Top Two Causes for a Leaking Garbage Disposal

Posted on July 25, 2019 by weilhammerplumbing

When you discover that your garbage disposal unit is leaking, your first priority should be to mitigate the water damage. From there, you must determine the underlying cause before you can move forward with a repair. Fortunately, most garbage disposal leaks are caused by minor issues that can be easily repaired; sometimes on your own!

Continue reading to learn the top two causes for garbage disposal leaks, as well as, what you can do to repair them.

Garbage Disposal Maintenance

It is important to stay on top of routine maintenance when it comes to your home’s plumbing systems. After all, it is one of the most vital systems in a household. But typically, the garbage disposal is overlooked. On a routine basis, you should clean out the disposal to eliminate food and solid residues, sanitize it to eliminate bacteria and other contaminants, and most importantly, have it inspected and serviced by a licensed plumber when it starts to show signs of problems.

Garbage Disposal Leaks

There are many reasons why a garbage disposal might leak; however, the top two causes for garbage disposal leaks are a defective gasket or a defective flange. Take a look below to learn more about each, including how to fix them.

Leaky Gasket

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. But how do you know this is your problem? If the leak is coming from the top rim where the seal mounts to the flange, it could be caused by a leaky gasket.

To repair a leaking gasket, you will need to replace it with a new one. Visit your local home improvement store to purchase replacement garbage disposal gaskets. They are inexpensive, but just be sure to get the right kind. There are some garbage disposal units that require a special type of gasket. If in doubt, refer to your owners’ manual.

Leaky Flange

Another common cause for a leaking garbage disposal is a defective flange. 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. How do you know if this is your problem? If the leak is coming from the very upper portion of the unit, it could be a flange leak.

To repair a leaking flange, there are a few options depending on the cause of the leak. The unit may just need to be re-tightened from underneath the sink, or the flange itself will need to be replaced. In other causes, the unit might need to be removed so that the plumbers’ putty can be reapplied, or so the flange can be released and the garbage disposal can be rehung.

Indianapolis Garbage Disposal Repair

If your garbage disposal is on the fritz, contact Weilhammer Plumbing Company at 317-784-1870 for garbage disposal installation and repair in Indianapolis, Indiana its surrounding areas.

How to Treat Garbage Disposal Odors

Posted on November 6, 2017 by weilhammerplumbing

One of the most powerful and important machines in your kitchen is the garbage disposal unit. Not only does it help prevent plumbing clogs and backups, it helps to keep your kitchen clean. But sometimes, sink drains can start to smell funny, or produce a foul odor that seeps into the other areas of your home. And quite often, the root of the problem is a dirty garbage disposal. Continue reading to learn how to maintain a fresh garbage disposal, and how to treat a smelly one.

Indianapolis Garbage Disposal Repair 317-784-1870

Garbage Disposal Care

Since the garbage disposal is one of your most valued kitchen appliances, you want to be sure you take great care of it at all times. This means minding what you put down it so that it does not clog or malfunction, as well as, ensuring it is cleaned and sanitized on a regular basis. Failing to meet these requirements can lead to a smelly garbage disposal unit, or worse, costly plumbing repairs and replacements.

Odor Control

If your garbage disposal is giving off an offensive smell, you can use some common items found around the house or at your local department store. First, you will need to sanitize, and then you will need to refresh. Start by using distilled white vinegar and baking soda. Pour a cup of baking soda down your drain, and follow it with one fourth a cup of vinegar. Finish by rinsing with hot water for a few minutes while switching your disposal on and off throughout. To refresh your disposal, you can use citrus rinds from oranges, limes, or lemons. Simply place one cup of rinds into the disposal and grind them down for a minute. Then continue grinding them down with running water. The oils of the rinds will stick to the blades and provide an organic freshener for your drain.

Odor Prevention

If you want to maintain a fresh-smelling garbage disposal, you will need to refrain from putting certain food items down the unit. Avoid putting rotten or spoiled foods in the garbage disposal, as well as, anything that can rot, such as raw meat or fish. Furthermore, avoid putting anything else down the drain that has a bad odor. Then be sure to sanitize and refresh with citrus rinds on a monthly basis.

Garbage Disposal Malfunctions

If your garbage disposal is clogged or making strange noises, you will need to contact an Indianapolis plumber for professional assistance. They have the tools and knowledge to inspect and service your garbage disposal unit, safely and efficiently. Accordingly, if the wiring for your garbage disposal unit is exposed to water, you will need to refrain from touching it and contact a professional right away. This is especially time sensitive if you see smoke coming from the unit.

Indianapolis Garbage Disposal Installation and Repair

Weilhammer Plumbing Company 317-784-1870

Call Weilhammer Plumbing Company at 317-784-1870 for Indianapolis garbage disposal repair you can trust. Master plumber, Mark Weilhammer, provides residential and commercial plumbing repair at the most competitive prices in town. Call 317-784-1870 to request a free estimate, today.

The Benefits of Having a Garbage Disposal Unit

Posted on June 12, 2017 by weilhammerplumbing

Indianapolis Garbage Disposal Repair 317-784-1870

If you are looking for a new place to live, be sure to add “garbage disposal” on your list of must haves. Otherwise, if your home does not have a garbage disposal unit, it is time to consider having one installed. Garbage disposals provide immeasurable convenience since using a kitchen without one would be more work and require a tedious amount of concentration, especially with food preparation. In contrast, garbage disposals allow food scraps to enter the drain without fear of clogging the plumbing.

Continue reading to learn why having a garbage disposal is so beneficial, for both residential and commercial properties.

✅ Kitchen and Plumbing Convenience

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. Less effort is needed to discard fruit and vegetable scraps, meat trimmings, leftovers, and more. There is no need to dig into your kitchen sink drain to fish out potato peels, tangerine rinds, and other scraps that may have fallen inside. Without a garbage disposal, you would need to protect your drain with a drain stopper to avoid clogging up the plumbing pipes in the kitchen. Clogged pipes left unresolved can lead to costly and invasive plumbing repairs and renovations.

✅ Investment Protection

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.

✅ 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 work space.

Garbage Disposal Installation and Repair

Weilhammer Plumbing Company 317-784-1870

If you do not already have a garbage disposal, it is in your best interest to have one installed by a professional plumbing contractor. Not only will this investment protect your plumbing, it will provide convenience and peace of mind. Be sure to choose a quality unit from a reliable manufacturer. If your garbage disposal is not functioning as it should, contact a licensed Indianapolis plumber for garbage disposal repair service. They have the knowledge and resources to get your disposal back on track in no time at all.

Call Weilhammer Plumbing Company at 317-784-1870 for garbage disposal installation and repair services you can trust. Master plumber, Mark Weilhammer, provides residential and commercial plumbing repair at the most competitive prices in town. Call 317-784-1870 to request a free estimate for Indianapolis garbage disposal repair, today.

Garbage Disposal Plumbing Tips

Posted on September 13, 2016 by weilhammerplumbing

Indianapolis Garbage Disposal Repair 317-784-1870

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

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

Simple Garbage Disposal Fixes

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

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

Garbage Disposal Odor Elimination

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

Professional Plumbing Service

Weilhammer Plumbing Company Indianapolis Indiana

Weilhammer Plumbing Company 317-784-1870

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

Does Your Kitchen Sink Stink?

Posted on April 2, 2015 by weilhammerplumbing

Indianapolis Garbage Disposal Repair 317-784-1870

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

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

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

Bacteria

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

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

Garbage Disposal

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

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

Roof Vents

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

Weilhammer Plumbing Co. Inc.

Weilhammer Plumbing Company 317-784-1870

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

Never Put This Stuff in a Garbage Disposal!

Posted on February 20, 2015 by weilhammerplumbing

Clogged Drain Repair 317-784-1870

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

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

Garbage Disposal Awareness

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

Fatty Oils

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

Starches

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

Fibrous Waste

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

Fruit and Vegetable Pits

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

Coffee Grounds

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

Paper Garbage

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

Weilhammer Plumbing Co. Inc.

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

Tips for Avoiding Clogged Drains at Home

Posted on December 3, 2014 by weilhammerplumbing

Indianapolis Plumbing Repair 317-784-1870

Holidays this time of year are for friends and families to come together and unite in peace, love, and harmony. This also means extra house guests, visits, parties, and more! During this time of year, homeowners and homemakers are well-aware of the increased volume of guests to be expected. Along with frequent visitors and staying guests comes increased traffic of water usage, paper usage, bathroom usage, and kitchen usage. One of the most common and simply frustrating consequences to all this plumbing traffic is clogged drains.

Continue reading to learn how to avoid clogged drains and be better prepared for all the visitors your home will host this year!

Kitchen Drains

In the kitchen, we have cooking, peeling, chopping, cutting, shredding, husking, and so much more going on. Potato peels, orange rinds, onion layers, egg shells, and more are all thrown down garbage disposals and kitchen sinks, party after party, and supper after supper. On top of this, we have paper towels, napkins, food wrappers, and other snack-related debris flying around. And you never know where they might end up. This can cause a load of plumbing problems for a kitchen. Here are some tips for avoiding clogged drains in the kitchen:

• Use Cold Water to Grind Food in Garbage Disposal
• Use Citrus Peels and Ice Cubes to Keep Garbage Disposal Blades Fresh and Clean
• Do Not Put Potato Peel in Garbage Disposal (makes for sticky, dull blades)
• Never Pour Grease, Coffee Grounds, Celery Stalks, Pasta, Rice, or Bones Down the Garbage Disposal!

Bathroom Drains

Bathrooms drains can fall victim to several things. Sink, tub, and shower drains are commonly clogged by hair, shaving gel, soap residue, toilet paper, tissue paper, cotton swabs, plastic wrap, and more. This causes showers to end up as baths, and sinks to overflow while washing your face! Here are some tips to follow to avoid clogging drains in a bathroom:

• Use Two-Ply Toilet Paper in Guest Baths
• Hide the Anti-Bacterial Wipes! These are Not-So-Flushable!
• Clear Off Clutter or Décor from Toilets So They Don’t Fall In and Get Flushed
• Regularly Use an Active Digester Product to Remove Grease and Proteins From Drains
• Snake and Clean Drains Once a Month with Store-Bought Drain Cleaners
• Politely Remind Children About the Proper Amount of Tissue to Use
• Provide Hand Towels for Guests

If you have a clogged drain that requires professional attention, contact a local Indianapolis master plumber for free advice and estimates for drain clearing and cleaning services. They retain the proper tools, training, and experience to quickly unclog drains in bathrooms, kitchens, garages, pool decks, and much more.

Weilhammer Plumbing Co. Inc.

Weilhammer Plumbing Indianapolis Indiana 317-784-1870

Call Weilhammer Plumbing Co. Inc. at 317-784-1870 for advice regarding clogged drains or drain repair in Indianapolis, Indiana. Owner and operator, Mark Weilhammer, has the affordable solutions you are looking for when it comes to drain and plumbing repair. With more than 60 years of experience in the plumbing industry, and more than 112 years of being in business, you can trust that Weilhammer Plumbing Co. Inc. is the right choice for residential and commercial plumbing repair service. Call 317-784-1870 for licensed plumbing work or drain repair in Indianapolis, IN today.