to remove clogs within the toilet itself. For toilet clogs that have reached the plumbing pipes, you will need a professional plumber for the job.

Flat Tape Augers

Unlike standard augers that have hose-like cables, flat tape augers have flat cables. These are designed to fit inside smaller pipes. Many are also manufactured with a sharpened tip to
better catch and release a clog rather than
pulling it out.

Commercial Augers

Professional-grade augers are needed for larger jobs, which are best left to professional plumbers. They retain sophisticated commercial augers that are powerful enough to remove, dislocate, or release deep plumbing clogs. When regular household augers don’t cut it, it is time to call a professional plumbing company for help.

Weilhammer Plumbing Company

Weilhammer Plumbing Company 317-784-1870

Call Weilhammer Plumbing Co. Inc. at 317-784-1870 for professional plumbing service in Indianapolis, Indiana. Owner and master plumber, Mark Weilhammer, is eager to take your call! Whether you have a simple clog, or require master plumber services, we are the professionals to trust for the highest standards of excellence. For over 100 years, our family owned and operated Indianapolis plumbing company has helped thousands of Hoosiers with their water quality and plumbing problems. Call 317-784-1870 to see how they can help you!