Top Tips for Garbage Disposal Maintenance

Posted on October 7, 2022 by weilhammerplumbing

A garbage disposal is a kitchen appliance that many homeowners find extremely useful. It helps to reduce the amount of food waste that goes into the trash, making it a more environmentally-friendly option. Additionally, it can help to keep your kitchen cleaner by preventing food scraps from sitting in the sink or on countertops. And, if you have a busy household, a garbage disposal can make mealtime cleanup much easier. Overall, a garbage disposal is a worthwhile investment for any homeowner who wants to reduce their environmental impact and make their life a little easier.

But in order to reap all the benefits that your garbage disposal has to offer, you must take good care of it. Continue below to learn some top tips for garbage disposal maintenance and care.

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Recommended Garbage Disposal Maintenance

If you have a garbage disposal in your home, it’s important to take good care of it. Here are some tips for how to keep your disposal running smoothly:

Run cold water while the disposal is in use. This will help keep things moving through the blades and prevent clogs.

Don’t pour grease or oil down the drain. These can solidify and cause clogs.

Avoid putting hard or fibrous foods like celery, banana peels, or corn husks down the disposal. These can damage the blades.

Run the disposal regularly, even if you don’t think there’s anything in it. This will help keep things moving and prevent rust.

If something does get stuck in the disposal, don’t reach in with your hands to try to remove it. Use a plunger or pliers instead.

By following these tips, you can help keep your garbage disposal running smoothly for years to come.

Garbage Disposal Repair

If your garbage disposal starts making strange noises, doesn’t work as well as it used to, or has stopped working entirely, it may be time for a repair. Below are some common signs that indicate a need for garbage disposal repair:

Strange Noises – If your garbage disposal starts making grinding, humming, or whistling noises, it may be an indication that the blades are dull, or something is caught in the disposal.

Decreased Performance – If your garbage disposal isn’t working as well as it used to, it may need to be repaired.

Stopped Working Entirely – If your garbage disposal has stopped working altogether, it will need to be repaired or replaced.

Burning Smell – A burning smell might indicate metal-on-metal friction when something is stuck in the blades or motor.

Is your garbage disposal giving you grief? Act now before the problem worsens. Contact Weilhammer Plumbing Company at 317-784-1870 for licensed and insured garbage disposal repair in Indianapolis, Indiana, and its surrounding counties. Our plumbers also provide garbage disposal replacement and carry a line of top-quality In Sink Erator®(ISE) Garbage Disposals at market low prices.

Why You Should Hire a Professional for Drain Cleaning Service

Posted on July 15, 2022 by weilhammerplumbing

Although there are drain augers and plastic drain snakes available on the market, these should only be used for minor clogs. If you are experiencing moderate to severe drain issues, you need comprehensive drain cleaning, which is a service that should only be carried out by a licensed and insured plumbing professional.

Continue reading to learn why such plumbing services are strictly for trained and equipped professionals, plus where to get a free estimate for drain clearing and cleaning in Indianapolis.

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Common Signs of Drain Trouble

It is easy to tell when you have a minor clogged drain problem. A slow draining sink or bathtub is likely the result of a minor obstruction or blockage within the drain itself. Typically, this is caused from shampoo and soap residues, hair, and general dirt and debris. Even if the drain is entirely clogged, it is likely a minor blockage that can be dislodged using a plunger or drain snake. On the other hand, a drain snake does not work on tougher drain problems, which tend to evade your attention for some time because they happen out of view. This is why regular home plumbing inspections are important.

Some common signs of moderate to major drain clogs include:

▭ A clogged drain that will not dislodge with a plunger or drain snake.
▭ A burst or leaking plumbing pipe.
▭ Water leaking from the base of the toilet.
▭ A bubbling toilet.
▭ Drains that smell bad.
▭ Puddles around the bathtub, shower, or sink.

If you are experiencing one or more of these drain issues, you will need to quickly hire a licensed plumber who can provide professional drain clearing and cleaning services.

The Importance of Hiring a Professional for Drain Repair and Cleaning

Professional plumbers are licensed and insured to perform comprehensive drain repairs and drain clearing services. They retain the proper permits, training, equipment, and resources to clean drains according to local building codes. In many cases, moderate to severe drain problems must be approached using video pipe inspection equipment and high-powered hydro-jetting technology, which uses high pressured hot steam to release and clear drain blockages. For less serious drain issues, a plumber may use a commercial hand-crank drain snake or motorized auger with success.

Are you worried that your drainage system might be having trouble? Contact Weilhammer Plumbing Company at 317-784-1870 for licensed and insured plumbing inspection service for drains, pipes, and more. We provide residential and commercial plumbing services in Indianapolis all throughout Central Indiana.

How to Solve a Dishwasher Drainage Problem

Posted on March 29, 2022 by weilhammerplumbing

Is you dishwasher not draining the way it should? Have you noticed a musty puddle of water at the bottom of the well after you run a load? If so, you are most definitely experiencing dishwasher machine drainage problems. Continue below to learn some troubleshooting tips for a problematic dishwasher that won’t seem to drain water.

Dishwasher Repair Indianapolis Indiana 317-784-1870

Flooded Dishwashers are a Sign of a Plumbing Issue

We understand the frustration you feel when you expect to open up your dishwasher to a freshly-cleansed load of dishes but get a waterfall of dirty, soapy water instead. Unfortunately, there is no amount of Rinse-Aid to eliminate the excess moisture. This is a dishwasher draining issue. Before getting into the reasons why your dishwasher is doing this, it is important to note that this type of problem calls for professional plumbing inspection and repair. Contact a licensed plumber in Indianapolis for dishwasher repair and water drainage repair services you can trust.

Common Causes of Poor Water Drainage in Dishwashers

There are a number of possible reasons why dishwashers fill up with water and fail to drain properly, yet in the plumbing industry, the most common seem to be garbage disposal backups, drain hose disconnections, and dirty drain filters. Additional causes include faulty pumps, design defects, and even motherboard malfunctions. Be sure to disconnect the power to your dishwasher before performing any type of inspection, and certainly before you intend to tamper around with it.

Dishwasher Not Draining?
Check These 3 Things Before Calling a Plumber:

Backed-Up Garbage Disposal

An obstruction or clogged garbage disposal can have an affect on the water drainage quality of your dishwasher. With long-term or major backups, dishwashers cannot drain properly after a cycle. Start your troubleshooting by clearing your garbage disposal. With a stream of hot water running next to the sink drain (not in the drain), flip your disposal on for 30 to 45 seconds. You can also use some liquid dishwashing soap to help loosen any obstructions.

Optional: Turn the power off to your garbage disposal. Then inspect the inside of the sink drain for any objects of obstructions.

Disconnected Drainage Hose

Often times, drain hoses that are attached to the sink or garbage disposal get knocked out of place, shifted, or even kinked. Before calling a plumber about your dishwasher drainage problems, check to see if these hoses are connected and in good condition. A worn-out or old drain hose should be replaced. This too could be the root of your plumbing issue.

Dirty Drain Filters

Drain filters, like all other filters, require routine cleaning or replacement, depending on what kind of filter product they are. If your dishwasher is not draining all the way after you run a cycle, it could be due to a dirty drain filter that is saturated with food particles, grease, soap residues, and more. Refer to your dishwasher owners’ manual for manufacturers’ instructions on how to access and clean the drain filter.

Are you still having plumbing issues at home or in the office? Contact Weilhammer Plumbing Company at 317-784-1870 for professional plumbing service and repair in Indianapolis, Indiana and its surrounding counties. We serve residential and commercial clients.

What You Need to Know Before Buying a New Garbage Disposal

Posted on October 27, 2021 by weilhammerplumbing

When you are moving into a new house or confronted with garbage disposal replacement, there are some things you need to know before buying a new unit and having it installed. Continue below to learn some garbage disposal buying facts that can save you from wasted time, money, and possibly municipal penalties.

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How to Buy a New Garbage Disposal

Garbage disposals are designed to last for 8 to 15 years. Whether your house was built decades ago and it’s time for a new disposal, you are moving into a new residence that is not yet equipped with a disposal, or your current unit broke down and you need to replace it with a new one, there are some things you need to know before hitting the market.

Check With the Local Building Authority

Your first point of duty is to check in with the local building authority to make sure your town permits garbage disposals. That’s right; not all metropolises allow residents to have garbage disposals because the municipal sewage system is not equipped to handle the volume of waste that generally passes through garbage disposals.

If you have a garbage disposal installed under the table, you could face certain local and state penalties, such as fines and restitution orders.

Think About the Regularity of Pipe and Drain Clogs

Does your home experience pipe and drain clogs on a regular basis or more frequently than normal? If so, your residence may not be compatible for garbage disposal installation. That doesn’t mean you cannot move forward with installing one; it simply means that a garbage disposal may cause more problems for your plumbing pipes and septic system than it would do good.

Think About Your Septic System

Food particles that pass through garbage disposal systems breakdown much slower, and therefore are prone to accumulating in the septic tank. This can clog up the septic system, causing a whole heap of damages to the interior and exterior of your property. So, be sure to first think about your septic system before buying a new garbage disposal. Contact the Indianapolis plumber who installed your septic system, or who pumps it, and ask them if it is compatible with a garbage disposal.

Factors to Consider When Shopping for a New Garbage Disposal

If your home, municipality, and septic system are all on board for a new garbage disposal, then you can start looking for a model that meets your needs. Here are some top factors to consider when you are looking for a new garbage disposal system:

Plumbing Compatibility

Noise Level

Horsepower

Size

Grinding Chamber Material

Direct-Wired or Plug-In

Batch Feed or Continuous Batch

Quick-Mounting System

Turn-And-Lock System

Recommended Features:

Anti-Jamming

Anti-Splash

Corrosion Protection

Quiet Noise Level

Garbage Disposal Costs

Garbage disposal systems can cost anywhere from a few hundred dollars to an upwards of $1,500. In addition to purchasing a new unit, you will also have to pay for installation, which generally costs between $300 and $500 depending on the size and complexity. Installation takes one to two hours on average.

Are you looking for garbage disposal installation or repair? Perhaps you are tired of dealing with clogged drains all the time? Is your septic tank on the fritz? Contact Weilhammer Plumbing Company at 317-784-1870 for residential and commercial plumbing services in Indianapolis, Indiana. We can help with all of this and more!

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How to Fix a Leaky Garbage Disposal

Posted on January 14, 2021 by weilhammerplumbing

Whether your garbage disposal is leaking from the top, the side, or the bottom, it needs to be an immediate priority to resolve the issue, before any permanent or costly damages can occur. Continue below to learn why your garbage disposal is leaking, and what you can do to fix the problem, correctly and cost-effectively.

Indianapolis Garbage Disposal Repair 317-784-1870

Top Causes of Garbage Disposal Leaks

There are many reasons why garbage disposals leak, from incompatible plumbing fittings to improper installation. But the top causes of a leaking garbage disposal are generally loose sink flanges, damaged or detached drain line connections, and damaged internal seals. Be sure to routinely clean and service your garbage disposal by a licensed and certified and trusted plumber to prevent major issues such as these. More importantly, if you notice garbage disposal leakage, act fast, immediately in fact, because small water leak can quickly turn into a disaster.

Garbage Disposals That Leak from the Top

The most common cause for a garbage disposal that leaks from the top is a loose sink flange. Fortunately, this is a minor and quick fix, so long as you know what you are doing, or you hire a professional to do it for you. A sink flange is a component that connects the garbage disposal to the sink. Sometimes, the plumbers’ putty can wear away, causing the flange to become loose. To fix, loosen the bolts, add some more plumbers’ putty around the seal of the sink flange, and then tighten the bolts back up. If you see that there is plenty of putty, simply check that the bolts are tight enough, as this could be the overall cause of the loose flange.

Garbage Disposals That Leak from the Bottom

A damaged, cracked, or worn out internal seal is the common cause of a bottom-leaking garbage disposal. In this case, it means that the garbage disposal is the component that needs repaired. If the water is leaking from a crack on the outside of the garbage disposal, it cannot be repaired, and instead, the entire unit must be replaced. Sometimes, the disposal unit gets shifted around as a result of storing items underneath the sink. Check that is it properly aligned, and make any necessary adjustments to put it back into its place.

Garbage Disposals That Leak from the Sides

A side leak on a garbage disposal unit typically indications a poor or lost drain line connection. In many residential kitchen systems, it is common for a dishwasher to be connected to the garbage disposal via a drainpipe, which directs all the collected debris and dirty water out of the house after the dish washing cycle. In some cases, the metal clamp that keeps the drainpipe in place can come loose or detach if the screws and rubber gasket sealing the pipe loses adhesiveness. Check this metal clamp to see if this is what’s causing your garbage disposal to leak. Tighten them back up with a screwdriver, and then check to see that the actual hose to ensure it has not been torn or compromised in any way.

Where to Get Trusted Plumbing Service and Garbage Disposal Repair in Indianapolis

Call Weilhammer Plumbing Company at 317-784-1870 for professional garbage disposal repair and water leak repair in Indianapolis, Indiana. Master plumber, Mark Weilhammer, is happy to provide free estimates, free advice, and a wide range of affordable plumbing services for residential and commercial properties, including full-service plumbing inspections to ensure you are protected against water leaks and do not have any current or impending water damage. Request a free estimate, today.

How to Make Homemade Drain Dissolving Cleaner

Posted on August 19, 2020 by weilhammerplumbing

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 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.

Frequently Asked Questions About Garbage Disposals

Posted on June 5, 2020 by weilhammerplumbing

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.

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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.

Common Christmas Plumbing Mishaps to Avoid This Year

Posted on December 19, 2019 by weilhammerplumbing

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

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?

Posted on December 11, 2019 by weilhammerplumbing

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 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.

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.