Will Heavy Snow Affect My Home Plumbing?

Posted on February 26, 2020 by weilhammerplumbing

This time of year, Indiana is known to get unanticipated snow fall. In fact, Hoosiers can be hit with a snowstorm all the way to May! So, waking up this morning to steady snow should be no surprise, whether you read the weather report for the week or not. When it comes to managing your property during times of snow, it is common to be concerned about the systems that are most affected by colder climate and precipitation. Your home’s plumbing is one such system, and a vital one to upkeep, nonetheless.

If you are wondering what you can do to keep your home’s plumbing protecting during times of heavy snow, it helps to understand how snow can affect it in the first place. Continue reading to do just that!

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Gutters and Drains

Your gutters, downspouts, and drains are all subject to damage during heavy snow. They can break from too much weight, crack from freeze-thaw cycles, or clog from organic debris and ice. It is important to keep up with snow fall as it’s happening by clearing these areas of dirt, trash, solid matter, and ice. This will reduce clogs, as well as, prevent water damage to roofing, siding, and the foundation.

Foundation

Once the snow begins to melt, your home’s foundation can be affected by the increase in standing water. The excessive amounts of water will seep into the soil around the home’s foundation. If your foundation is not in the best condition, water can seep inside, into the basement or lower floors of the home. You must have your home’s foundation repaired or enhanced to prevent slab leaks.

Sump Pump

Large snow buildup around your home may also affect the operation of your sump pump. Be sure to inspect the sump pump check valve after a heavy snowfall to ensure that it is properly fitted. If you notice that the pump is running too frequently, it could be an indication of a bad check valve. It is important to have a bad check valve replaced because it prevents pumped water from returning back into the line.

Plumbing Pipes

When a home gets too cold during snowfall, plumbing pipes can freeze, which can result in damaging freeze-thaw cycles, and eventually, busted pipes. Not only is this an invasive plumbing repair, it is a tedious and costly one as well. You can prevent this from happening by keeping your house warm enough during the winter.

Indianapolis Plumbing Services You Can Trust

Call Weilhammer Plumbing at 317-784-1870 for prompt and professional Indianapolis plumbing repair service 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.

Why is My Faucet Water Cloudy Then Clear?

Posted on February 20, 2020 by weilhammerplumbing

Do you have a weird sink faucet that emits cloudy water, then in a matter of moments, mysteriously clears up? If so, you are probably scratching your head trying to figure out why. Perhaps you are concerned that there is something seriously wrong with your home’s plumbing. Fortunately, you don’t have to be concerned. The culprit behind your cloudy water is not as ominous as you think.

Continue reading to learn why your hot water is coming out cloudy and mysteriously clearing up seconds later.

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Cloudy Water Causes

If only one or two faucets are emitting cloudy water that clears within a few seconds, you are likely dealing with a air bubble issue. Fortunately, this really isn’t even an issue! You see, some plumbing pipes are under more pressure, and as a result, the water within them are more pressurized. So, when water from a faucet under these particular conditions is poured into a glass with less pressure, it will form an excess amount of air bubbles! Cool science; huh? Do you notice that your cloudy water is also fizzing? This is the sound of thousands of tiny air bubbles bursting in the cup.

This type of cloudy water is referred to as white water, and commonly occurs when it’s cold outside. This is a result of air solubility in water, which can increase as water pressure increases, and/or water temperature decreases. White water is also caused by water pressure within pipes. Water under pressure holds more air, and when released, it comes out as bubbles. But not to worry, this issue is perfectly harmless and should clear up significantly by spring.

The Bad Kind of Cloudy Water

There is another type of cloudy water that homeowners can experience that is not a result of air bubbles, but rather, something more undesirable. You know your cloudy water is an issue if the water does not clear up and become translucent after a few minutes. This could be caused by contaminants in your tap water, such as hard mineral ions, bacteria, yeast, or even chemicals. See our blog, “FAQS About Water Softeners and Hard Water” to learn how to treat and prevent this issue.

Pay Attention to Your Water Quality

Although the ban has since been lifted, and your county may not have been affected at all, you may still be concerned about the quality and performance of your home’s water. It is important to pay attention to your water quality, and to take the proper steps to ensure it remains contaminant-free. Contact a local soft water professional to learn your options.

Indianapolis Water Softening and Plumbing Service

Call Weilhammer Plumbing Co. Inc. at 317-784-1870 for professional water softening and plumbing service 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.

How to Enhance Your Shower Experience on a Budget

Posted on February 13, 2020 by weilhammerplumbing

Everyone looks forward to that part of the day where they can clear their thoughts and melt their stress away under a hot stream of clean, fresh water. Whether you are morning, afternoon, or evening bather, your shower is special and unique to you, so it is something that is worth investing in. After all, you use your shower virtually every day; don’t you? But improving your shower situation doesn’t have to cost an arm and a leg. In fact, with a few simple additions and tricks of the trade, you can achieve the shower of your dreams, minus the invasive construction and monumental contractor bill.

Continue reading to learn some highly effective, and therefore, highly recommended, tips that will make your shower experience like a day at the spa!

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Essential Oils

Speaking of spas, have you noticed they always smell so good? But not overpowering, like the perfume department at your local mall; but rather, in a non-alarming, relaxing, comforting kind of way? With the right essential oil options on hand, you too can have this refreshing and spa-like atmosphere right inside your very own shower. Those who have tried this trick say they have never showered the old way since.

All you have to do is place 5 to 10 drops of your favorite essential oil on the wall and sides of your shower. Be sure not to place drops near where you stand, as it can cause slippery surfaces. Then turn on your shower and let it get steamy as you enjoy the instant aroma of eucalyptus, lavender, peppermint, or tea tree essence!

Fresh Flowers

Not into oils? Opt for fresh flowers instead! Simply visit your local grocery store or florist and purchase some fresh eucalyptus, lavender, honeysuckle, or whatever favorite aroma you enjoy. Then, create a bouquet by bunching all your flowers together and tying them at their stalk. Leave enough string because you will then hang this bouquet from your shower head for a luxurious and fragrant shower experience!

Luxury Sponges and Loofahs

Speaking of luxurious, nothing is more divine than a soft sponge or luxury loofah. In fact, by adding any luxury items to your shower, you can instantly increase the quality of your bathing experience. Search on Amazon for great deals, or shop at your local department store for loofahs, sponges, wash cloths, exfoliators, and more.

Water Pressure

If your shower doesn’t have good water pressure, you deserve better. Improved water pressure will instantly and drastically change your showering experience. Not only does it enhance cleanliness by more thoroughly rinsing away soap residues, it also delivers more therapeutic benefits in terms of massage therapy and muscle recovery. Talk to a local Indianapolis plumber for help improving your home’s water pressure, and look forward to a more invigorating and complete shower experience!

Modern Shower Head

In addition to improving water pressure, replacing your showerhead with a more modern version can deliver instant pleasure and improved cleanliness. There are various options to choose from on the market today, so all you have to do is focus on products that fit your shower set up and your budget. Also, look for certain features that stand out to you, such as unique stream patterns or detachable handles. Need help with showerhead installation? Contact a licensed Indianapolis plumbing company for advice or service.

Bathroom and Shower Plumbing Service in Indianapolis

Contact Weilhammer Plumbing Company at 317-784-1870 for bathroom plumbing services in Indianapolis, Indiana and its surrounding counties. Whether you need to replace a broken toilet or install a new showerhead, we can help. In some cases, we can simply give advice or instruction over the phone, for free! Our state-licensed Indianapolis master plumbers 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.

How to Make Homemade Fizzy Toilet Bombs

Posted on February 6, 2020 by weilhammerplumbing

How’s your toilet cleaning technique working for you? Is it effective? Is it easy? Do you dread it, putting it off for as long as possible? Well, perhaps it’s just missing something. By adding a simple toilet cleaner to your current routine, you can enhance the quality of your results, without really lifting a finger!

How? With these easy, fun, and super fizzy toilet bombs you can make from home using a few simple household ingredients! Continue reading to learn the recipe!

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Toilet Bombs

You have likely heard of bath bombs, which have become increasingly popular for the fun and invigorating experience they deliver. Not only can you purchase bath bombs at the local department store, you can also make them from home. So why not make a similar product for the toilet?

This is how toilet bombs were thought into existence! These toilet bombs hold immense cleaning and sanitizing power, instantly refreshing your stale or stinky toilet. Best of all, they produce an immediate, sparkling fun fizz, which actually entices little ones to help with your cleaning chores!

What You Need to Make Toilet Bombs:

☐ Small Bowl
☐ Ice Cube Tray
☐ Baking Soda – 1 Cup
☐ Citric Acid – 1/4 Cup
☐ Dish Soap – 1 Tablespoon

How to Make Toilet Bombs:

➀ In your bowl, combine all ingredients.
➁ Stir gently with a spoon until you achieve a paste-like texture.
➂ Neatly pack each ice cube hole with your paste.
➃ Allow it to dry for 2 hours.
➄ Store your toilet bombs in a mason jar or air-tight, sealed plastic storage bag.

How to Use Toilet Bombs:

Simply drop 1 toilet bomb into the bowl of your toilet and watch the fizz action begin! Repeat every few days for best results! Still have a dirty-looking toilet? See our blogs, “2 Effective Solutions for Toilet Stains” and “How to Make Eco-Friendly Toilet Bowl Cleaner at Home” for some great toilet maintenance advice!

Got Toilet Plumbing Problems?

When your toilet needs service, you need a state-licensed master plumber. Call Weilhammer Plumbing Co. Inc. at 317-784-1870 for professional master plumbing service and repair in Indianapolis, Indiana. Our highly trained and licensed plumbers provide a wide range of residential and commercial plumbing services, including toilet repair and replacement. We even sell top-of-the-line TOTO toilets below market price! Request a free estimate, today.

How to Determine Which Sump Pump Size You Need

Posted on January 30, 2020 by weilhammerplumbing

In general, a sump is a collection bowl that holds liquids. For instance, your car has a sump to collect oil. As for your home, a sump pump is a vital plumbing appliance that provides a long list of benefits and an unparalleled level of security. So, if you are on the market for a new sump pump, it is important to procure the proper unit for your home or office. Otherwise, you could be in for a plumbing disaster down the line. This obligation starts with determining which size sump pump you need.

Continue reading to learn how to size a sump pump, correctly.

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Sump Pump Operation

In order to know which sump pump make and model is best for your home or office, it is necessary to understand some basics surrounding sump pump operation and maintenance. Sump pumps are designed to eliminate excess flood water filtering through loose aggregate and soil surrounding a property’s foundation. In most cases, they are installed in a small pit that is dug in the floor of a basement, usually 2 feet deep and 18 inches wide.

The pump portion of a sump pump system is designed to detect water levels within the sump pit using a specialized float device. When water in the sump pit gets too high, the float completes an electrical circuit, turning on the pump and sending the excess water away from the property through a series of plumbing pipes. Such systems also have a one-way “check valve” that is designed to prevent expelled water from returning to the pit.

Maintenance and Installation

Because sump pumps require electricity to work, it is vital to also have a backup sump pump battery (or an alternative back-up power source) in the case that your power goes out. In regions where precipitation patterns are consistent or high, it is necessary to have an entire back up sump pump system to manage the larger flow of water. As with anything electrical near water, it is critical to have your sump pump connected to an outlet that has a ground fault circuit interrupter (GFCI).

Sump Pump Size

When you are talking about sump pump size, you are really referred to output. Sump pumps come in a wide range of make and models, all with varying outputs. This is basically the capacity to which the sump pump can displace water. Factors that will influence the sump pump output you need include property size, location of pump, distance of plumbing pipes, and more.

While shopping around, look for a chart on the side of the sump pump. This chart will depict how much flow and head values. Flow refers to how many gallons of water per minute the sump pump can move, while head refers to how far the water must vertically travel from the pump to the outlet pipes. These values are inverse, which means as the flow rate lowers, the head rate increase. You see, a sump pump must use more energy to push more water farther upwards. Therefore, if you have a sump pump that is not the proper output, it can be wasting energy or using up too much.

In order to know which sump pump size you need, you must calculate your flow rate. In order to do this, you have to wait for a rainy day. Here’s how:

On a rainy day, run your sump pump until the water level is below the shuts off level.

Then disconnect the power and measure the distance to which the water rises in 1 minute. This is your flow rate.

USE FOR REFERENCE:
18” SUMP PUMP: 1 INCH OF WATER = 1 GALLON
24” SUMP PUMP: 1 INCH OF WATER = 2 GALLONS

Next, multiply your flow rate by 1.5, which will give allowance for severe storms and flooding.

Then measure the vertical distance from the bottom of the basement to the sump pump outlet pipe. This is your head distance.

Now that you have flow and head values, refer to the chart on the side of your sump pump to see if it is sufficient.

A Fair Warning

A power rating of 1/3^rd horsepower is recommended for the average residence, however, aside from flow rate and head values, there are several other factors that can impact the proper sump pump size you need. For instance, components like elbow joints, check valves, and narrow piping, can increase friction levels, thus requiring a more powerful unit. That is why it is strongly recommended to consult with a licensed plumber to learn the best sump pump options for your home or office.

Sump Pump Service and Repair in Indianapolis

Call Weilhammer Plumbing Co. Inc. at 317-784-1870 when you need skilled and dependable Indianapolis sump pump services you can trust. Our licensed plumbers offer a wide range of standard and master plumber services for both residential and commercial properties, including help with sump pump installation, replacement, repair, and maintenance. We also sell top-of the-line Zoeller sump pumps at wholesale price! Get the best package deal on a brand new sump pump that includes installation and maintenance! Request a free estimate, today.

What You Should Learn From the Recent Hamilton County Water Boil

Posted on January 23, 2020 by weilhammerplumbing

Earlier this month, more than 17,000 Fishers and Noblesville residents were placed on a water boil advisory issued by Indiana American Water Works Service Company. Although the ban was lifted a day later, there is a lesson to be learned from the entire dilemma. Continue below to learn some facts about the recent water boil in Hamilton County, as well as, tips for monitoring and maintaining your home or business’s water quality.

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Hamilton County Water Boil Advisory

As a result of the White River North water treatment facility losing a nominal amount of pressure, Indiana American Water placed a water boil advisory for its customers. During the precautionary advisory, Indiana American Water completed a series of tests to verify that their water again meets regulatory drinking water standards. Customers of Citizens were not affected by the treatment facility’s equipment malfunctions, and were not included in the cross-county advisory.

There is a standard, set and regulated by the Indiana Department of Environmental Management, that mandates water treatment companies to issue a water boil advisory when water pressure levels drop to a certain, specified value. According to the IDEM, if water pressure drops below 20 pounds per square inch in any part of a municipal water distribution system, a boil advisory must be issued.

What is a Boil Advisory?

When a water treatment company issues a boil advisory, they are suggesting boiling your tap water before ingesting it via drinking and cooking. Although it is acceptable to use water for bathing, washing, and similar uses, it is not recommended to drink or consume it until the ban is officially lifted.

Pay Attention to Your Water Quality

Indianapolis Water Softening Service You Can Trust

Call Weilhammer Plumbing Company at 317-784-1870 if you would like to learn how to improve the quality of your home’s water on a budget. You have several options for Indianapolis water softening and filtration, and our licensed plumbers know exactly how to assess your home’s water quality and performance needs. Trust us for honest service at a fair price. Call today for a free estimate or advice.

Where to Get Fast and Affordable Water Heater Repair in Indianapolis

Posted on January 16, 2020 by weilhammerplumbing

Got water heater problems? Look no further than Weilhammer Plumbing Co. Inc. in Indianapolis!

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Weilhammer Plumbing Co. Inc. is your simplest solution to hot water troubles in Indianapolis, whether at home or in your office! Our licensed water heater repair technicians offer a wide range of services for both residential and commercial properties all throughout the city. From simple tune-ups and flushes, to repairs, replacements, installation, and even sales! That’s right; we sell Rheem Hot Water Heaters at below market price! They are one of our top-recommended appliances on the market, and will not disappoint.

Indianapolis Water Heater Services 317-784-1870

Why Choose Us?

We are a locally owned and operated water heater business dedicated to integrity and quality.

Our teams of highly trained and qualified water heater technicians are fully-equipped to get the job done right! We have decades of experience in the industry, and retain the latest technologies and tools to service any make or model water softener. Our company is strongly committed to providing consistent high quality work, professionalism, and customer support for all clients and callers.

In addition to our high-quality workmanship and unparalleled customer support, we offer the most competitive rates for water softener service and repair in Indianapolis! On top of our competitively-low prices, we offer water heater repair coupons and discounts too! In fact, Military and Senior discounts are available all year long! You can get a free initial service call, or receive 10% OFF any water heater service or repair!

You can trust that our estimates are honest and ethical, and that our prices are fair. We never add on hidden fees or charges, nor do use confusing industry jargon to mislead our customers like some competitors may do. We always discuss the details and capacities of our services in a language our clients can understand. In fact, when possible, we can give you free instructions over the phone to solve minor water heater issues or questions. Don’t know how to adjust your temperature settings? Give us a call and we will walk you through the process!

Request a Free Water Heater Repair Quote Today

Call Weilhammer Plumbing Co. Inc. at 317-714-0759 to speak with a friendly and knowledgeable technician about water heaters, today. We are happy to answer any questions you have about water heater service, installation, maintenance, hot water problems, and more, anytime. We even offer 24 hour emergency services for water leaks, floods, and more. Call 317-714-0759 for professional water heater repair services in Indianapolis you can trust!

The Dangers of In-Home Flooding

Posted on January 9, 2020 by weilhammerplumbing

When a house floods indoors, the immediate and obvious threat is structural damage. But what many homeowners do not realize is that floodwater poses a much longer list of hazards; ones that threaten both your health and safety. Continue reading to learn why indoor floodwaters are dangerous and how to safely manage an indoor flood if it happens to you.

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Indoor Floodwater Hazards

An indoor flood is a messy and dangerous situation. Not only is your house going to suffer a serious amount of damage, floodwaters will pose several other hazards, all of which can affect both people and pets. The top four most threatening risks of floodwater include injury, electrocution, drowning, and contamination.

Injury – Floodwaters can pose several accidents, namely slips and falls, but also, several others. As a result, orthopedic injuries, muscle strains and tears, and even concussions can take place. For this reason, it is important to avoid flooded areas of your home until they are under the control of professionals.

Electrocution – If your home is not completely disconnected from the town’s power grid, including generators, making even the slightest form of contact with floodwater that covers electrical outlets can cause serious electrocutions. Never under any circumstances enter a flooded basement until a licensed professional has confirmed your home is not connected to any electrical power suppliers.

Drowning – Drowning is an extreme and devastating threat posed by floodwaters. In most moderate cases, such as residential indoor flooding, pets are mostly at risk of drowning. However, infants, children, and elderly individuals are also highly susceptible to drowning accidents when an indoor flood occurs.

Contamination – Contamination is a commonly overlooked threat of indoor flooding. Mold, bacteria, and other organisms that develop as a result of standing water can pose serious health implications for both people and pets. Most often, mold outbreaks cause or worsen upper respiratory conditions, especially in those with weakened or suppressed immune systems.

The Meaning of Floodwater Colors

The color of floodwater can tell you the extent of threat they pose. Clean floodwater is deemed safe and not an immediate threat to your health. Common examples of clean floodwater include appliances, toilet tanks, melted snow, and rain. These are the types of floodwaters that are generally safe to clean up yourself; however, clean floodwater can turn into grey waters in as little as 2 days.

Grey floodwaters, also known as sullage, are considered wastewater, and therefore, a much higher threat than clean floodwater. Although grey floodwaters do not contain fecal waste, they do contain a long list of other hazardous, illness-causing contaminants. Furthermore, they can quickly develop into the most dangerous and destructive floodwaters in just 48 hours.

Known as blackwater, this type of floodwater generally happens on a larger scale, such as the result of a hurricane. However, they often develop in residential homes if unaddressed for a period of time. Black floodwaters contain bacteria and pathogens that will cause illness. They also will destroy anything they come into contact with, including carpets, flooring, drywall, upholstery, and furniture.

What to Do if Your House Floods

The first thing you should do if you discover a burst pipe or flooding incident in your home is TURN OFF THE MAIN WATER SHUTOFF VALVE. This will disconnect your water supply and stop the floodwaters from increasing.

Once you have cut off your water supply, your next step should be to do your best to mitigate the water. Use towels, wet vacs, bowls, buckets, and anything else you have on hand to get as much water out of your house as possible. IMPORTANT: Do not do this step if there is risk of electrocution. Only try to clean up flooding if you discover it right away. Higher floodwaters can pose risk of electrocution.

Your last step is to contact a licensed Indianapolis plumber for emergency plumbing service. They will drain your floodwater, and then repair the plumbing issue that caused the flood to happen.

Emergency Plumbing Service You Can Trust

Call Weilhammer Plumbing Co. Inc. at 317-784-1870 when you need emergency plumbing services in Indianapolis 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.

The Two-Step Method to Fixing a Clogged Toilet

Posted on December 26, 2019 by weilhammerplumbing

No one expects a toilet to clog. They always backup when you least expect them to. For larger families, especially with young kids, you never know what’s being put into your commodes, making it like plumbing-roulette every time someone in your family flushes the toilet. However, you can place your clogged toilet anxieties aside with this easy and fool-proof method.

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How to Quickly Unclog a Toilet

Keep in mind that for larger toilet backups, you will need to implement some further strategies, including turning off the mail water shutoff and using a toilet auger to release major obstructions. For all other minor to moderate toilet clog ordeals, you can rely in the fool-proof, failsafe unclogging strategy outlined below.

What You Will Need

For this easy, two-step toilet unclogging method, all you need is a plunger and some patience. In addition to these items, you may want to add on some disinfectant cleaner, bleach, odor removal products, and other supplies that might alleviate the aftermath of a clogged or overflowing toilet.

⚠ WARNING: DO NOT FLUSH A SECOND TIME!

As a toilet begins to overflow after a flush, do nothing except perhaps grab some towels! The worst thing you can do is try to flush the toilet again before you implement your strategy. Flushing a second time will only send more water to the bowl and further increase the volume of the overflow. Basically, you will have contaminated toilet water all over the floor.

What To Do Instead

Instead of flushing again, wait for the toilet to stop flushing. Then continue to wait another 10 minutes, or until the water level in the bowl has dropped. If the water level does not drop, you might have a more serious toilet clog than you can deal with on your own. In this case, go ahead and try the two-step method, but if it does not work, or makes too much of a mess, contact an emergency plumber for professional repair.

✨ THE TWO-STEP TOILET UNCLOGGING METHOD:

ONE: Use your plunger to release the clog. Place it over the top of the opening inside your toilet bowl, and them push and pump the plunger 2 to 3 times. Once you are done

TWO: Flush the toilet to see if the clog has been released. If the toilet completes a flush successfully, you have fixed the issue! If it does not, repeat the two-step method. If it still does not work, contact a licensed Indianapolis plumber for help.

The Indianapolis Plumbing Service to Trust

Call Weilhammer Plumbing Co. Inc. at 317-784-1870 when you need a licensed bathroom plumbing services in Indianapolis 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.

Common Christmas Plumbing Mishaps to Avoid This Year

Posted on December 19, 2019 by weilhammerplumbing

Are you hosting a Christmas party, dinner, or family get-together soon? If so, be sure you take the necessary precautions to prevent certain plumbing disasters that are quite common during the holiday season. Continue reading to learn some of the most frequent plumbing mishaps that happen around this time of year, and what you can do to abate such messes.

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Clogged Toilets

Clogged toilets are among the most common plumbing repair during the holidays. For starters, we are consuming more food during the yuletide celebration, and it’s not necessarily the healthiest, giving way to more bathroom breaks. We are also drinking a bit more, as the champagne and cozy cocktails tend to flow more easily this time of year. This also requires us to take more bathroom breaks.

Combining these factors with overnight guests, feeding a crowd, and playing children who like to flush things (like tree ornaments), clogged toilets are a frequent plumbing mishap around Christmas. It can be a bit tricky trying to prevent clogged toilets. The best approach is to simply mention to your guests to be mindful of what they flush. You can even slyly imply that your toilets are a bit fussy.

Garbage Disposals

Like children who like to flush tree ornaments down the toilet, you might also have a guest or two drop things down the drain without your knowledge. So later, when you try to use the garbage disposal, you get that wonderful crackling, screeching noise you loathe so much. This can do quite a bit of damage to the disposal itself, as well as the connecting plumbing lines beneath the sink.

Things like fruit wedges, eggshells, toothpicks, shot glasses, corks, and even napkins are common finds inside sink drains this time of year. Avoid this problem by designating a large garbage bin far away from the sink to encourage guests to toss their extra garnishes there. You can also add drain strainer covers to all your sink drains to stop large objects from falling inside.

Water Heaters

It is quite possible for your increased occupancy over the holidays to have an affect on your hot water supply. If you are having overnight guests stay with you this Christmas, your water heater may not be able to accommodate the added demand for hot water. In this case, you could be facing a week of luke-warm or cold showers.

To combat this issue, set up a shower schedule for everyone, with enough time in between for your water heater to regenerate. You can also turn down the temperature setting on your water heater to control the maximum amount of heat your guests can utilize per shower.

Where to Get Emergency Plumbing Repair in Indianapolis

Call Weilhammer Plumbing Co. Inc. at 317-784-1870 for professional plumbing services and water heater repair in Indianapolis, Indiana. Owner and Master plumber, Mark Weilhammer, is happy to give you free advice, anytime. 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.