3 Household Plumbing Repairs You Should Know How to Do

Posted on November 28, 2018 by weilhammerplumbing

Whether a home owner or renter, it is wise for you to know how to repair common plumbing mishaps and defects. Not only will this save you valuable time and money, it will give you a sense of security knowing that you can face a plumbing disaster if one were to ever arise.

Continue reading to learn some common plumbing problems that you should know how to solve on your own.

Indianapolis Plumbing Company 317-784-1870

Acquire a Tool Kit

Your first step to managing at-home plumbing repairs is obtaining the proper emergency plumbing kit. These kits can be purchased at any local home improvement store, and range in size, quality, and price. You can also make your own emergency plumbing tool kit by gathering some of the basic supplies, such as an Allen wrench, adjustable crescent wrench, plunger, rubber gloves, plumbers tape, drain auger, and a screwdriver set. See our blog, “Necessary Plumbing Tools to Have at Home” to learn exactly what you need to make an emergency at-home plumbing tool kit.

Making Basic Repairs

Now that you have the right tools and supplies on hand, you are nearly prepared to take on some of the more common, but equally frustrating, plumbing malfunctions. Here are 3 of the most common plumbing repairs you should know how to do yourself:

❶ Running Toilet:

Most of the time, you don’t even need a tool to fix this common and obnoxious toilet problem. Simply remove the cover of the toilet tank to reveal the flapper and flush valve. A running toilet is usually caused from the flapper getting stuck, or the chain getting caught. See our blog, “3 Toilet Problems SOLVED!” to learn more about making simply, DIY toilet repairs.

❷ Lost Item Down Drain:

Virtually all modern, plumbed sinks have a sink trap, which is a pipe beneath the basin of the sink that connects with two other pipes. Sink traps are easily discernible since they are shaped like the letters P, J, or S. Here is where blockages usually occur that lead to sink clogs. It is also the place where lost items are found when they are dropped down the drain. Read our blog, “How to Retrieve Items that Fall Down the Sink Drain” to learn how to master this repair.

❸ Clogged Drain:

A clogged drain can either drain really slowly, or not at all, both of which are equally frustrating when taking a shower or washing the dishes. Fortunately, a clogged drain is simple to fix on your own in minor cases. Take out that drain auger in your plumbing tool kit, and snake the drain until it’s cleared. If this does not work, you can use boiling water to help release any solids. A plunger can also help to loosen a drain clog.

When All Efforts Fail, Call a Pro!

Weilhammer Plumbing Company 317-784-1870

Call Weilhammer Plumbing Co. Inc. at 317-784-1870 for professional plumbing service and repair in Indianapolis, Indiana. Owner and Master plumber, Mark Weilhammer, is happy to give you free plumbing advice. Our highly trained and licensed plumbers provide a wide range of residential and commercial plumbing services; and as a family owned and operated company since 1901, you can trust us to deliver outstanding workmanship and customer support. Request a free estimate, today.

Why is My Hot Water Not Working?

Posted on August 17, 2016 by weilhammerplumbing

Indianapolis Plumbing Repair 317-784-1870

It happens when you least expect it, and at the most inconvenient of times. Losing your hot water is a frustrating and uncomfortable consequence that can stem from a variety of factors. When you jump into your shower or bath after letting the hot water run for a few minutes only to find that the water is luke warm, or worse, cold, then you will need to locate the source of the problem in order to reverse it. In many cases, a simple fix is all that’s needed, which can be done on your own.

On the other hand, there may be a need for a professional plumber if the source of the lost hot water is more complex to repair. Continue reading to learn why your hot water might not be working, and what to do to get it back.

Start with the Pilot Light

Once you realize that your hot water is no longer working, you will need to start an at-home investigation. The most common reason why water stops heating up is the pilot light in the water heater. This is the first place you want to check. If you cannot see a flame, then the light is out. Simply re-igniting the pilot light can solve your hot water problem instantly! However, if it won’t re-light, it could be a separate gas-related issue, in which case you’ll need a licensed plumbing company that provides water heater service and repair. If you have an electric water heater, you will want to check for tripped breakers. For gas water heaters, locate the pilot light at the bottom of the tank, and refer to your owners’ manual for reigniting instructions. If the pilot light doesn’t seem to be the problem, move onto the next step.

Structural Integrity

If there isn’t a problem with the pilot light, you want to take a thorough look at the structural integrity of the water heater tank and piping. Look for damages like dents, bumps, cracks, holes, and kinks. Then look at the base to see if there is water leaking onto the ground. Also be sure to listen for strange sounds, like banging or clanking, as well as, noises that sound like the tank is struggling. If you notice one or more of the above-mentioned signs of damage or distress, you will need to contact a water heater technician right away.

Temperature Settings

If everything checks out good so far, you are ready to check the temperature setting for your hot water heater. Look for the temperature gauge knob on the bottom center (or side) area of the tank. Sometimes this knob can get accidentally bumped into a lower temperature settings, thus causing a loss of hot water. Generally, a safe temperature setting for a water heater is between 115 and 130 degrees Fahrenheit. But for homes with only young to middle-aged adult occupants, you can safely increase the temperature up to 140 degrees Fahrenheit. If the knob is below your preferred temperature, then re-adjust it and wait an hour for the water to heat back up.

Call a Water Heater Technician

If nothing seems to recover your hot water, it is time to call a professional. Be sure to hire a licensed plumber that specializes in water heater repair services. By choosing an experienced and licensed plumbing company, you will have confidence knowing that your water heater is in capable and trusting hands.

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 water heater repair in Indianapolis, Indiana. Owner and master plumber, Mark Weilhammer, offers prompt and professional water heater repair and maintenance for residential and commercial properties. His team of professional plumbers and water heater technicians are licensed, bonded, and insured, with more than 50 years of experience! You can trust us for quality service, sincere customer support, and honest prices. Call 317-784-1870 to request free plumbing and water heater advice, or to schedule plumbing service in Indianapolis and its surrounding counties.

My Basement is Flooded! What Do I Do?

Posted on June 15, 2016 by weilhammerplumbing

Indianapolis Plumbers 317-784-1870

A flooded basement is a dreaded home disaster that no one wants to face as a property owner. But the reality is that basements can and do flood, whether from defective plumbing or inclement weather. For this reason, it is wise as a home owner to learn what to do in case of a basement flood emergency. Continue reading to gain this knowledge, and be better prepared to manage a flooded basement if it were to ever happen to your home.

Act Fast

The most important thing you can do when you discover that your basement is flooding is to act fast. Take immediate action to reduce the ultimate amount of water damage as much as possible. By neglecting to reverse a water leak, you risk causing further damage to your home, and paying thousands of dollars in repairs and renovations. The sooner you effectuate a remedy, the better your chances are at recovering more efficiently in terms of money and time.

In the case that your basement floods, here’s what to do:

1. Shut Off the Water Supply. Find your main water shut off valve and immediately turn the water supply off to the home. If you know the exact source of the water flow, you can just turn off that water source, such as a water heater or water softener. It is best to first turn off the main water supply to be sure the overflow is stopped immediately. In the case of a sewage backup, refrain from using any appliances that use water, such as dishwashers and washing machines.

2. Do Not Walk Through the Water. Assess the damage from a distance first. This will protect you from electric shock and other potential, unforeseen hazards that can occur as a result from indoor floods. If you believe it is 100% safe, and choose to walk through the water, turn off the power supply to the entire home first. And be sure to wear protective gear, especially if the flood waters come from a sewer pipe.

3. Check for Gas Leaks and Structural Damage. While still at a distance, also look for possible gas leaks and damage. If you cannot tell, do not enter the water and move on to the next step.

4. Call a Licensed Plumber. They retain the proper tools, training, and knowledge to manage your basement flood and repair the source of the plumbing problem. Most plumbing companies that have been established for some time even offer 24 hour emergency service for indoor floods.

5. Contact Your Insurance Provider. Once you have a plumber on the way, immediately contact your home owners’ insurance company. Do not hesitate to make this call! Because the longer you wait, your chances of getting approved for coverage lessen. And be sure to take extensive photos of all the damage, and save all documents and receipts for repairs and related purchases.

6. Take Preventative Measures. Preventative maintenance is the best method for avoiding another basement flood or plumbing emergency. Ask your plumber what you can do to prevent future plumbing problems, and your options for in-home plumbing security.

Weilhammer Plumbing Co. Inc.

Call Weilhammer Plumbing Co. Inc. at 317-784-1870 if you have a flooded basement in Indianapolis, Indiana and its surrounding locations. Owner and master plumber, Mark Weilhammer, is happy to provide emergency plumbing services 24 hours a day and 7 days a week for indoor residential and commercial floods, pipe bursts, water leaks, and more. We have been in business for over 100 years, so you know you can trust our licensed and insured plumbers. We also offer free plumbing advice and information any time. Call 317-784-1870 for 24 hour emergency plumbing service in Indianapolis, IN 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!