Frequently Asked Questions About Residential Plumbing

Posted on September 16, 2022 by weilhammerplumbing

Whether you are a first-time homeowner or have owned your house for a long time, it is vital to stay up to date with your plumbing systems. Reviewing some common tips and general information from time to time can refresh your memory and help you do a better job of taking care of your home. Continue reading to review some unique, but important, frequently asked questions about home plumbing.

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Home Plumbing FAQS You Want to Know

What is Hard Water?

Hard water is water that is polluted with high levels of contaminates, such as iron salts, calcium, and magnesium. If you are starting to notice subtle changes in your dishes, skin, laundry, and plumbing fixtures, it may be related to a hard water issue. A water filtration system, coupled with a quality water softener, can eliminate these mineral ions plus reduce the level of hardness in your home’s water.

Why Does My Water Take So Long to Heat Up?

There are some common reasons why your water heater might be taking too long to heat your water up. Most often, the water heater is just too old or defective. Otherwise, you could have too much sediment buildup at the bottom of the tank, low volume restrictors installed on your plumbing fixtures, or too much distance between the location of the water heater and your point-of-demand. To fix this problem, you will need to contact a professional Indianapolis plumber who specializes in hot water heater repair and service.

How Do I Unclog a Backed Up Toilet?

Large debris can get stuck, like toilet paper, hair ties, and more. In this case, you will need to use your plunger to plunge the toilet bowl for 30 seconds. But before you do, be sure there is not too much water in the toilet bowl. If there is, empty as much water as needed with a separate cup or bowl. Try flushing the toilet to see if the plunger loosened up the clog. If it didn’t, try again or check to see if the flapper is the issue. If you cannot clear a clogged toilet bowl with a plunger, then you will need to call a licensed plumber for help.

How Do I Remove the Crusty Substance on the Shower Head and Faucet?

Remove the shower head by unscrewing it from the spout. Place it in a bowl with hot water and one cup of household vinegar. Leave it overnight then scrub it clean the next morning. If you cannot screw the shower head off, put the vinegar solution in a plastic bag and place it over the spout, attaching and securing it with a tie. If the substance does come off completely, re-do the process using less water and more vinegar.

How Do I Get Rid of Odor in My Garbage Disposal?

The odor most likely is coming from an accumulation of food scraps and other debris. To remove the smell, you can put a mixture of ice cubes and lemon peels down the disposal and run it, then with disposal still running, flush it with cold water for a minute. If this does not do the trick completely, add a few drops of dish soap with cold water for another thirty seconds. This household remedy is a popular solution to foul smelling garbage disposals.

How Often Should a Septic Tank Be Pumped?

An inspection or cleaning should be done once every few years or so, depending on the size of the make and model septic system in place. In smaller systems, once every three years is sufficient; however, a large tank would require an inspection once every two years or less. The larger the system, the more often it will require service.

Am I Smelling Natural Gas in My House?

Natural gas smells like rotten eggs. If you smell this in your home or building, first, turn off all appliances that use gas. Then open a few windows or doors to let the gas air out. Once you have done this, check the range, water heater, and furnace pilot lights; if one light is out, relight it. If they are not the issue, call your local gas provider and report the smell right away.

Why Did My Plumbing Pipes Go Bad?

There are several reasons why plumbing pipes go bad. It can be due to old age, poor installation, incompatibility, material quality issues, corrosion, external structural damages, and much more.

Should I Re-Pipe or Repair the Plumbing?

In many cases, plumbing pipes do not require replaced, but rather repaired. If one or two plumbing pipes burst or incur some sort of damage, they can simply be replaced through trenchless piping or other repair techniques. However, there are other cases in which the whole house plumbing system should be re-piped. Talk to in Indianapolis plumber to determine the best course of action for your plumbing pipe renovation needs.

How Do I Know if I Have a Plumbing Leak?

As someone who regularly pays your water and energy bills, you know when something is a little off. Suddenly higher utility bills are one of the first signs of a hidden plumbing leak in the home. If you are utility bills are higher than usual, or have seen a sudden spike in cost, it could be an indication that you have a hidden plumbing leak somewhere in your system. First, contact your utility company to confirm that your bill is correct, and if it is, your next step is to contact in licensed plumber for a home plumbing inspection in Indianapolis.

Do you think your plumbing system could use some TLC? Contact Weilhammer Plumbing Company at 317-784-1870 for professional plumbing services in Indianapolis, Indiana. We serve residential and commercial clients and are state-licensed master plumbers.

Why You Should Hire a Professional for Drain Cleaning Service

Posted on July 15, 2022 by weilhammerplumbing

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

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

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Common Signs of Drain Trouble

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

Some common signs of moderate to major drain clogs include:

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

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

The Importance of Hiring a Professional for Drain Repair and Cleaning

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

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

Non-Toxic Cleaning Solutions You Can Make Yourself

Posted on April 26, 2022 by weilhammerplumbing

Many store-bought cleaning agents contain high amounts of harmful chemicals and toxic solutions. Not only can these be dangerous to humans, pets, and wildlife, but they can also damage your home’s plumbing systems, appliances, and more. So, let’s keep the Earth Day momentum going by introducing some non-toxic, homemade cleaning solutions you can use all around the house and beyond! Continue below to get started with some easy recipes you can make right at home.

Why Make Your Own Cleaners

Various products on the market today fail to specify their dangerous chemicals on the ingredients label. So, the best way to avoid contact with these types of dangerous products is to simply replace them with safer alternatives. Making your own chemical-free, non-toxic household cleaning products is extremely rewarding. Best of all, it is a lot less expensive and easy to do!

Simple and Safe Homemade Cleaning Solutions

Purchase quality spray bottles. Be sure to choose bottles with ounces measured on the outside of them. This will help you measure and mix solutions quicker and easier. Also, always label each bottle with the type of cleaning agents inside. For example, if the solution is for your kitchen, label it, “kitchen cleaner”, or something similar. Safe ingredients that can be used to create your own homemade cleaning solution range from vinegar and baking soda to borax, Castile soap, and essential oils. Make your own combinations and experiment with what works best for your cleaning goals and even allergies.

Safe and Non-Toxic Ingredients Include, But are Not Limited To:

❧ Distilled White Vinegar
❧ Baking Soda
❧ Borax or Washing Soda
❧ Olive Oil-Based Soap
❧ Coconut Oil-Based Soap
❧ Vegetable Soap
❧ Castile Soap
❧ Fresh Squeezed Lemon Juice
❧ Essential Oil
❧ Clean Water

⚠ Safety Warning ⚠
Although you are making Eco-friendly and safe cleaning products, it is still strongly encouraged to keep them locked up and out-of-reach from children, pets, and wildlife. No one wants to be responsible for a sick animal or child. If these solutions are ever ingested in large quantities, immediately contact emergency services for medical attention.

How to Use Your New Cleaners

When it comes to cleaning your kitchen with Eco-friendly solutions, use a mixture of baking soda, Borax, or washing soda with a little bit of vegetable soap and warm water. This solution can be applied on counters, floors, appliances, and other surfaces.

For ovens and appliances, mix baking soda and washing soda with a little bit of water to make a paste. Generously apply the paste and allow it to sit overnight. Then wash away in the morning for best results.

For countertop cleaning, gently scrub an even mixture of these same ingredients, and then rinse with clean water.

For cutting boards, use a mixture of vinegar and 3% hydrogen peroxide. Bottle each solution separately, spraying first with the vinegar and second with the hydrogen peroxide. Repeat these steps until you achieve a clean surface.

Drains, Sinks, Tubs, and More

Use the same solutions and recipes for bathroom tile, bathtubs, bathroom countertops, toilets, and sinks. For drains, use a combination of baking soda and vinegar. First poor half cup of baking soda down the drain, and then pour 1 cup of vinegar down the drain. Allow the drain to rest for a few minutes and then run hot water through the drain until it is unclogged.

Are you experiencing cloudy or spotty dishes? How about clogged drains or smelly water? Solve your plumbing issues soon, before they can get worse, and costlier! Contact Weilhammer Plumbing Company at 317-784-1870 for professional plumbing service and repair in Indianapolis, Indiana and its surrounding counties. We serve residential and commercial clients.

Support Earth Day This Week With These Money-Saving Plumbing Tips

Posted on April 22, 2022 by weilhammerplumbing

Today, April 22, 2022, is Earth Day! There are many ways to show your support for this very important and special day, and we hope that you find joy in whatever you choose! As for plumbing, you can save money and back the Earth Day cause by adopting some new plumbing-related systems and practices!

Continue below to learn more about the meaning of Earth Day, plus how you can make the switch to Eco-friendly plumbing in support of the environment and your bank account!

Plumbing Service Indianapolis Indiana 317-784-1870

What Does Earth Day Mean to You?

Earth Day was officially established in 1970, following a tremendously damaging oil spill in Santa Barbara, California that got the attention of Senator Gaylord Nelson. He came up with the idea after seeing how destructive the oil spill was to the local Eco-systems and dependent economies. He wanted the nation to realize just how important it is to preserve and protect our natural resources. Back then, the nation did not pay much attention to the damaging effects of industrial and societal pollution. Rachel Carson’s 1962 publication of “Silent Spring” was one of the first considerations of such environmental threats.

So, with gusto, Senator Nelson decided to gather up a group of trusted colleagues to brainstorm ways to increase such awareness. The result was the proclamation of April 22nd to be a “national teach-in on the environment.” Of course, we know this as Earth Day now. In fact, Earth Day was one of the catalysts of the environmental movement that lead to the formation of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and even the passing of important acts, like the Clean Air Act, Clean Water Act, and the Endangered Species Act.

✨ Visit earthday.org to learn more!

Eco-Friendly Plumbing to Support Earth Day and Environmental Protection:

Tankless Water Heaters

By making the switch from a traditional, tank-style water heater to a tankless water heater, you can preserve natural resources and save money for years to come. According to the Department of Energy, tankless water heaters can reduce energy consumption by 25% to 50% compared to tank-style units.

Tankless water heaters are highly energy-efficient, and a trusted alternative to on-demand hot water. Water is only heated when prompted, like when you run a bath or shower. That way, you are not wasting precious energy to keep water hot in the tank. These water heaters come in electric or gas.

Water Heater Temperature Setting

Having a water heater temperature setting that is too high poses a lot of safety risks, but also wastes energy. Set your water heater at a safe and comfortable 120° Fahrenheit to conserve energy and prevent burns and scalding accidents.

Dual-Flush Toilets

Water-saving toilets save more than just water. They also save you money on utility bills, potentially hundreds of dollars a year. Consider installing a dual-flush toilet to increase the level of water preservation in your home or office. These toilets are specially-designed to provide an option for a light flush or a deep flush. Think light for liquids and deep for solids. If your toilets were installed back in the 90’s, you are likely using up to 3 gallons of water per flush. That’s too much water!

Faucet Aerators

By adding aerators to your sink faucets, you can significantly reduce water wastage in your home or office. Also called low volume water restrictors, these tiny plumbing devices do what they claim: they mix the flow of water with air, thus aerating it, which reduces the volume of water flow. This can save up to 2.2 gallons of water! Plus, they are easy to install, as they simple screw onto the end of your faucets, and they come with an inexpensive price tag.

Additionally, you can swap out your old shower heads for a low-flow showerhead, which basically works in the same way as faucet aerators. A low-flow showerhead can potentially save the average family thousands of gallons of water each year. When shopping around, look for the WaterSense label.

Drip Repair

If you have a slow drip coming from a faucet, bathtub spout, or showerhead, it is money-wise to have it repaired right away. Whether a slow drip or a continuous one, this plumbing defect can waste a lot of water. In turn, your monthly utility bills take a hit.

Pipe Insulation

If your pipes are not properly insulated, whether lacking insulation or fitted with the wrong type of insulation, it can cause massive heat loss in your home’s water. By improving or repairing plumbing pipe insulation, you can better conserve energy and water.

Are you looking for a trusted plumber that can help you incorporate some Eco-friendly elements into your home or office? Contact Weilhammer Plumbing Company at 317-784-1870 when you need professional and affordable plumbing services for water heaters, toilets, plumbing pipes, and more, in Indianapolis, Indiana. We serve residential and commercial clients.

Celebrate World Plumbing Day By Sharing These Fun Plumbing Facts!

Posted on March 11, 2022 by weilhammerplumbing

Today is World Plumbing Day! To celebrate, scroll down and learn some fun and entertaining plumbing facts, then share them with your friends and loved ones!

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The World Plumbing Council (WPC)

World Plumbing Day is March 11^th and we have the World Plumbing Council (WPC) to thank for that! They spoke for the entire international plumbing community when they urged for the inception of World Plumbing Day back in 2010. They are an inspirational and hard-working organization with the motive to support and promote the relationships between quality plumbing and sanitation, health, environmental sustainability, and exponential economic success.

Since 2010, World Plumbing Day has been a highly anticipated and respected event on calendars all across the globe, among both political and social organizations! So, what does World Plumbing Day represent? Well, a lot!

Plumbing is arguably one of the most vital technological advancements in human history. After all, we would all still be living like the stone ages without our hot water on demand, clean tap water, dishwashers, washing machines, and of course, toilets!

Basically, without adequate plumbing and sewage management systems in our communities, and directly inside our homes and businesses, we would be living like our ancient cavemen and women ancestors! So, needless to say, plumbing is an integral part of human history and continues to be one of the most impactful assets to our overall quality of life.

Funny Plumbing Facts to Share With Everyone You Know

Let us commemorate and celebrate World Plumbing Day by reviewing some fun and interesting plumbing facts you have never heard before!

▶ Ancient Plumbing – Indoor plumbing dates back to 2500 B.C. (And perhaps even before!) This includes the Egyptians, Persians, Romans, Greeks, Chinese, Indiana, and more.

▶ Lead in Latin – Pipes used for water distribution were once made from lead. Accordingly, the word “plumbing” originated from the Latin word plumbum, which means lead.

▶The John – Sir John Harington invented the flushable toilet in 1596 for his godmother, Queen Elizabeth I. This is why Americans casually call it “the John.”

▶ Flush Responsibly – In the typical American household, toilet flushing constitutes up to 38% of all water-use in the home. But a low flush toilet can save you up to 18,000 gallons of water per year!

▶ Toilet Time – It is alleged that the average person will spend a total of 3 years on the toilet over the course of their lifetime. So, no more dilly-dallying in the bathroom!

▶ Running Faucets – In the typical American household, over 9,000 gallons of water is wasted each year by running the faucet while waiting for water to heat up. This can contribute to as much as 15% of your annual water heating costs.

▶ Quick Drip – It only takes 15 minutes for a drippy faucet to fill an 8 ounce glass. That means that a single dripping faucet can waste an average of 180 gallons of water each month and over 2,160 gallons a year!

Got Plumbing Issues?

Are you experiencing plumbing problems that aren’t so funny or fun? Contact Weilhammer Plumbing Company at 317-784-1870 for professional plumbing service and repair in Indianapolis, Indiana and its surrounding counties. We serve residential and commercial clients.

Indianapolis Indiana Master Plumbers 317-784-1870

What to Do if Your Pipes Froze Over and Burst Open

Posted on February 16, 2022 by weilhammerplumbing

The climate got pretty cold this winter. But with these warmer temperatures coming through out of nowhere, all the recent snow and ice is beginning to melt away. You might think that frozen plumbing pipes are a common phone call to the local plumber, but the truth is, the melting of snow and ice is when the calls start coming in. Once the ice within frozen plumbing pipes start to melt, pipe ruptures become apparent because they present themselves in the form of water leaks.

If you have just discovered that one of your indoor or outdoor plumbing pipes burst as a result of the recent freeze-thaw cycle, continue below to learn a step-by-step guide on how to deal with it, safely and in the best interest of your budget.

Frozen Pipe Repair Indianapolis Indiana 317-784-1870

Frozen Pipe Prevention Advice

Prevention is key when it comes to managing frozen plumbing pipes every winter. The best preventative maintenance for this seasonal plumbing threat is pipe insulation. It is helpful to insulate your plumbing pipes, which can protect them against pipe ruptures if water freezes within them.

If you are leaving for a trip in the winter, it helps to keep your faucet dripping just slightly to prevent the water inside the pipes from freezing while you are away. Overall, a licensed plumber can help you develop the right plumbing plan for your home or office, and effectively safeguard your property against frozen pipes and similar plumbing disasters.

How to Manage a Frozen Pipe Burst

So, your pipes frozen over this winter, and now you have found a ruptured connecter joint pivot or small leak in your piping? Act quickly, and do this:

1) Shut Off the Main Water Supply

You do not want the pipe to continue spewing water all over the place, so immediately react by shutting down the water to the property. Even if it is a small leak or dribble, turning off the water will stop the leak from worsening, or even exploding due to a buildup of pressure.

2) Clean Up Water Spillage

Grab your mop, bucket, and a whole bunch of towels. You do not want the water leakage to sit for a longer period of time. This can cause damages to drywall, floorboards, insulation, and more. Clean up whatever water has pooled around the burst pipe, and standby to clean up more if the leak persists for a while.

3) Warm Up the Pipes With Warming Tape

Please take note: This step might not be something you are capable of doing. Many burst pipe scenarios happen in a location of the plumbing system that is not easily accessible, or even visible, by the average homeowner. If this is your case, move onto step 4, which is to contact a licensed Indianapolis master plumber. They are equipped with the property resources and technologies to locate and identify frozen pipes and pipe ruptures.

On the other hand, you may be able to see and access the frozen pipe if it is, for instance, beneath the sink. If you can access the frozen pipe, your next step would be to attempt to thaw it out. Wrap thermostatic control warming tape around the frozen pipe or use hand warmers. You can purchase this at your local home improvement store or online retailer. Expect to pay between $20 and $200, depending on the length you need. You can also slowly add in heat from heating lamps or hair dryers. But be careful not to apply too much heat.

4) Call a Licensed Plumber

You can’t live with your water shut off forever. So, your next step is to contact a licensed and insured plumbing company in Indianapolis for frozen pipe plumbing repair service. They can address all the specific issues surrounding your pipe burst, and repair all ruptures in a timely manner.

5) Contact Your Insurance Company

Now that you have help on the way and your mess has been mitigated, you are ready to contact your insurance company to discuss what your policy covers. You may need to make a claim for repair.

Are you looking for a qualified plumber to help you deal with a water leak issue in your home or office? Contact Weilhammer Plumbing Company at 317-784-1870 for frozen pipe repair and water leak repair in Indianapolis, Indiana. We serve residential and commercial clients.

Small Plumbing Problems That Might Be Big Repairs

Posted on January 14, 2022 by weilhammerplumbing

As veteran plumbers who’ve seen just about everything in this industry, we are always emphasizing the importance of catching small plumbing problems early on in order to prevent larger, costlier issues down the road. Although something as small as a faucet drip might seem unsuspecting, it could be hiding a much larger plumbing repair need; one that costs a lot more and requires more invasive work to resolve.

Continue reading to learn some small plumbing problems that often turn out to be larger problems than they appear, plus who to call for the most trusted emergency plumbing services in Indianapolis and its surrounding counties.

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These Plumbing Issues Might Be Warning You of a Bigger Plumbing Problem

Leaky Faucet

How long has that faucet been dripping in the bathroom? Or perhaps you have a leaky kitchen sink faucet? Oftentimes, homeowners wrongly assume that a little drip of the faucet is nothing to worry about. But this is quite the contrary. Remember how we talked about catching small plumbing problems early on in order to prevent them from turning into bigger ones? Well, a barely-dripping faucet is one of those small problem problems. Faucet leaks could be an indication of all sorts of other internal plumbing issues. And where there is excess water, there’s potential for trouble.

Toilet Running

Compared to a leaking faucet, a running toilet issue poses a much larger threat in terms of water damage and plumbing repair. Although it might seem like your toilet lever is just malfunctioning, a running toilet can indicate a long list of other related plumbing problems. It is important to have this issue checked out if you cannot resolve it on your own within 24 hours. In fact, this applies for any toilet flushing issues you run into.

Stinky Water

If you think your tap water smells a bit funky, do not think it will resolve itself on its own. Smelly water is a bad sign and can indicate all sorts of plumbing and water quality issues. A common odor-causing culprit in tap water is sulfur, which smells like rotten eggs. The most common cause of this smelly, gaseous tap water is a water heater malfunction. When your water heater operates at a very low temperature, or not at all, for an extended period of time, it can cause this tell-tale bacteria buildup and hydrogen sulfide production in your plumbing pipes and connected water lines.

Drain Clogs

If your sink drain is draining slowly, you might not think anything of it; but you should. Slow drainage issues can represent a long list of other plumbing problems, ones that can lead to very costly and invasive repairs. Obstructed, underground pipeline can be the root of a slow draining sink, which may lead to pipe replacement renovations and even foundation repairs. Always have a clogged or slow-draining sink examined by a licensed plumber in Indianapolis if it does not clear up on its own within a few days.

Are you experiencing plumbing problems like a slow draining sink, smelly water, or running toilet? Contact Weilhammer Plumbing Company at 317-784-1870 for professional plumbing service and repair in Indianapolis, Indiana and its surrounding counties. We serve residential and commercial clients.

The Most Effective Water Conservation Tips to Try in the New Year

Posted on December 30, 2021 by weilhammerplumbing

The New Year is right around the corner. Have you thought about your 2022 resolution? Why not do something great for the environment and your wallet all at the same time? We are talking about water conservation! Not only can you reduce your water consumption to abate wasting water, but you can also decrease your water and energy bills every month! This can add up to hundreds or even thousands of dollars in savings each year!

Continue reading to learn some of the most effective tips for conserving water at home and in the office, plus how to ensure your plumbing systems are performing with optimal efficiency, year-round.

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How to Conserve More Water on a Daily Basis

According to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), the average person uses as much as 88 gallons of water every day. Now, since it is suggested that the average household has 2.5 occupants, you can do the math on how much water is consumed by a family in just 24 hours! When referring back to a well-revered 2014 Government Accountability Report, study data suggests the average household spends over $1,000 each year on water expenses.

There are countless methods of conserving water at home and in the office, but the top 4 strategies that have proven to be the most effective are:

Repair Water Leaks in Plumbing ASAP

Water leaks can really cost you. Not only can water leaks generate a massive amount of structural damage that requires invasive and timely renovations, but they can also waste a lot of water and energy, which results in higher home energy costs each month. It is critical to your water conservation goals to detect a plumbing leak and repair it as soon as possible. Consider a water leak an emergency plumbing need. Even a tiny faucet drip can signify a major pathway for destruction. A good way to identify a hidden plumbing leak is to monitor your water meter.

Do Not Leave the Water Running

As you brush your teeth, wash the dishes, or water the garden, try not to let the water run when you are not using it. By simply shutting the faucet off in intervals, or strategically watering your lawn with a sprinkler system, you can save a noticeable amount of water, which will reduce your water bills significantly. Start with some practice, and before you know it, you will barely run the water in excess!

Install Low-Flow Volume Restrictors

Replace your shower head with a low-flow model to reduce the volume of water you use when bathing. You can also install low volume water restrictors in your bathroom and kitchen sink faucets to achieve the same goal. The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) suggests that a low-volume shower head alone can render between 25% and 60% savings in water costs each year.

Install Energy Efficient Appliances

Energy Star-rated and approved plumbing appliances, like water heaters, water softeners, dishwashing machines, washing machines, and boilers, will work wonders to reduce your daily water consumption. With a higher level of energy efficiency, you will use less water and save on your monthly utility costs. When replacing your plumbing fixtures with new ones, choose brands with a WaterSense label. These are specially designed to conserve water and reduce waste.

Are you looking for a qualified Indy plumber who can help you transform your home into a water-conserving, energy efficient residence? 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.

Why Does My Bathtub Drain Smell Bad?

Posted on October 23, 2019 by weilhammerplumbing

If your nose is starting to pick up on a sewage-like smell in your bathroom, don’t assume it’s your toilet. Often times, bathtub drains can start to emit a smell that is similar to sewer water or even rotten eggs. There are industry-proven reasons why this plumbing circumstance occurs, and several easy solutions to treatment and prevention!

Continue reading to learn what’s causing your bathtub drain to stink, and what you can do to fix the problem.

Indianapolis Plumbing Services 317-784-1870

Smelly Bathtub Drain

Are you someone that usually showers, but every now and then takes a nice soak in your bathtub? If so, you are likely more prone to a stinky drain problem. One of the most common causes for a smelly bathtub drain is bacteria accumulation or growth, which can occur if there is standing water within the plumbing pipes near the drain.

A rotten egg smell suggests that your water has a high concentration of hydrogen sulfide gas, which comes from bacteria growth as a result of soap, dirt, hair, and other materials sitting inside the pipes. A simple way to remove the smell is to simply run some hot water for a few minutes, and move the standing water through your plumbing system.

Still Smells Bad?

Sometimes, even after clearing the standing water, the drain will still emit a slight odor, or later, the odor will come back full-strength. This happens as a result of residual bacteria within the drain and surrounding pipes. To resolve this issue, simply concoct a homemade, non-toxic drain cleaner and use it to cleanse and sanitize your bathtub drain. To use your solution, start by emptying all the water from the tub.

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 contact an Indianapolis plumber for emergency drain service.

Drain Protection and Prevention

Routine drain cleaning is one strongly recommended approach to ensuring optimal drain performance and utility. However, it is also important to ensure you do your part to prevent clogged drains and defects. See our blog, “Don’t Make These 5 Drain Cleaning Mistakes” to help you organize a safe and effective care plan for your home’s drains. Got a sink drainage problem, instead? Read our blog, “How to Fix a Slow Draining Sink” to learn what you can do.

Need Professional Drain Clearing in Indianapolis?

Contact Weilhammer Plumbing Company at 317-784-1870 for residential and commercial drain clearance and plumbing services in Indianapolis, Indiana. Our state-licensed master plumbers have been in the plumbing business for over 100 years because we have earned the trust of thousands of Hoosiers all across the city as a result of our professional service and outstanding results. Request a free estimate or advice, today.

Why You Need to Stop Using OTC Drainage Cleaner

Posted on October 16, 2019 by weilhammerplumbing

When you have a clogged drain at home, do you instantly reach for a bottle of liquid drain cleaner? If so, it is time to put that habit to rest. Using over-the-counter drainage detergents is a risky and consequential approach to DIY drain clearing. Not only can it decrease the life of your plumbing pipes, it can affect your monthly water and energy expenses as well.

Continue reading to learn why OTC drain cleansers are terrible for your home’s plumbing pipes, as well as a safer alternative to do-it-yourself drain cleaning.

Indianapolis Plumbing Service and Repair 317-784-1870

A Warning About Liquid Drain Cleaners

Consumers use liquid drain cleaners because they work fast; but the reality is that they only solve the issue temporarily. Long-term use of liquid drain cleaner can lead to more serious problems with your home’s plumbing, which in turn costs you a lot of money in repairs.

You see, popular OTC drain cleaners, like Drano®, are formulated with harsh ingredients, like salt, bleach, lye, aluminum, and sodium nitrate, all of which are highly damaging to galvanized piping and even copper plumbing. It can lead to toilet bowl cracks, melt PVC piping, and corrode the adhesive that connects metal plumbing pipes together.

What’s even more troubling is the fact that liquid drain detergents are incredibly caustic, and can cause severe injury to your skin, eyes, nose, throat, mouth, and lungs. This is especially hazardous to young children and pets. It is also possible to liquid drain cleaners to pollute and contaminate the local water supplies, and thus, cause harm to the surrounding environment.

Make Your Own Drain Cleaner

All you need to clear a clogged drain is a simple drain auger, also known as a drain snake, and a few safe, non-toxic household ingredients, like baking soda and distilled white vinegar. Simply poor a ½ cup of baking soda down the drain, followed by 1 cup of distilled white vinegar. Allow the drain to fizz for a few minutes, then run hot water through the drain until it is unclogged. Toss in a few push and pulls of a drain auger (or plunger), and you have yourself a fail-safe approach to drain cleaning, without all the risk!

Got a Clogged Drain That You Can’t Seem to Fix?

Contact Weilhammer Plumbing Company at 317-784-1870 when you need trusted residential plumbing services in Indianapolis, Indiana and its surrounding counties. Our state-licensed master plumbers have been in the plumbing business for over 100 years because we have earned the trust of thousands of Hoosiers all across the city as a result of our professional service and outstanding results. Request a free estimate or advice, today.