How Do Tree Roots Affect Sewer Lines?

Posted on May 12, 2015 by weilhammerplumbing

Indianapolis Plumbing Repair 317-784-1870

Master Plumbing Repair 317-784-1870

Now that summer is mostly here, plants and trees are growing at full speed. Roots grow long, absorbing water and nutrients and passing them along to their host. Tree roots are generally longer, stronger, and bigger than any other plant root; and they only continue to grow in girth and length as time goes on. In fact, trees can grow and thrive for hundreds of years in the right condition!

Although majestic and beautiful, trees and their roots can cause problems for property owners. Aside from the occasional fallen tree or unsightly stump, trees also pose problems as a result of their roots. One of the most common areas affected by tree roots on residential and commercial properties are sewer lines. Now we all know how important our sewer lines are, without an in-depth description of what they do and why they are so beneficial to modern-day plumbing. So with that being said, continue reading to learn how problematic tree roots can cause issues with residential and commercial sewer lines, and what to do about it.

Tree Roots in Sewer Lines

Tree roots can grow strong and penetrate plumbing pipes and sewer lines. This can lead to messy, costly, and tedious repair projects. Sewer lines can backup and become clogged with tree roots and plant matter, over time. Pipes can burst, break, corrode, and deteriorate as a result. Unfortunately, the environments inside sewer lines and plumbing pipes are absolutely ideal for tree roots, which is why they tend to gravitate toward them. The dark, moist environments seem like they would not be a good place for root growth, but in fact, they are. Pipes have everything roots need and want: oxygen, nutrients, and of course, water. They are also attracted to the vapors within sewer lines that escape into the surrounding soil.

Tree roots access pipes by growing into loose joints or cracks. They grow in hair-like masses, creating a perfect obstruction-causing filter for sewer line debris like toilet paper, hair, feminine hygiene products, waste, grease, and other debris that flows through sewer lines. This prevents sufficient water flow, causing clogs that eventually backup the lines. This makes a toilet entirely useless! Routine pipe inspections can help prevent tree roots from penetrating and entangling plumbing pipes and lines.

If you are hearing strange noises coming from your toilet, or notice other issues with your plumbing, you may have a clog in your sewer line. Contact a master plumber for professional inspections, diagnostics, and repairs you can trust.

Weilhammer Plumbing Co. Inc.

Weilhammer Plumbing Indianapolis Indiana 317-784-1870

Call Weilhammer Plumbing Co. Inc. at 317-784-1870 for expert plumbing repair in Indianapolis, Indiana. Owner and master plumber, Mark Weilhammer, and his team of equally qualified and licensed plumbing contractors, offer a wide range of plumbing services for residential and commercial properties. If you need sewer line repair, burst pipe repair, toilet repair, or any other plumbing service, we are the professionals to trust for the best service and most competitive prices in town! Call 317-784-1870 and speak with a licensed Indianapolis master plumber about sewer line repair and more, today.

Bathroom and Kitchen Faucet Replacement Tips

Posted on May 6, 2015 by weilhammerplumbing

Water Hammer Repair 317-784-1870

There are a few indicative signs that suggest your kitchen and bathroom faucets might need replacing. These signs should never be ignored, especially since replacement faucets are affordable and easy to install. For one, if a faucet continues to drip, even after re-fastening or repairing, it needs to be replaced. Second, if a faucet is moderately-outdated, tarnished, or rusted, it needs replacing. This is especially important for kitchen and bathroom remodels, and can even provide an instant upgrade for quick redecorating projects. And last, if a faucet is simply broken or defective, it’s time to replace it. Continue reading to learn what to do when it comes time to replace your bathroom and kitchen faucets.

Faucet Size

The first consideration for faucet replacement is the size of the unit. Faucets comes in all different sizes and shapes, so it is important to measure the distance between the holes in the lavatory to know which size your sink needs. To do this, the faucet has to be removed in order to expose this area. Small lavatory setups generally have three holes, ranging between 3 and 4 inches apart. This setup uses two handles (hot and cold) and a spout that are all connected by an escutcheon plate. When replacing an old faucet, it is necessary for the new setup to match the same configuration. Other setups include single-hole two handle faucets, and single-hole and handle faucets.

Faucet Handles

The second consideration involves the number and the type of faucet handles. You can make this decision by thinking about who will use the faucets. For children, a single-handle faucet is safest to avoid scalding accidents. Parents are familiar with the fact the children often reach for one bathroom or kitchen knob, and they hope it’s the cold one! Single-handle faucets can reduce the likelihood of burn accidents with children because they are not likely to be in the “hot” position. Some single-handle units come with flow-mechanism options that will control how much hot water is available through the faucet. This is helpful for homes with young children. Aside from children, some people, like the elderly, might have trouble turning knob-style faucet handles. They too can benefit from a single-handle faucet setup because they come with rotational-limit stops and short-turn options.

Faucet Valves

Faucet valves are called control valves because they literally control the water flow. They open and close in different measures, controlling the water flow, the water stop, and the amount of water that comes through the faucet. There are various types of faucet valves, each meant for different faucet setups. Compression valves are used for two-handle setups and use a rubber washer to control water flow. Rubber washers will require replacing overtime but this only costs a few cents and is easy to do. Other two-handle faucets might use sleeve-cartridge valves. Sleeve-cartridge valves are also used for some single-handle setups. Brass cartridges are better choices compared to plastic ones. For other single-handle faucets, ball valves are used. These use spring-loaded seals and metal balls to control water flow. Although inexpensive and durable, they are a bit complicated to install. One of the most recommended faucet valves are called ceramic disk valves. They operate using a two-part disk that revolves, controlling the flow of water. Disk replacement is quick, simple, and inexpensive. These are great for areas with higher levels of hard water.

Weilhammer Plumbing Co. Inc.

Weilhammer Plumbing Company 317-784-1870

Call Weilhammer Plumbing Co. Inc. at 317-784-1870 for professional plumbing repair in Indianapolis, Indiana. Owner and master plumber, Mark Weilhammer Indianapolis Indiana, is happy to answer your questions about faucet repair, plumbing fixtures, plumbing repair, and more. Our team of licensed plumbers offer a wide range of residential and commercial plumbing services, including installation, repair, maintenance, inspections, and sales. Call 317-784-1870 for affordable and fast Indianapolis plumbing repair services you can trust.

These Bad Habits Can Cause Plumbing Problems at Home

Posted on April 15, 2015 by weilhammerplumbing

When it comes to residential plumbing, a professional would advise against a long list of bad habits that lead to costly repairs and problems. Among this long list of bad habits, there are a few that tend to cause the most issues with a home’s plumbing. Continue reading to learn which bad habits your plumber wants you to stop!

Bathroom Plumbing Repair 317-784-1870

Toilets

So many of us are guilty of using the toilet as a garbage receptacle. The occasional goldfish is not going to cause any problems with your toilet and plumbing, however, actual trash or garbage is not a good idea. Cotton swabs, cotton balls, feminine hygiene applicators, razor cartridges, toilet paper tubes, hairbands, shower caps, paper bags, newspaper, plastic materials, and more are common items flushed down residential toilets on a daily basis. All of this trash can clog the toilet, as well as, cause major blockages in your home’s plumbing, leading to costly repairs and replacements. Do not use your toilet as a trashcan! Simply place a trash can near your toilet to thwart you from this bad habit.

Garbage Disposals

Another area that we tend to use as a trash can even though we shouldn’t is the kitchen sink garbage disposal. Yes this appliance can shred soft, non-fibrous foods, but that doesn’t mean it’s an industrial shredder that can manage all your other garbage as well! Items like plastic wrap, fruit peels, egg shells, flowers, fruit and vegetable cores, and more are commonly tossed down residential garbage disposals, only later to cause major damage to the appliance and the home’s plumbing.

Drains

Aside from trash, people tend to have a bad habit of pouring harmful or toxic chemicals down bathroom and kitchen sink drains. Bathtubs, showers, outdoor sinks, kitchen sinks, and bathroom sinks have drains that can clog, but this does not mean reach for the harsh drain cleaning solution right away. Try other forms of clog-clearing before resorting to toxic drain cleaners, such as drain snakes. These chemicals can cause plumbing pipes to corrode and deteriorate, leading to leaks and major damages.

Outdoor Hoses

Forgetting or neglecting to disconnect your garden hose from the outside spout before wintertime can cause some major problems with your home’s plumbing as well. This allows moisture from the inside of the hose to enter the home, eventually freezing, leading to frozen or burst plumbing pipes. This is not an easy or inexpensive fix, but can be avoided with a little annual reminder and initiative.

Weilhammer Plumbing Co. Inc.

Weilhammer Plumbing Company 317-784-1870

Call Weilhammer Plumbing Co. Inc. at 317-784-1870 the next time you need a master plumber in Indianapolis, Indiana. Owner, Mark Weilhammer, is a state-licensed master plumber with over 50 years of experience in the plumbing industry. He and our team of licensed plumbing contractors are eager to answer your questions about plumbing repair and more. We offer residential and commercial properties a wide range of plumbing services, including septic tanks, water heaters, sump pumps, water softeners, slab leaks, and more! Call 317-784-1870 for superior plumbing repair services in Indianapolis, IN today.

How to Stop Water Knocking in Your Plumbing Pipes

Posted on April 8, 2015 by weilhammerplumbing

Indianapolis Plumbers 317-784-1870

Every time you turn your faucet off, or decide to take a shower, are you hearing a knocking-like noise coming from the floor or walls? This is called water-knocking and happens to be a frequent nuisance plumbing problem for homeowners. This sound can start out as faint and barely-there, and later grow into a deep banging or rocking noise. It can sound like a squeaky rocking chair, an animal growl, or a hammer hitting the wall. It can also sound like tummy rumbles, rushing water, and more.

But most often, people describe it as a knock-like sound. It is important to solve a water knocking issue in your home’s plumbing pipes as soon as you notice its presence. Otherwise, a small plumbing problem can quickly turn into a large costly one. If water knocking is a current problem for you, continue reading to learn why it’s happening and how to make it stop.

Knocking Pipes

The most common cause behind water knocking in pipes is irregular water pressure within the main water supply for your home. Air is used to pressurize water within plumbing pipes, but when the air leaks or depletes, it causes a disturbance in water flow, which can lead to rushing water. This forceful movement of water through your pipes is what creates the knocking sounds. This pressure must be corrected if ever inconsistent to ensure proper water flow from the main supply, through the pipes, and to your faucets.

Here’s How to Correct Water Knocking:

1. Turn Off Main Water Valve
2. Open ALL Faucets
3. Flush All Toilets One Time
4. Once Water Stops Flowing, the Lines are Clear and Empty
5. Now Slowly Turn the Main Water Valve Back On
6. The Knocking Sound Should Be Gone

It really is that simple most of the time! But if the sound persists even after you flush your water lines, you may need to contact a plumbing company for professional assistance and service. Remember, addressing a small problem right away can prevent major costly problems in the future! For questions about water knocking problems and plumbing repairs, be sure to ask a licensed master plumber for trustworthy answers and solutions.

Weilhammer Plumbing Co. Inc.

Call Weilhammer Plumbing Co. Inc. at 317-784-1870 and speak with state-licensed master plumber, Mark Weilhammer, for Indianapolis plumbing services you can trust! He and our team of skilled plumbing contractors are happy to answer your questions about plumbing pipes, water lines, repairs, replacements, advice, and more. Call 317-784-1870 for prompt and professional plumbing repair in Indianapolis, IN today.

Does Your Kitchen Sink Stink?

Posted on April 2, 2015 by weilhammerplumbing

Indianapolis Garbage Disposal Repair 317-784-1870

Have you begun to notice a mysterious odor in your kitchen? Does it seem like it’s coming from the sink? If so, there could be some problems with your sink or disposal that require swift solutions. One of the most dangerous causes of smelly sinks is bacteria growth. Bacteria is harmful to our health and can easily contaminate food prepared in the kitchen.

Even harmless bacteria is undesirable, and cooking in a smelly kitchen is too. For these reasons and more, it is important to address any issues your kitchen sink or garbage disposal might be having, and what solutions are best.

Continue reading to learn about the possible reasons your kitchen sink smells, and what to do to remedy each problem.

Bacteria

As mentioned, one of the most dangerous causes behind a smelly kitchen sink is bacteria. Food particles over-accumulate and clog kitchen drains, causing the formation of a nasty sludge. This sludge prevents water from free-flowing through the drain, leading to bacteria growth. And furthermore, mold only needs darkness and moisture to grow, making the kitchen drain a perfect incubating ground. Mold and bacteria are harmful to our health and can contaminate our food, causing food-borne illnesses and more. To eliminate bacteria from kitchen sink, pour any of these items down the drain:

• Bleach
• Vinegar
• Baking Soda (Post-rinse heavily with hot water)
• Store-Bought Kitchen-Safe Drain Cleaner

Garbage Disposal

Grease is often a problem for garbage disposals. When greasy foods are eliminated down the kitchen sink, the grease generally tends to linger behind and stick to the blades of the disposal. These greasy-leftovers decay overtime and then start to smell, causing an unpleasant odor in your kitchen sink. To remove this issue, simply pour hot water down the drain, multiple times, until the odor is gone.

Another option is to grind ice and kosher salt in the disposal, followed by some citrus rinds, to dislodge the grease, clean the blades, and eliminate smells. Or you may also choose to use any of the above listed items to further eliminate a decomposed food issue or lingering smell.

Roof Vents

If there seems to be no end to the smell in your kitchen sink, even after you’ve exhausted all other efforts and options, it might come down to a vent problem. There is a vent that goes from your kitchen sink, all the way up to the roof (in most standard homes). If these vents become clogged, use a snaking-device to clear the obstruction in the vent, or use the hot water approach. The best solution for this problem is to simply contact a licensed master plumber for assistance with clogged vents and kitchen sink issues.

Weilhammer Plumbing Co. Inc.

Weilhammer Plumbing Company 317-784-1870

Call Weilhammer Plumbing Co. Inc. at 317-784-1870 for superior plumbing repair and kitchen plumbing services in Indianapolis, Indiana. Owner and master plumber, Mark Weilhammer, and our team of licensed, bonded, and insured plumbing contractors, are eager to help solve your kitchen sink and plumbing problems. We offer a wide range of high-quality plumbing services at the most competitive prices in town. That is why we have been in business for more than 100 years! Call 317-784-1870 for information about our Indianapolis plumbing services and kitchen plumbing repairs we offer for residential and commercial properties.

Tips for Detecting Toilet Leaks

Posted on March 17, 2015 by weilhammerplumbing

Indianapolis Toilet Plumber 317-784-1870

A home with an undetected toilet leak can waste more than 80,000 gallons of water each year. Can you imagine the spike in monthly water bills every month? Or the amount of wasted water and money? Stopping any type of water leak in your home is beneficial for many reasons. Since toilet leaks are common, it is important to inspect them regularly in order to stop a leak before it causes major structural damages, costly repairs, and increased water bills. Continue reading to learn how to detect a leaky toilet and what you should do about it.

Leaky Toilets

As soon as you know you have a leaky toilet, shut off the main water valve to stop all water flow in your home. Then call a professional plumber for emergency service. They retain the proper tools and knowledge to quickly and effectively repair a leaky toilet at a price anyone can afford. But before calling a master plumber, it is helpful to determine whether or not a leak exists, on your own. You can do this by checking the following areas:

Flush Valve Issues

Many leaks occur from flush valve issues. Standard toilets come with flush and re-fill valves that can sometimes leak into the toilet bowl, from the tank, if not working properly. With a leak like this, the flush valve will continue to re-fill continuously, causing a running toilet as well. This wastes an abundant amount of water. And if the re-fill valve is also defective in any way, it can cause the toilet tank to overflow.

To check for flush-valve issues:

Start by shutting off the water valve to the toilet. This shut-off valve is located on the bottom left side of the tank. Record the level of water you see, and then re-check it in 20 minutes. If the water level is lower, there is a flush valve leak or similar issue.

To check for re-fill valve issues:

Start by adding a few drops of food coloring to the tank of the toilet. Wait ten minutes and then check the bowl. If the food coloring made its way from the tank to the toilet bowl, there is a problem with the re-fill valve; most likely a leak.

Weilhammer Plumbing Co. Inc.

Weilhammer Plumbing Company 317-784-1870

Call Mark Weilhammer, licensed master plumber, at 317-784-1870 for professional toilet repair in Indianapolis, Indiana. He and our team of licensed master plumbers are happy to answer your questions about leaky toilets, toilet repair, water leaks, plumbing repair, and all other plumbing issues. We provide residential and commercial plumbing services at the most competitive prices in town. Call 317-784-1870 for professional toilet installation and repair services in Indianapolis, IN.

How to Manage the Aftermath of Water Damages in Your Home

Posted on March 13, 2015 by weilhammerplumbing

Indianapolis Plumbers 317-784-1870

Water damages are among the most upsetting and frustrating circumstances for any home or property. So many negative outcomes can result from water damage, including costly structural damage repairs, loss of significant assets, stressful insurance claims, and much more. For these reasons and more, it is vital to protect your property from potential water leaks, burst plumbing pipes, and indoor flooding. It is strongly encouraged to consult a master plumber about scheduling an assessment of your home for plumbing problems such as these. Stopping a small leak or vulnerability in your plumbing pipes can prevent serious water damages from happening the in the first place.

Continue reading to learn how to manage the aftermath of water damages in your home, and who to call for expert advice and service regarding this issue.

Water Damage Repair

Most homeowner insurance policies do not cover water damages caused by plumbing disasters that occurred as a result of negligence or improper maintenance. Be sure to discuss these principles with your insurance company before any disasters occur so that you know exactly where you are covered and where you are not. A proper policy will cover hotel fees, reimbursement for personal belongings lost in the damages, mold remediation, home repairs, restorations, and more. If your homeowners’ insurance does not offer coverage for these kinds of incidents, you have the option of purchasing a policy through a third-party insurance provider. In other cases, home insurance policies do cover plumbing emergencies and water damages. It differs from company to company.

Once you have settled with your insurance company, it is important to locate a master plumber to come in and implement professional diagnostics in order to identify all weak spots, vulnerabilities, and needed plumbing repairs. This is vital if you wish to prevent further water damage and future floods. Once the plumber has been contacted and scheduled, you can then look for a reputable general contractor company for any needed structural or foundation repairs. This includes drywall, carpet, floors, windows, ceilings, beams, and more.

Weilhammer Plumbing Co. Inc.

Weilhammer Plumbing Company 317-784-1870

Call Weilhammer Plumbing Co. Inc. at 317-784-1870 for information about water leak repair and plumbing inspections in Indianapolis, Indiana. Owner and master plumber, Mark Weilhammer, has decades of experience and training in the plumbing repair industry. He and his team of fellow master plumbers can identify all plumbing issues in a commercial or residential property in an effort to prevent flooding and water damages. Call 317-784-1870 to speak with a licensed master plumber about water leak plumbing repair in Indianapolis, IN today.

How Can Reliable Plumbing Make a House Better?

Posted on March 2, 2015 by weilhammerplumbing

Water Softener Repair 317-784-1870

A home is our safe place. It is where we feel the most secure and at peace. It is our sanctuary from all the chaos and havoc life can sometimes throw upon us. For this reason, we want our homes to be in great condition, in terms of foundation, structure, electrical, and more. One of the most important and valuable assets to any home is the plumbing system. Without good plumbing, a house cannot be a home. We need our warm baths and showers, our cups of coffee, quality insulation, reliable piping, washing machines, and so much more. All of these aspects and appliances are reliant on good, reliable plumbing.

Here’s how good plumbing makes a house better for everyone inside and out.

Plumbing Tips

When it comes to plumbing repairs, plumbing maintenance, pipe issues, and other serious plumbing problems, it is vital to have a licensed master plumber undertake these kinds of projects for optimal and liable results. Here are some examples of emergency or serious plumbing problems that should be repaired or handled by a licensed plumber:

• Burst Pipes
• Frozen Pipes
• Water Leaks
• Slab Leaks
• Toilet Repair
• Kitchen Plumbing Repairs
• Bathroom Plumbing Repairs
• Blocked Drains
• Valve Repairs
• Leaking Water Heaters
• Water Softener Repairs
• Sump Pump Repairs
• Corroded Piping
• And More

There are plenty of plumbing projects homeowners can take on themselves as well, such as minor drain clogs, backup toilets, and leaky faucets; but a licensed master plumber retains the proper resources, training, licensing, and equipment to professionally undertake projects such as these and provide affordable and long-lasting solutions for them.

Weilhammer Plumbing Co. Inc.

Weilhammer Plumbing Company 317-784-1870

Call Weilhammer Plumbing Co. Inc. at 317-784-1870 for licensed master plumber services in Indianapolis, Indiana. Owner, Mark Weilhammer, is a state-licensed master plumber with several decades of experience in the plumbing repair industry. In fact, our company has been in business since 1901! We offer a wide selection of plumbing services for residential and commercial properties throughout all of Indianapolis and its surrounding counties!

Weilhammer Plumbing Co. Inc. Offers Master Water Heater Repair in Indianapolis, Indiana!

Posted on February 27, 2015 by weilhammerplumbing

Weilhammer Plumbing Company 317-784-1870

Weilhammer Plumbing Co. Inc. has been a family owned and operated company for more than 100 years in Indiana! Our owner, Mark Weilhammer, is a state licensed master plumber with over 50 years of experience in the plumbing industry. The reason our business has remained successful and even thrived through the bad economic times, was due to our sincere dedication to customer service and our proficient plumbing skills. We have served the Hoosier community for so many decades, it is no wonder we are Indy’s most trusted plumbing company! With credentials like these, you can trust you are receiving the most honest, reliable, and accurate plumbing services in town. Call us today at 317-784-1870 and speak directly with a master plumber in Indianapolis, Indiana.

Get Prompt and Professional Master Plumbing Services for Water Heaters and More in Indianapolis!

Weilhammer Plumbing Co. Inc. is known for its long Indiana history, impeccable plumbing skills, and honest prices; but now it’s time you know we offer maintenance, repair, installation, and replacement services for all make and model water heaters; and for both residential and commercial properties! Visit our water heater repair webpage to learn more about our services and company credentials. On top of water heater repair in Indianapolis, we also sell water heaters at the most competitive prices in Indiana! Call 317-784-1870 for licensed water heater repair services in Indianapolis, IN you can afford.

Never Put This Stuff in a Garbage Disposal!

Posted on February 20, 2015 by weilhammerplumbing

Clogged Drain Repair 317-784-1870

You must be good to your garbage disposal if you want it to be good to you! This means minding what you put in it, and providing proper maintenance and repair as needed. Just to get it out there, always remember to shut off the power supply before performing any DIY work on your garbage disposal. You don’t want an accident to occur that leaves you without any fingers, or worse, an entire hand! This is just another reason why you should always leave garbage disposal repair needs in the hands of a licensed and experienced master plumber. They retain the proper tools, training, and resources to accurately and efficiently diagnose and repair a disposal issue.

As for your own at-home garbage disposal habits, continue reading to see if you are guilty of putting any of these “no-no’s” down the sink drain.

Garbage Disposal Awareness

To best understand what you shouldn’t put down a garbage disposal, let’s first begin with the things that are okay and safe. For example, the only foods that should be shredded in your disposal should be soft, non-fibrous, chopped, liquid, and similar foods in small amounts. The key word here is “small amounts.” When it comes to the stuff you should not put in a garbage disposal, here is a list of suggestions to follow:

Fatty Oils

Do not put olive oil, lard, bacon grease, pan grease, excessive amounts of melted butter, vegetable oils, or any other versions of fatty oils down the drain. These products will quickly coagulate and thicken, causing pipe blockages, clogs, and more.

Starches

Refrain from putting any type of starchy food down the garbage disposal or drain. Just like fatty oils, things like pasta and rice also thicken and cause pipe blockages.

Fibrous Waste

Do not toss anything fibrous or stringy down the drain. Foods like corn husks, fruit rinds, potato peels, chicken skins, celery, egg shells, and other similar food.

Fruit and Vegetable Pits

Foods like avocados and peaches have hard, solid, seed-like pits that can do a lot of damage to a garbage disposal system. The same goes for bones too!

Coffee Grounds

Many people eliminate their coffee grounds by dumping them down the drain. This is a bad idea because they can buildup overtime and cause clogs and blockages.

Paper Garbage

Never put cigarette butts, coffee filters, or any other non-perishable item down the drain. These do not deteriorate at a speed that is not conducive for optimal pipe and plumbing functionality.

Weilhammer Plumbing Co. Inc.

Call Mark Weilhammer, master plumber and owner of Weilhammer Plumbing Company of Indianapolis, at 317-784-1870 today. He and his team of professional and licensed plumbers are happy to answer your questions about garbage disposal repair, plumbing repair, and more. We offer all plumbing services for both commercial and residential properties, at the most competitive prices around. Call 317-784-1870 and speak directly with Mark about garbage disposal repair services in Indianapolis, IN today.