Top 3 Ways to Test For Hard Water

Posted on August 11, 2021 by weilhammerplumbing

Nobody should have to live with the negative effects of hard water. Not only does hard water cause problems for all of your plumbing systems and appliances, but it also reduces the quality of living in terms of skincare, laundry, dishes, and even nails and hair. First of all, hardware can increase your energy and utility bills every month as a result of your need to use more and because plumbing systems are working harder to perform the same duties they are programmed.

Fortunately, there are several solutions to resolving a hard water problem. But your first step is to determine the level of hardness in your area and compare it to how hard the water is in your home or office. There are a few different approaches for testing hard water, all of which are easy to do and involve very little labor on your part.

Continuing reading to learn the top three ways to test for hard water, and where to find trusted water softening plumbing services in Indianapolis, Indiana.

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Hard Water and Soft Water Basics

Hard water forms when rainwater enters the ground and filters through the various levels of soil and aggregate, collecting hard minerals such as calcium, iron, and magnesium along the way. These hard minerals latch onto the oxygen hydrogen molecules in the water and change its properties altogether.

The good news is that hard water can be reversed through innovative water softening processes that incorporate ion exchange technology using resin beads and water softening salt pellets. This is traditionally achieved by installing a water softener.

You can also couple water softener system with other water purification options such as whole house water filters and reverse osmosis systems. Talk to a professional Indianapolis water softener plumber for personalized advice on which water softening and water purification systems are best for your home or office.

Testing for Hard Water

The top three easiest and most economically-priced options for testing or determining hard water levels, either regionally or at home or in the office, including using an online resource, implementing a visual water test, or using a hard water test kit.

❶ Online Resources – Go online and check your city’s annual water quality report. This will give you information on the various levels of hard water in the surrounding regions. Some regions have harder water than others, so this data can play a vital role in determining which water purification systems are most compatible with your home or office.

❷ Visual Water Test – You can also perform a visual water observation test with nothing more than some pure Castile soap and a clean, plastic bottle. Simply fill the plastic bottle halfway with water directly from the tap, then add a few drops of the soap. Vigorously shake the bottle and then begin to observe how the water reacts. If the water is cloudy and there is only a thin layer of bubbles on the surface, you have hard water. Soft water would present itself with clear water 1/3 of the way up and nothing but foamy bubbles the rest of the way.

❸ Hard Water Test Kit – You can purchase a hard water test kit at any local department store or online retailer for under $20. Such kits vary in price and the things they test for, so pay close attention to which kit you choose. It is wise to select a comprehensive hard water test kit that will also check for other common water impurities such as heavy metals and inorganic contaminants. Simply follow the manufacturer’s instructions that come with the hard water test kit, and you will find that the process is very simple.

Are you having trouble determining the level of water hardness in your area and wish to learn more about water softening? Contact Weilhammer Plumbing Company at 317-784-1870 for residential and commercial water softener services in Indianapolis, Indiana. We sell, repair, install, and replace water softeners, plus offer free advice anytime.

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How Hard Water Problems Can Cost You Money

Posted on August 5, 2021 by weilhammerplumbing

Living with hard water will pose all sorts of problems around the house, from laundry and bathing to dish washing, skincare, hair care, plumbing, appliances, and much more. But what many homeowners do not realize is that hard water can also affect the bank account, especially if they’ve been living with hard water for a very long time.

Continue reading to learn how hard water problems can cost you money, and how a water softener can solve this issue and it improve your overall quality of life.

Indianapolis Water Softener Services 317-784-1870

What is Hard Water?

Hard water comes from the ground. It starts as rainwater, which is naturally soft; then it permeates the ground and seeps deep within sand, soil, and rock. As its saturating the ground, rainwater collects mineral deposits, such as magnesium and calcium, which cause water to be hard. Hard water is measured in grains per gallon. The more salt minerals water contains, the “harder” the water is said to be. Depending on local water treatment centers and plumbing developments, the degree of hardness in a person’s water will differ.

The Cost of Living With Hard Water

When you are dealing with a hard water problem in your house, you may face additional expenses that you will have to pay for out-of-pocket. Hard water can cause your appliances to break down because sediment will accumulate within their systems causing them to work in overdrive. This leads to premature appliance placement is very costly. Furthermore, because your appliances are working harder, your utility bills are going to skyrocket, which means you are paying more for energy and electricity and water each month.

Another way hard water will cost you money is in terms of water consumption. Your water bill will also skyrocket because you will have to use more water to rinse things, such as cleaning your clothes or washing your hands. Because hard water doesn’t lather well, you’ll take longer to rinse your shampoo and conditioner of your hair, therefore using more water. The same theory applies to washing your hands or washing your clothes in the laundry machine.

In a less obvious way, and perhaps less impactful, hard water can also cause you to spend more money on things like shampoo, conditioner, hand soap, dish soap, laundry detergent, and similar cleaning supplies since hard water makes it more difficult to get things clean. As a result of this, you tend to use more of these items each time.

How to Solve a Hard Water Problem

A quality water conditioning system, such as a conventional water softener, is the best solution for solving a hard water problem, whether at home or your place of business. A water softener eliminates all of the hard mineral ions in your water supply that makes water hard, such as iron, magnesium, calcium, and possibly heavy metals like lead and mercury. Talk to your local Indianapolis plumbing company for advice on which water softener is best for your home or office.

Are you ready to install a new water softener or have your current water softener repaired? Contact Weilhammer Plumbing Company at 317-784-1870 for water softener services in Indianapolis, Indiana. We serve both residential and commercial clients and offer free advice anytime!

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4 Causes of a Slow Flushing Toilet

Posted on July 28, 2021 by weilhammerplumbing

Is your toilet taking too long to flush? Does the water take too long to fill back up in the bowl? Continue reading to learn the top 4 reasons why you might have a toilet that flushes slowly, and how to fix the problem within budget.

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What is Your Toilet Flush So Slowly?

Lack of Tank Water

When there is not enough water in the toilet tank, it can cause weak flushing. When you flush your toilet, the water from the tank is being released into the toilet bowl. So, when there is an insufficient level of water in the tank, it decreases the force of the downward suction of the flush, and therefore affects the rate at which the water enters and clears. The most common reasons why you might be dealing with a lack of tank water include low water pressure, malfunctioning trip assembly, incorrectly adjusted fill valves, and similar internal component issues.

Defective Flapper Valve

Another reason why you might have a slowly flushing toilet could be due to a damaged or defective flapper valve. A flapper valve is that little rubber stopper at the bottom of your toilet tank. It opens and closes as you flush the toilet, releasing water into the bowl, and then stopping the release of water. If the valve becomes damaged, worn, or defective, it loses its ability to properly close off the opening between the tank and the toilet bowl. If you have a “running toilet” problem, it is likely caused by a worn or broken flapper valve. Fortunately, this is an inexpensive and easy part to replace.

Clogged Drains

Clogged drains can cause all sorts of problems within a home’s plumbing, including the toilet. If your drains are clogged, it can cause toilet flushing to slow down because the obstruction is slowing down the movement of water through your plumbing system. To prevent this, it is important to enlist a local Indianapolis plumber for annual home plumbing inspections and drain clearing services. You can also make your own homemade drain dissolving cleaner for under $10!

Sediment Accumulation

A more serious underlying culprit behind a slow flushing toilet is sediment accumulation around the jet holes. Jet holes are located under the rim of the toilet, and therefore commonly overlooked when it comes to routine cleaning. For this reason, mineral and sediment buildup are very common around these areas. When jet holes are obstructed by mineral accumulation, it can block the water flow coming through your toilet, therefore slowing down the flush. If this is your toilet issue, simply roll up your sleeves and give those jet holes a good scrubbing with distilled white vinegar and baking soda.

Are you looking for a skilled plumber who can help you with your toilet repair and replacement needs? 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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What is Hydro Jetting and Does My House Need it?

Posted on July 22, 2021 by weilhammerplumbing

Your home’s plumbing is one of the most vital all-inclusive systems within your house. After all, without properly functioning plumbing you are basically set back to the dark ages. For this reason, and for reasons pertinent to investment protection, it is important to maintain all your plumbing systems in accordance with manufacturer recommendations.

From water heaters and water softeners to garbage disposals, washing machines, dishwashers, and everything in between, you must take good care of your plumbing systems if you want them to perform optimally and save you money. These are quite obvious examples, but there are many more in-house plumbing systems that are commonly overlooked, such as drains. This is where Hydro jetting can come in to play and deliver a wide range of benefits for your home.

Continue reading to learn more about drain cleaning hydro jetting services, and whether you are home needs this type of service right now.

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Advantages of Hydro Jetting Service

Hydro jetting is a modern and innovative plumbing technology specifically designed to clean out drains. Using a highly-pressurized beam of water, it works comprehensively, scraping all the leftover residue and build up from the insides of pipes, while also clearing out any clogs and obstructions.

Everything from tree roots and dish soap residues to leftover food scraps, dental floss, and more, Hydro jetting service is a highly recommended form of drain cleaning for all households. Basically, it is an affordable and hassle-free method of cleaning your drains and preventing costly plumbing breakdowns in the future.

How to Tell if You Have a Drain Problem

Not sure if your drains need a cleaning? Well, look for these five common signs of a drain problem to establish your need for Hydro jetting drain cleaning services:

► SMELLY ODORS – Does your drain smell really bad? If you can detect sulfur odors, methane odors, spoiled food odors, or any other kinds of lingering odors, it is likely that the bio-me of your drain needs some attention.

► STRANGE SOUNDS – Drains are not supposed to make any noises unless they are clearing or if you have the garbage disposal turned on. So, if you happen to catch some strange sounds coming from your drain, such as gurgling, plunking, sputtering, or knocking sounds, it is a sign that there is something wrong with your drain.

► SLOW PERFORMANCE – Does your drain clear too slowly? A slow draining drain is a telltale sign of clogs or obstructions, generally caused by a lengthy buildup of soap residues and leftover food scraps. Generally, a quick drain cleaning or drain rotting service resolves this issue quickly.

► CLOGS – If your drain is always clogging up, or has been clogged for some time, you definitely have a drain problem on your hands. Your plumber will start withdrawing clearing techniques such as drain rotting or drain snaking, and then followed up with something like Hydro jetting services the problem is more acute.

► FRUIT FLIES AND GNATS – Got fruit flies are gnats flying around your drain all the time? This is a sign that your drain is not draining properly, and there are leftover food scraps inside these organisms are attracted to. Something like Hydro jetting or a more conventional method of drain cleaning would be needed in a situation like this.

Are you looking for professional drain cleaning services you can afford here in Indianapolis? 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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Advice on How to Replace a Water Heater

Posted on July 15, 2021 by weilhammerplumbing

Whether old, broken, or outdated, at some point in time your water heater will need to be replaced. However, buying a new water heater for the first time can be an overwhelming experience if you don’t have any direction. Continue reading to learn what you need to know about replacing the water heater, including a quick guide on how to get started.

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Water Heater Replacement Guide For Homeowners

Here are some questions to ask yourself before you purchase and replace a water heater:

What Type of Water Heater Do I Have?

There is more than one type of water heater on the market, especially now with all the innovative technologies and advancements in the plumbing and home construction industry. You can choose from conventional tank-style gas or electric water heaters, tankless or instantaneous water heaters, solar powered water heaters, energy-efficient water heaters, or central boilers. Typically, it is recommended to replace your water heater with the same type of water here you arty have.

For instance, if you already have a gas water heater, that means your home is already equipped with gas connections and hookups, so the most convenient approach would be to stick with a gas water heater model. If you are interested in switching your power source for your water heater and other water related appliances in your home, talk to a license Indianapolis Indiana water heater plumber for personalized advice you can trust.

How Old is My Water Heater?

Another important factor to consider before replacing your old water heater with the new one is your water heater’s age. Most water heaters, particularly conventional tank-style models, are designed to last anywhere between 8 to 10 years. If your water heater is close to that time range, it is probably time to replace your water heater regardless of its performance.

Most often, you can tell that your water heater is starting to lose performance value with clues like higher energy bills, higher water bills, and lack of hot water. Sediment and corrosion are the top two culprits behind water heater deterioration, which is why age can become a major factor when deciding to replace water heater.

What is the Size of My Water Heater?

When replacing a water heater with the new one, it is vital that you match the proper size tank or capacity water heater with your water heating needs. First, you need to think about how many people in the home will be using the hot water. Along with the number of occupants in your home, you want to configure the proper size water heater by calculating how much water you intend to be using. In a standard multifamily home, it is typically recommended to have a 40 gallon tank. For homes with several occupants, or multi-unit buildings like apartments and duplexes, A 50 to 75 gallon tank is recommended.

Who Do I Hire to Replace My Water Heater?

Never attempt to replace your water heater on your own. Contact a local and license Indianapolis master plumber for water heater service and replacement you can trust. There are specialty tools and equipment required to properly replace a water heater. Plus, water heater replacement services require proper permits, licensing, and building code certifications since there are fuel power sources involved with work.

Are you ready to get started with buying and installing a new water heater in Indiana? Contact Weilhammer Plumbing Company at 317-784-1870 for Indianapolis Indiana plumbing services for water heaters at an affordable price. We carry a full line of 2021 Rheem water heaters at market cost!

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A Quick Comparison of Tankless and Tank Style Water Heaters

Posted on July 8, 2021 by weilhammerplumbing

Is it time for hot water heater replacement? If so, you may want to make reconsider the type of water heater you buy. After all, traditional tank-style water heaters are not the only reasonable option available in today’s plumbing and water heating industry. Although highly efficient and exponentially innovative, tank-style water heaters are being passed up by consumers for alternative water heating technologies, such as electric water heaters, solar-powered water heaters, and boilers.

But a new emerging water heating technology is becoming more and more popular as the innovation of their design continues to improve. We are talking about tankless water heaters, also known as On-Demand water heaters. So, how do you know if a tankless or tank-style water heater is best for you?

Continue below to review a quick comparison of tank-style and tankless water heaters, and who to call for professional water heater sales and replacement services in Indianapolis.

Indianapolis Hot Water Heater Services 317-784-1870

Water Heater Replacement Advice

How do you know when it is time to replace a hot water heater? Well, there are a few factors to consider. The first aspect to focus on is age. The average tank-style water heater lasts between 8 and 10 years. If your water heater is that old, it may be time to replace it with an updated model. Other factors to consider are performance, efficiency, and premises occupancy.

If your water heater begins to show signs of performance and efficiency issues, such as less hot water, no hot water, or frequent breakdowns, it is likely time to replace it with a better unit. Other signs to look for that suggest you need water heater replacement include higher energy bills, higher water bills, and if your home has suddenly reduced from several occupants to only one or two.

Choosing a New Hot Water Heater

When choosing a new hot water heater, there are pertinent factors that you must consider as well. To select the proper water heater for your home or business, you must calculate the size of your property, the number of occupants within, the amount of hot water you expect to use, and other relevant specifics of your property. An Indianapolis hot water heater technician can help you determine the proper size and capacity water heater you need for your home or business. This includes assistance with choosing between a tankless water heater and a traditional tank-style hot water heater.

Traditional Water Heaters With a Tank

Traditional tank style water heaters are large, as they come with a reservoir of hot water that is stored in a tank, typically cylindrical in shape. Because tank style hot water heaters have heated water stored away, they are able to offer a more consistent level of hot water on-demand. Commonly, tanks water heaters are installed in the garage or basement of the home, or in a utility room of some sort.

Compared to tankless water heaters, they are typically more economical in price when it comes to installation. That is simply because most homes are still inherently equipped for tank style water heaters, and technicians are already equipped with the proper resources and materials to implement an efficient and accurate installation job.

COMMON TANK STYLE WATER HEATER BRANDS ON THE MARKET:

▷ Rheem
▷ Bradford White
▷ State
▷ GE
▷ AO Smith
▷ Richmond
▷ Bosch

Tankless Hot Water Heaters

Tankless hot water heaters are just that, hot water heaters that do not come with a large cylindrical tank for storing hot water. Instead, tankless water heaters are also known as on-demand or point-of-use water heaters because they only heat the water when demanded by point of use, whether that be a faucet in the bathroom, the dishwasher in the kitchen, or the shower in the master bedroom.

As a result of their mechanics and design, tankless water heaters are highly efficient, and more than capable of reducing monthly energy and water bills. For this reason, they are also considered one of the most environmentally friendly water heaters you can buy. Because they are smaller in size, they are well-equipped for smaller residences such as apartments and condominiums, or larger homes with additional bathrooms.

COMMON TANKLESS WATER HEATER BRANDS:

▷ Rinnai
▷ Navien
▷ Noritz
▷ Takagi
▷ Bosch

Are you ready to replace your hot water heater with a more efficient and innovative model? Contact Weilhammer Plumbing Company at 317-784-1870 for affordable Indianapolis Indiana water heater services you can trust. We serve both residential and commercial clients all throughout central Indiana.

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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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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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