Simple Plumbing Tips to Keep Your Drains Flowing Freely

Posted on September 29, 2025 by weilhammerplumbing

Nothing disrupts your morning routine quite like standing water in your bathroom sink or a kitchen drain that refuses to empty. Clogged drains are among the most common household plumbing issues, often accompanied by unpleasant odors, slow drainage, and the looming threat of expensive emergency repairs. Understanding the root causes of drain blockages and implementing preventative measures can save you both frustration and money while keeping your plumbing system running smoothly.

Most drain clogs develop gradually over time, making prevention far more effective than reactive repairs. By addressing the common culprits before they become major problems, you can maintain clear drains and avoid the inconvenience of calling for emergency plumbing services. The key lies in understanding what causes blockages and adopting simple daily habits that protect your drainage system.

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Common Culprits Behind Drain Blockages

Hair Accumulation

Hair represents one of the primary causes of bathroom drain clogs. Every time you shower or wash your hair at the sink, loose strands travel down the drain, where they combine with soap residue and other debris to form stubborn blockages. Over time, these hair clumps can completely obstruct water flow, leading to standing water and potential overflow issues.

The problem intensifies when hair combines with soap scum, creating a sticky mass that adheres to pipe walls. This combination becomes increasingly difficult to remove as it hardens and attracts additional debris.

Food Waste and Grease

Kitchen drains face unique challenges from food particles and cooking byproducts. Even with a garbage disposal, certain items should never go down your drain. Coffee grounds, eggshells, and fibrous vegetables can accumulate in pipes, while starchy foods like pasta and rice expand when exposed to water, creating significant blockages.

Cooking grease poses a particularly serious threat to drain health. When you pour hot grease down the drain after preparing bacon or frying chicken, it travels through your pipes in liquid form. However, as the grease cools, it solidifies and adheres to pipe walls, gradually narrowing the opening and trapping other debris. This creates a compounding effect where each subsequent use adds to the blockage.

Mineral Buildup

Hard water contains elevated levels of calcium and magnesium minerals that gradually accumulate inside your pipes. This mineral buildup restricts water flow over time, creating rough surfaces that catch debris more easily. Areas with particularly hard water may notice white, chalky deposits around faucets and drains—clear indicators of mineral accumulation throughout the plumbing system.

The gradual nature of mineral buildup makes it especially problematic, as homeowners often don’t notice the reduced flow until the restriction becomes severe.

Preventative Measures for Drain Maintenance

Install Drain Screens and Strainers

A simple drain screen can prevent most solid debris from entering your plumbing system. These inexpensive devices catch hair, food particles, and other materials before they can travel down your pipes. For bathroom drains, choose screens with fine mesh that can capture even small hair strands, while kitchen sinks benefit from strainers designed to handle food waste.

Clean these screens regularly—weekly for high-use drains—to maintain their effectiveness. The small investment in quality drain screens can save hundreds of dollars in professional drain cleaning services and prevent the inconvenience of emergency clogs.

Proper Grease Disposal

Instead of pouring cooking grease down the drain, allow it to cool and solidify in the pan, then scrape it into the trash. For liquid oils, collect them in a disposable container and throw it away once full. This simple practice prevents the most common cause of kitchen drain clogs while protecting your pipes from long-term damage.

When washing greasy dishes, use hot water and plenty of dish soap to break down residual oils before they enter your drainage system.

Regular Drain Flushing

Flush your drains weekly with hot water to remove soap residue and minor accumulations before they become problematic. For bathroom drains, run hot water for 30-60 seconds after each use to help dissolve soap scum and flush away loose hair.

Be cautious with water temperature if you have PVC pipes, as extremely hot water can damage these materials. Moderately hot tap water provides effective cleaning without risking pipe damage.

Water Softener Installation

For homes with hard water, installing a water softener or conditioning system can significantly reduce mineral buildup in pipes and fixtures. These systems replace calcium and magnesium ions with sodium, preventing the scale formation that narrows pipes and creates rough surfaces for debris accumulation.

Regular descaling treatments can also help remove existing mineral deposits and restore proper water flow.

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DIY Solutions for Minor Clogs

Baking Soda and Vinegar Method

This natural drain cleaning solution effectively breaks down organic matter and soap residue without harsh chemicals. Pour 1/3 cup of baking soda down the drain, followed immediately by 1/3 cup of white vinegar. Cover the drain opening with a plug or cloth to contain the reaction, then wait 30 minutes.

After the waiting period, flush the drain with hot water to wash away loosened debris. This method works particularly well for minor organic clogs and regular maintenance cleaning.

Boiling Water Treatment (Use caution)

For grease-related clogs, carefully pour boiling water down the drain in two or three stages, allowing time between pours for the water to work through the blockage. The extreme heat helps dissolve solidified grease and flush it through the system.

Exercise caution with PVC pipes, as boiling water can soften or damage these materials. For PVC systems, use the hottest tap water available instead of boiling water.

Plunger Technique

Different drains require specific plunger types for maximum effectiveness. Use a flat-bottomed plunger for sinks and a flange plunger for toilets, ensuring you create a tight seal around the drain opening. Apply firm, consistent pressure with quick up-and-down motions to dislodge blockages.

For double sinks, seal the second drain opening while plunging to maintain proper pressure and suction.

Wire Hanger Method

Straighten a wire coat hanger and bend a small hook at one end to create a simple drain snake. Carefully insert the hooked end into the drain and fish for hair clumps and debris. This method proves particularly effective for bathroom drain clogs caused by hair accumulation.

Work slowly and carefully to avoid pushing the blockage deeper into the pipe system.

When to Call Professional Help

Persistent Clogs

If DIY methods fail to resolve the issue after multiple attempts, professional intervention becomes necessary. Recurring clogs often indicate deeper problems within your plumbing system that require specialized equipment and expertise to address properly.

Professional plumbers have access to motorized augers and hydro-jetting equipment that can clear stubborn blockages and clean pipe walls thoroughly.

Multiple Drain Issues

When several drains in your home experience problems simultaneously, the issue likely lies in your main sewer line rather than individual fixtures. This situation requires professional diagnosis and specialized equipment to resolve safely and effectively.

Signs of Pipe Damage

Unusual sounds, persistent odors, or water backing up in unexpected locations may indicate pipe damage or major blockages that require professional attention. Attempting to resolve these issues without proper training can lead to more extensive damage and higher repair costs.

Professional drain inspection services can identify problems early and prevent major failures that could result in water damage or health hazards.

Conclusion

Regular drain maintenance represents a small investment that yields significant returns in convenience, cost savings, and peace of mind. By implementing these preventative measures and addressing minor issues promptly, you can avoid the frustration of major clogs and the expense of emergency plumbing services.

Remember that your drainage system works continuously to remove waste water from your home. Treating it with care through proper use and regular maintenance ensures reliable performance for years to come. Simple daily habits like using drain screens, proper grease disposal, and regular hot water flushing can prevent most common drain problems before they develop.

Don’t wait for a major clog to disrupt your routine—schedule a drain inspection today to identify potential issues before they become costly emergencies. Our licensed plumbers can help you protect your drainage system and keep your home running smoothly!

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8 Tips for Unclogging Drains with DIY Solutions

Posted on March 16, 2023 by weilhammerplumbing

No one wants to deal with clogged drains. They can be a real hassle and often require professional help to fix, which can be expensive. But before you call the plumber, try these homemade drain cleaner solutions first! With just a few natural ingredients from around your house, you may be able to unclog your sink or bathtub in no time. Scroll down to review 8 tips for unclogging drains with DIY solutions.

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How to Fix a Clogged Drain Yourself

1. Baking Soda and Vinegar: This homemade drain cleaner is one of the most popular DIY solutions out there. Start by pouring a pot of boiling water down the clogged drain, followed by ½ cup of baking soda and 1 cup of vinegar. Let it sit for 30 minutes before flushing with hot water again. If this doesn’t work, you can try adding more baking soda or vinegar to the mix.

2. Salt and Borax: For those stubborn clogs, mix ¼ cup salt with ¼ cup borax in a bowl, then pour it down your drains. Let it sit overnight before flushing with hot water in the morning to clear away any residue and help break up clogs.

3. Lemon Juice and Baking Soda: This homemade drain cleaner is great for keeping your drains smelling fresh as well as helping to unclog them. Pour 1/2 cup of baking soda down the clogged drain, followed by a cup of lemon juice. Wait 15 minutes before flushing with hot water again.

4. Plunger: A plunger can be used to help break up clogs in most types of sinks and tubs. Start by running hot water down the drain to soften the clog, then use a plunger in an up-and-down motion over the drain hole until the clog is gone.

5. Auger: Using an auger is a great way to unclog clogged drains. An auger, also known as a drain snake, is a tool that consists of a long flexible cable with a corkscrew-like head at the end. It can be used to clear clogs in pipes and drains without having to use harsh chemicals or resorting to professional help.

6. Wire Hanger: For those particularly stubborn clogs, a wire hanger can be used to break them up. First, straighten the wire hanger out and create a small hook at one end. Then, insert the wire into the drain hole and try to snag any debris that may be causing the clog. Once you’ve removed as much as you can, flush with hot water again.

7. Wet/Dry Vacuum: If all else fails, try using a wet/dry vacuum to suck up any standing water in your sink or tub. This will allow you to reach further down and remove more debris from the clogged drain.

8. Boiling Water: Last but not least, boiling water can help break up some types of clogs. Start by pouring 1 pot of boiling water down the clogged drain, followed by a second pot if necessary. This homemade drain cleaner is easy to use and very effective!

If you’ve tried all of these homemade drain cleaner tips but still can’t unclog your drains, it may be time to call in a professional plumber in Indianapolis. But with these seven DIY solutions, you should be able to clear away most minor clogs without having to spend too much time and effort on the task!

The Advantages of Using Homemade Drain Cleaner

When it comes to drain maintenance, keeping your drains clean and clear has many advantages. And homemade drain cleaner can help you do achieve optimal drain performance. As opposed to store-bought chemicals, homemade drain cleaner is a natural option that helps dissolve clogs and blockages. In addition, homemade solutions are often cheaper than most store-bought options and provide a safer environment that is not harmful to your plumbing system. Not only are homemade drain cleaners more environmentally friendly, but they can also be tailored to your specific needs in order to clean one’s drains effectively and efficiently. Investing in homemade drain cleaner for your home is an excellent way to ensure that your drains stay healthy without having to turn to harsh chemicals or expensive commercial products.

Still can’t seem to get your drains to drain? Contact Weilhammer Plumbing Company at 317-784-1870 for licensed and insured plumbing service in Indianapolis, Indiana. Our state-licensed master plumbers serve residential and commercial clients.

How to Unclog a Sink if the Drain Snake Does Not Work

Posted on June 9, 2022 by weilhammerplumbing

Whether you call it a drain snake, plumber snake, or small drum auger, virtually every renter and homeowner has one. You can purchase a drain snake at the grocery store, the dollar store, the home improvement store, and at almost any online retailer of the sort. They are easily accessible and very inexpensive, so they are a highly recommended tool to have around the house. You can even use them to unclog toilets, showers, and tubs. But sometimes, plastic augers are just not enough to unclog a stubborn sink drain.

If you are attempting to unblock a clogged sink, but the plumber snake isn’t working out, continue reading for some drain clearing tips that will help you get past this common, but oh-so-frustrating, obstacle.

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Why is the Drain Snake Not Working?

Drain snakes are easy tools to use, so you will know right away whether yours is working or not. To use a drain snake, you insert it deep into the drain, twist it around several times, and then pull it back up. The auger should pull out all sorts of unsightly materials, like hair, soapy residue, and dental floss.

Although very effective tools, they are not always the right choice for a clogged drain. In fact, there are many reasons why a drain snake might be ineffectively unclogging your sink. One of the most common in easily fixable reasons why a drain auger won’t work is because the old clogging material is still attached to the rod. Be sure to fully clean your drain auger before reusing it for another clog.

Another common reason why augers fail to do the trick has to do with the structural integrity of the auger itself. If you are using a small drum auger rather than a plastic drain snake, it is possible that the thumbscrew has come loose. If the thumbscrew is loose, the auger will not be able to effectively rotate. And if the auger will not rotate, it won’t be able to catch and pull any debris or blockage within the drain.

If you can’t even push the auger down into the drain, it’s because there is a heavy blockage that is denser than the overall tensile strength of the tool. In this case, you would need something more heavy-duty to dislodge the blockage, or perhaps even more invasive plumbing repair. Severe sink clogs are difficult to repair with a plumber snake.

What to Do About a Clogged Sink

If your drain snake is not working, but none of the above-mentioned reasons are to blame, you have two viable options: attempt to loosen the clog with a drain cleaner and repeat the auger process again, or save time and effort by contacting a professional Indianapolis plumber for drain clearing service. Just be sure you do not ignore a clogged drain, as they can lead to more serious plumbing problems, like burst pipes and water leaks.

Looking for a professional plumber who can make all of your plumbing problems go away without breaking the bank? Contact Weilhammer Plumbing Company at 317-784-1870 for licensed and insured plumbing services in Indianapolis, Indiana, and its surrounding counties. We serve residential and commercial customers.

7 Things You Can Do to Unclog Your Shower Drain

Posted on May 20, 2022 by weilhammerplumbing

Nothing quite drains the pleasure out of your morning or post-work shower than standing ankle deep in soapy water. If your shower drain is clogged, it is important to troubleshoot the issue as soon as possible, not just for the sake of your bathing enjoyment, but also for preventative maintenance purposes. Fortunately, there are many things you can do on your own that can solve the problem right away.

Continue reading to learn the top 7 things you can do to unclog your shower drain.

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How to Fix a Clogged Shower Drain

So, what causes a shower drain to clog up? Well, the answer is quite obvious. Mostly, hair, dirt, and soap residues are to blame, but shower drains can also fall victim to obstructions caused by thick shaving cream, lost jewelry, razor caps, toys, and all sorts of other common bath time accoutrements. Many people like to brush their teeth and floss in the shower, so floss is a common obstruction found in shower drains.

Not to worry, as there are plenty of ways to unclog that troublesome shower drain of yours! Here are the top seven things you can do to unclog your shower drain:

Manual Dislodging

The first thing you want to do to fix a clogged shower drain is to manually dislodge anything that’s obstructing the drain. Any visible obstructions like hair or soap scum should be cleared away of your shower drain before testing other methods of repair. Yes, this will be a slimy and unpleasant task, so put on some rubber gloves and possibly even a face mask.

Plunger

When your manual attempt doesn’t work, grab your plunger. Use the plunger over the shower drain in the same way you would use it in the toilet if the toilet were clogged. Place the plunger directly on top of the shower drain and pump it several times with force. Then run the shower to see if the water flows through the drain smoothly. If that doesn’t work, you may need to get deeper inside the drain. The next few methods will help you do that.

Boiling Water

If the first two methods don’t work, boil some water on top of your stove, and then pour it down your shower drain. Sometimes this can clear out shaving cream, dirt accumulation, and soap scum buildup. Once these residues are cleared, your shower drain should flow smoothly. Just be careful when you’re handling the boil water because it will burn you.

White Vinegar and Baking Soda

If boiling water isn’t strong enough, make a concoction of distilled white vinegar and baking soda. Then pour the solution down your drain. This is basically a homemade drain cleaner, but without all of the harsh chemicals and damaging ingredients. You may need to repeat this a few times to get the drain entirely cleared. Oftentimes, this vinegar and baking soda solution is well paired with an auger, also known as a drain snake.

Drain Snake

A drain snake is a long, thin, plastic, flexible, handheld auger that is used to dislodge any obstructions within a drain. Drain snakes can be purchased for as little as one dollar at any local department or grocery store. You can literally find them anywhere that sells regular home goods or household products. To use an auger, simply push it deep into the drain as far as you can, then turn it a few times before pulling it out. You will be shocked to see what comes out with it!

Wire Hook

You can also use a metal hook in the same way you would use a drain snake to dislodge any obstructions within the shower drain. Just be careful using this method because you can accidentally poke or stab yourself. Most people will take a wire hanger and unwind it to form a hook and handle. This works really well when you don’t have an auger on hand.

Licensed Plumber

Your last resort is to contact a licensed Indianapolis plumber for drain cleaning and clearing service. They have the proper tools and resources to promptly resolve drain issues. Because drain clearing is typically an easy and speedy service, you can expect it to be affordable as well.

Do you need some professional drain clearing and cleaning service for your shower, sink, bathtub, or outdoor drains? 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.

Everything You Need to Know About Your Clogged Drain

Posted on October 21, 2021 by weilhammerplumbing

Whether it’s your bathroom, shower, tub, or kitchen sink, a clogged drain is a frustrating issue to deal with as a home or business owner. So, learn how to detect signs of drain clogging early on to prevent them from getting worse! Continue reading to learn how to do just that and take charge of your home’s plumbing for good.

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Repair a Clogged Drain As Soon As Possible

Clogged drains are probably the most common plumbing issue to date. That is because they can happen for a number of reasons. Whether backed up from soap residue, or blocked by a foreign object, clogged drains are common, but they are also a huge nuisance. They do not go away on their own, and exponentially worsen as time passes. So, if you choose to neglect a clogged drain problem, you could face some serious plumbing repairs and hefty bills down the line.

Get Yourself a Drain Cleaning Kit

Be prepared to take action against a clogged drain at all times, and never hesitate to get started. A simple do-it-yourself clogged drain kit should include some store-bought drain cleaner, a plastic drain snake, and some rubber gloves. These materials usually do the trick when it comes to a minor to moderate drain clog. For more serious clogs, you may need professional plumbing assistance. The best way to avoid a serious drain clog is to know how to detect the signs early enough to prevent them from getting worse.

How to Detect a Clogged Drain

Learning the early signs of a clogged drain is the best preventative method against serious drainage problems. Detect signs of clogged drains as soon as possible to reduce the negative effects they can cause to your home and plumbing if they worsen.

Common Signs of a Clogged Drain:

► Slowly Draining Water
► Large Puddles Accumulating Around the Drain
► Water Coming Back Out of a Sink Drain
► Toilet Water Bubbling When Faucet Is Being Used
► Gurgling Noises Coming From Drain
► Foul Odors Coming From Drain

How to Manually Clear a Clogged Drain

Before contacting a local Indianapolis IN plumber, try to clear the drain yourself using some simple tools and methods. For instance, you can pour drain cleaner into the drain, wait 10 minutes, and then flush it with hot running water for several minutes. Afterwards, use your plastic drain snake to pull out any obstructions in the drain.

Simply follow the instructions on the package. Once you have cleared the drain of hair, soap residue, floss, and whatever else was down there, flush the drain again with water for a few minutes to see if it worked. If it did not, you can try using a plunger; and if that does not work, it is best to call a licensed plumber in Indianapolis, Indiana for professional assistance.

Are you looking for a local and trusted plumbing company to help you repair your clogged drain? Contact Weilhammer Plumbing Company at 317-784-1870 for affordable and fast plumbing service in Indianapolis, Indiana.

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How to Remove Hair From a Bathroom Drain

Posted on April 21, 2021 by weilhammerplumbing

Getting hair stuck in the bathroom drain is one thing, but dealing with a perpetually clogged drain due to a long time buildup of hair and residue is beyond frustrating. Fortunately, there are some easy ways to fix this problem. All you need are a few supplies and a little elbow grease, or just a phone to call for professional plumbing assistance.

Continue reading to learn how to remove hair from bathroom drain, and who to call for trusted Indianapolis plumbing advice and service at an affordable price.

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Need to Get Hair Out of the Bathroom Drain?

There is no shame in having a little hair buildup in your bathroom drain. People shed, and will continue to do so as long as we have hair on our bodies. Naturally, when we bathe, all of that shedding hair comes off of us and goes down into our drains. For those who often style their hair over the bathroom sink, hair in the drain can also be a recurrent issue. What’s worse is, it doesn’t take very much hair to clog up a drain. But as mentioned, there are some simple ways to resolve such issues.

Flush Your Drain With Extremely Hot Water

One of the best methods, and easiest for that matter, is to simply flush your bathroom drain with extremely hot water. In fact, no matter what method you end up using, always start with this one first. It helps to dissolve the soap and oils that are holding all of the clumped hair together inside your drain. So, if you do this at first, it makes all other methods more effective.

You can choose to turn up the temperature gauge on your water heater and run the faucet for several minutes, or you can boil water on your stove and then dump it down your drain. Just be sure to use extreme caution if you are carrying boiling water from your stove to your bathroom. If you decide to turn your water heater temperature gauge up, be sure you remember to turn it back down to a safe range when you are finished.

If this method doesn’t work, try these:

► Baking Soda and Distilled White Vinegar

A homemade, non-toxic drain cleaner is a great second strategy to go for if your bathroom drain is still clogged with hair after pouring hot water down it. Simply combine equal parts baking soda and distilled white vinegar, usually 1 cup each is good, and then pour that solution down the drain. Allow it to sit for several minutes, up to 20 if you have time, and then rinse it thoroughly with hot water. This method is often effective because the chemical reaction that is created when vinegar and baking soda come into contact with each other helps to loosen any hair that it is stuck to the side of plumbing pipes.

► Manual Drain Cleaning

When all else fails, you can always rely on good old elbow grease to get the job done. Go to your local store and buy a drain auger or drain snake. Don’t get too fancy, a simple plastic one for a few dollars will do the trick. Most drain augers, regardless of price point, come with a set of instructions. Simply follow these instructions and be marveled at how much hair it actually pulls out of your drain. As mentioned, it helps to perform strategies one and two before taking a manual approach, as it will make the job much easier for yourself.

Have you tried everything in your bathroom drains just won’t unclog? Contact Weilhammer Plumbing Company at 317-784-1870 for affordable and prompt clogged drain plumbing service in Indianapolis, Indiana. We serve residential and commercial clients, and offer free plumbing advice.

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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.

Does Your Kitchen Sink Drain Too Slowly?

Posted on September 4, 2020 by weilhammerplumbing

If your kitchen sink starts to have issues, especially when it comes to poor drainage, it can truly put a dent in your daily household flow. Slow-draining kitchen sinks are among the most common kitchen plumbing problems expressed by homeowners and homemakers. Fortunately, there are a few quick and easy solutions for fixing a kitchen sink that doesn’t drain as quickly as it used to. These solutions could save you money on future problems and repair costs, as well as, eliminate time wasted waiting for a local plumber to arrive.

Continue reading to learn how to combat a slow-draining kitchen sink, and which plumbing company to trust for prompt and professional service.

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Gather All Necessary Materials and Supplies

First, collect all the necessary ingredients you will need to unclog or clear a kitchen sink that doesn’t want to drain fast enough. You will need a pot to boil water, baking soda, and distilled white vinegar. Start by boiling 6 cups of water. While the water reaches a boil, proceed to dump one cup baking soda down the drain. Follow this step by pouring one cup of vinegar down the drain. When the drain stops fizzing, pour in the boiling water.

To entirely eliminate any blockage, continue to run hot water down the drain through the faucet. Although the initial rinse of boiling water is enough the wash away the blockage, vinegar, and baking soda, it is best to complete the job with an additional hot water flush. Now simply check to see if the drain is flowing again. If not, you might need to try a more aggressive approach to drain cleaners.

How to Beat Tougher Clogs

For tougher clogs, a store-bought enzyme cleanser may be necessary. Although a more aggressive approach, enzyme cleaners are not made with harsh toxic chemicals. In fact, they are chemical-free cleaners made from bacteria cultures. These bacteria cultures flow through drains and pipes, feeding on all the organic material causing the blockage. This includes mold, mildew, food, grease, hair, and anything else that is organic in nature.

It takes a little more time for an enzyme drain cleanser to take effect because they do not contain any chemicals that are manufactured to help speed up the process. After dispensing it down the kitchen drain, flush with hot water for several minutes, and then refrain from using the sink for two to three hours. Keep in mind you may need to use a snake, plunger, or other plumbing device to finish the unclogging process.

Take on the Plunge Challenge for Persistent Clogging

Sometimes, a more “hands-on” approach is the best method to unclogging a kitchen sink. This method only involves a plunger and your own manual power. You have to position the plunger on top of the drain, the fill the sink with water only enough to cover the rubber. Now you are ready to start plunging up and down in a consistent and steady fashion. Repeat as needed to unclog a slow-draining kitchen sink.

When Your Kitchen Sink Still Has Issues Contact a Local Plumber in Indianapolis

Call Weilhammer Plumbing Co. Inc. at 317-784-1870 when you need a licensed kitchen 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 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.

It’s Time for Your Home’s Annual Drain Cleaning Service

Posted on July 16, 2020 by weilhammerplumbing

There are several benefits to annual drain cleaning services, all of which make for perfect reasons to make sure you have it done on time. The top reasons why you should consider having your home’s drainage system professionally cleaned includes money savings, better-quality water flow, improved plumbing system performance, prolonged plumbing system lifespan, and overall plumbing protection.

Continue reading to learn a little more about these benefits, as well as, how to schedule your annual drainage cleaning this season.

Indianapolis Drain Cleaning Plumbing Services 317-784-1870

Top Advantages of Annual Drain Cleaning Service

Cost Savings ☑

When your plumbing system is working as it should, it is being energy efficient. This saves you money on water and energy bills, and reduces the need for costly plumbing replacements, like water heaters, water softeners, showers, and more.

Better Water Flow ☑

Water pressure can make or break a good shower. It can also affect your dish-washing, laundry, gardening, and much more. If your water flow is poor, routine maintenance like annual drain cleaning can remove blockages to help improve it instantly.

Improved Performance ☑

When your drainage system is clean and clear, all of the related plumbing systems that operate in conjunction with one another will work better. This includes sump pumps, water heaters, water softeners, water purification systems, plumbing pipes, water lines, toilets, dishwashers, washing machines, faucets, and more.

Extended Lifespan and Overall Protection ☑

When you are taking good care of your home’s plumbing, you are protecting it from damage, thus prolonging its lifespan at the same time. The key to maintaining a functioning and long-lasting plumbing system is to stay on top of your routine maintenance needs.

Indianapolis Plumbing and Drain Cleaning Services You Can Trust

Call Weilhammer Plumbing Co. Inc. at 317-784-1870 for professional plumbing and drain cleaning services in Indianapolis, Indiana. We have the certifications, skills, and resources to provide comprehensive plumbing services, including annual and biannual maintenance needs for drains, water heaters, water softeners, sump pumps, and more. Request a free estimate, today.