Category Archives: Clogged Drains

Does Your Kitchen Sink Drain Too Slowly?

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If your kitchen sink starts to have issues, especially when it comes to poor drainage, it can truly put a dent in your daily household flow. Slow-draining kitchen sinks are among the most common kitchen plumbing problems expressed by homeowners and homemakers. Fortunately, there are a few quick and easy solutions for fixing a kitchen sink that doesn’t drain as quickly as it used to. These solutions could save you money on future problems and repair costs, as well as, eliminate time wasted waiting for a local plumber to arrive.

Continue reading to learn how to combat a slow-draining kitchen sink, and which plumbing company to trust for prompt and professional service.

Indianapolis Kitchen Plumbing Services 317-784-1870
Indianapolis Kitchen Plumbing Services 317-784-1870

Gather All Necessary Materials and Supplies  

First, collect all the necessary ingredients you will need to unclog or clear a kitchen sink that doesn’t want to drain fast enough. You will need a pot to boil water, baking soda, and distilled white vinegar. Start by boiling 6 cups of water. While the water reaches a boil, proceed to dump one cup baking soda down the drain. Follow this step by pouring one cup of vinegar down the drain. When the drain stops fizzing, pour in the boiling water.

To entirely eliminate any blockage, continue to run hot water down the drain through the faucet. Although the initial rinse of boiling water is enough the wash away the blockage, vinegar, and baking soda, it is best to complete the job with an additional hot water flush. Now simply check to see if the drain is flowing again. If not, you might need to try a more aggressive approach to drain cleaners.

How to Beat Tougher Clogs

For tougher clogs, a store-bought enzyme cleanser may be necessary. Although a more aggressive approach, enzyme cleaners are not made with harsh toxic chemicals. In fact, they are chemical-free cleaners made from bacteria cultures. These bacteria cultures flow through drains and pipes, feeding on all the organic material causing the blockage. This includes mold, mildew, food, grease, hair, and anything else that is organic in nature.

It takes a little more time for an enzyme drain cleanser to take effect because they do not contain any chemicals that are manufactured to help speed up the process.  After dispensing it down the kitchen drain, flush with hot water for several minutes, and then refrain from using the sink for two to three hours. Keep in mind you may need to use a snake, plunger, or other plumbing device to finish the unclogging process.

Take on the Plunge Challenge for Persistent Clogging

Sometimes, a more “hands-on” approach is the best method to unclogging a kitchen sink. This method only involves a plunger and your own manual power. You have to position the plunger on top of the drain, the fill the sink with water only enough to cover the rubber. Now you are ready to start plunging up and down in a consistent and steady fashion. Repeat as needed to unclog a slow-draining kitchen sink.

When Your Kitchen Sink Still Has Issues Contact a Local Plumber in Indianapolis

Call Weilhammer Plumbing Co. Inc. at 317-784-1870 when you need a licensed kitchen 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.

How to Make Homemade Drain Dissolving Cleaner

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Clogged drains are the worst; right? Whether at the kitchen sink, bathroom sink, or tub, a clogged drain is going to get in the way of your day to day activities. It might even gross you out a bit. Although most people reach for that store-bought drain cleaning solution that costs less than a candy bar, this stuff is sometimes too strong for simple or everyday drain cleaning needs. Fortunately, a milder and safer daily drain dissolving solution is not hard to come by.

In fact, you can make your own odorless, non-corrosive formula at home using some simple household ingredients. Continue below for the materials list and directions.

Indianapolis Drain Plumbing Service
Indianapolis Drain Plumbing Service 317-784-1870

Managing a Clogged Drain

Often times, one needs to combine multiple methods to fully dissolve the solids clogging up a drainpipe. For more challenging or relentless clogs, you might also need to hire a professional plumber for drain clearing service. For moderate clogs, you might need to use a drain snake or auger. See our blog, “Choose the Right Auger for Serious Plumbing Clogs” to learn more about such plumbing repair materials and their various applications.

To tackle every day or minor drain clogs, combine a drain snake or auger with this simple, but effective, drain dissolving cleaner:

What You Need to Make Your Own Drain Cleaner:

☑ Distilled White Vinegar
☑ Sodium Bicarbonate
☑ Essential Oil of Choice
☑ Clean Plastic Squirt Bottle
☑ Water

Instructions:

Combine equal parts water, distilled white vinegar, and baking soda (sodium bicarbonate) into your plastic squirt bottle. You may also add 5 to 10 drops of your favorite essential oil. We recommend citrus, like lemongrass, sweet orange, or grapefruit.

To Use: Spray any stubborn drain generously with your solution. Allow it to sit for 5 to 10 minutes. Rinse clean with hot water.

To Unclog a Tough Drain: Boil a few cups of water. Pour the boiling water down the drain. Pour ½ cup of baking soda into the drain, followed by a ½ cup of distilled white vinegar. Wait 10 minutes, and then rinse clean with hot water.

What to Do About Serious Clogged Drainpipes

To resolve a serious drain clog, or worse, a clog in your drainpipes, you will need to hire a licensed plumber. They will begin with an assessment, and provide a written estimate for the work and materials needed to repair the clog. Generally, drain clearing and pipe replacement are part of the repair process for a serious clogged drain or drainpipe.

Where to Get Trusted Drain Clearing Service in Indianapolis, Indiana

Call Weilhammer Plumbing Co. Inc. at 317-784-1870 when you need drain clearing plumbing services in Indianapolis, Indiana. Our licensed master plumbers provide several kitchen and bathroom drain repair services, as well as, garbage disposal repair and replacement. In fact, we carry a line of top-quality In Sink Erator®(ISE) Garbage Disposals at market low prices. Our licensed plumbers also offer a wide range of other plumbing services for both residential and commercial properties, as well as, free estimates, free plumbing advice, and even free haul-away for old plumbing appliances. Request a free estimate, today.

It’s Time for Your Home’s Annual Drain Cleaning Service

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There are several benefits to annual drain cleaning services, all of which make for perfect reasons to make sure you have it done on time. The top reasons why you should consider having your home’s drainage system professionally cleaned includes money savings, better-quality water flow, improved plumbing system performance, prolonged plumbing system lifespan, and overall plumbing protection.

Continue reading to learn a little more about these benefits, as well as, how to schedule your annual drainage cleaning this season.

Indianapolis Drain Cleaning Plumbing Services
Indianapolis Drain Cleaning Plumbing Services 317-784-1870

Top Advantages of Annual Drain Cleaning Service

Cost Savings ☑

When your plumbing system is working as it should, it is being energy efficient. This saves you money on water and energy bills, and reduces the need for costly plumbing replacements, like water heaters, water softeners, showers, and more.

Better Water Flow ☑

Water pressure can make or break a good shower. It can also affect your dish-washing, laundry, gardening, and much more. If your water flow is poor, routine maintenance like annual drain cleaning can remove blockages to help improve it instantly.

Improved Performance ☑

When your drainage system is clean and clear, all of the related plumbing systems that operate in conjunction with one another will work better. This includes sump pumps, water heaters, water softeners, water purification systems, plumbing pipes, water lines, toilets, dishwashers, washing machines, faucets, and more.

Extended Lifespan and Overall Protection ☑

When you are taking good care of your home’s plumbing, you are protecting it from damage, thus prolonging its lifespan at the same time. The key to maintaining a functioning and long-lasting plumbing system is to stay on top of your routine maintenance needs.

Indianapolis Plumbing and Drain Cleaning Services You Can Trust

Call Weilhammer Plumbing Co. Inc. at 317-784-1870 for professional plumbing and drain cleaning services in Indianapolis, Indiana. We have the certifications, skills, and resources to provide comprehensive plumbing services, including annual and biannual maintenance needs for drains, water heaters, water softeners, sump pumps, and more. Request a free estimate, today.

What You Need to Know About Replacing Plumbing Pipe

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Dirty pipes are one of the most common reasons why so many property owners eventually require plumbing pipe replacement. Overtime, plumbing pipes will develop a large accumulation of solid matter, organics, bacteria, rust and more. As a result, pipes become clogged, dirty, and inefficient, which can cause a never-ending trickle of problems throughout the rest of the property’s plumbing system. When dirty or clogged plumbing pipes are not resolved, they will eventually require replacement. But, before you head to the home improvement store to place your order, it is important to keep certain considerations in mind.

Continue reading to learn what you need to know about replacing plumbing pipes, including how to spot the signs of a dirty or obstructed system, and which piping materials are available on the market.

Indianapolis Master Plumbers 317-784-1870
Indianapolis Master Plumbers 317-784-1870

Detecting Dirty of Clogged Pipes

When your plumbing system is experiencing a backup or clog somewhere, you will notice sooner or later. The signs of a clogged pipe are hard to miss. Standing water in the shower, slow draining drains, poor water pressure, and more are common indications that a clog is present. Such signs are also indicative of dirty pipes. Dirty pipes turn into clogged pipes as they continue to accrue more and more matter, such as organic and non-organic solids, soap residues, and more.

Another major tell-tale sign to look for that might suggest you have dirty or clogged plumbing pipes are increases in energy and water bills. When your plumbing is dirty or obstructed, it cannot perform efficiently, which causes your appliances to work harder, use more water, while performing below standards. If such problems continue without any intervention, other areas of the plumbing will begin to breakdown, including water heaters, water softeners, dishwashers, washing machines, and more.

Pipe Replacement Considerations

When you are ready to replace your plumbing pipes, there are a few things you should consider in order to make the best choice for your home or commercial plumbing needs. Here are some important matters to start with:

PVC PIPES – Many property owners are choosing PVC (polyvinyl chloride) piping over metal pipes. PVC plumbing pipes are generally reserved for cold water-based applications, such as drinking water systems. See our blog, “Do I Choose PVC Piping or CPVC Piping?” to learn more about plastic polymer piping.

CPVC PIPES – Although very similar to PVC, CPVC piping is different because it is altered by a free radical chlorination reaction, thus increasing its chlorine content. This increased chlorine content allows the material to withstand a wide range of temperatures, up to 200 degrees Fahrenheit.

ABS PIPES –ABS piping is often reserved for waste removal and bathroom plumbing applications. It can be connected to existing metal pipes within a plumbing system.

PEX PIPES – PEX pipes are suitable for both hot and cold water applications, and frequently used for interior residential plumbing construction.

GALVANIZED PIPES – These are no longer supported in the plumbing industry due to their high susceptibility to corrosion, which can lead to water contamination. If your water supply lines are made with galvanized steel, it is time to have them replaced!

Master Plumbing Service in Indianapolis You Can Trust

Call Weilhammer Plumbing Co. Inc. at 317-784-1870 for licensed plumbing repair and replacement services in Indianapolis, Indiana. Owner and state-licensed master plumber, Mark Weilhammer, is happy to give you free advice, anytime. We provide a wide range of residential and commercial plumbing services, including trenchless pipe repair, pipe replacement, and even services to improve water quality. 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.

Frequently Asked Questions About Garbage Disposals

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Are you experiencing some issues with your garbage disposal unit? Perhaps you don’t have a garbage disposal, but wish to learn some benefits of having one installed? Either way, you are in the right spot for getting the help you are looking for. Continue below to review the answers to the most frequently asked questions about garbage disposals.

Garbage Disposal Plumbing Services 317-784-1870
Garbage Disposal Plumbing Services 317-784-1870

What Can Go Down the Garbage Disposal?

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.” Things that should NEVER go down the disposal include fatty oils, starches, fibrous waste, fruit and vegetable pits, coffee grounds, and paper trash.

Why Does My Garbage Disposal Smell?

Food and bacteria residues are a top cause of garbage disposal odors. To abate lingering odors, it is important to clean your disposal regularly. 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.

Do I Need a Garbage Disposal Unit in My House?

The primary benefit of having a garbage disposal unit is the convenience it provides. Food preparation, trash disposal, rodent and pest control, and efficiency, are just a few ways garbage disposals provide convenience around the house. Not only do garbage disposals provide convenience, they also provide investment protection, which ultimately saves homeowners money. By reducing the likelihood of clogging up drains and pipes, homeowners save money by avoiding costly repairs, services, and replacements. This also protects the structural integrity of plumbing pipes, keeping them functional for years to come.

How Does a Garbage Disposal Help With Pest Control?

It may not be obvious at first, but a garbage disposal is an excellent contributor to pest control, more so in commercial kitchens. In areas where extensive food preparation takes place, such as a restaurant or school cafeteria, large amounts of food scraps are produced. And large amounts of food scraps just sitting around can attract rodents’ other pests, like fruit flies, gnats, ants, and other insects. A garbage disposal allows kitchens to efficiently discard food scraps, and keep a cleaner workspace.

Why Does My Garbage Disposal Leak?

The top two causes for garbage disposal leaks are a leaky gasket or a leaky flange. When a rubber gasket gets old, or goes unused for a long period of time, it can dry up and develop a crack, which in turn leads to a leak in the gasket. It can also be caused by improper installation. If the leak is coming from the top rim where the seal mounts to the flange, it could be caused by a leaky gasket. A disposal flange can develop a leak if the plumbers’ putty dries up, or if the bolts that connect the flange to the sink comes loose. If the leak is coming from the very upper portion of the unit, it could be a flange leak.

What Kind of Maintenance Does a Garbage Disposal Require?

It is important to regularly clean out the grind chamber of your garbage disposal. You can do this safely and effectively by dropping in a few ice cubes, then grinding them up until they are gone. Do not put lemon rinds or fruit in your disposal to make it smell better. Instead, try a few drops of some lemon or citrus-scented essential oil. Other than regular cleaning, it is wise to have your unit inspected by a licensed Indianapolis plumber. This will help maintain optimal efficiency and safety, as well as, catch small problems early on, before than can become disastrous or costly.

Residential and Commercial Kitchen Plumbing Services You Can Trust

Call Weilhammer Plumbing Co. Inc. at 317-784-1870 when you need kitchen plumbing repair and service in Indianapolis at an affordable price. We provide garbage disposal replacement and carry a line of top-quality In Sink Erator®(ISE) Garbage Disposals at market low prices. Our licensed plumbers also offer a wide range of other plumbing services for both residential and commercial properties, as well as, free estimates, free plumbing advice, and even free haul-away for old plumbing appliances. Request a free estimate, today.

Will Heavy Snow Affect My Home Plumbing?

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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!

Indianapolis Plumbing Services
Indianapolis Plumbing Services 317-784-1870

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.

The Two-Step Method to Fixing a Clogged Toilet

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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.

Indianapolis Bathroom Plumbing Service
Indianapolis Bathroom Plumbing Service 317-784-1870

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

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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.

Indianapolis Emergency Plumber 317-784-1870
Indianapolis Emergency Plumber 317-784-1870

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.

Can Your Plumbing Repair Wait or is it an Emergency?

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Is your plumbing repair an emergency situation? Or can it wait? Continue reading to find out what constitutes a plumbing emergency and what doesn’t, including certain plumbing repairs that can be done on your own.

Indianapolis Plumbing Service and Repair
Indianapolis Plumbing Service and Repair 317-784-1870

Dealing With Plumbing Problems

When something in your plumbing system breaks down, you often wonder whether or not it’s considered an emergency. Sometimes you don’t have enough money to put towards a repair until your next paycheck, or you simply don’t have the time to add in a plumbing appointment to your busy schedule. The best way to determine if a plumbing repair is an emergency is to contact a professional Indianapolis master plumber for free, over-the-phone advice you can trust.

Plumbing Repair Emergencies

A plumbing repair emergency is a break down in your plumbing system that will pose serious injury or health complications, such as gas leaks, or one that will pose serious destruction to your property, such as flooding or fires. Below is a list of standard plumbing emergencies. If your home or building experiences any of the emergencies listed below, or ones similar, you must contact a licensed plumber immediately, even if in the middle of the night.

Plumbing Emergencies:

⚠ Major Water Leaks that Can’t Be Stopped By Main Water Shutoff
⚠ Gas Leaks
⚠ Lingering Gas Smell
⚠ Flooding (i.e. carpets, floors, basement, lawn, etc.)
⚠ Condensation on Walls (“sweaty” or wet walls)
⚠ Large Amounts of Standing Water in Lawn
⚠ Burst Pipes
⚠ Frozen Pipes
⚠ Sump Pump Problems and Defects

Minor Plumbing Repairs

A minor plumbing repair is not an emergency situation. Instead, it is a break down in your plumbing system that needs to be fixed, but in the meantime, should not pose serious injury or health complications, nor destruction to your property. However, a minor plumbing repair can evolve into a plumbing emergency if it is neglected over a period of time. Below is a list of non-plumbing emergency examples. If your home or building experiences any of the breakdowns listed below, or ones similar, you must contact a licensed plumber if you cannot repair it yourself. See our blog, “3 Household Plumbing Repairs You Should Know How to Do” for some help.

NON-Plumbing Emergencies:

✅ Moderate Leaks that Can Be Stopped with Main Water Shutoff Valve (i.e. water heater, water softener, cabinet pipes, etc.)
✅ Clogged Toilet or Drain
✅ Running Toilet
✅ No Hot Water
✅ Small Water Leaks (i.e. faucet, shower head, sink, etc.)
✅ Broken Plumbing Fixture

Contact a Trusted Indianapolis Master Plumber

Contact Weilhammer Plumbing Company at 317-784-1870 for home plumbing repairs and plumbing emergencies in Indianapolis, Indiana and its surrounding counties. 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 Check if Your Plumbing is Ready for Winter

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There are several ways the winter ice, snow, and climate can negatively affect your home’s plumbing systems. If you do not take certain measures to protect your plumbing from winter mayhem, you might be faced with some hefty repair and renovations costs come spring. After all, it is difficult to assess plumbing damages while the ground is covered in snow and ice. In most cases, homeowners are not aware of any issues until the snow melts and the damages are revealed.

Don’t let this happen to you this year or next! Instead, learn how to properly check and prepare your property’s plumbing to ensure it is ready for winter.

Indianapolis Plumbing Services 317-784-1870
Indianapolis Plumbing Services 317-784-1870

Interior Water Shut Off Valve

Every year, as soon as temperatures drop below 40 degrees Fahrenheit, it is wise to turn your inside water shut off valve to vertical to stop the outside drains from letting water flow through your pipes all winter. If you do not do this, water will continue to flow throughout the season, and thus pose the risk of frozen or burst plumbing pipes. It is important to flush out any leftover water in your irrigation lines and plumbing pipes once you are done using them for the season; otherwise, they can freeze up and lead to massive plumbing repairs and problems, overtime.

Outdoor Faucets and Hoses

After you have secured your interior water valve in a safe position for the season, implement an inspection of your outdoor faucets and spigots. Outdoor spigots, like irrigation lines, are more prone to collecting excess water. As a result, this excess water can freeze, and cause a water pressure to build up and damage pipes. See our blog, “Top 3 Ways to Prevent Frozen Outdoor Faucets” to learn how to get started. Accordingly, it is wise to organize and hang up all of your outdoor garden hoses. Water can also freeze within hoses, which can lead to rupturing come spring.

Gutters and Downspouts

Another consideration that is commonly overlooked as an area-of-focus for winter home maintenance preparation are gutter systems. Gutters can fill up with garbage and debris, which in turn collect and retain more water, and eventually freeze and thaw. All of this is bad for your house as it can cause cracking, warping, and water leaks. It is important to clean out your gutters and your downspouts before the winter season takes full effect. Otherwise, you may face several costly and invasive plumbing repairs once springtime is here.

Indianapolis Plumbing Inspections and Repairs

Call Weilhammer Plumbing Co. Inc. at 317-784-1870 for professional plumbing service and 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. Request a free estimate, today.