How to Solve Your Bathroom Exhaust Fan Problems

Posted on September 29, 2022 by weilhammerplumbing

The bathroom exhaust vent fan requires annual maintenance to increase its performance value and lifespan. It is used for removing excess moisture in the air after a hot shower or bath. If never removed, this moisture can lead to mold and mildew growth, which is simultaneously dangerous to our health and destructive for our homes.

Continue reading to learn how to properly clean and maintain bathroom exhaust vent fans.

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How Bathroom Fans Work

Bathroom exhaust fans are powerful enough to exhaust nearly two million cubic feet of air per year if turned on for one hour each day! They draw air from the bathroom and vent it outside. As the vent draws air in, other airborne particles come with it, like dust, dander, and debris. These particles accumulate on the outer grid cover and fan motor, reducing performance value and efficiency. Both of these areas must be cleaned in order to maintain an operational bathroom exhaust vent. Dust and debris should be wiped clear every six months to a year, depending on the size of a bathroom and the number of occupants in a home.

How to Clean the Bathroom Exhaust Vent:

To get started, you will need a vacuum with a brush attachment, a step stool, and a towel. The first step begins at the circuit breaker box. Be sure to flip the fuse to the bathroom fan so it has no power. This will eliminate electrocution accidents and injuries.

Next, use your step stool to get in arms reach of the vent. Most are located on the ceiling, but some may be on the side of a wall, right beneath the ceiling.

Slowly pull the grid cover to the vent down until it is a few inches from the ceiling. At this point, you will be able to see metal spring clips on each side of the grid cover. Press them together simultaneously and release them from their slots in the fan housing, then remove the cover from the ceiling entirely.

Place the vent cover on the towel and vacuum it clean with your brush attachment. You may also use paper towel and mild cleaning solution to wipe it clean after vacuuming. Do this for both sides.

Next, using your brush attachment, gently vacuum the fan housing and blower motor. You can choose to use the crevice tool vacuum attachment to reach deeper, harder-to-reach spots.

Now you are ready to attach the cover back to the ceiling and exposed fan housing.

To do this, hold the vent cover while pressing together both metal spring clips. Slip the clips back into their slots inside the fan housing. Gently push the cover back onto the ceiling.

For safe and secure solutions to all your plumbing maintenance and repair needs, be sure to contact a qualified and licensed Indianapolis plumbing company that can provide comprehensive bathroom plumbing repair services and more.

Are you ready to have your bathroom plumbing inspected and repaired by a licensed plumber in your area? Contact Weilhammer Plumbing Company at 317-784-1870 for licensed and insured plumbing inspection service and plumbing repair in Indianapolis, Indiana. We provide residential and commercial service throughout Central Indiana.

3 Simple Ways to Conserve Water in the Bathroom

Posted on August 12, 2022 by weilhammerplumbing

Contributing to the betterment of the environment is something anyone can do. In fact, it is easy, and it can save you money! If you’re interested in helping the planet Earth, a good place to start is water conservation. After all, water is precious and none of it should go to waste. Which room in your home uses the most water? Arguably, you could say the kitchen, but most often, it’s the bathroom!

Continue reading to learn 3 simple ways to conserve water in the bathroom, plus what to do if you are dealing with plumbing issues that are wasting water and increasing your utility bills.

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Bathroom Water Conservation

Because bathroom water conservation is so easy to do, you can get your entire family or roommates involved too! Here are the three easiest and most cost-effective ways to cut back on water consumption in the bathroom:

Install Low-Flow Plumbing Fixtures

Shower heads and faucets are plumbing fixtures that are notorious for wasting water. The flow of water ejected from these fixtures is so strong that the average showerhead or faucet can fill a 5 gallon tank every minute. You can reduce the amount of water your plumbing fixtures emit by installing low-flow showerheads or low-volume water restrictors in your faucets. These plumbing fixtures can reduce water flow down to two half gallons per minute. Not only does this help the planet by conserving water, but it also significantly reduces your water bill every month.

Reduce Bathing Time

Although it can be really challenging to do after a long day of work or a really hard week, one way you can easily conserve water in the bathroom is to reduce your bathing time. Cut back on how long you run a shower before you get in, plus how long you take a shower. Also consider ways to avoid leaving the faucet running while you do other things in the bathroom, like brushing your teeth, washing your hands, removing your makeup, or shaving. For instance, use a mug of water to rinse your razor in between strokes, and simply shut the faucet off while you’re scrubbing your teeth or face clean.

Stop Using the Bathtub

Many people enjoy a good long soak in a hot bath every once in a while, which is perfectly fine. But if you are someone who frequently takes baths, you might want to reconsider your options. The average bathtub holds and drains between 35 and 50 gallons of water. In comparison, a ten minute shower will usually consume around 25 gallons of water.

Bonus Tip:

Another effective way to conserve water in the bathroom is to have any water leaks repair right away. A dripping faucet can waste a lot of water, more than you would think. In fact, a leaky faucet can waste up to 20 gallons of water a day. Think about how this could impact your water bill each month.

Do you have some bathroom or household plumbing issues that are wasting water and money? Contact Weilhammer Plumbing Company at 317-784-1870 for licensed and insured plumbing repair services in Indianapolis, Indiana, and its surrounding counties. We serve residential and commercial customers.

Why Your Bathroom Sink Has Low Water Pressure

Posted on November 17, 2021 by weilhammerplumbing

Depending on the number of occupants and bathrooms in your home, your bathroom sink likely sees a lot of action. Whether you live alone or have a full house, single faucet bathroom sinks can begin to experience a decrease in water pressure over time. Although there are many things that can cause low water pressure in your bathroom sink faucet, the number one culprit is typically a clogged aerator.

Continue reading to learn how to inspect and clean a faucet aerator all on your own, but also, what to do if the underlying issue seems to be pointing toward something else.

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Bathroom Sink Faucet Aerators

Most single standing faucets are equipped with a piece known as an aerator. However, bathroom sinks are almost always fitted with them. An aerator is a screw-on hardware fitting that connects to the underside of a faucet spout. They are designed to break up the solid stream of water from a faucet by adding air to the stream. So, rather than having water spewing out of the spout like a garden hose, water is gently and evenly balanced during dispersal. If you took the aerator off, the water would gush out of the faucet spout.

Another benefit of faucet aerators is water preservation. It is suggested that aerators can reduce water consumption by up to 30% in the average household.

Aerator Clogs

Aerators are well-known for accumulating solid debris and particles over time. As a result, faucets tend to lose water pressure value. Grit, mineral buildup, so residues, hair, and more can obstruct the air and water flow in an aerator, which first presents as reduced water pressure. Typically, a quick cleaning is all it takes to get your water pressure value back to where it was before the aerator clog developed.

In order to determine if your bathroom sink aerator is clogged, you will have to examine it, and possibly clean it if necessary. In some cases, you will need to replace the aerator, but this is usually only necessary if the metal screening is damaged or warped.

How to Clean Your Faucet Aerator

If you take your finger and touch the area of your bathroom sink faucet where the water comes out, you should be touching the aerator. Sink aerators are screw-on plumbing devices, so you should be able to remove it by simply twisting it off. Although the same lefty-loosey righty-tighty rules apply when it comes to threading, keep in mind that you are looking from above rather than below the spout. So, you will twist right to remove the aerator from the faucet spout.

If the aerator is not screwing off by hand, you can use a pair of pliers, however, be warned that this approach can be permanently damaging to your plumbing fixtures. If you cannot remove the aerator on your own, it is recommended to contact local Indianapolis plumbing service for professional assistance.

Once you have removed the faucet aerator, it is important to keep track of all of the separate parts. They need to be kept in order when you reattach them. As for cleaning, you have some options. You can soak it in distilled white vinegar and then gently scrub it with baking soda. Or, if the clog is more substantial, you can soak the aerator parts overnight in a limescale-dissolving cleaning solution.

Are you experiencing plumbing problems like low water pressure or clogs? 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.

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How to Quickly Unclog a Bathtub Drain

Posted on December 10, 2020 by weilhammerplumbing

In your house, the bathtub is important, not only for your own moments of relaxation so that you can cut off the world outside and meditate within your own thoughts, but also for your children, and perhaps your pets too. So, when your tub drain stops working the way it should, bath time really isn’t all that it can or should be. In fact, it can be quite a nuisance, and even unhealthy. Fortunately, there is a very quick way to fix this problem.

Continue reading to learn how to quickly unclog a bathtub drain using only a few materials that you likely already have on hand.

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WHAT YOU NEED TO UNCLOG A BATHTUB DRAIN:

► A drain snake. Also known as an auger or plumber’s snake, you can find these at literally any store that has a cleaning section, including grocery stores, department stores, convenience stores, hardware stores, and even your home improvement store.

► A screwdriver. You may need to remove the drain cover, and in order to do this you’ll need a screwdriver on hand. Drain covers might require either type of screwdriver, so be sure to grab both just in case.

► Rubber gloves. If you need to remove the drain cover, you are likely attempting to unclog the drain manually. In this case, you will definitely want a pair of latex or rubber gloves. It can get quite slimy down inside those dreams.

► A plunger. Plungers have been around for centuries, and for good reason. They work. If you have a plunger, you might be able to clear your tub drain with just a few simple pumps. Any quality plunger will work.

► Baking soda and vinegar. Rather than using chemicals to clear your drain, you can simply concoct your own solution from baking soda and vinegar. This is a natural solution that won’t be toxic to the environment, nor will it damage any of your plumbing fixtures.

► Boiling water. Boiling water does a great job of clearing out clogged drains, so long as they’re just minor or moderately obstructed. Boil around 6 quarts of water, or up to 10 courts if you have a pot large enough to do so.

Now you’re ready to learn how to put all of this stuff to good use! Here’s how:

►► Snaking – to use your drain snake or auger, simply follow manufacturer’s instructions, which will tell you to insert the auger or snake directly into the drain and push as far down as it will go, give it a twist or two, and then pull it back out. Just don’t be shocked at what you find. You might need to repeat this process a few times to completely clear the drain. For best results, combine snaking with other methods.

►► Boiling Water – For bathtub drains that are not clogged to severely, you can simply pour boiling water down it to release the obstruction. Boiling water will clear out shampoo, conditioner, soap, and other viscous residues that might be clogging your drain.

►► Plunging – When your bathtub drain is clogged, just stick your plunger right on top of it, give it several pumps, and then run the water. Continue this process a few times, or as many as it takes, to clear the drain. Just like snaking, you can combine plunging with other methods to get the fastest results.

►► Manual – If you have a severely clogged bathtub drain, you might need to manually unclog it with your bare hands. Well, hands dawned with latex rubber gloves. Use your screwdriver to unscrew the drain cover, and then get to work. Just remember to not lose the screws in the process so that you can return the drain cover to its rightful place.

►► Drain Cleaner – using baking soda and vinegar to clear tub drain is a fast and safe approach. Start by pouring 1 cup baking soda diner drain. Wait for 10 minutes, and then pour 1 cup of vinegar down the drain. It is recommended to finish this process with some boiling water.

Where to Get Prompt and Professional Bathtub Plumbing Service in Indianapolis

Call Weilhammer Plumbing Co. Inc. at 317-784-1870 when you need a licensed Indianapolis plumber you can trust for quality bathroom plumbing services and more, all 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.

What’s the Deal With Toilet Paper?

Posted on October 22, 2020 by weilhammerplumbing

Toilet paper has been a part of your life since the day you were weened off diapers. So naturally, toilet paper has taken on the form of something so necessary that we never really dig deeper on its role in our everyday lives. But really; what’s the deal with toilet paper? Well, ‘tis the season to talk about it, as toilet paper sales tend to soar this time of year.

Continue below to learn how toilet paper works, and a few other related facts that might just surprise you.

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Brief History of Toilet Paper

Everyone has a personal, internal disposal system, leaving us to all have one thing in common, a need for a good wipe. So, in comes toilet paper, our rear-end’s savior for a comfortable, convenient, and hygienic solution to post-elimination cleanup. Before TP, ancient peoples use everything from rocks and seashells, to hay, straw, and fibrous plant material to satisfy their need to wipe. Fortunately, in the 6th century C.E., China finally invented paper, which they made from the pulp of mulberry trees. At that time, they also decided that paper was the way to go when it comes to post-go wiping.

Although used around the world by several ethnicities, cultures, and societies, Americans take the cake as the top consumers. But it wasn’t always that way. Even back in the 1800’s, people were mostly using pages torn out of Old Farmer’s Almanacs and Sears catalogs. As time went on, a guy invented a hemp-based sheet formulated with aloe, as a remedy for hemorrhoids. From there, American capitalism took inertia, and eventually grew into a multi-billion dollar industry, just in the states.

FUN FACT: When Sears Roebuck changed their catalogs to a glossy page material, many consumers complained because it just wasn’t as comfortable as the paper pages they had before! Even the Old Farmer’s Almanac added holes in the corner of their pages so they would be easier to hang from a hook in the outhouse!

How Much Toilet Paper Do You Use?

Research and statistics reveal that in the United States alone, more than 6 billion dollars are spent on toilet paper each year by consumers. What’s more startling is that the same data shows that people tend to use around 50 pounds of toilet paper, per capita, each year. No so comforting, if you were to use these same stats, it would require a toilet paper manufacturer to cut down 10 million trees each year to make enough teepee for the whole world.

Indoor Plumbing Was the Key to TP Success

Toilet paper was really thin before because it had to be easily disposable. But this created a problem for big go’s, as hands would often be left soiled unless you use a lot of paper. But once indoor plumbing was a reliable and consistent thing, toilet paper quality was improved drastically. It was made with a more flush-able design, yet thicker and more absorbent than ever before.

But don’t put too much TP down the toilet! Otherwise, you might end up with a clog! Talk to your local plumber about your toilet and bathroom plumbing concerns, and they can help you get your indoor plumbing back on track and under control.

How it Works

There are several different kinds of toilet paper, ranging in size, quality, brand, color, composition, and more. Generally, toilet paper is made from a mix of water, tree pulp, bleach, and select chemicals used to extract fibers, which renders a softer, cushier material. As for the tree pulp, a blend of softwood and hardwood trees. Hardwoods include species like maple, gum, and oak, while softwoods are species like Hemlocks, Firs, and Spruces. By the way, toilet paper is often kept white because dyes can pose certain health risks or complications.

Need an Emergency Plumber for Toilet Repair and Service in Indianapolis?

Call Weilhammer Plumbing Co. Inc. at 317-784-1870 for trusted and affordable emergency plumbing services in Indianapolis, Indiana. We offer a wide range of standard and master plumber repair services for both residential and commercial properties, including home plumbing inspections, water heater repair, water softener repair, septic tank repair, and appliance sales. We also offer free estimates, free plumbing advice, and even free haul-away for old plumbing appliances. Request a free estimate, today.

How to Solve 4 Everyday Toilet Problems

Posted on June 17, 2020 by weilhammerplumbing

The toilet is perhaps the most valuable piece of indoor plumbing in a house or building. It is something we use every single day of our lives, so it is no surprise that toilet issues come to light every so often. Fortunately, most common toilet problems are minor, and can be solved all on your own, so long as you have the right knowledge. In fact, continue reading to learn just how to solve the top 4, everyday toilet issues, and what to do if your toilet issue is more than a minor situation.

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❶ Loose Toilet Handle

To tighten up a loose toilet tank handle, start by locating the water shut-off valve for the toilet. Once the shutoff valve is closed, remove the toilet tank lid. You will now need to empty the tank of water. Now look for the metal nut that secures the toilet lever to the inside of the tank. Use your adjustable wrench to tighten the nut. Next, test the lever’s tightness and performance by pressing it as if you were flushing the toilet. Now just turn your water back on!

❷ Toilet That Won’t Flush

First, look for the water shut-off valve at the base of the toilet, and then turn it all the way to the left until it’s in the full, open position. To check if your issue is solved, simply flush the toilet to see if it works! If that is not the issue, you need to check if your pipes are clogged. Try flushing the toilet to see if the plunger loosened up the clog. If it didn’t, try again or check to see if the flapper is the issue. Open the lid of the back of the toilet and, if the chain is kinked up or the plug is knocked out of place, simply use your fingers to set it back on track.

❸ Running Toilet Handle

To fix a running toilet lever, start with shutting off the toilet water supply valve by turning the handle clockwise. Next, remove the tank lid and flush your toilet. Once the toilet is flushed, press the handle down a few times to observe the mechanical operation and see where the hang up is coming from. If the float and connecting rod are in the way of the lever assembly, including the chain or wire, move it in another direction to stop the obstruction. If you see a kink or snag in the chain, release it and set it straight. Turn on your toilet water supply and flush your toilet to ensure smooth operation.

❹ Clogged Toilet

After you know that your toilet is clogged, stop flushing it. Once it is not running anymore. use your plunger to release the clog by placing it over the top of the opening inside your toilet bowl, and then pumping the plunger 2 to 3 times. Once you are done, you can then flush the toilet to see if the clog has been released. If the toilet completes a flush successfully, you have fixed the issue! If it does not, repeat the two-step method. If it still does not work, contact a licensed Indianapolis plumber for help.

Indianapolis Toilet and Bathroom Plumbing Repair at an Affordable Price

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.

How to Handle a Flooded Bathroom

Posted on November 14, 2016 by weilhammerplumbing

A flooded bathroom is a disaster, but that doesn’t mean you can’t handle it. Whether you botched a DIY plumbing project or it comes as a surprise, all bathroom floods can be managed with the right knowledge and resources. Continue reading to learn how.

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Bathroom Floods

Bathroom floods can happen for a whole list of reasons, but most often, it comes down to a burst pipe or clog. Sometimes the aftermath is simply a puddle that can be soaked up, but other times, the flood is much more than that. When you are faced with a major bathroom flood, it is important to follow some highly-recommended steps in order to get yourself out of trouble as quickly and safely as possible, while also working toward leaving behind as much water damage as possible. Here’s how:

Turn Off the Water Supply (and Perhaps Electricity Too)

As soon as you discover a flooded room (in this case, a bathroom), the first thing you need to do is turn OFF your main water supply to the home. This will put a temporary stop to all incoming water flow so you can control the flooding. This is why it is important to know exactly where all your water shut-off valves are located in your home, both inside and out. If the water is high, and is in close proximity to electrical outlets, it is important to turn your power off as well. Once the water supply is stopped and the repair is complete, you can turn your water and power back on. In fact, you can turn the power back on as soon as the water is drained.

Damage Control

After you have shut off your water, it is time to assess the damage and clean up. Use mops, towels, and cloths to absorb and remove as much water as possible. You may need to use a wet-dry vacuum for excessive amounts of water. Open up all cabinets and drawers to air them out and prevent mold growth, and rescue any salvageable belongings (i.e. furniture, clothing, décor, etc.). Place fans all over the room facing the flooded area to encourage faster drying. Allow the fans to operate for several days to ensure complete dryness. If there is too much water to clean up yourself, you will need emergency plumbing repair service. Contact an Indianapolis plumber for fast help with a bathroom flood. They have the equipment and resources to get the job done efficiently and effectively.

Organize

After you have cleaned up all the water, it is a good idea to take video or pictures for insurance purposes. In fact, it may be a good idea to take pictures before as well. Pull back a corner of carpeting to see if there is water damage to the floorboards, and if so, take pictures of this too. Also check to see if water is dripping from the ceilings underneath the flooded area. Take inventory of all the damages and damaged goods to use as a reference for your claim.

Contact a Plumber

Even if you had a small flood that you were able to clean up on your own, you will still need to hire a licensed plumber to investigate the cause behind the flood. They will need to repair the issues that lead to your flooding disaster, otherwise, it is very likely it will happen again. Once the underlying problem of a bathroom flood is repaired, you can rest assure that your plumbing woes are far behind you.

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Weilhammer Plumbing Company Indianapolis Indiana

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Call Weilhammer Plumbing Co. Inc. at 317-784-1870 when you need an emergency plumber in Indianapolis, Indiana. Owner, Mark Weilhammer, is a state-licensed master plumber that offers a wide range of residential and commercial plumbing services, including repairs, replacements, installations, maintenance, routine service, and even sales of certain plumbing appliances. Call our Indianapolis plumbing company at 317-784-1870 to learn more about our prices, availability, and service areas!