When is DIY Plumbing Repair a Bad Idea?

Posted on January 14, 2015 by weilhammerplumbing

Plumbing Drain Repair 317-784-1870

Homeowners feel good about themselves when they discover a problem and repair it without having to shell out money for a repair service. And fortunately, there are several things men and women can do on their own when it comes to making repairs in their homes. But in other cases, a do-it-yourself approach is not the right answer.

One of the most complex and vital components of any home is their plumbing system. Home plumbing is used every day, from toilet flushing to dish-washing, so naturally problems are likely to occur.

Some can be fixed with a DIY attitude, while others will require the services of a master plumber. Continue reading to learn the difference!

When DIY Works

There are several problems that can happen to a residential plumbing system that can be fixed on your own. A clogged toilet or drain can be solved with a simple snaking and some drain cleaner. A clogged kitchen sink drain just needs some cold running water and a good garbage disposal run. If a pipe bursts, you can surely shut off the main water valve on your own to stop any further flooding. So there are many plumbing repairs a novice or hands-on homeowner can do themselves; but what about more serious plumbing problems? This is when DIY is a bad idea.

When DIY Does Not Work

So let’s stick with the example of burst pipes. Sure you can turn the water shut-off valve and stop the flow of water in your plumbing, but the pipes are going to need some professional attention. And not just any professional attention, master plumber-level attention. Trenchless pipe replacement and pipe repair are complex and technical projects that require extensive education, training, knowledge, and experience. It also requires the proper tools and diagnostic equipment that only a professional plumbing company would retain. Implementing a serious plumbing repair on your own can result in more damage and costlier repairs.

Aside from pipe repair, flooding and water damages are certainly not something homeowners are not interested in doing themselves, and they shouldn’t anyway. Other serious plumbing repairs that should be handled by a master plumber include septic and sump pump problems, water heater repairs, water softeners issues, slab leaks, frozen pipes, water leaks, and more. These require specialized methods of diagnostics and repair that, again, only a master plumber can provide.

Weilhammer Plumbing Co. Inc.

Weilhammer Plumbing Indianapolis Indiana 317-784-1870

Call Weilhammer Plumbing Co. Inc. at 317-784-1870 for master plumber repair services in Indianapolis, Indiana. Owner and master plumber, Mark Weilhammer, has more than 60 years of experience in the plumbing industry. In fact, we have been a family owned and operated Indianapolis plumbing company for more than 100 years! We offer a wide range of plumbing services for residential and commercial properties. You can trust you are getting the fairest prices and most honest service for plumbing repair in Indianapolis, IN.

The Difference Between a Standard Plumber and a Master Plumber

Posted on December 9, 2014 by weilhammerplumbing

Indianapolis Plumbing Repair 317-784-187

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

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

Master Plumbers

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

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

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

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

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

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

Weilhammer Plumbing Co. Inc.

Weilhammer Plumbing Company 317-784-1870

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

Tips for Avoiding Clogged Drains at Home

Posted on December 3, 2014 by weilhammerplumbing

Indianapolis Plumbing Repair 317-784-1870

Holidays this time of year are for friends and families to come together and unite in peace, love, and harmony. This also means extra house guests, visits, parties, and more! During this time of year, homeowners and homemakers are well-aware of the increased volume of guests to be expected. Along with frequent visitors and staying guests comes increased traffic of water usage, paper usage, bathroom usage, and kitchen usage. One of the most common and simply frustrating consequences to all this plumbing traffic is clogged drains.

Continue reading to learn how to avoid clogged drains and be better prepared for all the visitors your home will host this year!

Kitchen Drains

In the kitchen, we have cooking, peeling, chopping, cutting, shredding, husking, and so much more going on. Potato peels, orange rinds, onion layers, egg shells, and more are all thrown down garbage disposals and kitchen sinks, party after party, and supper after supper. On top of this, we have paper towels, napkins, food wrappers, and other snack-related debris flying around. And you never know where they might end up. This can cause a load of plumbing problems for a kitchen. Here are some tips for avoiding clogged drains in the kitchen:

• Use Cold Water to Grind Food in Garbage Disposal
• Use Citrus Peels and Ice Cubes to Keep Garbage Disposal Blades Fresh and Clean
• Do Not Put Potato Peel in Garbage Disposal (makes for sticky, dull blades)
• Never Pour Grease, Coffee Grounds, Celery Stalks, Pasta, Rice, or Bones Down the Garbage Disposal!

Bathroom Drains

Bathrooms drains can fall victim to several things. Sink, tub, and shower drains are commonly clogged by hair, shaving gel, soap residue, toilet paper, tissue paper, cotton swabs, plastic wrap, and more. This causes showers to end up as baths, and sinks to overflow while washing your face! Here are some tips to follow to avoid clogging drains in a bathroom:

• Use Two-Ply Toilet Paper in Guest Baths
• Hide the Anti-Bacterial Wipes! These are Not-So-Flushable!
• Clear Off Clutter or Décor from Toilets So They Don’t Fall In and Get Flushed
• Regularly Use an Active Digester Product to Remove Grease and Proteins From Drains
• Snake and Clean Drains Once a Month with Store-Bought Drain Cleaners
• Politely Remind Children About the Proper Amount of Tissue to Use
• Provide Hand Towels for Guests

If you have a clogged drain that requires professional attention, contact a local Indianapolis master plumber for free advice and estimates for drain clearing and cleaning services. They retain the proper tools, training, and experience to quickly unclog drains in bathrooms, kitchens, garages, pool decks, and much more.

Weilhammer Plumbing Co. Inc.

Weilhammer Plumbing Indianapolis Indiana 317-784-1870

Call Weilhammer Plumbing Co. Inc. at 317-784-1870 for advice regarding clogged drains or drain repair in Indianapolis, Indiana. Owner and operator, Mark Weilhammer, has the affordable solutions you are looking for when it comes to drain and plumbing repair. With more than 60 years of experience in the plumbing industry, and more than 112 years of being in business, you can trust that Weilhammer Plumbing Co. Inc. is the right choice for residential and commercial plumbing repair service. Call 317-784-1870 for licensed plumbing work or drain repair in Indianapolis, IN today.