Top 3 Plumbing Tips for Sewer Maintenance

Posted on November 27, 2019 by weilhammerplumbing

Last week, we discussed the top three ways you can prevent your outdoor faucets and spigots from freezing over this winter. This week, we want to focus our attention on sewer line maintenance. Many homeowners are unaware that their certain precautions they can take to ensure their sewer systems remain functional and efficient all year long. Proper sewer line maintenance should be a top priority for all homeowners considering no one wants to get stuck dealing with the sewer overflow or backup.

Continue reading to learn the top three recommended plumbing tips for residential and commercial sewer maintenance.

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Risks of Sewer Overflows and Backups

In the case of a sewer overflow or backup, not only is the situation incredibly tedious and costly to resolve, it can pose several health and safety risks to people and pets. For this reason, it is important to make sure your sewer line system is always operating optimally and efficiently. Below are the top three tips you can use to enhance your sewer line maintenance plan. It is also recommended to talk to a professional Indianapolis plumber for answers to your sewer line repair and service questions.

Have Your Drains Cleaned Routinely

It is important to have your drains professionally cleaned on a routine basis. Not only can this help prevent issues of sewer lines, it can prevent several other plumbing breakdowns and implications. This saves you both time and money in repairs and inconvenience. In between professional cleanings, you can also clean your drains on your own. See our blog, “Unclog Any Drain With These 4 Simple Steps” to learn more. It is recommended to have your drains professionally cleaned at least once a year; but for homes with four or more occupants, it is better to have your drains cleaned twice a year.

Choose Your Landscaping Wisely

Many homeowners are unaware that several different types of tree and shrub species can be invasive enough to damage your underground utilities and plumbing, including your sewer lines. Trees such as Willows have heavy and aggressive root systems that can sometimes enter underground plumbing pipes and sewer lines. Even tree species that are not known to have invasive root systems can do damage. So before remodeling your landscaping, consider how it might affect your property’s underground plumbing systems.

Pay Attention to Sewer Line Clean-Outs

You know those plastic white tubes with caps sticking out of the ground on your property? These are your clean-outs, and they provide direct access to your sewer lines. Without proper routine maintenance and cleaning, they’ll eventually begin to produce a stinky gas smell, which is something incredibly off-putting for anyone who cares about their quality of comfort around their home. Every few months, give your clean-outs a check, and be sure they are filled with water. If one of the caps is a little loose, be sure to get it tightly secured again.

Indianapolis Sewer Line Plumbing Services

Contact Weilhammer Plumbing Company at 317-784-1870 for home plumbing services 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.

New Homeowner Plumbing Advice

Posted on November 14, 2019 by weilhammerplumbing

If you are preparing to move into a new house, whether several years old or new construction, there are plenty of important considerations you need to make regarding your plumbing systems. This includes your standard plumbing pipes, lines, and fixtures, as well as all water-related appliances, such as water heaters, water softeners, dishwashers, washing machines, and more.

To get started on the right foot, continue reading to learn the top plumbing tips for new home owners.

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Get Inspected

Although it is best to get your plumbing systems inspected before you move in, it is still vital to move forward with a comprehensive inspection even if you are already living in your new house. An inspection is one of the most important tasks to follow through with because it will serve to locate minor problems or needs early on, which prevents costly, invasive plumbing disasters down the line. It can also help set up your home for optimal plumbing efficiency.

Find Your Main Water Shut-Off Valve

During your plumbing inspection, your contractor will show you where your home’s main water shut-off valve is located. This will be incredibly important to you if you ever experience a plumbing emergency or water leak, or simply need to leave out of town for a trip. Be sure to learn how to move and operate your valve during your inspection.

Have Your Drains Cleaned

Although this is not as important for new construction homes, professional drain cleaning is a must for anyone moving into a house that was previously occupied. You would be astonished to learn what plumbers find in pipes and fixtures during a drain cleaning project. Things like feminine hygiene products, paper towels, dental floss, hair accessories, and even small toys are common.

These things can cause major blockages and inefficient performance, all of which costs you money. Once you have your drains cleaned professionally, be sure to maintain their condition with routine, DIY drain cleaning. Read our blog, “Why You Need to Stop Using OTC Drainage Cleaner” to learn important safety information about cleaning your drains at home.

Winterize Your Outdoor Plumbing

If you are moving into your new house right before the winter, take the initiative to winterize your outdoor plumbing. It is recommended to cover outdoor exposed plumbing pipes, and detach all garden hoses from their spigots. This will help prevent frozen pipes, which can ultimately lead to burst pipes in the spring. See our blog, “Tips for Winter Plumbing Maintenance” for more help.

Keep a Trusted Indianapolis Plumber on Speed Dial

Call Weilhammer Plumbing Co. Inc. at 317-784-1870 when you need licensed Indianapolis plumbing services 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 advice, and even free haul-away for old plumbing appliances like water heaters, water softeners, sump pumps, and more. Request a free estimate, today.

Why Does My Bathtub Drain Smell Bad?

Posted on October 23, 2019 by weilhammerplumbing

If your nose is starting to pick up on a sewage-like smell in your bathroom, don’t assume it’s your toilet. Often times, bathtub drains can start to emit a smell that is similar to sewer water or even rotten eggs. There are industry-proven reasons why this plumbing circumstance occurs, and several easy solutions to treatment and prevention!

Continue reading to learn what’s causing your bathtub drain to stink, and what you can do to fix the problem.

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Smelly Bathtub Drain

Are you someone that usually showers, but every now and then takes a nice soak in your bathtub? If so, you are likely more prone to a stinky drain problem. One of the most common causes for a smelly bathtub drain is bacteria accumulation or growth, which can occur if there is standing water within the plumbing pipes near the drain.

A rotten egg smell suggests that your water has a high concentration of hydrogen sulfide gas, which comes from bacteria growth as a result of soap, dirt, hair, and other materials sitting inside the pipes. A simple way to remove the smell is to simply run some hot water for a few minutes, and move the standing water through your plumbing system.

Still Smells Bad?

Sometimes, even after clearing the standing water, the drain will still emit a slight odor, or later, the odor will come back full-strength. This happens as a result of residual bacteria within the drain and surrounding pipes. To resolve this issue, simply concoct a homemade, non-toxic drain cleaner and use it to cleanse and sanitize your bathtub drain. To use your solution, start by emptying all the water from the tub.

Then pour one cup of baking soda down the clogged drain. Use a wooden spoon to pack it all the way down inside the drain. Follow up with one cup of distilled white vinegar and allow the mixture to sit for 5 to 10 minutes. Finish by running hot water from the faucet down into the drain for several minutes. If the clog still hasn’t cleared, repeat this step or contact an Indianapolis plumber for emergency drain service.

Drain Protection and Prevention

Routine drain cleaning is one strongly recommended approach to ensuring optimal drain performance and utility. However, it is also important to ensure you do your part to prevent clogged drains and defects. See our blog, “Don’t Make These 5 Drain Cleaning Mistakes” to help you organize a safe and effective care plan for your home’s drains. Got a sink drainage problem, instead? Read our blog, “How to Fix a Slow Draining Sink” to learn what you can do.

Need Professional Drain Clearing in Indianapolis?

Contact Weilhammer Plumbing Company at 317-784-1870 for residential and commercial drain clearance and plumbing services in Indianapolis, Indiana. Our state-licensed 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.

Why You Need to Stop Using OTC Drainage Cleaner

Posted on October 16, 2019 by weilhammerplumbing

When you have a clogged drain at home, do you instantly reach for a bottle of liquid drain cleaner? If so, it is time to put that habit to rest. Using over-the-counter drainage detergents is a risky and consequential approach to DIY drain clearing. Not only can it decrease the life of your plumbing pipes, it can affect your monthly water and energy expenses as well.

Continue reading to learn why OTC drain cleansers are terrible for your home’s plumbing pipes, as well as a safer alternative to do-it-yourself drain cleaning.

A Warning About Liquid Drain Cleaners

Consumers use liquid drain cleaners because they work fast; but the reality is that they only solve the issue temporarily. Long-term use of liquid drain cleaner can lead to more serious problems with your home’s plumbing, which in turn costs you a lot of money in repairs.

You see, popular OTC drain cleaners, like Drano®, are formulated with harsh ingredients, like salt, bleach, lye, aluminum, and sodium nitrate, all of which are highly damaging to galvanized piping and even copper plumbing. It can lead to toilet bowl cracks, melt PVC piping, and corrode the adhesive that connects metal plumbing pipes together.

What’s even more troubling is the fact that liquid drain detergents are incredibly caustic, and can cause severe injury to your skin, eyes, nose, throat, mouth, and lungs. This is especially hazardous to young children and pets. It is also possible to liquid drain cleaners to pollute and contaminate the local water supplies, and thus, cause harm to the surrounding environment.

Make Your Own Drain Cleaner

All you need to clear a clogged drain is a simple drain auger, also known as a drain snake, and a few safe, non-toxic household ingredients, like baking soda and distilled white vinegar. Simply poor a ½ cup of baking soda down the drain, followed by 1 cup of distilled white vinegar. Allow the drain to fizz for a few minutes, then run hot water through the drain until it is unclogged. Toss in a few push and pulls of a drain auger (or plunger), and you have yourself a fail-safe approach to drain cleaning, without all the risk!

Got a Clogged Drain That You Can’t Seem to Fix?

Contact Weilhammer Plumbing Company at 317-784-1870 when you need trusted residential plumbing services in Indianapolis, Indiana and its surrounding counties. Our state-licensed 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.

Quick Guide to Unclogging Your Bathtub

Posted on October 9, 2019 by weilhammerplumbing

When your ankles are underwater, you can’t feel really good about your shower experience. Accordingly, wiping away a residual dark ring around the perimeter of the tub is not something anyone wants to add to their daily bathing routine. Fortunately, with a quick unclogging, your bathtub will be a place of tranquility once again. Worried about the process? Don’t be; unclogging a bathtub drain is really simple so long as you have the right supplies and knowledge. You can even appoint your preteens and teens to do the job for you!

Continue below to learn what you need and how to get started, as well as, what to do if your bathtub drain is too clogged to fix yourself.

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What You Will Need:

✑ 4-in-1 Screw Driver
✑ Drain Auger (or wire coat hanger)
✑ Rubber Gloves
✑ Trash Bag
✑ Baking Soda
✑ Distilled White Vinegar
✑ Boiling Water

Instructions:

❶ Start by removing your bathtub stopper. If it is a plug, then you can move onto the next step. To remove a drop stopper (the kind you twist and push-in), use a Philips head screwdriver. You’ll find the screw underneath the stopper head, on the shaft. For push and lock stoppers (push in to close and push in to open), you will just need to unscrew the stopper using your fingers. Then remove the shaft using your screw driver. Be sure to set your stoppers off to the side somewhere safe.

❷ Put on your rubber gloves and peek into the drain. You will most likely see a clump of hair or some slimy residue. This is normal. Grab your drain auger and trash bag. And get ready to dive in.

❸ Insert the drain auger into the bathtub drain as far down as it will go. Then pull it up and out all the way. This may take a few tries. But don’t give up. It will fit down there. You can help release some of the clog by pouring a small amount of liquid dish soap into the drain. It can help to loosen the debris and allow the auger to reach farther.

❹ Place the removed debris into your trash bag, and continue to repeat step 3 until you can no longer bring anything back up.

❺ Pour a homemade drain cleaner down the drain and follow its instructions. To use your own, pour 1 cup baking soda into the drain, followed by 2 cups of boiling water. Then pour another cup of baking soda into the drain followed by 1 cup of white vinegar. Cover the drain, allow it to sit for several minutes, and then rinse with 2 more cups of boiling water.

❻ Replace your bathtub stopper. And now you are done!

✨ If the clog persists or turns out to be too severe, contact a licensed plumber right away. They have the tools and training to deliver safe and effective solutions at a fair price.

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.

FAQS About Laundry Room Plumbing Problems

Posted on July 4, 2019 by weilhammerplumbing

Does your laundry room give you trouble every time you need to run the washing machine? If so, you are not alone. Several homeowners struggle with the same kinds of laundry room plumbing issues. Fortunately, there is always a solution right around the corner. Continue reading to review some of the most frequently asked questions about such plumbing problems, and learn what you need to know about getting your laundry room back in order.

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Why Does Smelly Water Come Up Through the Floor Drain When I Do a Load of Laundry?

When the drain nearest your washing machine seems to overflow with smelly water every time you run a load, it is likely due to a blocked vent or branch line. To determine the actual cause, and to implement a solution, you will need to hire a licensed plumber. If you do not want to jump straight into hiring a professional, you can try to unclog the drain yourself using a drain auger or drain snake.

See our blog, “Choose the Right Auger for Serious Plumbing Clogs” to learn what you need to know about these tools. Whatever you do, do not use a liquid drain cleaner; not only is this ineffective, it can be damaging to your plumbing. Furthermore, if your pipes are made of steel or cast iron, you need to avoid acid-based cleaners, as these will eat through the zinc coating on galvanized pipes, and lead to exponential corrosion.

Why Does My Washing Machine Bubble and Overflow?

One of the top causes for an overflowing washing machine is overloading. Running a cycle that is too big for the machine can cause bubbling, overflows, and decreased efficiency. Another top cause for an overflowing washing machine is too much detergent. Check to ensure you are using the recommended amount of detergent, whether in liquid, powder, granule, or capsule form. Keep in mind that some detergents are concentrated, which means you use significantly less than a conventional product.

If these are not the cause, you will need to hire a licensed plumber to diagnose the issue. It could be due to pump failure, or a clogged drain or sewer line. If you catch your washing machine overflowing or bubbling over, immediately stop the cycle and turn the machine off. If the water is still overflowing, it could be due to a defective water inlet valve or pressure switch. You could also have water pressure issues.

Can I Increase My Energy Efficiency in My Laundry Room?

Yes! All you have to do is make a few small changes to your routine and surrounding environment. For starters, use cold water instead of hot water to wash your loads. The majority of energy a washing machines uses is to heat water, so by using cold cycles, you can save a substantial amount of energy. If you really need to use hot water, consider adjusting your water heater temperature setting to 120 degrees, rather than the default 140 degrees. Also, be sure you are washing full loads, and if you are not washing a full load, be sure to adjust the water settings to avoid wasting too much.

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.

How to Fix a Slow Draining Sink

Posted on January 8, 2019 by weilhammerplumbing

One of the most common plumbing problems is a slow draining sink. Although common and quite obnoxious, you’ll be happy to discover that this issue is relatively easy to fix. Even with little to no handiwork experience, it is very likely that you can take on the problem all by yourself.

Continue reading to learn what you need and how to get started!

The first step to determining how to fix a slow draining sink is to figure out what is causing the drain obstruction. There are many circumstances that can cause a sink to drain slowly, namely large blockages. Debris like hair, soap residue, food, garbage, and other items can accumulate or get stuck in the drain, which is often the reason why it drains slowly. To learn what’s causing your slow draining sink, you will need to gather some specific supplies. Then to fix your slow draining sink, you will need some more supplies.

Here is What You Will Need:

→ Drain Cleaner (store-bought or homemade; see below)

→ Drain Snake/Auger

→ Plunger

→ Pipe Cleaners

→ Garbage Can or Trash Bag

→ Adjustable Wrench

How to Get Started:

First, use your auger or drain snake tool to clear out any loose debris from the drain. Simply follow the manufacturers’ instructions for using a drain auger. Insert the drain snake deep into the drain, give it a twist, and then slowly pull it out. You will see a lot of nasty residue, hair, dental floss, and other items that have made it down the drain recently.

If you cannot fit your auger into the drain well enough because it has a pop-up (cap-like cover) on top of it, you can remove the pop up and continue cleaning your drain. In fact, even if the auger fits with the pop-up attached, it is better to remove it to begin with in order to get a more thorough clean. Use your adjustable wrench to loosen the nut that connects the pop-up cap to the drain.

If there still seems to be an obstruction of sorts, resort to using your plunger. A plunger will help to dislodge any hair balls or heavy soap buildups, and allow better results with a drain auger and cleaner. Just give your drain a few pumps with the plunger, and work the auger in between. You may need to repeat this step a few times.

Next, you want to use your drain cleaner. You can use a homemade drain cleaning solution, or a store-bought cleaner. See our article, “Homemade Eco-Friendly Cleaning Solutions for Drains and More” to learn how to make your own.

After you have cleaned out any drain obstructions, you are likely done. However, if your sink drain is still draining slowly after the above steps, move onto the sink overflow opening. This is the small round hole in the face of the sink, just below the faucet. The sink overflow opening can sometimes get obstructed with soap residue and other types of sink debris. Use pipe cleaners or another similar, non-abrasive tool to reach inside the opening and pull out (or loosen) any obstructing debris.

Preventing Drain Issues

The only way to prevent a drain blockage in the future is to routinely clean out your sink and shower drains. Regularly use drain cleaner, and periodically snake your drains using a drain auger. Also, be sure to be responsible with your sink drains to prevent other issues. See our article, “Never Put These Items Down the Sink Drain!” to learn more.

Professional Indianapolis Plumbing Service

Weilhammer Plumbing Company 317-784-1870

Call Weilhammer Plumbing Co. Inc. at 317-784-1870 when you need a licensed Indianapolis plumber you can trust for quality plumbing service and installation 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.

Necessary Plumbing Tools to Have at Home

Posted on August 23, 2018 by weilhammerplumbing

Whether you rent or own, there are some standard plumbing supplies you should always have on hand around the house in case of an emergency. Continue reading to learn which ones are recommended for your home, and how they can help you with everyday plumbing repair needs.

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Plunger

A plunger is very basic in terms of home plumbing supplies. However, many people often forget to get a new plunger when they move into a new home, and only come to realize it when they need one. Plungers are most known for unclogging toilets, but they are also useful for alleviating clogged drains in showers and sinks. Plungers come in a wide variety of sizes, colors, and quality, so they will also vary in price. Fortunately, you can get yourself a perfectly good plunger for as little as a few dollars.

Adjustable Wrench

It is wise to have an adjustable wrench on hand, or a ratcheting wrench set, for everyday plumbing repair and maintenance needs. Whether your faucet is leaking, a toilet seat needs re-tightened, or your P-trap has an obstruction that needs to be removed, a wrench on hand will allow you to take care of these jobs with ease. It is especially helpful to have a wrench for faucet leaks since it can protect your home from water damage and save you money on wasted water.

Drain Snake Cleaner Kit

Sometimes a plunger is not enough to fix a clogged drain problem. Drains like bathroom sinks, tubs, and showers are known to accumulate soap residue, hair, dead skin, and more, which can cause an unrelenting obstruction after sometime. A simple drain auger, often called a “drain snake”, and some drain cleaner are the best tools to have on hand for these clogged drains. The snake pushes deep within the drain and pulls out blockage and debris, while the drain cleaner eliminates the sticky, viscous residues within. These kits are very inexpensive, and come in a wide variety of brands.

Plumbers Tape

You wouldn’t think to stock up on something like plumbers tape when moving into a new place. However, it is highly likely that you will eventually find yourself in need of some. If you are installing a new showerhead or trying to stop a leaky pipe under the sink, some plumbers tape will serve you well in a bind. Also known as “thread seal tape” and “PTFE tape”, plumbers tape is a polytetrafluoroethylene film tape that creates a seal by warping into the shape of the pipe. Costing as little as $1, and sometimes less, plumbers tape is a useful tool to have around the house.

Professional Indianapolis Plumbing Repair

Weilhammer Plumbing Company 317-784-1870

Call Weilhammer Plumbing Co. Inc. at 317-784-1870 when you need a licensed Indianapolis plumber you can trust for quality plumbing service and repair 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 Clean With Undiluted White Vinegar

Posted on March 13, 2018 by weilhammerplumbing

There are several items right in your very own kitchen that provide cheaper and environmentally-friendly alternatives for cleaning and sanitizing. Items like lemons, baking soda, and even vanilla extract are all chemical-free alternatives to everyday cleaning solutions. One of the safest and most effective eco-friendly alternatives to using toxic chemicals is cleaning with vinegar. Apple cider vinegar, rice vinegar, red wine vinegar, and more are all popular types of vinegar found in the kitchen pantry; but when it comes to cleaning, both diluted and undiluted white vinegar is the optimal choice.

Continue reading to learn what you can clean around the house using diluted and undiluted white vinegar.

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Diluted White Vinegar

Diluted white vinegar is only mildly acidic, so it’s perfect for dissolving dirt, limescale, hard water deposits, soap scum, and other residues from smooth or delicate surfaces. Although acidic enough to dissolve caked-on residues, it can also be gentle enough to clean hardwood floors when combined with fresh water. It is a natural deodorizer that absorbs odors rather than covering them up. So it not only rids unwanted dirt and residue, it freshens the surface and removes odors as well.

It may seem like your surfaces will only smell of vinegar after cleaning, but the acidic smell evaporates and goes away as it dries. And since white vinegar is colorless and lacks coloring agents, it will not stain tile, flooring, grout, marble, granite, or other surfaces. One interesting fact about diluted white vinegar is that it can replace fabric softener! Since it has detergent residue cutting abilities, it softens fabrics for those with sensitive skin.

To use on countertops, tiles, backsplashes, toilets, and similar kitchen and bathroom surfaces, simply add white vinegar and water in a spray bottle and apply as needed. Then just wipe away with a clean rag as you would with any other store-bought cleaning solution. For extra soiled surfaces, warm the solution up just slightly, and allow it to sit on the surface for 15 minutes before rinsing clean.

Undiluted White Vinegar

Undiluted white vinegar is simply white vinegar, straight-up. It is not cut with water to make its acidity levels lower. It is very acidic, but still perfect for tougher around-the-house chores. Heaver soap scum deposits on shower walls, sinks, and more can all be cleaned with undiluted white vinegar.

Tough hard water deposits, clogged shower heads, mineral buildup on faucets, stained toilet bowls, tough toilet odors, refrigerator odors, soiled bathtubs, and more can all be cleaned with undiluted white vinegar as well. Be sure to use gloves and protective eye gear when working with large quantities of acidic solutions like these. Eye and skin irritation can occur for some.

To clean a caked or clogged shower head, fill a plastic bag with undiluted white vinegar, place it around the shower head so that the head is submerged in the liquid. Then secure the bag around the head with a tie or band. Allow it to sit overnight, then rinse thoroughly the next day.

Indianapolis Plumbing Repair Pros

Weilhammer Plumbing Company 317-784-1870

Call Weilhammer Plumbing Co. Inc. at 317-784-1870 for master plumbing repair in Indianapolis, Indiana. If your plumbing fixtures are old, we can replace them! If you have plumbing repair needs, we maintain the most economical prices in town! We have been in 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 plumbing advice, today.

Basement Plumbing Maintenance Tips

Posted on July 18, 2017 by weilhammerplumbing

The basement in your home is just like any other room in the house, therefore, it requires the same level of attention when it comes to something as significant and influential as plumbing. Whether your basement is finished or not, it is important to implement all the necessary basement maintenance tasks in order to protect it from future plumbing problems and costly repairs. Continue reading to learn what you should be doing and when you should be doing it, in regards to your basement’s plumbing.

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Water Shut-Off

It is vital that you and every member of your family know where the main water shut off valve is located on the property. In the case of a burst pipe, heavy leak, or flood, shutting of the water supply to the house is a critical step in managing the problem. In most homes, the main water shut off is located where the main supply pipe enters the house coming up through the basement floor. This is usually near or next to the main water meter on the exterior of the home, and near the water heater and water softener inside the home.

Water Leaks

Check for water leaks every few months by inspecting your water meter. Choose a day and time when the water is not being used inside the home and record the reading from your water meter. Wait ten hours, and then check the reading on the meter again. If the lever has moved within this short time period, you may have an undetected leak somewhere in your plumbing system. If you have water hammer issues, try installing shock absorbers in the water lines. Talk to your Indianapolis plumber for details about this service.

Sump Pumps

It is important to inspect and pump your sump pump system every 3 to 5 years. Not only does this protect the system’s filter field, which is costly to replace, it allows for smoother operation. In between this time period, you want to periodically test the sump pump by pouring a bucket of water in the sump pit. If it is working properly, it should turn on, eliminate the water from the pit, and shut off again, all within a matter of seconds. If it doesn’t do this, call your plumber. It is a good idea to always be replacing worn out parts on your sump pump to encourage optimal performance and prevent inconvenient break downs. And be sure you have a backup sump pump in case this ever happens!

Drains

A clogged basement drain is an inconvenience since they are there for an important purpose. Most basement drains are responsible for eliminating wastewater from washing machines, dishwashers, air conditioners, water heaters, and even things like melting snow. By cleaning the basement drains on a routine basis, you can prevent backups that lead to costly repairs. A good boiling water, baking soda, and vinegar bath always does the trick!

Indianapolis Plumbing Service

Weilhammer Plumbing Company 317-784-1870

Call Weilhammer Plumbing Company at 317-784-1870 when you need a reliable Indianapolis plumber that will show up on time and ready to work. Owner, Mark Weilhammer, and his team of licensed and insured plumbers, retain decades of experience in the plumbing industry. We offer a wide range of plumbing service and repair for both commercial and residential properties. Request a free estimate, today!