How a Plumber Will Repair Clogged Water Lines

Posted on June 24, 2021 by weilhammerplumbing

Just like your drains, water lines can become clogged too! If you are currently dealing with this issue, you need to educate yourself on the available options for repair. Learn the facts surrounding clogged water lines, and the most common solutions for them. Then talk to your trusted licensed plumber for advice on maintaining a healthy and functional plumbing system in order to prevent clogs like this in the future.

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Water Line Clog Detection is the First Step

Although clogged drains are the most common type of plumbing clog homeowners tend to deal with, there are such things as water line clogs too. These kinds of backups are often noticed when water doesn’t seem to flow from the faucets as well as they usually do. In this specific situation, the lack of water flow is a common indication that the plumbing line leading to the faucet are obstructed. Sometimes a clog can be so severe, no water comes out at all!

So, what causes these obstructions? That is a great question since the answer will help you avoid messes like this in the future! Here’s what to do if you suspect your water lines are obstructed or clogged:

Inspect the point of conflict. This can either be a faucet or spigot. Look for any visible blockages or obstructions. Sometimes, a clump of hair mysteriously makes it there, or a sprightly child sticks a wad of gum over the mesh screen. If you do not see any sort of blockages, your next step is to contact a licensed plumber for assistance. They have the necessary resources, tools, equipment, and knowledge to accurately diagnose the problem and deliver workable solutions.

Most Common Solutions Provided By a Plumber:

► Cleaning – The obstructed pipes can be removed and cleaned to eliminate the blockage. Before they are replaced, it is standard practice to test the flow rate, which ensures the blockage has been thoroughly removed.

► Air Pressure – Attaching an air hose to the point of conflict can be helpful to eliminate any obstructions in a clogged water line. The blast of air works well to push deposits through. Just be sure to never attempt this on your own.

► Replacement – In the case that cleaning and air pressure are not viable options, replacement is the go-to solution. This is common when pipes are old, corroded, or rusted. They are often replaced with corrosive-resistant materials that have larger diameters.

Are you noticing signs of clogged water lines in your home or office? Contact Weilhammer Plumbing Company at 317-784-1870 for professional plumbing services in Indianapolis, Indiana. We serve residential and commercial clients, and offer free advice.

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Indianapolis Indiana Master Plumbers 317-784-1870

What You Need to Know About Backflow Preventer Inspections

Posted on June 17, 2021 by weilhammerplumbing

Backflow prevention inspections are critical for any home or property owner. Without routine backflow preventer checks, you could risk facing costly damages and restorations, or whole unit replacements. If you have not had a backflow preventer inspection recently, whether your property is commercial or residential, continue reading to learn what you need to know about them, and how to get one scheduled today.

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Backflow Prevention Inspections

The idea of having non-potable water distributed back into your properties water supply is disgusting. This is known as backflow, which can enter properties water lines as a result of back pressure backflow or siphonage. This is an incredibly dangerous and critical health risk that requires immediate emergency service and repair. Backflow situations typically occur when multiple fire hydrants must be opened at once, or if the pressure within the water hoses changes too suddenly. Backflow emergencies can also happen if a local water main bursts open.

What You Can Expect at Your Service Appointment

To prevent any backflow issues in your home or commercial building, it is vital that you hire a licensed Indianapolis plumber to perform a professional backflow prevention inspection. When your professional plumber arrives to implement a backflow prevention inspection, they will typically follow it up with a little bit of service, and give you some industry recommendations for improvement or optimization. During the inspection, the plumber will likely set up a few test hose kits to confirm the water pressure within the system. This will give them an indication of where there are some pressure problems, and where the backflow might be coming from.

Who to Call for Backflow Preventer Inspections in Indianapolis

Here at Weilhammer Plumbing Company, we are state licensed master plumbers with more than 50 years of experience, and over 100 years of providing business here in the local Hoosier communities. We serve all of Indianapolis Indiana with premier plumbing repair and service, including backflow preventer inspections. Whether residential or commercial, our licensed plumbers are highly trained and fully equipped to implement a comprehensive examination of your backflow systems and water lines, and follow-up by providing adequate and professional recommendations and services to improve your overall water quality and consumption. As a family owned and operated business that has served the Indianapolis areas since 1901, you can trust that we deliver the best plumbing solutions for our clients.

Are you ready to schedule your backflow prevention inspection? Contact us at 317-784-1870 to speak with a licensed Indianapolis Indiana plumber and get your appointment in the books today.

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How to Tighten Up a Toilet Lever That is Loose

Posted on June 9, 2021 by weilhammerplumbing

Toilet levers, or handles, are used several times a day; so, it is no surprise that they begin to loosen overtime. Although not a serious repair, it is important to remedy a loose toilet lever because it can affect toilet performance and efficiency. Not only is a toilet with poor flushing performance unpleasant and unsanitary, but its inefficiency can also increase monthly water bills. Fortunately, this is generally an easy fix, and one that you can accomplish all on your own with a few simple adjustments.

Continue reading to review a step-by-step guide on tightening a loose toilet tank lever.

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How to Fix a Loose Toilet Handle:

What You Will Need

To tighten up a loose toilet tank handle, you won’t require very many tools or supplies. That is because it is not a very invasive repair. Most likely, you will already have the tools necessary to get the job done. This saves you time by avoiding a trip to the local home improvement store. All you need is your own two hands and an adjustable wrench.

How to Do It:

✅ Start by locating the water shut-off valve for the toilet. The supply pipe and handle should be behind the tank. Turn off the water supply to the toilet by rotating the shut-off valve handle clockwise.

✅ Once the shutoff valve is closed, remove the toilet tank lid. Grab both sides and lift upwards. It should not be sealed or connected to the toilet. Place it down slowly on a flat, stable surface so you do not crack or break it.

✅ You will now need to empty the tank of water. Do this by simply flushing the toilet with the handle. It is easier to adjust a loose toilet lever without water in the tank.

✅ Now look for the metal nut that secures the toilet lever to the inside of the tank. This is the nut that has come loose. Standard screws and other threaded hardware are forward threaded, but toilet lever nuts and screws are reverse-threaded with a plastic washer. This helps to prevent loosening overtime.

✅ Use your adjustable wrench to tighten the nut. Do this by grasping the nut with your wrench and turning it clockwise. Continue turning the nut until you begin to feel resistance. Once you feel this resistance, make only a couple more turns until it is difficult to turn any more. Be careful to not overdo it and accidentally crack the tank.

✅ Next, test the lever’s tightness and performance by pressing it as if you were flushing the toilet. If it does not compress well, it is too tight, and you will need to loosen it by one or two rotations. Loosen counterclockwise with your wrench.

✅ Finish by turning your water supply to the toilet back on!

Still having problems with your toilet or bathroom plumbing? Contact Weilhammer Plumbing Company at 317-784-1870 for Indianapolis Indiana plumbing services at an affordable price. We provide residential and commercial plumbing service and repair.

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Two Cleaners That Will Fix a Slow Draining Sink

Posted on June 3, 2021 by weilhammerplumbing

It is really no surprise that you are dealing with a slow draining sink. After all, our sink drains see so much, from food and dinner plate scraps to sticky toothpaste suds, soapy residues, and even hair. Nonetheless, a slow drain is just as frustrating as a clogged one, as they both will eventually lead to other issues if ignored for too long. Fortunately, clearing up a slow draining sink can be easy so long as you have the right supplies.

Continue reading to learn more about slow drains, and two highly-effective cleaners that should resolve your issue in no time.

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Why Does Your Sink Drain Slowly?

There are many reasons why you have a slow draining sink. As mentioned, sink drains are exposed to a long list of waste material, which can build up inside pipes, pop up stoppers, mesh traps, and more. However, if your sink drain cannot be fixed by using an old-fashioned auger and cleaning product, you might have a more serious underlying issue. Your slow draining sink could be caused by low water pressure, multiple drain issues, or a more severe blockage. If you suspect that this could be the problem, contact a local Indianapolis IN plumber for professional advice and inspections.

But before you feed into your concern, first see if your slow draining sink can be resolved by using one of two cleaning solutions:

1 Baking Soda and Vinegar

You will need one cup of baking soda and one cup of distilled white vinegar. You will also need about 6 to 8 cups of boiling hot water.

Start by bringing water to a boil on your stove. Next, pour 1 cup of baking soda down the affected drain. Then pour 1 cup of white vinegar down the drain.

Allow the drain to fizz to completion. When the fizzing slows down dramatically, pour the whole pot of boiling water down the drain.

Finish by allow hot water to run from the faucet into the sink drain for a couple of minutes. Notice how the drain is more efficient? Problem solved!

Sink still drains slowly? Try the next cleaning solution, which is an enzyme cleaner.

2 Enzyme Drain Cleaner

When the baking soda and vinegar approach doesn’t seem to do the trick, you might have better results with an enzyme drain cleaner. You can purchase this product at any home improvement or department store, or online at your general retailer. Enzyme drain cleaners are not chemical-based; instead, they are made from bacteria cultures, or enzymes, which scatter throughout your drainage and plumbing pipes and eat away at any organic waste matter and materials.

Enzyme cleaners are effective at disintegrating organics such as hair, food particles, mildew, mold, and bacteria. Keep in mind that these cleaners are homeopathic, and therefore, take longer to take effect. Unlike the baking soda vinegar approach, enzyme drain cleaners need some time to work out all the obstructions in your plumbing pipes. Pour it down your drain according to label instructions, and then wait 5 or 6 hours before turning on the faucet again.

Do you need some professional help with a clogged drain or slow draining sink? Contact Weilhammer Plumbing Company at 317-784-1870 for bathroom and kitchen plumbing services in Indianapolis, Indiana. Schedule a home plumbing inspection, soon!

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Weilhammer Plumbing Co. Inc.

Monthly Archives: June 2021