How to Unclog a Sink: A Step-by-Step Guide

Posted on July 7, 2023 by weilhammerplumbing

Have you ever been in the middle of a kitchen task only to find your sink clogged and unusable? We’ve all been there. Clogged sinks can be an annoying problem, but fortunately they’re usually easy to fix. In this bog post, we’ll show you how to unclog a sink drain step-by-step so that you can get back to your regular routine in no time.

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How to Avoid Clogging a Sink Drain

Clogging a sink drain is one of the most common household problems, and it can cause a lot of inconvenience and even costly repairs. However, it is easy to avoid this issue with proper drain maintenance. Firstly, make sure to dispose of food scraps and excess grease in the trash, rather than pouring them down the drain. Additionally, use a hair catcher in the bathroom sink to prevent hair buildup in the drain. Regularly flushing the drain with hot water and a mixture of baking soda and vinegar can also help dissolve any buildup. By following these tips, you can keep your sink drain running smoothly and avoid the frustration and expense of a clogged sink. Now let’s talk about how to unclog a backed up sink drain!

Easy Guide to Unclogging a Sink Drain

Step 1: Supplies You’ll Need

The first step in unclogging a sink is gathering the right supplies. You’ll need a plunger, either a pair of pliers or an auger, and some type of drain cle a ner. Make sure you have all the necessary items before starting your project so that you don’t have to make multiple trips to the store.

Step 2: Preparation

Once you have all your materials on hand, it’s time to prepare for the job. If possible, clear out any dishes or other objects from around the sink so they won’t get wet during the process. Next, fill up the sink with about 4 inches of hot water and place the plunger over the drain opening.

Step 3: Plunge Away

Once you have the p lunger in place, it’s time to start plunging. Push down on the handle with a steady, consistent force for about 30 seconds or until you feel resistance. This will help push any debris down the drain and clear out the clog. You may need to repeat this step several times before moving on.

Step 4: Use an Auger or Pliers

If plunging doesn’t do the trick, then it’s time to move on to more aggressive methods. If you have an auger (sometimes called a “snake”), then you can use this tool to reach further down the drain and break up stubborn clogs. If you don’t have an auger, then you can also try using pliers or another type of heavy-duty tool to manipulate whatever is blocking the drain.

Step 5: Contact a Licensed Plumber

If all else fails, do not use a chemical drain cleaner. Instead, call a licensed and insured plumber for professional drain clearing and drain cleaning services. They have the proper tools, equipment, resources, and training to get the job done swiftly, and without making a huge mess.

Say Goodbye to Clogged Sink Problems From Now On!

Following these steps should help you unclog your sink effectively and quickly. If the clog persists or the drain continues to back up, contact a professional plumber for assistance. With their expertise, they can get your sink working again in no time.

Is your drain problem too big for you to tackle alone? No problem at all! 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.

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.

Why You Should Hire a Professional for Drain Cleaning Service

Posted on July 15, 2022 by weilhammerplumbing

Although there are drain augers and plastic drain snakes available on the market, these should only be used for minor clogs. If you are experiencing moderate to severe drain issues, you need comprehensive drain cleaning, which is a service that should only be carried out by a licensed and insured plumbing professional.

Continue reading to learn why such plumbing services are strictly for trained and equipped professionals, plus where to get a free estimate for drain clearing and cleaning in Indianapolis.

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Common Signs of Drain Trouble

It is easy to tell when you have a minor clogged drain problem. A slow draining sink or bathtub is likely the result of a minor obstruction or blockage within the drain itself. Typically, this is caused from shampoo and soap residues, hair, and general dirt and debris. Even if the drain is entirely clogged, it is likely a minor blockage that can be dislodged using a plunger or drain snake. On the other hand, a drain snake does not work on tougher drain problems, which tend to evade your attention for some time because they happen out of view. This is why regular home plumbing inspections are important.

Some common signs of moderate to major drain clogs include:

▭ A clogged drain that will not dislodge with a plunger or drain snake.
▭ A burst or leaking plumbing pipe.
▭ Water leaking from the base of the toilet.
▭ A bubbling toilet.
▭ Drains that smell bad.
▭ Puddles around the bathtub, shower, or sink.

If you are experiencing one or more of these drain issues, you will need to quickly hire a licensed plumber who can provide professional drain clearing and cleaning services.

The Importance of Hiring a Professional for Drain Repair and Cleaning

Professional plumbers are licensed and insured to perform comprehensive drain repairs and drain clearing services. They retain the proper permits, training, equipment, and resources to clean drains according to local building codes. In many cases, moderate to severe drain problems must be approached using video pipe inspection equipment and high-powered hydro-jetting technology, which uses high pressured hot steam to release and clear drain blockages. For less serious drain issues, a plumber may use a commercial hand-crank drain snake or motorized auger with success.

Are you worried that your drainage system might be having trouble? Contact Weilhammer Plumbing Company at 317-784-1870 for licensed and insured plumbing inspection service for drains, pipes, and more. We provide residential and commercial plumbing services in Indianapolis all throughout Central Indiana.

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.

What is Hydro Jetting and Does My House Need it?

Posted on July 22, 2021 by weilhammerplumbing

Your home’s plumbing is one of the most vital all-inclusive systems within your house. After all, without properly functioning plumbing you are basically set back to the dark ages. For this reason, and for reasons pertinent to investment protection, it is important to maintain all your plumbing systems in accordance with manufacturer recommendations.

From water heaters and water softeners to garbage disposals, washing machines, dishwashers, and everything in between, you must take good care of your plumbing systems if you want them to perform optimally and save you money. These are quite obvious examples, but there are many more in-house plumbing systems that are commonly overlooked, such as drains. This is where Hydro jetting can come in to play and deliver a wide range of benefits for your home.

Continue reading to learn more about drain cleaning hydro jetting services, and whether you are home needs this type of service right now.

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Advantages of Hydro Jetting Service

Hydro jetting is a modern and innovative plumbing technology specifically designed to clean out drains. Using a highly-pressurized beam of water, it works comprehensively, scraping all the leftover residue and build up from the insides of pipes, while also clearing out any clogs and obstructions.

Everything from tree roots and dish soap residues to leftover food scraps, dental floss, and more, Hydro jetting service is a highly recommended form of drain cleaning for all households. Basically, it is an affordable and hassle-free method of cleaning your drains and preventing costly plumbing breakdowns in the future.

How to Tell if You Have a Drain Problem

Not sure if your drains need a cleaning? Well, look for these five common signs of a drain problem to establish your need for Hydro jetting drain cleaning services:

► SMELLY ODORS – Does your drain smell really bad? If you can detect sulfur odors, methane odors, spoiled food odors, or any other kinds of lingering odors, it is likely that the bio-me of your drain needs some attention.

► STRANGE SOUNDS – Drains are not supposed to make any noises unless they are clearing or if you have the garbage disposal turned on. So, if you happen to catch some strange sounds coming from your drain, such as gurgling, plunking, sputtering, or knocking sounds, it is a sign that there is something wrong with your drain.

► SLOW PERFORMANCE – Does your drain clear too slowly? A slow draining drain is a telltale sign of clogs or obstructions, generally caused by a lengthy buildup of soap residues and leftover food scraps. Generally, a quick drain cleaning or drain rotting service resolves this issue quickly.

► CLOGS – If your drain is always clogging up, or has been clogged for some time, you definitely have a drain problem on your hands. Your plumber will start withdrawing clearing techniques such as drain rotting or drain snaking, and then followed up with something like Hydro jetting services the problem is more acute.

► FRUIT FLIES AND GNATS – Got fruit flies are gnats flying around your drain all the time? This is a sign that your drain is not draining properly, and there are leftover food scraps inside these organisms are attracted to. Something like Hydro jetting or a more conventional method of drain cleaning would be needed in a situation like this.

Are you looking for professional drain cleaning services you can afford here in Indianapolis? Contact Weilhammer Plumbing Company at 317-784-1870 for Indianapolis Indiana plumbing services at an affordable price. We provide residential and commercial plumbing service and repair.

You Might Also Read:

Why You Need to Stop Using OTC Drainage Cleaner
How to Make Homemade Drain Dissolving Cleaner
Unclog Any Drain With These 4 Simple Steps

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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.

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.