How to Drain Your Plumbing System

Posted on December 6, 2016 by weilhammerplumbing

Plumbing Drain Repair 317-784-1870

You may never have to drain your home’s plumbing system, but sometimes, it is the best solution to a range of problems. The most common reasons to drain the plumbing is to fix a water hammer issue, lock up a seasonal property for winter, or to repair and replace plumbing lines.

If you are facing any of the above plumbing challenges, draining might help. If you are not comfortable taking on this task yourself, simply hire a licensed plumber for professional plumbing service.

However, if you are a regular handyman or women, you could get the job done so long as you have the right knowledge and supplied. Continue reading for a brief guide to draining your plumbing system.

Getting Started

First

You will need to locate and shut off the main water valve before the meter, on the supply side. If you are having trouble locating your main water valve, just look for your water meter. Then follow the supply lines into your home. If you are still having trouble, call your local plumber for quick, over-the-phone assistance. Once you turn off the main water supply, you can move on with the remaining steps.

Second

If your home has multiple levels, start at the highest level and open all of the sink faucets. Work your way down to the basement or bottom level.

Third

Once you are on the lowest floor in your home, open the laundry tub faucet and let all the water drain out from upstairs.

Fourth

Repeat the second step, except instead of opening all the sink faucets, open all the shower and bathtub faucets.

Fifth

Flush all the toilets in your house, starting on the top floor and working your way down.

Sixth

If you are leaving a home unattended for a long period of time, like an entire season, leave all faucets in the open position. This is common for vacation homes and seasonal properties.

Seventh

Do a final check-through on all floors to ensure that all faucets are open and not dripping water. It is okay for faucets on the first floor to have a slow residual drip. But other than that, there should be no water coming out of them.

Eighth

If you are leaving the home unattended for a long period of time, block all the toilet bowls and tub drains with wadded cloths or plastic wrap to prevent leaking sewer gasses.

Ninth

Close all faucets in the home, and turn the main water valve back on!

Tenth

If you are still experiencing a water hammer problem, or any other plumbing issues, contact a licensed plumber for professional assistance. Do not take any chances with your plumbing! Small issues can quickly turn into large, costly ones in a matter of hours!

Indianapolis Plumber

Weilhammer Plumbing Company Indianapolis Indiana

Weilhammer Plumbing Company 317-784-1870

Call Weilhammer Plumbing Company at 317-784-1870 when you need an experienced Indianapolis plumber you can trust. Owner and master plumber, Mark Weilhammer, is happy to help! We are a family owned and operated company that has served the Hoosier communities for over 100 years! We are a top-choice for trustworthy and affordable plumbing service and repair in Indiana. Call 317-784-1870 to request free plumbing estimates and advice, anytime!

How to Handle a Flooded Bathroom

Posted on November 14, 2016 by weilhammerplumbing

A flooded bathroom is a disaster, but that doesn’t mean you can’t handle it. Whether you botched a DIY plumbing project or it comes as a surprise, all bathroom floods can be managed with the right knowledge and resources. Continue reading to learn how.

Bathroom Plumbing Repair 317-784-1870

Bathroom Floods

Bathroom floods can happen for a whole list of reasons, but most often, it comes down to a burst pipe or clog. Sometimes the aftermath is simply a puddle that can be soaked up, but other times, the flood is much more than that. When you are faced with a major bathroom flood, it is important to follow some highly-recommended steps in order to get yourself out of trouble as quickly and safely as possible, while also working toward leaving behind as much water damage as possible. Here’s how:

Turn Off the Water Supply (and Perhaps Electricity Too)

As soon as you discover a flooded room (in this case, a bathroom), the first thing you need to do is turn OFF your main water supply to the home. This will put a temporary stop to all incoming water flow so you can control the flooding. This is why it is important to know exactly where all your water shut-off valves are located in your home, both inside and out. If the water is high, and is in close proximity to electrical outlets, it is important to turn your power off as well. Once the water supply is stopped and the repair is complete, you can turn your water and power back on. In fact, you can turn the power back on as soon as the water is drained.

Damage Control

After you have shut off your water, it is time to assess the damage and clean up. Use mops, towels, and cloths to absorb and remove as much water as possible. You may need to use a wet-dry vacuum for excessive amounts of water. Open up all cabinets and drawers to air them out and prevent mold growth, and rescue any salvageable belongings (i.e. furniture, clothing, décor, etc.). Place fans all over the room facing the flooded area to encourage faster drying. Allow the fans to operate for several days to ensure complete dryness. If there is too much water to clean up yourself, you will need emergency plumbing repair service. Contact an Indianapolis plumber for fast help with a bathroom flood. They have the equipment and resources to get the job done efficiently and effectively.

Organize

After you have cleaned up all the water, it is a good idea to take video or pictures for insurance purposes. In fact, it may be a good idea to take pictures before as well. Pull back a corner of carpeting to see if there is water damage to the floorboards, and if so, take pictures of this too. Also check to see if water is dripping from the ceilings underneath the flooded area. Take inventory of all the damages and damaged goods to use as a reference for your claim.

Contact a Plumber

Even if you had a small flood that you were able to clean up on your own, you will still need to hire a licensed plumber to investigate the cause behind the flood. They will need to repair the issues that lead to your flooding disaster, otherwise, it is very likely it will happen again. Once the underlying problem of a bathroom flood is repaired, you can rest assure that your plumbing woes are far behind you.

Indianapolis Plumbing Company

Weilhammer Plumbing Company 317-784-1870

Call Weilhammer Plumbing Co. Inc. at 317-784-1870 when you need an emergency plumber in Indianapolis, Indiana. Owner, Mark Weilhammer, is a state-licensed master plumber that offers a wide range of residential and commercial plumbing services, including repairs, replacements, installations, maintenance, routine service, and even sales of certain plumbing appliances. Call our Indianapolis plumbing company at 317-784-1870 to learn more about our prices, availability, and service areas!

10 Basic Plumbing Facts You Should Know

Posted on November 7, 2016 by weilhammerplumbing

Indianapolis Plumbing Repair 317-784-1870

Most people are familiar with the basic definition of plumbing:

“A series of pipes, fixtures, and appliances that manage the distribution of water and sewage in and out of a property.”

But there is much more to plumbing than this! There are several interesting facts about the history, usage, and operation of plumbing that you would like to know. In fact, they might just give you a deeper appreciation and understanding of how interior plumbing is so advantageous to our world! Since there are too many to list, we’ll start with the top 10 basic plumbing facts that every homeowner should know.

Plumbing History

Fact #1

Indoor plumbing dates back to 2500 B.C. (And perhaps even before!) This includes the Egyptians, Persians, Romans, Greeks, Chinese, Indiana, and more.

Fact #2

Copper was used by Egyptians over 3000 years ago to lay plumbing pipes; and copper is STILL the most popular material used for plumbing pipes today.

Fact #3

Pipes used for water distribution were once made from lead. Accordingly, the word “plumbing” originated from the Latin word “plumbum”, which means lead.

Fact #4

Sir John Harington invented the flushable toilet in 1596 for his godmother, Queen Elizabeth I. This is why Americans casually call it “the John.”

Fact #5

Although Sir John Harington made a flushing toilet closet for the Queen, the first patent granted for a flushable toilet was to Alexander Cummings in 1775.

Around the House

Fact #6

Hot water can be one of the most dangerous hazards in your home. The average temperature setting for water heaters is between 115 and 140 degrees. Skin can burn in just 6 seconds at 140 degrees and 2 minutes at 125!

Fact #7

In the typical American household, toilet flushing constitutes up to 38% of all water-use in the home. But a low flush toilet can save you up to 18,000 gallons of water per year!

Fact #8

In the typical American household, over 9,000 gallons of water is wasted each year by running the faucet while waiting for water to heat up. This can contribute to as much as 15% of your annual water heating costs.

Fact #9

It only takes 15 minutes for a drippy faucet to fill an 8 ounce glass. That means that a single dripping faucet can waste an average of 180 gallons of water each month and over 2,160 gallons a year!

Fact #10

It is alleged that the average person will spend a total of 3 years on the toilet over the course of their lifetime. So no more dilly-dallying in the bathroom!

Plumbing Service and Repair

If you are experiencing plumbing leaks or problems, contact a trusted plumber for professional help. Do not let a high-flushing toilet or dripping faucet rack up your monthly bills. Take action now to prevent major or costly plumbing problems later on.

Indianapolis Plumbing Repair

Weilhammer Plumbing Company 317-784-1870

Call Weilhammer Plumbing Company at 317-784-1870 for professional plumbing repair in Indianapolis, Indiana. Owner and Master plumber, Mark Weilhammer, is happy to give you free plumbing advice. Our highly trained and licensed plumbers provide a wide range of residential and commercial plumbing services; and as a family owned and operated company since 1901, you can trust us to deliver outstanding workmanship and customer support. Call 317-784-1870 to request a free estimate for Indianapolis plumbing repair, today.

Weilhammer Plumbing Co. Inc. Repairs Water Heaters and Water Softeners!

Posted on November 4, 2016 by weilhammerplumbing

Water Heater Repair and Service 317-784-1870

Weilhammer Plumbing Company is your solution to prompt and professional home plumbing appliance repair and service you can trust, all at an affordable price! That is because our highly trained and licensed plumbers provide inspections, maintenance, repairs, replacements, and installations for all make and model water heaters and water softeners for commercial and residential properties.

Family Owned and Operated Since 1901

As a family-owned and operated business, we understand the value of a dollar, so we make sure to always maintain a economy-based prices that everyone can afford! We even offer free plumbing advice and old equipment haul-away service! Weilhammer Plumbing Company has been in business for over 100 years as a family-owned and operated company serving Central Indiana and all of Indianapolis.

Hoosiers everywhere trust our teams for the highest standards of excellence in the plumbing repair industry. And not only do we service and repair water heaters and water softeners, we also sell them! We carry Clack On Demand Water Conditioners that come highly recommended on the market, as well as Rheem water heaters that are also fully-backed by our skilled plumbers.

Indianapolis Water Heater Repair and Water Softener Repair

Weilhammer Plumbing Company 317-784-1870

Owner, Mark Weilhammer, is a state-licensed master plumber with over 50 years of experience in the plumbing repair industry. He and his team of certified plumbing contractors provide a wide range of water heater and water softener services for commercial and residential properties. Services include repair, maintenance, installations, replacements, and more.

So whether you need a routine flush, or a brand-new water heater and replacement service, we are the professionals who can deliver outstanding result in a convenient time frame. And since we provide the services, we are your one stop shop for your water-related home appliances! Call 317-784-1874 to request a free estimate for
Indianapolis water heater repair and/or
water softener repair, today.

4 Questions to Ask Before Water Heater Installation

Posted on October 17, 2016 by weilhammerplumbing

Water Heater Repair and Service 317-784-1870

Over the years, the advancements in appliance technology have drastically improved the operation of residential and commercial hot water heaters. And although designed with innovative features and performance qualities, water heaters are not designed to last forever. This means that at some point, you’ll need to replace yours. But before you install a brand new water heater, it is important to know what questions to ask yourself in order to choose a unit that meets your home’s hot water needs.

Continue reading to review the top 4 recommended questions to ask, either yourself or a licensed plumber, before installing a hot water heater.

Which Type of Water Heater Do I Own?

It is important to learn about your existing water heater before purchasing a replacement. There are three primary facts to look for: 1) type, 2) age, and 3) size. Water heaters for over eight years old need to be replaced because most are designed to only last 8 to 10 years. After sometime sediment buildup occurs inside the tank, slowing the operation efficiency of the appliance. Common types of water heaters include gas, electric, and tankless. However, some homes have specialty water heating systems, such as boilers or heat pump water heaters. In most cases, residential water heaters are either gas or electric.

You can refer to your owner’s manual to determine which type of water heater you own. Here’s a hint: it’s your water heater has a pilot light, it runs on gas. Water heaters also come in a variety of sizes, so it is important to get the right size for your home. Larger homes with multiple occupants need larger capacity water heaters, while smaller homes and fewer occupants require smaller units.

Do I Like My Water Heater?

Think about whether or not you like your old water heater. Did you have problems with its operation? Did it provide adequate hot water on demand for the entire home? If you were not entirely happy with your old or existing water heater, then you should explore some other brands of water heaters that come with the features you’re looking for. A professional plumber and/or water heater technician can help you decide which water heater meets your hot water needs, including budget.

Are Tank-Style Water Heaters Energy-Efficient?

As of 2015, the government mandates that all water heater manufacturers abide by specific energy-efficient standards. So regardless of which water heater you choose, it should provide sufficient amount of energy efficiency for your home. That is because tanks are now more insulated, which delivers higher efficiency ratings. Electric water heaters are generally between 90 and 95% efficient, gas water heaters generally retain between 60 and 70% efficiency, and tankless water heaters are generally between 84 and 94% energy efficient.

Who Should Install My New Water Heater?

Regardless of how handy you are, it is not a good idea to install your own water heater. Not only is it potentially illegal in your state, working with the fuel-powered appliances is highly-dangerous. It requires a comprehensive knowledge of complex fire and plumbing codes, extensive hands-on experience, and a legal permit to perform the work. Never attempt to install a water heater on your own unless you are trained and licensed plumber or water heater technician. Instead, always contact a professional Indianapolis plumber for water heater installation services you can trust.

Indianapolis Water Heater Installation

Weilhammer Plumbing Company 317-784-1870

Call Weilhammer Plumbing Company at 317-784-1870 when you need water heater service in Indianapolis, Indiana and its surrounding counties. Owner and master plumber, Mark Weilhammer, provides a wide range of professional water heater services for residential and commercial properties. Our water heater services include maintenance, installation, replacement, and repair. On top of the most competitive prices in town, we also offer free estimates and free plumbing advice anytime! Call 317-784-1870 to request an estimate for Indianapolis water heater installation, today.

How to Prepare Your Plumbing for Cold Weather

Posted on October 10, 2016 by weilhammerplumbing

Indianapolis Plumbing Repair 317-784-1870

Seasonal plumbing preparation is important for both commercial and residential properties. As the climate and temperatures change, so should the routine maintenance for your plumbing. Depending on the condition of your plumbing system, this can include annual inspections, professional service, part replacements, cleaning, and much more. Although most plumbing maintenance requires professional service, there are many household tasks you can do on your own to prepare your plumbing for the
upcoming winter season.

Continue reading to find out what they are and how to get started!

Outdoor Plumbing Preparations

Before temperatures can drop low enough to freeze water, it is important to manage all of your outdoor plumbing systems, including outdoor faucets, spigots, valves, drains, and hoses. This will prevent a large number of frustrating frozen water plumbing problems. Here’s what to do:

Disconnect all of your outdoor hoses. Store them away for the season. Failing to do so can cause hoses to freeze and expand, which can then cause connecting faucets and plumbing lines to break.

Check all outdoor faucets for water leaks. If you find a leak, contact a plumber for professional water leak repair services. Failing to prepare water leaks can cause cracks and pipes, which can lead to severe water damage and flooding disasters.

Note: For homes with interior water shut-off valves that lead to outside faucets, be sure to drain all water from the outside lines in turn themselves off.

Purchase Styrofoam faucet insulation covers and install them on all outdoor faucets. You can purchase these covers for a fee dollars apiece at any local home improvement store.

Clear gutters and down spouts mud, leaves, twigs, and other organic matter.

Indoor Plumbing Preparations

Test the temperature and water pressure relief valve (T&PR valve) on your water heater. Refer to your owner’s manual to learn how to properly perform a T&PR valve test. When operating properly, the valve should produce a burst of hot water in the drainpipe. If the valve does not respond properly, call a licensed plumber for water heater repair service.

On the subject of water heaters, be sure to have your flushed. You can do this on your own if you know how, otherwise it is best to have it serviced professionally.

Inspect and clean your sump pump pit and septic system. Refer to the owner’s manual for proper cleaning instructions, or contact a local plumber for professional septic system services.

Indianapolis Plumbing Service

Weilhammer Plumbing Company 317-784-1870

Call Weilhammer Plumbing Company at 317-784-1870 for prompt and professional plumbing repair and service in Indianapolis, Indiana. Owner and master plumber, Mark Weilhammer, and his team of licensed plumbers, but answer your questions about plumbing repair and more. We offer a wide range of residential and commercial plumbing services, all at the most competitive prices in town. Call 317-784-1870 to request a free estimate for Indianapolis plumbing service, today.

How to Make Eco-Friendly Toilet Bowl Cleaner at Home

Posted on October 4, 2016 by weilhammerplumbing

Toilet Repair Plumber 317-784-1870

For all you homeowners looking for new ways to “go green”, learning to make your own eco-friendly toilet bowl cleaner is a great addition to your efforts. With a few natural ingredients, you can concoct your very own chemical-free toilet bowl cleaner that’s safe for you and the environment! Most store-bought cleaners contain harsh chemicals that can be damaging to your health as well as your home’s plumbing and vital appliances (i.e. water heater, water softener, etc.). Homemade toilet bowl cleaner is a fantastic alternative to harmful, over-the-counter products; not only because it is much safer, but also because it’s equally-effective at cleaning.

Continue reading to learn a useful recipe for homemade, eco-friendly toilet bowl cleaner, and feel good about protecting yourself, your loved ones, and the environment!

What You Need

🚽 Large Glass Bowl
🚽 Glass Storage Jar
🚽 Wooden Spoon
🚽 Toilet Brush
🚽 Baking Soda
🚽 20% White Vinegar

AND…

Disinfecting Essential Oil of Your Choice:

❧ Tea Tree
❧ Peppermint
❧ Lavender
❧ Orange
❧ Pine
❧ Lemongrass

Mixing Instructions

1 Using your wooden spoon, combine 2 cups of baking soda and 1 teaspoon of essential oil into a large glass bowl. You must use a glass bowl and wooden spoon because essential oils can corrode metal and plastic.

2 Continue to mix the baking soda and oil together until the majority of clumps are gone. Then transfer the powder into a glass storage jar with a tightly-sealed lid. This will give you nearly 30 uses!

Cleaning Instructions

① Scoop 1 tablespoon of powder from your jar and pour it into the toilet bowl. Use an additional scoop for the walls.

② Use your toilet brush to spread (not scrub!) the powder/oil mix around on the walls and basin.

③ Pour a ½ cup of 20% white vinegar into the bowl. It should start to fizz on contact. If you cannot find 30% vinegar, you can use 5% distilled white vinegar instead, but increase the amount to 2 cups.

④ If no fizzing occurred, you’ll need to use some more scoops of cleaner. Once the fizzing goes down, use your toilet brush to scrub the toilet clean.

⑤ Allow the mixture to settle for 10 to 15 minutes before flushing it down.

Indianapolis Plumbing Service and Repair

Weilhammer Plumbing Company 317-784-1870

Call Weilhammer Plumbing Company at 317-784-1870 for prompt and professional toilet repair in Indianapolis, Indiana. Owner and master plumber, Mark Weilhammer, and his team of licensed plumbers, are eager to help you get your plumbing back on track and at a price that’s fair. We offer free estimates, free plumbing advice, and free haul-away services for old or broken plumbing appliances. Call 317-784-1870 to request a free estimate for Indianapolis plumbing service and repair, today.

Garbage Disposal Plumbing Tips

Posted on September 13, 2016 by weilhammerplumbing

Indianapolis Garbage Disposal Repair 317-784-1870

Plumbers know that garbage disposals are among the most misused appliances in households. That is because many homeowners do not recognize that garbage disposals are not meant to be used as blenders for large deposits of food. Instead, they are designed to grind leftover food residues that are rinsed from plates. Anything more substantial than that, other than the occasional ice-cube cleanse, is not meant for residential garbage disposal systems.

Disposing of large quantities of food will result in a call to your local plumbing company for garbage disposal repair. It is the most common reason why disposal systems clog or breakdown. To prevent garbage disposal problems, continue reading for some helpful usage, cleaning, and maintenance tips.

Simple Garbage Disposal Fixes

Sometimes, when your garbage disposal is whirring but just not working, it may be something that can be easily resolved on your own. First, press the “reset” button located on the bottom of the disposal underneath your sink. If this doesn’t help, turn the power OFF to your garbage disposal and grab a flashlight. Peer into the drain and look for any solid objects, such as twisty-ties, bottle caps, or anything else that could be holding up your system.

If you do see something, carefully pull it out with a pair of pliers or some type of grasping tool. Never put your hands in the disposal! And if you use pliers, be careful not to damage the blades or other inner components of your garbage disposal. Your garbage disposal may also come with a hex-jam key, which is a tool used to unclog or un-jam the system. These keys are usually taped to the bottom of the disposal, next to the opening where it is inserted. Simply insert the key and wiggle it around a few times to release any blockages.

Garbage Disposal Odor Elimination

For garbage disposal odors, there are a few simple tricks to try out. On a routine basis, it is important to clean your disposal to eliminate food and bacteria residues. On a routine basis, grind some ice cubes while running cold water for a minute. This will keep the blades fresh and sharp. You can also grind citrus rinds for a fresh scent. Also, while the disposal is running, pour some liquid dish detergent inside the drain to eliminate bacteria and other contaminants. Finish by running cold water down the drain for a couple of minutes. It is recommended to clean your garbage disposal every few weeks, and more often for those who use it frequently.

Professional Plumbing Service

Weilhammer Plumbing Company 317-784-1870

Call Weilhammer Plumbing Co. Inc. at 317-784-1870 for professional and affordable garbage disposal repair in Indianapolis, Indiana. Master plumber, Mark Weilhammer, and his team of licensed plumbers, have decades of experience in the plumbing industry, and can repair a garbage disposal in no time at all! Our family owned and operated business have served Hoosiers for over 100 years, so there is no better choice for dependable plumbing service in town. We offer a wide range of residential and commercial plumbing services, including water heaters, water softeners, water purification, and more. Call 317-784-1870 to request a free estimate for Indianapolis garbage disposal repair, today.

The 5 Rules to Avoiding Plumbing Disasters

Posted on September 8, 2016 by weilhammerplumbing

Whether the sink, toilet, tub, or drain, when you take on a DIY home plumbing job, it can go from “manageable” to full-on “disaster” in a matter of minutes. Many homeowners will start a plumbing project, but quickly end up over their heads in tools, parts, blueprints, sludge, and water. So it is important to protect yourself from plumbing catastrophes like this with proper knowledge, practice, and assistance. Continue reading to learn the top five rules to avoiding do-it-yourself plumbing mishaps and regrets.

Avoid Direct Copper-to-Steel Connections

Indianapolis Plumbing Repair 317-784-1870

When replacing parts of your plumbing pipe, avoid connecting copper pipes and galvanized steel pipes directly. And a thin layer of thread sealant or Teflon tape won’t cut it either. Steel plumbing pipe can begin to corrode as soon as the connection to copper is made tight. Instead, use a fitting device called a dielectric union to connect copper plumbing pipes to galvanized steel plumbing pipes. It is essentially a metal collar that uses isolation brushings, one half steel and the other half copper. That way, each part is kept separate.

Know the Proper Plumbing Code for Big Projects

There are rules to home plumbing and construction, namely codes. These codes are very complex, with meticulous and detailed rules that dictate how, what, and where you can do plumbing work. For instance, you must know how far you can place certain fixtures from a drain waste vent-line according to its pipe diameter and other specifications. These details are important to know if you want to ensure the safety and integrity of your residence and all its utility systems. Purchase a copy of the Uniform Plumbing Code (UPC) and a book called Code Check before attempting any major DIY construction projects.

Know the Exact Location of Your Plumbing Pipes

Before taking a hammer or drill to your drywall, it is important to make sure you know what you are drilling or hammering into. A common mistake homeowners make is rupturing copper or plastic supply or drains inside walls. Purchase a stud sensor to check your walls before any sort of demolition. This device will detect both pipes and electrical wiring.

Always Perform a Water Leak Test Before Finishing Up

At the conclusion of your plumbing project, it is important to always check for water leaks before sealing everything back up. If installing new valve components, you’ll want to check that it opens and closes, and also run hot and cold water through it to see that it drains properly. In fact, you’ll want to check drains and faucets like this. You can purchase a leak detector detergent at a hardware or home improvement store to check for gas line leaks as well.

Never Over-Tighten Plumbing Connections and Components

Since you cannot always trust the fit or quality of all plumbing components, you may be tempted to over-tighten connections to ensure a good fit. But this is not only in-effective, it is detrimental to your plumbing components. A simple half-turn past the tension point is all you need to properly tighten and close up all your connections. Things like brass copper gas fittings are more susceptible to wrench damage than steel plumbing pipes, but in all cases, proper tension should be used.

Weilhammer Plumbing Company

Weilhammer Plumbing Company 317-784-1870

Call Weilhammer Plumbing Company at 317-784-1870 for professional plumbing advice and plumbing service in Indianapolis, Indiana. Owner and master plumber, Mark Weilhammer, is eager to help you find affordable and effective solutions to your plumbing problems. Our licensed, bonded, and insured plumbers provide a wide range of residential and commercial plumbing services at the most competitive prices in town. Call 317-784-1870 to speak with a licensed Indianapolis plumber, today.

Choose the Right Auger for Serious Plumbing Clogs

Posted on September 2, 2016 by weilhammerplumbing

Clogged Drain Repair 317-784-1870

So you’ve got a clog. And you’ve already tried the plunger, and you’ve even cleaned out your P-trap. So what now? If this sounds like your plumbing situation, then it is time to consider an auger for the job! Drain augers are one of the most effective tools for serious plumbing clogs. But it is important to choose the right auger for the type of clog you have.

Continue reading to learn about the different types of plumbing augers, and which to choose for your particular clog.

Cable Augers

Cable augers, also called drum augers, are probably the most common type on the market. They are called drum augers because their coiled cables are kept in a canister shaped like a drum. These augers can be inserted deep into a drain, up to several feet. They grab the clog from deep within the drain, and allow you to crank it out. Their hose-like cables come in a variety of lengths, including 25, 50, and 100 feet, and sometimes even longer. It is important to make sure their cables are not too wide for the pipe you need to unclog. For smaller pipes, you’ll need a narrower auger. And you should never use a drum auger to snake a toilet.

Toilet Augers

For toilet snaking purposes, you should consider a traditional toilet auger. These are shorter in length compared to other drain augers on the market, and are better deigned to remove clogs within the toilet itself. For toilet clogs that have reached the plumbing pipes, you will need a professional plumber for the job.

Flat Tape Augers

Unlike standard augers that have hose-like cables, flat tape augers have flat cables. These are designed to fit inside smaller pipes. Many are also manufactured with a sharpened tip to
better catch and release a clog rather than
pulling it out.

Commercial Augers

Professional-grade augers are needed for larger jobs, which are best left to professional plumbers. They retain sophisticated commercial augers that are powerful enough to remove, dislocate, or release deep plumbing clogs. When regular household augers don’t cut it, it is time to call a professional plumbing company for help.

Weilhammer Plumbing Company

Weilhammer Plumbing Company 317-784-1870

Call Weilhammer Plumbing Co. Inc. at 317-784-1870 for professional plumbing service in Indianapolis, Indiana. Owner and master plumber, Mark Weilhammer, is eager to take your call! Whether you have a simple clog, or require master plumber services, we are the professionals to trust for the highest standards of excellence. For over 100 years, our family owned and operated Indianapolis plumbing company has helped thousands of Hoosiers with their water quality and plumbing problems. Call 317-784-1870 to see how they can help you!