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.

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

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.

Indianapolis Drain Cleaning Services 317-784-1870

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.

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

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!

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Unclog Any Drain With These 4 Simple Steps

Posted on December 22, 2016 by weilhammerplumbing

Clogged Drain Repair 317-784-1870

When you have clogged drain on your hands, it is important to take a minute and think clearly about your situation. Often times, the most common cause for worsening drain blockages is human interference. This is simply a result of rushing through the process. Instead, review the 4 steps you need to know to unclog any and every drain. These steps will guaranteed drainage clearance!

So the next time you have an obstructed drain, give these 4 steps a try and see how well they work!

❶ Grab Your Plunger

Your plunger is there for a reason after all! It should be the first tool you turn to for clogs and blockages in drains and toilets. For sinks and tubs, simply fill the basin a quarter of the way with water, and then firmly plunge over the drain in repetitive up and down motions. Do this until the drain begins to clear and the sink begins to empty. If you have a double basin sink, you will need to block the other drain with a plug or towel. If this doesn’t seem to do this trick, move onto the alternative steps!

❷ Combine Baking Soda and Vinegar

Using the chemical reaction of baking soda and vinegar has been an age-old remedy for stubborn drains, as well as, cleaning grout, tile, and more. And that is because it is a powerful cleaning and clearing agent! First, empty all the water from the sink or tub basin. Then pour one cup of baking soda down the clogged drain. Use a wooden spoon to pack it all the way down inside the drain. Follow up with one cup of distilled white vinegar and allow the mixture to sit for 5 to 10 minutes. Finish by running hot water from the faucet down into the drain for several minutes. If the clog still hasn’t cleared, repeat this step or move onto the next.

❸ Use a Cable Auger

We recently wrote a blog about choosing the right auger for plumbing clogs. In the blog, we expel how to select the proper auger for the particular type of clog you are experiencing. Keep in mind that using a cable auger is not for just anyone; you should be an experienced handyman or have experience using a cable auger. The process involves detaching certain plumbing pipes and connections. If you are not experienced with using a cable auger, then the last step is the right one for you!

❹ Call a Licensed Plumber

If the above three steps did not help your clog, contact a licensed plumber for professional assistance you can trust. They retain the proper permits, training, tools, and equipment to efficiently and effectively eliminate serious drain blockages, regardless of size or scope. Be sure to choose a company with extensive experience.

Indianapolis Plumber

Weilhammer Plumbing Company Indianapolis Indiana

Weilhammer Plumbing Company 317-784-1870

Call Weilhammer Plumbing Company at 317-784-1870 when you need a prompt and professional Indianapolis plumber for clogged drain service and more. Owner, Mark Weilhammer, is a state-licensed master plumber with over 50 years of experience. And our company has been serving Hoosiers for over 100 years! So we have the experience and trusted reputation you are looking for in a plumbing company. Call 317-784-1870 to request a free estimate for drain clearing services in Indianapolis, Indiana 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!

Tips for Avoiding Clogged Drains at Home

Posted on December 3, 2014 by weilhammerplumbing

Indianapolis Plumbing Repair 317-784-1870

Holidays this time of year are for friends and families to come together and unite in peace, love, and harmony. This also means extra house guests, visits, parties, and more! During this time of year, homeowners and homemakers are well-aware of the increased volume of guests to be expected. Along with frequent visitors and staying guests comes increased traffic of water usage, paper usage, bathroom usage, and kitchen usage. One of the most common and simply frustrating consequences to all this plumbing traffic is clogged drains.

Continue reading to learn how to avoid clogged drains and be better prepared for all the visitors your home will host this year!

Kitchen Drains

In the kitchen, we have cooking, peeling, chopping, cutting, shredding, husking, and so much more going on. Potato peels, orange rinds, onion layers, egg shells, and more are all thrown down garbage disposals and kitchen sinks, party after party, and supper after supper. On top of this, we have paper towels, napkins, food wrappers, and other snack-related debris flying around. And you never know where they might end up. This can cause a load of plumbing problems for a kitchen. Here are some tips for avoiding clogged drains in the kitchen:

• Use Cold Water to Grind Food in Garbage Disposal
• Use Citrus Peels and Ice Cubes to Keep Garbage Disposal Blades Fresh and Clean
• Do Not Put Potato Peel in Garbage Disposal (makes for sticky, dull blades)
• Never Pour Grease, Coffee Grounds, Celery Stalks, Pasta, Rice, or Bones Down the Garbage Disposal!

Bathroom Drains

Bathrooms drains can fall victim to several things. Sink, tub, and shower drains are commonly clogged by hair, shaving gel, soap residue, toilet paper, tissue paper, cotton swabs, plastic wrap, and more. This causes showers to end up as baths, and sinks to overflow while washing your face! Here are some tips to follow to avoid clogging drains in a bathroom:

• Use Two-Ply Toilet Paper in Guest Baths
• Hide the Anti-Bacterial Wipes! These are Not-So-Flushable!
• Clear Off Clutter or Décor from Toilets So They Don’t Fall In and Get Flushed
• Regularly Use an Active Digester Product to Remove Grease and Proteins From Drains
• Snake and Clean Drains Once a Month with Store-Bought Drain Cleaners
• Politely Remind Children About the Proper Amount of Tissue to Use
• Provide Hand Towels for Guests

If you have a clogged drain that requires professional attention, contact a local Indianapolis master plumber for free advice and estimates for drain clearing and cleaning services. They retain the proper tools, training, and experience to quickly unclog drains in bathrooms, kitchens, garages, pool decks, and much more.

Weilhammer Plumbing Co. Inc.

Weilhammer Plumbing Indianapolis Indiana 317-784-1870

Call Weilhammer Plumbing Co. Inc. at 317-784-1870 for advice regarding clogged drains or drain repair in Indianapolis, Indiana. Owner and operator, Mark Weilhammer, has the affordable solutions you are looking for when it comes to drain and plumbing repair. With more than 60 years of experience in the plumbing industry, and more than 112 years of being in business, you can trust that Weilhammer Plumbing Co. Inc. is the right choice for residential and commercial plumbing repair service. Call 317-784-1870 for licensed plumbing work or drain repair in Indianapolis, IN today.