Does Your Kitchen Sink Drain Too Slowly?

Posted on September 4, 2020 by weilhammerplumbing

If your kitchen sink starts to have issues, especially when it comes to poor drainage, it can truly put a dent in your daily household flow. Slow-draining kitchen sinks are among the most common kitchen plumbing problems expressed by homeowners and homemakers. Fortunately, there are a few quick and easy solutions for fixing a kitchen sink that doesn’t drain as quickly as it used to. These solutions could save you money on future problems and repair costs, as well as, eliminate time wasted waiting for a local plumber to arrive.

Continue reading to learn how to combat a slow-draining kitchen sink, and which plumbing company to trust for prompt and professional service.

Indianapolis Kitchen Plumbing Services 317-784-1870

Gather All Necessary Materials and Supplies

First, collect all the necessary ingredients you will need to unclog or clear a kitchen sink that doesn’t want to drain fast enough. You will need a pot to boil water, baking soda, and distilled white vinegar. Start by boiling 6 cups of water. While the water reaches a boil, proceed to dump one cup baking soda down the drain. Follow this step by pouring one cup of vinegar down the drain. When the drain stops fizzing, pour in the boiling water.

To entirely eliminate any blockage, continue to run hot water down the drain through the faucet. Although the initial rinse of boiling water is enough the wash away the blockage, vinegar, and baking soda, it is best to complete the job with an additional hot water flush. Now simply check to see if the drain is flowing again. If not, you might need to try a more aggressive approach to drain cleaners.

How to Beat Tougher Clogs

For tougher clogs, a store-bought enzyme cleanser may be necessary. Although a more aggressive approach, enzyme cleaners are not made with harsh toxic chemicals. In fact, they are chemical-free cleaners made from bacteria cultures. These bacteria cultures flow through drains and pipes, feeding on all the organic material causing the blockage. This includes mold, mildew, food, grease, hair, and anything else that is organic in nature.

It takes a little more time for an enzyme drain cleanser to take effect because they do not contain any chemicals that are manufactured to help speed up the process. After dispensing it down the kitchen drain, flush with hot water for several minutes, and then refrain from using the sink for two to three hours. Keep in mind you may need to use a snake, plunger, or other plumbing device to finish the unclogging process.

Take on the Plunge Challenge for Persistent Clogging

Sometimes, a more “hands-on” approach is the best method to unclogging a kitchen sink. This method only involves a plunger and your own manual power. You have to position the plunger on top of the drain, the fill the sink with water only enough to cover the rubber. Now you are ready to start plunging up and down in a consistent and steady fashion. Repeat as needed to unclog a slow-draining kitchen sink.

When Your Kitchen Sink Still Has Issues Contact a Local Plumber in Indianapolis

Call Weilhammer Plumbing Co. Inc. at 317-784-1870 when you need a licensed kitchen plumbing services in Indianapolis at an affordable price. We offer a wide range of standard and master plumber services for both residential and commercial properties. We also offer free estimates, free plumbing advice, and even free haul-away for old plumbing appliances like water heaters, water softeners, sump pumps, and more. Request a free estimate, today.

Need to Unclog a Sink Drain?

Posted on June 8, 2016 by weilhammerplumbing

Plumbing Drain Repair 317-784-1870

Are you starting to notice that the water isn’t draining as quickly as it used to in your bathroom or kitchen sink? Or has it just stopped-up altogether? If so, it’s time for you to learn the best practices for unclogging a stubborn sink drain, safely and efficiently. Continue reading to learn some eco-friendly and effective solutions for clogged sink drains.

When attacking a clogged sink drain, a person’s first thought is to reach for over-the-counter chemical drain cleaners as a solution. But this is not the place to start! Not only can some of these products be harmful for your plumbing system, it is first necessary to eliminate the solids that are causing the clog. And here’s how to begin:

Start With a Plunger

Although the plunger may appear to be just a tool for the toilet, it actually has a secondary purpose. It can be used to release the tension between the settled solids in your sink’s drain pipe, which when successful, will allow you to complete the unclogging process.

If your sink is already filled with water, remove a portion of it so that the sink is nearly half-way full. If you have a double-basin sink, plug the other drain with a wet rag or dishtowel. Next, with plunger in hand, start vigorously pumping the drain up and down for one minute.

“Snake” Your Drain

One you have loosened up some of the solid mass in your sink’s drain pipe, you are ready to “snake” your drain. This refers to using an auger or drain pipe cleaning tool, often called a snake, to pull out solid waste and accumulated matter that’s causing the clog. You can purchase these at any home improvement or hardware store for a few dollars.

Simply insert the thorny plastic line into the drain as far down as you can push, and then give it a little twist and pull up all the way. This movement should pull out a long, slimy mass of food, hair, soap, grease, dental floss, and any other solid debris that made its way down the drain. Be sure to never flush this waste! Always throw it away in the garbage to avoid a clogged toilet! You may need to repeat this step a few times.

Cleanse Your Drain

Now that all the solids are eliminated, it is time to cleanse your drain. If you plan on buying an over-the-counter cleaner, it is strongly recommended to look for an eco-friendly product. But it is cheaper and equally-effective to use an eco-friendly homemade solution of baking soda and white vinegar.

Bring 6 cups of water to a boil. While the water is boiling, pour 1 cup of baking soda down the drain followed by 1 cup of distilled white vinegar. When the drain stops fixing, pour in the boiling water. Then run hot water down the drain for 3 to 5 minutes. This should work to effectively remove the rest of the clog.

Call a Plumber

If your kitchen or bathroom sink clogs regularly, or simply won’t budget no matter which do-it-yourself method you try, a professional plumber is your best bet. They retain the proper tools, training, and knowledge to easily diagnose your drain problems and implement effective solutions. They can also give professional plumbing advice and recommendations that will help prevent future plumbing problems.

Weilhammer Plumbing Co. Inc.

Weilhammer Plumbing Company Indianapolis Indiana

Weilhammer Plumbing Company 317-784-1870

Call Weilhammer Plumbing Co. Inc. at 317-784-1870 for prompt and professional plumbing service and repair in Indianapolis and its surrounding locations. Owner and licensed master plumber, Mark Weilhammer, retains a sophisticated team of licensed and experienced plumbers that provide a wide range of plumbing services for commercial and residential properties. For more than 100 years, we have been a leading family-owned and operated plumbing company in Indianapolis, Indiana. Call us at 317-784-1870 for a free plumbing repair estimate or advice, today.

The Best Way to Repair a Leaky Faucet

Posted on March 9, 2016 by weilhammerplumbing

Indianapolis Plumbers 317-784-1870

When you notice a dripping faucet in your home, you usually don’t pay too much attention to it at first. Perhaps this is because most leaky taps are considered minor problems with simple solutions.

But the truth is, if a dripping tap is not fixed in a timely manner, it has the potential to get worse and turn into a large, messy, and costly repair later on. So long as a leaking faucet is not entirely neglected, bigger plumbing problems can be avoided down the line.

Your Only Step for Faucet Leak Repair

The best solution for a leaky faucet is professional plumbing service. Calling a licensed plumber should always be the first step to repairing a plumbing leak in your home or office. You may think that a dripping faucet is not a big deal and something that can be fixed easily, but this is not always true. Sometimes, there are many things that could be causing a faucet leak to happen. This is why you need professional water leak diagnostics that only a licensed plumber can provide. It is important to investigate whether or not your leaky faucet is indeed a simple problem with a simple fix, and to ensure that a larger plumbing problem is not being overlooked or ignored.

For Simple Leaky Faucet Repair, a Plumber Will Start By…

1. Determining the Cause of the Water Leak
2. Disassembling the Faucet Fixture
3. Provide Any Necessary Part Replacements
4. Reassemble the Faucet Fixture

A professional plumber has the training, knowledge, and experience to quickly find the root of a faucet leak and provide affordable and efficient solutions for repair. You never want to assume any water leak is minor no matter how small it may appear. As mentioned, there are countless reasons why a water leak might occur in or around your home, which is why it is vital to have a licensed plumbing contractor investigate the cause for you. Catching a small leak early on can prevent large, costly floods and more down the line.

Weilhammer Plumbing Co. Inc.

Weilhammer Plumbing Company 317-784-1870

Call Weilhammer Plumbing Co. Inc. at 317-784-1870 for professional water leak repair in Indianapolis, Indiana. Master plumber, Mark Weilhammer, and his team of licensed plumbing contractors, provide a wide range of residential and commercial plumbing services at the most competitive prices in town. With more than 100 years in business here in Indiana, you can trust you are getting the most reputable and proficient plumbing service and repair in Indianapolis. Call 317-784-1870 and learn more about our affordable plumbing repair services, price, and availability today.

A Brief Reflection of Plumbing History

Posted on June 9, 2015 by weilhammerplumbing

Water Leak Repair 317-784-1870

It is interesting to think about how society’s first plumbing pipes were made from clay and wood. Of course once the world figured out that these didn’t work too well, we eventually switched to using a lead and galvanized iron piping system, carved with local engravings on all the pipes to thwart water theft. In fact, the Latin word for lead is “plumbum”, and the weight that was located on the end of a line for perpendicular alignment was called a “plumbus.” These words are where the term “plumber” comes from.

Today, our plumbing is made using copper, steel, and plastic (PVC).

Roman Plumbers

Plumbers back then were skilled roman artisans that were fluent in lead works, aqueducts, piping systems, water distribution, and waste management; providing soldering, repairs, maintenance, installations, and more. Bath and steam houses were also introduced at this time and Roman society got its first taste of an effective plumbing and water distribution system. It wasn’t until the 20 century that society’s piping system and technology changed, as did the role of plumbers.

English Plumbing

In the early 1800’s, England passed a national Public Health Act that later influenced historic and modern-day plumbing code. This legally mandated that all homes have a sanitary arrangement, like a privy, a flushing toilet, or an ash pit. This is also when the British established and began government-funded programs for sanitary research and engineering.

Innovative Plumbing

Plumbing and sewage systems only got better from here! Public lavatories were built and became common parts of societal practice, and eventually sanitary closets and toilets were being invented and redesigned too! Later down the line, in the mid-20th century, plumbing was dramatically reinvented and our innovators continued to perfect the industry into the modern plumbing advancements and technologies we have today.

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. Owner, Mark Weilhammer, is a licensed master plumber with decades of experience in the plumbing industry. Our company has provided trusted plumbing service and repair to the Hoosier communities since 1901, making us part of Indiana’s plumbing history too! We offer a wide range of services for both residential and commercial properties, all for the lowest and most competitive prices in town. Call 317-784-1870 and speak directly with a licensed master plumber about plumbing repair services in Indianapolis and its surrounding counties.

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.