These Bad Habits Can Cause Plumbing Problems at Home

Posted on April 15, 2015 by weilhammerplumbing

When it comes to residential plumbing, a professional would advise against a long list of bad habits that lead to costly repairs and problems. Among this long list of bad habits, there are a few that tend to cause the most issues with a home’s plumbing. Continue reading to learn which bad habits your plumber wants you to stop!

Bathroom Plumbing Repair 317-784-1870

Toilets

So many of us are guilty of using the toilet as a garbage receptacle. The occasional goldfish is not going to cause any problems with your toilet and plumbing, however, actual trash or garbage is not a good idea. Cotton swabs, cotton balls, feminine hygiene applicators, razor cartridges, toilet paper tubes, hairbands, shower caps, paper bags, newspaper, plastic materials, and more are common items flushed down residential toilets on a daily basis. All of this trash can clog the toilet, as well as, cause major blockages in your home’s plumbing, leading to costly repairs and replacements. Do not use your toilet as a trashcan! Simply place a trash can near your toilet to thwart you from this bad habit.

Garbage Disposals

Another area that we tend to use as a trash can even though we shouldn’t is the kitchen sink garbage disposal. Yes this appliance can shred soft, non-fibrous foods, but that doesn’t mean it’s an industrial shredder that can manage all your other garbage as well! Items like plastic wrap, fruit peels, egg shells, flowers, fruit and vegetable cores, and more are commonly tossed down residential garbage disposals, only later to cause major damage to the appliance and the home’s plumbing.

Drains

Aside from trash, people tend to have a bad habit of pouring harmful or toxic chemicals down bathroom and kitchen sink drains. Bathtubs, showers, outdoor sinks, kitchen sinks, and bathroom sinks have drains that can clog, but this does not mean reach for the harsh drain cleaning solution right away. Try other forms of clog-clearing before resorting to toxic drain cleaners, such as drain snakes. These chemicals can cause plumbing pipes to corrode and deteriorate, leading to leaks and major damages.

Outdoor Hoses

Forgetting or neglecting to disconnect your garden hose from the outside spout before wintertime can cause some major problems with your home’s plumbing as well. This allows moisture from the inside of the hose to enter the home, eventually freezing, leading to frozen or burst plumbing pipes. This is not an easy or inexpensive fix, but can be avoided with a little annual reminder and initiative.

Weilhammer Plumbing Co. Inc.

Weilhammer Plumbing Company 317-784-1870

Call Weilhammer Plumbing Co. Inc. at 317-784-1870 the next time you need a master plumber in Indianapolis, Indiana. Owner, Mark Weilhammer, is a state-licensed master plumber with over 50 years of experience in the plumbing industry. He and our team of licensed plumbing contractors are eager to answer your questions about plumbing repair and more. We offer residential and commercial properties a wide range of plumbing services, including septic tanks, water heaters, sump pumps, water softeners, slab leaks, and more! Call 317-784-1870 for superior plumbing repair services in Indianapolis, IN today.

How to Stop Water Knocking in Your Plumbing Pipes

Posted on April 8, 2015 by weilhammerplumbing

Indianapolis Plumbers 317-784-1870

Every time you turn your faucet off, or decide to take a shower, are you hearing a knocking-like noise coming from the floor or walls? This is called water-knocking and happens to be a frequent nuisance plumbing problem for homeowners. This sound can start out as faint and barely-there, and later grow into a deep banging or rocking noise. It can sound like a squeaky rocking chair, an animal growl, or a hammer hitting the wall. It can also sound like tummy rumbles, rushing water, and more.

But most often, people describe it as a knock-like sound. It is important to solve a water knocking issue in your home’s plumbing pipes as soon as you notice its presence. Otherwise, a small plumbing problem can quickly turn into a large costly one. If water knocking is a current problem for you, continue reading to learn why it’s happening and how to make it stop.

Knocking Pipes

The most common cause behind water knocking in pipes is irregular water pressure within the main water supply for your home. Air is used to pressurize water within plumbing pipes, but when the air leaks or depletes, it causes a disturbance in water flow, which can lead to rushing water. This forceful movement of water through your pipes is what creates the knocking sounds. This pressure must be corrected if ever inconsistent to ensure proper water flow from the main supply, through the pipes, and to your faucets.

Here’s How to Correct Water Knocking:

1. Turn Off Main Water Valve
2. Open ALL Faucets
3. Flush All Toilets One Time
4. Once Water Stops Flowing, the Lines are Clear and Empty
5. Now Slowly Turn the Main Water Valve Back On
6. The Knocking Sound Should Be Gone

It really is that simple most of the time! But if the sound persists even after you flush your water lines, you may need to contact a plumbing company for professional assistance and service. Remember, addressing a small problem right away can prevent major costly problems in the future! For questions about water knocking problems and plumbing repairs, be sure to ask a licensed master plumber for trustworthy answers and solutions.

Weilhammer Plumbing Co. Inc.

Call Weilhammer Plumbing Co. Inc. at 317-784-1870 and speak with state-licensed master plumber, Mark Weilhammer, for Indianapolis plumbing services you can trust! He and our team of skilled plumbing contractors are happy to answer your questions about plumbing pipes, water lines, repairs, replacements, advice, and more. Call 317-784-1870 for prompt and professional plumbing repair in Indianapolis, IN today.

Does Your Kitchen Sink Stink?

Posted on April 2, 2015 by weilhammerplumbing

Indianapolis Garbage Disposal Repair 317-784-1870

Have you begun to notice a mysterious odor in your kitchen? Does it seem like it’s coming from the sink? If so, there could be some problems with your sink or disposal that require swift solutions. One of the most dangerous causes of smelly sinks is bacteria growth. Bacteria is harmful to our health and can easily contaminate food prepared in the kitchen.

Even harmless bacteria is undesirable, and cooking in a smelly kitchen is too. For these reasons and more, it is important to address any issues your kitchen sink or garbage disposal might be having, and what solutions are best.

Continue reading to learn about the possible reasons your kitchen sink smells, and what to do to remedy each problem.

Bacteria

As mentioned, one of the most dangerous causes behind a smelly kitchen sink is bacteria. Food particles over-accumulate and clog kitchen drains, causing the formation of a nasty sludge. This sludge prevents water from free-flowing through the drain, leading to bacteria growth. And furthermore, mold only needs darkness and moisture to grow, making the kitchen drain a perfect incubating ground. Mold and bacteria are harmful to our health and can contaminate our food, causing food-borne illnesses and more. To eliminate bacteria from kitchen sink, pour any of these items down the drain:

• Bleach
• Vinegar
• Baking Soda (Post-rinse heavily with hot water)
• Store-Bought Kitchen-Safe Drain Cleaner

Garbage Disposal

Grease is often a problem for garbage disposals. When greasy foods are eliminated down the kitchen sink, the grease generally tends to linger behind and stick to the blades of the disposal. These greasy-leftovers decay overtime and then start to smell, causing an unpleasant odor in your kitchen sink. To remove this issue, simply pour hot water down the drain, multiple times, until the odor is gone.

Another option is to grind ice and kosher salt in the disposal, followed by some citrus rinds, to dislodge the grease, clean the blades, and eliminate smells. Or you may also choose to use any of the above listed items to further eliminate a decomposed food issue or lingering smell.

Roof Vents

If there seems to be no end to the smell in your kitchen sink, even after you’ve exhausted all other efforts and options, it might come down to a vent problem. There is a vent that goes from your kitchen sink, all the way up to the roof (in most standard homes). If these vents become clogged, use a snaking-device to clear the obstruction in the vent, or use the hot water approach. The best solution for this problem is to simply contact a licensed master plumber for assistance with clogged vents and kitchen sink issues.

Weilhammer Plumbing Co. Inc.

Weilhammer Plumbing Company 317-784-1870

Call Weilhammer Plumbing Co. Inc. at 317-784-1870 for superior plumbing repair and kitchen plumbing services in Indianapolis, Indiana. Owner and master plumber, Mark Weilhammer, and our team of licensed, bonded, and insured plumbing contractors, are eager to help solve your kitchen sink and plumbing problems. We offer a wide range of high-quality plumbing services at the most competitive prices in town. That is why we have been in business for more than 100 years! Call 317-784-1870 for information about our Indianapolis plumbing services and kitchen plumbing repairs we offer for residential and commercial properties.

Tips for Detecting Toilet Leaks

Posted on March 17, 2015 by weilhammerplumbing

Indianapolis Toilet Plumber 317-784-1870

A home with an undetected toilet leak can waste more than 80,000 gallons of water each year. Can you imagine the spike in monthly water bills every month? Or the amount of wasted water and money? Stopping any type of water leak in your home is beneficial for many reasons. Since toilet leaks are common, it is important to inspect them regularly in order to stop a leak before it causes major structural damages, costly repairs, and increased water bills. Continue reading to learn how to detect a leaky toilet and what you should do about it.

Leaky Toilets

As soon as you know you have a leaky toilet, shut off the main water valve to stop all water flow in your home. Then call a professional plumber for emergency service. They retain the proper tools and knowledge to quickly and effectively repair a leaky toilet at a price anyone can afford. But before calling a master plumber, it is helpful to determine whether or not a leak exists, on your own. You can do this by checking the following areas:

Flush Valve Issues

Many leaks occur from flush valve issues. Standard toilets come with flush and re-fill valves that can sometimes leak into the toilet bowl, from the tank, if not working properly. With a leak like this, the flush valve will continue to re-fill continuously, causing a running toilet as well. This wastes an abundant amount of water. And if the re-fill valve is also defective in any way, it can cause the toilet tank to overflow.

To check for flush-valve issues:

Start by shutting off the water valve to the toilet. This shut-off valve is located on the bottom left side of the tank. Record the level of water you see, and then re-check it in 20 minutes. If the water level is lower, there is a flush valve leak or similar issue.

To check for re-fill valve issues:

Start by adding a few drops of food coloring to the tank of the toilet. Wait ten minutes and then check the bowl. If the food coloring made its way from the tank to the toilet bowl, there is a problem with the re-fill valve; most likely a leak.

Weilhammer Plumbing Co. Inc.

Weilhammer Plumbing Company 317-784-1870

Call Mark Weilhammer, licensed master plumber, at 317-784-1870 for professional toilet repair in Indianapolis, Indiana. He and our team of licensed master plumbers are happy to answer your questions about leaky toilets, toilet repair, water leaks, plumbing repair, and all other plumbing issues. We provide residential and commercial plumbing services at the most competitive prices in town. Call 317-784-1870 for professional toilet installation and repair services in Indianapolis, IN.

How Can Reliable Plumbing Make a House Better?

Posted on March 2, 2015 by weilhammerplumbing

Water Softener Repair 317-784-1870

A home is our safe place. It is where we feel the most secure and at peace. It is our sanctuary from all the chaos and havoc life can sometimes throw upon us. For this reason, we want our homes to be in great condition, in terms of foundation, structure, electrical, and more. One of the most important and valuable assets to any home is the plumbing system. Without good plumbing, a house cannot be a home. We need our warm baths and showers, our cups of coffee, quality insulation, reliable piping, washing machines, and so much more. All of these aspects and appliances are reliant on good, reliable plumbing.

Here’s how good plumbing makes a house better for everyone inside and out.

Plumbing Tips

When it comes to plumbing repairs, plumbing maintenance, pipe issues, and other serious plumbing problems, it is vital to have a licensed master plumber undertake these kinds of projects for optimal and liable results. Here are some examples of emergency or serious plumbing problems that should be repaired or handled by a licensed plumber:

• Burst Pipes
• Frozen Pipes
• Water Leaks
• Slab Leaks
• Toilet Repair
• Kitchen Plumbing Repairs
• Bathroom Plumbing Repairs
• Blocked Drains
• Valve Repairs
• Leaking Water Heaters
• Water Softener Repairs
• Sump Pump Repairs
• Corroded Piping
• And More

There are plenty of plumbing projects homeowners can take on themselves as well, such as minor drain clogs, backup toilets, and leaky faucets; but a licensed master plumber retains the proper resources, training, licensing, and equipment to professionally undertake projects such as these and provide affordable and long-lasting solutions for them.

Weilhammer Plumbing Co. Inc.

Weilhammer Plumbing Company 317-784-1870

Call Weilhammer Plumbing Co. Inc. at 317-784-1870 for licensed master plumber services in Indianapolis, Indiana. Owner, Mark Weilhammer, is a state-licensed master plumber with several decades of experience in the plumbing repair industry. In fact, our company has been in business since 1901! We offer a wide selection of plumbing services for residential and commercial properties throughout all of Indianapolis and its surrounding counties!

Never Put This Stuff in a Garbage Disposal!

Posted on February 20, 2015 by weilhammerplumbing

Clogged Drain Repair 317-784-1870

You must be good to your garbage disposal if you want it to be good to you! This means minding what you put in it, and providing proper maintenance and repair as needed. Just to get it out there, always remember to shut off the power supply before performing any DIY work on your garbage disposal. You don’t want an accident to occur that leaves you without any fingers, or worse, an entire hand! This is just another reason why you should always leave garbage disposal repair needs in the hands of a licensed and experienced master plumber. They retain the proper tools, training, and resources to accurately and efficiently diagnose and repair a disposal issue.

As for your own at-home garbage disposal habits, continue reading to see if you are guilty of putting any of these “no-no’s” down the sink drain.

Garbage Disposal Awareness

To best understand what you shouldn’t put down a garbage disposal, let’s first begin with the things that are okay and safe. For example, the only foods that should be shredded in your disposal should be soft, non-fibrous, chopped, liquid, and similar foods in small amounts. The key word here is “small amounts.” When it comes to the stuff you should not put in a garbage disposal, here is a list of suggestions to follow:

Fatty Oils

Do not put olive oil, lard, bacon grease, pan grease, excessive amounts of melted butter, vegetable oils, or any other versions of fatty oils down the drain. These products will quickly coagulate and thicken, causing pipe blockages, clogs, and more.

Starches

Refrain from putting any type of starchy food down the garbage disposal or drain. Just like fatty oils, things like pasta and rice also thicken and cause pipe blockages.

Fibrous Waste

Do not toss anything fibrous or stringy down the drain. Foods like corn husks, fruit rinds, potato peels, chicken skins, celery, egg shells, and other similar food.

Fruit and Vegetable Pits

Foods like avocados and peaches have hard, solid, seed-like pits that can do a lot of damage to a garbage disposal system. The same goes for bones too!

Coffee Grounds

Many people eliminate their coffee grounds by dumping them down the drain. This is a bad idea because they can buildup overtime and cause clogs and blockages.

Paper Garbage

Never put cigarette butts, coffee filters, or any other non-perishable item down the drain. These do not deteriorate at a speed that is not conducive for optimal pipe and plumbing functionality.

Weilhammer Plumbing Co. Inc.

Call Mark Weilhammer, master plumber and owner of Weilhammer Plumbing Company of Indianapolis, at 317-784-1870 today. He and his team of professional and licensed plumbers are happy to answer your questions about garbage disposal repair, plumbing repair, and more. We offer all plumbing services for both commercial and residential properties, at the most competitive prices around. Call 317-784-1870 and speak directly with Mark about garbage disposal repair services in Indianapolis, IN today.

The Benefits of Trenchless Pipe Replacement

Posted on January 9, 2015 by weilhammerplumbing

Indianapolis Master Plumber 317-784-1870

Traditional pipe fitting is no match compared to the benefits of trenchless pipe solutions and techniques. Repairing, replacing, and fitting plumbing pipes the traditional way has several drawbacks. Not only is it time-consuming and complex, it entails many risks and other disadvantages. Trenchless pipe installation has become so popular because it eliminates most of these negative aspects of pipe laying and replacement.

Continue reading to learn the principle benefits of trenchless pipe replacement and who to call for accurate industry information you can trust.

What is Trenchless Piping?

Trenchless pipe fitting, also referred to as hydraulic pipe fitting or laying, is a method of pipe replacement that is implemented by digging two small holes at the beginning and end of existing pipe-works; and next, inserting a pipe bursting machine inside, in order to install new piping within the existing pipes, underground. So the first benefit of trenchless pipe installation is that there is no need for extensive digging. This reduces damage to landscapes and roadways, and saves utility and construction companies’ loads of time and labor. By guiding the new piping along the inside of the existing piping, with the help of pipe bursting machinery and technology, no digging is ever necessary!

Another great advantage to this new innovative piping technique is the significant reduction of community disturbance. This means roads, parks, sidewalks, backyards, parking lots, and more don’t have to be blocked off to the public for extensive periods of time for construction and excavation purposes. With traditional pipe replacement, the only way to access the existing pipe is to dig up the ground that buries it. This leads to messy, tedious, and disruptive construction sites. For commercial businesses, this can influence customer traffic and sales; while residential properties have to deal with loud machinery and unsightly dirt piles for weeks at a time.

Overall Advantages to Trenchless Pipe Work:

• Easier and More Efficient
• Cuts Labor Costs
• Reduces Damages
• Eliminates the Need for Excessive Digging
• Much Faster than Traditional Methods
• Less Construction Noise
• Damages are Less Likely (i.e. pipes, cables, etc.)
• Les Delays in Project

For more information about trenchless pipe fitting, or plumbing repair, call a local master plumber for accurate industry advice you can trust. Commercial properties can greatly benefit from pipe replacement services, as well as older and more mature residential properties.

Weilhammer Plumbing Co. Inc.

Weilhammer Plumbing Company 317-784-1870

Call 317-784-1870 and speak with Mark Weilhammer, owner and master plumber at Weilhammer Plumbing Co. Inc. in Indianapolis, Indiana. He and his team of licensed plumbing contractors are happy to answer your questions about residential or commercial plumbing pipe installation and fitting. We have been a family owned and operated business for more than 100 years here in Indiana, so you know you can trust our services and reputation! Call 317-784-1870 for free estimates and information regarding plumbing repair and copper re-piping services in Indianapolis, IN today.

Five Signs that Indicate You Might Need Bathroom Plumbing Repair

Posted on December 16, 2014 by weilhammerplumbing

Indianapolis Plumbing Repair 317-784-1870

The bathroom is one of the most used areas of a home. Whether you need the toilet, the mirror, the sink, tub or shower, the bathroom is sure to meet your restroom needs. Along with such popularity, the amount of traffic a bathroom experiences can also increase the likelihood of common plumbing problems.

In order to keep a reliable and functional bathroom plumbing system, routine maintenance and care are vital. When regular care isn’t taken with a home’s plumbing, problems can start to occur. Once you start to notice signs that your plumbing might be failing you, it is time to call a licensed master plumber for help. Continue reading to learn the five most common signs that your bathroom needs plumbing repair.

Low Water Pressure

When your shower doesn’t seem to give of the water power it used to, don’t reach for the shower head to adjust it, because it may just be low water pressure. Although it could be a clogged shower head, which can be easily fixed with a long soak in CLR (calcium lime rust cleaner), low water pressure can be caused by a long list of things. More serious reasons for low or lowered water pressure is damages water heater, burst pipes, blockages, water leaks, and more. This is why it is important to have something like this checked out by a licensed plumber before it becomes an expensive and tedious repair.

Non-Stop Running Toilet

High water pressure can also be a sign that something is wrong with your bathroom plumbing. Things like a constantly-running toilet that never seems to finish its flush cycle, or a persistent dripping faucet, are indications of high water pressure. But leaky faucets and running toilets are not the main problem with high water pressure, these are simply signs that can indicate a larger plumbing repair. Not repairing high water pressure can result in floods, burst pipes, broken water heaters, busted plumbing fixtures, and much more.

Foul-Smelling Water

When water starts to smell funny or change in color, it may be an indication that your plumbing pipes are in bad shape. Water that is supplied to your home should be clear and odor-free. When it appears discolored or foul-smelling, it may be a sign that rust, sulfur, iron, or air is inside your plumbing pipes. It can also be related to broken water mains and wells, or pipe corrosion. Different colors indicate different problems, so consult a master plumber for an accurate and professional water quality assessment.

Clogged Drains

When a tub or sink drain is slow, or has stopped up completely, this is an obvious indication that something is blocking the drain’s passage-way. Store-bought drain cleaners and drain snakes are very helpful for minor or moderate clogged drains. Usually one will pull out hair, soap residue, and maybe even a few Band-Aids. But for major clogs, professional assistance is required.

No Hot Water

One of the most frustrating plumbing problems to have, especially in the winter, is no hot water. When your hot water seems to stop, or doesn’t get as hot as it used to, there may be a problem with your hot water heater. Scale, sediment, and a damaged heating element within water heater tanks can be the source of no hot water. There could also be leaks in the major water lines, or elsewhere in your plumbing, taking away the ability to heat your home’s water supply properly.

Weilhammer Plumbing Co. Inc.

Weilhammer Plumbing Indianapolis Indiana 317-784-1870

Call Mark Weilhammer, licensed master plumber and owner of Weilhammer Plumbing Co. Inc. in Indianapolis, Indiana. He and his team of experienced plumbers can solve your plumbing problems at a price you can afford. We offer free estimates, emergency plumbing repairs, free haul-away service, and much more. As a business that’s been family owned and operated since 1901, we understand the value of a dollar, and practice the utmost honesty and integrity when pricing our services. Call us today at 317-784-1870 for free estimates and information regarding our plumbing repair services in Indianapolis, IN today.

The Difference Between a Standard Plumber and a Master Plumber

Posted on December 9, 2014 by weilhammerplumbing

Indianapolis Plumbing Repair 317-784-187

Being a standard plumber is not such a hard job. Anyone can take the required courses, learn the trade, and start on a journey to becoming a seasoned plumbing technician. But being a master plumber is a whole other story. Basically, a regular plumber is a regular job, whereas, a master plumber is a huge job. A master plumber is a much more advanced and complex vocation than just regular plumbing. It requires a separate and comprehensive agenda to become qualified and licensed master plumber.

Continue reading to learn the actual difference between a regular plumbing contractor and a licensed master plumber.

Master Plumbers

A master plumber deals with a large load of responsibility. They are state licensed master plumbers that are certified to provide installations, re-piping, maintenance, repair, and more for residential, commercial, and industrial properties. Master plumbing contractors are required to pass mandatory courses, receive proper licensing, and retain extensive plumbing knowledge for all plumbing-related work. This is an intense load of skill and knowledge that one must possess in order to be a master plumber. It is an actual trade that requires skill, expertise, and understanding. But it also requires state licensing so they can provide their services legally.

When a factory or commercial building is being constructed, it is not the general contractors or the architects that plan and execute the plumbing, it is the master plumber. This is just one example of the enormous responsibility and skill and master plumber deals with every day in their career. But even though a master plumber is certified and trained to provide large plumbing projects and work, they are also your solution for residential plumbing service and repair. They provide water leak inspections, minor plumbing and pipe repair, copper re-piping, sump pump repair, water heater and water softener repair, and everything in-between.

It requires an abundant amount of dedication and patience to become a master plumber. A person has to have a real passion for plumbing work to succeed in becoming a certified and licensed master contractor. In order to actually become a master plumber, a person must pay their dues in the industry. They have to have ample experience in plumbing work before they can even qualify for master plumber courses and certification. They must pass courses, classes, and exams that cover everything from plumbing codes to repair. Many people are not up to this level of commitment and work, so they opt for a general contractors licensed; this is why master plumbers are a bit more expensive.

Master plumbers are adept in the following areas and much more:

• Plumbing Repair
• Plumbing Service and Maintenance
• Re-Piping
• Fitting and Laying Pipes
• Indoor Plumbing
• Outdoor Plumbing
• Residential Plumbing
• Commercial Plumbing
• Industrial Plumbing
• Plumbing System Design
• Asbestos Removal
• Roof Replacement
• Irrigation Planning
• Gas Fitting
• Bathroom and Kitchen Renovations
• Space Conversion Plumbing
• Sanitary Plumbing Services
• Residential Sprinklers
• Backflow Service and Prevention
• Sewer and Drainage Problems
• “Green” Plumbing
• Energy Efficient Hot Water Heating
• Water Heaters
• Boilers
• Sump Pumps
• And Much More

Contact your local Indianapolis master plumber anytime for questions and concerns regarding your home or commercial plumbing system. Whether you need a simple leaky faucet fix, or comprehensive re-piping services, a master plumber is your best and most reliable option.

Weilhammer Plumbing Co. Inc.

Weilhammer Plumbing Company 317-784-1870

Call Mark Weilhammer, owner and master plumber at Weilhammer Plumbing Co. Inc., at 317-784-1870 for superior plumbing repair and service in Indianapolis, Indiana. He is a state licensed master plumbing contractor with more than 60 years of experience in the plumbing industry! His family owned and operated plumbing company has been serving the Hoosier communities for more than 112 years! You can rest assure you are receiving the most proficient and affordable plumbing service when you call Weilhammer Plumbing. Just dial 317-784-1870 and speak directly with an Indianapolis master plumber about your plumbing repair needs, today.