Why Septic Tank Preventative Maintenance is So Important

Posted on December 23, 2020 by weilhammerplumbing

If you are a homeowner who lives in the outer rural areas of Indianapolis, you might not have access to municipal water systems. In this case, you likely own a septic tank. As a home that runs on a septic system, it is essential that you provide the proper preventative maintenance so that you are not faced with unanticipated, invasive, and costly repairs or breakdowns.

Continue reading to learn what you need to know about routine septic tank preventative maintenance, and who to call when your septic system needs professional service or repair.

Indianapolis Septic Tank Services 317-784-1870

How to Care for Your Septic Tank System

Your septic tank is arguably one of the most important plumbing systems in your home or commercial building. Any type of breakdown or malfunction can quickly turn into a massive bio-hazard that takes several weeks and several thousand dollars to resolve. Not only can lack of maintenance cause a septic tank disaster, but it can also contribute to local pollution. Fortunately, most modern-day septic systems are inventively designed. So, with the proper preventative maintenance, you won’t have to worry about a scenario like this. Not sure where to start?

Begin by reading through your septic system’s user manual. There, you will find the manufacturer’s instructions that will give you a foundation for the type of preventative maintenance and service it will require. You may also contact a local Indianapolis plumber for answers to some common questions about septic tanks, or to schedule an in-person inspection, and learn more about your subject system.

By understanding the operation of your septic system, you can better develop the right kind of habits preventative maintenance and care. Again, your plumber can help you confirm all of your septic system specifications and recommended maintenance. Here’s the two important facts you need to know about preventative maintenance for most make and model septic tanks: 1) Routine pumping and service are required for most modern-day septic tanks. This should be done once every year. 2) Sewer and drain service are also recommended for septic systems, and should be scheduled every year or so.

Your Sump Pump Maintenance Duties

Although most work should be left to a professional, there are some septic system preventative maintenance tasks you can take on yourself. Whether you have a residential or commercial sump pump system, one of the most effective methods of maintenance is to routinely inspect it to ensure it is still running and discharging water correctly. Although winter is a recommended time to check this, it is also important to do this a few times a month.

Where to Get Septic System Pumping and Service in Indianapolis

Call Weilhammer Plumbing Co. Inc. at 317-784-1870 for licensed Indianapolis septic tank service you can trust. We have been in 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. Call owner, Mark Weilhammer, at 317-784-1870 to request a free estimate or plumbing advice, today.

Indianapolis Indiana Master Plumbers 317-784-1870

What You Need to Remove PVC Pipe Glue

Posted on December 17, 2020 by weilhammerplumbing

Whether you are a DIY plumber, or attempting some other sort of project that requires PVC piping, you will likely be faced with the imminent need to remove some pipe glue. This can pose a challenge since pipe glue is not really glue it all; instead, it is a solvent that melts two PVC pipes together, forming a lasting bond. Fortunately, this type of glue removal is usually only necessary when you need to separate two PVC pipes from one another.

Continue reading to learn what you need to remove PVC pipe glue, including some basic instructions on how to get through the process.

Indianapolis Plumbing Services 317-784-1870

Supplies Needed to Remove Glue From PVC Piping

To remove PVC pipe glue, you will need a few materials, including a quality heat gun, a PVC pipe cutter (or hacksaw), tongue and groove pliers, sanding paper, and a pair of thick gloves. You can find all of these materials at your local home improvement store or in the home-improvement section of your local department store.

What You Need:

⚒ Heat Gun (or Hacksaw)
⚒ PVC Pipe Cutters
⚒ Tongue-And-Groove Pliers
⚒ Sandpaper
⚒ Utility Gloves

How to Get Started

The easiest and most effective way to remove PVC pipe glue is to simply cut the pipe below the adhered surface. Simply pick a new point of the pipe, and use your PVC cutters to create a new cut. If reducing the length of your PVC pipe is not an option, you can look to your other materials on hand, starting with your heat gun. A heat gun in the construction world is basically like a super high-powered blow dryer. It is typically used to remove hardened materials on surfaces, such as paint, or in this case, solvent. Just be sure to leave enough room to install new coupling if that’s your intended plan.

If you haven’t already tried twisting the two PVC pipes in opposite directions to disconnect them from one another, you can try this now. Or use your heat gun on a low setting to heat the adhered joint of the PVC pipe. The heat will quickly soften the glue. After heating the glue, try twisting the pipes again. If they still don’t disconnect from one another, apply more heat and try again. Your tongue and groove pliers can help you twist the two pipes in opposite directions with higher torque than just your hands, so you might want to incorporate those into the process for better results.

After Pipes are Separated

After you have successfully separated your two PVC pipes, you will still have some solvent residue left over. To remove this residual glue, grab your sandpaper and get to work. A 220 grit sandpaper sheet is a good abrasive level to start with. If there’s a lot of glue left over on the pipe, you might want a coarser grit sandpaper.

Where to Get Trusted Plumber Advice and Service in Indianapolis, Indiana

Call Weilhammer Plumbing at 317-784-1870 for prompt and professional Indianapolis plumbing service and home plumbing inspections at an affordable price. Master plumber, Mark Weilhammer, is happy to answer your questions about plumbing repair, replacement, installation, maintenance, and more. We offer free advice and estimates as well. Whether you need routine water heater service at home, or a major pipe replacement for a commercial building, our licensed Indianapolis plumbers can do it all, and in a time frame that’s convenient for you!

How to Quickly Unclog a Bathtub Drain

Posted on December 10, 2020 by weilhammerplumbing

In your house, the bathtub is important, not only for your own moments of relaxation so that you can cut off the world outside and meditate within your own thoughts, but also for your children, and perhaps your pets too. So, when your tub drain stops working the way it should, bath time really isn’t all that it can or should be. In fact, it can be quite a nuisance, and even unhealthy. Fortunately, there is a very quick way to fix this problem.

Continue reading to learn how to quickly unclog a bathtub drain using only a few materials that you likely already have on hand.

Indianapolis Bathroom Plumbing Services 317-784-1870

WHAT YOU NEED TO UNCLOG A BATHTUB DRAIN:

► A drain snake. Also known as an auger or plumber’s snake, you can find these at literally any store that has a cleaning section, including grocery stores, department stores, convenience stores, hardware stores, and even your home improvement store.

► A screwdriver. You may need to remove the drain cover, and in order to do this you’ll need a screwdriver on hand. Drain covers might require either type of screwdriver, so be sure to grab both just in case.

► Rubber gloves. If you need to remove the drain cover, you are likely attempting to unclog the drain manually. In this case, you will definitely want a pair of latex or rubber gloves. It can get quite slimy down inside those dreams.

► A plunger. Plungers have been around for centuries, and for good reason. They work. If you have a plunger, you might be able to clear your tub drain with just a few simple pumps. Any quality plunger will work.

► Baking soda and vinegar. Rather than using chemicals to clear your drain, you can simply concoct your own solution from baking soda and vinegar. This is a natural solution that won’t be toxic to the environment, nor will it damage any of your plumbing fixtures.

► Boiling water. Boiling water does a great job of clearing out clogged drains, so long as they’re just minor or moderately obstructed. Boil around 6 quarts of water, or up to 10 courts if you have a pot large enough to do so.

Now you’re ready to learn how to put all of this stuff to good use! Here’s how:

►► Snaking – to use your drain snake or auger, simply follow manufacturer’s instructions, which will tell you to insert the auger or snake directly into the drain and push as far down as it will go, give it a twist or two, and then pull it back out. Just don’t be shocked at what you find. You might need to repeat this process a few times to completely clear the drain. For best results, combine snaking with other methods.

►► Boiling Water – For bathtub drains that are not clogged to severely, you can simply pour boiling water down it to release the obstruction. Boiling water will clear out shampoo, conditioner, soap, and other viscous residues that might be clogging your drain.

►► Plunging – When your bathtub drain is clogged, just stick your plunger right on top of it, give it several pumps, and then run the water. Continue this process a few times, or as many as it takes, to clear the drain. Just like snaking, you can combine plunging with other methods to get the fastest results.

►► Manual – If you have a severely clogged bathtub drain, you might need to manually unclog it with your bare hands. Well, hands dawned with latex rubber gloves. Use your screwdriver to unscrew the drain cover, and then get to work. Just remember to not lose the screws in the process so that you can return the drain cover to its rightful place.

►► Drain Cleaner – using baking soda and vinegar to clear tub drain is a fast and safe approach. Start by pouring 1 cup baking soda diner drain. Wait for 10 minutes, and then pour 1 cup of vinegar down the drain. It is recommended to finish this process with some boiling water.

Where to Get Prompt and Professional Bathtub Plumbing Service in Indianapolis

Call Weilhammer Plumbing Co. Inc. at 317-784-1870 when you need a licensed Indianapolis plumber you can trust for quality bathroom plumbing services and more, all at an affordable price. We offer a wide range of standard and master plumber services for both residential and commercial properties. We also offer free estimates, free plumbing advice, and even free haul-away for old plumbing appliances like water heaters, water softeners, sump pumps, and more. Request a free estimate, today.

What a Hybrid Water Heater Can Do For You

Posted on December 4, 2020 by weilhammerplumbing

When it comes to shopping around for a new hot water heater, the most important thing you can do is your research. There are many variables that will influence which type, size, make, and model water heater is right for your home or business. That’s right; there is more than one kind of water heater to choose from. The most common are tank-style water heaters, which are the traditional versions you’ll see in most homes and small offices. There are also tankless water heaters, and even water heaters that combine the two, known as hybrid water heaters.

Continue reading to learn more about these styles of water heaters, including what a hybrid water heater can offer in terms of your water heating needs.

Indianapolis Water Heater Service and Sales 317-784-1870

Tank and Tankless Water Heaters

Tank-style water heaters and tankless water heaters are similar in that they both heat water from the bottom, up. However, they have many differences. Traditional water heaters are designed with a large tank that stores heated water for the entire property. The water inside these tanks are kept warm continuously even when the water is not being used, which requires a constant supply of energy. The energy used to keep the water at a set temperature inside a traditional unit is referred to as “stand-by heat loss.”

Tankless water heaters eliminate this wasted energy usage by heating water up at the time of demand, which is why they are also referred to as On-Demand or Instantaneous water heaters. Tankless water heaters use a simple process to heat water. When warm or hot water is requested, city water is sent into the property through a series of pre-existing water lines. At the same time, a heating device called a heat exchanger is activated, which uses electric coils or a gas-fired burner to generate heat, and then transfer that heat to the water in order to warm it up.

Hybrid Water Heaters

Hybrid water heaters offer the best of both a tank-style and tankless water heater. Most admirably, they save a lot of energy because they heat up water faster. They use a series of plumbing pipes to heat up water all at the same time, rather than a whole tank or single line of copper piping. This heats up water faster, plus reduces the time we wait for water to get hot. Saved energy translates to saved money in the form of lowered monthly utility bills. It is also great for the environment, and those who wish to go green with home plumbing.

What else can a hybrid water heater do for you? Well, a lot.

☑ They hold up to 3X more water than tank-style units.
☑ They use nearly 50% less gas than comparable models.
☑ Most come with a long manufacturer warranty!

Professional Water Heater Advice and Service in Indianapolis

Call Weilhammer Plumbing Co. Inc. at 317-784-1870 for free estimates, advice, and information regarding Indianapolis hot water heater service, anytime. Not only are we state-licensed master plumbers who specialize in water heater repair and service, we gladly provide recommendations and advice. Whether residential or commercial, we can provide all the water heater services you need. Contact us today for free advice on choosing a water heater, or to schedule service for your home or office!