Do Not Let Your Guests Flush These Things Down the Toilet

Posted on July 8, 2022 by weilhammerplumbing

Summertime is a time for loved ones. With school out all season long, now is the prime time to visit family. Although enriching and enjoyable, hosting family from out of town can certainly pose some challenges, especially when kids are involved. Yet somehow, regardless of age, house guests tend to cause some plumbing challenges during their stays, particularly with the toilet, which is problematic considering the acute importance of having a functional toilet at all times, even more so when people are staying with you! So, if you are preparing to have family come into town for a visit, do your due diligence to ensure they don’t flush the wrong things down the toilet. Your plumbing and sewer system will thank you!

Continue below for a list of things that you might want to warn your house guests about before showing them to their rooms!

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Stick to the Obvious Flushing Rules

People tend to overlook the fact that most things do not belong in the toilet. Other than human waste, and toilet paper, nothing else should be flushed down the commode. This makes the list of incompatible items quite long, as you can imagine. But when it comes to house guests, there are some items that are more commonly a threat to your toilet. Give your guests a customary orientation on what not to flush down your toilets and sleep easier knowing you won’t be waking up to a mass overflow or backup.

Common Items That Should Not Be Flushed Down the Toilet

Avoid inconvenient toilet disasters and costly plumbing repair bills by telling your guests not to flush these items down the toilet:

Moist Towelettes and Wipes

Moist towelettes, disinfecting wipes, alcohol pads, and bathroom wipes should not be flushed. Even bathroom wipes that are advertised as “flushable” are not really flush-friendly nor do they disintegrate well. These items are notorious for causing backups in sewer systems and plumbing pipes. This can lead to pipe bursts, water leaks, and hefty repair bills.

Paper towels and tissue are also bad news for toilets. They should never be flushed, even if they are totally saturated.

Feminine Products

Items like tampons, maxi-pads, disposal underwear, incontinence products, and more are not meant to be flushed. These items expand in water and will quickly clog up your system. Rather than flushing, instruct your house guests to wrap them in toilet paper and toss them into the trash bin. The same applies to contraceptives like condoms.

Cotton Swabs, Balls and Pads

You wouldn’t think something as small and flimsy as a cotton swab or cotton ball would harm your plumbing system, but as it turns out, they are a common culprit behind toilet and sewer system backups. Like the other items listed, cotton balls, swabs, and rounds are made using highly absorbent materials, so they expand inside plumbing pipes and obstruct the flow of wastewater. Never allow your guests to toss these into the toilet.

Baby Diapers

Disposal and cloth baby diapers should be an obvious flushing no-no, yet they tend to top the list as far as toilet clogs go, especially in public restrooms. Never attempt to flush a diaper down the toilet, no matter how small or clean. They are large and highly absorbent, making them an instant plumbing obstruction.

Fireworks

Although the Fourth of July comes once a year, fireworks tend to linger all summer long. But do not let your curious niece or nephew drop a firecracker down the toilet! Placing a lit firework in the toilet will break the toilet, guaranteed. And if it doesn’t crack the porcelain bowl entirely in half (which is what normally occurs), it will damage the internal trap and fail to hold in the water. Can you say, toilet replacement?

Dead Fish and Amphibians

You may have been raised flushing dead goldfish, crawdads, and minnows down the toilet, but this is actually bad practice. Not only can fish and shellfish caused obstructions in the sewer system, but sometimes they are not actually dead, which can lead to an infestation. Stick to burrowing your dead pets or tossing your deceased fishy into the neighborhood pond.

Additional Items to Warn Guests About:

□ Dental Floss
□ Hair
□ Dryer Sheets
□ Razor Blades
□ Cosmetics
□ Plastic Wrappers
□ Toys

Are you having toilet or plumbing issues? Do you need plumbing service or repair before your family arrives for a summer visit? Contact Weilhammer Plumbing Company at 317-784-1870 when you need professional and affordable plumbing services for toilets, drains, showers, tubs, water heaters, water softeners, and more. We serve residential and commercial clients in Indianapolis and throughout Central Indiana.

How to Stop an Overflowing Toilet

Posted on April 6, 2022 by weilhammerplumbing

An overflowing toilet isn’t just a frustrating and panicky problem to experience, but it’s also typically a nasty one. Fortunately, there are easy solutions for fixing an overflowing toilet right in the moment and preventing it from happening again in the future. Continue reading to learn how to stop an overflowing toilet and who to trust in central Indiana for quality plumbing service and repair.

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What To Do When Your Toilet is Overflowing

The great thing about an overflowing toilet—and we know what you’re thinking; “What could possibly be great about a toilet that is overflowing its unsanitary contents all of your bathroom floor?” Nonetheless, there is a positive element, and that is the fact that you can usually fix an overflowing toilet on your own.

Here are some supplies you might want to have on hand for emergency purposes in the case of the toilet is ever overflowing: rubber gloves, disposable towels, plunger, auger, and disinfecting solution.

Here’s What To Do:

SHUT OFF THE WATER SUPPLY

The first thing you want to do when your toilet starts to overflow is shut off the water supply. There is a valve located at the base your toilet that supplies the water to the toilet. Turn this valve counterclockwise, following the age old phrase lefty-loosey & righty-tighty, to stop the water from entering your toilet. To further protect your home from water damages and flooding, turn off the main water supply to the home as well while you work on the problem.

It is important to know exactly where your main water shut off valve is in your home for these types of flood-level emergencies. Main water shut off valves are commonly located in mud rooms or utility rooms, or in the garage or basement. Once you turn the water supply off, either to your toilet or to your home, the toilet should not continue to overflow water. However, you still need to deal with the water that has already overflowed.

CLEAN UP

It is critical to clean up a flooding mishap or large water spill, like an overflowed toilet, as possible to prevent water damages. If you allow water to sit on the floor, even for fifteen or twenty minutes, it can seep through the floorboards and into the home’s insulation and so forth. This can cause all sorts of wood rot, mold growth, and structural deterioration. It can also lead to foundation problems and repairs, which are both costly and invasive.

Allowing dirty toilet water to sit even for five or ten minutes on your bathroom floor can cause warping, discoloration, mold development, and all sorts of other design and aesthetic defects in laminate, tile, vinyl, and wood floors. Just be sure to clean up the overflowing toilet mess. As soon as it happens, to prevent further problems and frustrations down the road.

SOLVE THE TOILET PROBLEM

Your next step in the process of fixing an overflowing toilet is to actually fix the toilet. You need to determine what caused your toilet overflow and remedy the problem so that your toilet does not continue to have overflow incidents in the future. Clogs are one of the most common causes of an overflowing toilet, so use your plunger or auger (drain snake) to release anything causing an obstruction. You can also take a look in the toilet tank to see if anything is disconnected or clogged. If you can’t figure out what the problem is with your toilet, contact a local Indianapolis plumber for toilet inspection and repair.

Are you having some serious toilet problems that require some professional attention? Contact Weilhammer Plumbing Company at 317-784-1870 for plumbing repair and service for toilets and bathrooms in Indianapolis, Indiana. We serve residential and commercial clients.

4 Causes of a Slow Flushing Toilet

Posted on July 28, 2021 by weilhammerplumbing

Is your toilet taking too long to flush? Does the water take too long to fill back up in the bowl? Continue reading to learn the top 4 reasons why you might have a toilet that flushes slowly, and how to fix the problem within budget.

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What is Your Toilet Flush So Slowly?

Lack of Tank Water

When there is not enough water in the toilet tank, it can cause weak flushing. When you flush your toilet, the water from the tank is being released into the toilet bowl. So, when there is an insufficient level of water in the tank, it decreases the force of the downward suction of the flush, and therefore affects the rate at which the water enters and clears. The most common reasons why you might be dealing with a lack of tank water include low water pressure, malfunctioning trip assembly, incorrectly adjusted fill valves, and similar internal component issues.

Defective Flapper Valve

Another reason why you might have a slowly flushing toilet could be due to a damaged or defective flapper valve. A flapper valve is that little rubber stopper at the bottom of your toilet tank. It opens and closes as you flush the toilet, releasing water into the bowl, and then stopping the release of water. If the valve becomes damaged, worn, or defective, it loses its ability to properly close off the opening between the tank and the toilet bowl. If you have a “running toilet” problem, it is likely caused by a worn or broken flapper valve. Fortunately, this is an inexpensive and easy part to replace.

Clogged Drains

Clogged drains can cause all sorts of problems within a home’s plumbing, including the toilet. If your drains are clogged, it can cause toilet flushing to slow down because the obstruction is slowing down the movement of water through your plumbing system. To prevent this, it is important to enlist a local Indianapolis plumber for annual home plumbing inspections and drain clearing services. You can also make your own homemade drain dissolving cleaner for under $10!

Sediment Accumulation

A more serious underlying culprit behind a slow flushing toilet is sediment accumulation around the jet holes. Jet holes are located under the rim of the toilet, and therefore commonly overlooked when it comes to routine cleaning. For this reason, mineral and sediment buildup are very common around these areas. When jet holes are obstructed by mineral accumulation, it can block the water flow coming through your toilet, therefore slowing down the flush. If this is your toilet issue, simply roll up your sleeves and give those jet holes a good scrubbing with distilled white vinegar and baking soda.

Are you looking for a skilled plumber who can help you with your toilet repair and replacement needs? Contact Weilhammer Plumbing Company at 317-784-1870 for professional plumbing services in Indianapolis, Indiana. We serve residential and commercial clients and offer free advice.

You Might Also Like:

Tips for Detecting Toilet Leaks
How to Fix a Running Toilet Handle
The Benefits of Dual Flush Toilets

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How to Solve 4 Everyday Toilet Problems

Posted on June 17, 2020 by weilhammerplumbing

The toilet is perhaps the most valuable piece of indoor plumbing in a house or building. It is something we use every single day of our lives, so it is no surprise that toilet issues come to light every so often. Fortunately, most common toilet problems are minor, and can be solved all on your own, so long as you have the right knowledge. In fact, continue reading to learn just how to solve the top 4, everyday toilet issues, and what to do if your toilet issue is more than a minor situation.

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❶ Loose Toilet Handle

To tighten up a loose toilet tank handle, start by locating the water shut-off valve for the toilet. Once the shutoff valve is closed, remove the toilet tank lid. You will now need to empty the tank of water. Now look for the metal nut that secures the toilet lever to the inside of the tank. Use your adjustable wrench to tighten the nut. Next, test the lever’s tightness and performance by pressing it as if you were flushing the toilet. Now just turn your water back on!

❷ Toilet That Won’t Flush

First, look for the water shut-off valve at the base of the toilet, and then turn it all the way to the left until it’s in the full, open position. To check if your issue is solved, simply flush the toilet to see if it works! If that is not the issue, you need to check if your pipes are clogged. 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. Open the lid of the back of the toilet and, if the chain is kinked up or the plug is knocked out of place, simply use your fingers to set it back on track.

❸ Running Toilet Handle

To fix a running toilet lever, start with shutting off the toilet water supply valve by turning the handle clockwise. Next, remove the tank lid and flush your toilet. Once the toilet is flushed, press the handle down a few times to observe the mechanical operation and see where the hang up is coming from. If the float and connecting rod are in the way of the lever assembly, including the chain or wire, move it in another direction to stop the obstruction. If you see a kink or snag in the chain, release it and set it straight. Turn on your toilet water supply and flush your toilet to ensure smooth operation.

❹ Clogged Toilet

After you know that your toilet is clogged, stop flushing it. Once it is not running anymore. use your plunger to release the clog by placing it over the top of the opening inside your toilet bowl, and then pumping the plunger 2 to 3 times. Once you are done, you can then flush the toilet to see if the clog has been released. If the toilet completes a flush successfully, you have fixed the issue! If it does not, repeat the two-step method. If it still does not work, contact a licensed Indianapolis plumber for help.

Indianapolis Toilet and Bathroom Plumbing Repair at an Affordable Price

Call Weilhammer Plumbing Co. Inc. at 317-784-1870 when you need a licensed bathroom 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.

2 Effective Solutions for Toilet Stains

Posted on November 6, 2018 by weilhammerplumbing

When it comes to house chores, there is nothing worse than toilet duty. Cleaning the toilet is an even more frustrating experience when you have stubborn mineral stains that seem to never go away. However, you can rest assure knowing that these stains are not a result of a poor cleaning regiment, which means you are not doing anything wrong. Instead, mineral stains are caused by hard mineral ions in your water.

Fortunately, you can solve this problem with two simple solutions. Continue reading to learn them both!

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Hard Water Woes

Hard water contains mineral ions like iron, lime, calcium, and magnesium, which all work congruently to form stains inside toilet bowls. While stains like green stripes and brown rings are generally an indication of limescale, crusty orange-like stains are likely caused by rust, which forms when iron and oxygen meet. Even if you have a water softener, these hard minerals can still slip through the system and cause toilet stains.

Important Warnings!

Here is what you need to know about treating these stains: you will need to use a lot of elbow grease, and you must avoid recommendations for using muriatic acid. Muriatic acid is a high-level cleaning agent that is extremely dangerous and easily misused. It should only be handled by trained professionals, so do not attempt to use this product at home. Also, it is vital that you NEVER mix bleach and ammonia. In fact, do not use bleach in your toilet at all because it can damage the septic system.

Eliminating Mineral Stains

The first step for removing mineral stains in the toilet is to manually clean it using simple over-the-counter cleaning agents. Start at your local home improvement or grocery store and purchase an acid-based product, such as Lime-A-Way® or CLR® (Calcium-Lime-Rust). You will also need a pumice stone or nylon-bristled cleaning brush.

If you prefer a homemade, non-chemical solution, try combining distilled white vinegar and baking soda (1 to 2 cups of vinegar and a few sprinkles of baking soda), and adding it to the toilet bowl prior to scrubbing. But before you start cleaning the toilet, on the day before, add cola, such as Coke®, to the toilet bowl and let it sit overnight. The acid in the soda will eat away at the stains, making it easier to scrub the next day.

The second step to eliminating pesky toilet stains is to install a whole-house water filtration system. This system will further purify your tap water, eliminating traces of hard mineral ions that are missed by the water softener. Overtime, mineral stains will reduce, and eventually, disappear. To get started, contact a trusted Indianapolis plumber for soft water and water purification assistance you can trust.

✨ Dealing with other toilet issues? See our recent blog, “3 Toilet Problems SOLVED!” to learn what you can do about them!

Indianapolis Toilet Repair and Replacement

Weilhammer Plumbing Company 317-784-1870

Contact Weilhammer Plumbing Company at 317-784-1870 for licensed Indianapolis toilet repair and replacement at the most competitive prices around. We 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.