Top Plumber Scams and How to Avoid Them

When you need to have a large amount of plumbing work or renovations done to your home, you are on pace for a long, tedious process of protecting yourself. That is because, if you are not diligent in finding a quality contractor to work with, you may fall victim to an appalling plumber scam.

Continue reading to learn about some of the most common plumber scams, and what you can do to avoid being preyed upon by unethical contractors.

Indianapolis Plumbing Re-Piping Services
Indianapolis Plumbing Re-Piping Services 317-784-1870

The Bait and Switch

A common and frustrating plumber scam is the old “bait and switch” of plumbing materials. In this scenario, a terribly-unethical plumbing contractor will suggest a high-end list of plumbing pipes and fixtures, charge you for them, but then use cheaper materials to make a secrete profit. For instance, they may sell you on cross-linked polyethylene (PEX) piping or copper tubing, which are high-quality and high-priced materials, but then when it comes time to install everything, they end up using cheap materials and the homeowner is none the wiser.

To avoid this scam, be sure to always request a specific list of the materials you are paying for, and them cross-reference their price at the local home improvement store. If you see that the plumbing contractor is charging you an outrageous amount of money for something that costs less than your monthly pedicure, it is wise to find another contractor. Likewise, if they are using high-end products, but overcharging you for them, it is important to call them out.

The Price Gouger

Also known as the “Golden Spoon” scam, the price-gouger is a common con that unethical plumbers will use to make more money from a standard job. In this scenario, a plumbing contractor who arrives at a large home in a high-end neighborhood and notices luxury vehicles in the garage may over-charge the homeowners just because they assume they have a lot of money. For instance, your plumber could charge you double or triple if they think you have deep pockets

To protect yourself from being overcharged simply because you have a nice home and live in an affluent area, simply seek out multiple plumbing estimates for the same job. Compare the written estimates to see if there is an average marker. If the alternative estimates are much lower than the initial estimate provided by the contractor, you know you have a price-gouger on your hands. Get rid of them, quickly!

The Evasive Estimate

Another common plumbing scam is not always intentional by a contractor, but it is still irresponsible and bad business practice. Other times, it is completely intentional. This scam is known as the “evasive estimate” because in this scenario, the plumbing contractor can never quite give you a precise estimate on paper until after the work is done. They may go around and tell you everything is “no problem” as they keep a mental tally of all the work needed. Then when it comes time to receive the bill, the mental tally that was talked about before is suddenly tripled.

To avoid this scam, simply be sure to demand a written estimate, upfront, and then sign a contract stating how much will be paid BEFORE any work begins on your home. If the contractor is unwilling, then it is not a good sign and you should move onto another contractor.

Indianapolis Plumbing Service You Can Trust!

Weilhammer Plumbing Company 317-784-1870
Weilhammer Plumbing Company 317-784-1870

Call Weilhammer Plumbing Co. Inc. at 317-784-1870 for licensed Indianapolis plumbing service you can trust. 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. Call owner, Mark Weilhammer, at 317-784-1870 to request a free estimate or plumbing advice, today.

A Quick Guide to Using Plumbers Thread Seal Tape

The difficulty with plumber’s thread seal tape is not figuring out how to use it, but rather, where to find it! Doesn’t it always seems like that roll of plumber’s tape is always missing? Well, once you do finally remember where you left it, using it like a pro is easy with this quick guide we’ve prepared for you! Continue reading to get started.

Indianapolis Plumbers 317-784-1870

Indianapolis Plumbers 317-784-1870

PTFE Tape

Plumber’s thread seal tape is a polytetrafluoroethylene film used to provide needed seals and lubrication for pipes threads. It also goes by other names too, such as PTFE tape and tape dope. Understanding these common monikers will help clear up any confusion you have at the store when purchasing more product. Now that you know what plumber’s tape is, it is time to learn the best ways to use it for your plumbing needs.

White, Blue or Yellow?

PTFE tape comes in a wide variety of colors, all of which are designed for variant plumbing applications. For basic residential plumbing seal and lubrication needs, the most common PTFE tape is the white roll. You will also find yellow and blue plumber’s tape, which are used for commercial or industrial applications. Yellow PTFE tape is often used for gas piping due to its double density properties, while blue PTFE tape is commonly used for oxygen piping due to its triple density properties.

How to Use PTFE Tape

Using plumber’s tape is easy, and only requires a short series of steps, along with a few materials. Aside from your tape, you will also need some paper towels or cloth rags, as well as, some store-bought pipe cleaner. Before taking a look at the steps below, it is important to know that you should not use too much tape. You must also be careful to wrap the tape properly. For more difficult angles, you may be better off using tape dope, which is softer and more spreadable.

Step ❶Using your pipe cleaner and cloths, remove all dirt and grease from the pipe threads.

Step ❷Using your paper towels, dry the pipe threads thoroughly. Be sure to dry in between each thread groove.

Step ❸Starting at the second thread, begin wrapping the tape around the pipe in the same direction of the threading. Use your finger to hold the tape in place while you work in the direction of the pipe. Be very careful to wrap evenly without using too much tape. When overlapping the tape as you make your way around, be sure to only cross ½ of the width of the tape.

Step ❹Cut the tape at the end and use your hands to press the tape all the way against the pipe threads. You should be able to clearly see the shape of the threads.

When in Doubt, Call a Professional Plumber!

Weilhammer Plumbing Company 317-784-1870

Weilhammer Plumbing Company 317-784-1870

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.

3 Toilet Problems SOLVED!

Our toilets are a modern commodity that we often take for granted. After all, most us of grew up in a time when indoor plumbing and contemporary bathrooms were the standard in residential construction. Although toilets have come a long way in terms of innovation and technology, they still have their problems from time to time.

Of all the toilet problems that we experience, there seems to be 3 in particular that are recurrent among homeowners and renters: 1) clogged toilets, 2) running toilets, and 3) stained toilet bowls. Continue reading to learn how to easily solve these 3 common toilet troubles, including what you can do to ensure quality plumbing performance and longevity.

Toilet Repair Plumber 317-784-1870

Indianapolis Toilet Repair Plumber 317-784-1870

Clogged Toilets

Nothing’s worse than a backed up toilet. No one wants to be appointed to plunger duty, but sometimes, that is exactly what it takes to combat a toilet clog. If your plunger has a rubber flange (lip), be sure it is fully flipped open for optimal sealing. Don some rubber gloves (and if needed, a full-faced gas mask) and begin by inserting the plunger into the toilet bowl at an angle. Plunge slowly at first, picking up the pace a bit after a few thrusts. The water should begin to drain after 15 to 20 plunges; if it does not drain, you will need to switch to a different tool: a toilet snake.

You have heard of drain snakes, which essentially pull out solid debris from clogged drains. Toilet snakes are basically the same thing, but for toilets. You may need one if the water does not drain after plunging it multiple times. Use the toilet snake in the same way you would a drain snake: insert it deep into the bowl, and then slowly pull it back. Do this a few times until something dislodges enough to drain the toilet water and eventually flush it again. If none of these methods work, you need an Indianapolis toilet plumber.

Running Toilets

Not only are running toilets obnoxious, they give you anxiety since the sound seems like the toilet is nearing a breakdown of some kind. Fortunately, it is quite simple to solve a running toilet problem. First, try wiggling the handle back and forth a few times. This may unhinge any kinks in the flapper within the tank, and stop the running.

If this doesn’t work, open the back of the toilet tank and manually lift and release the cord that connects the flapper and flush valve. This should make the toilet flush, and then stop running. If none of these methods work, you may have a toilet leak, or you may need to replace the flapper or flush valve. In this case, you would need to contact a licensed Indianapolis plumber for professional service.

Stained Toilet Bowls

Have you ever tried to scrub a toilet bowl clean, with no prevail? If so, you are just like thousands of others searching for the most effective and aggressive toilet bowl cleaner on the market. But the truth is, you can make your own toilet bowl cleaner that is just as effective, and perhaps more, than the products you can buy on the shelf. Below is a recipe to try. You will need a glass mixing bowl (plastic or metal will negatively react with essential oils), toilet brush, a wooden spoon, baking soda, some disinfecting essential oil of your choice, and 20% white vinegar.

In your glass bowl, combine 2 cups baking soda and 1 teaspoon of disinfecting essential oil (tea tree, lavender, orange, etc.), and use your wooden spoon to mix them together until lumps are gone. Then just add a spoonful of your powder to the bottom of the bowl, and sprinkle more around the inside of the bowl. Next, pour the vinegar over all of the powder, allow it to fizz up, and then scrub it with your toilet brush. Last, let the mixture sit for 15 minutes, and then flush your toilet clean!

Indianapolis Plumbing Service You Can Trust!

Weilhammer Plumbing Company 317-784-1870

Weilhammer Plumbing Company 317-784-1870

Call Weilhammer Plumbing Co. Inc. at 317-784-1870 for licensed Indianapolis plumbing service you can trust. 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. Call owner, Mark Weilhammer, at 317-784-1870 to request a free estimate or plumbing advice, today.

Tips for DIY Home Plumbing Inspections

If you own your home, then you understand the importance of maintaining your plumbing systems through every season. Indoor and outdoor plumbing are both complex systems that require upkeep and regular maintenance in order to sustain a healthy and fully functioning system.

Continue reading to learn what types of Do-It-Yourself maintenance you can provide for your home plumbing.

Indianapolis Plumbers 317-784-1870

Indianapolis Plumbers 317-784-1870

How to Inspect Your Home Plumbing

After some time, the pipes in your home can begin to corrode, rust, and deteriorate due to moisture accumulation, time, and other conditional variables. When you first purchase a home, it is vital to learn the type of pipes and plumbing system your house runs on; this way, it can be easy to determine how often the plumbing needs attention.

Brass pipes and steel piping can last up to one hundred years; while similar types of piping, such as copper, can last around seventy to eighty years. If you have just purchased a house that is over 50 years old, it would be a safe idea to have the system inspected by a professional plumbing company. If it is a newly developed unit, then be sure to keep your eye on the plumbing and the pipes periodically in order to avoid exponential decay, leaks, and other plumbing issues.

By simply checking your pipes for flaking, chipping, and rust, you can stop a plumbing disaster before it even happens. Routine inspections are important to know what condition your home plumbing system is in. If you want the most accurate and professional advice, you should consult a licensed Indianapolis plumber for questions and general information.

Indianapolis Plumbing Service You Can Trust!

Weilhammer Plumbing Company 317-784-1870

Weilhammer Plumbing Company 317-784-1870

Call Weilhammer Plumbing Co. Inc. at 317-784-1870 for licensed Indianapolis plumbing service you can trust. 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. Call owner, Mark Weilhammer, at 317-784-1870 to request a free estimate or plumbing advice, today.

How to Prevent Residential Plumbing Emergencies

Generally, when a homeowner calls on a plumber for service, it is usually after a plumbing mishap or crisis has occurred. With just a bit of effort and maintenance, many of these plumbing predicaments can be prevented altogether. Read on to learn how to prevent plumbing emergencies in your home.

Indianapolis Plumbing Emergencies 317-784-1870

Indianapolis Plumbing Emergencies 317-784-1870

Water Leaks

Once a year, homeowners should spot check their house and appliances for leaks. If a leak is caught in its early stages, it can be resolved without any residual consequence. However, if a leak is left alone, it can potentially get worse, causing flooding, water damage, and mold accumulation. Mildew and mold removal is a very expensive project and requires excavation and demolition. By checking regularly and repairing minor leaks, you can avoid a whole heap of expenses when it comes to plumbing emergencies in your home.

Septic Systems

Septic system repairs are a common plumbing crisis in residential homes. Harsh weather and storms often cause septic tanks to have mechanical malfunctions, as well as, overflow into front and backyards. It is crucial to have a strong suited sump pump for your septic system, and have it inspected annually by a professional to ensure its functioning at its highest capacity.

Water Heaters

Overtime, your water heater can build up minerals and deposits called sediment. This can result in corrosion within the appliance, reducing its degree of performance. To clear this sediment, you have to drain numerous gallons of water through the faucet at the bottom of the appliance. This should be done a few times a year to prevent plumbing emergencies and costly repairs.

Who to Call for Professional Indianapolis Plumbing?

Weilhammer Plumbing Company 317-784-1870

Weilhammer Plumbing Company 317-784-1870

Call Weilhammer Plumbing Co. Inc. at 317-784-1870 for trusted Indianapolis plumbing repair in Indianapolis, Indiana. Our licensed master plumbers provide a wide range of residential and commercial plumbing services at the most competitive prices in town. See for yourself and call 317-784-1870 to request a free estimate, today.

Plumbing Tips for First-Time Apartment Renters

Congratulations on your new place! Now get ready to learn what you need to know about the plumbing in your first apartment.

Apartment Plumbing Repair 317-784-1870

Indianapolis Plumbing Repair 317-784-1870


Whether fresh out of college or your parents basement, moving into your first apartment is a milestone moment in your life. The independence, privacy, and prospects are quite stimulating, but the sudden responsibility of taking care of a residence can be a bit intimidating. From paying bills and organizing a budget, to taking out the trash to replacing the toilet paper roll, living on your own for the first time will certainly be an eye-opening experience, but it is certainly something you can handle. One of the most important aspects of caring for your apartment is basic plumbing maintenance.

Although you do not own any of the appliances or plumbing, you can be held accountable for certain types of damages caused by neglect. In fact, it is possible for apartment complexes to not refund a deposit if the plumbing was not properly managed. In serious cases of damage or neglect, they can file lawsuits against a renter. These are serious situations, but nothing you should be concerned about as long as you stick to the basic rules of plumbing maintenance. Continue reading to learn some fundamental plumbing rules and tips for first-time renters.

Find the Main Water Shut-Off Valve

In the case of a burst pipe, or flooding appliance, you will need to know where to turn off the main water supply to stop the flow of water. This is called your main water shut-off valve, and it is vital that you know where it is located in your apartment. Ask the maintenance technician for the complex, or simply contact the front office, and they will gladly come over and show you in person. Do not skip this very important step!

Take Good Care of the Garbage Disposal

Garbage disposal systems are not cheap, so when they break, apartment complexes are highly displeased. Furthermore, not having an operating garbage disposal is inconvenient come time to cook. And a defective disposal can be a huge safety hazard. To avoid any problems or setbacks, be sure to take good care of your disposal. Learn the important garbage disposal plumbing tips, including which foods can and cannot go down them, and how to properly clean and freshen them.

Manage Your Drains

Never let your drains get to the point that they need a major overhaul just to unclog them. Ladies who lose a lot of hair in the shower should be sure to collect and remove the hair from the drain after every shower. Just one or two showers is all it takes for enough hair to clog a drain. If you do have a clogged drain, use the proper materials to unclog them. Purchase a simple and inexpensive tool called a drain snake, which is a plastic stick with teeth on the side that grabs hair and pulls it out of the drain. All you have to do is push it in and pull it out. Follow up with a safe, chemical-free drain cleaner.

Detach Your Garden Hose in the Winter

If you have a patio and intend on doing some gardening, you will likely install a garden hose. If you do, be sure to take it off and bring your hose inside for the winter. Otherwise, it will be at risk of freezing your pipes. If you have outdoor pipes that are exposed, you will do well to cover those with proper insulating materials to prevent frozen pipes too.

Have a Licensed Plumber on Speed Dial

Of course you don’t have to have speed dial, but it is very important to have the phone number to a licensed plumber or company in the case of a plumbing emergency. Although most apartment complexes have in-house staffs that manage these issues, such as maintenance men and subcontractors, sometimes they require renters to choose their own source of plumbing repair, and then later reimburse them for the services. This is common in condominium complexes and townhomes.

Who Can You Trust for Expert Plumbing Repair?

Weilhammer Plumbing Company 317-784-1870

Weilhammer Plumbing Company 317-784-1870

Contact Weilhammer Plumbing Company at 317-784-1870 for licensed Indianapolis plumbing service you can trust. 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. Call owner, Mark Weilhammer, at 317-784-1870 to request a free estimate or plumbing advice, today.

Tips for Choosing a Dependable Plumber

A plumbing problem or disaster can happen to anyone, at any moment. Unfortunately, your plumbing doesn’t always give you signs that something is going awry until it’s too late. Then you are immediately on the hunt for plumbing repair services. While on the web looking up plumbers in your area, you will notice there are several choices for plumbing repair. How do you know which plumber to choose for your last-minute plumbing issue? The vast amount of options can be overwhelming, but it can be a much simpler process if you know what to look for.

Continue reading to learn which credentials and amenities your plumber-of-choice should have, so you always end up with a plumbing service you can trust.

Indianapolis Plumbing 317-784-1870

Indianapolis Plumbing 317-784-1870

👍 Licensing

There is a huge difference between master plumbers, licensed plumbers, and plumbing contractors. The first two are the guys to look for. They are both licensed, which is a major must-have in the industry. Master plumber services will be a bit more expensive because they are highly-specialized technicians; so use them when you have a very big plumbing disaster on your hands, or a complex commercial plumbing system that needs repaired. For minor to moderate plumbing issues, you simply need a licensed plumber with experience. Plumbing contractors are generally unlicensed or unofficial plumbing novices in the industry. For liability reasons, it is best to avoid their services.

👍 References

Your plumbing company of choice should be able to provide references backing the quality of their services. These references can come in the form of customer reviews, past client contact information, or mouth-to-mouth referrals. If other people are happy with their service, you most likely will be too.

👍 Amenities

A good plumbing company will offer several customer conveniences and amenities to show their value and appreciation. These can include free estimates, free advice, free or discounted services, coupons, specials, schedule flexibility, emergency service, and more. They should also be a continuous portal for plumbing information, providing plumbing facts, videos, blogs, articles, and more to their customers at all times.

Indianapolis Plumbing Service

Weilhammer Plumbing Company 317-784-1870

Weilhammer Plumbing Company 317-784-1870

Contact Weilhammer Plumbing Company at 317-784-1870 for licensed Indianapolis plumbing service you can trust. 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. Call owner, Mark Weilhammer, at 317-784-1870 to request a free estimate or plumbing advice, today.

8 Tips to Control Home Energy Costs

Saving money is always right at the top of a person’s priority list, right after the kids of course! One extraordinarily-effective and easy way to save money each year is to reduce your energy consumption at home. It’s true that reducing your energy consumption each month is easy to do. With a few simple changes, eight to be exact, you can start to reduce your monthly energy use without feeling like you have really changed a thing! Because reducing energy use is simple, you can get the entire family on board, further reducing and saving on utility and energy costs. Continue reading to review 8 stress-free and effective tips to promote increased energy efficiency and save money at all once.

Indianapolis Plumbing Service 317-784-187

Always Aim for Full Loads of Laundry to Save Water and Energy!

How to Reduce Your Energy Consumption

Inspect all the air ducts for leaks. Be sure to also look for gaps, separated hoses, holes, and other damages. Repair or replace insufficient air ducts to seal in conditioned air and reduce your HVAC’s need to overwork itself, costing you more money in energy each month.

As for laundry and dishware, be sure you are washing full loads every time. This can reduce the amount of times you are washing dishes and doing laundry, as well as, your monthly water and energy bills.

Always use the bathroom or kitchen exhaust fans to eliminate excess moisture in the air.

Weather-strip all doors and windows with the proper caulking materials and tools. This ensures a sufficient air-tight seal in your home, allowing it to retain all the conditioned air.

Check the refrigerator for loose seals or air leaks. The stripping inside your refrigerator should provide an air-tight seal. If this stripping is loose or damaged, it could mean your fridge is wasting power. Use a dollar bill to test this. If you cannot pull the bill out from the fridge door once it’s closed, then your strips are sealed tight.

Open windows and curtains for natural light, and always turn off lights that are not needed. Try to light candles in place of lamps more often for even more energy consumption.

Use the grill more often in the spring and summer seasons. Not only does this save power that your stove and oven use to cook food, it reduces your heating and cooling system’s workload.

Replace an old or defective plumbing appliances with an energy efficient models. Talk to a licensed Indianapolis master plumber for details about plumbing maintenance, installation, service, and where to find the best energy-efficient brands.

Indianapolis Plumbing Company

Weilhammer Plumbing Company 317-784-1870

Weilhammer Plumbing Company 317-784-1870

Call Weilhammer Plumbing Company 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.

Plumbing Tips for Commercial Property Owners

Learn How to Prevent Plumbing Problems and Repairs

Commercial Plumbing Repair 317-784-1870

Commercial Plumbing Repair 317-784-1870


As a new commercial property owner, your schedule is likely filled from top to bottom with a hundred things to do. Although you are on a tight agenda, you must be sure to include plumbing maintenance on your list. Proper plumbing and preventative maintenance are imperative in order to prevent inconvenient plumbing issues, and worse, costly plumbing disasters. Continue reading to learn what you need to do as a commercial property owner to protect your building’s plumbing system and overall structural integrity.

Start With Durability

The first part of wise commercial plumbing maintenance is to make sure your system is durable and can withstand the test of time. Do this by opting for high quality fixtures, materials, and enhancements that are best suited for your regions climate. Older buildings tend to have older plumbing, so it is very wise to have these fixtures and systems updated with newer, innovative plumbing systems. This is especially important if your building has lead pipes. Talk with your engineer about the condition of your building’s plumbing to determine whether or not the system is outdated.

Consider Maintenance a Fixed Cost

Investment protection is one of the most important aspects of owning a commercial property. For this reason, preventative and routine maintenance should be a fixed need that is automatically added into the monthly budget for expenses. This protects you by reducing the chances a whole-system breakdown, wide-scale replacement project, invasive repair, or spending endless dollars on minor reoccurring plumbing problems. Have your commercial plumbing system inspected by a licensed plumber at least once per year to ensure your plumbing is up to code and operating efficiently. They will check water heaters, water softeners, pipes, drains, septic systems, sump pumps, fixtures, sinks, showers, tubs, and more.

Do Your Part

There are many important things you should do as a commercial building owner to help keep your plumbing in good condition. For instance, when temperatures drop below freezing, it is wise to let your faucets drip water to prevent your pipes from freezing up. Also, be sure to contact a professional plumber as soon as you suspect a problem with your plumbing. The sooner a problem is addressed, the less damage will result. You can also do your part by keeping drains clean and clear, replacing the salt in your water softeners, having your water-related appliances professionally serviced once a year (i.e. water heater, water softener, etc.), and keeping up with all the other necessary plumbing care you have always known and practiced.

Indianapolis Plumbing Contractors

Weilhammer Plumbing Company 317-784-1870

Weilhammer Plumbing Company 317-784-1870

Call Weilhammer Plumbing Company at 317-784-1870 for commercial plumbing repair and service in Indianapolis, Indiana. Owner and master plumber, Mark Weilhammer, and his team of licensed plumbers, but answer your questions about commercial plumbing service, water softening, hot water heaters, hard water, and more. Call 317-784-1870 to request a free estimate, today.

How to Clean White Marks On a Black Granite Sink

Is your black granite bathroom or kitchen sink covered in a white, cloudy haze? Learn how to restore your black sink back to its original charm!

Sink Repair 317-784-1870

Sink Repair 317-784-1870

Whether your black granite sink is pure or composite, overtime it may develop scale buildup, which causes an undesirable cloudy appearance. Regardless of how many times you scrub it with your dish soap, that white scale will continue to reappear day after day; that is, until you find the actual solution. Continue reading to learn what you need to do in order to recover the beautiful luster your black granite sink promised the day you brought it home!

What You Will Need:

↣ Baking Soda
↣ White Distilled Vinegar
↣ Comet® Kitchen Sink Cleaner (or something similar)
↣ Heavy Duty Scrub Brush
↣ Vegetable Oil
↣ Water
↣ Plastic Bowl
↣ Rubber Gloves (optional)
↣ Paint Stirrer (optional)

You can find all of these materials at your local home improvement store, and possibly even at your neighborhood grocery store. If you do not want to buy a paint stirrer, you can just use a regular spoon or something else that will do the trick. In place of vegetable oil, you can use canola oil or coconut oil. It is recommended by some to use mineral oil, but it is not edible, so we do not recommend it.

Getting Started:

Start by wetting your sink with water. Be sure to cover all surface areas.

Then sprinkle a liberal amount of Comet® (or a similar kitchen cleaner of choice) all over the walls and basin of the sink.

Use your heavy-duty, thick bristled scrub brush to work the powdered cleaner into the sink’s surface. Use small circular motions, and don’t be afraid to use all the elbow grease you’ve got! The harder you scrub, the more thorough the clean.

After several minutes of scrubbing, rinse the sink clean with water.

Wait! You are only a ¼ of the way done!

In a large plastic bowl, combine 2 cups baking soda and 1 cup vinegar. Stir together until a thick paste is formed. You may need to add more baking soda to achieve a thick paste. You want the paste thick enough to stick to the sides of your sink. Work toward a glue-like viscosity.

Once you have your paste, don your rubber gloves and scoop a heap into your hands. Liberally smear the paste on all the surface areas of the sink. Smear it all over as if you are seasoning a turkey! Then allow the paste to sit for 10 minutes.

After the paste has sat for 10 minutes or so, rinse the sink clean with water and then dry it thoroughly with a clean rag or paper towel. Be sure it is completely dry before moving onto the next step.

Once your sink is completely dry, take a clean rag or paper towel and apply a generous amount of cooking oil to it. (Note: do not pour oil directly into sink!)

Begin to rub the cooking oil onto the surfaces of your sink. Use long, even strokes to ensure even coverage. You will see the sink begin to sparkle and shine! You will have to add more oil to your rag as you work.

When you are done, you are ready for the last step, which is to repeat this entire process again the very next day!

After 24 hours, you will need to repeat this entire process again. In many cases, homeowners have had even greater success repeating the process for a third time on the third day. If you do not repeat the process at least once, it is likely that the white stains will reappear just a little. A second and third coat will ensure the results last.

Weilhammer Plumbing Company 317-784-1870

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. Owner and master plumber, Mark Weilhammer, has more than 60 years of experience in the plumbing industry. He can provide plumbing repair, replacements, diagnostics, installations, equipment sales, and much more. 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!