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.

Two Cleaners That Will Fix a Slow Draining Sink

Posted on June 3, 2021 by weilhammerplumbing

It is really no surprise that you are dealing with a slow draining sink. After all, our sink drains see so much, from food and dinner plate scraps to sticky toothpaste suds, soapy residues, and even hair. Nonetheless, a slow drain is just as frustrating as a clogged one, as they both will eventually lead to other issues if ignored for too long. Fortunately, clearing up a slow draining sink can be easy so long as you have the right supplies.

Continue reading to learn more about slow drains, and two highly-effective cleaners that should resolve your issue in no time.

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Why Does Your Sink Drain Slowly?

There are many reasons why you have a slow draining sink. As mentioned, sink drains are exposed to a long list of waste material, which can build up inside pipes, pop up stoppers, mesh traps, and more. However, if your sink drain cannot be fixed by using an old-fashioned auger and cleaning product, you might have a more serious underlying issue. Your slow draining sink could be caused by low water pressure, multiple drain issues, or a more severe blockage. If you suspect that this could be the problem, contact a local Indianapolis IN plumber for professional advice and inspections.

But before you feed into your concern, first see if your slow draining sink can be resolved by using one of two cleaning solutions:

1 Baking Soda and Vinegar

You will need one cup of baking soda and one cup of distilled white vinegar. You will also need about 6 to 8 cups of boiling hot water.

Start by bringing water to a boil on your stove. Next, pour 1 cup of baking soda down the affected drain. Then pour 1 cup of white vinegar down the drain.

Allow the drain to fizz to completion. When the fizzing slows down dramatically, pour the whole pot of boiling water down the drain.

Finish by allow hot water to run from the faucet into the sink drain for a couple of minutes. Notice how the drain is more efficient? Problem solved!

Sink still drains slowly? Try the next cleaning solution, which is an enzyme cleaner.

2 Enzyme Drain Cleaner

When the baking soda and vinegar approach doesn’t seem to do the trick, you might have better results with an enzyme drain cleaner. You can purchase this product at any home improvement or department store, or online at your general retailer. Enzyme drain cleaners are not chemical-based; instead, they are made from bacteria cultures, or enzymes, which scatter throughout your drainage and plumbing pipes and eat away at any organic waste matter and materials.

Enzyme cleaners are effective at disintegrating organics such as hair, food particles, mildew, mold, and bacteria. Keep in mind that these cleaners are homeopathic, and therefore, take longer to take effect. Unlike the baking soda vinegar approach, enzyme drain cleaners need some time to work out all the obstructions in your plumbing pipes. Pour it down your drain according to label instructions, and then wait 5 or 6 hours before turning on the faucet again.

Do you need some professional help with a clogged drain or slow draining sink? Contact Weilhammer Plumbing Company at 317-784-1870 for bathroom and kitchen plumbing services in Indianapolis, Indiana. Schedule a home plumbing inspection, soon!

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Indianapolis Indiana Master Plumbers 317-784-1870

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.

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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.

The Trouble With OTC Liquid Drain Cleaners

Posted on July 10, 2015 by weilhammerplumbing

Clogged Drain Repair 317-784-1870

A clogged drain is never a good sign for your plumbing. It is a frustrating situation that seems to pop up at the most inconvenient times. Whether it’s the bathtub or kitchen sink, no one can live harmoniously with a drain that doesn’t drain. When a clog occurs, people generally turn to an over-the-counter chemical drain cleaner for a fast and effective remedy. These can be purchased at any local general store or home improvement store at relatively low prices. This, along with their unwavering effectiveness, makes them a popular product for drain cleaning and clearing. But have you ever heard the phrase, “Too Good to be True”? Well, it applies to chemical drain cleaners.

Continue reading to learn the trouble with liquid drain cleansers and why they are hazardous to our plumbing.

Pipe Damage

Chemical drain cleansers, like Drano, are damaging to pipes. Whether plastic or metal, the chemical content in OTC drain cleaners will eat away at PVC or sit inside metal pipes and corrode them overtime. This could lead to whole-house plumbing and pipe replacement; a costly and tedious undertaking. Plumbers only recommend to use chemical liquid drain cleaners at certain times, and even at those times, with great caution.

For example, small drains that are clogged or need cleaned can be managed well with a liquid drain cleaner; however, it can still pose a risk to the plumbing pipes. And the more frequent these harsh products are introduced into a plumbing system, the more structural damage will occur overtime. This is why a plumber is the best solution for re-occurring clogged drains. A plumber retains all the tools and resources needed to provide natural and safe drain cleaning and clearing services within a convenient time-frame. This solves the problem the first time, without jeopardizing the integrity of a property’s plumbing system.

Note: Never use liquid drain cleaners in toilets. Synthetic chemicals will sit in a toilet’s tank and seep into the porcelain. Then it can heat up and cause the toilet bowl to crack, or even explode! When it comes to toilet clogs, remember this motto: If a plunger can’t fix it, call a plumber.

Weilhammer Plumbing Co. Inc.

Weilhammer Plumbing Company 317-784-1870

Call Weilhammer Plumbing Co. Inc. at 317-784-1870 for prompt and professional drain cleaning and clogged drain services in Indianapolis. You can speak with a friendly company representative, or with master plumber and owner, Mark Weilhammer himself! We offer a wide range of commercial and residential plumbing services at the most competitive prices in town. We even offer plumbing repair coupons! Call 317-784-1870 for drain repair and plumbing service in Indianapolis and its surrounding counties.