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.

Call 317-784-1870 For Drain Repair in Indianapolis Indiana

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.

Drain Cleaning Service Indianapolis Indiana 317-784-1870

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.

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.

Clogged Drain Repair Indianapolis IN 317-784-1870

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.

Indianapolis Indiana Master Plumbers 317-784-1870

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.

Indianapolis Indiana Drain Repair Services 317-784-1870

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!

You Might Also Enjoy:

Does Your Kitchen Sink Stink?
How to Retrieve Items that Fall Down the Sink Drain
How to Install a Sink Faucet

Need to Unclog a Sink Drain?

Posted on June 8, 2016 by weilhammerplumbing

Plumbing Drain Repair 317-784-1870

Are you starting to notice that the water isn’t draining as quickly as it used to in your bathroom or kitchen sink? Or has it just stopped-up altogether? If so, it’s time for you to learn the best practices for unclogging a stubborn sink drain, safely and efficiently. Continue reading to learn some eco-friendly and effective solutions for clogged sink drains.

When attacking a clogged sink drain, a person’s first thought is to reach for over-the-counter chemical drain cleaners as a solution. But this is not the place to start! Not only can some of these products be harmful for your plumbing system, it is first necessary to eliminate the solids that are causing the clog. And here’s how to begin:

Start With a Plunger

Although the plunger may appear to be just a tool for the toilet, it actually has a secondary purpose. It can be used to release the tension between the settled solids in your sink’s drain pipe, which when successful, will allow you to complete the unclogging process.

If your sink is already filled with water, remove a portion of it so that the sink is nearly half-way full. If you have a double-basin sink, plug the other drain with a wet rag or dishtowel. Next, with plunger in hand, start vigorously pumping the drain up and down for one minute.

“Snake” Your Drain

One you have loosened up some of the solid mass in your sink’s drain pipe, you are ready to “snake” your drain. This refers to using an auger or drain pipe cleaning tool, often called a snake, to pull out solid waste and accumulated matter that’s causing the clog. You can purchase these at any home improvement or hardware store for a few dollars.

Simply insert the thorny plastic line into the drain as far down as you can push, and then give it a little twist and pull up all the way. This movement should pull out a long, slimy mass of food, hair, soap, grease, dental floss, and any other solid debris that made its way down the drain. Be sure to never flush this waste! Always throw it away in the garbage to avoid a clogged toilet! You may need to repeat this step a few times.

Cleanse Your Drain

Now that all the solids are eliminated, it is time to cleanse your drain. If you plan on buying an over-the-counter cleaner, it is strongly recommended to look for an eco-friendly product. But it is cheaper and equally-effective to use an eco-friendly homemade solution of baking soda and white vinegar.

Bring 6 cups of water to a boil. While the water is boiling, pour 1 cup of baking soda down the drain followed by 1 cup of distilled white vinegar. When the drain stops fixing, pour in the boiling water. Then run hot water down the drain for 3 to 5 minutes. This should work to effectively remove the rest of the clog.

Call a Plumber

If your kitchen or bathroom sink clogs regularly, or simply won’t budget no matter which do-it-yourself method you try, a professional plumber is your best bet. They retain the proper tools, training, and knowledge to easily diagnose your drain problems and implement effective solutions. They can also give professional plumbing advice and recommendations that will help prevent future plumbing problems.

Weilhammer Plumbing Co. Inc.

Weilhammer Plumbing Company Indianapolis Indiana

Weilhammer Plumbing Company 317-784-1870

Call Weilhammer Plumbing Co. Inc. at 317-784-1870 for prompt and professional plumbing service and repair in Indianapolis and its surrounding locations. Owner and licensed master plumber, Mark Weilhammer, retains a sophisticated team of licensed and experienced plumbers that provide a wide range of plumbing services for commercial and residential properties. For more than 100 years, we have been a leading family-owned and operated plumbing company in Indianapolis, Indiana. Call us at 317-784-1870 for a free plumbing repair estimate or advice, today.

Don’t Make These 5 Drain Cleaning Mistakes

Posted on November 10, 2015 by weilhammerplumbing

Indianapolis Drain Repair 317-784-1870

Homeowners are known to do whatever it takes to manage their drains without having to pay for plumbing services. The problem is that there are several “do-it-yourself” drain cleaning mistakes that have the potential to do more damage than advantage, and ultimately require the services of a master plumber.

If you are the type that insists on doing it yourself, be sure you don’t make the 5 most common drain cleaning in order to avoid extremely costly and invasive plumbing repairs. Continue reading to learn them all.

Mistake #1 Using a Garden Hose to Clear Drains

It is a bad idea to use an outdoor hose to clear outdoor, or indoor, drains. Some people make the mistake of assuming the added water pressure will be a surefire way to clean and unclog a drain, but this is not true. Using a garden hose to clear a drain will cause a whole heap of problems you are not equipped to manage yourself. This will not only damage pipes, it can also create flooding issues and more. Learn the best methods to drain cleaning and leave the garden hose behind!

Mistake #2 Using Chemical Drain Cleaners

Over the counter drain cleaners are not all bad. For emergencies, they can do the trick. But they are not to be used for long-term drain cleaning and clearing solutions. This is because chemical drain cleaners contain harsh ingredients that can corrode and deteriorate plumbing pipes over time. This only leads to costly pipe replacement and repair. Try using natural, organic ingredients to make eco-friendly, non-toxic drain cleaners at home. These recipes generally involve baking soda, vinegar, and other natural ingredients.

Homemade Chemical-Free Drain Cleaner Recipe
1 Cup Distilled White Vinegar
1 Cup Baking Soda

Mistake #3 Using a Clothing Hanger

A nifty trick handed down from generation to generation, anyone who uses a clothing hanger to unclog drains has surely learned this technique from an elder. Although very effective at times, unclogging drains with an un-wound clothing hanger can do more bad than good in the long run. For instance, plumbers receive calls all the time about clothing hangers getting stuck inside drains and pipes. Not only is this a frustrating situation, it can require lengthy plumbing repairs and related costs.

Mistake #4 Using a Drain Auger

Yes drain augers are meant for drains, but they are serious tools that should be used by a trained professional in the industry. If used incorrectly, a drain auger can cause extensive damage to a person’s plumbing pipes and draining system. It may even cause injury in the hands of a novice. Trust a professional plumbing for large drain clearing jobs and auger work.

Mistake #5 Doing It Yourself

The whole “DIY” approach really doesn’t translate well in the plumbing industry. A home’s plumbing is the most significant and complex system. It truly requires the knowledge, training, and skill of a licensed plumber to efficiently repair or service areas of a home’s plumbing in the safest way. A running toilet is one thing, but a severely clogged drain, water heater issue, or pipe leak is something better left to a master plumber.

Weilhammer Plumbing Co. Inc.

Call Weilhammer Plumbing Co. Inc. at 317-784-1870 for professional master plumbing repair and service you can afford in Indianapolis, IN. Owner and master plumber, Mark Weilhammer, provide a wide range of commercial and residential plumbing services at the most competitive prices in town. With more than 100 years in business, Weilhammer Plumbing Co. Inc. is your best solution for plumbing repair in Indianapolis, IN. Call us today at 317-784-1870 for a free estimate or for prompt plumbing service at an affordable price!

The Importance of Annual Drain Cleaning

Posted on October 9, 2015 by weilhammerplumbing

Indianapolis Plumbing Repair 317-784-1870

Every diligent homeowner will tell you how far a little preventative maintenance can go in terms of extending the life of your appliances. Routine cleaning, inspection, and care is most important for a home’s plumbing system. It is, after all, one of the most valuable operations of any property, commercial or residential. Without properly functioning plumbing, a home can experience a wide range of problems with drinking water, cooking, laundry, bathing, and more.

So when it comes to routine plumbing maintenance for residential properties, it is strongly suggested to stay up to speed. And one of the most important places to check or maintenance every year are your drains. Continue reading to learn why drain cleaning is so important and the positive effect it has on plumbing systems.

Advantages of Drain Cleaning

Drain cleaning is one of the most important services you can provide for your home’s plumbing operation. Bathroom drains, water heater drains, sink drains, shower drains, and more all need a thorough, annual cleaning to ensure proper functioning and more. There are various advantages to staying on top of annual drain cleaning services. These benefits prevent plumbing problems, as well as, future costly plumbing breakdowns and repairs. And the best part about drain cleaning is that the results are immediate! Here’s why you should have your drains cleaned annually:

Proper Water Flow

Uninterrupted water flow through a home is ideal. Over the course of time, solid debris and particles will find their way down into drains and begin to clog the plumbing pipes. Contaminants like grease, oil, food particles, soap suds, and more are common drain clogging culprits. Clogs can lead to very serious plumbing issues which is why they should be addressed immediately upon discovery. Routine drain cleaning eliminates solid debris buildup and allows water to remain free-flowing through your home’s plumbing system. And this reduces the need for costly plumbing repairs.

Prevent Pipe Damage

Clogs can also damage plumbing pipes, causing the interior walls to rust, corrode, and deteriorate over time. Drain cleaner is harmful for plumbing pipes, and can cause the same types of damage. This can lead to costly plumbing pipe replacements and repairs. A professional plumbing service will clean your drains with a non-toxic drain cleaning solution that is organic and chemical-free. This keeps your pipes protected and clear at the same time.

Proper Plumbing Operations

For a home’s plumbing system to operate efficiently, routine maintenance must be implemented. Eliminating clogs and cleaning drains is a highly effective method to sustaining a functional plumbing system. This reduces the chances of plumbing emergencies, costly repairs, and general hassle. Hiring a professional plumber is the best option for routine drain cleaning. They retain the proper tools, training, and equipment to clean your drains, as well as, inspect for any other drain or pipe issues.

Weilhammer Plumbing Co. Inc.

Weilhammer Plumbing Company 317-784-1870

Call Weilhammer Plumbing Co. Inc. at 317-784-1870 for professional drain cleaning in Indianapolis, Indiana. Master plumber, Mark Weilhammer, is happy to provide professional plumbing service at a fair and competitive price, for both residential and commercial properties. We offer a wide range of plumbing repair and service, from minor plumbing repairs to major plumbing work, and everything in between! Call 317-784-1870 for prompt and professional plumbing repair and drain cleaning services in Indianapolis you can afford.