A Guide to the Homeowners DIY Plumbing Kit

When it comes to plumbing repairs and needs, not all require the assistance of a master plumber. In these cases, a handy homeowner can implement some DIY strategies to combat their plumbing problems on their own. So what does every homeowner need to complete their “do-it-yourself” plumbing kit? The answer is below!

Indianapolis Plumbing Repair 317-784-1870

Indianapolis Plumbing Repair 317-784-1870

DIY At-Home Plumbing Kit

There are specific tools, gadgets, and equipment needed to tackle all the different plumbing emergencies and repairs a homeowner might do themselves. A handy homeowner can accomplish a wide array of plumbing endeavors around the house if properly equipped. Depending on your experience and “level of handiness” choose plumbing tasks that are comfortable for you. Call a licensed Indianapolis master plumber for plumbing repairs that require a more professional touch. Think about it; with the right materials, you can save hundreds of dollars fixing that dripping faucet, unclogging a toilet, cleaning calcified fixtures, snaking drains, and much more all on your own!

Whether it’s a leaky faucet, or a clogged toilet, these tools will have you prepared for that next unexpected plumbing repair. Here is a list of the items you should purchase and have gathered in a kit for all your DIY plumbing projects and undertakings.

• Plunger
• Pipe Wrench
• Drain Snake
• Drain Cleaner Solution
• Rubber Gloves
• Calcium-Lime-Rust Remover (CRL)

A plunger is the most basic and necessary tool for any home. It is used to dislodge buildup and fix clogged toilets. A pipe wrench is equally necessary for anyone who wishes to stop a dripping faucet, or a leaky pipe under the sink. These wrenches are adjustable and easy to use; and can be fitted to most pipes and fixtures. Snaking a drain can be done just by using an old wire hanger, but several products are available on the market that provide a snake and a drain cleaning solution. These are great products to have on-hand in the case of a clogged or backed-up drain. Rubber gloves protect the hands from harsh cleaning and drain clearing solutions, including CRL. CRL is a popular calcium, lime, and rust remover that can remove white scum and buildup from plumbing fixtures.

Weilhammer Plumbing Co. Inc.

Weilhammer Plumbing Company 317-784-1870

Weilhammer Plumbing Company 317-784-1870

Call Weilhammer Plumbing Co. Inc. at 317-784-1870 for superior DIY plumbing information and advice in Indianapolis, Indiana. Owner and master plumber, Mark Weilhammer, has more than 60 years of experience in the plumbing industry. He can provide plumbing repair, replacements, diagnostics, installations, equipment sales, and much more. Call 317-784-1870 and learn more about the various plumbing repair services we offer in Indianapolis, IN and its surrounding counties.

Look Out For Water Damages in Your Basement

Water Leak Inspection 317-784-1870

Water Leak Inspection 317-784-1870

It is very common, as homeowners, to worry a lot about the threat of mold and water damages your basement. It is important to know whether or not you are accumulating puddles of water or airborne moisture in your home. How do you know if you have this problem? The answer is attention to detail and follow-through. Continue reading for tips on areas in your home that you should inspect, or pay attention to, after a heavy storm, wet weather, or periods of excessive moisture.

Where to Look for Water Damage

When it storms hard, or rains for an extended period of time, moisture and water can seep into our homes through cracks, crevices, and other vulnerable areas. It is vital to keep a lookout for red flags, indicating you have a water problem in the works, in order to prevent a small water leak or small area of damage to turn into a huge, costly repair or renovation. Here are the areas of a residential basement that should be supervised after heavy rain or moisture:

HVAC System

Although heating and cooling systems are not always installed in basements, the ones that are can be damaged by water leaks and flooding. Older homes are generally the properties that have HVAC systems in the basement. They are also properties that are more likely to experience water leaks; so beware and keep an extra eye open for water damage in the basement, if your home is older than 50 years. Basement heating and cooling systems need a little more maintenance on a routine basis to ensure proper performance and efficiency.

Be sure to check the drain pans regularly, especially after a storm, and clear them of any obstructions or debris. This will ensure consistent and normal water flow. Also, be sure to swap or clean the air filters. This can also prevent system complications that lead to water back-flow. Check for puddles around the unit itself, or condensation on the exterior of casing. If you notice excessive condensation, strange noises, or water puddles, contact an Indianapolis plumber for emergency plumbing repair.

Drain Pipes

While on the topic of condensation, check that your basement’s drain pipes do not appear “sweaty” or have moisture on them. Pipe condensation can cause mold and mildew growth which can be detrimental to your health, and lead to several more serious complications and costly repairs. It can also cause your plumbing pipes to corrode. Installing good-quality insulation for your basement pipes is an effective way to prevent this issues from occurring. Even with good insulation, it is recommended to check the pipes after a big storm or muggy climates.

Walls and Ceilings

Interior water damage can happen after excessive rain or moisture. Water miss-flow and accumulation can cause walls and ceiling areas to look saggy, discolored, wet, and even drip. This is a sign that you need immediate emergency water leak repair. A small interior water leak can quickly turn into a large and very expensive repair.

Weilhammer Plumbing Co. Inc.

Weilhammer Plumbing Indianapolis Indiana 317-784-1870

Weilhammer Plumbing Indianapolis Indiana 317-784-1870

Call Weilhammer Plumbing Co. Inc. at 317-784-1870 for more information about water leak repair and plumbing services in Indianapolis, Indiana. Owner, Mark Weilhammer, is a state licensed master plumber that offers a wide range of residential and commercial plumbing services. Our company has been in business since 1901, providing reputable and effective plumbing repair that all families can afford. As a family owned and operated business, we value the dollar, and offer the most competitive and honest plumbing prices in town. See for yourself, and call 317-784-1870 for reputable and licensed plumbing repair services in Indianapolis, IN today.

How to Choose a Good Plumber

Indianapolis Plumbing Repair 317-784-187

Indianapolis Plumbing Repair 317-784-187

Plumbing repairs and problems typically come at the worst time, the busiest time, or at the most unexpected time. When it comes to plumbing emergencies, we put very little thought into the plumber we hire for the job. This is because our main objective is to fix the plumbing problem or water leak as soon as possible, while juggling the rest of life’s responsibilities at the same time. With everything else on our plate, we homeowners often “jump the gun” when it comes to finding responsible and reputable plumbing services. Unfortunately, this can further your plumbing issues. A good plumber will repair or diagnose a problem accurately and efficiently, while an experienced contractor may overlook underlying issues that can cause even more problems, and monies spent, down the road. Fortunately, it is easy to identify the good plumbers from the rest of them, so long as you know what to look for.

Continue reading to learn the most important qualities to look for in a proficient and responsible plumber.

A State License

Many wannabe plumbers can claim they have qualifications and experience in the plumbing industry, or have provide “handyman work” for many years; however, true master plumbers are actually state licensed and carry a license number to prove it. If a plumber does not have a state-issued license, then they are not master plumbers. Without this license, you can assume that plumbing is just a hobby of theirs. A licensed plumber, on the other hand, retains the proper equipment and training to carry out minor to major plumbing repairs and projects. The first thing to ask for is their license number. It should be a six-digit number accompanied with a physical permit or paper describing their expertise. You can also enter their license number on state regulated websites to confirm it is a valid and active license.

Experience and Credentials

Yes, all plumbers must start somewhere; but that’s what apprenticeships and entry-level positions are meant to provide. If you need a plumber, be sure they are already experienced. The more experience under their belts, the more knowledgeable and well-versed they should be when it comes to plumbing systems and repairs. At least one decade of experience is a good place to set your bar. Credentials are equally important. All plumbing companies should have some type of professional qualification; such as a BBB membership, awards, or Angie’s List Approved.

Customer Reviews

No one says it better than a previous customer or client. Look up a plumber’s credentials by reading customer reviews online. The better the reviews, the more trustworthy they prove to be. Don’t let one bad review ruin it though; it is important to remember there is always going to be an unsatisfied client or customer somewhere. Use your best judgment and read all the reviews, basing your judgment on the consensus of them all. If you cannot locate any customer reviews online, this could be a bad sign. In this day and age, most reputable services offer a website and online customer review portals to prove their competence and professionalism. If you are dealing with a new or start-up company, or a plumber that is not mastered and licensed, they probably won’t have these tools for you to use. You might want to move on; or you can simply ask them for actual client references.

Weilhammer Plumbing Co. Inc.

Weilhammer Plumbing Company 317-784-1870

Weilhammer Plumbing Company 317-784-1870

Call Mark Weilhammer, master plumber and owner of Weilhammer Plumbing Co. Inc. in Indianapolis, Indiana. Just dial 317-784-1870 to speak with Mark or one of his friendly plumbing service representatives today. We offer a wide range of plumbing services for residential and commercial properties. We are state licensed master plumbers (#106214) with more than 60 years of experience! Call 317-784-1870 and ask a licensed Indianapolis master plumber about plumbing repair services and recommendations today.

Weilhammer Plumbing Co. Inc. Officially Launches Our Brand New Website!

We are thrilled to announce that we have officially launched our brand new Indianapolis plumbing website! Here at Weilhammer Plumbing Company Inc., we have been a family owned and operated plumbing business since 1901! And current owner, Mark Weilhammer, has more than 60 years of experience as a master plumber in Indiana! We are state licensed (#106214) master plumbers that provide a wide-range of plumbing services for residential and commercial property owners.

Indianapolis Plumbing Service and Repair

Weilhammer Plumbing Indianapolis Indiana 317-784-1870

Weilhammer Plumbing Indianapolis Indiana 317-784-1870

We are happier than ever to have a new website that provides an abundance of information regarding our company background, industry credentials, and plumbing repair information. What’s even more exciting are the fascinating and helpful links, plumbing facts, and plumbing advice we offer on our website! There is a “Frequently Asked Questions” (FAQS) page for all of those looking for answers to common plumbing dilemmas and trouble-shooting inquiries; as well as, a “DID YOU KNOW?” page that discusses relative and vital plumbing facts and specifics.

Visitors to our site are sure to find all they need to know about home plumbing repair and service; and if they don’t, they can use our contact information on our Contact Us page to call us and ask a live master plumber over the phone! You can also find a link to our Google+ page and our Facebook page too!

Weilhammer Plumbing Co. Inc.

You can call Weilhammer Plumbing Company Inc. at 317-714-0759 to learn more about the plumbing services we offer in Indianapolis, Indiana and its surrounding counties. Owner, Mark Weilhammer, also offers free estimates, free plumbing advice, product recommendations and information, unit sales, product sales, and much more! Feel free to contact us anytime with questions or concerns about home plumbing problems or commercial plumbing needs. Just dial 317-714-0759 and get in touch with a friendly and knowledgeable master plumber in Indianapolis, IN or its nearby counties.