3 Household Plumbing Repairs You Should Know How to Do

Posted on November 28, 2018 by weilhammerplumbing

Whether a home owner or renter, it is wise for you to know how to repair common plumbing mishaps and defects. Not only will this save you valuable time and money, it will give you a sense of security knowing that you can face a plumbing disaster if one were to ever arise.

Continue reading to learn some common plumbing problems that you should know how to solve on your own.

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Acquire a Tool Kit

Your first step to managing at-home plumbing repairs is obtaining the proper emergency plumbing kit. These kits can be purchased at any local home improvement store, and range in size, quality, and price. You can also make your own emergency plumbing tool kit by gathering some of the basic supplies, such as an Allen wrench, adjustable crescent wrench, plunger, rubber gloves, plumbers tape, drain auger, and a screwdriver set. See our blog, “Necessary Plumbing Tools to Have at Home” to learn exactly what you need to make an emergency at-home plumbing tool kit.

Making Basic Repairs

Now that you have the right tools and supplies on hand, you are nearly prepared to take on some of the more common, but equally frustrating, plumbing malfunctions. Here are 3 of the most common plumbing repairs you should know how to do yourself:

❶ Running Toilet:

Most of the time, you don’t even need a tool to fix this common and obnoxious toilet problem. Simply remove the cover of the toilet tank to reveal the flapper and flush valve. A running toilet is usually caused from the flapper getting stuck, or the chain getting caught. See our blog, “3 Toilet Problems SOLVED!” to learn more about making simply, DIY toilet repairs.

❷ Lost Item Down Drain:

Virtually all modern, plumbed sinks have a sink trap, which is a pipe beneath the basin of the sink that connects with two other pipes. Sink traps are easily discernible since they are shaped like the letters P, J, or S. Here is where blockages usually occur that lead to sink clogs. It is also the place where lost items are found when they are dropped down the drain. Read our blog, “How to Retrieve Items that Fall Down the Sink Drain” to learn how to master this repair.

❸ Clogged Drain:

A clogged drain can either drain really slowly, or not at all, both of which are equally frustrating when taking a shower or washing the dishes. Fortunately, a clogged drain is simple to fix on your own in minor cases. Take out that drain auger in your plumbing tool kit, and snake the drain until it’s cleared. If this does not work, you can use boiling water to help release any solids. A plunger can also help to loosen a drain clog.

When All Efforts Fail, Call a Pro!

Weilhammer Plumbing Company 317-784-1870

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.

What is the Difference Between a Cesspool and a Septic Tank?

Posted on November 20, 2018 by weilhammerplumbing

Cesspools and septic systems are essentially the same, as they are both used for waste management when a connection to a centralized municipal sewer service isn’t possible. However, they have key differences that matter in terms of performance, practicality, and convenience.

Continue reading to learn more about both waste management systems, including their primary differences and which system is best for your home.

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Ancient Rome and Babylonia

What we all know as the modern septic system has actually been in development for more than a century. It can be dated back to the early 1900’s when the septic tank was first invented in England. In contrast, the cesspool is a lot older, and can be dated back all the way to ancient Roman times. In fact, many theories suggest that antique cesspool waste disposal systems began in Babylonian times when pipes were first invented.

Modern Day Private Sewage Disposal

Today, nearly 25% of residences in North America rely on septic systems for private sewage disposal. Aside from these numbers, there are still a nominal fraction of North Americans that use cesspools instead of septic tanks. Although one system is more outdated than the other, they both provide the same purpose of separate waste, safely and conveniently.

What They Do

Cesspools and septic systems are a means of private waste disposal in areas that do not have access to a central municipal sewer service. These systems are designed to separate three types of organic waste, allowing for strategic sewage diversion and disposal. The three types of organic waste include scum, sludge, and effluent.

Scum has a lower density value than water, so it is found floating as a top layer; it is also biodegradable, Effluent is the actual wastewater, so it is distributed to the surrounding ground to naturally absorb into the soil. Sludge describes the solid, organic elements found at the bottom of tanks or cesspools. Since sludge is non-biodegradable, it must be pumped out on a routine basis. See our blog, “When Should I Empty My Septic Tank?”

Advantages and Disadvantages

Most professionals and consumers will insist that septic systems are a much better operation than cesspools. First of all, cesspools are not integrated systems; they are rudimentary in design. They are basically perforated concrete or block rings that are buried underground. They do not spread effluent to the surrounding ground soil, and sludge piles up at the bottom. Overtime, cesspools have to be pumped to remove the sludge buildup, and sometimes, they have to be relocated altogether because the surrounding soil becomes too saturated with wastewater.

Septic tanks are well-designed systems that use an elaborate method of distribution to safely and efficiently divert wastewater to a series of perforated pipes. This allows for a widespread distribution of effluent, and provides an eco-friendly alternative to the outdated cesspool setup. Furthermore, they are designed with a closed tank environment that safely contains bacteria, which helps breakdown scum waste. And although septic systems also require periodic pumping, the frequency is much lower and the process is much easier, compared to cesspools.

Indianapolis Septic System Repair

Weilhammer Plumbing Company 317-784-1870

Call Weilhammer Plumbing Co. Inc. at 317-784-1870 when you need a licensed Indianapolis plumber you can trust for quality septic system service and repair at an affordable price. We use a comprehensive approach to plumbing diagnostics, with the help of state-of-the-art equipment and the latest technologies in the plumbing industry. Request a free estimate, today.

How to Eliminate Musty Basement Smell

Posted on November 14, 2018 by weilhammerplumbing

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A stale, musty basement is not a comfortable place to hang out. Most homeowners just turn them into storage space for all their unforgettables, or simply avoid them at all costs. Sadly, this situation puts quite a damper on the total square footage of a home, and ultimately, the property’s resale value. However, the problem with a musty basement is not just about comfort and capitals, it is also about health and safety.

You see, the most common culprit behind a must-like smell is mold, which is something to be concerned about. It is important to treat and stop a mold outbreak in your basement as soon as you discover its presence. This will help protect you and your loved ones from dangerous health implications caused by mold spore inhalation.

But mold remediation is not the only step to getting rid of musty basement smells; you will also need to resolve the underlying issues that caused the mold to grow in the first place! Continue reading to learn some helpful tips on what can do to eliminate musty odors in your basement.

Mold and Mildew Smell Bad

The reason why basements develop a musty smell is due to water vapor becoming trapped in the room as a result of improper or poor ventilation. Mold and mildew require a wet, dark environment to grow, and a basement with poor air flow and ventilation makes for perfect conditions. Issues like water leaks will increase the rate of mold and mildew development, and worsen the conditions.

Moldy Odor Removal Tips

Your first step to eliminating or reducing basement mold odors is to have your home inspected for ventilation issues. Air circulation is vital in your home because it allows air to vent outdoors, while also bringing fresh air back inside. Your basement needs to be properly ventilated in order to reduce the dampness and moisture levels inside. You can purchase a moisture meter to measure the level of moisture in your basement. This can help you determine if it is a ventilation issue or a water leak gone unnoticed.

Once your ventilation is in order, you will need to have your home’s plumbing inspected for slab leaks and pipe damages. These are common causes behind musty basement environments and mold growth. See our article, “What Makes Slab Leaks Dangerous?” to learn why you should take one very seriously. The most common causes for slab leaks include corroded or deteriorated copper piping, inadequate insulation fittings and installation, friction beneath the ground, and kinked, cut, or clogged plumbing line. These would have to be repaired before you can enjoy a mold-free basement.

You will also benefit from reading our blog, “Avoid Basement Water Damage By Monitoring These Areas” to learn which areas of your basement you should pay attention to after heavy rain and more. Contact a licensed master plumber for professional water and slab leak inspection services. Not only can they investigate for slab leaks, pipe leaks, and signs of water damage, they can also provide comprehensive plumbing repairs.

Indianapolis Water Leak Detection

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Call Weilhammer Plumbing Company at 317-784-1870 for prompt and professional Indianapolis slab leak detection and repair you can afford. Owner and master plumber, Mark Weilhammer, provides residential and commercial plumbing services, including 24 hour emergency plumbing repair. Our team of licensed and insured plumbers deliver safe and effective plumbing repair at an affordable price. Request a free estimate, today.

2 Effective Solutions for Toilet Stains

Posted on November 6, 2018 by weilhammerplumbing

When it comes to house chores, there is nothing worse than toilet duty. Cleaning the toilet is an even more frustrating experience when you have stubborn mineral stains that seem to never go away. However, you can rest assure knowing that these stains are not a result of a poor cleaning regiment, which means you are not doing anything wrong. Instead, mineral stains are caused by hard mineral ions in your water.

Fortunately, you can solve this problem with two simple solutions. Continue reading to learn them both!

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Hard Water Woes

Hard water contains mineral ions like iron, lime, calcium, and magnesium, which all work congruently to form stains inside toilet bowls. While stains like green stripes and brown rings are generally an indication of limescale, crusty orange-like stains are likely caused by rust, which forms when iron and oxygen meet. Even if you have a water softener, these hard minerals can still slip through the system and cause toilet stains.

Important Warnings!

Here is what you need to know about treating these stains: you will need to use a lot of elbow grease, and you must avoid recommendations for using muriatic acid. Muriatic acid is a high-level cleaning agent that is extremely dangerous and easily misused. It should only be handled by trained professionals, so do not attempt to use this product at home. Also, it is vital that you NEVER mix bleach and ammonia. In fact, do not use bleach in your toilet at all because it can damage the septic system.

Eliminating Mineral Stains

The first step for removing mineral stains in the toilet is to manually clean it using simple over-the-counter cleaning agents. Start at your local home improvement or grocery store and purchase an acid-based product, such as Lime-A-Way® or CLR® (Calcium-Lime-Rust). You will also need a pumice stone or nylon-bristled cleaning brush.

If you prefer a homemade, non-chemical solution, try combining distilled white vinegar and baking soda (1 to 2 cups of vinegar and a few sprinkles of baking soda), and adding it to the toilet bowl prior to scrubbing. But before you start cleaning the toilet, on the day before, add cola, such as Coke®, to the toilet bowl and let it sit overnight. The acid in the soda will eat away at the stains, making it easier to scrub the next day.

The second step to eliminating pesky toilet stains is to install a whole-house water filtration system. This system will further purify your tap water, eliminating traces of hard mineral ions that are missed by the water softener. Overtime, mineral stains will reduce, and eventually, disappear. To get started, contact a trusted Indianapolis plumber for soft water and water purification assistance you can trust.

✨ Dealing with other toilet issues? See our recent blog, “3 Toilet Problems SOLVED!” to learn what you can do about them!

Indianapolis Toilet Repair and Replacement

Weilhammer Plumbing Company 317-784-1870

Contact Weilhammer Plumbing Company at 317-784-1870 for licensed Indianapolis toilet repair and replacement at the most competitive prices around. We have been in the plumbing business for over 100 years because we have earned the trust of thousands of Hoosiers all across the city as a result of our professional service and outstanding results. Request a free estimate or advice, today.