How to Make Eco-Friendly Toilet Bowl Cleaner at Home

Posted on October 4, 2016 by weilhammerplumbing

Toilet Repair Plumber 317-784-1870

For all you homeowners looking for new ways to “go green”, learning to make your own eco-friendly toilet bowl cleaner is a great addition to your efforts. With a few natural ingredients, you can concoct your very own chemical-free toilet bowl cleaner that’s safe for you and the environment! Most store-bought cleaners contain harsh chemicals that can be damaging to your health as well as your home’s plumbing and vital appliances (i.e. water heater, water softener, etc.). Homemade toilet bowl cleaner is a fantastic alternative to harmful, over-the-counter products; not only because it is much safer, but also because it’s equally-effective at cleaning.

Continue reading to learn a useful recipe for homemade, eco-friendly toilet bowl cleaner, and feel good about protecting yourself, your loved ones, and the environment!

What You Need

🚽 Large Glass Bowl
🚽 Glass Storage Jar
🚽 Wooden Spoon
🚽 Toilet Brush
🚽 Baking Soda
🚽 20% White Vinegar

AND…

Disinfecting Essential Oil of Your Choice:

❧ Tea Tree
❧ Peppermint
❧ Lavender
❧ Orange
❧ Pine
❧ Lemongrass

Mixing Instructions

1 Using your wooden spoon, combine 2 cups of baking soda and 1 teaspoon of essential oil into a large glass bowl. You must use a glass bowl and wooden spoon because essential oils can corrode metal and plastic.

2 Continue to mix the baking soda and oil together until the majority of clumps are gone. Then transfer the powder into a glass storage jar with a tightly-sealed lid. This will give you nearly 30 uses!

Cleaning Instructions

① Scoop 1 tablespoon of powder from your jar and pour it into the toilet bowl. Use an additional scoop for the walls.

② Use your toilet brush to spread (not scrub!) the powder/oil mix around on the walls and basin.

③ Pour a ½ cup of 20% white vinegar into the bowl. It should start to fizz on contact. If you cannot find 30% vinegar, you can use 5% distilled white vinegar instead, but increase the amount to 2 cups.

④ If no fizzing occurred, you’ll need to use some more scoops of cleaner. Once the fizzing goes down, use your toilet brush to scrub the toilet clean.

⑤ Allow the mixture to settle for 10 to 15 minutes before flushing it down.

Indianapolis Plumbing Service and Repair

Weilhammer Plumbing Company Indianapolis Indiana

Weilhammer Plumbing Company 317-784-1870

Call Weilhammer Plumbing Company at 317-784-1870 for prompt and professional toilet repair in Indianapolis, Indiana. Owner and master plumber, Mark Weilhammer, and his team of licensed plumbers, are eager to help you get your plumbing back on track and at a price that’s fair. We offer free estimates, free plumbing advice, and free haul-away services for old or broken plumbing appliances. Call 317-784-1870 to request a free estimate for Indianapolis plumbing service and repair, today.

Choose the Right Auger for Serious Plumbing Clogs

Posted on September 2, 2016 by weilhammerplumbing

Clogged Drain Repair 317-784-1870

So you’ve got a clog. And you’ve already tried the plunger, and you’ve even cleaned out your P-trap. So what now? If this sounds like your plumbing situation, then it is time to consider an auger for the job! Drain augers are one of the most effective tools for serious plumbing clogs. But it is important to choose the right auger for the type of clog you have.

Continue reading to learn about the different types of plumbing augers, and which to choose for your particular clog.

Cable Augers

Cable augers, also called drum augers, are probably the most common type on the market. They are called drum augers because their coiled cables are kept in a canister shaped like a drum. These augers can be inserted deep into a drain, up to several feet. They grab the clog from deep within the drain, and allow you to crank it out. Their hose-like cables come in a variety of lengths, including 25, 50, and 100 feet, and sometimes even longer. It is important to make sure their cables are not too wide for the pipe you need to unclog. For smaller pipes, you’ll need a narrower auger. And you should never use a drum auger to snake a toilet.

Toilet Augers

For toilet snaking purposes, you should consider a traditional toilet auger. These are shorter in length compared to other drain augers on the market, and are better deigned to remove clogs within the toilet itself. For toilet clogs that have reached the plumbing pipes, you will need a professional plumber for the job.

Flat Tape Augers

Unlike standard augers that have hose-like cables, flat tape augers have flat cables. These are designed to fit inside smaller pipes. Many are also manufactured with a sharpened tip to
better catch and release a clog rather than
pulling it out.

Commercial Augers

Professional-grade augers are needed for larger jobs, which are best left to professional plumbers. They retain sophisticated commercial augers that are powerful enough to remove, dislocate, or release deep plumbing clogs. When regular household augers don’t cut it, it is time to call a professional plumbing company for help.

Weilhammer Plumbing Company

Weilhammer Plumbing Company 317-784-1870

Call Weilhammer Plumbing Co. Inc. at 317-784-1870 for professional plumbing service in Indianapolis, Indiana. Owner and master plumber, Mark Weilhammer, is eager to take your call! Whether you have a simple clog, or require master plumber services, we are the professionals to trust for the highest standards of excellence. For over 100 years, our family owned and operated Indianapolis plumbing company has helped thousands of Hoosiers with their water quality and plumbing problems. Call 317-784-1870 to see how they can help you!

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 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.

How to Retrieve Items that Fall Down the Sink Drain

Posted on July 28, 2016 by weilhammerplumbing

Plumbing Drain Repair 317-784-1870

When you drop something valuable into a sink, you instinctively let out a huge gasp of fear while simultaneously rushing to grab it before it falls down the drain. This is a common reaction for most people because no one wants to lose something of value, especially if that “something of value” is a diamond earring, gold cuff link, or worse, wedding ring! And unfortunately, plumbers get a lot of calls about lost jewelry items like these. But even when you drop something down the drain that is not necessarily “valuable”, it is only natural to want it back.

So if you are someone with clumsy hands, a small bathroom counter, or a lost item down a sink drain, then this blog is for you! Continue reading to learn an easy method to retrieving lost items that have fallen into drain pipe abyss.

Professional Drain Retrieval Services

We only lead with this because there is no shame in calling a plumber for help with retrieving lost items in your sink drain. Even if you could do the task on your own, sometimes it is more efficient to let a professional manage the problem for you. They retain the proper tools and knowledge, and of course hands-on experience, which allows them to get the job done quickly and safely. This way, you won’t have to worry about accidentally damaging or jeopardizing your home’s plumbing system in any way, and you can avoid the trouble you would experience in the case that you run into larger plumbing problems as you open up your drains and dive into the process.

But if you are confident that you are equipped and capable of doing it on your own, you should still consider contacting a local licensed Indianapolis plumber for free plumbing drain advice. Trusted and honest plumbers will happily provide free advice upon request.

What You’ll Need:

• Slip/Lock Nut Wrench
• Rubber Gloves
• Old Bath Towel
• Flashlight
• A Partner (optional)

Getting Started:

Locate the water valve under the sink and turn it clockwise to shut off the water supply. You may need to use your wrench to turn it. If you cannot turn it manually, try your main water shut-off valve for the whole home.

Clear out all the items from under your sink. Place your old towel under the sink pipes to control any leakage or mess.

Locate the pipe catch. Also called the “P trap”, “J bend”, “J pipe”, or U valve”, this pipe piece is curved and has two slip nuts at each end. Since this part of the sink piping is bent, most lost items are found there.

Note: In the picture above, you can clearly identify both the slip nuts and the pipe catch. The wrench is on the vertical slip nut, and the hand is on the pipe catch.

Remove the pipe catch. To do so, loosen the slip nuts by turning them counter-clockwise, either with your hands or your wrench.

When opening plumbing valves, it is helpful to remember the popular phrase, “Lefty-Loosey, Righty-Tighty”, which means counter-clockwise opens and clockwise closes.

Once you have the pipe catch off, you can inspect the contents inside to look for your lost item. Depending on how clean your pipes are, there could be a lot of gunk and bacteria inside. So be sure to wear your rubber gloves for safety, and use your flashlight for a better view.

If you found your item, then congratulations! If you did not find it, then you at least put in the effort to find out whether or not your item was still there. And for that, great job! Now move on to the last step.

Reattach the pipe catch by holding it in place and turning the slip nuts clockwise. You may need a partner to assist you with this step. This can be anyone capable of holding the pipe catch in place, so feel free to appoint your inquisitive 3 year old for help! What a great learning experience!

Be sure to catch next week’s blog for a guide to retrieving lost items in the shower drain!

Plumbing Service and Repair in Indianapolis

Weilhammer Plumbing Company 317-784-1870

Call Weilhammer Plumbing Co. Inc. at 317-784-1870 for free plumbing advice from a state-licensed master plumber in Indianapolis, Indiana. Owner and master plumber, Mark Weilhammer, is happy to answer your questions about plumbing problems. With more than 50 years of experience, you can trust him for accurate and honest plumbing advice. Our family-owned and operated plumbing company has served Hoosiers with residential and commercial plumbing repair for more than 100 years! So you can feel confident that we are the right choice for plumbing service and repair in Indianapolis and its surrounding counties. Call 317-784-1870 to speak with a friendly plumber, today.

The True Price You Pay for Water Damages

Posted on July 7, 2016 by weilhammerplumbing

Water Leak Inspection 317-784-1870

If you are a homeowner, then water damage is most likely a constant concern. This is because our walls, ceilings, and floors are equipped with appliances and plumbing that transport water on a constant basis. At any time, a defect or clog can cause a leak to spring. And leaks can go unnoticed for months on end, depending on size and location. When this occurs, homeowners are left with water damages, which lead to costly repairs and renovations.

But what is the real price homeowners pay for water damages, and why? The answer varies depending on the extent of damage, but on average, water damages are not cheap. This is why routine water leak inspection and plumbing service is so important. Preventative maintenance is the only effective solution for water leaks and water damages in properties equipped with a plumbing system.

Cost Factors

When water damage occurs, whether as a result of a broken appliance or plumbing defect, costs are bound to generate. The extent to which they generate depends on the individual circumstances, including how long the leak or defect went unresolved and how much water was lost. For instance, general costs involved in water damage includes the cost of increased water bills for lost water, as well as, the cost to repair an appliance, the cost to repair or replace the defective piping, and the cost of labor to provide these services. And aside from structural damage costs, there are several potential costs associated with health hazard renovations as well.

Mold and Mildew

Water damage leads to moisture, which can cause mold, Mildew, and fungus growth in cold dark places. These bacteria can grow at rapid rates, spreading hazardous mold spores throughout a property. This can irritate existing upper respiratory issues like asthma or allergies, and can also cause respiratory illnesses and irritations, including coughing, sneezing, congestion, difficulty breathing, sore throat, running nose, and more. To remove this problem, mold remediation services are generally required, which can
be costly depending on the extent of damage.

Structural Damage

The most common result of water damage is structural deterioration. Concrete slabs, foundation, insulation, flooring, ceilings, walls, and more are all weakened and warped by water. This can be a devastating expense if the water damage was extensive and caused foundation problems. In any case of structural damage, property owners can expect to pay for labor, parts, and supplies to repair or replace drywall, insulation, paint, and anything else that was effected.

Property Damage

In cases of a severe flooding or extensive water damage, personal property is often destroyed or badly damaged. Things like furniture, electronics, carpeting, filed paperwork, family heirlooms, and even food are common commodities damaged by water leaks and floods. Many of these things can be replaced with money, but several others are often priceless.

Electrical Damage

When water comes into contact with electrical systems, wiring, fuses, boxes, or devices, it is a potential electrocution and fire hazard. Not only does this jeopardize safety, it can cause fires and electrical hazards that are expensive to repair.

Weilhammer Plumbing Co. Inc.

Weilhammer Plumbing Company 317-784-1870

The health and budget risks associated with water damage can be prevented. Call Weilhammer Plumbing Co. Inc. at 317-784-1870 for prompt and professional water leak inspection services in Indianapolis, Indiana. Owner, Mark Weilhammer, provides a wide range of plumbing services for both residential and commercial properties, including water leak inspection and prevention. At the most economical prices in town, why choose any other Indianapolis plumbing company? Call 317-784-1870 for a free estimate or plumbing advice, today.

Plumbing Tips for the Basement

Posted on January 22, 2016 by weilhammerplumbing

Water Hammer Repair 317-784-1870

The most common consequence of basement plumbing problems are basement floods. Flooded basements happen as a result of a number of reasons, most of which can be prevented. This is why regular plumbing maintenance for basements is so important. It will not only protect and preserve your basement plumbing systems, it will also reduce the chances of costly plumbing repairs down the line.

Common plumbing systems in basements include water heaters, water softeners, boilers, sump pumps, septic tanks, sprinkler line valves, washing machines, bathrooms or kitchens, and more. All home plumbing systems are different, but they will all have one thing in common in terms of basement plumbing: the need for regular maintenance. Continue reading to learn some tips for proper basement plumbing care, and who to call when you need a master plumber in your neighborhood.

Where to Start…

It is important to first consider safety when you are inspecting and servicing your basement plumbing appliances and systems. Never store flammable liquids or chemicals near water heaters, gas furnaces, or any other type of fuel-powered appliance. This includes gasoline, propane tanks, liquid adhesives, solvents, and anything else that has a flammable warning. On the topic of natural gas, it is important to make sure sewer gases are not building up too much within household drains, mostly drains that are not used as often like basement floor drains. To prevent sewer gases from backing up, simply pour a bucket of clean water down the drain every other month to keep the trap seal full.

Moving on, you should always inspect and pump your home’s sump pump periodically to prevent costly repairs like filter field replacement. Do this every three to five years, depending on the size of the home and the age of the sump pump. Another area of concern for basement flooding is your washing machine. Be sure to regularly inspect the machine and the connective hoses to check for bulges, leaks, and kinks. Catching a washing machine problem early on will not only save money on potential flooding repairs and renovations, it will also avoid having to buy a new washing machine.

If you like to save energy, be sure to also maintain a moderate water heater temperature setting. Not only does this reduce energy consumption, it also prevents dangerous scalding accidents. A good temperature setting for water heaters is anywhere between 110 and 120 degrees Fahrenheit. If your water heater temperature is set above 120, consider lowering it a bit for safety and energy efficiency.

If you have water hammering problems, or loud noises from water usage, consider installing shock absorbers. These absorb vibrations in the water lines, muffling the obnoxious sounds made from water hammering. And for water leaks, there is an easy way to test for them that should be done every month or so. During a time that water is not being used in the house, simply read your water meter, taking notes on what you see, then check the meter again 12 hours later to see if anything has changed. If there has been a radical change in the past 12 hours that water was not used, it could be an indication of a leak. In this case, you would need to call a master plumber for professional water leak diagnostics and repair.

Weilhammer Plumbing Co. Inc.

Weilhammer Plumbing Company 317-784-1870

Call Weilhammer Plumbing Co. Inc. at 317-784-1870 for licensed plumbing repair in Indianapolis, Indiana. Master plumber Mark Weilhammer is happy to answer your questions about basement flooding, sump pump repair, water heater repair, water softener repair, and all other plumbing problems! We offer a wide range of plumbing services for both residential and commercial properties. Just call 317-784-1870 to speak with a licensed master plumber in Indianapolis, IN today.

How to Perform a Water Leak Inspection for Residential Plumbing Pipes

Posted on December 15, 2015 by weilhammerplumbing

Water Leak Repair 317-784-1870

It is important to implement regular inspections of your home plumbing pipes and system because they are one of the most significant and vital components of a modern-day household. When or if something goes awry within these pipes, major costly renovations and replacements can ensue. It is a huge liability to have leaky water pipes and water leaks anywhere on, around, or inside your property. Get in the habit of performing regular annual inspections of all areas of your home where water flows
or passes through.

Continue reading to learn which areas to examine, what to look for, and who to call for professional assistance you can trust.

Annual Plumbing Inspections

Early spring is the perfect time to plan these annual inspections for water leaks and water damages. This is when the ice and snow have melted away and plumbing pipes should be free-flowing. Although it is best to plan water leak inspections in the spring, do not wait until that time to initiate your first inspection. Finding a pipe leak early on is the best way to avoid costly plumbing renovations, re-piping, or repairs. You know a pipe has a leak if there is a thin white circle around it. This is a sign that something is not secured properly.

To begin an inspection, start with the kitchen and bathroom. Clear out any and all clutter beneath the sinks and thoroughly inspect the integrity of the pipes. Take note of any condensation or moisture, mold, mildew, cracks, and anything else that looks like it could be a problem.

Mold and pest infestations are common beneath bathroom and kitchen sinks because of the cold, dark environments. Both of these problems should be treated right away, along with any pipe leaks. Also, try to limit the amount of items you store underneath these areas because glass bottles and other items can cause damage to piping and more.

Once you have inspected the bathroom and kitchen plumbing, take your inspection a bit further and examine the condition of the plumbing pipes that connect to your water heater and water softener. Again, check for signs of a leak; such as white calcium buildup around the pipe, moisture, condensation, mold, mildew odor, and more. From there, inspect all the valves in your home. If the water shut off valve is too difficult to move, do not force it because it could break. Instead, contact a licensed plumber for assistance. Lastly, shut off all faucets and then take a look at your water meter. It should not be moving, so if it is, you can assume you have a leak somewhere. This means you need professional plumbing diagnostics from a licensed master plumber.

Indianapolis Water Leak Repair

Weilhammer Plumbing Company 317-784-1870

Call Weilhammer Plumbing Co. Inc. at 317-784-1870 for affordable water leak repair in Indianapolis, Indiana. Owner, Mark Weilhammer, is a licensed master plumber with more than 50 years of experience in the plumbers’ industry. He provides residential and commercial plumbing service at the most competitive prices in town. Whether you need water leak inspections or repairs, our licensed plumbers can do it all in a time frame that’s convenient for you! Call 317-784-1870 for professional water leak repair and inspection services in Indianapolis, IN.

A Brief Look at a Home’s Plumbing System

Posted on December 8, 2015 by weilhammerplumbing

Water Hammer Repair 317-784-1870

Whether a property owner or renter, it is wise to have a basic understanding of your home’s plumbing system and set-up. This general plumbing knowledge and comprehension can better protect you from costly and messy plumbing issues and repairs later on. It can also better help you manage easy plumbing repairs on your own, like clogged toilets and leaky faucets. But most importantly, knowing how your home’s plumbing system works will allow you to prevent major plumbing problems in the future and give you more confidence when hiring a plumber.

Although plumbing repairs and services are generally very complex and technical, understanding a home’s plumbing system is actually not as complicated as you would think. You see, your home’s plumbing is divided into two separate sub-systems: one to bring fresh water in, and another to eliminate waste water outside.

Water Supply System

The fresh water supply system brings clean water in the house to use for washing, bathing, cooking, drinking, and laundry. Your home, like all others, have a water meter located on the outside of the house or building. It measures and records all the fresh water taken into the home. This is how the water utility company bills you for water consumption. The most important operation within this particular sub-system is water pressure. Without sufficient water pressure, the fresh water system cannot adequately pump clean water to all levels and areas of a home.

Generally next to the water meter, you will find your home’s emergency water shut-off valve. It is vitally important to know where this valve is located and how to operate it in the case of a burst pipe or indoor flood. It will start and stop all water flow to the house. Many home appliances, like toilets and water heaters, have their own water shut-off valves, and can be used instead of the home’s main shut-off valve in the case of overflows, leaks, and floods.

When fresh water is taken into the home, it is cold and ready to use. But if you are requesting warm or hot water, it must pass through your plumbing pipes, and then through the water heater, to be heated to the demanded temperature. Then it is sent through your home’s hot water lines to the specific area of request, such as a shower or kitchen sink. The water temperature for your home can be preset on your water heater. It is generally recommended to have it set anywhere between 120 and 140 degrees, a bit lower for homes with children. Anything higher can result in accidental scalds and burns.

Water Drainage System

The waste water drainage system is equally important as your home’s fresh water supply system. It eliminates all the water that is flushed or drained in the home. This includes toilets, showers, bathtubs, sinks, water softeners, and water heaters. Whether your residence operates on a septic system or sewer system, they basically provide the same service.

Unlike your home’s supply system, the drainage system does not rely on water pressure. Instead, it requires properly positioned drainage pipes, angled (pitched) in a downwards angle to release the waste water by means of natural gravity. These “pitched” drainage pipes lead to either a septic tank or farther into sewer lines and eventually to a sewer treatment facility.

If you are experiencing plumbing problems, contact a licensed and experienced plumber right away. It is important to stop a plumbing issue before it can turn costly and tedious. Avoid extreme plumbing repair bills and invasive renovations by calling a qualified plumber before it’s too late.

Weilhammer Plumbing Co. Inc.

Weilhammer Plumbing Company 317-784-1870

Call Weilhammer Plumbing Co. Inc. at 317-784-1870 for plumbing repair in Indianapolis, Indiana. Master plumber Mark Weilhammer is eager to help solve your plumbing problems at the fairest price in town. With more than 100 years in business, and more than 50 years of experienced, you can trust we know our stuff! We offer free estimates, free advice, and free haul-away service for both residential and commercial properties. Call 317-784-1870 for affordable and fast plumbing service and repair in Indianapolis, IN today.

Tips for Winter Plumbing Maintenance

Posted on December 1, 2015 by weilhammerplumbing

Wintertime in Indiana can either be really mild, really harsh, or somewhere right in between. Basically, we never really know what to expect come winter season when you live in Indiana; but one thing is for sure, it’s going to be cold! Cold temperatures and precipitation can negatively affect your home’s plumbing system, so it is important to take some necessary precautions and stay informed on proper winter plumbing maintenance. Continue reading to review some winter plumbing tips, and be better prepared for whatever weather we will soon face.

Indianapolis Plumbing Repair 317-784-1870

Water leaks

Water leaks can create a long list of expensive and time-consuming problems. Be sure all pluming leaks are properly repaired and sealed before temperatures drop too low. When temperatures are at freezing, a plumbing leak can quickly turn into a huge, costly issue. So be sure to regularly inspect your exposed plumbing pipes (i.e. under sinks, outside, attic, crawl space, indoor appliances, etc.) throughout the winter time to avoid water leaks and frozen pipes. When you catch a leak early on, you can save yourself a substantial amount of time, money, and inconvenience.

Pipe Insulation

If you haven’t already, it is a good idea to insulate your plumbing pipes to prevent freezing, water leaks, and more. Simply wrap all exposed plumbing pipes with plumbing insulation foam. This is not only inexpensive, it is easy to install and easily removable. They also enhance energy-efficiency and prevent air leakages. Be sure your pipes insulation is well-kept during the winter time, and replace as needed to maintain proper insulation.

Swamp Cooler

If you have a swamp cooler, also called evaporative cooler, it needs to be drained before the harshest part of winter arrives. You must turn off all power and water to the unit before draining it. The water supply line should be drained as well. It is also a good idea to change the pads and filters within the cooler at this time as well.

Pump House

If your water supply comes from a well, it is important to take certain precaution to prevent freezing well water issues. Do this by making sure your pump house is well-insulated and checking that your heating is working properly. Without sufficient heat, your pump house can freeze up even if it’s insulated.

Hose Bibs

Everyone hates to forget to unscrew their garden hoses before the temperatures hit below freezing. Freezing water trapped inside a hose bib can result in hose and faucet damages. Prevent these frustrating circumstances by getting a head start before the snow, and removing all hoses from outdoor faucets before temperatures drop too low. Then be sure to drain all your hoses entirely and store them in a dry, warm place to prevent them from becoming brittle.

Weilhammer Plumbing Co. Inc.

Call Weilhammer Plumbing Co. Inc. at 317-784-1870 for winter plumbing service and repair in Indianapolis, Indiana. Owner and master plumber, Mark Weilhammer, is happy to help you prepare your home’s plumbing for plummeting temperature and harsh winter weather! We offer a wide range of plumbing service and repair at the most competitive prices in town. Whether commercial or residential, Weilhammer Plumbing Co. Inc. has everything it takes to provide professional plumber service to any size property. Call 317-784-1870 for information about our plumbing repair services in Indianapolis, IN today.

Fall Season Plumbing Tips that Can Save You Lots of Money!

Posted on November 5, 2015 by weilhammerplumbing

Indianapolis Plumbing Repair 317-784-1870

Just because Indiana is still seeing pleasant Indiana summer weather doesn’t mean that the cold isn’t on its way anymore. Before you know it, these 60 degree days will turn into below 40 degree weeks and eventually right into the dead of Indiana winter. So if you have been putting off fall seasonal duties because the weather has tricked you, it is time to get to work before it’s too late!

One of the most important areas to focus on is your home’s plumbing. It is one of the most important systems in our homes, if not THE most important. Without proper plumbing operation, we are without most of the modern-day privileges we have become accustomed to. For this reason, plumbing is intricate and complex, as well as, expensive to repair or replace.

With proper routine maintenance, you can save yourself thousands of dollars in plumbing repairs and part replacements by avoiding breakdowns and malfunctions. Continue reading to learn some tasks you should complete for your plumbing now that the fall season is here, and winter is right around the corner.

Fall Season Plumbing Maintenance

When it comes to maintenance and your plumbing, you need to consider the outdoor plumbing, indoor plumbing, and plumbing appliances like water heaters and water softeners. This includes toilets, hoses, sinks, sump pumps, sewer systems, and more. Here are some tips for indoor, outdoor, and water heater plumbing maintenance for fall and winter.

Indoors:

• Insulate pipes that are susceptible to freezing.
• Learn where the main water shut-off valve is located and how to use it for emergencies.
• Have your water heater serviced by a professional.
• Set water heater temperature to 120 degrees to maximize safety and efficiency.
• Test the T&PR valve on the water heater by lifting lever and letting it snap back. You should be a burst of hot water into the drain pipe. If not, you need to replace it.
• Inspect that sump pump is functional
• Flush kitchen and bathroom drain lines with
bleach one time every year.
• Seal air leaks in doors and windows.

Outdoors:

• Cover all exposed faucets using a Styrofoam insulation kit.
• Be sure outdoor faucets are not dripping.
• Disconnect all garden hoses.
• Insulate pips in garages, attics, and crawl spaces.
• Inspect and clean the sump pump and pit.
• Have your sewer lines inspected by a professional.
• Unclog and clear all gutters and downspouts.
• If your home has an indoor shut-off for an outdoor faucet, close it and drain all water from the outside lines.

Weilhammer Plumbing Co. Inc.

Weilhammer Plumbing Indianapolis Indiana 317-784-1870

Call Weilhammer Plumbing Co. Inc. at 317-784-1870 for fall plumbing service for water heaters, water softeners, septic systems, drains, and more in Indianapolis, IN. Owner and master plumber, Mark Weilhammer, is happy to provide skilled service at a price you can be happy about. For more than 100 years, we have been a family owned and operated business dedicated to quality workmanship and customer service. Call 317-784-1870 for prompt and professional plumbing repair and service you can afford!